A/N: Hey! I am so sorry! I had technical difficulties! I wanted to update sooner but my monitor died and I had to find another one! This is a short bit, but my brother's b-day is tomorrow, so I won't be updating then either. I'll try to get another chapter up by Tuesday. Thanks to bittersweettears, Tahra, and Proops for reviewing, it really does make my day. Without farther ado, the short but hopefully satisfying chapter!

Z started and looked to the phone, horror and hope mixed together on his face. The phone rang a second time as he sat there, oblivious to everything.

I have to get it, he said to himself and he started to get up. But what if it's bad news? Another part of his mind asked, What if it's the worst? Z's mind threatened to lock up at the mere thought of it.

The phone rang a third time and another thought rushed in. I can't not get it! It might be good news! It will be good news. What else would it be? Zachary stood up and moved closer to the counter, the science club watching his every move.

Four rings. It could be bad news…But it won't be! Noel thought fiercely.

Five rings. Z shrugged and plastered a half grin on his face. I don't even know if it is the hospital. It could be something else. A prank call maybe.

Six rings. Z's legs moved him closer to the counter, but he was watching from far away. He saw his hand reach out and put the phone to his ear. Suddenly, his own voice jerked him back to reality.

"Hello?"

"Hello," A male voice said, "I'm calling for a, "Noel heard some papers rustling through the connection, "Professor Noel Zachary."

Z took a deep breath and answered, "This is he."

The man on the other end cleared his throat and began, "Professor Zachary, I'm calling in regards to your mother's surgery."

Z breath caught in his throat, there seemed to be a long pause between the end of the man's sentence and the beginning of the next, though it was hardly a second.

"I'm pleased inform you that it was a complete success."

Zachary's knees went weak with relief and he leaned against the counter for support. He answered, his voice notable lighter, "I can't tell you how happy that makes me, Mr.…?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," the man laughed good naturedly, "Dr. Baxter, brain surgeon. I operated on your mother. We're going to keep her here at the hospital for a week or so, just to make sure she recovers with no difficulties."

A grin was beginning to spread across Z's face. My mom's all right! She's going to be okay! "That's fine, do whatever you have to. Thank you again." Z hung up the phone and slid down the counter to the floor, unable to keep standing. My mom is alive. My mom is alive. She's going to be okay.

The science club gathered around him.

"Well?" Josie finally asked, not being able to stand the silence. "She made it right?"

Z looked up at her and grinned. "Yes." He said with barely contained enthusiasm, "She's going to be fine." His gaze switched to Corrine and his grin widened.

He hopped to his feet and addressed her. "Miss Baxter, what is it your dad does for a living?"

Corrine looked at him puzzled, why didn't he call me Corrine? "He's a brain surgeon…" she said hesitantly, then stopped. "No way."

Z burst into laughter, picked a surprised Corrine slightly off her feet and spun her around once, then set her back on the floor.

"Yes, yes, yes! Your dad saved my mother's life!" He continued to laugh as he looked around the room with wide happy eyes.

The rest of the Science Club were watching and grinning at this excited, relieved Z they'd never seen before. Josie had laughed aloud when he picked Corrine up.

Z looked over at them for the first time in a few moments and his grin subsided a bit. "Yes, well, be sure to thank him for me." Z said slowly to a smiling Corrine, uncomfortably aware of his resent behavior. He stood there looking embarrassed for a moment as he straightened his jacket and avoided the eyes and grins of his students.

He finally looked up and caught Josie's gaze. She gave him a smile and said, "Remember Z, you're not just our teacher."

As if on cue, the science club came up and congratulated him as one.

A/N: That's it for now, like I said I'll update as soon as I can. Ha! Did you really think I could kill off his mom? Come on! Have you looked at my name? I am a FAN of Z. Sorry it's short, I just thought that this should be separate from the next bit. I'm getting to Vaughn in the next one, no he was not included in this chapter at all. And NO it's not over, there's more to be had from this story. Not a whole lot more, but more nonetheless. Plus the sequel, which has enough support to be started. Joy! Thanks again for reading, enjoying and reviewing!