Chapter Four
The next morning, Zack stumbles out of his and Cody's room, and slumps into one of the wooden chairs at the kitchen table.
"Good morning honey." Carey, the twin's mother greets.
Zack grumbles in reply. When Carey places a plate of pancakes in front of him, he only stares at them, expressionless.
"What's the matter honey?" When Zack only glances at her, she continues. "I know something's wrong when you won't touch your pancakes. Now tell me, what's bothering you?" Carey bends down so that she can be level with him.
Zack picks at his pancakes with his fork, refusing to look at Carey.
"Zack, tell me."
Zack sighs.
"It's Maddie."
Carey sighs.
"Zack, honey, I know that you like Maddie. But there is an age difference between you two…and…"
"You've told me all that before mom." Zack interrupts. "But we've both gotten older. No matter how old we get, there's always going to be an age difference." Zack puts his hands in his face.
"I know hon-Zack. I know. But…"
"What about you and dad!" Zack yells. "There's an age difference between you two, and you two got married! So why can't Maddie and I get together?"
"Well, age differences become less of an obstacle when you get older..."
"Why is it such a big deal now?" Zack asks, his eyes brimming with tears. He quickly turns his head so Carey can't see. "Never mind mom. I'm not hungry any more…I'm just gonna get dressed and go…somewhere…"
Carey watches her son's receding back with sorrow. She wishes that she could take her son's pain and take it for as her own.
As Zack nears his bedroom door, the door opens on its own accord, making Zack stop in his tracks. Cody walks out, a book in front of his face. Cody continues to the kitchen table, easily avoiding the pull out couch, and sits down in a chair at the kitchen table.
Zack walks into their room and closes the door, crosses the room, and slowly sinks onto his bed. Like the night before, he curls up into a fetal position, his back facing the door. Slowly, tears start to form and slide down his cheeks. His nose begins to run, and his body begins to shake with unheard gasps. But no one disturbs him.
With his nose still running, and tears streaming down his cheeks, Zack softly begins to sing:
If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
Please Review!!! the song belongs to Daniel Bedingfield!