Human Nature

Chapter 23

November 14th, 1991

"Michael Joseph Jackson!"

Michael dropped his book in his lap and groaned. He thought it was going to be fun living with Mariah, but he was starting to realize it was more work having her around full time.

"Yes, dear?" He asked. 

Mariah came out of the bathroom with a sour look on her face. "Would it kill you to put the seat down when you're done?"

"You know, I never understood why it was men's responsibility to put the seat down. Why don't women put the seat up?" Michael countered.

Mariah folded her arms. "Men already control society, let us have the toilet seat at least."

"Fine, I'll put it down next time, even though it wouldn't kill you to look before you sit." He went back to his book.

Mariah pulled the book from his hand. "Mike, I want to do something today."

"Like what?"

Mariah shrugged. "Anything really. You've been pretty distracted."

Michael had to admit that his temper had been a little shorter since his confrontation with Jermaine. He was waiting for him to call and say that he was pulling the single from the air, but Jermaine continued to allow the single to circulate. It had been a subject of conversation in the tabloids, though it had taken a backseat to Black or White and the anticipation for the short film later that evening. In addition to being aired on the normal music channels, it was also going to be broadcast on Fox.

"Yeah, I know babe." He sighed.

Mariah frowned. "Why don't you call him?"

Michael shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. I already have a headache."

"Did you eat today?" She asked quietly.

He shook his head and she groaned. "It's been almost a week, that's why you have a headache."

"I've eaten." Michael said.

Mariah gave a droll look. "Six almonds on Tuesday doesn't count. I'm talking about a meal. You're eating, now."

"Mariah-"

He gave up trying to argue as she went into the kitchen. He heard rustling and ten minutes later she returned with a bowl of fruit.

"I made you something light." She offered him the bowl, but Michael looked away.

"Not hungry, I told you." He pushed it away, hoping he didn't hurt her feelings. 

He appreciated Mariah's efforts, but he couldn't bring himself to eat while he was brooding. Mariah pulled an apple slice out of the bowl and held it up to his mouth.

"Open, I'm not joking Michael." 

Michael sighed and bit down on the granny smith apple. "Happy now?"

"You should be happy, I know your body is thanking me." She  said.

Michael sighed. "Mariah..."

She used the fork to gather a few blueberries and a slice of pineapple. "Come on."

Michael looked down at the fork and back at Mariah. "You're not seriously going to sit here and feed me, are you?"

"No, I'm going to eat it myself." She said in a sardonic tone.

Michael shook his head. "I'm not hungry."

"Yes, you are. You're just ignoring it, now eat." She offered the fork again.