Mmm… the older brother… the world’s greatest sin.

I’ve met older brothers before and what’s not to like. He’s either the older brother of a friend who you never knew had hot siblings, or he’s the older, more experienced, better looking version of the guy you thought you liked.

Their sole purpose is to make you want what you can’t have.

When I learned David was Michael’s brother I nearly fainted. I mean not only was he gorgeous and charming, but he was a prince too. He was the fantasy I had dreamed about all those years. He was my walking, talking dream hunk and he was sitting only inches away.

It’s a good thing I have self-control or they would have needed a sedative to stop me.

The dinner was all very dramatic of course. Apparently Mike has some sort of attention deficit complex because every time David said a word to me he would kick him under the table. I know he was trying in his weird way to be subtle but please, who doesn’t notice stuff like that?

I think I should sign him up for Montel.

Dear Montel:

I have a friend who is the prince of… well he hasn’t told me yet, but the prince of something. He has many issues that need solving and he needs your help.

He has a phobia about sitting near strangers.

He dresses like it’s the 16th century

He has some unresolved issues toward his brother.

He is not hot.

His manners suck.

He talks like a textbook.

I think through all the insanity we might be friends – shudder.

Hey, I can use that friendship to spend more time with David.

I love him – David that is – even though it’s purely superficial.

Is that wrong?

Maybe I should also throw in something about a paternity test… that just makes good T.V.

Chapter 6: The “Off-Limits” Files

I woke up the next morning thinking that it had all been a dream. I mean what are the odds of meeting two princes in one day? Granted they were related, but still, the odds must be low.

I lazily stretched in my bed before rolling myself out and stumbling into the shower. It was part of my morning ritual. I had to do the exact same thing, in the exact same order, every day, or I would forget something. It’s practically impossible to think first thing in the morning so if you get used to a routine it makes life easier… and I’m all about the easy route.

So after my shower I finished my routine of eating breakfast – it drives me crazy that some people don’t eat breakfast. You sleep all night so the last time you ate was probably at least 10 hours ago, how are you not hungry? I then packed my schoolbag and left.

I considered my normal bus route but remembering that I now knew the princes lived only a block away I decided to take my chances and see if Michael wanted to walk with me… or more accurately see if David was home and if he was interested in running away with me.

I knocked on the door and rang the bell hoping someone would answer.

And someone did answer.

Only it wasn’t who I was hoping for.

“Jeeves, long time no see… are Mikey and Dave awake?”

“Staci,” he said with slight disgust, “Prince Michael and Prince David” – he emphasized the word Prince – “have already left for the day. Unlike some people who believe that tardiness is a charming quality, the princes are well aware of their responsibilities and-.”

“You could have just said they aren’t home.” I shifted my bag to the other shoulder.

“Very well, they aren’t home.” He said closing the door in my face.

I think Jeeves and I are engaged in an invisible war of sorts. I don’t know how it started but it’s clear that the more I hang around Mike the more agitated Jeeves gets.

I ran the rest of the way to school trying to make myself on time but was late anyways. I hate that Jeeves was right.

When I got to class I dropped my bag on the desk and settled into my chair. I searched around in my bag for a pen and when I had my hand on it a piece of paper sailed onto my desk.

You were late this morning forcing me to locate the classroom by myself – Michael.

Are you kidding me?

Well if you must know I went by your house to get you but Jeeves told me you had already left. I had to run the rest of the way to school and was still late. Besides, you managed to find the class didn’t you? Stop whining – Staci.

I tossed the paper back and smiled to myself as I saw him make a face at what I wrote.

If I had been home I too would have had to run to school. We would both have been tardy. Perhaps you can learn to wake up earlier in the morning – Michael.

I think the only reason Prince High and Mighty came to this school was to make my life more miserable.

I thought you were above passing notes – Staci. P.S. (-.-;)

Michael folded the note up neatly and placed it inside his bag to use against me later no doubt.

The rest of the class passed by in a blur – a big, boring, ‘why did I bother to get up this morning’ blur.

After I waited for Michael to put all his books into his bag – in a particularly anally neatly way – we started walking together to our next class.

“I do hope we proceed to our next subject without delay.” Michael muttered under his breath.

“I heard that, and I’ll have you know-” I started before being pulled away in the opposite direction by some unseen force on my backpack. “What the hell?”

“Where were you last night?!” A voice screeched at me while I tried to familiarize myself with my new surroundings. “I called your house a bunch of times but your mom kept telling me you weren’t home yet.” Hannah said glaring at me.

“You know I don’t actually sit at home waiting by the phone for you to call, sometimes I have plans.”

“Oh please, you so didn’t have plans, so where were you really last night?”

“I went to Mike’s house for dinner.”

“You did WHAT?!” Hannah bellowed out.

“Shh, not so loud, do you want people to think we’re interesting?” I paused so she could compose herself. “Mike offered to feed me and since I’ll take any excuse not to eat my mom’s cooking I went.”

“So how was it? Was it like everything you see in the movies?”

“Well if by everything you mean nothing and by the movies you mean my house then yes, yes it was. Han… you’re so not going to believe this but Mike lives a block away from me.”

“Shut up, he does not.” She said crossing her arms over her chest.

“Oh my God, like shut up! He totally does.” I said mockingly.

“… Really?”

“No, I just enjoy watching you suffer… yes really… what’s the big deal anyways?”

“Well it’s just…. I didn’t think you would… and now I know he… and…” She started playing with a string on her sweater.

“Spit it out Han.”

“Oh Banana, you know I like him right?”

What?

I mean… what?

No seriously, I think she may have to repeat that.

“You… you like… it?”

“He’s not an it!” She said defensively.

“Are you sure… I mean… have you looked at him?”

“Don’t tease, it’s not funny. Besides, he’s gotten a lot better with the new wardrobe, his outfit looks normal today.” She stared off into space as if thinking of what to say. “But I guess it’s a good sign that you’re making jokes about him.”

“And why’s that? Aside from the obvious of course.”

“Because if you don’t like him it means less competition for me.”

“Well believe me when I say he’s all yours.”

“Can you make a promise to me then?”

“About what?”

“Swear to me you’ll never start liking him and want him for yourself. Promise me that he will stay off-limits to you.”

“Well that’s an easy one.” I made a ‘t’ over my heart, “cross my heart.”

As if right on cue the shrill sound of the bell broke our conversation.

“I should get going… just don’t forget what I said okay?” Hannah gave me a quick hug and then disappeared into the crowd.

You know it’s kind of funny; I’ve never had to swear off someone before. It’s a strange concept, telling someone you won’t like a certain person. It’s not like it’s something you can really control. I mean you would never say… oh I don’t know… that you’ll stop breathing on Tuesday or something… it’s just a weird concept is all

It’s a good thing I don’t like him or that promise would really be a pain in the ass.

Realizing I was now almost late for class I rushed off to the gym. When I reached the change room I quickly pulled my change of clothes out of my backpack and reluctantly put away the warm and cozy clothes I was currently in. I didn’t even want to go to this class but I really needed the participation marks. I already faked illness last week, and the week before I pretended to forget my gym clothes at home, so I guess this week I’ll have to play. It’s really not that bad anyways, this week is dodge ball week and getting to pelt Prince Highly Irritating with rubber balls is always good for a laugh.

When I left the change room I stood by the wall inside the gym waiting for him to come out. When he finally did I couldn’t stifle my laugh.

I think I actually snorted from laughing so hard.

Okay, just so you have a clear image of what I saw, imagine this: remember back in elementary school there was always that kid who was as scrawny as scrawny could be and yet wore spandex shorts and a chest hugging top? You always wondered if maybe that was last years gym clothes that he outgrew or if maybe he was making a statement about his geeky awkwardness.

… I don’t know what Michael was trying to say, but he was definitely making a statement.

“To inform you, simply because we are acquaintances does not indicate that I will play this game in a way that makes it easier for you. Factually speaking, you may need assistance when I am finished with you.”

“Are you serious?” Was he serious? Is he trying to make a joke?

“Yes, does some part of my facial expression indicate that I am not serious?”

Oh great, sarcasm from the brick wall.

Our teacher then divided us into teams – I was on one team, Michael was on the other – and we all took our spots on the gym floor. My goal was to knock Mike out of the game as quickly as possible. I didn’t care if I got hit after or if my team lost, all I wanted was to be the one to knock him out. Then we’ll see how easy the game is.

Mr. Bell blew the whistle and everyone began scrambling. I dodged balls as I ran around trying to find one of my own. I finally came across one and eagerly picked it up. Now all I had to do was spot Mike and my mission would be complete. I turned around and as I did I was hit in the shoulder by a ball. Angrily I dropped my ball and I looked around to see who my assailant was.

Standing across the room, smile plastered to his face, was Prince Dodgeball. He waved at me and I stuck my tongue out. I started to walk off the playing area when I saw him get belted in the stomach by a fast moving ball. He clutched his stomach for a minute before jogging off the court to join me.

“So,” I said somewhat smugly, “not as easy as you thought.”

“On the contrary. I find this game to be boring and simple. I intended to remove myself from the game after I had eliminated you.”

“Aww, well isn’t that special.” I said rolling my eyes. “But really, in gym clothes like that I’m surprised you didn’t get knocked out sooner.”

“Do you realize you are quite obsessive over my apparel choices?”

“Do you realize just how bad your clothing choices are?” Had he learned nothing from our shopping trip yesterday?

“Let us alter the subject matter please.”

“Okay… so how’s David doing? Jeeves told me he had already left this morning when I got there.”

Michael’s expression changed and he stared ahead blankly. “You shouldn’t concern yourself with David’s whereabouts. He is a grown man capable of making decisions for himself, no matter how foolish those decisions may be. All conversation surrounding my elder brother is strictly off-limits”

Off-limits? Here we go with that word again… and what about foolish? Why do I get the feeling that there’s more going on here than I know about. “Oh, well I was just curious, I mean you didn’t tell me you had a brother so I was kind of surprised.”

“We just met, am I required to divulge every detail of my life?”

“Why are you being so defensive?” All I did was ask a simple question but he was getting so upset. Was this just part of his anger toward his brother? “When you act like this it makes me wonder if there’s something going on that I don’t know about.”

“Naturally there are many things going on that you wouldn’t know about. It is not your business to know such things and if it ever becomes your business I will inform you at the time. The class has begun a new game, I will join them, please do not wait for me after class, I will find my way on my own.”

He got up and joined back into the game. I sat there shocked. I mean what the hell just happened? I was just curious about David in a general kind of way but he seemed so insulted, like I had just asked him to hand over the crown or something. I know my royal etiquette is lacking but I really have no idea what I said.

I watched Michael play. He dodged balls easily and whipped them back with purpose. He seemed really into the game and I now understood that to him it really was just ‘elementary’. There were so many things I didn’t know about him yet.

My old mission was just to hit him repeatedly with dodge balls. My new mission was to find out as much about him as possible.

Even if it meant tolerating his odd form of conversation….

I don’t have much to say this time but I realized I was asked a question and forgot to answer it last chapter so here we go:

jennycraig10: honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead… I’m not sure how limited they really are… but I would say – as an estimate – they went from celebrity type riches to middle class making ends meet… More about the money situation will come up in later chapters though. I know that didn’t really answer the question but I hope that helped a little.

Lil Bazza: the princes I imagine are from Europe… I think b/c of the Girl Guides thing I’ve located the story somewhere in England. I don’t think I will ever put their parents in the story unless (1) it’s important to the storyline (2) I really run out of things to write about. As for royalty being rich… I think that’s what makes the story amusing, and he would spend ridiculous amounts of money b/c he would be used to that lifestyle (they are recently “broke”). Don’t apologize for questions, it makes me think of things I forget to mention or things I never even thought of so please keep em coming

Katie.