Leave. Get out. Those were the words playing in my head. But how could I go? Where would I go? These thoughts ran constantly through my head as I sat Indian style on the crumpled bed cover. Again, I stared at my poem. Why was I feeling this way? I had never felt bad about being a wimp before. I have always been "the good twin." I got perfect grades, and was loved and praised by adults. My life was practically set before me. I would be a successful, well-put together graduate of some huge college, and then would continue on with some huge career. I smiled to myself, crumpling up the poem. I took a step towards the door, when I overheard Zack on the phone.

"Yeah, he's in his room bawling his eyes out because I beat his high score. I don't know what's up with him. He's such a wimp." Zack paused, listening to who ever were on the other line. I felt a sharp pain hit my chest as Zack said that. I ran over to the cordless phone sitting on the dresser and picked it up in order to listen in on the conversation.

"-Right. He is a wimp," said a female voice. I recognized it to be Max.

Max, the girl I had secretly been crazy about since... I don't even know. But like Zack, I never really heard anything good from her about me. My mind bounced back two years ago to the dance competition. I'll never forget how much fun I had up there on stage dancing, and I think I really had her impressed. Then I had to screw it up. I was written off as a klutz, and yelled at. Well, Zack had been yelled at too, but it wasn't the same. He didn't feel the same way about her as me. I can still remember when she fell for Zack. It crushed me really bad, and I was more then happy when they decided to just be friends. The problem was, I knew very well that I didn't have a chance. Not a chance in the universe. That's why I had tried other girls.

Herma…that girl really broke my heart. I had finally been able to push my mind away from Max, and give it all to someone else. That was a mistake. I've also tried smaller flings with other girls, but none of them really ever worked out. Now, single once again, my heart was completely in love with Max, again.

"I mean seriously," smirked Zack's voice. "I don't get what his problem is. Sometimes I think that he is just too…"

"Nerdy? Over reactive? Wimpy?" Max laughed. I hung up the phone, anger and sadness bubbling up inside of me. My face felt like it was on fire and tears were pushing at my closed eyelids. I swallowed the lump in my throat choking me and made a resolution. I am not going to be a nerd, or a wimp, or anything like that. I was going to start life over, and find somewhere that I could go on. The only problem though, is that I'm 14, without a license, or anywhere to go.

A small scrap of paper caught my eye. I snatched it up, and smiled. It was a letter from Dad.

Zack and Cody,

How is everything? Nothing new with the band, and me just traveling as usual. I miss you boys a whole lot and wish I could be there to see you more often. Next week, I'm going to be in MA, but I wont be able to stop by the Tipton due to short time. We're playing Thursday night at 8:00 pm until 10:00 at "The House of Rocklin'" in Dover. If you know anybody that could come, tell them about it! Well anyway, I miss you again, and will come to see you as soon as possible.

Love,

Dad

I stared at the rumpled sheet of paper, and it hit me. I would just go with Dad and the band. They would take me in, I'm sure. Plus it was legal because he WAS my father. It made perfect sense with my first thought. A smaller voice inside of me told me it was a bad idea to leave the Tipton, but I pushed it away. If I were going to be tough, and normal, I would have to take chances.

I walked over to my closet and pulled out my school backpack. Hard as it was, I tossed the schoolbooks out on the floor and began pulling unfolded clothes from the closet, but stopped. I stared at my usual vests and clothes. They all screamed Geek just like Zack had always said. I would have to get new clothes. I had plenty of money at least, since I never spent my allowance. I threw a few of Zack's old clothes in the bag, and an old portable radio along with a few other entertainment items. Standing, I stared at my soft blue blanket. If I were going to be tough, I would have to leave blankie behind. But, even tough guys needed comfort right? I tore a small corner off the blanket and stuffed it in my closet. I folded blankie up neatly and set it on the small table next to my bed, along with my old life. I set my poem on top of it and slowly turned the doorknob.

My common sense stopped me though. I couldn't leave until dark. When everyone was in bed, I would start my new life. I would take a bus too Dover, and find Dad…and it would all work out. That little voice was still nagging in my head, but again, I pushed it away.

Zack's POV

"Nerdy? Over reactive? Wimpy?" Max had said.

"No, he's too perfect." I finished. "Everyone loves Cody, and everything Cody does. He always makes such perfect grades, and he never gets in trouble. Its not that I want to be a nerd or anything, but sometimes it isn't fun being looked down on all the time."

"Cody isn't that bad. You know he was listening in on us before? That's why I said all that."

"What?"

"Did you not hear the phone pick up? I didn't want him to know what we were saying. Hey Zack, can you keep a secret? Seriously keep a secret? Please don't tell anyone.

"Sure Max"

"I've liked Cody since you and me…ended."