Chapter 4

Again, I don't own any of these characters

Author's Note: Thanks to everyone with their suggestions and reviews. I think I finally have the hang of it now. I know how I want the story to go, but I have no idea how long it will take me to get there. Due to the two day wait to post, I had five chapters already done before I could post the first one. Once those are up, the frequency of chapters may slow. Again, thanks to all who have read so far.

Surprised, Cody answered back:

Codymartin: Hey Dad...what's up?

Kurtmartin: Cody!!!! Is Zack there with you?

Codymartin: No, its after curfew, he's across the hall in his room.

Kurtmartin: Can you get him? And is it okay if we go to video chat?

Codymartin: Well, my roommate is already asleep, but I'll go see if Zack and his are still up...brb

Cody opens the door, checks the hallway and slips over to Zack's door and knocks. Marcus opens the door.

"What's up, Cody? Surprised to see you out after curfew."

"Normally I wouldn't, but I just got an IM from my Dad and he wanted to know if Zack was still up too"

"Of course he is...Its Zack" At that time, Zack comes out of the bathroom in a tshirt and boxers.

"Hey, Broseph...what are you doing her? Thanks for sticking around and helping me..."

"Dad's online and wants to talk to us. He wants to do a video chat, but Woody is already cutting down a rainforest over there"

"Cool...bring your laptop on over"

Cody slips back across the hall, grabs his laptop and slips back into Zack's room. He sets up his laptop and turns on the web cam. After hitting a few keys, a live feed of their dad comes on the screen.

"Boys!!!"

"Hey Dad" Zack responded.

"So good to see you both again. I can't believe its been over a year since I've seen you both in person. With you two all over the world and me touring, thank God for computers and web cams"

"So, Dad, what's new with you? What exotic locale are you in this week?" Zack asked.

"Well, sons...I'm actually in San Francisco this week."

"Really? We dock there in a couple of days!" Cody exclaimed surprised

"That's great! You boys have to bring your friends to my show. And afterwards, I want to take you two out to dinner. I have a surprise for you both, but this way I can do it in person."

"What kind of surprise, Dad" Zack asked.

"(laughing) You'll just have to wait till I see you. And Cody?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

"Bring that girlfriend of yours with you too...After hearing so much about her, I think its high time I actually got to meet her."

"I'll ask her Dad, I can wait for you to finally meet Bailey."

Zack interrupted "You sure, Dad...just being around those two can make people lose their appetite"

"(laughing) I'm sure, Zack. I want to meet this girl who has your brother wrapped around her little finger."

"Dad!"

"I'm kidding, Son...from everything you've told me, Bailey sounds like a fine young lady. Now, when you two dock in a few days, give me a call and I will give you directions to the venue. Tell Mr. Moseby I will have a ticket for him as well. And while your at it...go ahead and tell him to bring the latest bill for damaged goods with him."

This time it was Zack's turn "Dad!"

"Goodnight, boys...See you in a couple of days"

"Goodnight, Dad" the twins said in unison.

Cody closed down his computer and turned to Zack. "What do you think Dad's surprise is about?"

Zack thought for a minute "Maybe he's cut a new album?".

Cody nodded his head. "Well, Zack...Marcus...I bid you both a good night."

"Night, Cody" "Later, Cody"

The next morning, Cody was up and dressed early as usual as Woody was still crawling out of bed. Woody walked directly into the bathroom door as Cody left the room. Cody made his way up to Bailey and London's room. He was excited about the news he had. As he thought, he realized one of the consequences of going to school on a ship was that he and Bailey had been dating almost a year and yet neither had been formally introduced to the other's parents. As he thought more, he thought that they were getting the easiest confrontation out of the way first. He just knew his Dad would love Bailey from the start. He thought his Mom would too, but he worried she might be slightly upset that she was no longer the most important woman in his life anymore. She had to realize he was finally growing up. He hoped she did anyways.

Then his mind shifted to the thought of meeting Bailey's parents. If he was honest with himself, he was terrified of that. Not that he thought they would dislike him, he just worried his nervousness might make him do or say something stupid. He made a mental note to himself...make sure Zack is nowhere around when it happens. Cody arrives at Bailey's door and knocks. He hears a shout from inside that its way to early for visitors. Cody shakes his head and laughs...London. The door finally opens and Bailey slips outside with her backpack.

"I see London's still not a morning person..." Cody smirked

"(giggling) 'Fraid not..." She leans in to give Cody a good morning kiss. "Morning, Sweetie"

"And a good morning to you too..."

"How did you sleep last night?"

"Like a baby once I finally got to bed"

"Woody keep you up again?"

"Actually, no...Zack and I were talking to our Dad online."

"Is everything okay?" Bailey asked concerned.

"Yeah...turns out he's in San Francisco this week too. He wants us to bring all of our friends and Mr. Moseby to his concert."

"Sounds like fun" Bailey exclaimed excitedly.

"There's more. Afterwards, he said he had a surprise for us and wants to take us out to dinner. He specifically said he wanted you to join us so he could finally meet you."

"Really?"

"Yeah (smiles) I guess we didn't quite make it a whole year without meeting one our parents."

Bailey looked pensive. "You think your Dad will like me?"

Wrapping his arm around her waist, "Of course...How could he not? I mean, you already put up with two Martin men, what's one more?"

Turning Cody so she could look into his eyes "Well, Zack makes a decent smoothie...(playfully) As for you...Why do I put up with you?"

"(playing right back) I've been wondering the same thing myself for the past year..."

Bailey playfully slaps Cody's arm. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Well, keep putting up with me...maybe you'll find a use for me eventually..." Cody leans in and kisses her.

After they finally pull back, Bailey looks into his eyes. "Keep doing that, and I'll keep you around forever..."

"(smiling) Forever...that's a long time..."

To be Continued...