Slipping Away

Chapter 23

September 8th, 1994

Mariah put the finishing touches on her makeup and then went back into the bedroom to get her shoes. It was the night of the MTV Music Video Awards and since Tommy was a company executive, he was expected to attend and so was she. She had heard that Michael and his new wife would be opening the ceremony, so she was mentally preparing herself to see him with someone else, being affection with someone else. She would smile politely, clap quietly, and be the perfect wife that Tommy expected her to be. 

"What are you wearing?"

Mariah turned around so that Tommy could take in her outfit. "I'm covered."

"Your back is out." He muttered. "And why'd you straighten your hair? It makes you look old."

Mariah turned back to the mirror and could easily see the deep seated bags under her eyes and lines around her mouth from constantly frowning. She did look old for twenty four and picked up the foundation, frantically putting more of it on her face.

"You don't have time for that. Come on, we're going to be late." He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of the bathroom.

She pulled her arm away and Tommy raised an eyebrow at her, though he didn't say anything. He didn't have to, Mariah knew the look well enough and looked down at her hands. 

"Sorry." She mumbled.

He didn't respond, instead opening the front door and she scurried past him, walking out to the limo with him close behind. 

Once they were at the venue and seated, Tommy leaned over and whispered. "I hope you know what's happening when we get home."

"Why wait until then?" She hissed back. "It's not like you care-"

"Here to welcome you tonight, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jackson."

Mariah turned forward as she watched Michael strut forward with his wife, Lisa Marie, clinging on to him. She looked terrified, almost like she was going to be sick and Michael, soaking in the applause that had met his appearance, still managed to sneak a few glances towards the tiny woman to reassure her. Mariah found it peculiar that the daughter of Elvis Presley would be so nervous standing up in front of others, but there she was, scared out of her wits.

Michael looks good. She mused.

Michael looked better than she had seen him in a while. He looked calm and confident, no doubt from the fact that he was happily married and the rumors that his wife was pregnant could've been true. He seemed happy and Mariah had to wonder if she could've brought him the same happiness if she had stayed.

She was too caught up in her own thoughts to hear much of what Michael was saying, but once he pulled Lisa Marie into a passionate kiss, Mariah stiffened. She felt like she was going to be sick and made a move to get up, before Tommy put a hand over hers.

"Don't you dare move." He growled, forcing her to stay in her seat.

The kiss ended and Michael, without another glance towards the audience, walked off while Lisa Marie gave a timid little wave.

Tommy shook his head. "Classless."

September 8th, 1994

"Lisa-"

"Don't fucking touch me. Don't come near me. Was making Mariah jealous really worth it?" Lisa Marie snapped, storming off.

Michael sighed. He hadn't kissed Lisa Marie to make Mariah jealous, he hadn't even noticed her in the audience, but he had been trying to prove a point. He wanted the public to realize that he wasn't gay and that he wasn't married to Lisa Marie because of the allegations, but because he loved her.