Hey guys! Long time, no see. I sincerely apologize for the very, very long wait. I thank those who haven't given up on me and are still following my story. And a BIG thank you to my reviewers. You guys mean so much to me. I promise you that I will never give up on this story. Anyway, here it is the long awaited next part of Gemini. Please review. Love, Ellivia22

Disclaimer: If I owned Suite Life I'd have the series out on DVD by now.

Gemini

Part X

Cody

"Oh my God I'm SO bored!" I moan out loud. I continue flipping stations, staring at the TV mounted on the wall across from my hospital bed. This is the third time around and I still can't find anything to watch but talk shows and soap operas.

Sighing I turn off the TV. I wish I had someone to talk to. Mom is at the ship resting. Bailey and London are in class and Zack is still unconscious. Last night I had my final surgery. My spleen had been acting up because of the gunshot wound so Dr. Rivers decided to just have it taken out completely. My leg is no longer in a sling, but in a cast and resting comfortably on the bed. Dr. Rivers said I still had to wait at least another week before I can be released just to make sure that I don't get an infection. I want to get out of here so bad. At the same time I don't want to leave Zack.

I glance at my twin. Over the past few weeks Zack has improved drastically. The wounds on his face have all but faded and his heartbeat gets stronger everyday. Despite improvements he isn't strong enough to be taken off the ventilator, nor has he been able to wake up. Dr. Rivers has been puzzled because of this but I have a feeling that I know the reason.

Zack is afraid to come back. Over the past few weeks I've been trying to reach him telepathically but it's like hitting a brick wall every time. I wish there was a way I could convince him to come back.

Knock knock

I look away from the TV to see Catherine standing by the doorway. "Are you up for a visitor?"

Oh thank goodness. I was just about to go out of my mind. I toss the remote aside. I wonder who it could be. At this point I don't care if it's the hospital janitor. As long as I have someone to talk to. "Yeah sure. Send them in."

Nothing on this earth could prepare me for the shock I feel when I see my visitor. "D-Dr. Spaudling?"

The scientist in the doorway looks slightly uncomfortable. Instead of wearing his lab coat he is dressed in jeans and red collared button down shirt. He adjusts his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Hello Cody. May I come in?"

I stare at him, my hand grabbing the remote to the hospital bed. I feel my chest seize in fear. I know that with one push of the button will bring the nurse back in but I can't help but feel completely terrified. Dr. Olson impersonated his twin before. What if he's doing it again to trick me? Is he here to finish Zack and I off? Is he here to hurt us again?

Dr. Spaulding notices. He gives me a reassuring smile. "I promise it's me Cody. I promise I'm not here to hurt you."

It takes me a few minutes to accept that this really is the Dr. Spaulding that I did the internship with not his psychotic twin. I let out the breath I had been holding, my heart still racing. "C-come in." Dr. Spauding enters the room. He sits in the chair beside me. Now that he's closer I can tell immediately that it's him and not Dr. Olson. His facial structure is slightly smaller than Dr. Olson's. "What brings you here?"

"I came to return your library card to you," he says handing me the card. "I also wanted to apologize for everything my brother did to you and Zack. I could've prevented all of this if I hadn't acted so horribly towards the both of you. You and Zack reminded me too much of me and my twin that I took out all my pain and anger on the both of you. I'm sorry."

I place the library card on the small table that is between my bed and Zack's. "Thank you." A small silence passes between us. Dr. Spaulding stares at his hands. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"What happened between you and your brother?"

Dr. Spaulding suddenly looks very sad. His head lowers slightly. "It happened so long ago. I try not to think about it. However I think you deserve an explanation." He stays silent for a a full five minutes. I watch as the older man winces, his face becoming sadder each minute. He's reliving the memory.

"My brother and I have a long complicated history. We haven't spoken in over 20 years but even before our fall out Ron and I were never close like normal twins should be. Ron and I are passionate about science, but instead of working together we were always competing with each other-mainly for our parents' affection."

"I know the feeling," I answer. "So what happened?"

"During our Senior year of college we both entered the Isaac Newton Science Fair. The winner would receive a full scholarship to grad school in the field of your choice and a chance to compete internationally.

I had planned to use my research on DNA repair, but the night before the competition all my research, module, and notes were stolen from my dorm room. So I had to scramble and use something else. I chose to use my research on marine biology instead. During the competition I realized that it was Ronald who had stolen my work on DNA to use as his own."

"Oh wow." And I thought what Zack did to me was bad. "So what happened?"

"I ended up winning the competition anyway, despite not using the research I was originally going to use. Ronald was furious. He kept yelling that it wasn't fair that I was the best at everything. I told him it was because I was the better twin. I didn't lie and cheat like him. Some punches were thrown. I broke his nose, he dislocated my jaw. We were both disqualified. I told Ron that night that I hated him and never wanted to see him again. That was the last time I saw or spoke to him."

I swallow the large lump in my throat. His story really hit home. "I'm so sorry. It was hard not talking to Zack for a week after losing my internship. I couldn't imagine 20 years. Do you miss your brother?"

"Every day. I wish I had apologized a long time ago, told him that I loved him. I could've mended our bond a long time ago and prevented this. But I didn't and innocent people got hurt. I hope some day that you can forgive me."

"I don't blame you, Dr. Spaulding. Yes you had your problems with your twin but so have I. The only people I blame are the ones who hurt us. I just wish there was a way I could reach Zack. I want to tell him to not be afraid and to bring him back. Then we can mend our bond."

"Have you tried reaching him when you sleep?" Dr. Spaulding asks.

"Yeah but I feel like there is a barrier separating us. I can't get to him."

"It must be the medication."

I feel confused. "Huh?"

"The medication the nurse gives you to help with the pain. Does it put you to sleep?"

"Yes."

"That might be the problem. Those medications can you put into a deep sleep. Almost coma-like. Once you are able to stop taking the medication I think you'll have a better chance at connecting with your brother."

That does make a lot of sense. It explains why I haven't really dreamed since I had been admitted into the hospital. If I can get the nurse to hold back the medication for just one night I might be able to get to Zack at last. I smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Dr. Spaulding stands up. "I'll let you get your rest." He is almost at the door when he stops and turns to face me once more. "Oh and Cody if you're ever interested in another internship I will gladly offer you another opportunity. It's the least I can do."

I'm tempted to say yes right away, but after all that Zack and I have been through I think I'm going to a step back for a while. "Thanks."

I lean against the flat pillows, no longer feeling bored. I feel better now that I know there's another way to reach Zack. The question is how am I going to pull it off? I was lucky not to get into major trouble for the stunt I pulled to get in this hospital room. This might take a little convincing.

Bailey

"Absolutely not!"

"But Mom!" Cody protests. "Zack is trapped. This might be the only way to reach him."

"I don't care. I will not let you risk your recovery on a 'maybe'."

"It'll work!"

I sigh, leaning against the chair beside Cody's bed. Cody and his mother had been arguing for the past half hour. I understand why Cody wants to skip his meds for a night in an attempt to get to Zack. I don't think it's a good idea though since he had major surgery last night. Since I feel torn when it comes to my opinion on the subject I've chosen to stay out of the argument.

I open the textbook that is in my lap, pretending to be engrossed with the history of microbiology. "What do you think, Bailey?" Cody asks before I can read a single sentence.

"Uh," I glance uneasily at Cody and Carey. The last thing I need is to get into another argument with my boyfriend. Especially since we just resolved the last one. If I'm honest with myself I don't think it's a good idea. I take a deep breath. "I agree with your mother, Cody."

Cody looks at me incredulously. "WHAT?!"

I sigh, snapping the book shut. After all the stress and worry about both Zack and Cody I am in no mood to argue with him. "Look, I know that you are desperate to see him, but you haven't been thinking rationally since you've woken up. With the injuries you have you are lucky to be alive at all. You need to rest otherwise you'll never recover."

"How can I rest when Zack is suffering?!"

It is really hard to keep my voice from rising. "From what you told us Zack is in this state because he was trying to protect you. If you don't get better everything he went through would be for nothing!"

"And how do you think I could live with myself if he dies?! The only way is if I at least try. All I'm asking is one night!"

I open mouth to argue, but London's voice cuts me off. "I agree with Cody. If anyone can bring back Zack it would be him. It's worth a try. And if anything happens, at least he's safe in a hospital."

I stare at London, who is on the other side of the room, clutching Zack's hand. It's weird seeing her side with Cody all of a sudden. I guess they buried the hatchet. She looks even more worn out than the rest of us and I know that she hasn't been sleeping. She isn't thinking rationally either. Not that I blame her. I open my mouth to speak my mind again but once again get interrupted.

"Perhaps I can solve this dispute that I heard all the way down the hall."

We all look to see Dr. Rivers standing in the doorway. I am relieved to see that he isn't angry.

Cody freezes. "Sorry Dr. Rivers. We'll try to keep it down."

The young doctor comes closer. He looks a lot like my ex-boyfriend, Moose, but A LOT cuter. Dr. Rivers is trying to look stern. He can't seem to pull it off. I can tell he's an easy going guy. "So what's the problem?"

"I want to skip taking my medicine for one night to see if I can contact Zack in my sleep. I think that's why I haven't been able to reach him. I want to see if I can get him to wake up."

Dr. Rivers frowns. "I get what you're trying to do but this is very risky. Without the medication you body can get overwhelmed with the pain and up your chances at getting an infection. However...since you are legally an adult the decision is yours. But as your doctor I advise against it."

"I understand. Like London said though I am still in the hospital. If I show signs of an infection or get worse you have my permission to give me medicine. Just give me enough time to fall asleep. All I ask is for one chance."

"I'll make sure my nurse monitors you closely."

Cody smiles gratefully. "Thank you."

I shake my head as Dr. Rivers gives Catherine instructions. I don't know how Cody does it. I hope that this doesn't make everything worse.

/-/

"You're crazy, you know that?" I tell Cody three hours later. "You cause all this havoc and you manage to not get in trouble for it."

Cody gives me a half smile. His eyes are half lidded. The expression on his face is of intense pain. "It's the one thing that Zack taught me-how to talk my way out of trouble."

I look away. The longer Cody goes without the pain meds the paler he seems to get. The paler he gets, the more I am terrified that this is just going to make matters worse. On the other hand, Cody could be successful and get to Zack. I hope that this will work. I'm ready for everything to get back to normal. Cody yawns. He's been trying to fall asleep for the past hour but with no luck. I suddenly get an idea. Since it's just us in the room at the moment besides Catherine in the corner maybe I can soothe him to sleep. It could help him deal with the pain he is feeling right now.

"Close your eyes," I instruct. "And just relax."

He stares at me strangely. "Why? What are you going to do?"

"Trust me."

Cody closes his eyes. Gently I run a hand through his blonde locks. I feel his body instantly start to relax. I massage his head, tracing patterns into his hair. His body shivers slightly. "Completely focus on the sound of my voice. Forget about all the pain you are feeling. Forget about everything. Let your mind go blank."

His chest rises up and down gently. He breathing starts to ease up. "Good." I take his non-IVed hand into my own. I turn his wrist over and lightly massage the depression below the wrist called the neiguan. The tension ebbs away quickly. "That's it," I whisper. I slowly move to another part of his wrist and rub gently.

Cody lets out a sigh, followed by a snore. I glance at him. He's asleep. Wow I wasn't expecting for that to work so fast. "That's amazing," Catherine says, staring at me. "How did you do that?"

"It's what my grammy would do for me when I had trouble sleeping," I respond.

"You'll have to show me how to do that sometime. "

I smile. "Sure." I lean over and kiss Cody gently on the lips. "Sleep well, my love. I'll be here when you wake up."

Zack

My back rested against one of the mirrors. My eyes had been closed for a while. I felt physically and emotionally exhausted. I had been wandering around for God knows how long and yet to find the exit. The exit to what I wasn't sure. At this point I wasn't even sure that there was one.

While I looked for the exit I continued to hear voices. Not just Cody's, but London's, Mom's and Bailey's, though after Cody's encouraging words I couldn't hear what was being said. I wasn't sure what was going on. If Cody died too he wouldn't be here in Hell. My friends and mother were alive, they wouldn't be here either. My mind must be playing tricks on me. This must be my version of Hell now that Alex was gone. I was here to wander for eternity hearing the voices of the people I love but to never see them again.

A tear slid down my sweaty face, followed by another. My chest was so tight I could barely breathe-not that I needed to. The longer I remained here, the hotter and closed in this place seemed to get. This development confirmed my worst fear. Alex was right. I was in Hell. I should've known that I would ended up here. I had done so much bad stuff when I was alive. I only cared about myself and hurt the people who cared about me, who loved me. Maybe it would be better if I just gave up.

I felt as though a large weight had been lifted off my chest. I didn't feel so lost and confused anymore. The pain and exhaustion was fading fast from my mind. No longer did I feel overheated and suffocated. I felt comfortable, peaceful.

Suddenly a bright light filled the room. I opened my eyes, wincing slightly. It seemed that the large mirrors down the hall had disappeared and was replaced by a white light. Shakily I got on my feet, shielding my eyes. When I was able to focus I saw the outline of a doorway. An exit! At last! I wasn't sure where it led, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get out of here. Without hesitation I made my way toward the door. When I got closer I noticed that it was made of gold and embroidered with what looked like little white arches. I grabbed the silver knob.

"ZACK!"

I whirled around at the sound of Cody's voice. It sounded so close this time. All the mirrors surrounding me were completely gone. Instead I was standing on a long winding road. My eyes grew huge as I saw my twin standing a foot away, wearing what looked like a long white robe. His blonde hair was so bright it almost looked angelic. It couldn't be! "C-Cody?"

I ran to my brother. I threw my arms tightly around him. He was solid. This was real. He was really here. Maybe I wasn't really in Hell after all. Maybe Cody was here from Heaven to escort me on. Of all people to guide me I was so glad it would be him. I gripped onto him tighter, too terrified to let go. Cody hugged me back. For the first time in a long time I felt complete again.

"You have no idea how glad I am to see you," I said once we pulled away a moment later.

"Same. Sorry that I didn't come sooner. The medicine the doctor was giving me prevented me from connecting with you."

"Medicine? Doctor?" I asked in confusion.

"I'm not dead, Zack. And neither are you. We're in the hospital. We survived. The people who hurt us are in police custody."

I stared at him, not believing him at first. I realized he was telling the truth when I took a closer look at what he was wearing. It wasn't a white robe like I had originally thought. It was a hospital gown.

I relaxed. It was a great relief to know that after everything that had happened I managed to save my brother after all. My smile faded as soon as it started to spread across my face. If it was true and we were both in the hospital, then where was everybody else? "I-if I am in the hospital then why have I been seeing nothing but mirrors?"

Cody didn't look confused by my question. "You fell into a coma and have been in one for over a month. I came here to help you wake up."

That explained why I could also hear Mom, London, and Bailey's voices too. I didn't take me long to believe what Cody was saying. Now that I knew that I was still alive I had a bigger problem. How would I wake from this? Even better question: did I even want to? Everyone would be better without me. Cody could go on and be successful. I wouldn't be around to cause any more trouble. London would find someone she deserved.

"Mom is really proud of you, you know," Cody said as if he read my thoughts.

I met his gaze. "R-really?'

He nodded. "Yeah. She's been telling everyone how proud she is of you for protecting me. I'm proud of you too. I always have been. I'm sorry that I never showed it."

I smiled a true smile this time. His words meant a lot. After everything we had been through he still believed in me. Knowing that my mother is proud of me made me happier than I have been in a long time. Yet there is a still fear in the pit of my stomach. Fear of screwing up again and losing everything that mattered to me all over again. "I know you want me to come back with you. I want to come back more than anything. It's just...I'm so afraid."

"I know. You shouldn't be. You are worth more than you realize, Zack. There are so many people who care about you, who would really miss you if you pass on. I realize that you are the only one who can make that decision. I just want you to know that whatever you decide, you will always be my brother."

All of a sudden I couldn't see Cody as clearly as before. He was fading right before my eyes. "Cody?" I said hesitantly.

"I must be waking up. I hope to see you soon." He was almost out of sight. "Oh. And thank you for saving my life." I blinked again and he was gone.

I turned back to the door. Bright light is still illuminating from it. I didn't have to turn around again to know that a new door had appeared. I knew where each door led. If only I knew what I wanted to do. Should I go back to my friends and family or move on?

It didn't take me long to make a decision. In my heart I still had the strong desire to prove myself. It will be easier to believe in myself knowing now that my friends and family still believe in me. All I had to do was take that second chance. Without a second thought I turned once more and went through the newly appeared door, ready to start over again.

/-/

The first thing I see when everything comes into focus is the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. London is sitting beside me, her hand clutching mine gently. Her long black hair is unkempt, and dark circles are under her eyes. Though she looks like she hasn't slept in months just seeing her makes me feel warm on the inside. Already I know that I've made the right decision. Gently I squeeze her hand. It is so soft.

A huge smile spreads across her face when she notices me. "Zack! You're awake!" I know she wants to hug me but is trying to restrain herself. I'm grateful. My entire body is starting to ache. I smile back, squeezing her hand again. I want to tell her how happy I am to see her again, but am unable to because of the mask over my face. Oxygen enters my lungs at a steady rate.

I turn my head to take in the rest of my surroundings. There are machines all around me, the one closest to me beeping steadily. I notice Cody across from me in a hospital bed. He has the biggest grin on his face. I have never seen him this happy.

"Welcome back, bro."

I return his smile. I have a full life ahead of me. I'm ready to start living it.

Thanks for reading. Please review :)