Forever Princess (The Princess Diaries 10)

Sadly, I’m not sure Rocky actually remembers Michael at all. Which makes sense, since the last time he saw him was almost two years ago, and Rocky’s barely three.

But Rocky seems to really like him. He right away showed Michael his drums, and how adept he is at pulling out tufts of Fat Louie’s fur if Fat Louie doesn’t run away fast enough.

Anyway, we’re all headed uptown to the graduation ceremony now, where we’re going to meet Dad and Grandmère. I’ve got on the dress everyone chose for me to wear today (another one of Sebastiano’s creations, exactly like the one I wore last night, only pure white) under my graduation gown. I’m trying to ignore the 80,000 text and phone messages I’ve gotten from Tina and Lana, most of which, I’m pretty sure, have to do with where I disappeared to last night. Well, okay, Lana’s are probably all about her Westpointer.

But, come on. A girl’s got to have some privacy.

One of my text messages, I see, is from J.P. But I’m not opening it with Michael in the car.

Another one is from Lilly. But whatever. I’m going to see all these people in, like, five minutes! So whatever it is, they can just tell me in person.

And now I have to go, because Rocky’s discovered the buttons that control the moonroof. My little brother has a lot in common with his cousin Hank.

Sunday, May 7, 2:30 p.m., Sheep Meadow, Central Park

Oh my God, Kenny—I mean, Kenneth—is giving the most boring valedictorian speech I have ever heard. All valedictorian speeches are boring (at least, the ones I’ve heard).

But this one takes the cake. Seriously, it’s about dust particles, or something. Or maybe not dust particles. But some kind of particles. Who even cares? It’s so hot up on these bleachers.

And no one is paying the slightest bit of attention to him. Lana is actually sleeping. Even Lilly, the valedictorian’s own girlfriend, is texting someone.

I just want to get out of here so I can go have cake. Hello? Is that so wrong?

Yeah. I guess it is.

Ack—someone is texting me….

Mia, what is going on? I’ve been texting you all morning. Is everything all right? I saw J.P. last night with STACEY CHEESEMAN! They went up the elevators together. Where were U????

Oh, hey, T! It’s all good! J.P. and I broke up. But it was 100% mutual. I actually went over to Michael’s last night.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s what I said!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG that is so romantic!!!! I’m so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know! Me too. I love him so much!!!! And he loves me!!!!!!!!!!! And everything is perfect. Except I wish this stupid speech would be over so we could all go eat cake.

Yeah, me too. The only thing is, this morning on my way here I could have sworn I saw Stacey Cheeseman making out with Andrew Lowenstein at a Starbucks downtown. But no way right, ’cause she’s with J.P. now. Right?

Um. Right!

Oh, another text—

Hey, POG. I saw you leave the hotel last night with my brother.

It’s Lilly!!!!

Is that a problem? He said you sent him!!!!

It’s cool. But you better not break his heart again. Or this time I really WILL break your face.

Nobody’s heart is going to get broken this time around, Lilly. We’re all grown up now.

Ha. Not likely. But…I’m glad you’re back, POG.

Awwww…