Notes About The Author and This Story overalls Picture Dictionary candy bars

videotape eggplant pizza

Meg Cabot (Meggin Patricia Cabot) was born in
Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A. She lives in New York City
with her husband, Benjamin, and her cat, Henrietta. She
studied Art at Indiana University. Then she became an
illustrator of books and magazines.
Meg's first novel, Where Roses Grow Wild, was published
in 1988. She wrote this book using the name Patricia Cabot.
Her favorite authors are Jane Austen, Judy Blume, and
Barbara Cartland. Her favorite food is pizza. camera thermometer
Some of Meg Cabot's stories are: The Princess Diaries TV
(2000), The Princess Diaries-.Take Two (2000), The Princess
Diaries-.Third Time Lucky (2001), The Princess Diaries:Mia
Goes Forth (2002), The Princess Diaries:Give Me Five (2003).
The first two stories about Princess Mia were made into the
movie, The Princess Diaries (Buena Vista/Walt Disney
Pictures, 2001).

ecology the study of life on Earth and the way that people,
animals and plants live together. • : ~
*
e-mail a way of sending messages from one computer to
another. E-mail messages can be sent on the Internet to
chatrooms. You can have a conversation in an Internet
chatroom because the computer messages are instant.
Halloween the night of October 31st. People used to apartment building
believe that the spirits of the dead walked about on this
night. At Halloween parties, people wear costumes of
floor
demons, ghosts, vampires, and other frightening creatures.
online use a computer to talk to people on a computer sidewalk
network, and to search for information on the Internet.

cellphone
 The People in This Story
^ Michael Moscovitz ^ ^ Lilly Moscovitz ^\ ^ Boris Pelkowski jj ^Kenny Showalter^

Grandmere (Clarisse
Marie Renaldo) Doctor Moscovitz A k Doctor Moscovitz A W Josh Richter A k Lana Weinb
Tina Hakim Baba^ ^Shameeka Taylor

Mia (Amelia)
Thermopolis
Fat Louie_____A
The Private Diary of an "Ordinary" Teenager

My name is Mia Thermopolis and this is my diary. Some things about my life are very ordinary. I'm fourteen years old, and I live
in New York City. I live in an apartment in Greenwich Village, on the west side of the city. I live with my mom, Helen, and
my cat, Fat Louie. My mom is an artist. She paints pictures.
I'm a freshman—a ninth grade student at Albert Einstein High School. My friends, Tina Hakim Baba, Shameeka Taylor,
 Ling Su, and Lilly Moscovitz are also in the ninth grade. Lilly is my best friend.
Other things about my life aren't ordinary at all. Last month, I heard some amazing news. I'm not just an ordinary
teenager, I'm also a princess! I'm the Princess of Genovia. Genovia is a small country in Europe near the border of France and
Italy. My dad, Philippe Renaldo, is the Prince of Genovia and I'm his heir. When he dies, I'll become the ruler of Genovia.
Every day after school finishes, I have princess classes with my dad's mother, Grandmere.
 Grandmere is the Dowager Princess of Genovia. She is teaching me to be a princess. Grandmere wears purple clothes and she smokes
cigarettes all the time. She speaks French and wears lots of makeup. She is scary—everyone is frightened of her.
My mom and dad never got married, but they're still friends. Mom is dating my Algebra teacher, Mr Frank
Gianini—she's going out with him. I'm happy for her. I like Mr Gianini, but I don't like Algebra. I'm flunking
Algebra—I fail every Algebra test. So I have extra Algebra classes.
Sometimes Lilly's brother, Michael, helps me with my
Algebra. I've got a crush on Michael. I love him, but he
doesn't know about my feelings. I'd like to go out on a date
with Michael. . | -,
• . . ■ *

Monday, October 20th. 8:00 a.m.

I'VE JUST HAD A BIG SHOCK! I was eating breakfast, when my mom came into the kitchen. She had just come out of the bathroom. Her face was
very pale and her hair looked terrible.
"Are you sick, Mom?" I asked her. "Do you have a headache? Do you want some aspirin?"
"No. No thanks," said my mom. Her voice was really weird. It sounded strange. I was very worried.
"What's the problem, Mom?" I asked. "What's wrong?"
"Mia, I'm pregnant!" said my mom in a shocked voice.

8
Suddenly her eyes were full of tears, hut she was smiling. "I'm English class
going to have a baby!" Mrs Spears, our English teacher, has given us a new project.
I can't believe it. My mom is having a BABY! And its We have to write a diary. She wants to read our diaries and
father is Mr Gianini, my Algebra teacher! know more about us. But I write this diary every day. My
My mom and dad weren't married when I was bom. mom gave me this diary about a month ago. She was worried
Fourteen and a half years ago. Mom and Dad fell out of love about me. I never talked about my feelings. She wanted me
with each other. My mom didn't want to marry my dad. So to write down my feelings.
she became a single parent. She looked after me without I don't want Mrs Spears to read this diary. My thoughts
anyone's help. I live with Mom in America, and my dad lives are private. I don't want Mrs Spears to read my secrets. I'll
in Genovia. My dad sends us money each month. have to start a different diary for Mrs Spears. It'll be a fake
Why wasn't Mom more careful? She is an adult, but diary. I won't write about my real feelings in the fake diary.
sometimes she behaves like a teenager. She doesn't think Mrs Spears wants us to write about ourselves at the
carefully. And now she's going to be a single parent again. beginning of our diaries. This is what I'll write for my
introduction:
1. I'm the tallest girl in the freshman class.
1. I'm a freak—I look strange. I'm very thin and I have ENGLISH PROJECT: MY DIARY
huge by MiaThermopolis i i.
feet.
1. Last month, my mom started dating my Algebra Name: My full name is Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi
teacher. Thermopolis Renatdo of Genovia. When people speak to me
1. Last month, my dad told me, "You are the Princess they call me, "Your Highness." In America, I'm sometimes
called "Princess Mia." A month ago, everyone called me Mia (or
of
Genovia." Amelia) Thermopolis. My friends call me "Mia." Age: 14
5.1 have princess classes with my scary grandmother. School Grade: Freshman—ninth grade. Description: I'm
five feet and nine inches tall. My eyes are gray and my feet
6. In December, I must go on TV in Genovia. I have to
are too large. My hair is short and very curly. The real color of
introduce myself to the Genovian people.
my hair is tight brown. But last month, I went to a beauty salon.
7.1 don't have a boyfriend.
Paolo, the stylist, cut my hair and colored it blond. I'm a
Algebra class vegetarian—I don't eat meat. Parents: My mother's name is
Mr Gianini hasn't spoken to me about Mom's pregnancy. Helen Thermopoiis. She's an artist. My father's full name is
Maybe my mom hasn't told him about the baby. Artur Christoff Philippe Gerard Grimaldi Renaldo. He is the
What will my new baby brother or baby sister look like? My Prince of Genovia. 11
mom is very beautiful. She has thick, black, curly hair. Mr
Gianini is tall and good-looking, and he's very smart.
Maybe the baby will be smart too. But 1 want the baby to
have my mom's nose. Mr Gianini's nose is too long. 10
Pets: Fat Louie—an orange and white cat. Fat Louie is eight love with my mom now, but maybe this news will hurt him.
years old and he weighs 25 pounds. And has Mom thought aboui which foods are best for a
Best Friend: Lilly Moscovitz. Lilly is very smart and she's pregnant woman? My mom doesn't eat healthy foods. She
interested in politics and ecology. She cares about people and eats too many candy bars, cakes and pizzas, and she drinks
what happens to the planet Earth. She makes films about the beer. Our refrigerator is full of the wrong kinds of food. I
people of New York, and their problems. She has her own TV must throw out all the alcohol and coffee. I must buy fresh
show—Lilly Tells It Like it Is. Boyfriend: I don't have one. fruit, vegetables and milk.
Address: 1005 Thompson Street. Apartment 4A, New York.
I've lived all my life in New York City with my mother. But every Late afternoon
summer I go to France and visit my father. We stay in my Today, I used the school
com
grandmother's house. P"ter and I went on the
About a month ago, my father told me, "Mia, I am the Prince Internet. I found some
of Genovta. You are my heir." After that, he came to stay at the information about pregnancy.
Plaza Hotel in New York. He's staying in a suite in the Lilly saw what I was lookingat.
penthouse—rooms on the hotel's top floor. My grandmother "Do you have a secret to tell e,
has a suite in the penthouse too. I have to go there every
afternoon. My grandmother is teaching me how to be a
princess.

Afternoon
Mia ?" she said in a shocked ice.
Lilly sat with me in the cafeteria during lunch.
"Arc youpr^gna?u?" Lilly's
"What's wrong, Mia ?" she asked. "Something's wrong." I
voice is very loud. ' Everyone
wanted to say, "Lilly, my mom's PREGNANT!" But I didn't say
heard her.
this. I told a lie. "Nothing's wrong," I said. But Lilly
"I'm looking for some
didn't believe me.
information for my Biology class," I said. Only part of this
I'm worried about my mom and Mr Gianini. Will was true. I'm working on a special project with Kenny
Grandmere be mad about my mom's pregnancy? Will she be Showalter. Kenny is my study partner in Biology class. The
angry when she hears the news about the baby? And what project isn't about pregnant women. It's about insects. But
about my dad? How will he feel ? Wil I he be angry ? Or will he Lilly doesn't know this.
be sad.'A year ago, my daJ got very sick. He had cancer. Dad Lilly went on talking about pregnancy. 1 was very
is OK now, bur he can't have any more children. He's not in embarrassed because her brother, Michael, was sitting with
us. He heard our conversation. 1 wanted Lilly to shut up.
I've liked Michael for a long time. But he doesn't know
this. He's a senior student—he's older than me. He's very
smart and he's kind. He's also good-looking, and he has a it. I'm going to be on a TV show called Twenty'Four/Seven.
gorgeous body. But Michael doesn't notice me at all. I'm just Lots of people in America watch this show every week.
his younger sister's best friend. Twenty-Four/Seven is very popular.
Grandmere spoke to the people who work on the show.
She made an arrangement with them. I'm going to be
interviewed by Beverly Bellerieve. Beverly is going to ask
me questions about being a princess. The interview will be
Grandmere's Surprise filmed next Saturday.
I don't want to be on the Twenty-Four/Seven show. But
Monday, October 20th. After school Grandmere won't listen to me. "You have to tell everybody
When I got home, there was a phone message on the about Genovia," she said. "Then lots of tourists will go
answering machine. Grandmere had called while we were there. This will be very good for Genovia."
out. "Your grandmother is right, Mia," said my dad. Then he
started asking questions about the interviewer, Beverly
"My plans have changed," she said in her message. "I was
Bellerieve.
going away for a few days. But now I have decided to stay in
"Didn't she win the Miss America beauty competition in
New York. Call me back immediately, Amelia. I have a
1991?" he said. "Is she dating anyone?" My dad likes
surprise for you."
beautiful women.
What is Grandmere's surprise? It's something horrible,
"Where will the interview be filmed?" I asked. "Will it be
I'm sure. I'm not going to call her back. If she calls again, I'll
filmed at my apartment, or at the Plaza Hotel?"
tell a lie. I'll say, "I didn't get your message. The answering
Then I thought about my mom and Mr Gianini.
machine didn't work properly." (
"What will Mr Gianini say when Mom tells him about
Early evening ■'■>. the baby?" I said to myself. "Will he be happy?"
Grandmere called again. When I got back to the apartment, the door to my mom's
"Come and have dinner with me and your father tonight bedroom was closed. I heard Mom and Mr Gianini talking
at the Plaza Hotel," she said. "I'll tell you about your surprise quietly inside the room. I want Mr Gianini to be pleased
then." about the baby. He's the best guy that my mother has ever
My mom has invited Mr Gianini to our apartment this dated.
evening. She is going to tell him about the baby. I will go to I went into my bedroom and switched on my computer.
the Plaza and have dinner with Dad and Grandmere. There was an e-mail message from Michael Moscovitz. He
wanted to talk to me. Michael likes working on computers.
Late evening—11:00 p.m. He is a member of the Computer Club at school. He writes
I now know all about Grandmere's surprise, and I don't like an online magazine called Crackhead.

14 15
 Michael and I often use our computers to send instant Tuesday, October 21 st, 1:00 a.m.
messages to each other. We have conversations in an MY MOM AND MR GIANINI ARE GETTING MARRIED! Does
Internet chatroom. We use different names when we chat to my mom believe in marriage? She never married my dad.
each other. I use the name "FtLouie." It means Fat Louie. It's Maybe he never asked her.
the name of my cat. Michael uses the name "CracKing"—a I've just realized something. If my mom marries Mr
criminal who sells drugs. Michael is always making clever Gianini, he'll live with us. He'll live here, in this apartment.
jokes. This was our conversation: I'll have to eat breakfast every morning WITH MY ALGEBRA
CracKing: At school today you were weird. What's wrong TEACHER!
with you?
FtLouie: Nothing is wrong. I ' m fine.
CracKing: You weren't listening when I was helping you 9:00 a.m.
with your Algebra problems. FtLouie: Yes, I was. I heard When I woke up this morning, my throat was painful. I felt
everything that you said. ill and I couldn't talk properly. I tried to shout for my mom,
But I wasn't telling Michael the truth. There is but my voice was very weak. She couldn't hear me. So I got
something wrong. I have a problem, and I can't talk to him up and went down the hall to her room.
about it. I HAVE A CRUSH ON MICHAEL MOSCOVITZ! When "Mom, I'm sick," I whispered. "I can't go to school today.
I'm close to Michael, I can't think clearly. He makes me Please will you call the school? And please call Lars. Tell
feel happy and excited. him, 'Don't come with the limousine.' And call Lilly."
I have to stop writing now. My mom is outside my room. Lars is my driver and bodyguard. His job is to protect me
She's knocking at the door. because I'm a princess. He drives me to school every day in
- " - • ■ ■ ■ r
i i ;
■ ; ■ ■ ■ ■
my dad's limousine. We always pick up Lilly and take her to
Very late . . 'J school too.
My mom just came into my bedroom and she was crying.
"Why are you crying?" I asked. "Isn't Mr Gianini pleased Late morning
about the baby? What did he say?" My mom usually goes to her art studio to paint. But today
"I'm crying because I'm so happy," she replied. she stayed at home and looked after me. She made me cups
Then she pulled me into the living room. Mr Gianini was of tea and special food.
standing there. -71 At ten o'clock, Mom put a thermometer in my mouth.
"We want you to hear our news first," said my mom. She took my temperature. She wanted to find out if my body
"We're getting married." heat was normal. After a minute, she took the thermometer
Then she put her arms around me and held me tightly. out of my mouth and looked at it.
Mr Gianini hugged me too. It's very weird, being hugged by "Your temperature is ninety-nine point zero degrees," she
your Algebra teacher! said. "It is zero point six degrees higher than normal." Then

16 17
she touched my face. "Your skin is hot. You have a fever. Stay As soon as I got home, I took some of the medicine. Then
in bed and rest." I went to bed.
My temperature: My temperature:
11:45 a.m.—99.2°F 5:20 p.m.—99.3°F
12:14 p.m.—99.1°F 6:45 p.m.—99.2°F
1:27 p.m.—98.6°F 7:52 p.m.—99.1 °F
2:05 p.m.—99.0°F My temperature is starting to go down. I don't want to get
3:35 p.m.—99.1°F better too quickly! If I'm better by Saturday, I'll have to do
that stupid interview.
Maybe my temperature won't be normal by Saturday.
Then I can't be interviewed by Beverly Bellerieve. GREAT!

Evening
Grandmere called a short time ago. "I'm sick," I told her. But
A Secret Admirer
she didn't feel sorry for me at all.
"If I'm still sick on Saturday, I won't be able to do the
interview," I said. Thursday, October 23rd
"Of course you will," said Grandmere. "A princess must This morning, something very exciting happened.
do her duties for her people, even if she is sick." My mom brought me a letter that came in the mail.
; ; ' . " ■ ; . •
When I opened the envelope, I got a big surprise. Someone
Wednesday, October 22nd ■•. i. .. <'~ When I woke up, has sent me a LOVE LETTER! I don't know who sent it, there
my temperature was 102°F! My mom called my dad. was no name at the end. It was from a secret admirer. The
She asked him to take me to my doctor. So Lars and my person wanted to keep his name a secret. The letter was
dad came to the apartment in the limousine. signed, "A Friend." It was printed on a computer. There was
We had to sit in the doctor's reception for about ten no handwriting on it. This is what it said:
minutes before the doctor examined me. My dad spent the Dear Mia,
ten minutes talking to the doctor's pretty receptionist. I feel strange writing this letter. But I'm too shy to talk to you.
The doctor looked inside my throat and felt my neck. I can't tell you my real feelings. So I'm writing my feelings in this
"You have a throat infection," he said. letter. I've liked you for a very long time. I liked you before you
Then he wrote a prescription for some medicine. "Take became a princess. I'll always like you.
this," he said, giving me the piece of paper. "Go to a drug Sincerely,
store and buy this medicine. You must take the medicine A Friend
four times each day. When your temperature is normal, you I've never had a letter like this before! Is it from Michael
can go to school." Moscovitz? I hope that it is. But Michael sees me nearly
19
18
every day. And he's never spoken to me about his feelings. If Lilly looked at me, then she went into the living room.
the letter isn't from Michael, who sent it? My father was sitting there,
I want to call Lilly, Tina and Shameeka and tell them reading a newspaper. He was
about the letter. But they are in school. I CAN'T BE SICK NOW! looking after me for a few
I have to get well immediately. I want to go back to school hours. My mom wasn't in the
and find out about this letter. apartment. She didn't want to
Mv temperature: tell Dad about her marriage to
10:45 p.m.—99.2°F Mr Gianini, or her pregnancy.
11:15 p.m.—99.1°F She had gone shopping.
12:27 p.m.—98.6°F Yes! "Mr Renaldo,"! heard Lilly
YES! I'm getting better! say. "Is Mia secretly engaged to
2:05 p.m.—99.0°F. Oh be married? Is she going to be
no! My temperature going married to a prince, or a
up again! millionaire?"
3:35 p.m.—99.1°F. I'm
not getting better! Why is this happening to me?
"No, of course not," said
Late afternoon ~ my dad.
Lilly came to the apartment after school. She bought some Lilly came back into my
homework for me. bedroom. "You're worried about falling in love with an actor.
I didn't tell Lilly about the letter. I won't tell anyone. A I understand that," she said. "But why did you talk about
love letter is very private. Maybe Michael did write it. If he love and my brother Michael?"
wrote it, he won't want everyone to know about it. Immediately, I realized my mistake. I don't want Lilly to
Lilly sat on my bed and we watched a movie on TV. The know my feelings about her brother. I didn't answer her
movie was about a handsome boy who fell in love with a girl. question.
Later, the boy found out that the girl was a princess. Her
story was just like mine! But the girl in the movie couldn't Evening
marry the handsome boy. Her father had arranged for her to After dinner, I switched on my computer and read my e-
marry a prince. mail. Lots of my friends had sent me messages. There was a
"Maybe my dad has arranged a royal marriage for me too," message from Tina Hakim Baba. "Get well soon," she said.
I said to Lilly. "So I can't fall in love with a handsome actor, Another friend, Shameeka, sent me an invitation to her
or your brother Michael. I'll have to marry someone like party. Michael had sent a message too. It was a little film
Prince William, and live in Britain." with a cat in it—a cat like Fat Louie. The cat was dancing
and it was really cute. Michael had signed the message: Love,
Michael.
20 21
 Did Michael send me the love letter on Thursday? Is he got to school, Michael walked with me to my class. I felt very
the shy friend? I don't know. The word love wasn't in that happy.
letter. The sender of the letter—"A Friend"—used the word Lilly's boyfriend, Boris
liked. And he signed it, "Sincerely." Pelkowski, meets her outside
Then I saw another e-mail. I didn't recognize the e-mail school every morning and walks
address. It was from someone using the name, JoCrox. Who with her to class.
is Jo Crox? Is he the person who sent the love letter? Is he my
secret admirer? Is he the boy who likes me? This was the Afternoon
message: My list of things to do
JoCrox: I hoped to see you in class today. Then I heard 1. Stop thinking so much about Jo-C-
about your throat infection. Are you feeling better? Did rox.
you get my letter? Get well soon. Your Friend 1. Stop thinking so much about Michael Moscovitz.
Jo Crox is my secret admirer! But who is he? He wanted 1. Stop thinking about my mom and her pregnancy.
to see me in class. So we must take a class together. But there 1. Stop thinking about my TV interview tomorrow.
is no one in any of my classes with the name Jo. 1. Stop thinking about Grandmere.
Maybe Jo Crox isn't his real name. I looked at the name 1. Stop biting my fingernails.
and thought for a few minutes. Then I understood! JoCrox. 1. Work harder in my Algebra class.
Jo-C-rox. Jo-see-rocks. Josie Rocks! Josie is the name of my
favorite character, Josie, in the TV show Josie and the Evening
Pussycats. Josie "rocks" means Josie is cool. This person is Homework: English project. I have to write in my school
saying, "Josie is cool." This person must know me well! I diary. I have to write 200 words, with the title: Describe a
replied immediately. special experience that changed your life. What can I write
FtLouie: Dear Friend, about? A month ago, my father told me who I was. I'm a
I got your letter. Thank you very much. Who are you? I princess. I'm heir to the throne of Genovia. My life changed
won't tell anyone. Please tell me. I'll keep your secret. I then. Maybe I'll write about that.
waited for about half an hour, but Jo-C-rox didn't write Kenny Showalter, my partner in Biology class, had a very
back. special experience last year. Last summer, Kenny visited
India with his family. While he was there, he got very sick.
Friday, October 24th. Algebra class He nearly died.
I AM BETTER! My temperature is normal now, so I went to "That experience changed me," said Kenny. "Now, I
school. Lars drove me in the limousine and we picked up want to help people who are sick and dying."
Lilly outside her apartment. Michael was with her. When we I've never had any experiences like that. My experiences
aren't special at all.
22

23
 then I said a stupid thing. And because of this, my dad knows
about Mom and Mr Gianini. I didn't want this to happen. I
Me and My Big Mouth was just so nervous. Beverly was nice to me. But I couldn't
think clearly and my answers were too long.
Saturday, October 25th. Grandmere's suite, the Plaza Hotel We talked for about an hour. Then Beverly said, "Mia,
As I waited to start my interview with Beverly Bellerieve, I didn't you have some exciting news recently?"
!
'' felt weak and ill. My throat hurt and my body was hot. I was very surprised. "She's asking me about the baby and
Maybe I didn't feel well because I was nervous. Twenty- the wedding," I thought.
four/Seven is a VERY popular TV show. My interview is going "Oh, yes," I said quickly. "I'm very excited. I've always
to be shown on Monday night. People in about twenty-two wanted to be a big sister. But my mom and her boyfriend
million homes all over America will watch it. don't want a big wedding. They just want a small quiet
When I got to the Plaza Hotel, my dad was in my wedding."
grandmother's suite. He started talking about Mr Gianini. Me and my big mouth. The words just came out! I spoke
"Mia, is your Algebra teacher living in your apartment?" before I thought about the question.
he asked. My dad was drinking a glass of water. He dropped the
I didn't know what to say. Mr Gianini isn't living in our glass. Grandmere started making strange noises.
apartment. Not really. But he will be living there soon. Suddenly I realized what I'd said. "Oh no!" I thought.
"Er.. .no," I said. "I've said the wrong thing."
Dad looked happy when he heard that. But will he be Beverly wasn't talking about my mom. She didn't know
happy when he finds out about Mom's marriage to Mr about my mom's marriage to Mr Gianini. And she didn't
Gianini? Will he be happy about Mom's baby? know about the baby. Beverly was talking about my work at
The interviewer, Beverly Bellerieve, arrived at the suite. school. I'd gotten a very good grade in my last Algebra test.
She's very smart and very beautiful. My dad likes her very My dad put his hands on his head. His face was pale. He
much. He smiled a lot when he talked to her. She smiled too. looked shocked.
Lots of women like my dad. He's rich and he looks like What will my mom say when she finds out?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the TV show, StarTrek:The Next "Don't worry, Mia," said my dad. "I'll explain to your
Generation. mother what happened. It wasn't your fault."
I don't know what I said in the rest of the interview. I
7:00 p.m. In the limousine don't remember what other questions Beverly Bellerieve
I'm feeling much worse. The interview was awful. I made a asked me.
REALLYBAD mistake! "I'm not jealous of Mr Gianini," my dad said to me later.
My dad and Grandmere watched while Beverly Bellerieve "I'm pleased for your mother. She and Mr Gianini will be
interviewed me. At first, everything went really well. But very happy." He said that, but I don't believe him.

24 25
 I'm going straight from the hotel to Lilly's place. She's Jaguar. He looked up at Lilly's apartment building. He was
asked all her friends to go to her apartment. We're helping trying to see which floor the eggplant came from.
her to make a film tonight. It's about teenagers behaving
badly. Maybe I can stay at Lilly's place tonight. I don't want
to go home and see my mom yet. I'll wait until Dad talks to
her.

Sunday, October 26th, 2:00 a.m. Lilly's bedroom

I did a very stupid thing tonight. I was with Tina, Shameeka,
and Ling Su at Lilly's apartment. Lilly gave me a dare. She
told me to do something stupid and dangerous.
"I want to film some teenagers behaving badly," she said.
"If I ask you to do something stupid, will you do it?"
"What's the dare?" I asked.
"I dare you to drop an eggplant onto the sidewalk from
my bedroom window. You won't do it. You're good. You
never behave badly."
"I'll do it," I said at once. "I accept the dare."
It was a very stupid thing to do. Lilly's family live in an
Suddenly someone pulled me back. It was Michael, Lilly's
apartment sixteen floors up from the street. It's extremely
brother.
dangerous to drop anything out of high windows in New
"Get down!" he said. We all got down on the floor at
York City. If something falls on someone in the street, they
once—me, Lilly, Michael, Shameeka, Ling Su and Tina.
could die.
I was surprised to see Michael in the apartment. I thought
But my friends heard what Lilly said. So I agreed to do the
that he was out with his friends from the Computer Club.
dare. I went into Lilly's kitchen and found an eggplant.
"That was really stupid!" Michael said. "It's against the
Then I went back to Lilly's bedroom. Lilly turned on her
law to drop things out of windows in New York City. You
video camera and started filming.
could kill someone."
I opened the window and dropped the eggplant. The "Oh, don't be silly, Michael," said Lilly, laughing. "It was
huge purple vegetable fell down and down. Then.. .SPLAT! It only a vegetable."
hit the sidewalk. The soft eggplant exploded. Pieces of it "I'm not joking, Lilly," said Michael, angrily. "I'm very
went everywhere. Many pieces hit a bus and a Jaguar car. serious. If anyone saw Mia do that, she'll be in big trouble.
I leaned out of the window. I saw a man get out of the Maybe the police will arrest her. You mustn't keep that film, Lilly.
No one must see the Princess of Genovia behaving so badly."

26 27
 I was very pleased. Michael was trying to help me. Maybe Bellerieve was important!" said Lilly. "Beverly Bellerieve is
he didn't write the love letter, but he does care about me a America's top TV journalist. She's great!"
little. "Oh," I said. "She just seemed like a nice lady."

9:00 p.m.
I've had another e-mail from Jo-C-rox!
Wedding Plans JoCrox: Hi, Mia. I just saw the TV commercial for your
interview. You looked great. I'm sorry, but I can't tell
you my real name. Now stop reading your e-mail messages.
Sunday, October 26th, 7:00 p.m. You must start your Algebra homework.
I was worried. I'd told the secret about my mom and Mr Your Friend
Gianini. 1 didn't want to leave the Moscovitzes' apartment I wrote back immediately.
this morning. I always feel relaxed and comfortable at Lilly's FtLouie: WHO ARE YOU?
place. Lilly and her family are ordinary people with normal Jo-C-rox didn't reply. But how does he know about my
problems. But my family is weird and our problems are Algebra homework? Michael knows about my Algebra
always difficult. homework. Is he Jo-C-rox? I want Michael to be Jo-C-rox!
I was surprised when I got home. My mom was happy to
see me. "Don't worry, Mia," she said. "Your dad's talked to Monday, October 27 th
me about the TV interview. Everything's OK. I understand." Lots of people at school saw the commercials for my
We sat down and made plans for her wedding. My mom interview. Everyone is going to watch Twentj'Four/Seven
wants to get married near the time of Halloween. tonight. Tomorrow, they'll all know about my mom and Mr
Then Lilly called. Gianini. What am I going to do? What did I say in the
"You've done an interview for Twenty-F'our'/Seven and interview? What other things did Beverly and I talk about?
it's being shown on Monday," she said. "Why didn't you Did I say other stupid things?
tell me?" »■' . I talked about the interview with my friend, Tina Hakim
"How do you know about this?" I asked in surprise. Baba. Before Tina was born, her mother was a model in Britain.
"There are TV commercials advertizing it," said Lilly. She did a lot of TV interviews.
"They're saying, 'Princess Mia, America's royal princess, has "The TV company always sent my mom a videotape of
been interviewed by Beverly Bellerieve.' Why didn't you tell the interview before they showed the film on TV," said Tina.
me?" Lilly asked again. This was a good idea. So at lunchtime I called my dad at
"I didn't think that it was important," I said. the Plaza Hotel. I asked him to get a videotape of my
"You didn't think that an interview with Beverly interview from Beverly Bellerieve.

28 29
 "I'll ask her now," said my dad. He spoke to someone in bag.
his hotel room. Then I heard Beverly's voice on the phone.
"What's the matter, Mia?" she asked. After school
Beverly was in my dad's hotel suite! I wasn't surprised. My When I walked into Grandmere's hotel suite for my princess
dad liked Beverly very much when he met her. class today, she was sitting with a strange man. On the table in
"I'm worried about my interview," I said. "I'd like to see a front of them, there was a huge piece of paper. There were lots of
videotape of the film before you show it on TV."
"You don't need to see a videotape," said Beverly. "Don't
worry. Everything's fine."

Afternoon
Something very embarrassing has happened. I was walking
down the school hall with Michael and Lilly, when we met
Lana Weinberger. Lana is the most beautiful and popular girl
in the ninth grade. Lana walked up to Michael and me and
stared at us.
"Are you two dating each
other?" she said loudly.

30

Michael's face became red. So

i did mine.
Lilly started to laugh. "Mia
and Michael dating?" she said.
"Of course they're not!"
Lana started laughing too.
But Michael didn't say anything.
He was putting his books in his
circles on the paper. Grandmere and the man were sticking
small pieces of paper onto the circles.
"What are you doing, Grandmere?" I asked.
"Oh, Amelia, this is Vigo," said Grandmere, pointing to the
man. "He's come here from Genovia. He plans all the important
events in Genovia. He's helping me to plan your mother's wedding."

"Grandmere," I said. "Can I talk to you privately for a

moment, please?"
"No," said Grandmere. "If you have anything to say, you can
say it to Vigo too."
Vigo jumped up from his chair and rushed over to me. He
was very short and he spoke excitedly.
"I'm delighted to meet you, Your Highness," he said.
"It's nice to meet you too," I said. "But my mom and Mr
Gianini want a small, quiet wedding. I'm sure of that."
"Nonsense!" said Grandmere. "Amelia, you are a
member of the Genovian royal family. One day, you'll be the

31
ruler of Genovia. Your mother must have a big wedding. The
marriage will take place in the White and Gold Room here
at the Plaza. Then there will be a party in the Grand Ballroom." The Interview
"Er...Grandmere," I said. "Mom and Mr Gianini don't
want a big wedding and a large party." Monday, October 27th. Evening
"Why not?" said Grandmere in a surprised voice. "Your When I got home, I didn't tell my mom about Grandmere's
father is paying for everything, of course." plans for the wedding. My mom was in the bathroom. She
"Maybe I'll call Dad about this," I said. was feeling sick because she was pregnant.
"You can't," said Grandmere. "He's gone away with his Mr Gianini was in the apartment. It was nearly time for
new girlfriend. She's that...that interviewer—Beverly my TV interview with Beverly Bellerieve. He switched on
Bellerieve. Now, look Amelia, this will be your mother's the TV, and we watched it together. The interview was
wedding dress." horrible! It went like this:
She held up a picture of a dress with a huge skirt. It was A man's voice spoke at the beginning of the show. He was the
the kind of dress that my mom hates. announcer.
"Grandmere," I said. "You are working very hard. But my VOICE: It is Monday, the 27th of October. On Twenty-
mom really doesn't want a big wedding." Four/Seven tonight is Beverly Bellerieve's interview with
Grandmere didn't listen to me. "Tell Amelia about the America's Princess.. .MiaRenaldo!
food for the wedding," she said to Vigo. A picture of me and Beverly Bellerieve came on the TV. We
Vigo started describing the food. Then he described the were in the penthouse suite of the Plaza Hotel. Beverly looked at
music. After that, Grandmere and Vigo showed me the the TV camera and spoke.
white and gold wedding invitations. I looked at the date on BEVERLY: This is the amazing story of an ordinary teenage
the invitations. It said: Saturday, November 1st. girl. She lives in New York City with her mom, Helen
"Wait a minute," I said. "Is the wedding this Saturday? Thermopolis. Helen Thermopolis is an artist. A month ago,
That's in less than a week." Mia was a normal teenager. Her life
"Yes," said Grandmere. was filled with ordinary teenage
"What if the guests are busy? What if they have other things—things like homework and
plans for that day?" friends. Then one day, everything
"The wedding has to be soon," said Vigo. "Your mother changed.
must be married quickly. In a few weeks, her pregnancy will
show."
Grandmere has even told Vigo about my mom's baby!
That's great. That's really great. Then Beverly turned to me and started asking questions.
BEVERLY: Mia, please tell us about that day. The day when
your life changed completely. ME: We... I.. .was here at the
32 Plaza with my dad. He told me
33
two pieces of amazing news. First he said, "I am the Prince of to be a princess.
ME: Oh, yes. She's giving me princess classes after school.
BEVERLY: Mia, you had some exciting news recently.
ME: Oh. Yes. I'm very excited. I've always wanted to be a big
sister. But my mom and her boyfriend won't have a big
wedding...

Genovia." Then he said, "You are the Princess of Genovia

and my heir. When I die, you'll
become the ruler of Genovia."
BEVERLY: How did you feel
about that news?
ME: I was really upset. Me! A
princess! I didn't want anyone
at school to know. I didn't want
to be a freak like my friend Tina
Hakim Baba. Tina's life is strange and lonely. Her father
owns an oil company and he's very rich. Tina's parents worry
about her safety. A bodyguard goes everywhere with her. He
even comes to school. But that's what has happened to me
too. I have a bodyguard. I'm a freak too, a huge freak.
BEVERLY: Oh, Mia, I can't believe that. Aren't you popular at
school?
ME: No, I'm not. I'm not popular at all. Only the jocks—the
boys who are very good at sport—are popular in my school.
And the cheerleaders—the girls who shout and cheer while
the jocks play—are popular too. But the popular people
aren't my friends. I never get invited to their parties. Those
are the really cool parties. Everyone drinks beer. And
everyone makes out.. .er.. .kisses.
BEVERLY: Your grandmother—the Dowager Princess of
Genovia—is helping you, isn't she? She's showing you how
 At that moment, my mom came out of the bathroom. Mia's Algebra teacher at Albert Einstein High School.
She looked at the TV. She heard what I was saying on the Frank and Helen will be having a small, quiet wedding.
film. Her mouth opened in shock. I had told the whole of
America her private business! Mom and Mr Gianini were nice to me. They weren't mad.
We watched the rest of the TV show. As we watched, I But they were upset.
became more and more embarrassed. The phone rang. It was Lilly. My best friend was mad.
The interview ended like this: "You called us freaks," she said angrily. "What did you
BEVERLY: Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldo isn't a mean?"
jock, or a cheerleader. But she is a very unusual girl. She's a "Lilly, I didn't call you a freak," I said.
modern princess. She is America's princess. Mia has the "You said, 'Only jocks and cheerleaders are popular at my
same problems as all American teenagers. But one day, she school.'" Lilly replied. "You said, 'I don't go around with the
will rule a country. And next year, Mia will be a big sister. popular kids.' All your friends are unpopular. That's what
Twenty-Four/Seven is the show that heard Mia's exciting you mean, isn't it? Your friends aren't cool. They're weird
news first. Mia's mother, Helen Thermopolis, is expecting a — they're freaks."
baby in July. The father of Helen's baby is Frank Gianini— Then she hung up the phone.
34 35
 A few seconds later, the phone rang again. It was my friend Genovia," she said. "We need more tourists to come to our
Shameeka. country."
"Mia," she said. "I invited you to my "Maybe I'll have to go to another school now," I said.
party. Do you remember?" "Yes," I But Grandmere wasn't listening to me. Suddenly, she
replied. hung up the phone.
"Well, my dad won't let me have a "Mia," my mom said. "The interview wasn't that bad.
party now," said Shameeka. "My dad You told the truth about the jocks and the cheerleaders."
said, 'Now parents of students at Albert Einstein know the I went into my room and switched on my computer. I'd
truth. Mia Thermopolis has told us what happens at received a message from Michael Moscovitz. We had this
teenage parties in this area. Students have sex and drink chatroom conversation:
beer at their parties. You can't have your party.'" "Oh, CracKing: Hi. I just saw you on TV. You were very good.
Shameeka," I said. "I am so sorry." Shameeka hung up the FtLouie: It was terrible. CracKing: Well, you told the
phone. The phone rang again. It was Tina Hakim Baba. truth.
Immediately, I apologized to her. "I'm sorry, Tina," I said. FtLouie: But Mom and Mr Gianini are upset. And Lilly and
"Why are you sorry?" asked Tina happily. "You said my Shameeka are mad at me now.
CracKing: Don't worry about Lilly. She's jealous because
name on TV!"
more people watched your interview than her TV show. What
"Er.. .1 know." I had also called Tina a freak. "I can't believe
are you doing on Saturday night?
it!" she said. "It was so cool! It's the most exciting thing that
I read the last line of his message again. Was Michael
has ever happened to me."
Moscovitz asking me out ON A DATE? FtLouie: I don't know.
"You.. .you aren't mad at me?" I said.
Why?
"Did your dad see the interview too?"
CracKing: Well, Saturday is the day after Halloween. I ' m
"Yes," said Tina. "He's very pleased. going to a movie theater with some friends. We' re going to
Now everyone knows about my see the ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. It's a really funny
bodyguard, Wahim. He protects me movie. Everyone is going to celebrate Halloween. We'll all
everywhere I go." wear scary costumes and crazy makeup. Do you want to come?
OK. Michael wasn't asking me out alone with him. But it
Tina hung up. The phone rang for will be nice to go out with him, and his friends. Then I
the fourth time. It was Grandmere. remembered my mom's wedding.
"Well," she said. "That was terrible, wasn't it?" FtLou ie: Can I give you my an swer later? Maybe I ' m d oing
"I'm sorry, Grandmere," I said. "I didn't mean to say bad s o me t hi n g w it h my f a mi l y on S at ur d a y ni gh t . I ' l l s p ea k to
things about my school." y o u l a t e r. CracKing: Sure. OK.
But Grandmere wasn't talking about my high school.
"That Bellerieve woman didn't show any pictures of 37

36
 Surprise Visitors almost everything. She didn't know about my mom and Mr
Gianini's wedding, and their baby. She doesn't know about
my feelings for her brother. And she doesn't know about my
Tuesday, October 27th. Algebra class secret admirer. But I tell her nearly everything else.
This morning, Principal Gupta—the head of Albert
Einstein High School—asked me to come to her office.
Afternoon
"Are you very unhappy here at Albert
Kenny, my partner in Biology class, spoke to me after class
Einstein?" she said. She looked worried.
today.
"Last night, in your TV interview, you said,
"Are you doing anything on Saturday night?" he asked.
'I'm not popular.' But everyone in the
"I'm not sure," I replied. "Maybe I'll be eating dinner
school knows who you are."
with my family."
"They know me because I'm a princess,"
"Well, I'm going to see a movie—the Rocky Horror
I replied. "My story was printed in
Picture Show—with some friends from the Computer Club,"
newspapers and magazines. Before that,
he said. "Will you come too?"
very few people wanted to know me."
"Is Michael Moscovitz one of your friends?" I asked.
"You must join one of the school clubs,"
"Yes," said Kenny.
said Principal Gupta. "Then you'll meet
more students. You'll have more friends."
"Principal Gupta," I 6:00 p.m. In the limousine
said, "I don't have time for clubs. I don't I'm with Lars. We're going back to the apartment. I've just
have any time for myself after school been to see Grandmere at the Plaza Hotel for my princess
finishes. Every afternoon, I have an extra Algebra class, and lesson. I walked into the suite and I had a shock. Lots of
then I have a princess class with my grandmother. In the people were there. There were people talking about food
evenings, I do my homework." and wine and flowers. Others were writing names on cards.
Principal Gupta doesn't understand! Vigo was running about, telling everyone what to do.
Grandmere was sitting and eating chocolates. Her little dog
Late morning was sitting under her chair. He was shaking with fear.
Lilly's boyfriend, Boris Pelkowski, told me a secret about "Ah, Amelia," said Grandmere. "Sit down. You can help
Lilly. She is secretly writing a book about our school. me. Taste these chocolates. Which chocolates are best for
I can't believe it. Why does Lilly only tell Boris her the wedding guests?"
secrets? Why doesn't she tell me? Lilly and I have been best "Grandmere," I said, sitting down on a chair next to her.
friends since elementary school. I tell Lilly everything. Well, "Mom really won't be happy about these arrangements. She
doesn't want a big wedding."

38 39
 "Nonsense," said Grandmere loudly, in a scary voice. I stared at her. Suddenly I recognized the woman. My
"This will be a wonderful event. I'm inviting lots of famous mouth fell open in shock. I couldn't believe it.
people. Many of them are very rich. Some of them are "Grandmother Thermopolis?" I said.
members of royal families." "Mia," said the woman. "You've never called me
It's impossible to argue with Grandmere. She never 'Grandmother.' I'm Mamaw."
listens to me. So after my princess class, I went to my dad's My mom's mother, Mamaw, and my mom's father, Papaw,
hotel suite. I knocked on the door, but he didn't answer. were in our apartment! I didn't recognize the young guy. He
I went and talked to the hotel receptionist. was dressed like a farmer. He was wearing a cotton shirt and
"The prince left the hotel a few hours ago," she said. denim overalls.
"Beverly Bellerieve was with him." My mom's parents live in the state of Indiana. Indiana is
hundreds of miles away from the state of New York. My
grandparents live in a small town called Versailles. They've
10:00 p.m.
never been to New York City before.
When I got home, there were strangers in the apartment. A
family—a mom and a dad, and a boy with long blond hair—
My mom doesn't talk to her parents very often. We
was in the dining room. They were sitting around the table.
haven't visited Mamaw or Papaw for four years. When I was
They had suitcases with them.
born, they were angry. This was because my mom didn't
"Mia, don't you remember me?" asked the woman.
marry my father. My grandparents didn't help my mom
when I was a baby. They didn't give her advice or any money.
I went to find my mom. She was in her bedroom. She was
talking to my dad on the phone.
"Philippe," she was saying angrily, "your mother has
invited my parents to New York. My parents, Philippe. You
know how 1 feel about my parents."
Then she saw me standing by the door.
"Are your grandparents still out there?" she whispered.
"Er.. .yes," I said. "Did you invite Mamaw and Papaw here?"
"No, I did not!" said my mom. "Grandmere Clarisse invited
them. She's arranged a big wedding. It's going to be on
SATURDAY!" Her voice was getting louder and louder. "Your
Grandmere has invited hundreds of people—all her friends."
I felt terrible. I had forgotten to tell my mom about
Grandmere's wedding plans.

41
40
You're really great! That's what most of us think. But the biggest surprise of all was Lilly. When she saw
Your Friend Hank, her mouth fell open and she couldn't speak. She just
I wrote back immediately. stared at him.
FtLouie: Dear Friend,
Thank you very much. PLEASE tell me who you are. I won't Afternoon
tell anyone. I promise! Mia I don't believe what has happened today. Lilly and Hank have
My secret admirer hasn't written back yet. disappeared. Nobody knows where they are. Lilly's boyfriend,
Boris, is really worried.
At lunch, Lilly asked Hank lots of questions about his life
in Indiana.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
The Boy from Indiana "No, I don't," said Hank, "I was dating a girl called
Amber. But we broke up two weeks ago."
Wednesday, October 29th Then Lilly started telling Hank about New York.
Some surprising things happened when Hank came to "You'll be bored here in school with Mia," she said. "Go
school with me today. And these things made me look at my visit some places in the city. There are lots of exciting things
cousin more carefully. Suddenly, 1 realized something. Hank to see."
has changed a lot in four years. Since lunch, nobody has seen Lilly or Hank. Lilly will be
Hank wears the kind of clothes that farmers wear—boots, in a lot of trouble. She's run away with Hank and she's
a cotton shirt, and denim overalls. These are not the kind of missing her classes. Now I have to tell my grandparents.
clothes that young guys wear in New York. But Hank is big Their grandson has disappeared. What will Mamaw and
and strong and he has a really nice body. His hair is blond and Papa w say?
his eyes are dark blue. In fact, Hank is gorgeous! All the girls
stared at him as he walked through the school hall. Algebra class
"Who is that sexy guy?" they asked me. I told Lars, my bodyguard, what has happened.
When Lana Weinberger first saw Hank, her eyes opened "Lilly and Hank have disappeared. They've run away
wide with surprise. together," I said. "I'll call the police."
"Who's your friend ?" she asked me. "No, wait," Lars said. Then he spoke to Mr Gianini. Mr
"He's not my friend, he's my cousin," I replied. Gianini agreed with Lars.
"Well, you can be my friend," Lana said to Hank. "Lilly is quite sensible," my Algebra teacher said. "She'll
"Thanks," replied Hank. He looked down at Lana and smiled. look after Hank."
But I'm really worried. Have Lilly and Hank fallen in

44 45
You're really great! That's what most of us think. But the biggest surprise of all was Lilly. When she saw
Your Friend Hank, her mouth fell open and she couldn't speak. She just
I wrote back immediately. stared at him.
FtLouie: Dear Friend,
Thank you very much. PLEASE tell me who you are. I won't Afternoon
tell anyone. I promise! Mia I don't believe what has happened today. Lilly and Hank have
My secret admirer hasn't written back yet. disappeared. Nobody knows where they are. Lilly's boyfriend,
Boris, is really worried.
At lunch, Lilly asked Hank lots of questions about his life
8_ The Boy in Indiana.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
from Indiana "No, I don't," said Hank, "I was dating a girl called
Amber. But we broke up two weeks ago."
Wednesday, October 29th Then Lilly started telling Hank about New York.
Some surprising things happened when Hank came to "You'll be bored here in school with Mia," she said. "Go
school with me today. And these things made me look at my visit some places in the city. There are lots of exciting things
cousin more carefully. Suddenly, I realized something. Hank to see."
has changed a lot in four years. Since lunch, nobody has seen Lilly or Hank. Lilly will be
Hank wears the kind of clothes that farmers wear—boots, in a lot of trouble. She's run away with Hank and she's
a cotton shirt, and denim overalls. These are not the kind of missing her classes. Now I have to tell my grandparents.
clothes that young guys wear in New York. But Hank is big Their grandson has disappeared. What will Mamaw and
and strong and he has a really nice body. His hair is blond and Papawsay?
his eyes are dark blue. In fact, Hank is gorgeous! All the girls
stared at him as he walked through the school hall. Algebra class
"Who is that sexy guy?" they asked me. I told Lars, my bodyguard, what has happened.
When Lana Weinberger first saw Hank, her eyes opened "Lilly and Hank have disappeared. They've run away
wide with surprise. together," I said. "I'll call the police."
"Who's your friend?" she asked me. "No, wait," Lars said. Then he spoke to Mr Gianini. Mr
"He's not my friend, he's my cousin," I replied. Gianini agreed with Lars.
"Well, you can be my friend," Lana said to Hank. "Lilly is quite sensible," my Algebra teacher said. "She'll
"Thanks," replied Hank. He looked down at Lana and smiled. look after Hank."
But I'm really worried. Have Lilly and Hank fallen in

44 45
love with each other? Hank isn't very smart. But perhaps wedding that Grandmere had
Lilly doesn't care about this. He is very good-looking. planned. I felt terrible. I'm a bad
daughter. I can't wear the dress. My
7:00 p.m. mom doesn't want a big wedding. I
Hank and Lilly are OK. They're safe! Hank got back to the don't want this big
SoHo Grand hotel at about five o'clock. Lilly got back to her wedding to happen.
apartment at about the same time. Only Grandmere
"We've been walking around the city," they said. wants this wedding.
I don't believe them. But I have more important things to "It is a beautiful dress," I thought. "I
worry about. When I went to the Plaza Hotel for my princess want Michael,
class with Grandmere, my dad was outside her door. He was or Jo-C-rox, to
looking nervous. see me wearing
"Mia," he said. "I have some bad news. Grandmere has it. I'll look like
already sent out the wedding invitations." a real princess
"What?" I said. in this dress."
"Don't worry," said my dad. "I'll take care of everything."
My dad is a good man, but Grandmere is stronger than
him. He won't be able to stop her.
I walked into Grandmere's suite. The royal wedding Secrets and Lies
planner, Vigo, was with her.
"Lots of famous people have accepted our invitations," Thursday, October 30th. English class
said Vigo proudly. "It'll be the biggest, most important Hank didn't come to school with me today. He called the
wedding in New York this year." apartment early in the morning.
I didn't say anything. I was thinking about Mom. She was "I'm sick," he said.
going to be shocked when she saw hundreds of famous Last night, Mr Gianini took Mom, me, Mamaw, Papaw
people at her wedding. None of them are her friends. and Hank to dinner at a famous restaurant. Everybody had a
"Your dress for the wedding has arrived," said Vigo. And very good time and they ate a lot. If Hank is sick, I'm not
suddenly, he pulled a dress from a box. "What do you think?" surprised.
I've never seen such a beautiful dress. It was pink, When Hank didn't come to school today, all the girls
with a huge skirt. As soon as I saw that dress, I wanted it. I were very disappointed. Only Boris was happy. He's very
wanted it more than anything in the world. And then I jealous of Hank. Does Lilly like Hank more than Boris? I
remembered. This dress was for my mom's wedding. The big
don't know.

46 47
Afternoon "What were we talking about?"
Lilly and Hank have disappeared AGAIN! Before lunch, my "Helen is being difficult about this wedding and I'm not
mom called Lars on his cellphone. Mamaw had spoken to surprised," said Mamaw. "But Papaw and I are very happy.
Mom because Hank was missing from his hotel room. Frank Gianini is very nice."
Mamaw was worried about her grandson. So they weren't talking about me. They were talking
"Lars, did Hank go to school with Mia today?" asked my about my mom! They're arranging this wedding together!
mom. "Shirley, we both agree," said Grandmere. "This wedding
"No," said Lars. will take place. It must take place."
Then, at lunchtime, Lilly said, "I'm feeling sick. I'm "Oh, certainly, Your Highness," said Mamaw.
going home." "But Grandmere," I said. "Mom doesn't want—"
I don't believe what Lilly said. She isn't sick. She's gone "Vigo!" shouted Grandmere. "Bring those shoes for the
to meet Hank somewhere. That's what I think. What are princess! She'll wear them with her new pink dress on
Hank and Lilly doing? Do they love each other? Are they Saturday."
having sex? Vigo came toward me with a
pair of pink shoes. They were
7:00 p.m. In the limousine the same color as my dress.
I've just had another shock. Now I'm in the limousine with They were the prettiest shoes
Lars. He's driving me to my apartment. that I've ever seen.
When I went to Grandmere's suite today, Mamaw was "Aren't they lovely?" said
there. Mamaw and Grandmere were sitting on couches and Vigo. "Put them on."
drinking tea. They were talking about someone. The beautiful shoes fit me
Vigo was speaking on the phone. He was making more perfectly.
arrangements for the wedding. "It's sad," said Grandmere. "Your mother doesn't want
"She was always very stubborn," Mamaw was saying. this wedding. We'll have to send the shoes back to the
"She never takes advice or listens to anyone." store."
"I am not stubborn!" I said. "Can I keep them for another time?" I asked.
"Don't enter the room in that rude way, Amelia," said "Oh, no," said Grandmere quickly. "You can only wear
Grandmere. She spoke in French. "Come here and say hello pink shoes at a wedding."
to me properly." I'm worried. My dad promised to stop this wedding. But
I went and kissed Grandmere on both of her cheeks. he hasn't done anything. He won't be able to stop
Then I kissed Mamaw on both of her cheeks too. Mamaw Grandmere. She has arranged for a limousine to come to our
laughed and said,"We don't say hello like that in Indiana." apartment on Saturday. The driver will pick up me, Mom
"Now, Shirley," Grandmere said to Mamaw in English. and Mr Gianini. Will my mom refuse to get into the car on
November 1st?
48
49
9:00 p.m.
Mr Gianini has moved into our apartment. He brought with
him a table with a football game on it, and a TV. The 10 Hank's Dream
football table is great. I've already played nine games.
"You can call me 'Frank' now, Mia," he said.
Comes True
But it's very difficult for me to call Mr Gianini "Frank."
He's my Algebra teacher. Friday, October 31st. Halloween
I asked my mom about the wedding on Saturday. But she I was completely wrong about Lilly Moscovitz. At lunch, I
just smiled. found out the truth about her and Hank.
"Don't worry about that, Mia," she said. We were all sitting in the school cafeteria—me and my
Mom didn't say anything more. She didn't want to talk bodyguard Lars, Tina Hakim Baba, and her bodyguard Wahim,
about the wedding. So I called Lilly. Her phone line was Lilly, Boris, and our friends, Shameeka and Ling Su.
busy, so I sent her an instant message on the Internet. Suddenly, someone walked up to our table. We looked
When Lilly and I chat online, Lilly uses the name up. A tall, very handsome young man was standing there.
"WmnRule." It means "women are cool." FtLouie: Where We all stared in surprise. It was Hank! But he looked very
did you and Hank go to today? WmnRule: I ' m not going to different. Everyone in the cafeteria stopped talking. They were
tell you. It's a secret. FtLouie: Lilly, I ' m worried about all looking at him.
you. You missed classes today. And Boris was upset too. Hank was wearing a black sweater, a long black leather
WmnRule: Well, Boris has to trust me. And you must trust coat, black jeans, and black boots. His blond hair had been
me too, Mia. cut short. He looked like the actor, Keanu Reeves, in the
Suddenly I received a new message—from J o-C-rox! film, The Matrix.
JoCrox: Are you coming to see the ROCKY HORROR SHOW movie? "Hello, Mia," said my cousin, sitting down beside me.
Jo-C-rox is going to the Rocky Horror movie on Saturday. Hank's clothes were different, but his voice was different
Michael is going to the Rocky Horror movie too. Michael too. It was deeper. He didn't pronounce words like a person
MUSTBEjo-C-rox. from Indiana. He no longer had an Indiana accent.
I felt really happy and excited. I wanted to run around the "So," Lilly said to him. "What happened ?"
room. I wanted to scream and laugh at the same time. I wrote "Well," Hank said in his new, deep voice. "I have to
back immediately. FtLouie: Yes, I want to come to the thank you, Lilly. I got the job. I'm going to be a model. A
movie. famous fashion company wants me to model underwear.
Pictures of me will soon be in magazines and on TV" He
smiled a huge smile.
"Mia," he said, turning to me, "Your friend has done
something that no one has ever done for me in my life."
What had Lilly done?
50 51
 "When I was a young boy, I had a dream about being a yourself."
model," said Hank. "I wanted to be a fashion model. But Suddenly Hank stood up and pulled Lilly to her feet.
everyone laughed at me. When I told Lilly about my dream, Then he kissed her for a long time. Everyone stared at them.
she helped me. Now my dream has come true. I'm going to be a When Hank let Lilly go,
model. I'm going to be rich and famous." she sat down slowly.
"I'm never going back to
Versailles with Mamaw and
Papaw," Hank said to me.
"Please tell them that."
Then he turned, and he
started to walk out of the
cafeteria. But just as Hank
reached the door, Boris stood
up. He grabbed Hank's arm.
"Hey, you!" Boris said.
"Lilly is my girl, not yours."
Two boys were arguing
because of Lilly! It was very
romantic. I want a boy to
call me his girl. I want
Michael to call me his girl.

Then Boris hit Hank in

"I only helped you a little, Hank," said Lilly. "I told you the face. But Boris hurt his
where to go. And 1 told you who to meet. You did the rest own hand. He didn't hurt
 Hank. Afternoon
I used Lars's cellphone to call Mamaw and Papaw at their
hotel. Mamaw answered the call.
"It's me," I said. "I'm calling with news about Hank."
"WHERE IS HE?" shouted Mamaw.
"Mamaw," I said. "Hank is OK.
He's going to be a model. He's got
a contract with one of the best
modeling agencies in New York.
He's going to model underwear.
He's going to be very famous."
"UNDERWEAR!" Mamaw shouted.
"My grandson is going to model
underwearl Mia, tell Hank to call me
RIGHT NOW.He's in BIG TROUBLE."
"OK, Mamaw," I said. "Er. . .is
the wedding still going to take place tomorrow? Did you talk
to my mom?"
"Of course," said Mamaw. "Everything is ready." "Really?" I
said. I was very surprised. "Has Mom agreed to the plans?
Will she be at the Gold and White Room at the Plaza on
Saturday?"
"Yes, she'll be there," said
Mamaw.
I hung up the phone. I felt sad
and a little disappointed. I was sad
for Mom, because she didn't want
a big wedding. And I was sad for
myself, because I didn't want to go
to the wedding on Saturday. I
wanted to go to the Rocky Horror
movie with Michael.
52 53
 Later, I talked with Lilly about Hank. Michael was there too. 1. He's thought about me, and now he doesn't like me.
ME: Why did you help Hank become a model, Lilly? LILLY: 4- He doesn't want a freshman to be his girlfriend. He's older
Hank had a dream about becoming a model. So I helped than me. He's a senior. 5. He isn't Jo-C-rox.
him. I gave him some advice about fashion. I helped him to
speak without his Indiana accent. Then he went to the
modeling agency. They said, "You're tall and you have an
excellent body. Your face, skin, eyes, teeth and hair are
very good." Then a photographer took some photos of
Hank. The pictures were great! The agency became very
excited. The next day, they gave him a job. ME: Why was
Hank's visit to the agency a big secret? Why didn't you tell
me about it?
LILLY: Because he didn't want you to laugh at him. Hank is your
cousin. You don't see him as other people see him. But he's a very
special person. He'll do great things. His dream can come true.
MICHAEL: Yeah. He'll model
underwear.

LILLY: You're jealous, Michael.

Hank is going to be a supermodel!

Michael didn't say anything

else to me all day. Is he Jo-C-rox,
my secret admirer? Why won't
he tell me?

Five reasons why Michael won't tell me

1. He's shy. He can't tell me his real feelings.
1. He thinks that I don't like him.
 11 "I know," said my dad. "I have to go now, Mia."
"No, Dad, wait—"
My Mom's Wedding Day But my dad hung up the phone. Then it rang again. It was
Grandmere.
"Are you and your mother ready?" she asked. "We're all
Saturday, November 1st, 7:00 p.m. The Plaza Hotel It's
going to the beauty salon. You have to get your hair and
been a very strange day. When I woke up this morning, the
makeup done."
apartment was very quiet. I went to my mom's bedroom and
"Er.. .Mom's left already," I said.
knocked on the door. But nobody answered. So I
"Well," said Grandmere. "The limousine is coming to
opened the door and went inside. No one was there!
your apartment at ten o'clock to pick you up."
A few minutes later, the phone rang. It was my dad.
When the limousine arrived, Grandmere was sitting in it
"Dad, Mom has disappeared," I said. "And Mr Gianini
with Mamaw. "Your mother has gone to another beauty
isn't here either. Where are they?"
salon," said Grandmere. "Your father told me."
"Don't worry, Mia," said my dad. "Your mother is OK.
We went to Grandmere's favorite beauty salon—Chez
She's written you a letter. I have it here. You can have it at
Paolo. We stayed there all day. When we left, our hair and
eight o'clock tonight."
makeup looked beautiful. Then we went back to the Plaza
"But Dad, the wedding is at eight o'clock tonight."

54 55
Hotel and I put on my lovely pink dress and shoes. I'm This morning, Helen Thermopolis and Frank Gianini eloped.
sitting here in a little room, waiting for my mom. They flew to Mexico and got married secretly."
Grandmere screamed and almost fell from her chair. Vigo
9:00 p.m. ran to help her.
MY MOM AND MR GIANIN1 ARE MARRIED! "But please stay and have dinner with us," continued my
At 7:45 the wedding guests began to arrive at the White dad. "There is lots of wonderful food and wine in the
and Gold Room. Hundreds of famous people came. There ballroom. And thank you again for coming."
were rock stars, millionaires, and film actors. There were The guests were very surprised. They stood up and went
members of royal families and beautiful models. into the ballroom. I read the letter from my mom again.
At eight o'clock, I asked my dad for my mom's letter. I de<\r Hux,
read it and then I had to sit down. I couldn't believe what 1 You be rec*.<k*a this letter <\t ? o'clock. 6*
read. Then my dad went to the front of the room and made a tUtxt ti^\e, . cxrA I wiW be •n^xrcL-eA. I cou^Wt tell uiou our
speech to the guests.
PIUYS before. I
"Thank you all for coming here tonight," he said.
XY\t your aro~.yJm^otUer to cxsK uicu cuestuMS txbout us. You're
"Unfortunately, the wedding will not take place this evening.
u \*jo»Jterful AxuqUter, CKYJ\ ycu've UelveJi t^e tx lot tWs crtx^M
tL**\e. TWs n-ew boJcM WLW be v-eru luctV H« or sUe Veue (\
woYuterfuX big Sister. Your wvi'

I wasn't shocked by the news of Mom's secret marriage.

It's very romantic. I was shocked because my father helped
my mom and Mr Gianini. And my dad stopped Grandmere's
plans. My dad has always been frightened of Grandmere.
I went up to my father and put my arms around him. I
hugged him tightly.
"You did it, Dad!" I said, laughing. "Grandmere will be
really mad when she knows the truth."
"Why are you surprised, Mia?" he said. "I'm not
frightened of my mother. She isn't as bad as you think."
Just then, Vigo came over to us.
"Your Highness," he said to my dad, "your mother—the
Dowager Princess Clarisse—is in her hotel suite. She won't
come out. She's upset and embarrassed."

56 57
 My dad and I went up to Grandmere's penthouse suite. arm. Then I held my dad's arm. The three of us stood in the
My dad knocked on the door. hallway, joined together. It was a very special moment.
"Mother," he called. "It's Philippe.
Please open this door at once." There Sunday, November 2nd, 2:00 p.m.
was no reply. "Dad," I said quietly. Everybody had a very good time at the party. Later in the
"Let me speak to her."

"Grandmere, it's me, Mia," I called through the door.

"Mom and Mr Gianini eloped and I'm really sorry. But
Mom didn't want this big wedding. I told you that."
There was still no reply. "Grandmere," I said. "You're not
behaving like a princess. A princess must always be
brave, even if things go wrong. You taught me that. A
princess must never hide her face. Come down to the
ballroom. Come to the party and speak to your guests."
Suddenly the door opened and Grandmere came out.
She was wearing a purple dress, and she had jewels in her
hair.
"Of course I'm going back to the party," she said. "I had to put
on more makeup. That's why I came up here." I looked at
my dad and my dad looked at me. "Of course, Grandmere," I
said.
Then Grandmere did a surprising thing. She held my
evening, Hank arrived. Mamaw and Papaw were pleased to Lars drove me to the Rocky Horror movie theater. When
see him, and so were all the girls. He looked gorgeous! He we got there, we drove up and down the street, looking for
even asked Grandmere to dance. my friends.
At ten o'clock, Lars's cellphone rang. It was my mom Suddenly I saw Lilly. Boris and Michael were with her.
calling from Mexico. She and Mr Gianini were drinking Kenny Showalter and Michael's other friends from the
champagne on a beach. She was really happy. I talked to her Computer Club were there too. They were all dressed in
quietly because I didn't want Grandmere to hear. weird costumes. They looked like characters from horror
A few minutes later, my dad came up to me. "Mia, don't films and ghost stories. I got out of the car and ran toward
you want to meet your friends tonight?" he asked. them. Michael stared at me.
I hadn't forgotten about the Rocky Horror movie. But I "I don't have a horror costume," I said, looking down at
remembered Grandmere's words to me in princess classes. my dress. "I'm sorry."
"Your family is more important than your friends," she had "You look really.. .You look really..." he said.
said. Then he stopped. What was he going to say? Didn't I look
But now Grandmere was happy. She had forgotten about OK? Did my dress look stupid?
me. She was dancing with a famous film actor. We sat and watched the movie. I was sitting in a seat
"Yes," I said to my dad. "I do want to meet my friends." between Michael and Kenny. Lars sat behind me. Michael
"Well, you can go," he said.

58 59
didn't say much. Kenny tried to talk to me, but I was only "OK, Kenny," I said. "I'll go out with you."
thinking about Michael. I sat beside him in the dark, and it Kenny smiled and put his arm around my shoulders.
was wonderful. Michael saw Kenny putting his arm around me and smiling.
The movie lasted for two hours and it was really good. Suddenly Michael stood up. There was a weird expression
Afterwards, we went to a cafe called, Round the Clock. 1 sat on his face. "I'm tired," he said. "Let's go home."
between Michael and Kenny. Everyone talked very loudly. "What's wrong, Michael?" said Lilly in a surprised voice.
Suddenly, Kenny whispered something in my ear. "I'm tired, too," I said. "Lars, please can we go to the car?"
"Have you had any interesting mail lately?" he asked. "Mia, can I call you later?" asked Kenny.
Lilly looked at me. Then she looked at Kenny. Then she
looked at Michael. Suddenly she stood up too.
"Come on," she said to Boris. "It's time to go."
Lilly, Boris, Michael and I went in the limousine with
Lars. Michael sat beside me in the car. He was silent and I
felt terrible. Everything had gone wrong.
At last, we arrived at the Moscovitzes' apartment.
Suddenly, Michael turned toward me. "You look really
nice in that dress," he said.
I smiled at him. Suddenly I felt happy again.

Now I'm sitting in Grandmere's suite at the Plaza Hotel.

Maybe things aren't so bad. Soon, I'm going to have a new
baby brother or sister. And I've got a really nice new
stepfather—Mr Gianini.
Then I realized the truth. Michael wasn't Jo-C-rox.
Kenny called at midday. I'm going to see a Japanese
Kenny was my secret admirer! Kenny is a really nice boy and
movie with him at four o'clock. After that, I'm going to
I like him. But he isn't as sexy and attractive as Michael
Lilly's place. I'm going to spend the night there. We're going
Moscovitz.
to watch a video of my favorite movie—Dirty Dancing.
I looked at Kenny and 1 tried to smile. "Oh, Kenny," I
Yesterday was a special experience. Maybe I'll see
said. "Are you Jo-C-rox ?"
Michael at breakfast tomorrow morning. That will be better
"Yes," said Kenny. "Will you come on a date with me,
than anything.
Mia?"
I was very disappointed. Kenny is a good friend. But do I
want him to be my boyfriend? No. I'm in love with Michael.
But I didn't want to hurt Kenny's feelings. I spoke kindly and
quietly to him.

60 61