Stay the Night

Chapter 77

June 7th, 2005

Michael met Mariah's eyes from across the table.

He chuckled in spite of himself. "I haven't heard that in years,"

He could feel Karrin's eyes burning into him. He slowly turned to the young woman and faked a smile before looking at Mariah. 

She hid her face behind her mess of curls, clearly embarrassed by her outburst. He absently rubbed one of the few patches of dark skin on his arm. There was an unspoken understanding between the two of them, how they used to be.

You were so good to me back then...

Karrin broke the silence. "What--"

"It was an old nickname I gave him," Mariah explained quietly. 

Michael nodded quietly. "A long time ago,"

Karrin frowned again and Michael inwardly groaned. He reached over to hold her hand, never taking his gaze off Mariah. 

Angelica cleared her throat. 

"Maybe we should go check on the kids," Natalie suggested. "Especially Nicki,"

Mariah nodded slowly. "Good idea,"

She quickly got up from the table and hurried into the other room. 

Should've seen that coming.

June 10th, 2005

Karrin grabbed Michael's hand as she slid off the doctor's table. Since her son was overdue, her doctor asked that she come in so they could check on him. Thankfully, he was healthy, but he didn't seem to be budging any time soon. Michael and Amber came with her for support.

"Alright Karrin," Dr. Yates smiled. "Well see you on the 13th at five in the afternoon to induce labor,"

"Will she need a c-section?" Amber asked. 

Dr. Yates shook her head. "Well there's no way to be sure at the moment, but I can tell he's a pretty big baby. It really just depends,"

Karrin glanced at Michael, who was quietly picking his nails in the corner. She was glad that he actually bothered to come with her to the appointment, considering all that was happening. The trial had concluded, but they were still anxiously awaiting a verdict. 

She just hoped that whenever her baby arrived, he'd arrive to both of his parents. 

"Thank you, Dr. Yates," Karrin nodded. "I will be here unless he decides he wants to go ahead and come on his own,"

Dr. Yates laughed. "It would be nice if he did. We'll have everything ready for you,"

"Thank you,"

Karrin turned to Michael. "Ready,"

He nodded absently before walking out of the office, not waiting to see if Karrin or Amber were following him.

Amber pursed her lips and gave a look to Karrin.

Karrin sighed in response before following after her emotionally absent baby daddy.

June 13th, 2005

Natalie was sitting in the living room with Michael, his family, Mariah, Karrin, Ashleigh, and her mother. They were all sitting around waiting by the phone like they had done every day since the trial ended. There was an uneasiness that seemed to grip the entire group. Today it felt particularly potent. Michael's lawyer called the night before to let him know it was highly likely that the jury would be making their decision soon and to be ready to come down to the courthouse.