Human Nature

Chapter 22

November 6th, 1991

Mariah felt a slight brushing against her ear and she pulled the covers over herself. The covers were ripped from off her and she rolled over, cracking open her eyes.

Michael was standing over her fully dressed. "Come on, get up."

She got up and stretched. "You get up at the most inhuman times."

"What? It's three in the afternoon."

Mariah glanced over at the clock and back at him. "Why'd you let me sleep so late?"

He bit his lip. "I was going to wake you up, but you looked so cute I let you sleep a little longer."

Mariah blushed. "Let me get ready."

When Mariah came out of the bathroom, she noticed Michael's demeanor had changed. She sat beside him and rubbed his arm.

"You ready to confront him?" She asked.

He nodded stiffly. "Let's go."

They went to the garage and started the two hour drive to Encino. Mariah wanted to turn the radio on, but she didn't want to risk hearing Jermaine's single again. She glanced over at Michael, who was clenching his jaw as he focused on the road. 

"Babe?"

He ignored her and Mariah sighed. She wished she had brought a book with her to distract herself.

November 6th, 1991

Michael glanced over at Mariah, who was starting to doze off. His mind was racing as he thought about the upcoming confrontation between himself and Jermaine. The words of the song kept playing in his mind and he hadn't really slept the night before.

Mariah had brought up an interesting idea about putting Jermaine out of Hayvenhurst, but Michael dismissed it. Jermaine was his brother and he wouldn't have his brother out on the street, especially not with his children. Jermaine had two children with his mistress, well girlfriend since Hazel and Jermaine divoced, and they were all dependent on his mother, by extension-him.

He had reached Encino, but was now stuck in traffic. He flexed his hands around the steering wheel and tried to drive as calmly as possible.

 Mariah stretched and yawned. "Why'd you turn so sharp?"

"Sorry, babe." He mumbled.

She rested her head on her fist and closed her eyes. "Are we close?"

"Yeah, give it ten minutes." He said.

Mariah nodded. "Don't go to jail."

Michael laughed. "What?"

"Mike, don't hurt 'em." She giggled.

They pulled into the driveway and Michael hesitated. 

Mariah reached over the console and smiled weakly at him. "It'll be okay."

"Let's go."

November 6th, 1991

Mariah followed him into the house and Jermaine was waiting for them in the living room.

"Glad you could make it, asshole." He spat.

Mariah waited for Michael to respond with equal venom, but he looked like he was going to cry. 

"Can we settle this?" Michael asked quietly.

The two of them went into another room, leaving Mariah alone with an unknown woman.