Stay the Night

Chapter 66

February 28th, 2005

Karrin followed behind Mariah and Michael as the trio walked into the foyer of Neverland's main house. After an agonizing day of being in a waiting room, she was glad to be home so she could take off her pantsuit and walk around in her sweats. At six months pregnant, sitting anywhere for too long was too uncomfortable.

Though it was not as uncomfortable as the silence that hung over them. Michael had barely spoken five words to either of them since he left the courtroom. That morning, he was laughing and joking with Karrin about how absurd the whole trial was. Whatever happened in the courtroom seemed to knock all of that energy out of him.

Mariah was walking alongside him, talking quietly in a doting, almost mothering voice. Karrin figured that was her way of trying to comfort him but based on his silence it didn't seem to be working all that well.

He tore away and walked towards the back of the house. Karrin could hear the bedroom door slam.

Mariah gave a deep sigh and turned to Karrin. "Maybe you should talk to him,"

"Nah," Karrin shook her head, glancing in the direction of the bedroom. "I think he just needs time for himself,"

Mariah nodded. "He's all yours. Handle it how you see fit,"

The woman offered Karrin a smile before heading off in the direction of the living room. Karrin started towards the back of the house before she decided to linger in the foyer for a moment, watching Mariah. She could hear piano music playing faintly, though it wasn't skilled. Almost like one of the kids was playing.

"Nat?" Mariah called.

Within a few moments, the woman that Mariah insisted come with her to Neverland appeared with a wide grin on her face. 

What is going on with those two?

Mariah said the two were friends, but there was just something about their chemistry that said so much more. Karrin quietly walked towards the middle of the foyer so she could hear their conversation.

"Hey baby," Natalie whispered as she approached Mariah.

Karrin watched as the two women embraced, Mariah lingering in the other woman's arms. Mariah turned her head and kissed the other woman on the lips. 

Um...are they together?

"I missed you," Mariah whispered, grabbing Natalie's hands. "How were my babies?"

"They were really good," Natalie replied, speaking in a regular voice. "I even got to teach the twins and Elizabeth piano. They're in there playing right now,"

Mariah brightened up at this. "That's really good,"

"Nicki is a natural though," Natalie continued. "I don't think dancing is her only talent,"

Natalie leaned into Mariah, putting a hand on her stomach. "How are you two doing?"

Hold up!

"You two?" Karrin exclaimed before putting her hand over her mouth. 

Mariah and Natalie both jumped and turned to look at her. Mariah looked terrified.

"How long have you been standing there?" Mariah inquired.

Natalie rubbed Mariah's back in an attempt to calm her. "Mariah, the baby,"

Karrin took a step towards Mariah. "Mariah, are you dating her?"

Mariah rubbed her arms before averting her gaze. "Yeah. I'm dating her,"