A/N: My last disclaimer.. at least for this story tear I'm crying too hard to type a long one. LOL So anyway I don't own the characters except for the ones that aren't in the books lol

Here we go…………. The long awaited finale!

Michael's POV

I walked into study hall and got out my laptop and started working on my webzine, waiting for Mia to arrive. I had been so distracted recently that I hadn't really had time to get anything done.

I saw Mia finally walk in and I minimized the page, not bothering to shut the laptop. She saw me, met my eye, and looked away.

Ok…….so maybe ignoring her all this time wasn't the best idea. She probably thinks I'm a huge jerk to just blow her off for no reason. Especially considering the fact that I told her I would never date Krissy, and it sure looks like we're dating. Telling her this is going to be even harder than I thought.

I approached her anyway. I couldn't let her get her heart broken this way. She had to know the truth.

"Mia……." I said slowly, waiting for her to acknowledge me.

She looked up and her eyes got wide. She looked really nervous. "Ummm……Hi. Did you, um, need something?" she asked stuttering and avoiding my eyes.

"Yeah, can I talk to you?" I was nervous waiting for a response; I was hoping she wouldn't just blow me off like I did to her.

"Um, sure," she said looking up at me. I knew she was too sweet to blow me off like that.

"Well I meant like alone. Some place private, maybe…….."

"Oh. Ok……" she said, standing up, looking around for somewhere to talk.

"In the back corner is fine……"

With everyone talking so loud, I was sure that no one would hear us.

"Come on." I said, walking towards the back of the room.

I think I even saw Tina wink at Mia and nudge her towards me, but my eyes could have been playing tricks on me.

Once we reached the back, I wasn't sure how to start talking, so we just stood there silently. I wasn't sure how to break it to her.

"Umm….you said you wanted to talk?" she said, looking down at her shoes.

"Yeah…..I did……" I said, getting silent again.

"Are you going to start talking or am I supposed to guess what you're thinking?" she said, still finding her feet incredibly interesting.

"No. Um, I'll talk. Mia……right before Study Hall…….I was walking down the hall……and well, I saw Ryan talking to Krissy." I waited to make sure she was listening.

She looked up at me and nodded and I continued.

"Mia, I'm so sorry, but I heard Krissy and Ryan fighting. They were fighting because Ryan used to date Krissy. They broke up. Because well…….." I didn't want to do it. I didn't want to tell her and break her heart. But there was no other way.

"Because MTV paid him to date you and cause drama in your life," I said quickly and looked up at her.

I saw anger flash in her eyes. I hated to be the one to have to tell her, but maybe she would run to me for comfort. Boy, was I wrong……

"Why would you do this, Michael?" she said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Do what? Tell you? I'm sorry but I thought you should know," I said, reaching up to wipe away a tear that fell from her face. She didn't let me though, she stepped back and pushed my hand away.

"No. How could you lie to me like that?" She said as her tears started falling harder and harder.

"Mia. I would never lie to you. I just didn't want you to get hurt."

This was going even worse than I imagined. How did I end up being the bad guy?

"Well, I did get hurt. I'm hurt because you lied to me. I'm hurt because, ok, well I know I'm not the smartest or most beautiful girl in the world, but still, is it so hard for you to believe that someone like Ryan could like me!" she asked, raising her voice.

I wish she knew the truth. I hated seeing her hurt, and yet somehow, she was angry at me. Maybe I shouldn't have told her. But then she would have had her heart broken on TV and it would've been too much to handle. I did the right thing, but why do I feel so horrible?

"No, Mia. That's not it……"

"Nevermind, Michael. I guess it was better when we weren't talking. Maybe we should just go back to that. Let's just ignore each other from now on!"

"Mia, please. Don't say that." I said, trying to reach out and touch her. I was trying to show her that I cared, that it killed me not to talk to her, but she pulled away.

"Mia, is that what you really want? Do you really want to just ignore each other?" I asked, hoping that she would say no.

"Yes," she said through her tears, avoiding my eyes.

There was nothing else I could do. I couldn't make Mia believe me. I couldn't make her love me. I couldn't make her want me. I just wish that we could have at least stayed friends. This is all Ryan's fault. Now I've lost her forever.

I sighed and walked away and out of the room. I didn't know where to walk to, I just knew I couldn't be in there with her. I couldn't stand seeing her cry and not being able to comfort her. I couldn't handle being around her. Good thing I was going off to college next year, I didn't have to be around her too much longer and always think about how I couldn't have her. Sometimes life just sucks.

Mia's POV

I can't believe that Michael would lie to me like that. Why was it so hard for him to believe that someone like Ryan could like someone like me? Why?

I stood there in shock, crying, as I watched him walk out of the room and out of my life. I felt like I was dying. But I couldn't feel bad, because it was my choice. I had practically told him that I didn't want him in my life anymore. I had told him to leave me alone, forever. I had just gotten rid of the one thing that I wanted the most.

Tina and Lilly both walked over to me. They must have heard what happened. I realized that I had gotten pretty loud. I looked up to see everyone looking over at me. As soon as I looked up, they all pretended to go back to their work.

Tina wrapped her arms around me, and Lilly slapped me upside the head.

"Ow…..What…..was…….that…….for?" I asked, in between sobs.

"For being a complete idiot," she said. "I'm usually all for ignoring Michael and not listening to what he has to say. But this is completely different. Michael was telling you something important, and you just shoved him off," she said, looking pointedly at me.

"But Michael was lying to me. He just couldn't believe that someone like Ryan could like me," I said, trying to defend myself from the raging Lilly, as I received yet another slap.

"Would you stop that!"

"I'm trying to knock some sense into that head of yours. When has Michael ever lied to you, or anyone for that matter?" she said, crossing her arms, waiting for an answer.

"Umm….."

"Exactly. Never. Michael has never lied to you. Why would he start now? As annoying as he can get, I've never seen him intentionally hurt anyone before. Why would he say something like that to you?"

"I don't know….."

"Especially since he's in love with you, Mia!"

"Michael's not in love with me." I couldn't help wishing that he was though.

"You really are dense. Have you not seen the way he looks at you? I've told you that he only walks around the house without a shirt on when you're around. Did you ever wonder why he would want to hang around freshmen when he's a senior?"

"I….." I started to say something, but had nothing to say. It didn't matter anyway, because Lilly kept going.

"And if that's not enough for you to believe that he likes you, then look over there!" she shouted, pointing over to Michael's laptop.

I walked over to see what she was pointing at and gasped. It was a computer background of Michael and me. We were sitting really close, and we were both leaning in. Michael had his hand over mine as he helped me organize my numbers. Michael was looking down at the paper, and I was just staring at him. I was smiling and my cheeks were pink because I was blushing. On the picture, the words "You've Got My Only Heart" were written. I sighed, remembering what our study sessions used to be like and how complicated things were now.

"Now, do you believe me, Mia? Michael's in love with you. And I know you're in love with him. Don't you see it?" Lilly said, exasperated.

"How did you……? I…Is it that obvious? How come nobody told me before?"

"I tried to, but you wouldn't listen to me," Tina said.

"Yeah, and I wanted to let you figure it out on your own. But I finally had to step in, because you screwed it all up," Lilly said.

"What am I supposed to do?" I asked, scared that I had lost my chance. Michael had to love me. He just had to. If everyone could tell, then it had to be true. Maybe I am just too dense.

"So you finally believe me?"

"Yeah, I do. But it's too late. Michael will never want me now," I said, about to burst into tears again.

Lilly just snorted.

"Michael has liked you for as long as I can remember. One little incident isn't going to change that, not as long as you do something soon."

"But what?"

Michael's POV

I walked outside and sat there until study hall was over. I realized that I had left my laptop in there, but I couldn't go back until I was sure Mia wasn't there. After all, she didn't want me around anyway. When the bell rang, I went back into Study Hall, grabbed my laptop, and left.

I luckily managed to avoid Mia the whole day. I don't know how I'll be able to do it forever though. When I see her here, I'll have to walk away. On the way home, I'll have to make sure I sit as far away from her as I can. When she comes over, I'll have to stay locked up in my room and if I have to shower or use the bathroom, I'll hope she doesn't come out of Lilly's room. I guess I'm not doing this only because she asked me, but also because it will kill me to see her with Ryan. It will kill me to know that she thinks I'm a liar and I don't believe she's good enough for Ryan, when Ryan isn't good enough for her (or anyone for that matter…….except maybe Krissy……) So I didn't fight it too much. I just agreed to what she wanted. It was easier this way. She hated me and didn't have to see me. And I didn't have to see her and always think about what I couldn't have. It was one of those situations where you win and lose at the same time.

I was still going to go to the dance though. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was because I secretly wanted to see Mia all dressed up, and torture myself. Maybe I wanted to make her see what she was missing. Or maybe I wanted to get a hold of Ryan. For whatever reason, I was going. If only I could lose the little accessory called Krissy. It doesn't matter anyway though. I don't want to look pathetic and go alone, so I'll just bring Krissy and try to block out her incessant talking.

Mia's POV

It was finally dance time, and we were all getting ready. All I could think about was Michael. I couldn't forgive myself for thinking he would lie to me. I know that Michael would never do that. I can't stop wishing that Lilly was right and Michael really does like me more than his sister's best friend. I can't stop hoping that I didn't mess it all up. And also, now I have to wait to get to the dance to break it off with Ryan. Apparently, he was in a rush to leave after school and told Tina that he and Seth would be there at 7:00 so that we could all go together. So I can't do it with everyone around, so I'll have to wait til we're at the dance, I guess. If Lars doesn't kill him first. I have to keep assuring Lars that it's over between me and Ryan. But he sure seems to be glancing at his glock a lot, making sure he still has it., which is making me worry. I hardly doubt what Ryan did causes him to deserve death, but I guess it's nice that Lars cares about me. I haven't been able to talk to Michael either. He has avoided me all day. I mean, I can't really blame him. He's just doing what I asked him to do. I wish he wouldn't though, because I really want to talk to him. I guess it will have to wait.

"Mia, don't get distracted. We have to make you gorgeous so you can tell Michael that you love him!" Tina said, excitedly.

"I'm not going to tell him that, I'm just going to say sorry that I didn't believe him, and then I'll break it off with Ryan……"

"No, Mia. You have to tell him," Lilly spoke up impatiently. "I'm not going to let you ruin this again. You guys love each other. Be assertive, Mia. Tell Him!"

"Why? If he really loves me, won't he come to me when he sees I've broken up with Ryan?"

"Probably not, because he thinks you don't want him. Even if you apologize, he'll think you're just being nice because you're a nice person. The way you acted towards him probably made him think that you wouldn't want to date him in like a million years….." Tina explained.

"Fine. I'll think about it," I said as Tina squealed. I wasn't going to tell him, but I just wanted Tina and Lilly to drop it.

Tina finished with me, and of course, she performed another miracle. I looked pretty, and not just pretty for me, pretty for anyone. This girl really needed to go to beauty school as a profession. She'd be rich and famous in no time.

"Wow! Thanks, Tina," I said spinning and examining myself in the mirror.

"No problem. What are friends for?" she said, smiling.

"I wish I could have helped you, but we all know I'm not talented in this area," I told Tina, as I continued to look at the miracle she had performed on me.

"No problem. I've got it all covered. Thanks though."

"Thanks, Tina. For everything. You're a great friend."

"Aww, you too. Now, hurry up and finish. Just wait until Michael sees you. It will be impossible for him to ignore you!"

That's what I was hoping for.

Finally it was dance time. Ryan and Seth showed up a little before 7:00. Lilly, Tina, Boris, Ryan, Seth, and I all left together. Lilly said Boris mentioned that Michael had already left to get Krissy. That really didn't help assure me much. But Lilly insisted that Michael didn't really like Krissy, he just had no one else to go with. I wanted to believe her. I really did, so I tried. Believing Lilly was the only thing that would get me through the night.

When we got to the dance, everyone left me alone with Ryan. But I needed to find Michael first. Ryan had to wait.

"I'll be right back," I said, scanning the room for Michael.

"No, wait Mia. I need to talk to you. There's something I want to tell you," Ryan said, grabbing my arm.

"Can't it wait?"

"No, not really," he said pulling me to the side as I huffed.

"Mia, I'm so glad I met you. You're such a sweet, beautiful, amazing, caring girl. I just wanted you to know that I'm so happy to have you in my life. I love you," Ryan said, staring into my eyes.

He really seemed like he meant it. He would make a great actor. I would have almost fallen for it and felt too bad to dump him if I hadn't glanced over and saw Lilly and Tina staring back at me.

"Really? How much money did MTV pay you to say that?" I said, staring him into the eyes. I tried my best not to look away. I had to be assertive. I couldn't be pushed around anymore.

"What?" he asked, shocked.

"You heard me."

"What are you talking about?" he asked again, still not answering me.

"You know what I'm talking about. You don't have to lie. I know the truth." I said, still glaring at him.

"Ok, fine. That was true, at first. At first, they were paying me to date you. But then I really did fall in love with you. I made a mistake. You're a great girl. I wish I would have never done that. But in a way, I'm glad I did because I met you. I love you, Mia. Please say you love me too," he said pleadingly.

I didn't know if he was telling the truth or not, but frankly, I didn't care.

"Love you? How could I love someone like you? How could I ever even like someone who would embarrass other people for money and fame? Why would I ever love you? You have no heart. You used me. I could never love someone like you," I said as I started to walk away. Then I turned back around.

"By the way, we're over! Oh, and I'd watch out for Lars. He's had his eye on his glock ever since he found out," I said, walking off angrily to find Michael.

I couldn't believe how I ever thought that I really liked Ryan. I was so stupid. It's only Michael for me.

I spotted him across the room, tugging on his tie in his penguin suit and looking uncomfortable. He looked so cute even though he had a bored look on his face. I couldn't help but stare at how adorable he looked. I hoped that he would forgive me. I saw him walk over to the punch table, obviously to get more punch for Krissy and himself. I glanced over at Lilly and Tina once more to find them staring at me and waving as if to say 'go on'. So I gathered up my courage and walked over.

"Hey Michael……."

"Hey," he says unenthusiastically, nodding at me and looking down. "I saw you come in with your wonderful date. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting, so if you'll excuse me," he said, starting to walk away.

"No, he's not my date. I dumped him," I said, quickly, touching his arm and not giving him time to leave.

"Oh," was all he said.

"What about you? Are you having fun with Krissy?" I asked, curiously, hoping that he would say no, that he would rather be with me. But I was hoping for something that was impossible after the way I treated him. As long as I had his forgiveness, I would at least be able to go on, even though I wanted more.

He just snorted. "Yeah right. If you don't mind someone talking about themselves over and over. Oh, I forgot, she did talk about The O.C. quite a bit too," he said smiling and looking up at me. He must have remembered that we were "ignoring" one another, so his smile faded and he looked down.

"Well, then why did you come with her?"

"Because. Well, because she had a picture of us that one day at the beach. You know, when someone caught us...well yeah. Anyway, she had a picture. She said if I didn't spend time with her that she'd give it to the press. So what else could I do?" he said looking down.

"But…….what? Why would you do that for me?" I asked, looking at him with adoration and trying not to blush. Michael went through torture to protect me.

"Because. Well I just didn't want to see you get hurt," he said, still looking down.

My heart just swelled up and I loved Michael even more. I wrapped my arms around him as my eyes teared up a little.

"Michael, I'm so sorry I didn't believe you. I know that you would never lie to me. It's just……..I just wanted to believe that someone like Ryan could like someone like me. But I was stupid to think that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just not good enough for anyone," I sad, with my arms still around him. He unwrapped himself from my embrace, grabbed my hands, and looked into my eyes.

"Not good enough? Mia, that's ridiculous. That guy is a jerk. All he thought about was himself. He used you because he's a horrible person. And he's the idiot. Don't ever believe that you're not good enough for anyone. Any guy would be an idiot if he didn't want you. How could you believe that you're not good enough for anyone? When really no one's good enough for you," Michael said, still looking me in the eyes. I blushed and looked away.

I just snorted. "Yeah right. If I was so great, guys would be throwing themselves at me and lining up to date me. I don't see any guys, do you, Michael?" I said, looking around sarcastically.

Michael grabbed my face and turned me to face him. I was looking right into his eyes. It felt like his fingers were burning holes in my skin. His eyes were burning holes in mine.

"You're looking right at one," he said, still staring into my eyes.

I gasped. He didn't just say what I thought he did, did he? Could Lilly and Tina have actually been right.

"I…..Uh…..Are you joking?" I asked, wanting to make sure before I said anything and embarrassed myself.

"Why would I joke about that, Mia? Why can't you believe that I could love you? I mean, I know that I'm not good enough for you, but that doesn't change how I feel. Mia, I love you. I've loved you for so long, and it's killed me to watch you date Kenny and Ryan. I don't want you to date them. I want you to date me. I just…."

Michael would've kept going, but I stopped him by putting my finger up to his lips. My finger immediately felt on fire. Michael had a crazy effect on me.

"I……..I love you too, Michael. I always have," I said, actually realizing it and meaning it. Even when I convinced myself that there was someone else, there never really was. There was always only Michael. He's the only one that ever truly held a place in my heart. He's the only one that's made me feel like fire. He's the only one that makes me feel completely and utterly happy. It's always been Michael, and I hope that it always will be. I want it to be Michael. He's my only one.

Michael's face lit up. He rubbed his thumb against my cheek and wiped away the stray tear that had fallen. Finally, I was crying tears of joy. Then, Michael brought his lips down to mine, and I immediately melted again. Nothing felt like Michael's kisses.

Nothing could make me feel like I needed so much more, yet I was so complete at the same time. Nothing could give me a fire and a comfort at the same time. No one could make me this happy.

MTV could change the story all they wanted for all I cared. Because, in reality, I got my happy ending, and that's all that mattered to me.

A/N: It's finally done. But grrr, it took forever to post because our internet connection went out for a while. We've been having tons of storms. I hope you guys like it. This is my longest story ever, and I actually finished it. Please review. Let me know if you love it, hate it, or just give me some pointers. Whatever you want. I think I may write a fluffy one piece again soon. Plus I have an old Gilmore Girls fic that I was inspired to finish. But I haven't given up on Princess Diaries. Ok well REVIEW! PLEASE! I love ya all. Thanks for the support and encouragement! You guys rock! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!