Human Nature

Chapter 54

June 20th, 1993

Michael frowned as Mariah slammed down the top on her suitcase. "Are you sure you don't want me to come?"

"I just," She paused, rubbing her cheek. "I need some time for myself."

His frown set deeper into his face, but he nodded. "Okay, see you in a few days then. Call me when you get settled in, okay?"

She nodded, her back still to him. "I will."

The flat tone that she used with him was beginning to wear on his heart. He had been patient with her, tried to be strong for her but she seemed to care little for what he felt or thought. She was going to LA to continue working on her third album, Music Box, and she would be staying at the condo in Century City since she felt that she was too stifled at Neverland.

"Can I at least have a kiss before you leave?" He asked, just wanting to keep her close to him a little longer.

She leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before picking her suitcase. "I should be back in a week."

He raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you pack for a month?"

She shrugged. "Just in case I stay longer."

"Mariah, did I-"

She shook her head. "No, no. It just hurts to look at you."

Her words punched him in the gut. He couldn't fathom why Mariah would feel as though she couldn't look at him or be near him. She had been withdrawn, but he never figured she would pull herself away from him completely.

"Why?" He choked out.

She covered her mouth and put her hand on his shoulder. "No, I didn't mean it that way. I just feel like...like I failed you. I need some time away, okay?"

He nodded absently. "Take all the time you need."

He got up and went into the other room, picking up the phone. He decided to call June and see if she wanted to come over after Mariah left. Janet was gone and Marlon was busy so he was left with few options.

Mariah came to the door and leaned against the frame. "I'm leaving."

"Call me when you get there." He said.

He heard her footsteps retreating and dialed June's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, June."

"Michael, what's up?"

"Mariah just left. I wanted to know if you wanted to come over."

"Well Jordie's with Evan-"

"That's fine. I really just wanted someone to talk to."

"Oh, well okay. I'll be there in a couple hours."

June took a sip of her tea, nose wrinkled. "So she hasn't been talking to you at all?"

Michael shook his head. "Not a word. This morning before she left she said it hurts to look at me."

"That's rough." June sighed. "I think relationship counseling might do you guys some good. You need a mediator so you guys can just hash it out. There's tension between you two."

"I wouldn't call it tension, it's more like we're drifting apart." Michael said.

She raised an eyebrow. "You don't think she's cheating do you?" 

He shook his head. "I don't think she's cheating, she's just distant."

June frowned. "Maybe you two don't need to get married then."