Author's Note- Wow! I never thought I'd get back around to being able to finish my dear Maddie/Esteban trilogy. I hope it's worth the long wait it's taken. For those who are fans of the Maddie/Esteban concept, and have joined since I posted the other two, the forerunners to this story are Someday, When My Dreams Come True and Now's Your Moment.

Oh yeah, and I don't claim ownership of any of the songs from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or any of its characters. Also, the use of Oxford in the story is purely fictional, and I claim no actual knowledge of the standards or policies that the school adheres to.

Chapter 1
Won't You Take Chances

Miss Madeline Fitzpatrick,
It is our honor to inform you that your application for admission to Oxford University has met our high standards of acceptance…

Maddie read the first line excitedly. As she continued to read, she learned that she had received a full scholarship to the prominent English college. This was the acceptance letter that she had secretly been longing for. No one had known that she had even applied, save her parents and the Sisters, but soon everyone would know of her happy news.

The hotel was buzzing more than usual lately. Mr. Moseby had his hands full managing the place, while also seeing to graduation plans. Graduation was now less than a month away for Maddie and London. But he didn't mind the extra work. In contrast, he beamed with practically a fatherly pride as he saw to it that London's commencement was perfect.

As for Maddie, she didn't mind either. London's father was financing the entire ceremony for the entire Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow graduating class. That meant that they would all have nothing but the best.

She clocked in and took a stance behind the ever familiar candy-counter. The thought occurred to her that in a matter of a few months, she would be saying good-bye to her adolescence altogether, which would include a farewell to the candy-counter, the Tipton Hotel, and all of its normal occupancies. It was a melancholy thought, but not enough to bring her down on this particular day.

"Guess what, everybody!" London burst into the lobby, causing the staff and even some of the guests to take notice of her. "I was accepted into college!!" Those who heard her and knew her well didn't know whether to gasp or applaud. She sensed the awkwardness, but only joked about it, "I know! It's a miracle, right!?"

"So, London…what prestigious higher education facility has opened its doors to you," Moseby asked with anticipation.

"Harvey something or other," London said, proving that she didn't care what the name was.

"Harvard?!" Cody asked in astonishment.

"Yeah! That's it!"

"I can't believe my London got accepted into Harvard!" Moseby said, growing even more excited by the minute.

"Neither can I," Maddie stared at her almost blankly.

"So that means the two of you will be going to the same college," Zack said. "You were admitted to Harvard too, weren't you, Maddie?"

"Well, yes, but…"

"Just think, you will be close to home," Esteban chimed in with an eagerness no one seemed to notice.

"But you see I…" Maddie tried again with no avail.

"And the two of you can visit on weekends," Zack said.

"You guys don't understand…"

"And, Maddie, you could still work here on the weekends if you like," Mr. Moseby offered.

Maddie just sighed; it seemed hopeless until Esteban spoke up, "I think Maddie was trying to tell us something." They all stared at her intently.

She took a bit of a gulp and then proceeded to share her news with them, "You see, I'm not going to Harvard."

"What?!" they all gasped; Esteban especially seemed to become worried.

"Where else could you possibly go?" Cody asked, not understanding Maddie's sudden change of plans.

"I'm going to Oxford," she answered resolvedly.

"But it is so far," Esteban's tone caused Mr. Moseby to give him an odd side glance.

"Oxford?" Cody stared at her. "Why the sudden interest in Oxford?"

"I've always dreamed of going to Oxford," Maddie defended herself.

"Since when? You've always talked about going to Harvard law school."

"Now, Cody. There's no need for you to harass Maddie about her college choice," Mr. Moseby stepped in.

"He's right," Carey added. "Maddie, we're all very proud of you. Aren't we, Cody."

Cody stopped, but still couldn't help but wonder at Maddie's decision. There's something strange going on here, he thought to himself.

"I have not said anything because I've never had any reason to doubt your wisdom, but why are you going so far away?" Esteban asked Maddie.

"Great, you're going to criticize me too, now?" By this time Maddie was annoyed by everyone's questioning of her decision.

"Of course not. I would never want to do anything to hurt you."

If only you knew, she thought. Esteban had already broken her heart. And maybe that was one of the reasons why she wanted to go to Oxford. After all, she thought the further away from Esteban, the happier she'd be. She wanted to find a place where she could start her "adult" life without having the constant distraction of pining over an already-taken man.

"Esteban, I couldn't even begin to explain my reasons for going to Oxford. Simply put, I guess I'm just hoping that I'll find something there that I can't get here." Peace, she added in a silent thought.

Esteban didn't answer. Instead, he excused himself to get back to working. But inside, his thoughts were jumbled. "What could Oxford give her?" he asked himself in a whisper. Without thinking twice, he headed for one of the hotel's computer rooms to research Oxford.