Chapter 50

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

The Pickett Cabin

Maggie is finishing getting ready as her husband sits and waits.

"You will be nice tonight, right?"

Joe looks surprised. "Why wouldn't I be nice?"

Maggie rolls her eyes. "I don't want you trying to cross examine that boy. Cody seems like a wonderful young man. Besides, how do you think Bailey will react if you try to grill him?"

Joe sighs. "She'll understand one day. I know Cody seems nice, but I have to be absolutely positive before I entrust him with my baby girl."

"After what he did for her in Tokyo, why is that still a question? How many of our other daughter's fellers have done anything like that?"

"I know, but the difference is I got to know them early on. This is different. They've already been dating for a year and declaring their love for one another before I ever got a chance to meet him..."

"And? What will he have to do to prove himself? Juggle while balancing a ball on his nose?"

"We'll see...Speaking of meeting someone, are you nervous about seeing your sister after so long?"

Maggie pauses. "Yes, I am. I can't wait to see her and Cassie, but I am scared that they won't be happy to see me..."

"Well, Bailey says she and Cassie are getting along great now. But you never know...just don't expect too much..."

Maggie turns around and smiles. "Maybe you should take your own advice..."

Joe grumbles. "You know, why don't I meet you at the restaurant. You've seen this ship before. I want to see with my own eyes where our daughter has spent the last two years..."

Maggie just rolls her eyes. "Fine, I'll see you there."

Cassie's Cabin

Sarah smiles. "Sooooo...You and Zack are official now, huh?"

Cassie sighs. "Yes, we are..."

"I kind of figured you two would be..."

Cassie is surprised. "Why would you think that?"

"Just something I told Bailey back in San Francisco...the women in our family are drawn to the Martin men..."

"Well, I do guess we make the third time...Anyways, are you nervous about tonight?"

Sarah pauses. "About seeing my sister again?" Cassie nods. "A litte...okay, a lot. I haven't talked to her in so long. What if she still doesn't want to talk to me?"

"Well, if her mom is anything like Bailey, I don't think you have anything to worry about..."

Sarah smiles. "I'm so glad you two have gotten closer."

"Yeah, I didn't think I would like her at first, but she's actually been pretty great. She's nothing like I thought she would be..."

"And just how is she?"

"She's really sweet and kind. But she has a playful side too. And thanks to her and Cody, my grades might actually be pretty good this semester..."

"See, I told you that you would enjoy this experience..."

Cassie smirks. "Okay, okay...you were right..."

"So, you're giving me the go ahead to enroll you for next year then?"

"Yeah...(smiles)...I think I can handle that..."

Bailey's Cabin

"This room is awesome, Bailey..."

Bailey smiles. "Its my home away from home..."

"What's your roommate like?"

"London...London is very complex. She can be exasperating but the next minute she can be one of the sweetest people in the world..."

Bernie smiles. "Now...tell us about Cody. He's a hottie!"

Bailey laughs. "Yes, he is very handsome, but is also smart, sweet, brave, funny and very romantic...and he's mine, so don't get any ideas!"

"Awww...but we're sisters, we're supposed to share!"

"Not this time. I refuse to share him with anyone..."

Bobbi is looking through one of Bailey's drawers. She turns to Bailey. "I like these!" She pulls out Cody's t-shirt and pajama pants. "When did you get these?"

Bailey isn't sure how to answer her youngest sister. "Oh...I...ummm...got them several weeks ago..."

Bernie smiles. "I bet they would look better on Cody..."

Bailey mumbles under her breath. "Yes, they do..."

"What did you just say?"

"I said you two need to grab showers and get ready before we're late..."

Bobbi just shrugs, but Bernie decided to tease her sister. "You're right. I need to look good tonight for Cody..."

"Bernie!"

"Just kidding, Bailey. Anyone can see how crazy you are about him. I know you would throw anyone in fresh manure who tried to go after him..."

Cody's Cabin

"Did you know your son had so many shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers in there?"

"Yes, I did...Who do you think I use to borrow them from?"

Maddie laughs. "I wonder if Bailey knows what kind of guy she has..."

"I think she does..."

"And Zack? A girlfriend?...What else did I miss in the past year?"

Carey laughs. "More than you know..."

Maddie shrugs and goes over to the dresser looking for an empty drawer. She opens it up and sees a pair of pink pajamas covered in ducks. "Ummm...Carey?"

"Yeah?"

"Not that there is anything wrong with it..." Maddie holds up the pink pajamas. "...but did you know Cody has these?"

Carey looks over and begins to laugh again.

"You think that's funny? My parents would freak out if they found these in Liam's room..."

"I'm not freaking because I'm pretty sure they aren't Cody's..."

"Whose are they then?"

"Well, unless I miss my guess, I believe those belong to Bailey..."

"Why are they in Cody's room?"

"(sighs) Because I suggested it..."

"Huh?"

"Cody and Bailey have been sleeping together..."

"What?"

"Literally, sleeping together...They enjoy sleeping next to each other..."

Maddie begins to laugh. Carey frowns. "What?"

"I went from questioning Cody's sexuality to thinking he was Hugh Hefner..."

"They assure me that nothing has gone on beyond that..."

Maddie thinks. "Knowing those two, its true. Now, if Zack tried that line..."

"Believe me, I know..."

"I guess Cody and Bailey really are that serious about each other..."

"Yes, they are...I believe I'm looking at my future daughter in law..."

Maddies smiles. "Good for them then..."

Barbara and Agnes's Cabin

"Okay, you know what to do right?"

Agnes pats the bag over her shoulder. "I've got everything right here..."

Barbara nods. "After you've done it, meet me back here and I'll provide an alibi"

"Right...See you in a little while for the aftermath..."

Zack's Cabin

"This is going to be great. Bunking with my two boys again. It'll be just like old times..."

Zack laughed. "Should be fun, Dad..."

"You sure you don't mind the floor, Cody? I can take it if you want..."

"Its fine, Dad..."

Zack smirks. "Good, because you weren't going to be sleeping in my bed..."

"Aww come on, Zack...you and your brother use to sleep in the same bed all the time..."

"True, but then, I didn't have to worry about waking up with Cody spooning me and calling me Bailey..."

Cody's eyes grow large. "Zack..."

Kurt laughs. "Its okay, Cody...I already know. Your mother told me..."

Cody sighs. "I swear, its not what you think..."

"So, you aren't sleeping in the same bed with your girlfriend?"

"Well, okay, yes we do...but that's all..."

Kurt smiles. "I know..."

Cody is confused. "You do?"

"Cody, its obvious how much you love that girl. And I trust you to know what you are doing."

"Really? Thanks, Dad..."

"Just be careful about it...Now, I'm going to grab a shower before dinner. Why don't you two go on ahead?"

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I won't be fifteen minutes behind you..." Kurt opens the bathroom door. "Geez, Zack...don't you and Marcus ever clean in here?"

The deck

Agnes is sitting, waiting in ambush. She is looking around, but when she hears Cody's voice, she knows the time is upon her. She pulls two wash cloths out of her bag,soaks them both with the liquid in her bag, crouches and waits. She can hear Cody's voice getting louder, coming towards her. She hides and when they turn the corner, she lunges out and covers both of their mouths with the wash cloths and steadies herself as they both initially struggle before they both finally give out.

"Sorry Codykins and Zackie-poo...But missing the dinner with your girlfriend's families is a necessary evil. They'll never forgive you for bailing on them. But, some day, you'll both realize why I did what I just did...and you both will be grateful..."

To be Continued...