London was walking through the mall with Maddie behind carrying her shopping bags. Just as she was about to enter another store, she heard Jesse McCartney. Singing. It was a bit muffled so she turned around. Maddie was gone. She kept walking, hoping to find Maddie or Jesse somewhere. Then, lights around her began to dim. Jesse's voice grew louder and clearer. London smiled at the thought that Jesse was near so she shot her eyes closed for a few seconds and opened them back again. The lights have indeed been dimmed. Just like the brightness of her nightlight. Jesse stopped. London realized that it was her cellphone ringing. She sat up and looked for the clock.
" Ugh, 3 in the morning?" she scoffed. "Who could this be?"
London reached for the lamp and turned it on. She rubbed the sleep off her eyes while grabbing her phone with her free hand. It read '8 missed calls --- unknown'. She got up from the covers and headed straight for the kitchen. Phone still in hand.
'The Princess and the Pea' incident happened again. Or in London's case 'The Heiress and the Gem' or diamond… whichever. London's very irritated, she hasn't gotten any good sleep for the past three days and now this? She needs chocolate and fast! She searched her large kitchen pantry for a bar of chocolate.
"chocolate…chocolate…" London mumbled to herself. "FINALLY!" she grabbed the bag of 'Chips Ahoy', the box of 'Crunch', and an instant hot cocoa 'Swiss Miss'.
"Wow, London! You're gonna eat all that? No wonder your face is breaking out. Hah! Just kidding." She remembered Maddie's joke while taking a bite out of a cookie. She got a little scared of the thought of her face breaking out. So she decided to minimize it a bit. She reached inside the box of 'Swiss Miss' and found the last pack. Now all she needed was her favorite mug.
The one that says:
"I Love Shopping" she read. The mug was given to her by Cody a few years back.
FLASHBACK
' It was warm and cheery inside the Tipton. Tipton Lounge, to be exact. It was filled with presents, decorations, and food. Mr. Moseby hosted a Christmas party. They were all there. Maddie, Zack, Cody, London, Estebeban, Carrie, Muriel, Mr. Moseby, Arwin and a few more of the Tipton Staff and Guests. Some of them had gone home for Christmas with their families. The only person missing was Mr. Tipton himself. London wasn't as upset as she was back then when her dad missed gatherings. She got used to it. But still she couldn't hide her disappointment, especially from Mr. Moseby. So everybody tried their best to cheer her up.
In the middle of the room was big Christmas tree. The bottom was surrounded by presents. They ate, put on a little show, and opened their presents. Zack and Cody got a brand new game system from London, one that wasn't even out yet. Maddie got a frame with a picture of her and the entire Tipton staff plus a wallet with dozens of gift cards off of different stores. Carrie got 3 new cocktail dresses and two pairs of shoes. And the list goes on… they've all got fabulous gifts. Even London, who is really the hardest person to please, mostly because she can buy anything she wants. That or she already has them. But still she's happy and she appreciates them.
London didn't know why. But Cody's gift topped off her Dad's. From Daddy Dearest, she received a top of the line Diamond necklace, bracelet and earring set. Cody gave his present to her personally. The card said: To London, it's not much but I know you'll love it. Merry Christmas. Cody. Inside was a pink mug, a pink bracelet, and matching pink collar for Ivana. Everything inside the box was studded with pink gems, and says 'I Love Shopping'.
"Oh,Cody! I love it. Thank you" London said, smiling from ear to ear. She hugged Cody and kissed him on the cheek.
After the gift opening, they continued with the show. Zack was on, making jokes and wisecracks about everyone and everything. London got a little bored and headed out to the balcony.
Cody was laughing his head off. He looked over to where London was seated, kinda making sure she was having fun. London stood up and headed for the balcony. He took another sip of juice and followed her.
"Zack bored yah, huh?" Cody asked coming up behind London. She jumped in surprise.
"Whoa, you scared me. Zack? Uhmm.. no, ofcourse not! I wasn't bored…I just… I wasn't feeling it, you know." She replied. Cody smirked gave her a look that said 'Yeah, right!' and walked closer beside her overlooking the city and the streets. "Ok, maybe I was a little bored---"
"You're really bummed about your Dad, huh?" Cody cut her off. They were now looking at the stars. London was surprised. It's like Cody knew exactly what she was thinking. She turned to Cody. They were about the same height now that the twins are 15.
"Cody, can you read minds?" London asked a bit sarcastically.
"Hummm… nope, I don't think I can."Cody shrugged. " But it works for Zack and me. Sometimes. You know, with the twin telepathy thing."
London nodded in reply then turned back to the moon. " I dunno. It… it just surprises me everytime you figure me out. Am I really that transparent?" she added but the question was mostly to herself. Cody was thinking of something to say when they heard the audience clapping.
"We should probably get back inside." London turned her head looking at Zack going down the stage.
"Yeah… yeah… uhmm, we should. It's really getting cold out here." Cody replied. A bit disappointed because he was having a really good time. When they were near the door, London's subconscious told her to look up. At the ceiling. Cody did the same and found himself blushing when he saw a mistletoe hanging above them. He faced London. Within milliseconds, their lips meet. Cody felt sparks inside him. As did London. They both wanted it to last but something was telling them that they should stop. Yet again, the mood was ruined by the clapping audience. They broke apart.
"Merry Christmas, Cody." London whispered.
"Merry Christmas too, London." Cody muttered. He just stood there, under the mistletoe, as he watched London go back inside.
END OF FLASHBACK
London held the mug high up to her face. She admired the fine detail and design on it. She traced the words with her finger. Just then, Jesse sang again. The screen of phone still read: 'Unknown'
"This better be good!" she flipped her phone open and said, "Hello?"
"Hi! London?" said the voice at the other end of the line. But she knew that voice anywhere.
The Heiress froze in shock. It's been so long since she last heard from him. Seconds within those three syllables seemed like minutes. It's like everything stopped in a snap. She couldn't reply, let alone move a muscle. She tried opening her mouth, but not a peep came out.
The sound of porcelain shattering on the floor snapped her back from her thoughts. Yep, Cody's mug was porcelain. She jumped back a little but still managed to acquire a few cuts on her ankles. And still, all she could say was:
"Oh, shit!"
A/N: Hope you like it. R&R!
