Chapter 37

Again, I don't own any of these characters...well, except the ones I created

As the S.S. Tipton slowly made its way to Sydney, Australia, things were moving a little more rapidly on deck. London had done what she promised and emailed Bailey's resume back to numerous divisions of Tipton Industries. The directors of these divisions weren't stupid. When London Tipton emailed them a resume, it was in their best interest to take it seriously. So, within a week, Bailey had received numerous offers for her own paid summer internship. Now, all she had to do was choose the one she wanted.

Cody was ecstatic about what Bailey had done. He had been willing to spend the summer in Kettlecorn helping on the farm if it meant being with Bailey. But the thought of her being in Boston and getting to show her his hometown was an appealing idea. Cody even helped her by going through the numerous offers and helped her make lists of pros and cons for each. After much discussion and thinking, Bailey had decided on an internship within the Tipton Environmental Studies Division. She decided it was the one that best suited her interests and future endeavors. The fact that the office she would be working in was in the same building as Cody's was icing on the cake.

Once that was decided, it was time for the tough part...getting her parents to agree. Both of her parents agreed that it was a tremendous opportunity, but both had their concerns. After several discussions going back and forth, Bailey and her parents came to an agreement. They would meet her when the boat docked in Florida for spring break to come up with a final solution. They wanted to meet Cody, London and Moseby and if at all possible, Carey Martin. Cody agreed to try to get his Mom down to Florida for spring break. However, when Cody called his Mom about the possibility, all he got was her voicemail.

The Friday before they ship was set to dock in Sydney, Cody, Bailey and London were gathered in One of a Kind.

"London, why are we here in the store?"

"Because our cabin is already full of my bags. Once this is over, I'm boarding my helicopter and heading on to Sydney..."

Cody and Bailey just shrugged at each other.

"Alright, Cody...are we set up?"

"Yeah, whenever you are ready..."

"Let's do this..."

"In 5...4...3..." London's theme song begins to play as London dances to it.

"Welcome to Yay Me! Starring London Tipton...I'm your host, London Tipton. Today we have two guests with a big story to tell. Some of you may have heard about their adventure in Tokyo recently. My guests are none other than Cody Martin and Bailey Pickett. Now, before I go any further, I won't be accepting any negative emails this time. So, if you have something bad to say, don't bother saying it...or wait till later. Now, Cody and Bailey, why don't you tell my viewers what happened in your own words."

Cody and Bailey look at each other and Cody starts. He begins by detailing their romantic anniversary dinner earlier in the evening. The two go back forth remembering the little things that stood out to them. Cody and Bailey smile as the both remember how romantic the evening was.

"Yeah, yeah...Let's get to the good part."

"Well, we decided to walk back to the ship..." Cody goes on to explain for what seemed like the hundredth time what had happened. Bailey filled in what happened at the hospital.

"So, Bailey...What have you learned from this experience?

Bailey smiles. "I've learned that I have the best feller in the world. It feels so good to know what Cody is willing to do for me. I just hope that in the future, we can avoid situations like this. But if they do, I know I will always be safe with Cody."

"And Cody, what have you learned?"

"Well, I learned you were wrong for making fun of me for carrying around bear repellant. Beyond that..." Cody pauses... " Look, people keep telling me I'm a hero. I'm not. I just did what I thought I had to do to protect the woman I love. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat..."

Bailey looks at Cody. "You might not think you are a hero, but you are. You're my hero." Bailey looks back at the camera. "I know some viewers weren't too happy about the fact that I'm Cody's girlfriend. Well...too bad. I love him with all of my heart. I won't ever apologize or feel bad about that. He's mine and I plan on keeping him..."

Cody smiles and looks back at Bailey. "And I love you with all of my heart. And I'm yours to keep as long as you will put up with me..."

"(smiling) I'm thinking a long, long, long time...". Bailey leans in and kisses Cody.

London interrupts them. "Hey! This is a family show! (sighs) Anyways, we are coming to you from an exotic location today. We are down under! As soon as this show is over today, I'm on my way to enjoying the beautiful beaches around the Great Bear Reef..."

"You mean the Great Barrier Reef?"

"Whatever..."

Cody leans over and whispers to Bailey. "You think we should tell her that late March is actually fall here in Australia?"

"Nah...She is the same person who tried to get a moontan before..." Cody nods.

The show continued on with London talking about her upcoming trip to Australia while Bailey and Cody just sat there. Normally, they would have just left, but they didn't want to jeopardize London actually leaving the ship. Once the show is over, London immediately heads out. Cody is packing all the equipment up while Bailey resumes working her shift at the store.

"So...with London leaving the ship, any ideas?

"(smiles) Well, I could pick us up some dinner and meet you here when you close up..."

"(smiles) Sounds good to me...Don't forget to bring you pjs..."

Bailey's room, several hours later

"Thank you for picking up dinner tonight, Sweetie"

"Not a problem. I will say, after Chef Paulo's meal, everything else seems like a letdown..."

"I know what you mean..."

"So, what's on the agenda for Sydney tomorrow?"

"I say we just play it by ear...well, except for seeing the opera house..."

"Of course..."

"You ready for bed?"

"Sure..." Cody reaches down and begins to unbutton his shirt.

"What are you doing?"

Cody looks confused. "Changing..."

"Right now?"

"Well, I usually do before I go to bed..."

"Its just...you've never changed in front of me before..."

"(smiles) Even though I was practically unconscious, I did the last time..."

"Yeah, but that was out of necessity..."

"Bailey, if it makes you uncomfortable, I don't have to. I just figured you saw me in my boxers last time, its nothing you wouldn't have seen before..."

"(sighs) I know...I'm being a prude, aren't I?"

"Not at all. Whatever you are comfortable with is okay with me..."

"Thanks for being so understanding."

"Anytime..."

Bailey grabs her pajamas and begins to head to the bathroom when she stops. She turns back around to look at Cody.

"You know, this is silly. You've seen me in a bikini numerous times."

"Yes, I have...(smiles)...And you looked amazing every time."

"(smiles) Thank you. But, my point is you've seen me in a bikini, so you seeing me in my underwear shouldn't be that big of a deal..."

"Only if you are sure..."

"I am. I mean, I love you and I trust you. You're the person I'm the most comfortable with in this world and if you are that comfortable you will undress in front of me..." Bailey reaches down the bottom of her own shirt and hesitates.

"Why don't I go first?" Cody proceeds to unbutton his shirt and fold it. He proceeds to remove his jeans and fold them too. He slips on his pajama pants. "There, done..."

Bailey reaches back down to the bottom of her shirt and slowly pulls it off. She slips her jeans off and is startled to hear a whistle. Turning, she sees Cody smiling at her. She smiles, rolls her eyes and proceeds to put on her pajamas. Cody stands there just appreciating the sight before him. "So...?"

Bailey smiles. "All done..."

"(nodding) Well, shall we?"

Cody pulls back the comforter and holds it up to allow Bailey to slide in. Once she is situated, he slides in next to her. Bailey turns and looks at him. "Thank you..."

"For what?"

"For making that so easy for me. I always thought I would be so nervous doing that for the first time, but once I started, I wasn't. (smiles) And your whistle removed any self doubt I had..."

"You never have any reason to doubt yourself. In case you couldn't tell, I very much enjoyed that view. But I knew I would...when my girlfriend is as gorgeous as you are, I expected it..."

Bailey blushes. "See, that's what I'm talking about. You always make me feel so good about myself. That's why it was so easy for me. I'm wasn't afraid of showing you myself like that because I know you love me and think I'm beautiful..."

"And I always will..."

Meanwhile, in the dark room.

Again, the most recent webisode of Yay Me! is playing. The seated figure speaks. "You can't be too happy about that..."

The standing figure appears to be agitated. "She has some nerve. How can she almost get him killed and still claim to love him? And then that sickening display? We need to act and act soon..."

"We will...How does spring break in Florida sound?"

"(laughs) Perfect..."

The S.S. Tipton, Saturday morning.

Zack and Marcus are both awoken by a loud knock on their door. Marcus mumbles into his pillow. "Who's knocking this early in the morning..."

Zack grumbles and gets out of bed. "I don't know, but I'll get rid of them..."

Zack stumbles over the door and opens it. The shock of what he sees immediately wakes him up. "What the...?"

"Surprise!"

"Mom! What are you doing here?"

To be Continued...