Chapter 1

I don't own these characters, but it would be nice if I did.

Wait...In this story, I actually created some of them, so I do own them.

Anyways, I do promise to keep them true to themselves.

And as for the ones I did create, who they are is up to me, so...

Even though it had been a lot of fun watching the Yankees lose the game to the Indians, everyone left the game with a heavy heart. Zack and Cody were going to have to drop Woody off at JFK the next morning so he could catch his flight back to Cleveland. And once they did that, they were going to be back off to Boston themselves. Everyone had just closed large chapters in their lives with high school officially over. And while some of their friends knew exactly what the next step of their lives would be, the twins themselves did not.

For Zack, graduation had meant his freedom from high school, but also Maya's freedom from him. He tried not to think about it, but the way she had rebuffed all attempts at carrying on a long distance relationship with him still stung bad. For the first time in his life, he actually knew what it meant to be in love, but also for the first time, he knew what it meant to have his heart truly broken. And whenever someone tried to talk to him about Maya, he would immediately rebuff them and tell them that subject was off limits. What laid next for him, he had no idea. After finally being done with school he had to go to, he wasn't ready to head back to another one anytime soon. But that left him in the quandary of what he was going to do next.

For Cody, graduation had meant the end of a life that he didn't want to see come to an end. He was getting the educational opportunity of a lifetime as well as getting to spend everyday with the woman he loved. Sure, they had had their nasty breakup, but they had reunited stronger than ever and gained the wisdom of knowing not to take the other for granted and to work on their communication with each other. But the love they had for each other had never been stronger. But his rejection from Yale had caused the dream they both had from coming to fruition. And even though Bailey had said she would forgo going to Yale so she could be with him, Cody couldn't let her do that. He had always encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and he didn't want to get in the way of them now. So, his dream of going to the college of his dreams with the girl of his dreams was, for now, not a possibility. And like his brother, this left him in the quandary of what he was going to do next.

But unlike his brother, Cody had a plan. And fortunately for him, New Haven, Connecticut was on the way of their trip from New York back to Boston. He was going to stop by the Yale admissions office, and make his case in person as to why Yale should reconsider him for admission. And if that didn't work, he wasn't ashamed to admit he might resort to begging, pleading and crying. Besides, that would give him something to focus his mind on while his parents bickered with each other in the front seat over which one of them had the most musical ability.

However, those plans changed once they checked out of their hotel in New York. Sitting in the parking garage next to their mother's car was the sports car Kurt had given Cody who in turn had given to Zack. And instead of being as flat as a pancake like the last time he saw it, she was back in pristine condition. Zack just ran over to it and examined every inch of it.

"But how?"

Kurt just smiled. "Consider it a graduation gift, Zack...Just be careful where you park it from now on."

Zack just grinned. Having his ride back made him temporarily forget that he had no idea what he was going to do for the rest of his life. Instead, he remembered the idea he had of taking to the road and seeing where it lead him.

But, they didn't have time to waste. They had to get Woody to the airport soon. So, they loaded his things into Zack's car and all of the twins' belongings in Carey's car. And with that, the twins and Woody were off. Fortunately, Cody had printed off directions to JFK, so they didn't get terribly lost on the way. Thirty minutes later, they pulled up in front of the departure concourse of JFK. Woody checked in, and the skycap gathered and checked all of Woody's bags. Once that was done, it was time to say goodbye.

Woody was getting teary eyed. "I'm really going to miss you guys. These past three years have been the best of my life!"

Zack smiled. "Because of getting away from your step-dad or meeting Addison?"

Woody smiled back. "Both. But, I feel like I've made two friends for life in you two. I feel like the third twin..."

Cody spoke up. "But that would make us trip..."

Zack cut off his brother and smiled. "Woodchuck, we'd be proud to call you our brother from a different mother."

Cody nodded. "Yeah, we would. It was a fun three years. Woodster, you're the best roommate I ever had..."

Zack turned to his brother. "Hey!"

Cody just shrugged. "Hey, you said the same thing about Marcus. Deal with it." He turned back to Woody. "So, what's next?"

"I'm heading back to the Cleveland for the summer, and then I'm heading off to college with Addison. We both got into Western Kentucky, so we're going there. You have no idea how comforting it is to know I'm going to the same school as her..." Woody cringed. "Sorry, Man..."

Cody just shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I'm going to have Zack make a pit stop in New Haven on the way back home. I'm going to give it a second shot at getting into Yale. I know what you mean about getting to go to college with the woman you love. I'm going to do my best to make it happen for myself."

"Well, I wish you luck. If its one thing I've learned, you and Bailey were meant for each other." Wood paused. "Mainly, because you're the only two who can put up with each other. I mean, really...both of you take school way too seriously and both find interesting things other find completely boring..."

Zack stopped to think and nodded. "He's right. So, that's what she actually sees in you..."

Cody rolled his eyes. "How about the little fact that we actually love each other?"

Zack and Woody just shrugged.

Cody shook his head and turned to Woody. "You know why Western Kentucky calls themselves the Hilltoppers? Because their campus is on top of a hill. The dorms are at the bottom of the hill. So, everyday, you're going to have to climb that hill just to get to class..."

Woody frowned. "Are you serious? Dang it!"

Zack just laughed. "We're going to miss hearing that."

Cody laughed too. "And the occasional 'Hurtful!'."

"Oh yeah, almost forgot that one..."

Woody pouted. "What do you think I am? A walking catchphrase?"

Zack grinned. "No, but if you want to be the third twin, you have to get used to the insults and putdowns. I've been giving them to Cody for eighteen years. I need keep piling them on you so you can catch up..."

Woody just looked at him. "Well, I guess I need to get going then..." He pulled them both in a giant bear hug. "I really am going to miss you two." He pulled back. "Though, I did like it better when I was taller than you two were..."

Zack laughed. "How do you think I feel? We're identical twins and he's taller than I am. Tell you what, Woodman, I'm thinking about taking the car and just driving this summer. I'll stop my Cleveland and say hello. Maybe I can even help you get a little payback on Steve. That's the other thing about being twins. We give each other pure grief, but we have each other's back when others try to do the same thing..."

Woody grinned. "Awesome!" He leaned down to pick up his carry-on bag and turned to the twins one last time before he left. "I hope everything works out for the both of you this summer. And when you get a chance, give me a call every now and then."

"We will."

"I've actually missed Cleveland. Can't wait to get back there!"

Zack turned to Cody. "Something you'll never hear LeBron James say..."

"Hey! Hurtful!"

And with that, Woody was gone. Zack and Cody hopped back into the car and began their drive back home. Once they got on to I-95, Zack turned to his brother.

"You sure about this? You think you can really get Yale to change their mind?"

Cody shrugged. "I have to give it a shot. I mean, based on the averages for the past five years, my test scores are higher, my grades were better, and I have much better extracurricular activities. There has to be a reason they rejected me. I at least want to find out why."

Zack just shook his head. "Its just a school. And I say it still sounds like a fish..."

A little after one that afternoon, they pulled off the interstate and into New Haven. Using the GPS on his phone, Cody directed Zack were to go. And fifteen minutes, they pulled up outside of the administrative building. Cody checked himself in the mirror under the visor and then got out of the car.

"Wish me luck..."

Zack nodded. "Good luck."

And with that, Cody was on his way inside. Sitting in the car, Zack was realizing the big gulp he had bought when they stopped for gas was now a bad idea. So, he turned off the car, locked it and made his way inside to finding a bathroom as quickly as possible. Cody made his way to the admissions office, and walked inside. Seeing someone working in their office, the butterflies began fluttering in his stomach as his nerves returned. He tried taking deep breaths to calm himself and wiped the sweat from his brow. Walking into the outer office, he made his way to the occupied office. Cody knocked on the open door, and a man looked up.

"Can I help you?"

Cody walked into the office and up to the desk. "I hope you can. My name is Cody Martin. I applied to Yale to be a member of the freshman class of 2011-2012, but I was rejected. I came here today hoping I could convince you to reconsider."

The man began laughing. "You want me to reconsider your rejection. Mr...what was your name again?"

"Cody Martin"

"Well, Mr. Martin, I..." He paused. "Excuse me for a moment." He turned and began typing on his computer. And after he did, he began laughing again. "Ahhh...that's why your name sounds familiar." He looked up at Cody. "I will reconsider your rejection." He paused for moment. "Okay, I did. You're still rejected!"

Cody just stared at him. "But...My SAT scores are well above your usual average, I was the co-valedictorian of my graduation class. The only time I've never gotten an A in my life was in wood shop back in junior high. I have a quite long list of extracurricular activities. I have numerous letters of recommendation from very well known people including Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves." By then, Cody was quite animated. "Tell me what I can do to get you change your mind!"

The man just shook his head. "Nothing. There is absolutely nothing you can do. The final decision is mine, and I still say no."

Cody just looked at him incredulously. "Why?"

"Because I don't like you."

"But you just met me!"

The man just smirked. "In person, yes. But I've heard of you for a long time..."

"How?"

He turned around his name plate so Cody could see it. "What is my last name?"

Cody read it. "Its..." He paused as realization hit him. "Shickelgubermeiger..."

"Exactly..."

Cody slumped in his chair. "You must be related to Ilsa..."

"Correct. I'm her brother, Hans. You see, she once told me how she had her dream job as a hotel inspector. But, some manager at the Boston Tipton and a set of identical twins caused her to lose it. And over and over, those three caused her embarrassment after embarrassment. I promised her if I could ever help her get her revenge, I would..." He grinned. "One down now, two to go..."

Cody thought he was going to be sick. "But...but...you're willing to screw with my future because nobody liked your sister? That's completely unfair!"

Hans laughed again. "I'm sure you think it is...But I don't care."

Cody stood up. "I'm going to see the president of the university!"

Hans smirked. "And tell him what exactly? Its your word against mine. And who do you think he's going to believe? His director of admissions who has been here almost twenty years with a sterling record or a kid who just got his rejection letter from Yale and is looking for any avenue to get in by smearing the reputation of a loyal Yale man?"

"But...but...it would be the truth!"

He kept smirking. "Go for it. Let me know how it works out for you..."

Cody just stood there thinking about every single scenario of him going to the university president and how it would likely end. And in no possible scenario did he see things working out in his favor. Cody slumped his shoulders. "I can't believe you're destroying my dream just like that..."

"Well, if you're going to cry, please take it out in the hall. I have another appointment due any minute now."

Cody sighed in defeat and just walked out of the admissions office. He was in such a daze that he didn't even notice his brother standing right outside the door. Zack had used the bathroom and had been walking past the office when he heard the entire conversation taking place. And it had made him angry. No one had the right to screw around with Cody's life like that...except him. He was going to go in and say he heard the whole thing too when Cody came out looking like his dog had just died. Zack was about to march into the office and do something when he saw an older man and a younger man walk into the office. He decided to spy again. Besides, Cody probably wanted to be alone for a little while.

"Mr. Shickelgubermeiger...We spoke earlier on the phone. I'm Mr. McGavin."

Hans laughed. "Ahhh yes. You are the one who wanted to try to convince me to let your son in to our upcoming freshman class. Seems to be a popular idea today. Well, my decisions stand..."

Mr. McGavin pulled out his checkbook. "Name your price, and I'll write a check right now..."

Hans just looked at him and shrugged. "Alright...One million dollars..."

McGavin shrugged and began writing a check. He handed it to Hans. "Done."

"You were serious?"

"I was. We'll be expecting an acceptance letter to be in the mail in a couple of weeks. If not, I know some very...large men who will be coming to look for you..."

Hans was staring at the check in his hand and just nodded. "Consider it done..."

Mr. McGavin grinned. "Nice doing business with you then. Remember. I expect the admissions letter by the beginning of July. If not..." He pointed his fingers like guns. "Bang! Bang!"

Hans just kept staring at the check. "Yeah, yeah...it'll be there."

The McGavins left and Hans began laughing giddily as he looked at his check. Well, that was until he looked up and saw a blonde teenager standing there. He rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Done crying and come back to beg some more?"

Zack shook his head. "Nope, I'm Zack Martin. But I came here to make a deal with you like Mr. McGavin did..."

Hans smirked. "I seriously doubt you have a million dollars."

Zack smirked back. "No, I don't. But I have something even more valuable." He held up his cell phone. "I took a video of you accepting a bribe to accept another student. The president of Yale might not believe my brother with what you told him, but I'm sure he'd love to see this video I took."

Hans smiled. "Go for it. I think you're bluffing."

Zack shrugged. "Okay. Now, which way to the president's office? My first time here after all. You know what...nevermind. I'm sure there is a directory around here somewhere..." With that, he turned and began to walk out.

"Wait!"

Zack turned back around and smirked again. "Yes?"

"What do you want to make sure that video never sees the light of day?"

"Tell you what. I want the same deal the McGavin's got. I want an admissions letter for Yale's upcoming class for my brother by the first of July. If you don't, or you try something funny, this video gets e-mailed to the Yale president and every national news agency I can think of..."

Hans gritted his teeth. "Fine...Consider it done."

Zack smiled. "Oh...and that little bribe you just got? I think you have enough to cover a full ride for him now for as long as he's here. After he graduates, I'll come back and let you delete the video yourself..."

"That's extortion!"

Zack laughed. "Maybe...But I have evidence of you doing the same thing. You have no proof I did anything. And I have no desire to ever go to school here, so there is nothing you can do to me..."

Hans slumped back into his chair. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"I'm not. I just figured after years of screwing things up that mattered to my brother, I could finally do something to make things right. Hopefully, this will make us even now. So, Hans...do we have a deal?"

Hans paused and contemplated trying to overtake Zack and get his phone away from him. But Zack was a step ahead of him.

"Oh yeah...I've already emailed this clip to a safe place. So, I wouldn't try anything."

Hans sighed. "Fine. You're brother will be getting an acceptance letter with notification of financial aid in the mail soon. Are we done here?"

Zack grinned. "Of course. I'll let you be so you can cry in private. Oh yeah...Its now two Shickelgubermeigers down, none to go..." And with that, Zack left the office whistling.

To be Continued...