Human Nature

Chapter 9

August 5th, 1990

"So Theresa, the movie will be over by eight so start setting up in here around seven forty-five."

Michael decided to surprise Mariah after the movie, by having a special dinner. He unconsciously pressed his fingers to his lips. He had kissed her. His mind was fixed on that fact and nothing else. 

Theresa nodded. "Don't worry. It'll be done."

Michael nodded. It was only five thirty, but he wanted things to be perfect, it was his nature. He went back to Mariah's room, but she wasn't there.

Where did she go?

He went outside and there she was, happily dipping her feet in the water. Michael chuckled to himself as he walked up behind  her and pushed her in. 

"Michael!"

Michael laughed as she swam back to the edge. "You look like a mermaid."

She giggled and swam around a little. "Maybe I am."

Michael leaned over the edge and she swam to him. She leaned up as if she were going to kiss him before pulling him in by the collar. He swam back up to the surface and splashed her.

"I'm gonna get you back." Michael warned.

Mariah gasped. "You started it!" She splashed him back. 

Michael laughed and pulled her into his arms. She gave him a quick peck on the lips and slipped away, pulling herself out of the pool. "Catch me if you can!"

Michael got out of the pool and ran after her. She glanced over her shoulder at him and picked up her speed. He caught up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Where do you think you're going?" He chuckled.

Mariah blushed. "Alright, you caught me."

Michael picked her and she squeaked. "You're my prisoner now."

She looked around. "What a beautiful prison."

He laughed. "You ready to watch a movie?"

August 5th, 1990

Mariah dried her hair and laid an outfit on the bed. She needed something cute to wear for what she thought of as her second date with Michael. She was already enjoying herself and they had shared a kiss. She hadn't expected it, Michael was always shy around her so she took advantage of the moment. The more she talked to him, the more she realized she had feelings for him. Brenda was excited for them, but Mariah wasn't sure how he felt for her until the picnic. Now, he was more open with her, but she had never expected him to kiss her. She had assumed she would be the one to make the first move. 

She dressed herself and went downstairs to the living room. Michael was joking around with Chris on the couch, but Michael stopped laughing when he saw her.

"Hey, Mimi." He got off the couch and hugged her. "Catch you later, Chris."

"Alright, have fun. Not too much though, don't make me play Salt N Pepa." Chris said.

Mariah giggled when she saw Michael start blushing. He gripped her hand and they walked to the theater. He hadn't brought her there on her last visit so she allowed him to lead the way. It was a short walk from the house and they sat in the middle of the theater. Michael got some popcorn and offered her some as the movie started. She leaned over on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. 

-

The movie ended and the lights came on.

"That was crazy." Mariah said.

Michael nodded silently. "We are never watching that again."

"Were you scared?" She asked.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Of course, I wasn't scared. I'm the Thriller remember?"

"You were scared." Mariah teased.

Michael laughed. "Okay a little, not like you were squeezing my hand to death or anything."

Mariah flipped her head. "Guilty as charged."

"Well, dinner is ready. Let's go."

Mariah followed Michael to the back of the theater and her mouth dropped. There was a candle lit dinner waiting for them.

She felt tears stinging her eyes. "Michael, you didn't..."

"I told you we were going to celebrate your single." He said, pulling out her chair.

Mariah sat down as she wiped her tears. "I know, but...this isn't what I expected."

Michael sat down beside her. "I know, but I wanted to do something nice for you."

"As if you aren't always doing nice things for me... when you're not pulling jokes."

Michael laughed. "I don't bother you that much, plus you always get me back."

Mariah shrugged. "You leave me no choice sometimes. Like when you pushed me in the pool."

"And you pulled me right in with you." Michael pointed out.

Mariah narrowed her eyes. "One day, I'm gonna get you first."

Michael wiggled his finger at her. "I wouldn't do it if I were you."

Mariah smirked. "I think that's a challenge."

Michael laughed a little before his face turned serious. "Well, there's something else too. You know I'm really old fashioned, right?" 

Mariah could feel her heart beat quicken as she nodded. "As old fashioned as it gets."

"Well, what would you say if I asked if we started going steady?" 

He wasn't looking at her, which made him more endearing. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

"You mean, me as your girlfriend?" She choked out.

Michael nodded. "Yeah, I really like you Mariah. Not like you didn't know."

Mariah nodded eagerly. "Of course, I'll be your girlfriend! Between us of course."

Michael smiled. "Really?"

Mariah titled her head to the side. "I said 'yes' Mike."

Michael gave a nervous chuckle as he cut into his salmon. "You know, I thought you would say no."

"Why would I do that? You're sweet, you're funny, and we have a great time together." Mariah said.

Michael grinned at her. "You're incredible."

Mariah put her hand over his. "Not everyone is out for money. I want to know the real Michael, and so far I like what I see."

"Living this life, people are never genuine anymore." He sighed.

Mariah frowned. "I can only imagine. That's the only thing that scares me about all of this."

"Well, you can depend on me." Michael offered.

Mariah nodded. "And you got me."