A/N: Hii,, Sorry I haven't updated lately – Christmas stuff and exam results, you know – but now that I'm back here's the next lot of letters! This set is more established and features a more mature Zack and London as they grow older together. Dear me, I was writing letter M and I felt it was really intense... Anyways, Enjoy...
Part 3 –M to S
M is for Mistakes, Misunderstandings (and Maya)
London closed her eyes to stop the tears falling through but it was too hard. Softly, her entire body retreated into sadness. She placed her shaky hands onto her puffy eyes and turned away from Zack; her jewellery jingled with her. London had never felt this emotion before – a mixture of betrayal and regret, with a hint of denial and jealously. Zack closed the heavy door he had just entered, stood in front of her and crossed his arms; it was an uncomfortable position for someone in a rather tight suit.
"London, I – I can't believe this... I can't believe – you! You actually spied on me at work. This is beyond unbelievable, London! Why did you even think of -..." Zack said sternly, his voice overcome by disappointment; he held his hand to his head.
Before Zack could finish London let out a screech and stomped towards him, "Arrrgghhh! It because you, ZACK! You! Out of everyone in the world you did this to me –" London held out a blurry picture of a man and a woman clutching each other. Cleary it was of him and his close friend and colleague Maya Bennett.
Zack breathed in breath of surprise. "London, you can't be serious?" His voice was getting louder, "Over this meaningless photograph... you would look at me like a cheater? Maya only fell over and I caught her, ok! I can't believe you! AFTER EVERYTHING WE'VE BEEN THROUGH!" He was screaming and London had taken a step back, her eyes flashed fear. She stared at Zack with disbelief, while he suddenly realised that scaring London but was too worked up to settle himself.
Zack tried to calm down by toning down his voice but when he continued, all that came out was a grumble of angry words, "You, out of all people, can't believe this picture... When someone takes a photo like this... you believe them? There's one thing I hate London – hate – and that is when people MISTRUST me. You know this, right?" Zack was being unknowingly forceful, he truly hated (such a strong word as it was) when someone didn't believe his word; his heart was beating so heavily, "I know you know this... You should also know that I would NEVER cheat on you... so what if Maya is my ex? This is stupid London! How can you NOT trust me? Is this what you think of me? Of us?" Zack bombarded her with questions that left her feeling more afraid with each one, "London, is this what you want? For me to be angry at you? You know it won't work out – we won't work out, if you are like this?"
Zack wished he had never said those last words.
"Jeez," he waved his arms and spoke more softly – he was even more afraid with what he said than London – "London, I'm sorry... God, I'm sorry..." Zack closed his eyes and sat on the nearest chair. He breathed out. "What am I going to do?" He whispered.
By now, London was being carried by her emotions. Zack could see it in her eyes that she was uncomfortable and shocked beyond words. "Zack... I can't..." she said inaudibly, "Zack I can't do this..." Her speech was but a breath. "Love - love isn't enough for a relationship to last forever... you know what it also needs? It needs loyalty. I'm sorry for being disloyal Zack, and I'm sorry you can't see things from my point of view – I misunderstood your loyalty towards me... I have to go – for a while..." London ran out of their apartment with tears streaming down her eyes.
Zack froze on the seat; his entire body broke into sweat and a searing pain pierced his heart. As soon as he realised he and London could be over he got up and ran. Ran like never before – ran like everything behind him was collapsing and the world was coming to an end. It can end like this, he thought while running towards the rooftop (for a reason he couldn't fathom). London... we can't end; without you... – I don't even know what would happen without but... Zack could not see past his hair which was soaked with his salty tears that escaped his eyes like a storm.
He reached the rooftop and opened the door. Just as he stepped onto the helipad area, the Tipton helicopter lifted off.
"LONDOOONNN!" He yelled on his knees. Zack collapsed and cried. "please don't leave me, I'm so sorry... please, please, please... LONDOOOONN!"
"Zack?" He quickly stopped when he heard her voice. "Zack!" London ran up to him and hugged him so tightly.
"I thought I was going to leave," London sobbed, "but then I felt like I had to go back and get you... I love you Zack, I'm so sorry I didn't believe you." London felt a huge diamond being lifted off her shoulders.
"No, London I should be sorry... I can't believe I said those things to you. I'm so ashamed of myself. My feet brought me up here even though I couldn't see you, that's how much I feel you around me. I will NEVER do that again, fight like that. London," Zack softly grabbed her face, "I love you."
London and Zack made up with their sweetest kiss. A kiss filled with their hopes, dreams and an unspoken promise that they would never let anything get between them. And from that day on they would never question each other's loyalty, they would never leave each other, never fight as seriously as this...
...and forever be together.
Meanwhile...
Maya left work in a better mood than a few hours ago... She knew that London and Zack fought because of her and she felt terrible since they never such a fight as big before. She knew she was once wrong for eyeing Zack a year ago, but when she found out that London was his absolute and true love she backed off and maintained a great friendship with him. He was totally smitten over London. If only I explained everything to London earlier...
But now she was happier, knowing that things were looking up. She had just received a call that she nabbed the position she applied for, Head of State Branch in New York. It was in another state but Maya wasn't sad it was so far away, she was excited for the new adventures she would come across and the new people she would meet. Zack did give her Marcus Little's phone number... and she and Marcus really hit it off when she called...
N is for Nights Alone
London had tried on some of her old clothes just for fun - it was something she did before donating them to charity. Their apartment was covered in sparkly, expensive, exclusive clothes. She laughed at herself for being that spoilt and naive girl. But now she was bored. Their large and lavish home felt empty.
"Little hand on 12, big hand on 11. 11 o'clock," she said out loud. Gasp, she thought, I was so silly back then! London sat on their large cosy sofa and turned on the 100 inch plasma TV, hoping to fill the time that seemed so slow without Zack.
The room filled with rock music and the latest sport news. Yuck! Who could stand this channel was beyond her and she flicked to her usual station. London yawned at the sight of it, but with all the channels they had, it was the only one that was slightly amusing for her. She was never a huge fan of watching TV anyway; she was more of a magazine person.
Out of all the shows on the channel, the cheesiest was on. London yawned again. It was the same love story with the same cliff-hanger, "McDonnie Falls." Heath was about to confess to Judy that he was dying but his love would go on. Judy, on the other hand, is just about to reveal that she was cheating on him with his brother... you know the rest!
London yawned again surprised she had done so, so many times in the space of a few minutes. It made her feel even more that life was boring without Zack. She thought rather than watching the usual rubbish, she'd take nap. That way, she'd look fresh when Zack came home.
London manoeuvred herself on the sofa so she could nap comfortably and set the alarm for one hour.
About 8 hours later...
When she woke up from her little nap, sunlight trickled onto her face. She squinted and tried to focus her eyes.
London tried to shuffle her body for some reason was stuck. She lifted her head to see why.
To her surprise she found a large arm holding her lightly yet strongly...
London realised she was on their bed. And Zack was right next to her!
"ZACK!" She yelled happily. "Mmmmm..." he put his head up, "It's 4.30am! Mmmmm... a few more hours." He shifted his body so that he was closer to London.
She felt butterflies in her stomach as she nestled her head in Zack's arms.
Nights alone aren't that bad when you wake up like this, London thought.
O is for Only You
Only Zack could make London feel like she could throw all her riches away if he said the word.
Only London could place a finger on Zack and make him feel like he'd die if she let go.
Only Zack could give London a hug that makes her bones so weak he has to carry her. Which is too bad because his bones also become just as weak!
Only London could cook the worst breakfast (literally green eggs and ham – and not because of food colouring) but make Zack feel like he was the king of the world
Only Zack could convince London that there was such thing as magic... Because that's what their love was.
Only with London, could Zack imagine spending his entire life with.
Only Zack could pick up London's mood when Autoro Vitali finally quit the fashion business for good.
Only London could call up Tipton Industries and ask for Zack to take a whole month off - so they could travel.
Only Zack could sit next to London on the sofa and make her watch him instead of her favourite movie.
Only with London, could Zack allow himself to tell all his secrets, fears, dreams and emotions.
Only with Zack, could London do the same thing back.
Only London could truly say to Zack that he was her "one and only."
Only Zack could say to London "only you are the one for me..."
Only they, to each other find true and blissful happiness because they knew that when they wake up they would see each other.
P is for Parents
Despite how modern the world had become, Zack remained firm in his belief to ask London's parents for her hand in marriage when the time came. And now that it was here, he had contracted that common disease of "butterflies in your stomach".
He sat outside the door of Wilfred Tipton's office, waiting nervously to be called in.
"GET OUT!" A booming voice said in his office. Out scurried a well dressed man who looked really familiar to Zack.
Shit! It's my boss! And is he... crying? Zack thought as he gulped.
"Mr Martin, you can proceed," his bored assistant said. Zack forced himself from his seat and walk ever so slowly to Mr Tipton's office. He quickly rehearsed the lines he had prepared earlier... Mr Tipton, may I please have your daughter's hand in marriage... too formal. Wilfred, my main man, hows about I marry your London, she's the finest thang I laid my eyes on... too much. Mr Wilfred Tipton, I... I... Crap! I forgot all my lines. Zack began to have a panic attack as he walked through the door.
"Zack! Just who I wanted to see! Get over here boy! I have important matters to discuss with you..." Mr Tipton said cheerily.
Zack was even more anxious as he sat on the plush chair in front of him.
"Now you may have seen Henry Molden come out of the door – a little unhappy," Mr Tipton cleared his voice, "It was, well, because his performance was not meeting up to the Tipton standards... Always taking vacations and what not."
Zack froze on his chair; recently he had been going on many vacations with London. "Mr Tipton... I can explain..."
"Uh, uh, Zack... there's no need to explain your boss... I want to discuss a promotion!"
"WHAT!" Zack said rather too loudly.
"What I mean is that you are now head of the sports sector of Tipton Industries," Mr Tipton continued, "Someone so closely linked to my daughter must have an impressive position in my company of course."
Zack was shocked and was trying to absorb everything that was just said, "Thankyou sir... I don't know what to say..."
"Call me Wilfred! How many times have I told you to call me Wilfred, boy?" Mr Tipton said playfully.
Zack cleared his throat. "Actually, Mr Tip- I mean Wilfred... I wanted to discuss a little something with you too... I mean a big something!" Zack sat up straight and Mr Tipton did the same.
"Go on then Zackary, I don't have all day," Mr Tipton said.
"Um, well... it's about London..." Zack mumbled.
"WHAT! She's pregnant?" Mr Tipton screamed.
"No! No! I didn't even say that... sir, I mean Wilfred..." Zack said confusedly.
"Sorry, it just came out of me..." Mr Tipton blushed.
"I actually... wanted to ask... if... you would let me... get married..." Zack said looking him straight at the eyes, "to London?"
"WHAT!" Mr Tipton said again, "I mean... sure, of course you can. You didn't have to ask me, that's very... nice of you..."
"Wow! Thank-you Wilfred! Or should I say dad!" Zack beamed.
Mr Tipton smiled, and then yelled "NOW GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!"
Zack ran out smiling, already planning the proposal.
When Zack left the room, Mr Tipton smiled... and he couldn't stop himself smiling because he was so happy – even when the next person to be fired entered the room.
Meanwhile...
At the Tipton Hotel in Boston...
"This is great London! You'll be a great daughter-in-law!" Carey hugged London, "Go girl power!"
"This is beautiful London, and I can't believe I am going to be maid of honour!" Maddie danced around in the room, "And best of all I get to hold your credit card!"
"Wait up girls," London stopped but still smiled, "I haven't proposed to him yet!"
Q is for Queen's Cafe
Zack glanced at his watch; London was late again...
Sitting at their favourite Queen's Cafe, Zack's leg fidgeted. He was epically nervous and wholly excited. Around him the waiters and waitresses buzzed with excitement, knowing what was in store today.
The door chimes jingled and in bounced London... who looked excited today too.
She leaned into Zack for a quick kiss then sat in front of him.
"Zack I have something really important to tell you..." London squealed and clapped her hands.
"Me too," Zack smiled grabbing her hands and holding them, "but first let's order smoothies." Zack waved his hand, "Connie, we'll have the usual." Little did London know, he winked at Connie. It was their secret sign to get out the special smoothie with a ring inside.
Yes, today was the day, and Queen's Cafe was the place... Zack Martin was going to propose to London Tipton. After 7 years of being together, he was going to ask her to be his wife.
Why so long? Well, it wasn't that they weren't committed enough to get married, they simply felt that being together was more than enough. But now they felt it was time... it was just something that felt so right.
Connie and another waiter came in with their smoothies. Banana for Zack and Strawberry Swirl, with a Love heart, for London.
London was about to speak again when Zack put his finger to London's lips and said in a French accent, "hush my love, let us finish our smoothies before we converse." London giggled and drank her smoothie quickly. At the same time she was searching her bag for that black box with a ring for Zack.
Zack stared at London, then her smoothie, then at London and then her smoothie... she was getting nearer to the bottom. He was getting really excited.
As London took the last sip to reveal the ring hidden underneath, she reached out her hand to show him a black box.
They both quickly got on one knee...
At the same time they said... "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
R is for redecorate
You know when you watch a couple redecorate their home, as in paint the walls... Playfully splatter the paint on one another... Wear matching overalls... Well, London and Zack...
...Did not do that at all.
Of course, with all their money (that they saved together that is) they hired the professionals to do it. And instead of spending that time on the house, like Cody and Bailey did on theirs, they spent all that time planning their surprise engagement party that only their parents and Maddie knew about.
Now that their house was newly decorated, they were able to come up with a good excuse for a party – Re-house warming party. They had cleared their living room to make way for fancy tables and chairs and bouquets of gold and silver flowers. Their party was both sparkly and a basically a big prank to their guests – it was just the style of London and Zack.
It was a surprise engagement party so they had to get everyone in the room without revealing the big banner that said "HAPPY ENGAGEMENT ZACK AND LONDON."
Hence, Zack's old prankster ways came in handy. They had planned to keep the lights and equip the staff serving their party with night vision masks. Then they would place each guest somewhere in the room, standing up... of course, the guests would only think that they were going to reveal the newly decorated rooms when they switched on the lights.
Once everyone was in the room, London nodded to the light switch attendant (Of course they would have one of these, we are talking about London Tipton!). Zack and London held each other tighter. London could feel Zack's excitement, so she whispered in his ear ,"You've never changed." And she kissed his cheek.
The lights switched on and they London and Zack raised their arms... "SURPRISE!" They both said loudly to the microphone.
The guests stood there in confusion for a few seconds. They were completely blank at what was going on...
When they regained their focus and saw Zack and London frozen with their arms up high...
They erupted into a roar of cheers, clapping, laughing and jumping!
S is for Soon
"Muuuuuuummm... Daaaaaaddddd... Aunty Londie and Uncle Zackyyyy are here..." two little look-a-likes said at the same time. "Zane and Cory," Cody said firmly, approaching the door, "How many times have I told you not to open the door without your mother or me next to you!" The two three year old boys simply looked at each other and then grabbed onto Cody's legs.
"Get in here you two, and close the door behind you," Cody said to Zack and London, "I have two little spiders to deal with!" Cody raced around the room with the boys still clinging to his legs. Zane and Cory laughed and giggled as their father bounced them around.
London entered with Zack holding his hand; it always astounded her that Bailey and Cody could live in such... common conditions. Even if they were both highly decorated and regarded doctors.
Bailey then popped out of a doorway, "Oh! You guys are here! I didn't get a chance to tidy up..." Bailey had an apron on and was holding a spatuala.
That's weird, thought Zack, I thought Cody was the chef in the house... then he looked at Cody and saw that he was wearing an apron too. Oh, that's more like it, he thought.
London and Zack made their way through rubble of toys and books. They had to make detours a couple of times when Zane and Cory ran in front of them and built block towers and yelled "Stop the intruders!"
Their Labrador Betsy also ran up to then and licked Zack's face, "Yuck, Betsy, get off... London remind me not to get a dog." London looked at the dog with love, "Aww, but she's so cute. She reminds me of Ivana – may she rest in piece."
As they made their way to the dining room, after a long battle with the two little boys, they were greeted with stacks of books as high as towers on the dining table.
Bailey had just screamed since she burnt the omelette. "Ahhhhh! The fire alarm... it's ok everyone... FALSE ALARM... FALSE ALARM!"
But it was too late; Cody had brought in the fire extinguisher and sprayed it all over Bailey.
London couldn't take it anymore. She dragged Zack into the bathroom.
"Zaaccckkk," she cried, "Are we going to end up like this too?"
Zack stroked her head, "Don't worry I was panicking in there too. We won't! But I'm guessing we'll be pretty similar."
London cried, "NOOOOOoooooo!"
"Don't worry," Zack looked hey in the eyes, "I promise that our kids will be just as... friendly, they floors will be covered in clothes and jewellery and the dining table will be filled with cash. When we tie the knot, we'll live happily like them! Ah hahaha... Soon..."
London hugged Zack and stated, "Just as long as we're together... I'll face whatever comes... even if we have kids as hyperactive as Zane and Cory..."
"Don't worry, London," Zack said a little afraid, "If those boys are products of Cody and Bailey, then... then you better prepare yourself now... our kids will be... I can't say it!" Zack pulled a funny face at London.
London and Zack burst into laughter! "Soon..." London said in between the chuckles.
"Uncle Zacckkkkyyy, Aunty Londiiiieeee, what are you doing there?" Zane called out.
"Watch out Zane! They're trans-morphing into alieeennnnsss!" Cory said in a scary voice.
~~~~
A/N: Hope you enjoyed these letters! The next (and last) lot will be out soon... *tears* - (clue, cough, cough)
Be sure to check out my other story, for all you Zondon lovers, "London Stayed Out All Night." I am really enjoying writing it and I hope to update soon!
