A/N: I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed so far: livingArtemis, lucyloveheart, i-luv-romance, Ahhhh, and niteowl-gal. Mia finally meets Michael in this chapter. R/R please.
"Last one to the shop pays!" Tina yelled as she took off running towards the ice cream shop.
"Ugh, please don't make me run! I have to save my energy for the show."
"Fine," Tina replied, whirling around. She skipped to where Mia was standing on the busy sidewalk. Linking arms with Mia, she pulled her into the crowded parlor.
"I can't believe we're skipping on the first day of class. If my mom finds out, I will be in so much trouble!" Mia exclaimed as they waited in line.
"I know, but isn't it great?"
When they got to the front of the line, Tina ordered a cup of Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, and Mia got a scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip. Grabbing some napkins, they skipped out of the store and sat down on a nearby park bench.
"Check that guy over there out." Tina said, pointing with her spoon.
Mia took a bite of her icecream and peeked over to the direction of Tina's spoon. "Mmm. Nice."
A man wearing a wrinkled Ramone's shirt and khaki's was looking around, as if he was searching for something. He cautiously approached the bench they were sitting on. Mia sat up a little straighter and hastily wiped the bit of ice-cream off her chin.
"Excuse me," he began, "I hate to interrupt you, but can you point me in the direction of New York University dorms?"
Tina looked over at Mia, who was speechless, and said, "Actually, we're students there. We were just about to head back to our dorms, so we could walk you there if you wanted us to."
She jabbed Mia with her elbow, and Mia stammered, "Oh, yeah, I mean if you don't mind. We could. Show you."
She looked over at Tina, who was getting up and blushed furiously.
"Sure, that would be great actually," he replied.
Tina shot a meaningful look at Mia, stuck her hand out and said, "I'm Tina."
"Oh, it's very nice to meet you, my name is Michael." He shook her hand, and looked down to where Mia was still sitting. "And you are…"
"Oh, sorry, Mia," she replied.
"Mia. It's very nice to meet you also, Mia." He stared down into her silver-gray eyes with his deep brown ones. He held out his hand to help her up.
She ignored it and stood up to face him. Tossing the remainder of her ice cream into the trash can, she wiped her hands on the front of her pants and said, "Well, I guess we'd better be going. It was nice meeting you."
Tina looked at her oddly. Before she could say a word, Mia took off in the direction of the campus.Tina looked at Michael apologetically and said, "She gets nervous sometimes I guess."
"Oh it's no problem. Now, how about showing me the way?"
"Sure thing."
Picking Judith up at the dorms was harder than Michael expected. He got completely lost once he got off the train. He walked with Tina until he got to Judith's building.
"Well, this is my stop. Thanks a lot for walking with me." Michael said.
"No problem. Anytime." Tina replied. Turning on her heel, she began walking toward her building.
Michael rode the elevator to the third floor and scanned the hallways for Judith's room. He finally arrived at room 3021 and knocked on the door. After what seemed like an eternity, Judith opened the door and invited him in.
"Sorry, I know I said I would be ready, but you know…" Judith trailed off when she realized Michael wasn't paying attention.
"Michael."
"What? Oh, uh, sorry. I spaced out for a moment there, huh?"
"It's okay. I was just saying how I need about ten minutes before I'll be ready. You can have a seat, or use my computer while you're waiting if you want to." She turned and headed into the bathroom.
Michael flopped down on the computer chair and switched on her laptop. When the programs loaded, Michael cringed when he saw the desktop wallpaper. It was a picture of him with a red heart around his face. Looking around to see if Judith was nearby, he logged onto the internet and checked his Palace email. "Three new messages.." he mused quietly. Clicking on the first one, he saw Grandmere had dictated a letter to him.
Michael,
I understand that you are to be going on a date with the Gershner girl tonight. While I am delighted that you have finally asked her out, I must warn you, we will not be having any sort of royal scandal going on while you are in America. I do not wish to see any negative publicity shots while you are out, is that clear?
HRM Clarisse Renaldo, Queen of Genovia
Michael grimaced when he read the email. Clicking on the next one, he didn't fare much better.
Michael,
I have just heard from Maman that you are dating that Gershner girl! It can't be true? I thought you disliked her immensely from the letters you have written. If it is not true, then I am breathing a sigh of relief. I simply cannot imagine an American marrying into the Royal family of Genovia!
Lilly
Michael deleted the previous letters and opened the final email. It was a confirmation letter for his ticket to Genovia next month. He printed the confirmation and stuck it into his wallet. Judith appeared from the bathroom just as he was shutting the computer down.
She was wearing a short, black skirt and a sleeveless white top. Shiny and very tall heels completed the ensemble. "Do I look okay?" Judith asked as she whirled around for him to see the entire outfit.
Michael glanced her and nodded. He looked down at his own clothes. They were a very mismatched couple tonight.
"Okay, let me just grab my purse and then we can be on our way!" She shimmied to the closet and pulled out a beaded bag.
"Umm, Judith?"
"Yeah?" she answered breathily.
Michael frowned and said, "You may be a little uncomfortable in those shoes when we get there. There will probably be a lot of people there, so, you might have to move around a lot."
Judith glanced down at her feet and said, "Oh, I'm really good at walking in heels. I think I'll be fine."
He shrugged and opened the door for her. As they were walking to the elevator, Judith linked arms with Michael. He involuntarily looked at her with disgust. She didn't seem to notice, however and continued walking.