Chapter 1 – New Beginnings Part II
Disclaimer: I don't own the Suite Life series or any characters from the shows.
Things were truly looking up. Cody could have even dared to say they were returning to normal. The twins shared their old suite at the Tipton. They went back to hanging out with their old friends. Even school was right around the corner. Maybe with all these new distractions Cody could forget about the pain that he'd been put through. There was still that ever-present reminder though. Every time he looked at Zack he couldn't help but be reminded of Tim's mood-swinging ways, or the lingering touches of his pats on the back. It would never go away, but maybe if they tried they could push it into the farthest corners of their minds.
In an effort to do so the name had become taboo of sorts. Ever since Tim had been taken into custody the twins had referred to him as "Him" or "You Know Who". And even those substitute names were used sparingly. It was rare that they delved into conversation that would warrant bringing up their past situation. They tried to steer clear of that road as much as possible. And it was having positive effects on their mental and physical health.
Zack resumed running, and even Cody sometimes joined him. They resumed smiling at funny things, however small. They frequently found themselves sharing a good laugh while watching their favorite movies or TV shows.
Still, there was no denying it. Zack was different. Gone was the Zack Martin that flirted hopelessly with every girl who walked by. Gone was the Zack Martin who used any excuse possibly to play video games. Gone was the Zack Martin who put down and made fun of his brother. There was a new Zack in town.
Cody sometimes found himself missing the old Zack. He constantly expected the old Zack to return any day, but in the back of his mind he knew it would never happen. Still, Cody hadn't complained once. His brother's new personality, however quiet and reserved, was a fresh new start to the rest of their lives.
Zack had also observed Cody change. Cody had become rather protective of Zack. There was an obvious mutual platonic bond between the two. Both knew that the other would go to extremes to protect them from anything and both knew that they would do the same.
Despite things somehow returning to what they once had been there was still an obvious missing ingredient. Carey was still gone. Both Zack and Cody preferred Cody's cooking to the bland foods their mother would prepare but there was no replacing her witty humor and quick-tempered sarcasm.
Needless to say, they were excited to receive a call that announced that Carey's discharge would be coming sooner rather than later. The staff at the hospital had been impressed by her willingness to share her problems and her motivation to fight them and get better. Never had they seen somebody so willing to better themselves and when she was asked why, Carey responded with, "It's the least I can do for my boys."
The following Saturday the twins found themselves showered and dressed in presentable clothes as they would be taking the state-appointed lawyer, Kevin Johnson, to meet their mother and discuss her relationship with her half brother. It would also mark the first time she'd be hearing about any of this as it had been deemed wiser to keep her in the dark in regards to her progress.
It was just past noon when Zack and Cody arrived to meet Kevin at the hospital. They entered and met with Rosy, the desk person.
"Good day, Zack, Cody. How are you?"
Zack grunted his reply while Cody answered, "We're fine."
Kevin spoke up, "Excuse me," he looked to her name tag, "Rosy. I'm representing these two in a legal case and I need to speak with Ms. Carey Martin in a private room."
She chewed her gum furiously as she typed a few things into the computer, "What legal case?"
He laughed, "I'm sure you understand when I say I can't reveal that information."
She nodded and picked up the phone. After a short call with somebody of higher status she guided them into a private conference room, usually used for staff meetings. She then dispatched the nurses to retrieve Carey, who was being awarded a little more freedom.
It wasn't long before Carey was brought in. She characteristically lit up when she saw her boys and the smile soon faded when she spotted the mysterious man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase.
Upon eye contact he stood and extended a hand. With a friendly smile he said, "Hello Ms. Martin. I'm Kevin Johnson. I'm a lawyer working for the state."
All light evacuated her face, "Oh god, what trouble are they in now?"
Kevin opened his mouth meaning to reassure her that nothing was wrong but he couldn't seem to find the words.
Instead, Cody took the reins, "We're not in trouble, but Mom, you might want to sit down."
She took her seat and crossed one leg over another, awaiting further explanation.
"Ms. Martin, how would you describe your relationship with your half-brother, Tim?"
"Well, I… wait a minute. What does this have to do with anything?"
Kevin turned to Zack, "Zack would you like to explain or would you rather I do it."
Zack took a deep breath knowing he had to be strong and face his darkest secret, but for some reason he couldn't bear to break the news to his own, innocent mother. "I can't."
Kevin nodded, "It's okay, Zack. If you need to take a quick walk that's fine too."
Zack shook his head and kept his eyes planted on the table in front of him.
Kevin took a breath of his own before continuing. "Ms. Martin, a few weeks ago the police were contacted by your son Cody. He stated that while staying at Tim Martin's residence his brother, your other son, Zack, had been," he paused searching for the proper, yet gentle words, "sexually compromised."
Zack pressed his teeth together until it hurt, "He means raped, Mom."
Her eyes grew dark, "I don't understand. Tim," tears began forming, "Tim raped you Zack?"
Zack dared eye contact and soon found it too hard to stare into his mother's teary eyes. He nodded, "Twice."
"No. He couldn't have. Oh, Zack. I don't know what to… I mean, this is just so…"
Kevin reached across the table to touch her shoulder comfortingly, "Ms. Martin, I understand this is a lot to take in. I understand this is surprising and devastating at the same time. But Tim is under police custody until his trial, which you may attend if you wish. Either way, I need to know how you would describe your relationship with him."
Carey nodded, soothed by Kevin's touch, and noticing his sense of urgency. "Well when we were growing up we weren't all that close. When I had Zack and Cody we were finally getting a little closer but I had to take care of them and I had a job and our relationship fell apart again. He stayed in contact and was constantly interested in," she paused as she understood the meaning of what was about to leave her mouth, "he was constantly interested in Zack and Cody. He'd always buy them gifts and never asked for anything in return except for pictures."
Kevin jotted notes on every word she said. Then, he stood and extended a hand, "Okay. That's all I need. Thank you for your time, Ms. Martin."
She rose to his level and shook his hand, "Please, call me Carey. And if there's anything else I can do, just let me know."
He smiled, "Will do." Then, he walked out of the room leaving the Martins to themselves.
There's the first chapter. More will come hopefully as often as the last story. I've been sidetracked by writing oneshots, which you will see come up on my profile as I finish them and decide if I want to include certain content. I'll utilize this free advertising space to refer you to my first oneshot 'Nervous'. My second one will be coming out soon, titled 'King Cody, The Wicked'. It's actually going to be a songfic based off of 'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam, I'm sure any people that know of the song already know what it's about...
Also, I'll tell you to keep a lookout for more chapters to this story. I'm going to try to crank this one out because I've got some new ideas and I'm eager to write some not-so-depressing stories!
Also, thank you to everybody who has subscribed to my stories and to me as a writer. Thank you to those who have favorited my stories and me as a writer. And thank you for those who have reviewed to my stories. And a super thanks to anyone that fits all three catagories. You guys rock!