Human Nature

Chapter 14

December 21st, 1990

They were sitting at the dinner table, enjoying the meal his mother had prepared. Michael was glad Mariah seemed to be getting along with his family, Rebbie in particular.

"Mariah, bet you ain't ever had food like this." Joseph laughed.

Mariah shook her head. "I really haven't. Mrs. Jackson this food is-"

She dramatically made an 'okay' sign with her hands and his mother chuckled quietly.

"I'm glad you like it."

Jermaine smirked at him. "Michael, what are your plans for tonight?"

"Just probably going to watch whatever's on, maybe work on some new material for the album." He shrugged.

Jermaine nodded. "Mariah, you going with?"

She nodded eagerly, casting a glance at him. "Yeah, we're going to work on a song for his album."  

"Oh really?" Joseph raised an eyebrow.

Michael nodded. "You guys have to hear her sing one day."

Mariah blushed as she shoved another forkful of macaroni in her mouth. 

"Looks like somebody's a little shy." Rebbie giggled.

Mariah didn't answer her. "This was a wonderful dinner, Mrs. Jackson."

"No, we gotta hear you sing." Jermaine teased.

Mariah sent Michael a look that read I'm going to kill you and Michael knew she would once they were alone.

"Sing what?" Mariah asked halfheartedly.

Jermaine leaned back in his chair. "What do you think Rebbie?"

"I just wanna hear her do the high notes." Rebbie shrugged.

Michael patted her hand underneath the table and she glanced at him for reassurance.

"Okay, this is from a song I've been working on."

His family turned their attention to her and she took a deep breath.

You got me feelin' emotions, deeper than I ever dreamed of

You got me feelin' emotions higher than the heavens above

I don't know if it's real, but I like the way I feel inside

The "inside" was actually a D7 and Michael saw his father's eyes widen while Jermaine gripped his glass.

"You can whistle...with your voice." Jermaine said.

Mariah giggled. "Yeah, I can."

Tito shook his head. "And here I was thinking you were another  Milli Vanilli."

"Hey!" Mariah crossed her arms.

Tito put up his hands. "Aye, it happens sometimes."

The front door opened and after a few moments, Michael's sister Janet walked in and went over to the stove without glancing at the table.

"Mommy, you made my favorite."

She looked up from the food over at the table. "Why is Mariah Carey having dinner with us?"

Michael laughed. "Dunk, this is my girlfriend."

"So, this is the 'new singer' you were telling everyone about." Janet raised an eyebrow at him.