Bailey's New Year's Surprise

By: DarkElements10

A/N: Surprise pairing at end

Happy New Year.

Well not quite yet. She looked at her watch. Six minutes to go and counting.

Another firework exploded above her in the salty sea air, its millions of colored sparks spreading across a black canvas of stars until fading into smoke. It followed with a few scattered claps, and cheers, but she knew everyone was already too excited and too happy to care. She took a seat on one of the deckchairs, obscured from view in a more dark and quiet area of the patio. She was never one for celebrating anyway.

"Hey, Bailey, you want another one?"

She turned her head the young man before her, holding out a cold cup of punch. She could only guess that it was spiked, people had been stumbling all over the place for the last hour and she was surprised that Tutweiller hadn't called them out on it. Bailey mutely waved her hand in reply and watched as he shrugged, sucking back the liquid and walking over to the edge of the pool.

Five minutes.

She couldn't help being depressed. It was another year over, another celebration to welcome a new year that would replace the old, an event she was not too happy about. Ending 2010? Why? A New Year meant more tests, more subjects, more responsibilities and one step closer to becoming an adult as well as not being with her friends and the one she loved to ring in the New Year with. Zack, Cody, London, Woody, Addison, and Marcus had all gone back home. And here she was all alone. What was the point of looking forward to future?

Four minutes.

This year had been…amazing. Sure, a few of her friends had left, but everything generally had a good flow. She excelled in all subjects, adapted to her classes and then excelled in them, and had some experiences she would never forget. In the back of her mind, 2010 was her year. It was hers. The year of Bailey.

And she was going to leave it all behind?

Three minutes.

They're laughing?

Why?

Because they're glad that now they are headed into another year, a year to replace everything that they had done for the past twelve months. They were welcoming 2011 with open arms. It hurt her. Bailey tried to look away, but seeing how happy they were, it was wrong. They were laughing for all the wrong reasons! The wrong reasons…

Or not?

Two minutes.

Who was she to say that 2011 wouldn't bring what 2010 had brought her? Friends? Life? So maybe she would be older, but it was going to happen. Holding back time was still impossible and if she never moved on, no new memories could be created for her. No more living on the edge with her friends beside her. 2010 wouldn't be replaced…no…just extended.

One minute.

She looked back at the Sky Deck, everyone was out and drying off, listening to radio for the countdown. A countdown to end her year. She looked at her watch, silently counting down. So maybe it wasn't too bad. Maybe she could make this year just as good, maybe even better. Nothing was going to be left behind. As the radio hit midnight and the hands on her watch moved another inch, she sat back and looked back up to the stars, hearing everyone screaming to one another

"Happy new year!"

And she smiled.

"Bailey!"

Bailey turned around to see who was calling her name and before she knew it, the person had crashed into her and their lips were pressed against hers in a passionate kiss. Bailey's eyes widened, ready to attack whoever it was that thought they could just go ahead and kiss her, even though it was a new year tradition, before she recognized the familiar head of blonde hair. She closed her eyes and happily kissed him back as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

It wasn't until a few minutes later, when they were fully out of breath that she stood back and grinned up at him, tears filling her eyes.

"Zack," she breathed. "I thought…I thought you went home to spend New Years with your family."

"I did," Zack replied as he cupped Bailey's cheeks in his hands, staring down at her lovingly. "But I couldn't stand the thought of you being here alone when the New Year rolled in. So at the last port in Cape Cod, I got on and stayed away from you so I could keep it a surprise."

"I'm definitely surprised." Bailey laughed, smiling happily. She moved forward and kissed him sweetly. "I love you Zack, Happy New Year."

"Right back atcha," Zack smiled and kissed her again. "That means, I love you too."