I don't own Suite Life. Thanks to WyntirSno for betaing and assisting tiger002 with helping me breathe life into this.
"Good morning Mommy." My eyes opened at the sound of one of my children. I lowered the blanket covering my head and looked toward the bedroom doorway. Cody stood there in his footie pajamas, blue blanket in his hand, the tail dragging on the ground. The morning sun shone on him.
"Good morning, Sweetie. Sleep well?" My little boy bounced to the bed, his blue blanket entangling his little legs. By some miracle, he did not trip over it on his way. I see him almost slip on the blanket twice before answering with a frown.
"No, I had a nightmare, Mommy." He scampered onto the top of the bed and his head landed in my lap. It was one of his favorite things to do when he needed to be comforted.
My fingers ran through his short blond hair as my boy told his story.
"This monster was chasing me, Mommy. I tried to run and hide, but every time I thought I was safe he would find me. Then I couldn't run anymore. I was so scared he was going to eat me or something, but I woke before he could."
I could see his blanket pressed up to his chest as he finished. A common sight, especially recently. I really wanted to take all the fear away from his life forever. But since I could not do that, I did the next best thing.
"Come here, sweetie." Cody looked up and buried his head into my nightshirt as I hugged him tight. It always seems like time stops just for an instant until I release him.
"You know it was not real, right?" Cody stared at me.
"Yes…but it was so scary." His whining brought a smile to my face.
"It can be scary but its only a nightmare, it can never hurt you." He is thinking about what I said until he turns his head and notices the empty spot in the bed.
"Daddy's not home again, is he?" Six simple little words bring a familiar spike of irritation to my mind, but I try to suppress it before answering.
"Yes, your daddy had to perform late last night. He has not gotten home yet."
"Kay..." The sadness tugs at my heart and I wonder yet again at the location of Kurt - Their Father - the man who I married.
I look at the clock and see the time. It's only eight-thirty. As much as I want to be a slug all day, I have responsibilities.
Okay Cody, lets get breakfast, how about pancakes?"
I could see the hesitation at the question. I waited for his answer.
"No thanks, mommy, I'm having cereal." Guess I can't blame the kid since one pancake ended up on the ceiling the last time.
I pushed the thought aside, and grabbed my robe, as I ventured out to find the whereabouts of my other son.
…..
Was I hit in the head with a guitar? Did that Pyro blind my eyes? The questions felt like sludge in my mind until it turned on, and the pain multiplied.
My face is probably is somewhat similar to when the feedback from a speaker makes you want to cringe. Only this is a thousand times worse. I wanted to bury myself in the deepest darkest backstage closet I could find and barricade it.
My mouth opened…Yuck…hangover breath. I groaned. I never should've had that last slice of cold pepperoni pizza. I braced myself on…whatever I was on while I sat up. I swore I felt my head, no my body was drifting in a pool. But my feet found the ground, or the floor, somehow. The spinning lessened as I opened my eyes for the first time.
The room steadied as I looked around. There was Derek; our backup guitar player sprawled across one of the overstuffed chairs, cuddled up with his teddy bear. The other band members crashed on the couches, and the floor joined by a few of our female fans/groupies. They looked very… uh… comfortable. My mind cleared enough for me to know the couch I was sitting on was the one in Derek's apartment. I staggered to my feet and lurched my way to the mini kitchen.
I had to look away from the sight of the open pizza boxes, tacos, and empty beer bottles. But my stomach started to twist and I weaved my way to the bathroom, but not before hitting a few corners and doors. After emptying my stomach, I sat on the porcelain throne. My mind was able to start stitching things together.
The show was successful, a full house, and the crowd was dancing on top of the stage. The sound was deafening, and we were rocking. The building shook with the last encore. I smiled as I remembered soaking in the euphoric high. I never wanted to leave that perfect moment.
But soon it was over. This same apartment was filled with fans from the show, including lots of women. Everyone tried to talk to me, the lead singer. Women were lined up. I could see it in their eyes, they wanted me, and they were beautiful. Their figures were…wow. I thanked them for coming, and tried to be polite, but a few would have none of it, until I showed them the ring. Disappointment, at their crushed chances, showed. And they finally left me alone.
I settled down with a few beers and drank the night away.
My fingers rubbed the piece of metal wrapped around my finger… Paper or Plastic… What a time. Those costumes were hideous but she showed up. And my life changed forever.
I gingerly stood and stretched, stiff from the uncomfortable position I found myself in. I stole a glimpse at the time on the kitchen microwave as I walked in.
Darn it.
I stared at the tangled mass of bodies in the living room as I looked past the counter. My empty stomach was not jumping at the sight of the leftovers lying all over that counter.
The same tangled impulsive passionate mesh-up resulted in my two boys. Two wonderful, troublesome boys. I paused and smiled as their faces appeared in my distorted mind. Bright and Clear. I started to grab the keys for the used hatchback the band shared as our grab and go vehicle for short trips. Then decide against it considering my condition.
I'll think I will walk. After all, it's a 20-25 minute walk. No sweat. I walked toward the door, only to pause.
Wait I'd better change first. I reek of alcohol.
…..
"Get up, Zack!"
Man, why did Mom have to wake me up? I was sleeping... I shoved my head under the pillow, not hearing Mom's last words. I heard nothing, and my blanket felt just right.
But someone was moving the pillow. I tightened my grip.
"Come on Zack, Mommy wants us to get up for breakfast."
"Go away, Cody." I turned my head to look the wall. Only the blanket's warmth began to vanish. I pulled my legs up to myself. It did no good. I poked my head out from the pillow, only to see Cody's face inches away from my own.
"You couldn't let me sleep longer?"
"No, Mommy wants us to eat breakfast and get dressed. She has to go to work today." My twin's retreat showed he was not wearing his pajamas. He was wearing shorts and a dinosaur T-shirt.
"Fiiiine." I tossed the pillow, kicked off the rest of the blanket, and got out of bed. I pulled out my clothes from the dresser, and started to change.
"Mommy wanted to make us pancakes, but I said I wanted cereal instead."
I tried to laugh as I forced the shirt on. I could see Cody sitting on his bed waiting for me patiently. There was no problem at all with either of us watching the other do anything. We could talk about anything, at anytime we felt like. It never bothered us at all. It was normal. We were twins; we had nothing to hide.
"Yeah, Mom burned them the last time we had them." I looked down at the Seattle Supersonics emblem on my favorite shirt. Cody tried to hide his snicker as we left the room.
….
I was chewing on some sugary flakes when Cody decided to talk, his oatmeal lumping in his own bowl.
Yuck.
"Hey, Mommy, I saw this rabbit outside and I wondered…" Mom stopped him, her hands in the soapy sink water.
"No, you cannot bring it into the house. Remember, no wild animals in the house. I've told you before." I almost flinched at Mom's voice. It was almost like the times Cody and I got in trouble.
"But Mom…" I could hear my brother about to complain. "…Its helpless out there." My brother wanted to bring any "cute" animal into the house but Mom would not let him. I did not say anything. I like cute animals. But I know better than to ask. Besides they are better than spiders.
A shiver went up my back.
"Are you alright, Zack?" I looked at the worry on mom's face.
"Yeah, I was just thinking of something. That's all."
"Okay, sweetie." My mom's hands washed the dishes. The dishwasher stopped working so she had to wash them herself. I found that sort of weird.
Nobody talked as we ate our cereal, and drank the milk. Cody used his spoon while I slurped it, my mouth hooked to the bowl. Then, I cleaned my face with my arm. I waited for Cody to finish while I looked outside. The cars rolled past the window while I strained to see the park nearby. It was one of my brother's and mine most favorite places to go…
"I'm done. I'm going outside, okay?" Cody left the table to bring his bowl to Mom, who took it.
"That's fine. Remember…." That voice started to come back.
"No animals. Mommy, I know. " Cody finished for her, his eyes staring at her. Mom looked at him for a few seconds then gave him a hug, and a kiss on the top of his head.
"Go now." Cody smiled, and left the room.
Mom looked at me next, and I asked her. "Are you alright, Mommy?" She didn't say anything right away.
"Why would you think that?"
I answered slowly. "Because you were angry with Cody about the animals." Mommy looked surprised when I said that but she answered.
"Zack I was not angry with your brother. It's just that… you know how he gets with animals, and I don't want to have clean up after them. " I understood what Mom said, and agreed with it. Animals do make a mess like those shows on TV. My mom sat down at the table next to me, wrapping her arm around me.
"I am just waiting on your father, that's all. If he does not get home soon, I might have to call off from work, or see if I can get a sitter for you two." I grew worried but tried to help.
"Don't worry Mom, he'll show up." My mom smiled as she squeezed me.
I know, Zack. I just wish he did not cut it so close sometimes." The front door slammed open after she finished. I jumped in my chair while Mom pulled me closer to her. But it was only Cody.
Mommy! Mommy! It's Dad. Dad's back." I felt Mom release me, and I looked up at her.
"See, told ya..." Mom looked down at me.
"So you did." I shriveled up as she poked my stomach, trying to cover my ticklishness. But nothing else happened as I relaxed. I followed my mom into the living room, and ran past her into the waiting arms of my dad.
He swung me into the living room, and spun me around. He ended it with a hug. I felt completely safe in Daddy's arms as I put mine around him.
"Miss me, Zack?"
"A lot."
Well, don't worry; I don't perform for another two days. We get to spend the rest of the day together while your mom works."
Just the three of us... I felt warm and happy all over.
"Great!" My dad looked toward my mom, his smile changed to something else.
"Sorry for coming back so late. I had a…lot of problems getting up this morning. The band decided to have a party after the show last night."
"Did you have fun?" My dad looked toward Cody who was waiting for the answer.
"Not as much as I thought I would." My brother looked confused, and so did I, but we did not talk. But mom did, to dad.
"I see… I'm just glad you're here. But I have to go. See you later." Mom kissed Dad on the cheek. She stopped before reaching the door.
"Make sure you take good care of them…" I was confused by what mom said. Why wouldn't Dad take care of us? He was…Dad?!"
"Of course I will. I always do." Dad smiled at Mom, who said nothing as she walked out the door.
Okay it's a new challenge for me with this one. But this should be fun for me, and definitely shorter chapters than Rebirth with a different emphasis as you can see already. Please tell me what you think. Thanks.