Author's Note:

Thetroublewith....: Grandmere died in All My Life. That was why Mia had to leave the tour, remember? Therefore she can no longer control anything Mia does or says.

Lucie: Apparently everyone hates you. But think you have a heart of gold, and that will be your crowning glory.

This is dedicated to muh Homie Johnny D. We can start a petition so he is not allowed to see his fiancee on game days. Maybe we'll get more hits out of him ya know?

And Mark Bellhorn: although you always look drunk, you made the Yankees your bitches.

Arod: T hanks for that Karate Chop Action on Arroyo. That was pretty sweet. Curse of Arod begins in 2004 ends in 2020 when his contract is up. Not really, but you know...um, yeah.

D. Ortiz: You are the daddy of Yankee Stadium

D. Lowe: Clutch

Red Sox 2004

esrever eht esruc

We arrived in New York with the bad vibes of Genovia disappeared. I was still totally confused, but Mia cleared my head by making out with me on the plane and ignoring the flight attendents pleas to stop.

Mia and I were laughing and kissing as we left the airport. It was like nothing had even happened in Genovia. Lucie never showed up and attempted to sabotage the relationship.

Her driver was taking our things back to my apartment while we took a cab downtown.

Cameras loved us for some reason. I have no idea how they recognized us considering I was wearing an old t-shirt that said "VOTE FOR PEDRO" (remember from Napoleon Dynamite?) and some old cargo pants. I never wear them but I was seriously trying to not have my picture taken.

Mia was wearing old ripped jeans, a tank top and a corduroy button down jacket.

"Your hair looks nice," I complimented.

She rolled her eyes, "Thanks. I wonder which magazine those will be in," she replied as the camera people disappeared around the corner.

"Who cares. Let's be tourists," I said pulling her toward a double decker tour bus.

She giggled, "Michael, are you kidding me? You hate touristy things! We did this with the band-"

I made a face, "But everything here is new now that I have you. And we were working then. This is just for us."

I paid for our tickets and we took seats on the second floor of the bus. Some tourists recognized Mia and asked to take a picture with a real life princess. I laughed because I got to play photographer.

We went back to my apartment after the trip and ordered some take out. "So, when is your lease up?" she asked, opening a window for some more air.

"January. You know how much it's gonna suck to get all this crap out of here?"

She sighed. "Maybe you should keep it."

"What do you mean?" I asked nervously.

"I mean, we could have a home here as well," she replied, looking away from me.

"Mia, what's going on? Why are you acting so weird whenever I mention after our wedding? What the hell is going on?"

"Michael, I don't want you to drop out of the band. It's your band. You started it. You shouldn't have to leave because of me!" she replied.

I pulled her into my living room. "Mia, I'm getting more in return-"

"No, I want you to have your own life outside of the palace. You would become miserable in there, living in my shadow."

"Okay, I swear I won't go all Ashlee SImpson on you and w rite a song about living in your shadow," I teased, "Mia, I plan on doing some stuff on my own-"

"Michael, what I am trying to say is…" she started, "I don't want to be crowned princess. I am planning on renouncing my title and living my own life. A life I would have had if I hadn't met with my father that day for high tea in the Plaza."

I leaned back in my chair. She knelt in front of me with a worried face, "What do you think?" she asked.

I looked at her and saw that awkward fourteen year old girl I had fallen for all those years ago. She didn't want to make all the decisions on her own. She wanted someone to take care of her and tell her to do what makes her happy. "How would you feel knowing that your family would no longer be ruling Genovia?" I asked carefully. It was an honest question.

"Well, my dad will probably disown me but-"

"No, not how he will feel. How would you feel?" I asked leaning forward.

She bit her lip, "I would feel some guilt, but I think it is because of how my father would react. But I really do think we have some great back ups."

"Who?" I asked taking her hands in mine.

"Well there is Sebastino, but he moved to Los Angeles to open his boutique there. And he's happy designing. So he'd probably turn the job down as well. But Rene would be wonderful."

"How would you deal with your father?" I asked.

"I think it would take awhile, but we'd reconcile."

"All I can tell you is not to take this lightly, you might want to talk to him first."

She looked at me hard, "But it's my decision."

"I know baby, I know. But there are things you might not know."

"Like?"

"I don't know. But I think it would only be proper to talk to the reigning crowned prince before you decide to abdicate."

"I want a life with you, not Genovia," she said simply, with tears in her eyes.

How was I supposed to act all tough when she cried? I pulled her onto my lap, "And I want a life with you, not my band."

She smiled, "But that could be an adventure," she whispered.

I laughed, "An adventure?" I asked.

She nodded, "Yeah. Plus, I'd get to make all sorts of girls jealous on the road because I get to go home with you."

She left early the next morning for her photo shoot at Cosmo. Her mother had sent baby pictures of her for the magazine. I got a phone call from Tony around noon.

"So you come back into the city and you don't give your best friend a call?" he asked.

He sounded like Lilly. "Sorry man. Mia and I had a long night-"

"Yeah, yeah. Can't wait to hear about it later man. Come down to the studio."

"I have to meet Mia and some reporter for lunch in a half hour."

"Fine. Come down after. We need to figure out what we're gonna do about you and your replacement."

I nodded even though no one could see me. "Sure. Oh shit …"
"What?"

"I have to do that video with Micca soon. Have you heard anything about that?"

"Oh yeah. We'll talk about it when you show up."

Mia and I met at One Son Noodle. "Michael, this is Kiki Rogers. She's writing the article about me."

"You didn't lie Mia, he is adorable."

I blushed, "Nice to meet you Miss Rogers," I said extending my hand.

"So, you two are kind of high school sweethearts?" she asked after we ordered our food.

I looked at Mia, "Not really. We knew each other back then and kind of had crushes on one another but…"

"Were too chicken to do anything about it," Mia supplied, squeezing the lemon into her diet coke.

"Michael, Mia was telling me how you have helped her through her mourning last summer."

I shrugged, "I do what I can. She has always been the same person, but just was hiding out for a little while."

The reporter came along with us to the studio. She simply observed.

"I don't like this lyric," I told Nolan.

"You wrote it," he replied, tossing a dart.

Mia looked at the paper, "Here," she said taking my pencil. She re-wrote a few lines off the top of her head.

I read them out loud. "I like it babe," I said kissing the top of her head.

"Michael, not to burst your bubble here, but think we should talk about the band's future?" Reggie asked.

"What about it?" I asked.

"We were offered a tour out west," Reggie replied.

Mia's eyes widened, "That's great guys!"

"But we're gonna have to sign the contract with all the members of the band that will be on the tour. Which means we'll have to audition new guitarists."

I looked at Mia, "When is the tour?"

"We start in the third week of January."

"You could do it, Michael," Mia said with a smile. "It'd be fun."

"Guys, I need to talk to you in private," I said glancing at the reporter who was hanging on every word. She clearly liked being privy to an up and coming band's plans.

Mia took the hint and led Kiki out of the room.

"What's up Michael?" Nolan asked.

"I don't think I am going to be leaving."

They all looked at one another, "How is that possible? I mean, if you are going to be the prince consort dude then-"

"I might not."

"Are you joking?" Tony asked.

"She might renounce her title. She wants to have a regular life."

"And this would be a regular life?" Tony asked.

"More so than the one we'd have in Genovia," I replied easily. "Look, if you guys don't want me in the band anymore then fine. But I'm giving you the option of keeping-"

"Of course we want you," Lewis cut in. "We just don't really get the whole renouncing thing. I thought she wanted to be you know, a princess or whatever."

I shrugged, "She's going through some stuff. But it's top secret. Her father doesn't even know," I replied. I looked at Tony, "You can't even tell Lilly."

He nodded. Lilly had a big mouth. "So you are staying with us, thank God."

I smiled, "I guess so."

"When's the big day?" Reggie asked, stomping out his cigarette.

"December thirty first," I replied. "You boys better be there."

"Think we are good enough for the palace?" Lewis teased.

I playfully punched him in the arm. How would I have ever lived without these boys?

"So I'll be back in two weeks," Mia promised me at the airport. "Are you sure you don't want to come back for the Festival?"

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm all set for that. I have to do rehearsals with the band and stuff."

She smiled, "They're really pumped you are staying huh?"

I nodded, "I'm excited too. Now when I write songs for the band I don't get all depressed about someone else singing them."

She smiled, "Seeing your face right now makes it all worth it," she said kissing me softly on the lips. "I'll be back for Thanksgiving."

"Promise you'll talk to your dad, okay?"

"Yes. I'll tell him that we've booked the Plaza for the wedding and St. Patrick's for the ceremony."

"Good," I said kissing her cheek. "You have a safe flight."

Ever since people realized who I was, not only the princesses fiancé, but also an emerging musician, I have come to find it hard to go out without being recognized. I've been in magazines and people have been copying my style. Might I remind you my style was one of the causes for people hating me in high school? Why people made fun of me?

Now it was en vogue to wear t-shirts that had quotes from old movies. Guys were wearing the tight jeans. I had to laugh at people copying me. Mia was always teasing me. She even bought an incredibly ugly shirt to test how much I affected people.

They started wearing the same t-shirt.

MIA:

When I got back to Genovia I had a guest waiting for me in the garden. "Who is it Dad? I'm really tired."

"It's Robert. He wanted to take you for dinn-"

"Dad, I wanted to talk to you about my and Michael's wedding."

He rolled his eyes. He really believed that my plans with Michael were just a flight of fancy. "Oh really?"

"We have the Plaza booked. And St. Patrick's cathedral."

"Mia, a princess does not-"

"This," I started, "Princess does what she wants."
"We have it planned for you already," Cammie said briskly, "A nice spring wedding-"

I started laughing, "No, I already decided when I am getting married. I'm getting married on New Year's Eve."

They shared a glance. "Mia, that isn't the best of timing," Dad replied. "Has Michael agreed to this date?"

"Why isn't it a good date? And who is it not good for, you or me? Because for me and Michael it is perfect. We're going on tour three weeks later. We'd have time for our honeymoon and then to go out with his band."

"Mia, we need to talk," Dad said pointedly.

I sat down on his grandfather's chair. "What?"

"We are going to need you here in Genovia in January."

I laughed, "Dad, I made plans already-"

"You'll have to cancel them. I do believe this overrides it."

"Dad, nothing overrides my plans. You can't assume-"

"I am abdicating."

I stared at my lap. "Cammie, I need to talk to my father alone," I said softly.

"You can talk in front of her. She is my wife," he replied for her.

"No," I snapped. "I need to talk to you alone." For the longest time it had just been me, Dad and Grandmere. Then me and Dad. I still wasn't ready for another person to be in our little family.

"Amelia, she is part of this family. Either you say it now in front of her or I will tell her later."

I smiled my best princess smile and tried not to cry, "Why are you abdicating?"

"I do not think I can lead Genovia into two thousand thirteen very well."

"Why not?" I snapped. "You were only coronated officially like, six months ago." I know why. I just want him to admit it.

"Because I have cancer," he replied stoically.

Okay, this puts a lull on my- wait, "Why did you ask if Michael agreed to my date of the wedding?"

"I told him about this back before the wedding."

Michael knew my father had cancer and he hadn't told me?

"I didn't want him to tell you and worry you. He wanted you to know. I am doing some new treatments."

We sat in silence for a few minutes. "Dad, I have to tell you something as well."

"Yes? You aren't pregnant are you?"

I looked at him with half a smile letting him think that was the truth for a second, "No, I'm not pregnant. Dad, can I please talk to you alone?"

"Mia, she's going to know everything anyways."

"Dad, I want to be alone with you after you tell me you have cancer. Sorry if I'm not totally opening up to your new bride."

Cammie finally left.

"What is it?" he snapped. His jaw was clenched. He always clenched it when he was really pissed off.

"Dad, I've been thinking about something for quite some time. Before Michael even. And the past year just made me realize that this idea wasn't just…just a passing fancy. It's something that has been on my mind since I was fourteen years old."

"Your highness?" my father's assistant asked as he came in.

"Yes?"

"The Prime Minister is waiting for you."

Figures. The minute I muster up the nerve to tell him that I do not want to be his heir the prime minister shows up.

"Can we finish this up later on?" my father asked gathering his papers. "Go see Robert. Maybe the two of you could watch a movie in the media room."

I made a face. "When will we be discussing this?"

"Discussing this? What is it we were discussing?" he asked walking out of the room.

I followed him, "What I want to do."

"Yeah, sure. Schedule it with James over there," he said pointing to his secretary.

Okay, things to do: A) Find out how serious Dad's cancer

B) Tell him that I am abdicating

C) RUN!!!!!!!

"Hello, Robert," I greeted, feigning cheerfulness. "To what do I owe the honor?"

He stood up, "I was wondering where you were," he said putting his arms out to hug me.

I sat down, pretending I didn't notice the open arms. "I am here. But that doesn't explain why you are."
"The festival. Your father invited me to spend it with you since your boyfriend-"

"Fiancé," I corrected.

"Oh yes, I forgot about your little wedding plans. Well, he isn't coming out for the festival and the princess shouldn't go unescorted."

I smiled weakly. "Thank you, but my friend Lucie is supposed to come spend some time with me. And I was thinking about inviting some other old friends. You are welcome to join us though."
His smile faded a little. "Lucille Priestess?"

I nodded, "Yes. You know her?"

"Well, sort of. We briefly dated…"

Who the hell HASN'T she dated? "Oh, that's cool. Well, she'll be coming over tomorrow."

"Then why don't we appreciate our alone time for now?" he asked taking my hand.

"Because I am tired," I said pulling away from him. "I better call and let Michael know I got here okay. Goodnight Robert."

I assumed he would be gone when I woke up the next afternoon. But he wasn't. Dad put him in the room that was usually put aside for Michael. I only know this because when I walked past it he jumped out. "Hey Mia."

"Oh, hi."

"Where ya going?"

"Well," I said glancing at my watch, "My friends are supposed to be arriving any minute."

"Who did you say was coming?" he asked, closing his door.

I sighed. "Lucie and Brock."

"Crock?"

I sighed. Joshua used to call him that because he was jealous of him. "Brock. My friend from college. He is from Australia."

"So what in the world is he doing here for Festival?"

I shrugged, "Because he likes hanging out with me? Because we have barely seen one another in like, two years so why not? Because he wants to hear all about Michael?"
"What ex-boyfriend wouldn't want to hear bout Michael?"

I stopped walking. "Look Robert. You are a really nice guy and everything, but it's totally over. I am with Michael. I don't really understand why you are suddenly interested in being around me, but you made it clear a few years ago that you didn't want to be with me. Please just knock it off. If you want to be friends then cut it out with the catty remarks"

I walked down the back staircase and heard Lucie chattering away with Brock. I loved Brock's voice. It was a deep Australian accent. I wouldn't be surprised if Lucie tried to go after him next.

I waited for them to notice me. They finally did after a maid curtsied as she walked past me.

"Smarty Pants!" Brock exclaimed with open arms. Smarty Pants was a nickname that one of our professors called me. The professor was a jerk who made it clear that I was not to get any special treatment just because I was the princess.

I jumped into his arms, "Picasso!" (a nick name he got because he was always doodling instead of paying attention to the ins and outs of Parliament.).

"You ready to take me out on the town?" he asked, releasing me.

"Sure. Want to walk?" I asked.

"Mia, I am not walking around Solstice," Lucie said tapping her foot. Solstice is the capital city of Genovia, where I lived.

"Well, I want to walk," I replied. "It's not that big. Getting a ride would only waste gas. And think about how the carbon monoxide effects the ozone."

"Where is Robert? Your dad mentioned that he was around."

I rolled my eyes, "He's up in his room probably."

"Maybe I'll go find him."

"Go ahead," I replied.