Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

A/N: I know its been too long since I've updated. I've been busy, and I'll just leave it at that. No excuse is really good enough, so I won't bother trying. (on a complete random thing, I love this new client thing they've got set up to edit documents you've just uploaded. It makes things so much easier.)

Alternate endings are always a possibility in the future, I wasn't joking when I said before I was having a hard time choosing which direction this story should take.

Don't expect anything from me to be posted for a while after this. I'm just too busy, I don't think its fair to start something I can't finish. I'll post short things when I can.

(And I changed the break from two weeks to three... It was two in my last chapter....)

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(MIA POV—Sunday)

Some how Grandmére convinced Jane Lee go to Genovia for the three weeks I was there. Which I'm very very thankful for, because it turns out Jane Lee is not also amazingly talented, and a really good instructor, she's also great a buffering Grandmére's "compliments". Ha. I bet that old- side-car-drinking-hag doesn't even know what a compliment is.

And on top of it all, I think I might actually be ready for this performance, maybe. Today is January 13, so that leaves me with about a month to finish preparations completely. (The perfomance itself is on Valentines day. I wanted to do something special with Michael! Not much I can do though, is there?)

What could go wrong in a month? I couldn't possibly do anything worse than forgetting Michael's birthday (which I've fixed, so no worries there)... and Michael's perfect, so he could NEVER do anything wrong.

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(Monday—one month until the performance)

I am not as tired as I thought I would be! We're on our way to school Michael is holding my hand as I write. I don't care how many times Lilly rolls her eyes! We're in love!

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We got our new schedules today, nothing changed for me except for a Safety and Health class, and I am no longer taking Biology last period, good thing, being partners with Kenny would have been weird.

Michael came in to my Algebra class before it started and compared schedules with me. Lana started freaking out, it made me laugh. Guess she's a little upset to no longer be the only freshman dating a senior. Especially because she now has to write an essay on why it is rude to use a cell-phone during class.

If the school didn't know I was dating him before, they definitely do now.

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(G&T)

I am so exhausted I can hardly stay awake. The first day of school after vacation is always the worst... I just want to sleep.

Michael's not even trying to tutor me today. He came in and asked if I needed help and all I could do was yawn in his face. How horrible am I? Not to mention that I've offended him enough he's working on something on his laptop.

I just know he'll get bored with me by Friday. Who would want to date a flat-chested-princess who yawns in your face all the time?

Who?!!

Not even Kenny would. And he, by the way, has already moved on, and gotten himself another girlfriend. Just shows how devoted he really was.

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Michael asked me near the end of G&T (after waking me up) if I would be willing to go see a special showing of Star Wars Friday night. Of course I would! But I can't go! Because Grandmére just told me I have to go to a state dinner that night, and that includes a ball, so its obvious it will last longer than normal, so we couldn't even see the later showing. This sucks.

My wonderful boyfriend, Michael Moscovitz, will break up with me I just know it.

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Tina says Michael won't break up with me, but how does she know? He's already so much of a better person than I am, I can just see it now, the headlines of tomorrow's newspapers after I have to tell Michael.

"New York's Very Own Princess Dumped like Garbage."

"Princess Amelia Left Behind in Dust When Prince Charming Gets Bored."

"Michael Moscovitz, Boy Genius Decides Princess Amelia Too Stupid."

Oh joy.

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I couldn't do it, I couldn't tell him. I went to his apartment to um, practice. (Okay we didn't really practice for very long, can you blame us? In his room, door locked, reciting lines from one of the most tragic romances in literature, and can you blame us for wanting to create a little romantic action of our own?)

I was going to tell him, but than I couldn't. I didn't want to see the look on his face as he realized what a loser I am.

So instead we made out for about an hour, before I realized it was nearly nine o'clock and my mom wouldn't be happy if I didn't get home soon. With her heightened hormonal state, she would probably cry if I came home late and say something ridiculous like, "You don't love me!"

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(Tuesday)

Its like 2 in the afternoon, and I just woke up. My mom says that I wouldn't wake up this morning to go to school, and that I would only throw things at her when she tried to come into the room.

I'm glad Michael wasn't here to witness my violent reactions. Not that he would be staying over night in my room anyway, because he is such a gentleman. But its not like that's the point, the point is, okay, I don't know what the point is.

Mr. G told my teachers that the jump between two countries in one day has left me exhausted and because of this I cannot be expected to have my homework done on time for the next few days as I rest and try and catch up.

You know, having a step-parent for a teacher can be cool sometimes. Except they have access to things like your grades. A trade off I suppose.

Michael called a little bit ago to make sure that I was still alive, and all that.

I love "that boy".

Today was the first day of rehearsal after school, I missed it, I'm kind of glad too though. I've spent so much time on this already. Why can't they just give us a break?

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(Wednesday)

I was fitted at Chanel today for the dress I'm supposed to wear Friday. As if Grandmére couldn't embarrass me enough, she had to point out ALL of my physical faults (and apparently, there is much much more wrong with me than just having a small chest) to the fitters, who seemed very interested. Great, I bet by tomorrow, all of New York City will know my measurements.

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Michael just called to make sure Friday was okay, and so I finally told him that I couldn't go to the early show. But I did say I could go to the later one.

What was I thinking? It's a ball! A BALL!! There is no way Grandmére will let me get off early to go see a movie with Michael.

I even spoke with my dad, who says I might be able to leave early. But I still might not have time to make it back for the showing.

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(Thursday)

I told Michael the bad news about probably not making it at all. Its not fair at all. He just looked so disappointed in me before he returned to listening to music and tapping away on his laptop. To make this day worse, I spilt grape juice all over my uniform, during lunch.

And after that, the Romeo Juliet rehearsals went horribly. I couldn't remember any of my lines I was so stressed from everything else. Well, everything having to do with Michael of course.

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(Friday)

So this escort guy, Grandmére tried to set me up with, (his name is René) actually not such a bad guy after all. At first, he annoyed me with all of his flirting. I mean, its not like I wanted to be there with him either, but I didn't go running off to the nearest guy. Granted, he was the only male specimen at the ball that was remotely my age.

He helped me leave early, so I can forgive him. He snuck me out of the ball so that I could go and spend the night at the Moscovitz apartment, or actually spend time with Michael.

Anyway, I was so sure today would be horrible, especially after Michael was really distant to me at school, he didn't walk me to classes like he normally does, and didn't even sit with me at lunch.

But now, I'm leaving the ball surprisingly early to go to his apartment, I'm nervous.

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(Saturday—3:37 am.)

Michael is so sweet! He had everything set up so that it would be like our own miniature movie theatre. We watched all three movies of Star Wars, calling out at the television at the right time, it was so wonderful. He is seriously the coolest boyfriend ever.

I'm really tired now though. Good night, oh beautiful night.

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(Friday --Two weeks and three days until the performance)

I thought that once we got over the obstacles of arranging the first (very perfect) date, seeing Michael outside of school and his apartment (or mine) would be much easier. But no, the world seems to be conspiring against us.

Why? Oh why can I not seem to get a date with my own boyfriend?

I'll tell you why:

-I spend 3 hours a day, after school with Romeo and Juliet rehearsals,

-I leave early from these rehearsals, (which actually, I've heard go for about five hours) to go to princess lessons, which last for another two hours.

-At Princess lessons, I get further instruction from Jane Lee on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, for half the time I'm at the Plaza

-I get home about 8 o'clock

-I have to do all of my homework and eat

Michael, during this time:

-Has the school rehearsals

-band rehearsals,

-writing music for Skinner box -calculus, AP English and other difficult class homework (which is obviously easy for him)

When will my love and I have time to spend together when we're not supposed to be studying?!

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(Saturday)

Grandmére, again, knew immediately something was wrong, and that it had to do with "that boy." I hate how she calls Michael this, like hello! He's the love of my life. So Grandmére starts to lecture me once more on the appropriate ways to deal with boys.

Always lead them on, never let them know you care, demand complete loyalty... and the list goes on. Just what do you think this is Grandmére? The stone age?

And than Grandmére continued to further instruct me in ways to rule over Michael. Yeah, right. I might be a princess, but I have no intention of ruling over anyone or anything soon, at least not until Dad kicks the bucket. But he's holding out pretty strong at the moment.

But I think Grandmére was right about one thing, I should confront Michael. He trusts me to be honest with him, and if this is bothering me I really should. I mean, just look at the disaster of events that happened before the winter dance... And its not like this is bad, not like thinking he doesn't love me or anything like that. Right?

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(The next Monday—two weeks till the performance)

Michael brushed bagel crumbs off his legs, trying oh-so-hard to be patient. It wasn't easy, Mia sat next to him studying page 37 from his R/J book. They'd agreed not to get "distracted" until 7:30. Leaving Michael practically an hour and a half to resist the temptation to roll Mia onto her back and violently pressed his mouth against her and violate her body in other ways. So far, he'd only succumbed to the hormonal urges once. And it was quickly cut short by Mia insisting they study.

It was rare that she was allowed a break from Princess lessons, but her father had apparently convinced Grandmére that the stress of the approaching performance was starting to get to her and she needed a break. That and Grandmére was using it as an excuse to get her face chemically treated. Mia had promised her father she would spend part of the time she had off studying, not just fooling around with Michael, or, her father threatened, a break like this wouldn't happen again.

Over 40 minutes ago he'd given up trying to complete his calculus homework. It just wasn't happening. As for his physics project, studying further calculations on the affects of the Doppler shift on humans when just beyond the hearing range... well, not going to happen with Mia hear. Or his essay about the controversial rape issues, that definitely could not happen with Mia here. Just the IDEA of sex, however "wrong" it was had him ready to jump on her.

I am NOT a sex-crazed teenage boy. I am NOT a sex-crazed teenage boy. I am NOT a sex-crazed teenage boy.

Not even repeating it to himself three times could help him. He glanced at the clock.

7:31

Oh, she was so his. He said her name, startled at the desperation in his own voice. She looked at him with a little bit of worry.

"Are you oka—"

Mia didn't finish her sentence as Michael immediately pounced on her. She kissed him back before pushing him gently away. "Wait, Michael, I was studying."

"You've been staring at the same page for the last twenty minutes!"

"I have not!"

"Yes you—never mind that isn't the point. Its 7:31. You said at 7:30 we could have some fun."

He promptly began to caress her neck with kisses.

"I guess we can take a break," Mia said. "But Michael?"

"Yea..." he mumbled against her collarbone.

"When are we going to go on a date?"

"What do you mean? Like out to dinner? Bowling?" He looked at her curiously now.

"Yes, just like those. When Michael?"

"When do you want?'

"Lets go bowling tomorrow night."

"Mia.... I've got band rehearsal tomorrow night."

"Than when am I supposed to go on a date with you?"

"Thursday, I promise, we'll go bowling."

Mia kissed him, and finally, Michael was able to fulfill every urge he'd been having. Most of them anyway, there were a key few that he had a feeling wouldn't be fulfilled for a while.

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(Thursday—A week and a half till the performance—Mia's POV)

"Hello?" I asked, hoping it would be my one true love, the dearly beloved Michael Moscovitz.

"Hey Mia." Yes! For once, my wish was granted!

"I just wanted to let you know I gotta cancel."

Okay, not exactly how I'd imagined the conversation to go.

"Hey Mia," Michael would say. Followed by, "I just wanted to tell you that I feel as though my lungs collapse when I'm with out you, I can not breath, I can not think, I can not feel unless you are here by my side. I'm so in love with you Mia, I need you so much that I'm coming by to pick you up a whole two hours early, just so we can spend this rare and lovely extra 120 minutes together. Is that alright with you, Mia? The one-and-only-true-love of my life?"

And of course I would reply with something equally eloquent (but involving no math) and we'd go off and live (or rather, bowl) happily ever after (at least until we had to go home).

Instead disappointed, I simply said, "Oh, okay."

"I'm really sorry, Mia, but I can't even explain right now. I'll talk to you later, bye."

Click.

I didn't even get to say good byegood-bye. Michael didn't even say I love you.

What if he had Judith waiting near by? And would rather go on a date with her than with me. I mean who wouldn't? As scary as I think she can be, she's a genius who can clone fruit flies, split DNA, and even SHE has a breast size bigger than 32A.

Oh god, I have to call Tina now. At least she'll understand how I feel.

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Okay, so Tina was no help. AT ALL! She said she thought Michael's mysterious nature was completely romantic if not a little sudden, and that his actions would perhaps lead to something I might enjoy. Hello?! Who said I don't enjoy bowling?

But than she said it might lead to something OTHER than bowling. Like what? Not getting to go on a date with Michael AGAIN! And not to mention that I've got 18 solid hours of princess lessons over the next three days, between all the times I have to see Grandmére.

It's just not fair!

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What if he doesn't love me?

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No, Michael is too sweet, he would just tell me and get it over with.

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But what about what I did to Kenny?

Now I have to call Tina again.

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Tina assured me that Michael is too much of a gentleman to lead me on.

I hope she's right.

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(Friday)

When Michael got in the limo this morning, I totally panicked. He gave me this strange look before sliding in next to me. And I was so sure that he was about to break up with me or tell he how hideous my hair looked (I can't seem to control it today) or whatever. But instead he goes:

"Have you played with Pavlov lately?" (Pavlov is his dog) This made me so confused. Why would my playing with his dog or not be important?

I started to get scared so I sort of managed to stutter out a response. "N- n-no."

"Mia, what's wrong?" he asked, becoming worried. I didn't want him to think I was some sort of cry baby (which I cry a lot, but I'm not a baby), so I said, nothing was wrong.

Except it came out in a very squeaky strangled sound, and just... didn't help the situation at all. I could tell Michael didn't believe me, he took my hands into his and looked me in the eyes and said, "Mia, if there is anything you want to tell me, you know you can trust me."

So I just nodded. I'm sure that is exactly the response a genius like Michael Moscovitz would want. While we sat there in silence for a little bit (Lilly stared out the window again, pretending not to listen), I began to wonder why he asked me about Pavlov, I also opened up my pop-tart. Hey, I was hungry.

"I couldn't make it bowling with you last night because Pavlov started choking something so we had to go to the veterinary emergency room."

"Well, is he okay?" I asked.

"Now he is, he's getting his stomach pumped. He ate a sock."

I choked on my brown sugar pop-tart. Pavlov? Ate a sock?

"I was just wondering if maybe you hadn't convinced him to do that as a joke or something."

I stared at Michael in disbelief. Why would I want to hurt his dog? Pavlov was so cute! Than I realized there was that special glint in his eyes that I've come to love even more. He was joking.

"Oh god, Michael," I started. "You had me scared for a moment."

"Nah, I love you too much. Although Pavlov really did eat a sock."

He glanced over at Lilly and than Lars, neither was paying close attention. Michael leaned to me and kissed me lightly on the lips.

"We'll figure out another time to go bowling. I promise, okay?"

"Okay."

So Tina was right, I really didn't have anything to worry about after all.

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(Monday—Six days until Performance—Algebra class)

I know Michael promised to that we would go bowling soon, but it has been over a week! And we definitely aren't going to get to go bowling or go see a movie or anything this week. I'm already nervous for the performance... gotta go Mr. G called on me.

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(Play Rehearsal)

"No! No!! NO!!" Mandella yelled. "Mia! What happened to the confidence you had earlier?"

"Um... we were alone, and now we're not?" I suggested sheepishly.

"Bull shit, Mia, and you know it. Focus," she looked back down at her notes. "Start from the beginning.

"Yessah!" I said jokingly. Mandella's head snapped up, but instead of being angry, she simply grinned at me and winked.

"Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, Towards Phoebus' lodging. Such a wagoner as Phaeton would whip you to the west and bring in cloudy night immediately. Spread thy close shade—"

"Curtain," Mandella corrected.

"What?"

"Spread thy close curtain."

"Oh, right."

"Don't feel too bad, other than need to work on projection, that was the first mistake you've made so far."

"Knock on wood," said the girl playing the Nurse.

"Indeed," Mandella sighed.

The rest of the rehearsal went similarly. I was surprised at how much I really knew. Now that the pressure was cracking down on everyone's shoulders people seemed to be generally more moody though, it was interesting to watch at times, the minor things people would shout about.

We're at the Plaza now, got to go or I'll be late for Princess lessons.

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(Tuesday--Five days until the performance.)

I cannot believe Lilly sometimes. We haven't yelled at each other like this since I was first transformed by Grandmére (and no one knew about the princess stuff).

She called me vain! VAIN! Just because I wanted to brush my hair before rehearsal started. Like, OH MY GOD! ITS JUST BRUSHING MY HAIR. WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH THAT?!?!?! I HAVE BEEN HAVING A BAD HAIR DAY.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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(Wednesday--Four days--Lunch)

Okay maybe I was a little harsh on Lilly when I called her a spoiled brat who always has to have her way, just because she's jealous of my responsibilities. (Actually, Michael said this a while ago, but it was the only response I could think of, I don't actually believe it. Lilly doesn't believe in the government being run through a Monarchy.)

Tina just told me, that yesterday, she saw a small package of Midol in one of the pockets of Lilly's backpack when she was looking for a calculator during Algebra.

I would have been so much more understanding of Lilly's outbreak of unreasonableness if she had just told me she was having her period. Its not like I'm not her best friend, or something. And its not like I wouldn't understand the pain and tortures of that time of the month.

Tina also just said that perhaps the pressure of the performance being only four days (FOUR DAYS!!!!!!!!) away was starting to strain even Lilly.

I guess I agree, otherwise why else would I have blown up at Lilly like that? It isn't the same situation where she first said I was a sell-out at all. In fact, my day had been going really well until that moment.

So now, I feel guilty for being totally immature about the whole thing, and I've got to apologize.

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(G&T)

Lilly accepted my apology, but didn't offer one of her own. I'm not surprised, but I can forgive her. Its not like all of her troubles have suddenly disappeared, in fact, I can fully understand where she's coming from.

But now I have to go, Michael and I are going to practice lines again.

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Next chapter up by Monday.