Human Nature

Chapter 31

May 14th, 1992

"Michael, why are we taking that car? I thought you said there was something wrong with the engine."

Michael waved her off. "I got it fixed, it's fine. Let's go."

Mariah shook her head. "I still think-"

"Babe, it's fine."

She got in the car and started doing her makeup. "Can you at least tell me where we're going?"

He told her to wear something casual so she had decided on a red tank top and shorts. She had brought a large sun hat just in case he had her outside.

He leaned back on the seat. "Do you always ask this many questions?"

She threw down her compact. "You're gonna make me hurt you."

He laughed. "Okay, fine. I'm taking you out since we don't really get to do much together."

Ever since they made up, Michael had been trying harder to make their relationship work and Mariah could appreciate the effort. He had been more attentive, like he had in the first few months of their relationship, but she knew it wouldn't last. He would be going on tour at the end of next month in Europe while she'd remain at Neverland.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"Nope," He wiggled his finger at her. "that's all I'm telling you."

She groaned. "Fine."

Mariah opened her Jet and he turned on the radio to a Boyz II Men song. She heard a tapping noise and figured Michael was enjoying the song on the radio. 

"Michael stop, that's annoying." She flipped to the next page in her magazine.

"I'm not doing anything."

She looked up. "What's that noise?"

"What noise?" He pulled over and turned down the radio.

The tapping got louder and Mariah smirked at him. "I thought you got the car fixed."

Michael turned the engine off and then back on, only for it to splutter and die. "Damn."

Mariah looked around and saw that they were in the middle of Los Angles and Michael had no disguise. 

Beautiful.

"I told you we should've taken the other car." She shook her head. "Wow."

"Like you knew this was going to happen." He countered. 

She threw her legs up on the dashboard. "So what now?"

"You've seen Thriller." He said, getting out of the car.

She rolled her eyes and threw her hat on her head.

 "You know," She closed the door behind her. "I'll give you an 'A' for effort."

He dramatically clutched his chest. "Oh, I feel so honored."

She grabbed his hand. "You should."

They walked about half a mile down the street in silence. She figured he had gotten tired of her smart remarks and she couldn't resist getting in another jab if he did say anything else.

"My feet hurt," She whined.

He knelt down. "Come on."

She jumped on his back and he carried her down the street.

"They should have a phone." She pointed at a small car dealership.

He nodded and put her down. "Let's hope so, but I am not looking forward to the walk back. What was that, two miles?"