Disclaimer: I own neither N&TV or TPD

Chapter 17

Michael watched as Mia stood there, speechless and shocked. Fine, then. If you want your feelings spared, forget that question. If you Prince Josh is as much a gentleman as you think of him, then ask him about Justin. Mia disliked the way Michael spat Josh's precious name. Angry, she retaliated in the only way that her seething mind could come up with.

FINE! I'll go and ask him about the dustbin.

Michael laughed hoarsely. It's Justin, not dustbin. Mia could feel her cheeks burning.







Mia turned on her heels and left. The night was still young, but she had not the appetite for dancing, and she resolved to ask Josh the next morning. And, since he was a gentleman, she'd get the answer. Mia was certain of it.

~Next Morning, after Mia had (in a rather unlady-like fashion) walked home while Josh was still partying~

Breakfast was set, and Mia joined the Richters for her milk and toast. (A/N I don't think Mia has coffee, does she?) Sitting next to Josh, (who had pulled out a chair for her) Mia took a deep breath. Josh, who is this Justin? Josh's father, across the table, had suddenly turned pale. Josh continued munching, ignoring Mia's question.

Mia tried again. Josh, WHO is this Justin? No response. The King, meanwhile, was turning paler by the second. Mia opened her mouth for the third time-

roared the King. I will not have his name mentioned at my table

-and closed it.

Fine, Mia thought. I'm not going to get any information from this family, obviously. Dropping the subject, she went back to her toast. She'd find out. Eventually.

Josh smiled at her. Well, then. Smart move, my dear fiancee. I see we have both finished our meals. Leave the dishes, as usual, and do come for a swim with me. The water is so inviting! Mia didn't feel like swimming, but she mutely went along with Josh's suggestion. After all, left to herself, Mia would only mope about the strange Justin.... or worse, resort to snooping.