Human Nature

Chapter 6

May 21st, 1990

Chris and Eddie were looking at him expectantly.

"Was that the girl?" Chris asked.

Eddie shoved him. "You know it was the girl, look at his face."

Michael laughed. "Yeah, she's coming to LA to record a last minute single so I invited her to the ranch."

"Yeah, I got all that. So are you gonna make a move on her?" Eddie asked.

Michael shook his head. "No, it's too soon. I need to have a few more conversations with her, feel her out a little bit more."

"Yeah, I get that but if you're really feeling her like I see you are, I say take her out on a date. If she don't turn you down you at least know you got a shot." Eddie pointed out.

Chris took another sip of his drink. "I agree."

Eddie nodded. "You know we're right."

Michael sighed. "Alright, I'll see how it goes."

May 22nd, 1990

Mariah had called Michael ahead of time and told him when the plane was going to land. It was one AM and she had just collected her suitcase from luggage. She went outside and sure enough, there was a driver outside, a sign with her name casually leaning against the car. Mariah frowned, she knew the driver probably wanted to go to home to his family. 

She walked up to the driver and waved. "Hi, I'm Mariah. Sorry you're here so late, but thank you."

The man nodded silently and took her suitcase. Mariah reached for the car door, but he quickly opened the door for her. Mariah smiled tentatively as she got into the backseat. The driver got behind the wheel and pulled away from the airport.

"Thank you again." Mariah said.

He continued to drive without acknowledging her. Mariah huffed and leaned back on the seat, trying to relax before she had to go to the studio .

She felt herself being shaken. She pushed the hand away and was shaken harder in return. Mariah cracked her eyes open and realized she was at Neverland.

Rubbing her eyes, she let out a small yawn. "Thank you so much. I know you want to get home-"

"I am home."

Mariah pulled herself out of the car and stared into the driver's face. "Michael?"

He laughed and pulled off the mask before taking a bow. "At your service."

Mariah laughed. "You are unbelievable."

Michael got her suitcase out of the trunk and led her inside the house. 

Mariah yawned again. "What time is it?"

"Three in the morning."

"An  hour of sleep before I have to be in the studio. Great, I'm loving my career so much."

Michael chuckled. "You'll get used to it, trust me."

Mariah nodded absently. "It's my fault. I should've slept on the plane."

"Why didn't you?"

Mariah shook her head. "I hate flying."

"Yeah, so do I, but I have to. At least first class is comfortable." 

Mariah nodded again. They finally reached a room and Michael set her bag down near the dresser.

"It's like a hotel in here." She giggled, collapsing on the bed.