Dedicated to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. There are 22 of you and I never dreamed I'd get such a great response.
And now come the thankyous!!!!
A Sorta Fairytale – Yay, first reviewer! You think this fics rocks? Aw!
M@ - I like your username! Well, I updated!
Cathy – You think I have a gift? Wow, you make my head big! *Head swells up*
Evil_Jasna – Thankyou so much! I'm glad you love it! Another person who thinks I'm a fantastic writer? So much praise!!!!
Sammy! – The Best Princess diaries fic? Squee! I'm glad you think so!
The Ultimate Reviewer – Thankyou! Cool name BTW.
Cassandra Amethyst – I just copied the Star Wars reference out of the book. I was a bit unsure about adding it! I'm glad you appreciated it!
Princessvampire – I'll keep writing if you keep reviewing! LOL.
Ndblue123 – I don't know where the plot came from! It just appeared!
Trickhayden – Another one who appreciated the star wars touch! Yay me!
Megan – I will definitely write more! Nothing can stop me! MWAHAHAHA! …Sorry.
Ultrawoman – Another English writer! Hooray! I was worried about getting some of the phrases wrong, but if I slip up at least you can understand what the hell I'm talking about!
Lilja – Cool story huh? Big hug lilja-Chan!
Silence - J I'll keep it up alright!
Dazije – Indeed I was brutal. I'm sorry! But here's more!
Lizz – You think I sound like Meg Cabot? That is just one of the best compliments I have ever had!
Dawn – I'm sorry about the Cliffhanger. It was a bit mean. But hey, it made you review didn't it?
Bookfan – I'll write more more more if you review review review! Gotta a deal?
Bibleboymary4ever – Cool username! Ab fab, huh? Squee compliments!
Lea – I have the best grammar and spelling on the site? Weel, i trie!
Kat – Again, many apologies for the Cliffhanger.
Neo Queen Serenity Chiba – Well, I can't tell you if they'll get together. But I'll drop a few hints.
Kirstills – THANKYOU FOR THE REVIEW! YOU LEFT CAPS ON JUST FOR ME? AW, THAT'S SO NICE!
* Looks up at reviews and sniffs * It's that kinda praise that keeps me going! Anyway, on with the chapter!
Chapter 2: Continued from the last date.
I could so totally not believe it. Michael was grinning at me and all I could do was gape. Eventually he said
"So, how long are you back in Manhattan for?"
"Um, a month." I whispered, all shakily. Michael nodded, hands in pockets and said
"And were you going to try and see me?"
"Yeah, I was! Honestly." I felt myself going red. He was still smiling and my heart was practically bursting. Then Danae rushed over and asked
"Who's this? Where's my burger?" she gazed down at the meaty splodge on the floor (despite my efforts she, Mom and Mr G are still meat-eaters) and then up at Michael
"Danae, this is Michael Moscovitz."
"Who? Oh, your old boyfriend." Danae looked at him interestedly then said to me
"Can I get another burger? I'm starving."
"Sure, buy Lars one too." I forked over a few dollars and she wandered towards the food. Michael asked
"Lars is still your bodyguard?"
"Yeah… After Dad died he became a sort of second dad… I mean he looked after me and all when I moved to Genovia."
"You didn't say goodbye." Michael said in this quiet voice. I looked away
"I wanted to. But I was busy and then it had been so long and I felt guilty and-"
"Mia, you're gabbling."
"I know. So… how are you?"
"I'm great. I've got a great job with a computer company, and I still play with Skinner Box at the weekends. How are you?"
"Good also. Queen of Genovia. I spend my weekends opening hospitals and animal shelters."
Michael laughed and then Lars came over. He and Michael sort of hugged, you know that thing guys do when they hit each other on the back and laugh. Lars said
"How did you know we were here?"
"Lily told me. I wanted to see you both and figured I could call an ambulance when Mia cuts her tongue open." They both laughed and me and I half-shouted
"That was only ONE time! And it wasn't my fault, Kenny tripped me up!" Michael couldn't stop laughing and was leaning against the wall with Lars. Eventually he started breathing again and said
"Well, come on then. Let's go ice-skating."
And we did. It was totally fun, well it would have been if I wasn't so embarrassed about seeing my ex boyfriend. Danae wanted to go home so the three of us walked her then Michael looked at me
"Mia, I have to go now, but can we talk later?"
"Sure."
"My band's playing tonight at the club near the park. You know the one? Well, come at 8:30 and we can have dinner. I'll book you both tickets." Then he walked away. Lars looked at me and I stared back. Then he said
"Are you going?"
I stared after Michael.
"Yeah. I think I will. Is that ok?"
"You're the boss. Where shall we go now?" I thought about it. Then Lars said
"What about the Central Park zoo?"
"Lars, my faithful bodyguard, you are a mind-reader." I said. Lars laughed and ruffled my hair. I haven't mentioned that yet have? Still blonde-brown but, thankfully, no longer triangular. I grew it out and it's just past my shoulders. The royal hairdressers keep begging me to use their special shampoo to keep it curly but I always forget. And then they attack me with curling tongs. Those women are DANGEROUS. It's no joke.
As Lars ruffled my hair I reached up and patted his head. We started this tradition when I became queen. I was all crying because of my Dad dying and all, and he ruffled my hair. He was crying too so I patted him back. Anyway, we went to the Central Park zoo and it was almost exactly the same. I went straight for the Polar Bear enclosure. It was a day of surprises for me really because guess who I saw there?
Kenny.
He was a vet or something and he was standing next to this unconscious polar bear and putting an injection in his leg. He looked so much the same it was as if we suddenly morphed back to fourteen again. Lars noticed too and I said quickly
"Let's get out of here."
"But, Mia-"
"Come on. Let's go and have a drink somewhere." We turned away but Kenny saw us and shouted
"Hey! Mia?" I turned and saw Kenny coming out of the enclosure. He looked at Lars and grinned
"Hi Mr Lars."
"Hello, Kenny."
"Mia, how are you?" Kenny asked all excitedly and I smiled
"I'm fine. Just visiting my Mom."
"That's wonderful."
"You're a vet?" I asked, kinda stating the obvious. Kenny nodded
"Yup. Love every minute."
"I thought you were going to be a scientist."
"I was, but I changed my mind." We stood in silence then this pretty little girl ran up to Kenny screaming "Daddy, Daddy!" I turned around and saw this girl from our Biology class, Tammy, walking towards us. She was holding a baby. She stared at me
"Mia Thermopolis?"
"Hi Tammy."
"Trying to steal my husband?" she joked and Kenny kissed her cheek. They kept talking but I could hardly hear them. Eventually Kenny said
"Come on Tammy, let's get these two home. Bye Mia, call or write if you get time."
"I will. Bye Kenny, Bye Tammy." As they walked away I turned to Lars. We sat down in a café nearby and Lars asked
"Are you alright Princess?" He still calls me Princess sometimes. Old habits are hard to break I guess. I nodded
"I'm fine. Everything's gone on without me. I knew it would and everything but…"
"You're wondering if you'll ever have that." Lars finished, drinking his coffee. I nodded
"Yeah. A family. I know I'm a Queen and everything but I want to have a normal life too. But I just know that's never going to happen Lars." I felt all teary and Lars smiled gently
"Don't worry Mia. I know for certain that there's someone out there for you. And we're meeting him at the club down the round in a few hours." I looked up at Lars, all shocked. He smiled all mysteriously and I laughed
"Come on. Let's get back to the loft and play chess. I'll beat you this time."
"Will not. I'm the Genovian master at Chess."
"That's what you think."
"That's what I know."
"Oh and I suppose you know everything?"
"Well, I don't like to brag…"
"Good, because you have now cause to."
"Except I know everything."
"Fine, you're obviously far too intelligent for me, so you're fired." Lars glared at me then grinned
"Fine with me. You slave-driver."
Similar insults followed all the way home.
Still Saturday: 1:13 amI'm back at the loft. I just had an amazing night! I went to the club with Lars and we sat at a table waiting for Michael. And then all the lights went out and the stage lit up and Skinner Box appeared. And you will never guess what they played.
Tall Drink of Water.
The very same. The song Michael wrote for me as a message, which I totally didn't get at first. The crowd loved it and Michael smiled at me across the crowds. Then he jumped off the stage so the next band could come on. He sat at our table and asked
"How did you like it?"
"It was fantastic!" I said. I meant it too. He was so talented. Michael looked me up and down and said
"Not wearing your crown?"
"It doesn't go with the outfit. Plus it's really heavy and it digs into my head." Lars laughed at this and went to buy us some more drinks. Michael asked
"So… do you remember the cultural diversity dance? When you went with Josh Richter?"
"How could I forget? One of my more embarrassing social engagements." Michael grinned
"If you had seen the look on Josh's face when you walked out on him."
"He started it."
"I know. And what about that time when you pulled the fire alarm?"
"How the hell did you know about that?!" I half-screamed. He shrugged
"Lars told me."
"I don't believe it. I got suspended over that."
"That's why you stomped on Lana's phone?"
"Well, duh. What else do you know about me?"
"Um… well… I know your cousin Hank is currently on a billboard."
"Really? I really should call Mamaw and Papaw."
"You have so many calls to catch up missy." Michael said. There was silence between us and then he asked
"Do you want to catch up later on? I mean in your trip here."
"Um… yeah, that'd be good." I replied, trying not to sound to happy. I was overjoyed. Lars came back and Michael stood.
"I'll be back in a moment." He disappeared into the crowd. I noticed Lars watching me.
"What?" I asked. He smiled mysteriously
"Getting on well are you?"
"Yes, thankyou." I said all primly. He sipped his drink while I drank my coke. Suddenly the music changed and this slow mushy song came on. It was the one Michael and I had first danced to at the Cultural Diversity Dance. Michael reappeared by my side and held out his hand
"Care to dance?" I nodded, completely dumbfounded.
I'd forgotten how much fun slow dancing is. Michael was so tall and strong and I had my head leaning against him. It was wonderful. That is until a reporter popped up and took a picture of us. He was gone before we could get him but Michael shook his head.
"It must be really annoying having reporters follow you around everywhere."
"Yeah, it kinda is. I'm not too bothered by it anymore though." We sat back down at the table and I saw Lars was getting tired.
"Maybe we should go." Michael said, noticing it too. We started walking back to the loft. As we reached the door Michael turned to me and smiled.
"I hope I'll see you again soon, before you leave."
"Definitely." I said. Was he going to kiss me???? He bowed and took my hand and kissed it gently. Well, it wasn't a French kiss but close enough. He smiled again and walked away. Lars shook me, I was completely frozen. Anyway, I went indoors and my Mom was looking all anxious.
"Mom, what's the matter?" I asked, worried. She looked at me and said,
"Mia, Mamaw and Papaw are sending Hank here. They've got an infestation or something and he can't stay there for two weeks. We just haven't got the room!"
"Mom, it's no trouble. I can book a room at the Plaza."
"Oh, no, honey! I couldn't send you away when you just got here."
"Mom, I'll be fine. I'll still come here for dinner and we'll see each other everyday."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." I said all firmly. Mom was practically weeping with relief. And who said the life of royalty was boring?
Sunday 22nd February. The Plaza.
They gave me Grandemere's old room! Do they not realise the pain and trauma I experienced in this room??? But it's better than nothing. Hank's arriving tomorrow and I'm spending the day with Tina, Lily, Danae, Ling Su and Shameeka. Ling Su and Shameeka called me last night and said they were furious I hadn't been to see them yet. But we're going shopping and then we'll go to the movies or something.
Monday 23rd. The Plaza.
There was a picture of me and Michael on the front page this morning. Royal finds true love.
Um, yeah, whatever. The changes of Michael still wanting to be my boyfriend are like ZERO!
Ok, so I went shopping with the girls today. We had a total blast! Danae was worried she'd get left out since she's younger than us but we got on great. Boris went all moody when I mentioned that Hank was coming down. Anyway, the shopping was great and we had lunch and saw a movie. Then I got back to the Plaza with them all and was about to invite them up when the concierge said,
"Your Majesty, you have a visitor. I sent him up to your suite."
"Who is it?" I said, all curious. The Concierge looked at a note and said,
"He said his name was Prince Pierre Rene Grimaldi Alberto."
"WHAT?!" I shouted. The girls were looking sort of worried for my sanity and I turned to them.
"Look, I have to go. I'll see you on Thursday, at Lily's ok? See you later Danae." They said goodbye and Lily took Danae home. I looked at Lars.
"What is Rene doing here?"
"I don't know. Let's find out."
So I went storming up to my room. And there was Rene, with his bodyguard Francois. He stood up and bowed and said,
"Queen Amelia-"
"What are you doing here?" I screeched. Rene smiled at me and said,
"I thought a holiday would be most refreshing."
"This is my holiday to see my family and friends." I pointed out. I was furious. How dare he just show up like this? Rene's smile got wider and he pointed out that America was a free country and if he wanted to visit he could. Well, what could I say? So now he's staying in my suite. And just because he's in my suite doesn't mean I have to talk to him or anything. He has his own bedroom, bathroom and living room, so why should he bother me?
Oh yeah, because that's what he does best.
Tuesday 24th February: The Plaza 10:00 am.
Danae will be here any minute. We're having some more sister time. I have a lot to make up for after all. Danae wants to come and see Genovia. Maybe I'll invite everyone! Big bonus to having a private jet and landing strip. It would be great fun. I'd have to check with Parliament and everything, but I'm sure it'll be ok. I'm sure Queen Elizabeth of England goes on holiday and has her friends and family round at her palace. She just probably doesn't where a Greenpeace t-shirt, khaki's and combat boots while doing it.
Ooh, Danae's here.
The Loft: 8:42 pm.
Ok, Danae and me hung out all day! We went to the mall and did some clothes shopping. Of course the Genovian minister would have a fit if he saw me wearing the clothes we bought. But who cares? I'm on holiday now! Anyway, we came back to the loft for dinner and I saw Hank. He looks totally great and he hugged me and asked me how I was doing. I said I was great and asked him how the modelling business was going. He loves it apparently. Which is good, right?
Mom just asked me if I wanted anything else to eat. A four-course dinner, plus a snack and cheese and crackers. How could I possibly eat more? What is it with Moms and wanting to make you as fat as possible? I love Mom and everything but I'm stuffed!
I'm going to see her studio tomorrow. She insisted on it. She looks kinda weird and suspicious and won't tell me why. It's really bugging me.
Fat Louie keeps wanting me to pet him. I really want to take him back to Genovia with me but the palace staff would have a fit. I checked behind the toilet earlier and found his collection of shiny objects. I love Louie.
I really should be getting back to the Plaza now.
The Plaza, My Suite: 10:15 pm.
Rene is talking again. Why can't he just shut up? He hasn't even noticed that I'm not listening and writing in this diary.
I read the old stuff in my diary earlier. Boy, did I need to self-actualise! I was so paranoid of the way I look. At least I have an excuse to be paranoid now. You know, about stuff like being assassinated and looking stupid in front of the press. There's the stuff about liking Josh Richter (I was probably sick at the time or something), dating Kenny (I KNOW I was sick then!) Dating Michael (Where's the downside?) and the very last entry. I copied it out again.
This will be the last entry I make as Princess Amelia. I'm leaving for Genovia tomorrow and will become Queen. Dad died earlier today. I was with him at the time. Why do people have to die? First Grandmere, then Dad. Everyone's going away. Even me. I can't come back to New York for ages. Mom and Mr G are staying here with little Danae. She's never going to really now her big sister. I've got loads of flowers from people about my dad.
Flowers aren't going to bring him back.
I can't talk to anyone, not even Michael. What can I say? 'Sorry Michael, but I'm leaving the country and probably won't be back for ages.'?
My life is one big mistake.
I felt so bad back then. There's no excuse for what I did. I just hope everyone will forgive me properly. I'm going to the studio like Mom asked tomorrow. Uh oh, I think Rene's noticed I've stopped listening. Time to nod encouragingly.
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Hey! Like it? Then review!
Lotsa luv
Katie.