Disclaimer: You know the deal. 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: hello there! Thank you for the awesome reviews.
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(Mia POV)
Mandella is my hero! She is so cool! Even though I feel really bad about what happened.
I got to her apartment and Lars of course came in to check it out. He decided to stay because Mandella's parents weren't home, so he's just being cautious I guess.
When I rang the doorbell, a call just came from inside, "It's unlocked! Come inside, Mia!"
I was pretty surprised, I mean, this is New York City. But Mandella didn't seem to care, so Lars and I went in. I didn't know where to go at first. But heard the voices of Mandella and Michael and followed them.
Mandella's apartment isn't really that big, her family only needed a two bedroom apartment.
Her room is pretty big though, and all over the walls are posters she's collected. All for promotions of Shakespearean plays. Not just from Seattle either, she's got ones from Oregon and California. I guess when she goes to a play she always makes sure to get the poster if it was any good. So her walls are plastered with dozens and dozens of these posters.
It's pretty eclectic, but in an impressive way. Some of the posters are hand drawn, and others are photos of the actors. There are even some from high school productions.
She also has a really large window in one wall of her room, which has a large sofa right below it. There's no bed in the room, Mandella says she just folds out the sofa when she feels like sleeping in bed. Otherwise the sofa is comfortable enough and it gives her room more space. On the floor is a pretty ornate carpet that looks really old. In a corner on the right side of the bed it's a desk, which was an antique from Mandella's grandfather. A 'moving away' gift. They were pretty close.
And she also has a coffee table and a leather reclining chair in her room. It looks just like a living room. Its weird, but it makes the whole thing very friendly.
I could hear Michael and Mendalla talking, I know listening in isn't technically polite, but they were talking loud enough that I could easily hear them. Its not my fault, really.
"She's really beautiful," Michael was saying. That made me really curious, who was he talking about?
"Definitely better looking than Lana."
"Don't even make the comparison! When I look at her eyes, I feel like I'm sinking into this bottomless pit of quicksand. I'll never be able to get out, I'll be trapped, belonging to her forever."
"And Lana?" Mandella said sounding amused. Who were they talking about?
"Lana is about as deep as an ant." Michael said, snorting.
I entered the room then, giggling. If I took any longer they surely would have known I was listening. Lars motioned that he would wait in the living room and left.
Michael, who had been lying on his back staring at the partially-postered- ceiling sat up, his face burning red.
"Michael," I said smiling at him. "That's really not very nice you know, if you feel so obliged to compliment Lana, you should do it to her face."
Michael still staring at me in shock, stuttered out my name. It made me really uncomfortable, and guilty for listening in on their conversation. Obviously he felt it was very private.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in..."
"Its fine Mia, you didn't hear any names other than Lana's did you?" Mandella asked.
"Er... No," I really wished I knew who Michael liked!! Please! Don't let it be Judith Gershner!
"Perfect!" Is it me or did Mandella sound slightly disappointed? "Michael, you can stop the deer-in-head-light look now."
Michael stopped staring and apologized sheepishly. Adding, "Alright, what would you compare her to, Mia?"
"A toothpick. She can be a pain if she pokes you, but there's no real emotion there. An ant at least still has instincts. If you call that emotion."
"Hm," Michael thought about it for a minute. "True. But then you're putting down the ever useful toothpick."
Mandella rolled her eyes and stood up from the chair she was in.
"As this is an incredibly intelligent conversation which so obviously just cannot wait, I'll be right back, I want some water," She said and started to walk out of the room when she tripped over something hidden between the coach and chair.
"Michael, can you move your guitar case off to the side?" She left the room leaving him glaring after her.
"You brought your guitar?" I asked curious. Michael looked sort embarrassed by the whole thing.
"Yeah, I needed a string replaced. So I picked up from the store before coming here."
"Play her that song you played me earlier!" Mandella called from the kitchen. She must have amazing hearing.
"I'm sure you don't want to hear it, Mia. Its just the start of something I've been working on."
"Oh, no!" I said honestly surprised. "I'd love to hear it. You're really good."
Michael bowed his head at the compliment. "Thanks," he said quietly, getting out his guitar. "Its called 'Caught in a Flood'. It's about a relationship I have with someone I really care about. I wrote it when we weren't speaking, not that long ago."
I tried to think about who it might be, but when I heard his voice I had to listen to the lyrics.
"...If it would make you comfortable, / I'd jump out of this tree, / Or maybe we could get / Married and be happy..."
Michael looked at me intently, I smiled. I didn't know what to do, but his voice was so sexy, I could listen to him all day.
"... These few words could be the last we ever speak. / Do you think maybe, / You could love me / Or like me maybe. ..."
Michael looked back down at his guitar, and his fingers strummed at the strings intensely.
"...Maybe you'd look at me, / You'd talk to me, / We could marry, / Live in this tree. / But it's unlikely. / You don't like me, / And I don't like me, / And its unlikely..."
I think Michael was blushing as he finished. I don't understand why he's so embarrassed. It's a beautiful song, he's really talented, and sexy and ... Obviously crazy about the girl he likes. I sighed. I have no chance with him at all.
"It was really beautiful," I said. It felt like something needed to be said to fill the silence.
"Thanks, again. The tree part is just an analogy of course, I'm not sure yet if I'll change the lyrics."
"Don't change them!" I said, probably a little too quickly. I was leaning toward him from where I sat on the sofa, and with out thinking, I put my hand on his knee. "I like them the way they are now. They're really beautiful."
"I think so too," said Mandella standing in the doorway. She had a tray of three glasses and a pitcher of water in her hands. "Anyways, we've gotten distracted from what we are actually here for."
"Yes," said Michael and I together. He was still looking at me, and then I realized I had left my hand on his knee. Embarrassed I pulled it back and looked down at my hands in my lap.
So we practiced lines for a while. Michael and I relied heavily on our books. Mandella helped me understand what Shakespeare meant in some of Juliet's lines. She gave both Michael and I tips on how to react to the other's lines.
For example, with one line, he should pick up my hand and hold it to his heart. Or in another line, I should turn away from him, pretending to be ashamed.
Overall, I can honestly say, that Mandella kept us so busy; I didn't have time to become distracted with they way I felt myself constantly blushing, or the way Michael would blush sometimes. Or the way I felt like he would look at me differently, and the way he smiled gently when I stumbled. The way I could feel his heart beating faster when he held my hand there. The way Michael didn't seem to want to let go...
Even around the kiss scenes, it was like Mandella had suddenly become Lilly, very demanding, and very go-go-go.
But it was okay, she said it is too early to get too far into the actions, and we should just hug for now. But as we practiced we should get more and more into it. As in, actually kiss. I really don't know what to do about that. I'm excited, but I mean, kissing Michael? He'll really find me repulsive then. So I guess you can also say I'm absolutely petrified.
Anyways, Mandella's really amazing, she knows so much. Even when she was working with Michael about some line or something, she'd have me watch and recommend any changes. If I didn't have any, than she have Michael do it over several times until I was sure.
Or while Mandella was working on the rhythm of the lines with me, she'd make Michael play some notes on his guitar, certain pitches, of how she thought the intonation should rise or fall.
It was actually pretty fun. I admit, if the school rehearsals are anything like this, it won't be so bad until the actually performance.
I think Mandella should become a famous director, specializing in Shakespeare. I told that and she smiled and sighed at me. I wonder, what's up with that?
Around 7 o'clock or so, Mandella's mom came home, followed quickly by her father. Her mom looked really upset, so Mandella went to talk to her.
Mandella came back teary-eyed and immediately went to Michael for a hug. Her grandfather died this morning of a stroke. She'll be gone for a week for the funeral.
She made us promise to practice together at least once a day, she said just because she wasn't there, didn't mean that we still couldn't run lines.
I gave her a hug before Michael and I left, and I told her I hoped everything would be okay soon. I really do, too. Mandella doesn't deserve this.
So now we're in the Limo, just about to reach Michael's apartment. Neither one of us said anything once we left Mandella. What was there to be said?
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(the Next Day)
Okay, I have to get up the guts to ask Michael to help me on both Algebra and this play stuff. I told Mr. G I was getting help. So I better, besides, I really need it anyways.
But its hard not to find myself blushing horribly red when I think of talking to him. I mean, he's sitting so close, right next to me. He's not looking at me, or anything, he's just looking out his window, one hand on the seat in-between us, nearly touching my leg. The other resting on his own leg.
I have to do this. No more distractions. I have to. ... okay, here goes.
"Hey, Michael?" I said tentatively. I didn't want to disturb him, after all he looked pretty deep in thought, its okay if he didn't answer really...
Not my luck obviously.
"Yeah?" he asked, looking at me.
"Um... Can you help me with Algebra and Romeo & Juliet during G&T?" I glanced at Lilly nervously. She was obviously really into her book, and completely oblivious to what was going on. Lars, sitting next to her, looked slightly amused. I wonder what he thought was so funny.
"Sure," he smiled. I let myself breath, he wasn't going to completely reject me after all!
"But, Thermopolis?" Uh-oh... this can't be good. 'But' is never good. Oh god.
"Maybe we should work on Algerbra mainly in G&T, and then practice for Romeo & Juliet during lunch." I stared at him. Was he actually proposing to spend MORE time together? I couldn't be more lucky, I'm not even wearing my Queen Amidala underwear!!
I think I made him a little scared and uncomfortable by staring at him because he quickly added, "Well, I could use the practice with the lines too, but Algebra is more important, especially with Finals so close. So," he swallowed. "I was thinking we could spend more time on both."
Yes! Could this day get any better? School hadn't even started yet!
"Yes! Thank you soo much, Michael! You're a life saver!" I felt my self gushing and stopped. No need to scare him away so quickly. "Can we start today?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Michael said smiling. "Mandella's not here to help us. So um... I don't know about you, but I'll have to practice. A lot."
I couldn't help myself, I grinned. "Me too," I said. Was it me, or did Michael seem just as eager to work together as I was? Was my dream of Michael secretly loving me, real? Nah, probably not.
"Princess," Lars said. He was outside of the car, holding the door open for me. I guess we had already arrived at school. Better go.
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(Mia's English Class, No one's POV)
Mia got to her English class and sat down immediately pulling out her journal. She had hardly written a sentence when Mrs. Spears announced that the desks needed to be pushed against the walls.
They were going to rehearse today.
Mia panicked slightly, but allowed her desk to be pushed away from her. She walked over to the door, where Lars sat, and handed him her journal. Knowing the routine, he opened his briefcase and stuck it in.
She and this boy named James were forced to stand in the center of the room. James was the real Romeo. He looked as nervous as Mia felt, which helped her relax only slightly.
At least she wouldn't be the only one to feel ridiculous. He rubbed his hand on the back of his head, looking at his feet uneasily. He was as tall as Mia was, with short, cropped brown hair. There was nothing special about him.
Intently Mia focused on the text of her book. She would not stumble, no. No, she would not stutter. She would read it perfectly. She would read it clearly, the way James was. She would be audible. And it would be perfect.
Mia looked up from her book, suddenly aware that the class was staring at her. She looked to Mrs. Spears, who only shrugged. Still, Mia was unaware of what had been happening.
Then some one asked loudly, "Are they really gonna kiss?"
Everyone giggled, except for Mia. She stared at James, who grinned sheepishly. "Its in the book," he said to her. He leaned forward, but Mia turned her head away, and he brushed against her cheek. She was an expert at this, Kenny gave her enough practice.
Mrs. Spears spoke above the clamor that had erupted. Some of the kids had already started making fun of James for Mia's jilt.
"Mia, I understand your uncomfortable with this right now, but a real kiss will be necessary on the night of the performance. This is high school, so editing things out isn't necessary any more."
Numbly Mia nodded.
"Go on, then," instructed her English teacher.
Mia fumbled to find the correct page; she had closed it unintentionally. She couldn't help herself. Despite her resolution, she stumbled as she read.
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After class, James followed Mia down the hallway.
"Hey Mia!" he called, she stopped, embarrassed at the attention drawn to her.
He caught up, grabbing a hold of her hand. Mia looked around nervously.
"Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to go to a movie with me sometime?" Unlike Kenny, James spoke with confidence. He spoke like he knew what he was doing.
But it didn't matter, Kenny was her boyfriend. That didn't even matter either, she was in love with Michael. What was it with boys lately? Did they suddenly find her attractive because of the whole princess thing?
She shoved that thought out of her mind. No, they didn't. At least Kenny didn't, and Michael didn't either.
"I'm sorry, James. I have a boyfriend."
James didn't look even slightly put off. "I know, but do you really like Kenny? I mean.... Kenny Showalter..."
He didn't even finish his sentence. Mia gaped at him in disbelief. Was she that obvious?
"You're right... I'm a horrible girlfriend, I know."
James laughed at her pathetic response. "Mia, you make me laugh, that's why I like you. Go out with me," he demanded.
She looked at him, trying to decide what to do. If she went on a date with James, and Kenny found out, than she and Kenny would be through. And she would be considered extremely cruel for cheating on Kenny.
On the other hand, she would be rid of Kenny. But stuck with James.
"Do you like anime?" Mia asked carefully.
"Its okay," James said confused. "You like it? I mean, we could go to see some of it if that's what you want."
"Oh no! No, thank you," Mia said quickly. "Let me think about it, okay?"
Mia walked away briskly, not waiting for James to respond. She didn't know what to do.
Maybe Tina could help.
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It was lunch, and as Mia hoped, Michael hadn't beaten her to the library. She had forced Tina to come with her so they could talk until Michael arrived.
"Why don't you just break up with Kenny?" Tina asked.
Mia knew it would be the simplest thing to do. But she honestly didn't have the guts to see the look on his face as he found out about Michael.
She sighed, and Tina sat down next to her. "Well, than at least tell Michael how you feel."
"How? What if he rejects me?" Mia asked.
"He won't, you're too perfect for him," Tina said confidently.
"But what if he does?" Mia asked again, forlornly. Thinking of Kenny made her feel depressed and hopeless. Usually, thinking of Michael made her feel better, but right now... nothing could help.
"What about sending him a love letter? Then you wouldn't have to say it to his face. You could just put it in his locker."
"Okay..." Mia brightened at this idea, she could do that. "Or maybe not something so tacky as a love letter. How about just a secret admirer card?"
Tina clapped her hands together gleefully. "Perfect!" she said cheerfully. "We'll go get a card tomorrow during lunch, okay?"
Mia nodded, happy that at least she was doing something about one of the boys in her life. Now if she could only figure out what to do with the other two.
James was simple enough, she could just tell him no, she had a boyfriend. And then leave it at that. He already knew that, so it wouldn't be hurting him that much.
"Tina, but what about Kenny?"
Michael came up to their table right then, behind Tina who didn't hear him approach.
"Mia you'll have to break up with him sooner or later, its just as on fair to him right now."
She looked at Mia with confusion, Mia's eyes were so wide, and staring over her shoulder. Tina turned around and gasped.
"Um. Hi, Michael," she said weakly.
"Hi," he said. To Mia, he looked as though he was trying to hide a smile. His voice was surprisingly chipper.
"So you don't want to go out with Kenny?"
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(Michael's POV)
Mia turned bright red, it was humorous I suppose, except that she didn't appear to be comfortable talking about it.
But hey, I just found out Mia doesn't actually LIKE Kenny, like that. So, of course I would be exuberant. Who wouldn't? I may have a chance with the girl I love after all.
"Why don't you just tell him you like someone else? That you can't keep seeing him because you don't want to hurt him," I suggested. "It might be lying, but hey, you wouldn't be dating him anymore, right?"
"You wouldn't even be lying," Mia's friend said perkily. I think her name is Tina. Thank you, Tina! For that piece of information.
"Tina!" Mia cried.
"What?! Its nothing to be ashamed of," she said defensively. She looked at me and winked. What's that about?
"Sure," I said.
Who knows? Maybe if I were supportive enough Mia would tell me who it was. And then I could go knock off the competition. I mean...inform them of their options... I mean. Ah hell, I meant exactly what I said.
"Well, I gotta go eat lunch," said Tina. "Have fun!" she called over her shoulder, grinning.
I waved, Mia stared and sighed.
"Is it really that bad?" I asked.
Mia didn't answer.
"Okay then. How about we get started right away," I suggested, grabbing Mia's backpack.
"Michael! Where are you going?" she asked.
"I don't really feel like being completely humiliated if anyone walks into the library," I admitted. "I thought we could practice in the back."
Not only that, but then maybe no one would see when I try to kiss her. And no one would see if she slaps me, or follows Lilly's example, and kicks me.
"Oh," she said and followed.
Unfortunately, we reached the kissing part, only to be interrupted by Kenny.
"Mia, can I talk to you?"
While they spoke, I planned my next move. What would happen if I tried kissing her on the lips? I don't think I could do that in front of Kenny. That's just... weird.
Thus, when they were done, I just continued where we were interrupted.
"If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss," I said.
I reached for one of her hands, then changed my mind. It was different with out Mandella here. Instead, I just held my own hand to my heart, my fist clenched.
If only stupid Kenny had left. But no, apparently, he wanted to watch.
Mia recited her line, "Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss."
The three of us looked up in search of a clock as the bell rang. Had that much time passed already? I knew I had been late, but a full half hour?
"Mia, how about after school tomorrow, at my place?" I asked.
She smiled, and nodded her head. "Okay, I have to help Lilly with her show later anyways."
I grinned. Perfect, that meant she would spend the night. Some weird deal with her grandmother meant that she couldn't work on it on Saturdays anymore.
Kenny glared at me furiously, grabbing Mia's hand and books possessively. I merely smiled at him with the knowledge that I head learned half an hour earlier.
"I'll come too," he said. Smiling maliciously. At me.
Damn him.
At least Kenny can't spend the night, I've still got that to look forward to.
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(next day)
Mia and Kenny arrived together. I wanted to smack Kenny for actually coming, that asshole wasn't even invited.
To spite him, and admittedly, to show off to Mia, I answered the door in my normal fashion.
Without a shirt.
Mia blushed, staring at my wonderfully sculpted upper body. Hey, I should be allowed to be proud of the way I've got perfect abs. I worked hard for them.
Besides I could tell that at least Mia appreciated this much of me. And hey, I could live with that, for now.
But Kenny was definitely not happy. Were I in his position, I wouldn't blame him. On the other hand, he's not going to have Mia for much longer if I can help it.
I convinced Lilly last night to help me. I need to have a supporting figure nearby, or I'd easily wimp out from all of the things I had planned. Kissing Mia was one of them.
She agreed, surprisingly with out much of a debate on why she should help me start going out with her best friend. I wonder, does Lilly not like Kenny either? I should ask.
Anyways. I instructed Lilly to act just like Mandella had the night Mia and I were at her apartment. Very drill-sergeant like, easy enough for Lilly. I gave her all she needed to know, now, hopefully, she wouldn't screw anything up.
All she needs to do is to remember to make us kiss like in the book, and I just have to keep my cool.
Hopefully this way, it won't appear like I'm the one pushing so quickly for kissing to happen...
I spent last night going over my lines, perfecting what I would do. I think I even have them all memorized by now. But I'll probably hold the book anyways.
What if I get too nervous and forget? I would look like a fool.
And if Mia notices that I memorized all of my lines? Again, a fool so desperate to impress her, that Mia would surely laugh.
They want to start rehearsing now, I'll write more later.
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robtaymattlouned: That probably wasn't enough for you was it? Don't worry tho: the next chapter will be something you'll love... I wrote it a while ago I was so excited for it. (Well, hopefully you'll love it)
Kim: I know just how you feel, especially for my fav. Stories... I think everyone should update everyday! That way we don't have to wait very long... except then I would have a problem wouldn't I?
review-happy: You're awesome! I laughed when I read what you wrote. Thanks for that.
reesespeices88 : lol, anything for my reviewers right? Actually I was too afraid of doing a specific name so...
saltytheseashorecrabshell: I love spelling names with "ae" but, I think I would have a hard time remembering to type it that way, so one paragraph it would be "Jaen" the next it would end up being "Jane." Probably pretty annoying after a while.
A/N: hello there! Thank you for the awesome reviews.
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(Mia POV)
Mandella is my hero! She is so cool! Even though I feel really bad about what happened.
I got to her apartment and Lars of course came in to check it out. He decided to stay because Mandella's parents weren't home, so he's just being cautious I guess.
When I rang the doorbell, a call just came from inside, "It's unlocked! Come inside, Mia!"
I was pretty surprised, I mean, this is New York City. But Mandella didn't seem to care, so Lars and I went in. I didn't know where to go at first. But heard the voices of Mandella and Michael and followed them.
Mandella's apartment isn't really that big, her family only needed a two bedroom apartment.
Her room is pretty big though, and all over the walls are posters she's collected. All for promotions of Shakespearean plays. Not just from Seattle either, she's got ones from Oregon and California. I guess when she goes to a play she always makes sure to get the poster if it was any good. So her walls are plastered with dozens and dozens of these posters.
It's pretty eclectic, but in an impressive way. Some of the posters are hand drawn, and others are photos of the actors. There are even some from high school productions.
She also has a really large window in one wall of her room, which has a large sofa right below it. There's no bed in the room, Mandella says she just folds out the sofa when she feels like sleeping in bed. Otherwise the sofa is comfortable enough and it gives her room more space. On the floor is a pretty ornate carpet that looks really old. In a corner on the right side of the bed it's a desk, which was an antique from Mandella's grandfather. A 'moving away' gift. They were pretty close.
And she also has a coffee table and a leather reclining chair in her room. It looks just like a living room. Its weird, but it makes the whole thing very friendly.
I could hear Michael and Mendalla talking, I know listening in isn't technically polite, but they were talking loud enough that I could easily hear them. Its not my fault, really.
"She's really beautiful," Michael was saying. That made me really curious, who was he talking about?
"Definitely better looking than Lana."
"Don't even make the comparison! When I look at her eyes, I feel like I'm sinking into this bottomless pit of quicksand. I'll never be able to get out, I'll be trapped, belonging to her forever."
"And Lana?" Mandella said sounding amused. Who were they talking about?
"Lana is about as deep as an ant." Michael said, snorting.
I entered the room then, giggling. If I took any longer they surely would have known I was listening. Lars motioned that he would wait in the living room and left.
Michael, who had been lying on his back staring at the partially-postered- ceiling sat up, his face burning red.
"Michael," I said smiling at him. "That's really not very nice you know, if you feel so obliged to compliment Lana, you should do it to her face."
Michael still staring at me in shock, stuttered out my name. It made me really uncomfortable, and guilty for listening in on their conversation. Obviously he felt it was very private.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in..."
"Its fine Mia, you didn't hear any names other than Lana's did you?" Mandella asked.
"Er... No," I really wished I knew who Michael liked!! Please! Don't let it be Judith Gershner!
"Perfect!" Is it me or did Mandella sound slightly disappointed? "Michael, you can stop the deer-in-head-light look now."
Michael stopped staring and apologized sheepishly. Adding, "Alright, what would you compare her to, Mia?"
"A toothpick. She can be a pain if she pokes you, but there's no real emotion there. An ant at least still has instincts. If you call that emotion."
"Hm," Michael thought about it for a minute. "True. But then you're putting down the ever useful toothpick."
Mandella rolled her eyes and stood up from the chair she was in.
"As this is an incredibly intelligent conversation which so obviously just cannot wait, I'll be right back, I want some water," She said and started to walk out of the room when she tripped over something hidden between the coach and chair.
"Michael, can you move your guitar case off to the side?" She left the room leaving him glaring after her.
"You brought your guitar?" I asked curious. Michael looked sort embarrassed by the whole thing.
"Yeah, I needed a string replaced. So I picked up from the store before coming here."
"Play her that song you played me earlier!" Mandella called from the kitchen. She must have amazing hearing.
"I'm sure you don't want to hear it, Mia. Its just the start of something I've been working on."
"Oh, no!" I said honestly surprised. "I'd love to hear it. You're really good."
Michael bowed his head at the compliment. "Thanks," he said quietly, getting out his guitar. "Its called 'Caught in a Flood'. It's about a relationship I have with someone I really care about. I wrote it when we weren't speaking, not that long ago."
I tried to think about who it might be, but when I heard his voice I had to listen to the lyrics.
"...If it would make you comfortable, / I'd jump out of this tree, / Or maybe we could get / Married and be happy..."
Michael looked at me intently, I smiled. I didn't know what to do, but his voice was so sexy, I could listen to him all day.
"... These few words could be the last we ever speak. / Do you think maybe, / You could love me / Or like me maybe. ..."
Michael looked back down at his guitar, and his fingers strummed at the strings intensely.
"...Maybe you'd look at me, / You'd talk to me, / We could marry, / Live in this tree. / But it's unlikely. / You don't like me, / And I don't like me, / And its unlikely..."
I think Michael was blushing as he finished. I don't understand why he's so embarrassed. It's a beautiful song, he's really talented, and sexy and ... Obviously crazy about the girl he likes. I sighed. I have no chance with him at all.
"It was really beautiful," I said. It felt like something needed to be said to fill the silence.
"Thanks, again. The tree part is just an analogy of course, I'm not sure yet if I'll change the lyrics."
"Don't change them!" I said, probably a little too quickly. I was leaning toward him from where I sat on the sofa, and with out thinking, I put my hand on his knee. "I like them the way they are now. They're really beautiful."
"I think so too," said Mandella standing in the doorway. She had a tray of three glasses and a pitcher of water in her hands. "Anyways, we've gotten distracted from what we are actually here for."
"Yes," said Michael and I together. He was still looking at me, and then I realized I had left my hand on his knee. Embarrassed I pulled it back and looked down at my hands in my lap.
So we practiced lines for a while. Michael and I relied heavily on our books. Mandella helped me understand what Shakespeare meant in some of Juliet's lines. She gave both Michael and I tips on how to react to the other's lines.
For example, with one line, he should pick up my hand and hold it to his heart. Or in another line, I should turn away from him, pretending to be ashamed.
Overall, I can honestly say, that Mandella kept us so busy; I didn't have time to become distracted with they way I felt myself constantly blushing, or the way Michael would blush sometimes. Or the way I felt like he would look at me differently, and the way he smiled gently when I stumbled. The way I could feel his heart beating faster when he held my hand there. The way Michael didn't seem to want to let go...
Even around the kiss scenes, it was like Mandella had suddenly become Lilly, very demanding, and very go-go-go.
But it was okay, she said it is too early to get too far into the actions, and we should just hug for now. But as we practiced we should get more and more into it. As in, actually kiss. I really don't know what to do about that. I'm excited, but I mean, kissing Michael? He'll really find me repulsive then. So I guess you can also say I'm absolutely petrified.
Anyways, Mandella's really amazing, she knows so much. Even when she was working with Michael about some line or something, she'd have me watch and recommend any changes. If I didn't have any, than she have Michael do it over several times until I was sure.
Or while Mandella was working on the rhythm of the lines with me, she'd make Michael play some notes on his guitar, certain pitches, of how she thought the intonation should rise or fall.
It was actually pretty fun. I admit, if the school rehearsals are anything like this, it won't be so bad until the actually performance.
I think Mandella should become a famous director, specializing in Shakespeare. I told that and she smiled and sighed at me. I wonder, what's up with that?
Around 7 o'clock or so, Mandella's mom came home, followed quickly by her father. Her mom looked really upset, so Mandella went to talk to her.
Mandella came back teary-eyed and immediately went to Michael for a hug. Her grandfather died this morning of a stroke. She'll be gone for a week for the funeral.
She made us promise to practice together at least once a day, she said just because she wasn't there, didn't mean that we still couldn't run lines.
I gave her a hug before Michael and I left, and I told her I hoped everything would be okay soon. I really do, too. Mandella doesn't deserve this.
So now we're in the Limo, just about to reach Michael's apartment. Neither one of us said anything once we left Mandella. What was there to be said?
----------------------
(the Next Day)
Okay, I have to get up the guts to ask Michael to help me on both Algebra and this play stuff. I told Mr. G I was getting help. So I better, besides, I really need it anyways.
But its hard not to find myself blushing horribly red when I think of talking to him. I mean, he's sitting so close, right next to me. He's not looking at me, or anything, he's just looking out his window, one hand on the seat in-between us, nearly touching my leg. The other resting on his own leg.
I have to do this. No more distractions. I have to. ... okay, here goes.
"Hey, Michael?" I said tentatively. I didn't want to disturb him, after all he looked pretty deep in thought, its okay if he didn't answer really...
Not my luck obviously.
"Yeah?" he asked, looking at me.
"Um... Can you help me with Algebra and Romeo & Juliet during G&T?" I glanced at Lilly nervously. She was obviously really into her book, and completely oblivious to what was going on. Lars, sitting next to her, looked slightly amused. I wonder what he thought was so funny.
"Sure," he smiled. I let myself breath, he wasn't going to completely reject me after all!
"But, Thermopolis?" Uh-oh... this can't be good. 'But' is never good. Oh god.
"Maybe we should work on Algerbra mainly in G&T, and then practice for Romeo & Juliet during lunch." I stared at him. Was he actually proposing to spend MORE time together? I couldn't be more lucky, I'm not even wearing my Queen Amidala underwear!!
I think I made him a little scared and uncomfortable by staring at him because he quickly added, "Well, I could use the practice with the lines too, but Algebra is more important, especially with Finals so close. So," he swallowed. "I was thinking we could spend more time on both."
Yes! Could this day get any better? School hadn't even started yet!
"Yes! Thank you soo much, Michael! You're a life saver!" I felt my self gushing and stopped. No need to scare him away so quickly. "Can we start today?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Michael said smiling. "Mandella's not here to help us. So um... I don't know about you, but I'll have to practice. A lot."
I couldn't help myself, I grinned. "Me too," I said. Was it me, or did Michael seem just as eager to work together as I was? Was my dream of Michael secretly loving me, real? Nah, probably not.
"Princess," Lars said. He was outside of the car, holding the door open for me. I guess we had already arrived at school. Better go.
----------------------------
(Mia's English Class, No one's POV)
Mia got to her English class and sat down immediately pulling out her journal. She had hardly written a sentence when Mrs. Spears announced that the desks needed to be pushed against the walls.
They were going to rehearse today.
Mia panicked slightly, but allowed her desk to be pushed away from her. She walked over to the door, where Lars sat, and handed him her journal. Knowing the routine, he opened his briefcase and stuck it in.
She and this boy named James were forced to stand in the center of the room. James was the real Romeo. He looked as nervous as Mia felt, which helped her relax only slightly.
At least she wouldn't be the only one to feel ridiculous. He rubbed his hand on the back of his head, looking at his feet uneasily. He was as tall as Mia was, with short, cropped brown hair. There was nothing special about him.
Intently Mia focused on the text of her book. She would not stumble, no. No, she would not stutter. She would read it perfectly. She would read it clearly, the way James was. She would be audible. And it would be perfect.
Mia looked up from her book, suddenly aware that the class was staring at her. She looked to Mrs. Spears, who only shrugged. Still, Mia was unaware of what had been happening.
Then some one asked loudly, "Are they really gonna kiss?"
Everyone giggled, except for Mia. She stared at James, who grinned sheepishly. "Its in the book," he said to her. He leaned forward, but Mia turned her head away, and he brushed against her cheek. She was an expert at this, Kenny gave her enough practice.
Mrs. Spears spoke above the clamor that had erupted. Some of the kids had already started making fun of James for Mia's jilt.
"Mia, I understand your uncomfortable with this right now, but a real kiss will be necessary on the night of the performance. This is high school, so editing things out isn't necessary any more."
Numbly Mia nodded.
"Go on, then," instructed her English teacher.
Mia fumbled to find the correct page; she had closed it unintentionally. She couldn't help herself. Despite her resolution, she stumbled as she read.
---------------------
After class, James followed Mia down the hallway.
"Hey Mia!" he called, she stopped, embarrassed at the attention drawn to her.
He caught up, grabbing a hold of her hand. Mia looked around nervously.
"Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to go to a movie with me sometime?" Unlike Kenny, James spoke with confidence. He spoke like he knew what he was doing.
But it didn't matter, Kenny was her boyfriend. That didn't even matter either, she was in love with Michael. What was it with boys lately? Did they suddenly find her attractive because of the whole princess thing?
She shoved that thought out of her mind. No, they didn't. At least Kenny didn't, and Michael didn't either.
"I'm sorry, James. I have a boyfriend."
James didn't look even slightly put off. "I know, but do you really like Kenny? I mean.... Kenny Showalter..."
He didn't even finish his sentence. Mia gaped at him in disbelief. Was she that obvious?
"You're right... I'm a horrible girlfriend, I know."
James laughed at her pathetic response. "Mia, you make me laugh, that's why I like you. Go out with me," he demanded.
She looked at him, trying to decide what to do. If she went on a date with James, and Kenny found out, than she and Kenny would be through. And she would be considered extremely cruel for cheating on Kenny.
On the other hand, she would be rid of Kenny. But stuck with James.
"Do you like anime?" Mia asked carefully.
"Its okay," James said confused. "You like it? I mean, we could go to see some of it if that's what you want."
"Oh no! No, thank you," Mia said quickly. "Let me think about it, okay?"
Mia walked away briskly, not waiting for James to respond. She didn't know what to do.
Maybe Tina could help.
--------------------------------
It was lunch, and as Mia hoped, Michael hadn't beaten her to the library. She had forced Tina to come with her so they could talk until Michael arrived.
"Why don't you just break up with Kenny?" Tina asked.
Mia knew it would be the simplest thing to do. But she honestly didn't have the guts to see the look on his face as he found out about Michael.
She sighed, and Tina sat down next to her. "Well, than at least tell Michael how you feel."
"How? What if he rejects me?" Mia asked.
"He won't, you're too perfect for him," Tina said confidently.
"But what if he does?" Mia asked again, forlornly. Thinking of Kenny made her feel depressed and hopeless. Usually, thinking of Michael made her feel better, but right now... nothing could help.
"What about sending him a love letter? Then you wouldn't have to say it to his face. You could just put it in his locker."
"Okay..." Mia brightened at this idea, she could do that. "Or maybe not something so tacky as a love letter. How about just a secret admirer card?"
Tina clapped her hands together gleefully. "Perfect!" she said cheerfully. "We'll go get a card tomorrow during lunch, okay?"
Mia nodded, happy that at least she was doing something about one of the boys in her life. Now if she could only figure out what to do with the other two.
James was simple enough, she could just tell him no, she had a boyfriend. And then leave it at that. He already knew that, so it wouldn't be hurting him that much.
"Tina, but what about Kenny?"
Michael came up to their table right then, behind Tina who didn't hear him approach.
"Mia you'll have to break up with him sooner or later, its just as on fair to him right now."
She looked at Mia with confusion, Mia's eyes were so wide, and staring over her shoulder. Tina turned around and gasped.
"Um. Hi, Michael," she said weakly.
"Hi," he said. To Mia, he looked as though he was trying to hide a smile. His voice was surprisingly chipper.
"So you don't want to go out with Kenny?"
----------------------------------
(Michael's POV)
Mia turned bright red, it was humorous I suppose, except that she didn't appear to be comfortable talking about it.
But hey, I just found out Mia doesn't actually LIKE Kenny, like that. So, of course I would be exuberant. Who wouldn't? I may have a chance with the girl I love after all.
"Why don't you just tell him you like someone else? That you can't keep seeing him because you don't want to hurt him," I suggested. "It might be lying, but hey, you wouldn't be dating him anymore, right?"
"You wouldn't even be lying," Mia's friend said perkily. I think her name is Tina. Thank you, Tina! For that piece of information.
"Tina!" Mia cried.
"What?! Its nothing to be ashamed of," she said defensively. She looked at me and winked. What's that about?
"Sure," I said.
Who knows? Maybe if I were supportive enough Mia would tell me who it was. And then I could go knock off the competition. I mean...inform them of their options... I mean. Ah hell, I meant exactly what I said.
"Well, I gotta go eat lunch," said Tina. "Have fun!" she called over her shoulder, grinning.
I waved, Mia stared and sighed.
"Is it really that bad?" I asked.
Mia didn't answer.
"Okay then. How about we get started right away," I suggested, grabbing Mia's backpack.
"Michael! Where are you going?" she asked.
"I don't really feel like being completely humiliated if anyone walks into the library," I admitted. "I thought we could practice in the back."
Not only that, but then maybe no one would see when I try to kiss her. And no one would see if she slaps me, or follows Lilly's example, and kicks me.
"Oh," she said and followed.
Unfortunately, we reached the kissing part, only to be interrupted by Kenny.
"Mia, can I talk to you?"
While they spoke, I planned my next move. What would happen if I tried kissing her on the lips? I don't think I could do that in front of Kenny. That's just... weird.
Thus, when they were done, I just continued where we were interrupted.
"If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss," I said.
I reached for one of her hands, then changed my mind. It was different with out Mandella here. Instead, I just held my own hand to my heart, my fist clenched.
If only stupid Kenny had left. But no, apparently, he wanted to watch.
Mia recited her line, "Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss."
The three of us looked up in search of a clock as the bell rang. Had that much time passed already? I knew I had been late, but a full half hour?
"Mia, how about after school tomorrow, at my place?" I asked.
She smiled, and nodded her head. "Okay, I have to help Lilly with her show later anyways."
I grinned. Perfect, that meant she would spend the night. Some weird deal with her grandmother meant that she couldn't work on it on Saturdays anymore.
Kenny glared at me furiously, grabbing Mia's hand and books possessively. I merely smiled at him with the knowledge that I head learned half an hour earlier.
"I'll come too," he said. Smiling maliciously. At me.
Damn him.
At least Kenny can't spend the night, I've still got that to look forward to.
---------------------------
(next day)
Mia and Kenny arrived together. I wanted to smack Kenny for actually coming, that asshole wasn't even invited.
To spite him, and admittedly, to show off to Mia, I answered the door in my normal fashion.
Without a shirt.
Mia blushed, staring at my wonderfully sculpted upper body. Hey, I should be allowed to be proud of the way I've got perfect abs. I worked hard for them.
Besides I could tell that at least Mia appreciated this much of me. And hey, I could live with that, for now.
But Kenny was definitely not happy. Were I in his position, I wouldn't blame him. On the other hand, he's not going to have Mia for much longer if I can help it.
I convinced Lilly last night to help me. I need to have a supporting figure nearby, or I'd easily wimp out from all of the things I had planned. Kissing Mia was one of them.
She agreed, surprisingly with out much of a debate on why she should help me start going out with her best friend. I wonder, does Lilly not like Kenny either? I should ask.
Anyways. I instructed Lilly to act just like Mandella had the night Mia and I were at her apartment. Very drill-sergeant like, easy enough for Lilly. I gave her all she needed to know, now, hopefully, she wouldn't screw anything up.
All she needs to do is to remember to make us kiss like in the book, and I just have to keep my cool.
Hopefully this way, it won't appear like I'm the one pushing so quickly for kissing to happen...
I spent last night going over my lines, perfecting what I would do. I think I even have them all memorized by now. But I'll probably hold the book anyways.
What if I get too nervous and forget? I would look like a fool.
And if Mia notices that I memorized all of my lines? Again, a fool so desperate to impress her, that Mia would surely laugh.
They want to start rehearsing now, I'll write more later.
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robtaymattlouned: That probably wasn't enough for you was it? Don't worry tho: the next chapter will be something you'll love... I wrote it a while ago I was so excited for it. (Well, hopefully you'll love it)
Kim: I know just how you feel, especially for my fav. Stories... I think everyone should update everyday! That way we don't have to wait very long... except then I would have a problem wouldn't I?
review-happy: You're awesome! I laughed when I read what you wrote. Thanks for that.
reesespeices88 : lol, anything for my reviewers right? Actually I was too afraid of doing a specific name so...
saltytheseashorecrabshell: I love spelling names with "ae" but, I think I would have a hard time remembering to type it that way, so one paragraph it would be "Jaen" the next it would end up being "Jane." Probably pretty annoying after a while.