Disclaimer: You know the deal. (This first part is directly from the book,
because honestly, I know I can't write it better than this. However, I did
cut some parts out to make it shorter.) Jane Lee is a figment of my
imagination. She doesn't exist. Caught in a Flood wasn't written by me, but
unfortunately, I don't know who its by.
A/N: I know its pretty long, sorry about that, I just didn't feel right about posting a chapter that only about half of it belonged to me, so its part of the reason. The other is basically I've been battling my annual spring cold, while trying to work on another story.
===================================================== =====================================================
(Mia's POV) 9 weeks to the performance, on the way to school.
Last night Kenny called me and asked if I was okay after the whole ice- skating-tongue-being-cut ordeal. It was strange. He sounded weird. So I asked him what was wrong, and then he told me he loved me.
Kenny said he loved me.
What am I going to do? I don't love Kenny! I don't even like him like 'that'!
-----------------------------------------
(Later)
"Oh, God," Tina said, reaching out and grabbing my wrist. "There's someone else, isn't there."
We only had a few minutes before the bell ran. We both had to get to class.
And yet, for some reason, I chose this moment to make my big confession. I don't know why.
So I went, "Yes."
Tina nearly spilled her cosmetics bag, she was so excited.
"I knew it!" she yelled. "I knew there was a reason you wouldn't let him kiss you!"
My Jaw dropped. "You know about that, too?"
"Well." Tina shrugged. "Kenny told Dave, who told me."
Jeez! It sounds like to me Kenny's been doing enough sharing recently to make up for several centuries' worth of masculine reticence.
"So who is he?" Tina asked, all eager as she packed up her curler and lip liner. "That guy you like?"
I went, "It doesn't matter. Besides the whole thing is completely futile. He sort of has a girlfriend. I think."
Tina whipped her head around to look at me, making her thick black braid smack her in her own face, which is chubby, but in a good way.
"It's Michael isn't it?" she demanded, grabbing my arm again. She was holding on so tight it hurt.
My instinct, of course, was to deny it. In fact, I even opened my mouth, all set to have the word No come out of it.
But then I was like, Why? Why should I deny it to Tina? Tina wouldn't tell anyone. And Tina might be able to help me. So Instead of saying No, I took a deep breath, and said, "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you, understand? KILL YOU."
Tina did a strange thing then. She let go of my arm and started jumping up and down in a circle. "I knew it, I knew it, I knew it," she said, as she jumped. Then she stopped jumping and grabbed my arm again. "Oh, Mia, I always though you two would make the cutest couple. I mean, I like Kenny and hall, but he's, you know." She wrinkled up her nose. "Not Michael."
If I had thought it felt strange last night telling my dad the truth about my feelings for Michael, that was nothing—NOTHING—compared to how it felt to be telling someone my own age. The fact that Tina hadn't burst out laughing or gone, "Yea, right," in a sarcastic way meant more to me than I ever would have expected.
And the fact that she seemed to understand—even applaud—my feelings for Michael made me want to fling my arms around her and give her a great big hug.
Only there was no time for that, since the bell was about to ring. Instead, I gushed, "Really? You don't think it's stupid?"
"Duh," Tina said. "Michael is hot. And he's a senior." Then she looked troubled. "But what about Kenny? And Judith?"
"I know," I said, my shoulders slumping. "Tina, I don't know what to do."
"I Think I read a book where this happened once," she said. "Listen to My Heart, it was called, I think. If I could just remember how they resolved everything—"
But before she could remember, the bell rang. We were both totally late to class.
But if you ask me, it was worth it. Because now, at least, I don't have to worry alone. I have somebody else worrying with me.
------------------
(Later After School)
ShakespeareanLuv: Hey, Mia.
FtLouie: Hi Mandella!
ShakespeareanLuv: Hope you don't mind, I got your sn from Michael.
FtLouie: Yeah, its okay!
ShakespeareanLuv: I just wanted to ask if you wanted to come to my apartment tomorrow, and we could practice lines.
Oh my god! I completely forgot about the play. This is not good, there are only nine weeks left, and I have to memorize all of the parts still. I haven't even thought about it since Lilly started that disaster with Michael.
What am I going to do? There is NO WAY I'm going to be able to get this all done in time. On top of that I have FINALS in THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish there was some way I could royally command Mrs. Spears into not doing this assignment, or at least, I don't know... making it so that I'm NOT Juliet!!!
This whole thing would go much better anyways if Mandella was Juliet. I mean she's practically already got the whole thing down already. She can recite parts from almost any Shakespearean play, or at least she says she can. But you know what? I believe her, she's really good.
Oh, I just got another message from her.
ShakespeareanLuv: Mia? Are you still there?
Whoops, I guess I just left her hanging.
FtLouie: Yea, sorry, I was just panicking at how little time is left. Thank you so much for helping me!!
ShakespeareanLuv: Don't worry about it, we can spend sometime on it a little every week, and then you'll be fine. Oh, I hope you don't mind, I told Michael to come too. It won't help if you only ever practice with another girl.
NO!!!!!!! I don't want Michael there! Look what happened last time we tried to practice together!!!
This day just gets worse, and worse.
===============
(Mandella's POV)
"Hey, Lilly!" I called.
"What do you want, Mandella?" she asked coldly.
"You don't like me, I want to know why." She gave me a look that would have scared me away... But I was resolute. Today was the day.
"Mia says you have a boyfriend in Seattle, and you insist on flirting and leading my brother on; whom I'm sure you know has interest elsewhere."
"She's wrong. And you're wrong." Ooh, I knew I had to be brave after that one.
"What?!"
"I lied to Mia," I started. "I know lying is technically wrong, but I can't help her if she thinks I'm competition."
"Go on."
"I had a boyfriend, he was a great guy, but after a while the spark just wasn't there..."
"And so lying helps her, how?"
"She won't think I'm competition with her, for Michael." Now I was exasperated, Lilly always gave the impression of being a quick thinker, what happened?
"And yet you flirt with Michael."
"Not intentionally, I also told Michael I'd help him win her."
"He already has."
"Yes, I know, and she him. But both are either too ignorant to see it, or are too stubborn to admit their own worth and that some can return there love. It's a classic situation, which is why I'm here to interfere. Or if nothing else, become the catalyst."
Lilly narrowed her eyes. "Sounds like you have a plan."
"I do."
"And you want my help?"
"I do."
"Alright, spill."
And so I did.
===========
Mia POV (The Next Day—Mrs. Spears English class.)
I think the world is out get me. Or maybe people are trying to help me, but what they don't realize that they're actually killing me. Let me start from the beginning:
This morning in the Limo: Lilly brought up the poster design she had been working on for her part of the G&T assignment with the Romeo and Juliet thing.
Lilly's on publicity, which I think if funny, because she's totally against the way Juliet throws herself at a chauvinistic Romeo. Or something like that. I agree with Tina, its kind of romantic.
But the Lilly starts to ask questions like, "So how often have you guys practiced?" and "Mia, have you even opened the book?" Which just made me feel sort of guilty, because I know I'm totally going to end up relying on everyone else to get me through this assignment. And not only that, but FINALS ARE IN THREE WEEKS.
I cannot stress enough, HOW STRESSFULL THIS IS!!!
So Michael offered to help me more with practicing and memorizing lines. Which is really nice of him. I of course, accepted his offer. Even if I didn't need as much help as the polar bears and their trees at Christmas time, I would have still accepted. Come on, it is Michael we're talking about.
But the weird part, Lilly didn't even look slightly aggravated that Michael was going to help me, not like she usually does. She just looked... sort of smug, like she knew something.
And then in Algebra, Mr. G made me try to do some examples on the board. That didn't go well at all. After class he wanted to talk to me, and he was like, "Mia, I think we need to start reviewing together at home, too."
I don't want to review at home too!!!!!! So I said, "Its okay, Mr. G. Michael promised he'd help me study."
Well, it was sort of true. But at least Mr. G agreed that I was doing better since Michael started helping me. But I have to keep studying hard or else....
And now, in English, Mrs. Spears says we're going to spend 2 days a week working on the play. She also went, "Don't forget! After New Years we're going to have to start meeting after school to put the finishing touches on this performance!"
Play rehearsals, AND Princess Lessons?!!?!? This is not fair. At all.
How am I going to handle memorization of what sounds like another language when I can hardly pass algebra? How am I going to handle the rehearsals when I can hardly survive the tortuous hours I spend with Grandmére.
And what's Grandmére going to when I tell her I'll be late to her lessons?
--------------
Later (after princess lessons)
Okay, I was not expecting that at all. Grandmére is supposed to tell me I don't have do the rehearsals, or insist I do something about the way I look or criticize me harshly until I want to yell and scream at her.
I told Grandmére about my predicament, and she simply said I would have Princess lessons after the rehearsals, and for a shorter period. After that I would study vigorously until finals. This sounded like it was too good to be true.
So I asked what the catch was. Which only resulted in a lecture on how I shouldn't be suspicious of her motives because she's FAMILY. She maybe family, but she's still GRANDMÈERE. I don't trust her.
And then she said what I was afraid of. There was catch. On Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the morning, I belonged to her. And would I please stop gaping at her like that. Why am I surprised she hasn't already taken care of everything?
She has a point there. I shouldn't be surprised that she's completely interfered with my life. Again. I shouldn't be infuriated that she's TRYING to ruin my life. I mean, after all, every other High School student has a NORMAL grandmother; me, the freak, the loser ends up with a psycho.
Apparently, Grandmére even already arranged with Mrs. Hill to have me excused from some of the rehearsals so that I can go with Grandmére to get PRIVATE INSTRUCTIONS FROM A BROADWAY PERFORMER. Her name is Jane Lee.
Oh my god.
I can't believe she did that. Jane Lee, will be attending the final performance. Everyone, including Jane Lee, will see how huge a failure I am. I am charity case, this private tutelage in acting... its charity. Some string Grandmére pulled, and Jane Lee won't even have the satisfaction of knowing her class was successful.
But the worst part?
She told the press. The day after the performance, everyone will know how huge a failure I really am. The world will know, Genovia will know.
Michael will regret having even met me.
On the other hand, maybe it will force Kenny to break up with me because I've embarrassed him so much.
We're at Mandella's apartment now. I'll write more later; this should be fun. Not.
===================================================== =====================================================
Oi. If you think this is long, know this: I ended up cutting it in half before posting... if that gives you any idea of how long it really is. But I need something to fall back on in case I don't get a chance to write later this week. Sorry.
Anyways, now that you've read, please, please review!
Criticize me! Point out my spelling mestakes (hehe) and tell me how horrible I am!!! (But do it nicely, I still have a heart after all.) j/k Review however you want as long as its not flaming.
A/N: I know its pretty long, sorry about that, I just didn't feel right about posting a chapter that only about half of it belonged to me, so its part of the reason. The other is basically I've been battling my annual spring cold, while trying to work on another story.
===================================================== =====================================================
(Mia's POV) 9 weeks to the performance, on the way to school.
Last night Kenny called me and asked if I was okay after the whole ice- skating-tongue-being-cut ordeal. It was strange. He sounded weird. So I asked him what was wrong, and then he told me he loved me.
Kenny said he loved me.
What am I going to do? I don't love Kenny! I don't even like him like 'that'!
-----------------------------------------
(Later)
"Oh, God," Tina said, reaching out and grabbing my wrist. "There's someone else, isn't there."
We only had a few minutes before the bell ran. We both had to get to class.
And yet, for some reason, I chose this moment to make my big confession. I don't know why.
So I went, "Yes."
Tina nearly spilled her cosmetics bag, she was so excited.
"I knew it!" she yelled. "I knew there was a reason you wouldn't let him kiss you!"
My Jaw dropped. "You know about that, too?"
"Well." Tina shrugged. "Kenny told Dave, who told me."
Jeez! It sounds like to me Kenny's been doing enough sharing recently to make up for several centuries' worth of masculine reticence.
"So who is he?" Tina asked, all eager as she packed up her curler and lip liner. "That guy you like?"
I went, "It doesn't matter. Besides the whole thing is completely futile. He sort of has a girlfriend. I think."
Tina whipped her head around to look at me, making her thick black braid smack her in her own face, which is chubby, but in a good way.
"It's Michael isn't it?" she demanded, grabbing my arm again. She was holding on so tight it hurt.
My instinct, of course, was to deny it. In fact, I even opened my mouth, all set to have the word No come out of it.
But then I was like, Why? Why should I deny it to Tina? Tina wouldn't tell anyone. And Tina might be able to help me. So Instead of saying No, I took a deep breath, and said, "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you, understand? KILL YOU."
Tina did a strange thing then. She let go of my arm and started jumping up and down in a circle. "I knew it, I knew it, I knew it," she said, as she jumped. Then she stopped jumping and grabbed my arm again. "Oh, Mia, I always though you two would make the cutest couple. I mean, I like Kenny and hall, but he's, you know." She wrinkled up her nose. "Not Michael."
If I had thought it felt strange last night telling my dad the truth about my feelings for Michael, that was nothing—NOTHING—compared to how it felt to be telling someone my own age. The fact that Tina hadn't burst out laughing or gone, "Yea, right," in a sarcastic way meant more to me than I ever would have expected.
And the fact that she seemed to understand—even applaud—my feelings for Michael made me want to fling my arms around her and give her a great big hug.
Only there was no time for that, since the bell was about to ring. Instead, I gushed, "Really? You don't think it's stupid?"
"Duh," Tina said. "Michael is hot. And he's a senior." Then she looked troubled. "But what about Kenny? And Judith?"
"I know," I said, my shoulders slumping. "Tina, I don't know what to do."
"I Think I read a book where this happened once," she said. "Listen to My Heart, it was called, I think. If I could just remember how they resolved everything—"
But before she could remember, the bell rang. We were both totally late to class.
But if you ask me, it was worth it. Because now, at least, I don't have to worry alone. I have somebody else worrying with me.
------------------
(Later After School)
ShakespeareanLuv: Hey, Mia.
FtLouie: Hi Mandella!
ShakespeareanLuv: Hope you don't mind, I got your sn from Michael.
FtLouie: Yeah, its okay!
ShakespeareanLuv: I just wanted to ask if you wanted to come to my apartment tomorrow, and we could practice lines.
Oh my god! I completely forgot about the play. This is not good, there are only nine weeks left, and I have to memorize all of the parts still. I haven't even thought about it since Lilly started that disaster with Michael.
What am I going to do? There is NO WAY I'm going to be able to get this all done in time. On top of that I have FINALS in THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish there was some way I could royally command Mrs. Spears into not doing this assignment, or at least, I don't know... making it so that I'm NOT Juliet!!!
This whole thing would go much better anyways if Mandella was Juliet. I mean she's practically already got the whole thing down already. She can recite parts from almost any Shakespearean play, or at least she says she can. But you know what? I believe her, she's really good.
Oh, I just got another message from her.
ShakespeareanLuv: Mia? Are you still there?
Whoops, I guess I just left her hanging.
FtLouie: Yea, sorry, I was just panicking at how little time is left. Thank you so much for helping me!!
ShakespeareanLuv: Don't worry about it, we can spend sometime on it a little every week, and then you'll be fine. Oh, I hope you don't mind, I told Michael to come too. It won't help if you only ever practice with another girl.
NO!!!!!!! I don't want Michael there! Look what happened last time we tried to practice together!!!
This day just gets worse, and worse.
===============
(Mandella's POV)
"Hey, Lilly!" I called.
"What do you want, Mandella?" she asked coldly.
"You don't like me, I want to know why." She gave me a look that would have scared me away... But I was resolute. Today was the day.
"Mia says you have a boyfriend in Seattle, and you insist on flirting and leading my brother on; whom I'm sure you know has interest elsewhere."
"She's wrong. And you're wrong." Ooh, I knew I had to be brave after that one.
"What?!"
"I lied to Mia," I started. "I know lying is technically wrong, but I can't help her if she thinks I'm competition."
"Go on."
"I had a boyfriend, he was a great guy, but after a while the spark just wasn't there..."
"And so lying helps her, how?"
"She won't think I'm competition with her, for Michael." Now I was exasperated, Lilly always gave the impression of being a quick thinker, what happened?
"And yet you flirt with Michael."
"Not intentionally, I also told Michael I'd help him win her."
"He already has."
"Yes, I know, and she him. But both are either too ignorant to see it, or are too stubborn to admit their own worth and that some can return there love. It's a classic situation, which is why I'm here to interfere. Or if nothing else, become the catalyst."
Lilly narrowed her eyes. "Sounds like you have a plan."
"I do."
"And you want my help?"
"I do."
"Alright, spill."
And so I did.
===========
Mia POV (The Next Day—Mrs. Spears English class.)
I think the world is out get me. Or maybe people are trying to help me, but what they don't realize that they're actually killing me. Let me start from the beginning:
This morning in the Limo: Lilly brought up the poster design she had been working on for her part of the G&T assignment with the Romeo and Juliet thing.
Lilly's on publicity, which I think if funny, because she's totally against the way Juliet throws herself at a chauvinistic Romeo. Or something like that. I agree with Tina, its kind of romantic.
But the Lilly starts to ask questions like, "So how often have you guys practiced?" and "Mia, have you even opened the book?" Which just made me feel sort of guilty, because I know I'm totally going to end up relying on everyone else to get me through this assignment. And not only that, but FINALS ARE IN THREE WEEKS.
I cannot stress enough, HOW STRESSFULL THIS IS!!!
So Michael offered to help me more with practicing and memorizing lines. Which is really nice of him. I of course, accepted his offer. Even if I didn't need as much help as the polar bears and their trees at Christmas time, I would have still accepted. Come on, it is Michael we're talking about.
But the weird part, Lilly didn't even look slightly aggravated that Michael was going to help me, not like she usually does. She just looked... sort of smug, like she knew something.
And then in Algebra, Mr. G made me try to do some examples on the board. That didn't go well at all. After class he wanted to talk to me, and he was like, "Mia, I think we need to start reviewing together at home, too."
I don't want to review at home too!!!!!! So I said, "Its okay, Mr. G. Michael promised he'd help me study."
Well, it was sort of true. But at least Mr. G agreed that I was doing better since Michael started helping me. But I have to keep studying hard or else....
And now, in English, Mrs. Spears says we're going to spend 2 days a week working on the play. She also went, "Don't forget! After New Years we're going to have to start meeting after school to put the finishing touches on this performance!"
Play rehearsals, AND Princess Lessons?!!?!? This is not fair. At all.
How am I going to handle memorization of what sounds like another language when I can hardly pass algebra? How am I going to handle the rehearsals when I can hardly survive the tortuous hours I spend with Grandmére.
And what's Grandmére going to when I tell her I'll be late to her lessons?
--------------
Later (after princess lessons)
Okay, I was not expecting that at all. Grandmére is supposed to tell me I don't have do the rehearsals, or insist I do something about the way I look or criticize me harshly until I want to yell and scream at her.
I told Grandmére about my predicament, and she simply said I would have Princess lessons after the rehearsals, and for a shorter period. After that I would study vigorously until finals. This sounded like it was too good to be true.
So I asked what the catch was. Which only resulted in a lecture on how I shouldn't be suspicious of her motives because she's FAMILY. She maybe family, but she's still GRANDMÈERE. I don't trust her.
And then she said what I was afraid of. There was catch. On Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the morning, I belonged to her. And would I please stop gaping at her like that. Why am I surprised she hasn't already taken care of everything?
She has a point there. I shouldn't be surprised that she's completely interfered with my life. Again. I shouldn't be infuriated that she's TRYING to ruin my life. I mean, after all, every other High School student has a NORMAL grandmother; me, the freak, the loser ends up with a psycho.
Apparently, Grandmére even already arranged with Mrs. Hill to have me excused from some of the rehearsals so that I can go with Grandmére to get PRIVATE INSTRUCTIONS FROM A BROADWAY PERFORMER. Her name is Jane Lee.
Oh my god.
I can't believe she did that. Jane Lee, will be attending the final performance. Everyone, including Jane Lee, will see how huge a failure I am. I am charity case, this private tutelage in acting... its charity. Some string Grandmére pulled, and Jane Lee won't even have the satisfaction of knowing her class was successful.
But the worst part?
She told the press. The day after the performance, everyone will know how huge a failure I really am. The world will know, Genovia will know.
Michael will regret having even met me.
On the other hand, maybe it will force Kenny to break up with me because I've embarrassed him so much.
We're at Mandella's apartment now. I'll write more later; this should be fun. Not.
===================================================== =====================================================
Oi. If you think this is long, know this: I ended up cutting it in half before posting... if that gives you any idea of how long it really is. But I need something to fall back on in case I don't get a chance to write later this week. Sorry.
Anyways, now that you've read, please, please review!
Criticize me! Point out my spelling mestakes (hehe) and tell me how horrible I am!!! (But do it nicely, I still have a heart after all.) j/k Review however you want as long as its not flaming.