Author's Note:

Lyra: How would you react to finding out you have a brother? At least privately? In public, yes, she'll have to be a princess. In private she's just an 18 year old girl finding out something that is going to change her entire life.

Anon 1: HE plays a very important role. And your question will be answered in the sequel.

Jesse's Babe: It does happen quite a bit. Like, you date someone else while in love with another. You just try to push the other person to the back of your mind. I've done it quite successfully.

Melissa: It is my job to surprise you. And I love your husband's 'new' hair cut.

Anon 2: Obviously you like the story if you have read this far and clearly there is a plot that is making you read along. And I'll end it when I damn well please.

Schwartzi: Of course he's a hottie. Every girl (including a few in the story here…) wants him.

Alenor: He's a junior going into senior year of college. But he's twenty. Her father had the affair twenty years ago.

Everyone else: Thanks for reading. And don't shoot me. Oh, and I just read a really great book. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It's long but amazing. A bit confusing if you don't pay attention to dates, but totally worth it.

MICHAEL:

She called me before Felix? Wa-hoo! "Yeah. Hang in there Thermopolis."

The summer went by really slowly. I ended up meeting this girl named Sadie while I was working at the local Apple store. "I need a new iPod," she explained. "My old one...I dunno where it went."

I nodded, "I bet you had some great music on it."

"Yeah. The new Britney and old, old school Garth Brooks."

I nodded weakly. "Right..."

Now, I know what you are thinking. Why the hell is Michael interested in someone like her?

I'll tell you why. She was really great. Funny, smart, witty; older. She was busy all the time and had alife track already. She worked during the day in a doctor's office, and auditioned on her off days for offBroadway shows. And a few nights a week she worked in some club uptown.

She had long black hair that she always slung into a low ponytail; in words: opposite of Mia.

It was perfect timing for us really. Mia was gone and I was distrationless. I was able to focus simply on Sadie, which impressed all the guys immensely. They said they hadn't seen me like this since Serena; before she became a whore. Or before I found out she was a whore.

Sadie had her own thing going on and didn't try to force herself on my friends. Hell, they wanted her to hang out with us, but she always was too busy with her own friends. "I'm sure she'd wanna hang out more if she knew about Mia," Manny said in the middle of July.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"She'd salivate over a princess. Asking a billion questions. Wonder why the hell she'd be friends with someone like you."

I threw a chip at him, "Totally untrue."

"She doesn't know about Mia, does she?"

I bit my lip.

"You haven't said anything, have you?"

"What's the point in saying anything? She'll find out eventually. She only knows about you guys because you are here. When Mia comes home she'll know."

A lot happened that summer actually. Mia discovered that she had an older brother, and therefore she was no longer the heir to the Genovian throne. But also, a video came out. (AN: wow, wouldn't that be cruel to leave it there?)


"She's going to kill someone," Lilly announced, watching the television. I came into the room (I came back to my mother's to get food, I don't like food shopping).

"Who? Are you watching Days of Our Lives again Little Sister? Is the Salem Stalker on the loose again?"

"No, Mia. Look."

I looked at the television and saw and heard Mia singing at her little senior thing from last year. "Where'd they get this video?" I snapped, unable to keep my eyes from it. "Who the hell watches MTV still?" I asked. "No one worthwhile will see it. Just a bunch of twelve year olds."

"It's on all the news shows. I don't know who sent it."

"Why the hell would someone send this now? Almost a year after the fact?"

Lilly picked up her cell phone and dialed Mia's number quickly. "She won't talk to me," she said handing me the phone. "I tried earlier. She thinks I had something to do with it. I called her cell so we don't have to go through the operator."

"Lilly, I told you-"

"It's me," I said softly. "What's going on?"

"Who sent that? Did Lilly-"

"She's just as surprised as we are. Don't you usually have 'people' to catch this before it hits the news?"

"Yes…but I dunno. I'm trying to figure out who…."

"You know it wasn't us. Lilly was on stage. I was right up front. Someone in the balc-"

"Ah ha!" she screamed. "Grandmere."

"What?"

"She sent someone to tape it for her. It wasn't proper for a dowager princess to attend a school event such as that. She had Lars tape it….Lars wouldn't…."

"But she would," I said calmly. "Think about it, Mia," I said pacing. "All the heat is on Louie and your dad. The fact that your dad has two illegitimate, no offense, children now. People will now re-focus on you again."

"Oh…God…how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Figure things out so damn quickly?"

"I'm Michael Moscovitz. It's what I do."

She forced a laugh. "I have to go talk to Dad now. I'll see you in a few more weeks."


A week later I saw Mia's picture on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.

A picture of her and her new brother posing in what I believe is her bedroom. It was really pink and girly. Her Grandmere designed it back when Mia first became a princess. He looked remarkably like Mia. Same gray eyes, long fingers (his hands were on her shoulders and you could see them). Same dimple in the chin. I can see how they are related. Especially now that she has brown hair.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A REAL PRINCESS

So you have watched the kids on My Super Sweet Sixteen. Those girls act like the quintessential princesses. Their parents spoil them rotten. They wear the clothes that you see on the models on the run ways. They get spa treatments like the rest of us change our underwear.

That's the American version of a princess. But for the first time since Princess Grace there is an actual American wearing a crown. And rocking at the same time.

Mia, as she likes to be called, is nothing like I expected. When I was given the assignment to interview the Genovian princess I was really excited. I pictured a pink bedroom and a scepter on a night stand. And lady's in waiting to be by her side at all times.

I imagined she would be wearing a beautiful dress that would sweep the floors perfectly and not pick up a piece of dirt. Her hair would be swept up in a beautiful updo. She'd casually show me around her palace and maybe introduce me to her newly found older and cute brother; Prince Louie.

I really lucked out since she normally lives in New York and therefore would be showing me around, well, my own neighborhood. But instead I was swept away to a country that seems almost too perfect to be real. The streets of Genovia are kept to date with their medieval beginnings.

Genovia. Population of about 50,000 and located on the Cote d'Azur and between France and Spain. The natives speak both English and French. To live here would be amazing, I know that just by looking at it; but get this; there is no income tax.

As I enter the palace I can only imagine what it must have been like growing up here, but then I remember that the princess did not grow up here. Well, she must be making up for lost time, right? She must be taking advantage of her new found wealth.

Her assistant (can you imagine having one of those when you are eighteen) brings me outside her bedroom door where I am padded down by this large bodyguard. Apparently he goes everywhere the princess does and checks everyone. I wonder how the heck a girl is supposed to date with a guy like this around all the time.

The minute I walk into her room all the images I had of her disappeared. She was rocking out on her Gibson Les Paul. She doesn't even notice anyone walking into the room. The big guy behind me clears his throat and draws her out of her zone. "Oh, hey," she says laughing, "One sec," she says as she picks up her phone. She starts talking to someone and laughing hysterically. "Okay Michael, I told you I was working on it. I have to do an interview now though. See ya."

So my image of a princess is shattered. Pretty dress? No way. She was wearing a black Ramone's worn out t-shirt and torn jeans. And, get this folks, the blonde girl I saw in a picture was no more. She has semi long hair and its dark brown.

Tia Broan: Why the hair change?

Princess of Genovia: I needed something different. Plus, it deflects the attention that's been on Louie lately. People tend to put attention on hair rather than new princes'. I needed a change.

TB: And that talent you have doesn't hurt either.

POG: Talent?

TB: The tape that was heard around the world. Of you singing.

POG: blushes> Psh, that. I sing from time to time for my band, Glass of Water. I honestly think it was the best time for that video to come out. It took the pressure off of Louie.

TB: But you've been there before…thrust into the limelight. What was life like before all of this? What is it like now?

POG: Well…it was kind of weird, ya know? I mean, I grew up with my mom and my cat, Fat Louie, in a loft in Greenwich Village. She painted and I wrote. We have always been pretty artsy. I had my best friends living near by and always went out with them. Well, actually, to be honest with you, I'm still doing all that junk…. I'm only eighteen. There's a lot I'm still trying to figure out.

And now…well it's not that different. At first it was big huge shock. I had to go to Princess Lessons and learn how to become a public figure. How to speak to foreign dignitaries. About Genovia in general.

I had to learn how to live again…the life of a princess I mean.

TB: How did you find out about your father's job in the first place?

POG: Well… was in town because my mom told me he had important news. I couldn't exactly fly out to Genovia since I was still in school…. I had always been told that my dad was a politician in Genovia. I never really thought about it much. He saw me in the summer and on vacations when he could, which was perfect for me. I love living in New York. He um… He brought me to the Plaza for tea and told me why it was so important that he couldn't have anymore kids…he'd had cancer…then he told me the truth.

TB: What did you do?"

POG: laughs> I ran to a very secret place in the city. It's where I go to be alone.

TB: What did you learn in these Princess Lessons?

POG: All the deep dark secrets of princess-dom…just kidding. A lot of it was just preparing me on how to deal with being in the public eye. How to speak to different people. I started taking piano lessons and then to curb that I started playing the guitar.

TB: You aren't bad at all on that.

POG: I'm in a band back in New York. Glass of Water, like I said before. All the guys are amazing musicians. I'm surprised they asked me to join up.

TB: That's a first, a princess in a band? What kind of music do you play?

POG: Some rock. But just between us, I like listening to pop music. Secret obsession.

TB: I'll keep that a secret crosses fingers> Anyways, now with your brother being the heir, what are you going to do?

POG: That's a great question. I have no idea, and I love that. It's nice to have other people plan things out for you, but it's kind of cool to finally have a say in what I'm going to do.
TB: In a perfect world, what would you be doing?

POG: Seriously? pauses and looks out a window> Playing music. Writing. Maybe go to college. I mean, I have to go to college anyways. I think my dad would murder me if I didn't. But doing the music thing would be perfect.

TB: What about boys? Are you dating anyone in particular?

POG: blushes> Well, I date like any normal girl does.

TB: Got a boyfriend in particular?

POG: I don't like talking about those sorts of things in public.

TB: Okay, then what do you look for in a guy? What would make a princess fall in love?
POG: He'd have to be smart. I like learning new things from people around me, so a boyfriend would have to do the same. And music…he has to dig the right kind of music as me. A guy who can play music is a big bonus….

TB: Come on now, be superficial, looks wise?

POG: Oh that's easy. Dark hair. Pale. Kind of skinny. Hands are a big thing with me. And well…he has to have a smile that is just for me, ya know? That doesn't necessarily look like a smile to the naked eye, but at the same time I know he's happy to be with me with just one look. And we have to be able to joke around with one another. I have kind of a warped sense of humor…but being around my band so much I kind of know what guys are into, what kinds of jokes I mean. So…well, I just know that person is out there. The timing will be just right for us eventually.

TB: Someone in mind?

POG: blushes> Oh, no. I'm just a big believer in fate.

TB: We're sure a lot of guys out there will be fawning all over you now that you are eighteen.

MIA: I doubt it. I wouldn't date a random guy. I have to know the guy really well. I'm picky. Plus, I have a body guard, a big brother, a little brother, and four guys that seem to think they are my brothers, watching out for me. If a guy messes with me they mess with all those people too.

Dating me would be a challenge. The guy has to be willing to take this big of a challenge on.

I totally fit the bill. I could totally be the love of her life. If only…if only….


"I read somewhere that the Princess of Genovia went to school at Albert Einstein, didn't you go there too?" Sadie asked one lazy day. We were reading the paper in bed. I had successfully convinced her not to read the article on Mia in the magazine. But there was some article about Mia in the Times.

"Yeah," I mumbled, struggling with the crossword puzzle.

"You'd have been a senior when she was a freshman. You know her?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I'm still friends with her. She's the girl in my band. The one that's away-"

"What? You never told me that!"

"Not a big deal really. I told you a girl in my band went away for the summer. What's the big deal?"

"She's a princess," Sadie replied. "Oh my gosh, you HAVE to introduce me. I have to interview her for my paper."

"Sadie, baby, relax," I said kissing her cheek. "You'll meet her in the fall. Chill out."


"Hey Michael…it's me, uh…Mia. I need a favor of you. It's a pretty big one and well…I don't wanna ask on the phone. Just call me back once you get this. I don't care about the time. I just….I need to hear a friendly voice. Well…just call me, okay? Love ya," Mia's voice said into my voicemail box.

I checked my message five times. She had said love ya. She sounded almost sad though when she was talking. What the hell could she possibly need?

MIA:

"Your highness, I do believe it would be best to go to sleep now," my ladies maid said tiredly.

"I told you, Maria, you can go to sleep. I will be fine," I replied tiredly. "I'm expecting a-" I started as I was cut off. "Phone call. I will go straight to bed," I said.

"Good night Princess."

"Yes?"
"We have a call coming in from a Michael Moscovitz. He says you are friends?" the operator replied stoically. They were trained to never be friendly or familiar with any of us in the family.

"Of course," I replied. "Put him through."

"Hello?" Michael's voice said uncertainly.

I rolled my eyes, "Hello you have reached Moviephone. If you know the film you wish to see, please press one."

I heard a beep.

"Please type in the first three letters of the film you wish to see."

I heard three successive beeps.

"You have selected Ghosttown."

"C'mon missy, I know you are tired. What's going on?" he said with a laugh.

"Did you just get my message now?"

"No, I got it this morning when I woke up at noon. Then I had to go to work. Then band rehearsal. I just got home."

"Oh. Late rehearsal, huh?"

"We picked up a few hookers along the way. You know how desperate we all are."

I managed a smile.

"Do you need me to come over with a machete?" he asked seriously. "Cuz I will."

I smirked, "Nah. I do need you over here though. Think you can get off work next week?"

Pregnant pause. "Why?"

"Louie is being released to the hounds, so to say. And unless I want to be set up with Rodrigo, the Count Lessique's son, I need a date."

"Oh…uh, what about Felix?" he asked carefully.

"Michael, he's in Germany or something with his band."

"Oh, so I'm just a back up?"

"No….I never even asked him. I'm asking you."

"Oh, I see…"

"Please?" I said in a pitiful voice. "You'll get to meet Louie."

"Joy of joys," he joked. "I dunno Mia. I can't really afford to get the tick-"

"Stop being a moron," I said plopping on my bed. "The jet."

"Oh the jet," he teased. "I'll see what I can do about work. Can I tell you tomorrow? Or the day after?"

"Please," I begged in my sad baby voice. He left me no other choice.

"Miiiii-a," he said in a strained voice. "Fine. But if I lose my job-"

"I'm sure you'll find another Apple store to work in," I teased. "Thank you soooo much."

"You owe me."

"I'm sure I can think of a way to repay you," I said flirtiously. Flirting is okay if there is an ocean and a few time zones to cover you.

"A have been hoping for that double sided Star Wars poster."

"I'll see what I can do," I replied with a yawn.

"I'm a jackass. You are exhausted. Go to bed."

"No, I don't mind," I argued weakly, pulling the covers over myself. "You know what is great?" I asked.

"What?" he asked softly.

"Cuddling up in bed."

"It's just too bad there isn't a subway to Genovia," he said softly, almost a full minute later.

"I had the hardest time sleeping when I first got here," I admitted.

"Oh?"

"I'm so used to you singing me to sleep," I replied.

"Poor baby. Sleeping in that huge comfy bed must be so hard," he teased. "You could have Judd Womack there probably to sing you to sleep."

"I don't want him in bed with me," I said softly, almost crying. Just hearing his voice hurt me. "To sing, I mean."

"Of course. Cuz having sex with him is okay, right?"

"He is Judd Womack," I said with a laugh.

He sighed.

"You must have plans. I'll let you-"

He cut me off by singing a song, (Shut Me Out, Rooney)

I try and clear my mind of you

You're wasting all my days

But I don't know just what to do

Without you in my way

I've spent all year avoiding

Everything else, they don't matter

I try and get as close as I can

But now I have been shattered

Shut me out and I'll scream and shout

I can't be alone

Say goodbye and I want to die

Don't leave me alone …alone, all alone

I think about you constantly

I don't have a choice

But when I just want to relax

I need to hear your voice

My eyes automatically turned downward when he started singing to me. "I like that song. Is it new?"

He cleared his throat, "Yeah."

"Hmmm, I can't wait to hear it in person."

"It's a slow song," he replied. "No fun guitar riffs."

"So what?" I argued weakly. "You sound good singing it."

"One more and then bed," he replied. He started singing Tall Glass of Water, but I fell asleep before the third line was sung.