Mariah opened her eyes to the bright sunlight shining into her
eyes. She looked over and saw Brian sleeping soundly, but he too looked a
little uncomfortable. She shifted her position in her seat, she heard some
bones crack.
'I've got to go see my chiropractor,' thought Mariah wincing at
the pain in her back. She got out of the car and looked out into the scenery.
It was the prettiest sunrise she had ever seen. Actually, it was the only
sunrise she had ever seen. She laughed at the thought.
She walked to the edge and sat down on the rock. From here, she
felt like she was on top of the world. She could see so far into the distance.
It was rather cold and Mariah pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged
herself. She hadn't gone home to change, so Brian offered her his shorts and a
sweater.
Mariah thought back to the night before. The pizza arrived and they
ended up eating in front of the TV, watching an old movie that was on. She felt
uncomfortable so Brian lent him some of his clothes. Halfway through the movie,
she got restless and Brian suggested going for a drive. They agreed and they
ended up on top of a cliff, talking the night away. Brian fell asleep first,
and after a while, Mariah drifted off too. She smiled, recalling that she was
the last to sleep, but the first to wake. Suddenly, she felt warm inside his
clothes. She felt a hand on her shoulder and then arms enveloping her and she
smiled.
"Good morning," greeted Brian, nuzzling her neck and
giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," she replied smiling. It felt
good to have him hold her the way he was.
"I got frightened when I woke up and saw that you weren't
beside me."
"I'm sorry, I just had to come out and stretch a little. Then
I decided to watch the sunrise. It's so beautiful."
"It sure is." he replied sighing.
"What's the matter?" she asked at the sound of his sigh.
"Nothing," he answered.
"Okay, well, what was that sigh for?" she asked
curiously.
"Nothing but a sigh of contentment," he answered.
"I'm glad I'm sharing this moment with you, that's all." He smiled at
her.
She felt her heart melt. "So am I," she answered and gave
him a soft kiss on the lips.
They sat together quietly holding each other, neither saying a
word, but just enjoying the moment. The world looked at peace.
"Come on, let's go." said Brian a while later bringing
himself to his feet.
"Why? Do we have to?" said Mariah looking up at him,
giving a playful pout.
"Because I have another dumb meeting with the managers
today." he said making a face. "I think I have to go back on tour
some time real soon. Nick's mom's getting better, and we've been rehearsing quite
a bit, so I think they're rescheduling the cancelled places."
"And when did you plan on telling me this?" said Mariah
getting a bit upset. "You can't be leaving already. Things just
got...good."
"I know," said Brian walking closer to her. He linked
his fingers with hers. "Don't worry. It's not that bad, you could always
visit. Don't worry about it. It shouldn't be too long."
Mariah nodded, and, hand in hand, they walked to the car. When
they got in, Mariah said, "I guess it won't be that bad," she said with
a smile. When she looked over to Brian, her smile faded. He was holding his
chest with pain in his eyes. His face was scrunched up.
"Brian!" yelled Mariah. "Are you alright? Talk to
me, look at me!"
Brian looked up at Mariah, his pain eased a bit. "Don't
worry," he assured her, his voice a little strained. "I'm alright, I
don't think I should've had that pizza last night. I'll be alright. I just need
some Alka-Seltzer, a little rest, and I'll be good as new." He gave her a
reassuring smile.
Mariah looked him uncertainly. "Well, why don't you let me
drive then, okay? You can have a rest."
Brian nodded and gave her a grateful smile. "Yeah, alright,
that'd be good." He saw that she was still a little dissatisfied.
"Honey, I'm fine. Come on, switch places and let's get home."
Mariah nodded and she got out of the car as Brian slid into the
passenger seat. When she got in the driver's seat, she turned on the engine and
then a realization came to her.
"What did you call me?" she asked facing him.
"Huh?" he asked looking at her, wondering what in the
world she was talking about.
"Just now, what did you call me?"
"Uh...M..ariah?" he said uncertain.
"No," she answered. "You didn't, you said something
else."
Brian thought back and wondered what he had called her. He smiled,
then said, "Oh, I called you honey. You don't like that?"
Mariah smiled. "No, it's not that. It's just the first time
you've called me that. That anyone's called me that."
Brian grinned. "Well, since you like nicknames so
much..." He smirked and started making up these ridiculous nicknames for
her. Mariah laughed out loud.
"Shut up!" she yelled. "You're suppose to be
resting." When he didn't stop, she turned up the radio real loud.
"Okay, okay!" surrendered Brian.
Mariah smiled and turned off the radio. The rest of the trip home
was full of peace and quiet.