Author's Note:

You guys should all check out my new homepage. This story is going to be posted on there, and is the only place you'll find the finale...for awhile at least. I'll eventually post it on this site. But the two sequels to this will probably be posted there first.

You really should go there and try to get your non-Joe/Clarisse stuff up. Seriously. Try it. We're fun on that page. And here's another long chapter. I hope to finish posting this in the next two to three weeks with this one, with about two updates during the week (depending on homework).

Handsoff: Here are some Mia and Louie moments

amazingotter: I lub you. And Felix secretly lubs you.

Melissa: She's a brunette for reasons unknown to all of you right now. Reasons to be explained in the sequel. And check your PM's

LivingArt: Her age is explained next chapter, which is when we see her next.


MIA:

"So what should I expect?" Louie asked three days later at breakfast. We had snuck out before the ball. Before I would pick up Michael at the airport for the ball. We were at a café in the city. Our guards were at the next table over.

"Do not look directly into the cameras," I instructed, dipping my bread into the oil. "And be polite to the media. Then they'll be more likely to be respectful when you need privacy in the public."

As if on cue we heard a camera go off. "Yeah, I'm getting used to that. Why the hell do people want pictures of us?" he asked. "It's not like we asked to be famous."

"Seeing royalty eating carbs is a scandal," I teased. "Ignore them."

"I only wanted a family, not to be famous," he admitted, putting his sunglasses on.

"Then why'd you come forward?" I countered as I looked at a text message from Felix. He was beyond adorable. He sent me a picture of the show last night. They were playing in some nudist colony. And camera phones are verboten, but he claimed it was for the band's new website. His message was, "Are you sure you wanna get into the music biz?" I wasn't being a bitch to my new brother though.. I actually really liked Louie. He was sweet and dorky. Kind of Michael, in a totally un-hot way.

He smirked, "Because I wanted a father. I grew up with my grandfather. He was always too old or busy to help me play baseball or football."

"Dad is more apt to teach you polo or golf," I replied. "No American sports."

Louie is a nice enough guy. Everyone in the world seemed to be attracted to him. I had at least a dozen e-mails a week from Shameeka looking for an introduction. "But I meant, what should I expect from your friend? Michael, is it?"

I clammed up. "Yeah. Michael. What did you want to know?"

"Is he capable of kicking my ass?"

"Why would he have to?" I asked.

"For stealing your thunder-"

"No, he seems a bit thrilled that I don't have to do all this," I said gesturing all around.

"So now he's free to marry you in Vegas?" he teased.

"Oh yes, my dream wedding. A shot gun type thing while I'm wearing shorts and a ripped t-shirt. And flip flops, of course."

"Of course," he said laughing.

"No, he wouldn't even think about marriage. We're friends. He's dating a girl named Sarah Jane. I have Felix….kind of. Right now we'd be way too young. We'd ruin it all."

"It?"

"Our friendship that we've managed to keep in tact through all of our bullshit."

He smiled knowingly, "So you are leaving once the ball thing is done, right?"

"Yup. School starts in two weeks. I have orientation next weekend."

"That should be fun. You'll meet a lot of people then."

"I suppose."

"Do you need help moving into the apartment?"

"Yeah," I said with a smile. Who would think a prince would offer to help move his little sister into her apartment?

"I'll have to inspect this place."

I nodded, "Uh huh."

"Who you moving in with? Two girls or…"

"Yes. Shameeka and this girl Katie Gallagher. Shameeka is modeling for Tom Ford right now so she'll hardly even be around. Katie just moved to the city."

"Dad told me that you had wanted to live with two guys?"

"Uh, yeah," I said slowly, snapping my phone shut. It was weird having someone else call my father 'Dad'."Michael and Manny."

He rolled his eyes. He had heard about Michael already a gazillion times. "Michael is the one you are in love with, right? The one that is coming today? "

I gave him a look, "I'm so not in love with him." Let it go already Lou. Let it go.

"You so are," he countered, stabbing into his omelet. "Otherwise you would have never mentioned being too young to be together or whatever. Clearly you've thought about being with him."

"Sir, I mean, your Highness, may I have a picture?" a girl, no more than fifteen, asked shyly.

He smiled and looked at me. "Of both of us?" he asked.

"No, just you," she said hastily, looking only slightly embarrassed.

Now, many might believe that I'd feel resentment, right? That this guy just swoops in and takes my place? No way. I'm happy that the burden is off of me. But I feel bad for him. I mean, he had what…twenty years of normalcy under his belt before getting all this was thrown at him.

Plus, now I had way more independence. He was the one that had a guard at all times. I was going to be allowed some normalcy when I got back to New York. Lars wouldn't be coming to all of my classes. I was even registering under a different name; Mia Grimaldi. So now all the guys in the band, upon hearing my new last name, started calling me Grimmie (cute huh? Kind of sounds like that comic strip Mother Goose and Grim).

Isn't that the best ever? Grandmere, Mom, Dad, and Frank agreed (I know, agreeing? Those four? Shock and amazement here folks) that it might be a smart idea if I laid low and went under one of my many family names. Everyone knew Mia Thermopolis was the girl who 'won the genetic lottery'. Mia Renaldo was the Princess of Genovia. Mia Grimaldi? Who the hell is that?

ME! New York University student. Class of 2008.

And okay, I wasn't totally getting the college experience. I was living in an apartment near campus. But it's a good thing really. Cuz then Lars would have had to get a room in the dorm and do room sweeps every time I went to see a friend. Now he can just drop me off at my apartment and go home.

But it'll be nice. Hardly anyone will really notice me. Brunettes are less recognizable than blondes. And now I wear my black framed glasses when I go out alone. And I've taken to wearing a baseball cap as well. Louie has gotten me addicted to the Boston Red Sox. We watch their games every morning on the satellite dish. That centerfielder…wow, there are things I'd do to him.

I mean, his athletic prowess astounds me.

So I wear a simple beaten hat that my brother shrunk by mistake to hide my face. His loss, my gain.

Hardly anyone recognized me before, but always noticed my school uniform that I wore to princess lessons. Now I could wear regular street clothes and no one would notice.

"So, what exactly is he to you?" Louie asked as we left the café.

"Who?" I asked, staring at a hang nail I had.

"This Michael boy," he replied, opening the limo door for me. We were going to the airport to get Michael. "I mean, you say he's your best friend, but I see more."

I stared out the window. "I dunno…he's just…." I said fading out. Why can't Louie let it be? Be one of those brothers who ignore the little sister's social life and only acknowledge her outside of familial obligations? And I would politely ignore his social life.

But I have a feeling Louie and I will be the type of brother and sister that will be more friendly than anything else. We just met too late in life to have a real sisterly/brotherly bond. We'll be the types to talk about our love lives and careers (or his lack of choice in this situation). He won't be the kind that will be all protective and freakish over the guys I date.

And I know this from a mere two months of knowing him.

Louie sat back. "The one that can never be," he replied knowingly.

"Right."

"There's this girl that I've been in love with my entire life," he started. "She's perfect. Her name is Elisabeth. We flirt….all the time actually. But she went to school in Michigan. I stayed on the east coast and went to Princeton. The chemistry is there, but it's just not timed right."

"It's hard to explain," I started, warming up. "I mean, yeah, sure. Maybe I am in love with him. But he's also my best friend. He's not someone I'd want to be with right now…when I'm so young. I don't want us to get together only to realize that we haven't lived our lives. I want to have experiences before I settle down."

"But you think you'll settle with him?" he asked softly.

I bit my lip, "If we are supposed to be together, then it'll work itself out. Eventually."

"I hope so, for you at least."

"I hope Elisabeth will take you on now that you are a prince."

He laughed. I started noticing our resemblance more and more. The way our eyes slanted when we laughed heartily. "I have spoken to her since all this came out. She teased me a bit, but doesn't treat me any differently."

"You love her, right?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"Then prepare her for Grandmere."


MICHAEL:

It was ten in the morning where I was standing. Four in the morning according to my body. I slumped on a cushioned chair and pulled my baseball cap further down so I could sleep. I was told that my ride would be arriving momentarily and I should take advantage of the hospitality room.

My sort of new girlfriend had called a dozen times while I was en route. I hadn't told her who I was going to go see. Just a friend, I explained. I had to do a favor for a friend. Sadie was with it. She didn't care too much, just….it was the beginning of the relationship. The part where you can't keep your hands off one another. But she would have begged to come with me. To meet a real princess.

And I was not about to let that happen.

As I closed my eyes the door opened. Probably another waitress bringing lemon water with olives in it. I hate olives.

Suddenly, without any sort of warning something jumped on top of me. I opened my eyes wide and pulled off my Met's cap. "What the-"

"Michael!" she said excitedly.

I wrapped my arms around her tightly and smiled. "Long time no see, Princess."

A man with dark cleared his throat.

"Oh, this is Louie, my big brother. Louie, this is Michael."

I stood up, making her fall down. I shook his hand, "Hey, how are ya?"

He smiled heartedly. "You are the first person I've seen in weeks that has been so….normal. Thanks."

I looked at Mia. "He's used to people bowing and curtsying now."

"Oh. I'm not about to start doing that," I assured him. "No where near about to do that."

"Good. Did you have a good flight?"

"Yeah. I'm just exhausted."

"We have a great room for you," Mia assured me. "The blue room, in my and Louie's wing."

"Right next to Mia's room," he continued. "I'm sure you'll enjoy the balcony."

Mia elbowed him. "Ignore him. He's just talking about the view of the bay."

But when I was finally brought to my room I realized what he had meant. The balcony was shared with Mia. "These rooms belonged to my great-great-great grandparents," she explained, walking in behind me. "They didn't share a room, but made it look like they did to the public. They used to have brunch out here every morning. The public would watch from the public beach below."

I sat on a piece of wicker furniture. "Oh. Creative."

"Veddy sneaky," she replied. "I was going to take you on a private tour of the palace today. But looking at you," she said, sitting on the back of my chair. "I can see you need your rest. Some staff will be in at five to help you get ready."

"Not necessary," I assured her. "I can shower and stuff on my own."

"That's what you think. They'll put some bronzer on you and stuff. You'll be in pictures so you'll want to look your best. Without any shine."

I rolled my eyes. "Wouldn't want to shine."

She made a face of annoyance. "Okay. Naptime."

She kissed my cheek. "Thanks for everything."

"I better not ever get invited in the middle of a really boring summer ever again," I started, "To go to some silly ball and to escort one of the main attractions of the evening."

She mussed my hair, "Sleep, Prince Charming. You'll need it."


I slept until five that afternoon, when a team of stylists came in to pick out my tuxedo and tie.

"The full black ensemble would look wonderful with the Princess's dress," one of them, who called himself Geraldo, decided, out loud to himself, not me. "Have you showered and shaved?"

I mumbled a response tiredly and walked into the bathroom. The bathroom alone was bigger than my room back in New York. I showered quickly, but didn't shave. Mia always liked when I looked a bit rugged. I doubt her grandmother would, so I did trim a bit.

"Purrrr-fect," Geraldo's assistant, Sally said as she straightened my black tie. "You should really consider modeling. You have great skin."

She says this as someone smears gunk on my face to reduce glare.

I was told to wait in this room by the end of the staircase. "Louie, is there a bathroom around here?" I hissed.

"Outside, across the hall," he replied, pulling his headphones closer.

"What's the score?" I teased. He was listening to a Red Sox game on the radio.

"Sox are down by one, bottom of the ninth—YES! And Big Papi does it again!" he screamed. Everyone stared at him.

"Okay, you are right," I replied. "I was totally off base about him." Everyone assumed I had been disagreeing with the Prince and chuckled at me.

He was bright red. "Everyone heard that, huh?"

"Nah. Forget it. I'll be right back."

I walked out of the room and tried to open the door across from it. The one that was allegedly the bathroom.

"If you jiggle it and push the door it'll pop right open," Mia's voice said from the top of the stairs.

I looked up and was about to say what else could pop right open, but was struck with idiocy when I saw her. She was wearing a slinky red dress with short sleeves and a square bust line. The bottom kind of flowed out.

"What, never seen a dress before?" she teased, kissing my cheek.

"Not that kind of dress…"

"It's my mermaid dress, you like huh?"

"Yeah…I guess. You could never play in that though."

She made a face. "Whatever Michael. I told Grandmere that I didn't want to take the attention away from Louie. I have to sing some song cuz Grandmere wants to show off her grandchildren. Some stupid duchess is here with her model like granddaughter, so Grandmere wants to showcase my talent."

I hid a smirk. "Great."

"Otherwise, we're going to lay low, kay?"

"Sounds like a plan," I replied.


But that didn't pan out, at all. Once we were announced into the ball room reporters tried to look casual as they greeted us with questions. "Who did your dress?" they asked her.

She smiled sweetly, "My cousin actually updated the look of a dress my grandmother wore when she was introduced to the public."

"How do you feel about your brother?"

"It's great," Mia said squeezing my hand. My left hand was on the small of her back. "He's a wonderful man and I hope we can become closer. He's going to school in New Jersey so we can possibly see each other on weekends."

"Who is your handsome escort? Haven't we seen him before?" another asked, eyeing me.

Mia beamed up at me, "This is my best friend, Michael. He's in my band, you see."

"Boyfriend?"

Mia shook her head passionately, "We're only friends. I know how cliché it sounds, but it's true. If you don't mind, I would like to see my father now."


MIA:

His hair was longer than when I'd left. It was just beyond his ears now. And he looked as good as ever. He said all the right things to reporters, and was sly enough to evade their questions. "How'd I do?" he asked after the second borage of questions.

"You totally sucked," I said with a grin. "C'mon, you know you were great with them."

"Great enough to earn a dance?" he asked, standing up and extending his right hand.

"Of course," I said with a grin.

Cameras were flashing on us. The princess and a strange, but handsome boy. Man actually. "How do you do it?" he asked.

"Do what?" I asked in return.

"Do you just forget about the cameras?"

I looked around and realized just how many eyes were on us. How many news magazines would have our image in their archives after tonight. I shrugged, "They're just doing a job. And it's not like they are making anything up, right? They aren't lying about anything. I'm here with a good looking boy for my brother's introduction. No biggie."

He half grinned.

"How's Sarah Jane?" I asked. He hadn't even mentioned her at all.

He shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, uh, fine. I guess."

"Must be hard, being so far away from one another…."

"Yeah," he said staring off into space. "When is this thing over with?"

"Your highness?" my assistant said tapping me on the shoulder. "Your grandmother is going to announce your song."

"My song…." I said drifting off. I had all but forgotten that I was scheduled to sing a song. To entertain the masses of stuffy aristocrats.

"What are you singing?" Michael asked, laughing slightly at my facial expression.

"I promised Grandmere," I started. "Just go back to the table and cover your ears. You'll hate the song."

I stood up on the stage with the band that was playing the event. I smiled at the pianist who was accompanying me.

I avoided looking at Michael. "I know it is very strange to see a princess standing in front of everyone about to sing a song," I started. "But I think it is only fair that the royal family gives back to the people with a little bit of entertainment," I continued as the opening notes began to be played.

I took a deep breath, and started to sing (Anne Hathaway sang this in Ella Enchanted)

Can anybody find me somebody to love
Each morning I get up I'm tired of it all
Can't barely stand on my feet
Take a look in the mirror and cry
What are you doing to me
I have spent all my years believin' in you
But I just can't get no relief
But somebody
Somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love

Got no feel I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat
I'm okay I'm alright
It shows that there's no defeat
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
One day I'm gonna be free
Lord somebody
Somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love

Everyday
I try and I try and I try
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm going crazy
They say I got a lot of wonder in my brain
Got no common sense
I've got nobody left to believe

Can anybody find me

Somebody To Love
Somebody To Love
Somebody To Love

Somebody To Love

Somebody To Love

I curtsied as people began clapping for me. "Thank you, thank you very much."

"Not bad," Michael assured me as I re-joined him at our table. "I like how you move when you are singing. You bring passion to it."

I knew I was blushing, "Thanks. That means a lot."

"So when do we get to leave?" he asked with puppy dog eyes.

"Louie and I decided we would retire to our chambers at eleven thirty. It's only nine forty right now. Can you handle an hour and thirty minutes more?"

He rolled his eyes, "I suppose so…."

We met with several dignitaries and sipped on champagne through the night. I was secretly happy that I was drinking here with him, maybe I'd get to kiss him later, on the balcony or something.

He walked me back to my table and told me he'd be right back. "Why don't you have a few more glasses of this great champagne?" he asked with a devious grin.

I got into a debate about the parking meters again with the minister of finance, and only realized a half hour later that Michael had not re-appeared. I looked over the minister's shoulder and saw a brunette squeezing Michael's arm.

How dare she! How dare he! He has a girlfriend! "Excuse me," I said politely to the minister. "But I do believe my escort has gotten lost along the way."

He nodded and began speaking to his wife again.


"Hey," I said linking my arm with his. "Where have you been, boy?"

"Oh, hey. Mia, have you met-"

"Angelique," I replied. She was the daughter of the senior most member of Parliament. She was flashcard number thirty six in my early days of Princess lessons. "Yes, I do know her. I never knew you were friendly with her as well."

"Oh, I'm not," he stammered. "I just, well….she …."

"Oh please, Princess. I'm not trying to steal your silly American boyfriend. Not when I have my eye on that brother of yours."

I turned and saw Louie looking totally uncomfortable by Dad's side. I gave a little wave. "Well, then putting your hand on my date's arm really is not the way to get to my brother's heart, now is it? Maybe you should do your research before you set your eyes on anyone, Angelique. My brother is in love with another woman. I suggest you find another man," I said snidely as I led Michael away.

I led him to the private exit way that Grandmere had installed ages ago. Back when she felt the need to escape stuffy balls. "Mia what-"

"How can you do that to Sarah Jane!" I hissed. "You have a girlfriend. I would hope you would remember that."

Then I stormed out. Okay, storming out is not princessy, so I gracefully walked out and greeted my cousin Victor from Monaco.