Human Nature

Chapter 21

September 14th, 1991

Mariah had warned Michael, but of course he didn't listen. 

"Mariah, slow down!" He yelped.

Mariah laughed. "Oh hush, you drive faster than this."

Michael was clinging to his seat as Mariah drove down the street to her father's house. 

"I didn't think I was going to be in fear of my life." He pointed out.

Mariah rolled her eyes. "Yet, people say I'm the dramatic one."

She pulled the car to an abrupt halt and Michael jerked forward. "Thank God, for seat belts."

Mariah giggled as she got out of the car and skipped to the door. She rang the doorbell and Michael joined her, looking into the window.

"Stop being creepy." Mariah laughed.

Michael flushed and he joined her on the porch. "I'm not being creepy, I'm just looking around."

"Yeah, uh-huh, sure. Just stay out of the drawers." Mariah said.

Michael folded his arms. "What fun is that?"

Mariah shook her head as the door opened. Her father hugged her.

"Mariah, you and your friend can come in." He gave Michael a look as they walked into the house.

They sat on the couch, while her father sat in the chair across from them. Her father looked at her for an introduction.

"Dad, this is my boyfriend Michael. Michael this is my father." 

Michael reached out to shake her father's hand. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Her father quietly shook his hand and Mariah could tell that Michael was becoming nervous as he looked down at his shoes.

"So how long have you two been together?" Her father asked after a while.

"A little over a year." Mariah said as she gave Michael a reassuring nudge.

Her father nodded. "And do you plan on proposing?"

Michael nodded. "As soon as the time is right."

Alfred Roy nodded again. "Mariah, why don't you excuse us? I want to have a man-to-man talk with your little friend."

Mariah nodded slowly, but she could only hope that her father wasn't trying to intimidate Michael. Michael  got up and followed her father through the kitchen into the backyard.

September 14th, 1991

Michael held his breath as he followed Mariah's father into the backyard. He reminded him of Joseph in many ways.

"So how old are you?" He asked.

"I just turned thirty-three, sir." Michael said.

Mariah's father nodded. "So you're looking to settle down, then?"

Michael nodded. "As soon as possible, but life is a little hectic right now."

"Well you are an entertainer, but you'll have to settle down eventually"

"And I will, hopefully with Mariah." Michael said.

He nodded slowly. "You hurt my daughter, there will be problems."

Michael nodded slowly. "You have nothing to worry about."

"I hear you're moving her into your place."