Michaels POV

"Am I supposed to feel bad now, Lilly?" I've sunken to an all time low: I've come to Lilly for advice. "She said it wasn't even her who went to the Press in the first place."

"I don't know, Michael. On one hand, she wouldn't print the retraction when you asked, but on the other, you did deserve what you got, if you ask me."

That's the kind of advice she's offering?

"Well, maybe I wasn't asking you then. Whatever."

"Michael, don't snap at me. I'm trying to help you."

"Well you're not doing a very good job, are you?"

"What do you want me to say? That everything will be all right? That Mia wasn't hurt by what you did and that it was totally acceptable and you shouldn't feel bad...Or do you want me to tell you that she'll take you back. Is that what you want?"

I frowned at her as if she couldn't be further from the truth.

"Yeah, Lilly. That's what this is all about. I'm upset over the fact that I've completely ruined my chances at getting her back. Please, as if I'd want to get back with her after what's happened."

"Keep telling yourself that, Michael. Keep telling yourself that."

With that, Lilly got up and walked out of my trailer, leaving me alone to think it all over.

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?

Mia's POV

I guess we're even now. If that's the way Michael's thinking of it.

"How did everything go so wrong?" I wailed to Tina over the phone.

There was a silence on the other end of the phone for a minute. Then, "Because of me and my big, fat mouth. But Mia, I swear, I didn't know that guy was a reporter!"

"Relax, Tina, it's not your fault. Not entirely anyway. Things were wrong before the magazines came out."

"Then maybe it's Michael. Maybe things went wrong because he's a big jerk who doesn't deserve you."

I sniffed, I can't help it. "Thanks, Tina. You're such a good friend."

"I try," she sighed. "So, as your good friend, what can I do to cheer you up?"

"Well, as my best friend, you can take me out to the movies. Only, I beg of you, no Michael Wilson movies."

"Deal."

Michael's POV

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and mentally rejuvinated. And no, it's not because I slept with my Cookie-Monster rag doll. I'm sure that had nothing to do with it.

I think it's because I've decided what I'm going to do about this whole situation. And I feel good about my descision. In fact, I haven't felt this good in a long time.

My decision requires the use of the Press, but this time, I'm not going to hurt Mia with it. I think this may make her feel better.

It will ruin me, but if it makes Mia feel better, I'll feel better.

Mia's POV

It's been a few days since my last run in with Michael. And I can't help but wonder how he's doing, what he's feeling. Does he care that he hurt me with that article? It's a good thing people in Genovia won't read it, because they already hate me enough.

Someone knocked on the door and my heart fluttered for a second. Could it be Michael?

No, that's ridiculous. Why would Michael come over? And it's not as if I even want him to, do I?

I opened the door cautiously, to find Tina was the one on the other side of it. She's holding a stack of magazines.

"Oh, Tina, what have you told them now?"

"Not me," she said. "Michael."

"Oh, God. What's he told them about me now?"

"No, Mia. It's what he's told them about himself. Look."

She handed me the pile and I read the front covers. The gist of them said 'Michael Wilson Quits Showbiz'.

"He's QUITTING?" I shrieked. "How can he just quit? He's Michael Wilson, for crying out loud!"

"Well, I guess he figures he's had enough. At least that's what it says inside. He says he's had enough of trying to be someone he's not, and that it's just not worth it any more."

"But...but...he can't just quit. He can't..." Uncontrollably, I burst into tears. "It's all my fault, Tina. All of it. And now he's quitting the only thing he loves; something he's really good at, and because of me he's not going to do it anymore!"

"Hey, it's okay..." Tina put her arm around my shoulder and led me to the couch. "Do you want to talk to him about it? Maybe get him to change his mind?"

I shook my head. "No, I don' t think that's the best idea. I wouldn't know what to say, so I'd end up saying the wrong thing, and he probably doesn't want to speak to me anyway."

"Okay, whatever you want," Tina said supportively, resting her head against my own while I cried into her sweater.

Michael's POV

I've been recieving calls all morning. But none have been from Mia.

I'm not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, I never want to speak to her again, but on the other, I want nothing more than to hear her voice on the other side of that damn phone.

But so far, nothing.

The phone rang again and I picked it up, without even looking at the caller ID.

"Hello, former teen heartthrob speaking."

"Michael Wilson?" a deep, masculine voice asked. "Is that you?"

Not Mia. So not Mia.

"Yes, who's this?"

"Ah, I've been trying to get hold of you for the last few hours, Michael, but it seems I'm not the only one who heard the news. It's George Lucas here."

Gulp. How did George Lucas get my phone number? WHO CARES?

"Uh, hi, Mr. Lucas. How are you?"

"None of this Mr. Lucas business, son. Call me George. And I'd be a lot better if this news I'd heard of you weren't true. Is it?"

"Yes, sir. It is."

"But Michael, I want you for my new film. I know you haven't screen tested yet, but I don't care. I'm sure you'll be perfect for the role, and I'll be willing to do whatever it takes to get you to sign on."

"That's a temping offer, but I'm not sure if I can take it. I feel really good about my decision to quit right now. I'd have to think about it."

"Okay, well don't take too long thinking it over. Call me if you have any questions."

After giving me his PRIVATE home phone number, he hung up and left me to think about it.

Would working with George Lucas make sticking in showbiz worth it again? I didn't think anything could replace Mia, but maybe George could...