Author's Note: I know it's been awhile. But my dear beta has been giving me extra time to write part three and I have not used my time wisely. I haven't gotten anywhere NEAR finished with it, sadly. Here is a little chapter to remind you that I still exist. And for everyone back at school: HAHA.
MICHAEL:
Mia is…amazing. She wasn't what I had ever expected, and that wasn't all that bad. I mean, she was Mia, but there was a wild side to her. She did it in the freakin limo for crying out loud. At least our driver wasn't there. I wouldn't have done it if he had been. Or maybe I would have. I don't know. My mind was kind of off, ya know?
From there on we were the big couple in the news. Sightings of us looking for engagement rings was always on the news, we just laughed at it all. We were happy just being together. I mean, yes we planned on getting married eventually, but we both just wanted to be in the band and come home together.
Which did not please her grandmother. Not only had her grandson produced an illegitimate heir (with Lilly that is), but her granddaughter was living in sin with a musician.
Yes. Lilly and Louie had a baby they named Damon. He looked like Louie. He has his big blue eyes and dimples that make anyone who sees him drop what they are doing and pick him up.
Well, anyone other than Lilly. She couldn't handle seeing her son. She immediately signed adoption papers so that Kate was his legal guardian and so Lilly had no claim of parentage. This, of course, was really hard on her, but she knew that she couldn't take care of Damon like Louie and Kate could. She only saw Damon and Louie on TV when they were making public appearances.
So things are basically perfect. It's almost been a year since we came out to the press. "What are you reading?" Mia asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"Gameboy."
She nodded. "Weird, my dad called last night. Did you hear my phone ring at all?" she asked, standing behind me and putting her hand on my head.
"No," I lied automatically. I had. But I was in the process of seducing her by then. I wasn't going to stop and chat with the prince.
"I'll just give him a call then we can head out, okay?" she said, kissing my cheek.
I nodded, "Go for it."
We were going back on tour again. This time around college campuses. Much smaller venues. We liked being intimate with our audience. Plus, Kevin liked to shag the freshman.
Our sophomore album came out in March to rave reviews. Mia and I both had written the songs on the album and many poked fun at that fact. One guy said that our love story could be seen in the liner notes. Screw him. We're in love.
I looked down the hall at her while she waited to be connected to her dad. She was looking for her Adidas flip flop.
I still got the butterflies in my stomach when I looked at her. I couldn't believe she was mine. All mine. No one else's.
MIA:
"What do you mean?" I asked nervously.
"We need you here, right now," Dad replied.
"Why? Dad, I'm about to go on tour-"
"It's Louie," he said simply, with a sigh.
"What about him?" I asked, leaning against the closet. "Did something happen to him-"
"Just, please. Mia, get here on the next flight. I have the jet-"
"Why though? For how long do you need me?"
"We need to show a united front," he said cryptically. I looked down the hall at my boyfriend of one year and three months. He was playing a video game and looking tired. We had been up all night. Playing Boggle of course. Yes, Boggle.
"What do you mean?" I asked, forgetting about my sandal.
"There is question about his bloodline."
"Huh?" I asked, walking barefooted into the kitchen. It was a mess. I made a mental note to have a cleaner come in so we didn't return to bugs and moldy pizza.
"Come here before it gets to the news," he hissed. "Your flight is at six. Be there at five thirty and do not attract attention. Don't bring Michael."
"Why can't I bring him?" I demanded. He had to understand that Michael and I are a package deal. Like fun dip. I was the sugar and he was the thingie you…okay, you get the picture.
He looked up. "I can see up your shirt," he whispered.
I slapped him playfully. "Why not Dad?"
"It's family."
"He's family."
"But Louie may not be," he snapped. "I don't want any extra attention, got it? If you bring him then all the paparazzi will be there. Asking why you are coming to Genovia. Then they'd think there was a wedding or something and come here like bee to honey. Be at the airport at five thirty. Lars will be waiting."
Whoa. Lars? What the fuck? "Um, I guess. I have to call our manager and stuff…."
But he'd hung up.
"What's wrong?" Michael asked. "Where can't I go? A royal ball? Shucks."
"To Genovia. I have to go to Genovia tonight. I don't know why…something with Lou…"
"What about the tour?"
"I dunno. Call Chaz up," I said pushing my hair behind my ears. I had an icky feeling. "He knows the songs." Chaz, the man I replaced in the band now was a roadie.
"He could use some cash," Michael said softly. "But it wouldn't be the same without you. Want me to come anyways? You never listen to him anyways…"
"NO, I think this is something serious. Um…but I'll be back, ya know?" I said, searching through our desk for my passport. "Have you seen my passport?"
"It's in the music room," he replied. "When will you be back?"
"I don't know," I replied. "But you have to go meet the bus," I said rushing to find the passport. "Tell them I'm sorry. I'll have Chaz meet you, okay?"
He stood sadly in the doorway of the music room. "I guess."
"You understand, right?" I said, softening and standing in front of him. I let my hands fall onto his chest. "And once I see you again I'll make it all up to you."
"Mia, it's not just sex," he said softly. "I just…fine. Wait here, okay?"
I watched as he walked down to our kitchen and opened the freezer. What was he getting, ice cream? "Whatcha doing?" I called, curious.
He came and stood in front of me again. Then he went down on one knee, "I was going to wait until we were in Boston tomorrow, but we won't be together then. Mia, I want to marry you."
I know what you are thinking. Not romantic at all. But I cried. I seriously cried when he put that ring on my finger. It was much better than the one Felix had given me (you know, the one my grandmother told him to propose with). It was platinum with a round diamond in the middle with two smaller blue stones offsetting it. I was utterly speechless. "Is that a 'I wanna marry you too, Michael'?" he asked with a nervous smile.
I nodded, my mouth still wide open. Very attractive. He stood up and kissed me. A knee buckling, mind blowing make-me-forget-that-I'm-leaving kind of kiss. "It's …. How did you manage to do this?" I asked, taking his face in my hands. I didn't look at the ring. That would be my entertainment on the plane ride.
"I have my ways," he said taking me in close for a hug. "Maybe I keep it around in case you ever realize how stupid it is to be with me. I'd use it to bribe you back. I'm sorry I wasn't very romantic asking…but well, I had a whole thing planned tomorrow night. After the show I was going to bring you back to the Green Monster where we had our first kiss. Then over to the park."
I really do have the most romantic man in the world at my disposal. How on earth did I get so lucky?
I smiled, "How much time you got before you need to go to the bus? I wanna show my Mom."
He looked at his watch, "I can be late. It's not everyday I get engaged to the perfect girl."
