Disclaimer: Refer to chapter 1

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Chapter 10

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Zack stepped outside breathing in the fresh and cool winter air. Ah, what a great night. Ha, I wonder what I would be doing now if I didn't meet London? Probably busking or at a gig... He leaned on rustic wrought iron balustrade and look up at the dark and starless night sky. He was happy that the world seemed so peaceful. He thought of the rolling waves back on the SS Tipton, the never-ending blue oceans as far as the eye could see and the fresh sea air – that was perfect... but now? Now was pretty close too, as close as it got during the last five years. What am I doing here? Oh yeah, waiting for London to come back.

He stood up straight again, realising what he had just thought about. Hmphf, no I'm not! I'm just... I just.. I... I wanna get some air! That's it...

Just as he was about to go back inside he heard a rough voice in the distance, then... London's!

"Yay," he perked up without realising, "she's back!" And I'm happy because she's back with the muffins... not that she's back – not that I shouldn't be happy... What the hell...? Let's just go with she's back and she's back with muffins, he assured himself.

He rushed down three levels and straight towards the bright yellow taxi. He couldn't see clearly but he was sure he saw two figures standing and another car behind the cab. An accident?

When he finally made it to the small mass, he heard London say, "Thank-you." As he got even closer he began to wonder where all the shopping bags were.

"Hey, London!" He called out, "need help with the bags?"

Suddenly the whole area became quiet. The dogs stopped barking, there were no sirens and not even the babies were crying. All that could be heard was the taxi speeding off and honking its horn.

"Zack," said the shadow behind London.

He stepped into view and saw his twin brother. Zack stepped back a little and he let out a sharp breath.

"Zack, let's talk," Cody said extending his arm, "come with me... please." For the first time, London heard some emotion coming from Cody's voice; one that was pleading and hoping.

Zack opened his mouth about to speak, but walked forward and grabbed London's arm. London didn't know what to say, she was embarrassed towards each of the Martins. Zack because she already sensed that he didn't want to see his brother but she went to see him anyway, and to Cody because he was very gracious in coming back and returning her bag even after she left him at the cafe. After a deep stare between Zack and Cody, the latter turned around and began walking.

Zack was walking away from Cody with London in tow. She couldn't think of a plan quick enough so she just followed.

When they were at the base of the stairs, London looked back at Cody. He was still standing there; the extended arm now drooping and hunched; she swore she heard soft sobs. London turned back around when she saw Cody get back into his car and speed off into the dark. She looked towards Zack and cried, "Ow! That really hurts, you know?"

Zack let go of her but didn't say a word. He walked heavily towards the apartment.

"London," Zack ruffled his hair, "I don't even know what to say... good night."

Zack walked to the corner of the empty room, lied down on the hardwood floors and shut his eyes. He shuffled around a little until the he had his back turned away from everything... and everyone. It was cold and uncomfortable but all his energy was focused on his anger so he couldn't find the strength to find an alternative.

"What is wrong with you?" London said, a little annoyed at Zack's sudden burst of anger, "I only went to try to fix all this mess... so... so YOU can go back to whatever it was you were doing before I crashed into you!" London slowly raised her voice until she, too, was worked up.

"I don't even know why you need me, you and Cody seem to be getting along just fine," that was the last thing he said before he heard quick footsteps and a door slamming.

What is wrong with me, he thought as he loosened himself so that his back was on the floor. He spread himself out. This is so hard... I wish there was someone that I could just... vent to... Dad, Cody, Maya... now London too? Why do I ruin everything good that has ever happened to me? Why do I always look for the escape button? Maybe... maybe I need to talk about it to someone... maybe London...If she ever wants to talk to me again!

Zack closed his eyes and forced himself to sleep – or at least reach a stage where his mind didn't have to bombard him with a million regrets.

London sat into her room and curled up into the ball. She didn't turn the lights on, not that they would make the place any brighter. There was no warm spot of comfortable position to be in; the only thing she could do was pretend that it was ok – that everything would be better the next day.

She bit her lip and finally let herself cry a little. She flashed back to Cody's proposition earlier that night; "You know London, we should just do what the oldies told us."

She sighed and tried to think of an explanation for everything – anything! Doesn't Cody know he'll be hurting Bailey? They still must be together, right? And now Zack is really dragged into this! So much for being a simple prop! What happened between those two boys? I need to find out... After I let my brains take a little beauty sleep.

As always, these problems never took over London's mind. She had retained the habit of not grasping the whole situation and taking time to put deep thought into things.

...The Next Morning...

Zack awoke to the smell of eggs and bacon. EGGS AND BACON! He scrambled up and ran straight into the kitchen. His hair was a mess and drool still shiny near his mouth, but who cared? There was eggs and bacon!

"Eggs and bacon!" He said wide-eyed, "You can cook eggs and bacon?"

"No silly, this is instant eggs and bacon! Remember, I told you, everything is instant these days," London said, as if nothing happened last night and that today was just another day. She looked surprised when she faced Zack and saw his morning face and hair.

Zack suddenly remembered their little fight last night. "Look, London," he said, suddenly getting serious and little down, "I'm sorry about last night... it's just... Well, something... I'm not ready to say yet..." He shook his head then patted London's shoulder.

"You know Zack," London said matter-of-factly, "I already forgot about that! I wouldn't be cooking you breakfast if I didn't!"

"Oh yeah," his mood suddenly lifted again.

"Anyway, I guess I did something wrong too," she continued, "I mean we are getting 'married' and I was the one who went out with another guy," she laughed.

"Hey! You're right! Ha, I guess it wasn't my fault," he joked along with her. London's face suddenly went blank, "Hold on, buddy!" She lifted up a finger, "I didn't say it was all my fault! What I meant was that I made faults but mine weren't as big as yours!"

"No way!" He smiled, "You were the one cheating on me... with my brother! Wow!"

"Excuse me," she smiled back, "I'm not the one with 50 ex's and still keeps in touch with them," she said as she passed him a plate of instant eggs and bacon.

"Oh, yeah," he quieted down, "about my ex, I want to talk about something..."

"Uh, uh , uh," she said, "not here!" She stopped him before he could tell her everything he had kept bottled down.

"You can tell me everything," she giggled, "when we get to the park! I planned it this trip this morning, as an apology... for my cheating!" She laughed and left to change.

Before she entered her room, she turned towards the kitchen and yelled, "Can I call you my best friend? Can we? I want to tell you everything!" She rushed in, feeling her heart beat faster.
I want to tell you everything; she said to herself, I want you to stay with me... even if it means being friends. I'm not really as strong as I make myself look... everyday I'm scared to be alone. I've never really gotten used to being poor – ever.

Zack looked at his plate of eggs and bacon. Best friends... that would be nice. I want to tell you everything too... thanks London, he smiled, I really needed a friend.

A/N: So this is a shorter chapter... sorry, I have a few things in my mind!

Next chapter will make up for everything! I'll let you know that I plan to make the readers squeal with happiness in the next chapter!

Wishing you heaps of smiles 'til the next chapter – peace out!