A/N- This is shorter than my other chapters, I know. (hangs head in shame) But it's a very important chapter, there's a lot that Michael and Mia both end up figuring out. Starts out with Mia's POV and switches to Michael whenever you see the little line thingy.

And by the way, you guys, please take the time to read the author's notes at the ends. Some of your questions may already be answered.

Chapter 6

I lay in my bed that night, trying to come up with every possible reaction to my new makeover. Tina would squeal excitedly, and everyone else would just scoff.

I turned over and glanced at the clock. It was one o'clock in the morning and I still couldn't get to sleep.

What is it that's keeping me up? Why does it feel like there's some nagging feeling in the back of my mind?

I'm losing my mind, I swear.

Sleep isn't normally a problem for me. It's been said that I could quite possibly sleep through World War III.

So what's wrong tonight?

The image of the made over Mia keeps popping in my head. She looked gorgeous in that dress. Whoever's escorting her is very lucky.

Damn bastard.

Hey, no, that's pretty mean. I have to think nice thoughts. Nice, happy, fluffy thoughts…

Mia in my arms, kissing me passionately…

No!

Goddamn it. This isn't working. What I need is some fresh air, and a glass of warm milk.

I'll be fine. Mia isn't controlling my life. I am.

Though that's more than I can say for my libido.

The only thought that sustained me that morning: TGIF. I took my time getting ready for school. I stalled as much as I could and ate breakfast as slowly as I dared. My mother was sleeping in because she had a late date with Mr. G the other night, so she didn't see my newly made over self.

I heard the limo honk at least seven times before I finally got outside.

Michael was standing there with an irritated look on his beautiful face. "What took you so long?"

I looked down, not wanting to look him in the eyes. "Sorry," I muttered and got into the limo, trying to ignore the painful thumping in my chest.

We drove in silence. I wasn't exactly the greatest conversationalist that day because I was too busy imagining the reactions of my fellow classmates. Not like I hadn't already gone over this a million times in my head, it's just that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was already the laughingstock of the school with my being a princess already, but now I felt like a freakish Cinderella who doesn't want to go to the ball, but is forced to by her mean, tattooed fairy godmother.

I should rewrite some of the fairytales. I know I could do a way better job than those freaking Grimm Brothers.

The limo slowed and my heart started thumping faster and harder. I sucked in a deep breath and opened the limo door and slowly got out.

As usual, Tina was waiting for me with Wahim and her expression was just as predicted. Several seconds of stunned silence, then "OH MY GOD, MIA YOU LOOK ABSOLUTEY FANTASTIC!"

I gave her a weak smile and said, "Well I'm glad you like it."

She grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the school, leaving Michael and Wahim to follow us. Immediately she began chattering in my ear telling me all the plans she had for whenever she finally managed to convince her father to let her have a makeover.

Lord, give me strength.

I feel like such a jerk. I snapped at her this morning, when she just needed someone to help her self image.

Tina and Wahim bade goodbye to us when we got inside the school. She was silently pulling out books for her first class when Lana waited at the locker next to Mia's. When Lana saw her, she did a double take and sneered. "Wow, Mia. Nice try. Too bad that the wannabe look is out."

I saw her jaw clench and her eyes go glassy, but she didn't say anything. She just looked straight ahead and refused to look anywhere else.

When she got to Algebra, whispers started flying everywhere. I heard some of them too. "Wow, I can't believe that's Mia," and "God, who does she think she is," and "Damn that girl cleans up nice". That last one made my fists clench.

The whole day she just looked down, trying not to attract any attention. I wanted to shield her away from the prying eyes of the world, but that would look reeeeaaaaally weird.

And princess lessons didn't go very well for her either. You could have heard Clarisse yelling at her three stories down.

Needless to say she was extremely distressed on the limo ride back home. I sensed her unhappiness and said, "Hey, you okay?"

She looked up at me, her gray eyes swimming in tears. "No," She whimpered. "Not really."

I moved to the other side of the limo and gave her a hug. "It's okay," I whispered. "It's okay."

She sobbed into my shoulder for a little while, then pulled away. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I'm acting like a self-centered brat."

I smiled at her. "You're a princess: it's in your blood."

She smiled through her tears and said, "Thanks for the confidence, Michael."

"I do what I can."

When we got to the loft she gave me a quick peck on the cheek and bounded out of the limo before I could blink.

Oh god, I feel like such an IDIOT!

I kissed him! Granted, it was on the cheek, but still.

It's like someone took over my body for a moment. I stood by and watched while my evil twin that loves embarrassing me pecked him on the cheek. When I realized what I had done, I turned as red as a tomato and high tailed my ass out of there.

This is so EMBARRASSING!

WHY did I have to be assertive just then? WHY?

It'll be so awkward tomorrow! He has to escort me to princess lessons again, and I have plans with Tina to go ice skating.

When I got home I started banging my head against the wall until mom told me to stop. She said she had a splitting headache and if I made any noise that could be heard from more than twelve inches away, she would call Michael over and tell him to pound me.

Well after I just kissed him, I wouldn't be surprised if he did.

Immediately I called Tina and told her all about it. And let me tell you, her squeal on the phone is just as effective as it is if you're standing right in front of her.

"OH MY GOD MIA! THAT IS SO COOL!"

I sighed. "It's not cool. It's embarrassing!"

"Why would it be embarrassing? He's a totally hot bodyguard that answers to your every whim, not to mention he probably likes you."

"What? Where the hell did that come from?"

"Think about it, Mia. Why would he want to spend the night over at your place over the plaza the first day he met you?"

"Because my mother wasn't home and it's his job."

She ignored me and went on. "And why would he be so extra protective of you, for example, when leaving the plaza?"

"Because there's a crazed terrorist who thinks he's gonna get something out of threatening to kill me. And it's his job."

"Then why would he carry you through the reporters and into school?"

"Because I sprained my ankle."

"Why did he carry you, though? He could have just let you walk against his shoulder."

I couldn't answer her. I didn't have a good enough reply.

She kissed me.

Granted it was on the cheek, but still.

She kissed me!

Okay, Michael, calm down. She probably didn't mean anything by it. She was just feeling really depressed and was just thanking me for trying to help her out.

But I don't want to think about that. I have this fuzzy, light feeling in my chest and I really don't want it to go away.

I like the fuzzy, light feeling.

Does she have the fuzzy, light feeling?

Oh god, I'm thinking like I'm drunk.

When I got back the Plaza, I threw myself on the bed and buried my face in the pillows, trying to get lost in my thoughts. Did she mean anything by it? Did she like me? And why wasn't I weird about this?

I decided that my best bet would be to call Lilly. She could sort through my emotions better than I could.

I pulled out my phone and dialed my sister's number with lightning fast fingers. After two rings, she answered the phone with a, "I'm sure she meant nothing by it, she's probably just confused and you're not weird about it because you like her."

My heart sunk, yet soared at the same time. "I like her?"

"I haven't seen you act this way since Judith Gershner in tenth grade."

Inwardly I shuddered. "Please don't remind me of her. I still have that twitch."

"Whatever you say," She replied with amusement in her voice.

"So I like her?"

"No, Michael, I'm trying to mess with your emotions because I totally approve of you going after a chick four years younger than you. OF COURSE YOU LIKE HER!"

I winced at the mention of the age difference. "How?"

"Because she's pretty, she shares your geeky obsession with sci-fi, she's got strong, humanitarian convictions, and she's vulnerable. You're attracted to that for some freaky, fetish-like reason."

"How do you know this?"

"I'm your sister, I make it a point to know this."

I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. "Do you honestly think I don't stand a chance with her?"

I could almost hear her shrug. "I'm not in her mind, Michael. I haven't even met her. I just know that she's a lot different than the other girls you've gone out with."

We sat in silence for a little while. "From what you know, do you approve of her?" I asked.

"From what I know, yeah. I like that she's a vegetarian."

I grinned reminiscently. "It drives her grandmother up the wall."

"I can imagine."

We chatted a little while longer and hung up. As I put my phone away, I examined my newly discovered feelings.

I like her.

Oh shit.

I like her!

This isn't good! It's not right, it's not professional! I'm her freaking bodyguard!

And besides…what if she doesn't think of me that way?

A/N- PoorMichael. He's having some self-esteemissues too.

I will try to update quickly and frequently, but health and speech in the summer is a pain in the ass. Not to mention there are sometimes when my computer hates me and...well I'm sure you guys can relate. It's safe to say, however, that I will have the next chapter of this up on Thursday or Friday.

Our little friend, The Civilian will make another appearance next chapter in a big way. Thank you guys for all the tips on writing terrorist letters, they were extremely helpful.

I love the reviews, you guys! You've all been so awesome, seriously, without you this story would have gone down the drain. So please, keep it up.