A/N: I promised this would be a long chapter and I delivered ; ) This is the second last chapter which will tie up most of the loose ends before the wedding day. I've got goose bumps just thinking about it : ) It'll be sad to be finished with the story soon, but I've enjoyed it thoroughly. I wanted to say thank you to three more reviewers: JennaLeigh (who has reviewed my story twice), PerennialKilljoy (who was the first to ever review my story) and Wyntirsno (the most recent reviewer). But seriously, thank you to all who've reviewed and read my story, you're all far too kind. And now, onto the story. Much more angst, enjoy!
Chapter 6: Penny For Your Thoughts
"Zack, come on. It's been 3 days already, you can't hide in here forever." Cody remonstrated sensibly. "Just watch me." Zack retorted despondently. Cody was standing in front of his bed which was immaculately neat and tidy. Zack's side of the room on the other hand had Ding-Dong wrappers, empty cans, empty bottles and the remnants of Chinese take-out all strewn across the carpet. If Cody had his way, he would've called in 3 maids to make the room spotless again. But Zack didn't want any company, so Cody had let him be for the time being. But 3 days had already passed since the 'incident' as Zack had termed it, and Zack was already worse for wear. Faint stubble was visible on his once clean-shaven face, his eyes were blood shot, his hair was in disarray; he had taken to wearing a bathroom over his pyjamas indefinitely not to mention an inclination towards a serious case of B.O.
"Maybe you should try talking to Maddie again" Cody persisted gently. "I can't, it's over. The day after the 'incident', I waited outside her door for the whole day. 24 hours man! And she didn't come out of her room once! Not even to check if the hallway was clear of whipped lovesick puppies." Zack replied miserably. "Okay Zack, wallowing in our room isn't healthy for you. Let's get out of here, get some fresh air." Cody pleaded desperately with his twin brother. "I can't leave this room, I'm too depressed. Besides, what if I run into Maddie? I can't face her man." Zack wailed morosely. Cody stared at the ceiling for a moment. London had confided in him just yesterday that Maddie hadn't left her room either since the 'incident' and would be staying indoors indefinitely. "Trust me, that won't be a problem." Cody said to Zack in a grim tone.
"Maddie come on, open up the door!" London bellowed while thumping her fist against the door. She received no response, but heard papers being gathered up from somewhere. "Maddie, it's been 3 days. Cody told me what happened, you're gonna have to talk to someone about it eventually." London promised grimly. "Go away London, I don't wanna see anyone. I'm too ashamed." Maddie called out in a vehement wail. "Oh don't be so melodramatic Maddie. The only time you should ever be ashamed is if you're wearing fake Louis Vuitton stilettos with a summer dress. And we both know you have way too much class for that. Well, more class than my friend Chelsea at any rate," London rambled on passionately. When Maddie didn't respond, London changed tactics. "Fine, don't open the door, I'll just tell everyone about that time I set you up on a blind date and your hair frizzed up because of the humidity." London stated airily.
The door opened so fast that London's hair whipped around her face. Maddie stood glaring at a triumphant looking London. "Repeat that story and you'll be a dead heiress in the near future." Maddie breathed venomously, her blood shot eyes shooting daggers. "Fair enough, now can we talk about the real issue at hand?" London demanded seriously. Maddie rolled her eyes and stepped back to let London into the room. "Geez Maddie, your hair looks terrible! Are you sure it wasn't humid last night?" London asked pointedly. "Thank you London, you always know exactly what to say to make me feel better." Maddie quipped sarcastically while grabbing a brush. "Maddie, what the hell are all these papers for?" London demanded quizzically, staring in dismay at the huge stack on Maddie's unmade bed. For the first time in 3 days, Maddie smiled.
For the first hour after she'd thrown Zack out of her room on Sunday night, Maddie had sat curled up in a ball against her door. She kept obsessing in hopeless regret about spending the day and almost the night with Zack. Zack and Brett's faces were permanently seared into her memory, taunting her foolish heart and indecision. There was no way she could sleep and crying left her feeling even worse instead of the relief it promised her. So she did the only thing left to her: she started to write. And write she did as the soothing confidence of her pen and brain helped to exorcise the demons. Maddie lost count of how many pages she wrote in 3 days; she could've covered the four walls with the sheaves. For each moment she dwelt on Brett's expression of disappointment and betrayal; it was an average of 3 pages every 10 minutes. For Zack's expressions of sorrow and grief, it was 6 pages every 15 minutes.
"It's my novel. I think I'm finished." Maddie replied grimly, feeling no satisfaction in her achievement. "Novel singular?? Maddie, you could write 3 novels with this much writing!" London pointed out hysterically, waving the pages in Maddie's face. "Good, 'cause success is the only thing I'll have once I tell my boyfriend the truth about my infidelity." Maddie stated miserably. "Wait, you're gonna tell Brett the truth?" London asked in an alarmed tone. "Well yeah, I kinda have to." Maddie pointed out nonchalantly. "No you don't! Listen to me Maddie, there are 3 things that I believe in: deny, deny, deny. Denial is just a river in Egypt." London pointed out matter-of-factly. Maddie was about to point out London's error, but thought better of it. "London, I can't lie to Brett, it'll make things so much worse than what they already. And we can't have an open and honest relationship without trust. Maybe he can forgive me for kissing Zack." Maddie reasoned optimistically. London was about to protest, but changed tune abruptly. "Wait, you just kissed Zack? That's what you're telling the truth about?" London asked cautiously. "Yes London, I just kissed Zack. What did you think I meant?" Maddie asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes. "Sweetie, I thought you felt guilty because you slept with him!" London exclaimed in a relieved tone, patting her own chest.
Now it was Maddie's turn to look horrified. "What?! You thought I slept with Zack? How could you? Wait, did you tell anyone else that?" Maddie asked haphazardly while clutching her face. "Of course not, I don't kiss-and-tell. But apparently you do." London teased with a snort. "London, this isn't remotely funny. I've royally screwed up." Maddie responded grimly. "No you haven't Maddie, it happened in the heat of the moment. We've all been there before. I still don't see why you have to tell Brett anything. I mean, it was just a kiss. It didn't mean anything right?" London asked shrewdly. When Maddie didn't respond immediately, London guessed the truth. "Oh honey, please tell me you're not…" "I don't know if I am London, I'm just so confused. That's why I told you to keep me away from Zack. I can't think coherently when I'm with him." Maddie responded dejectedly. "Well you're not gonna be able to think clearly about your options cooped up in here. And you won't see my point of view. Maybe we need a ladies' conference." London suggested. "No way." Maddie replied icily, shaking her head at London. S
"Cody, I don't know what to do. Okay, that's not true, I usually know what to do. But I can't fool Maddie with some corny line. I wanna be honest with her, but I don't know how to be that guy Cody." Zack admitted reluctantly. He was still wearing a bathrobe, but his hair was wet from taking a shower. Cody in the meantime had cleaned up Zack's side of the room. "Well maybe you should start with just being honest then Zack. Talk to Maddie, stop walking on egg shells around her; take a stand and lay it all out." Cody stated vehemently. Zack stared at him in wonder; in all his existence, he'd never heard Cody make such an assertive statement unless it had something to do with a protractor or quarks. "Really? Just lay it all out there? I guess I could do that. Maddie and I could use a deep and meaningful conversation." Zack admitted seriously. "Dammit, what am I gonna say to her? What words should I use Cody?" Zack asked quizzically of Cody. Now Cody drew a blank. Sure, he'd been in a similar situation with Bailey; pining after her for several years with no seeming ending or closure. But then somewhere along the line, he and Bailey had 'the talk' and figured it out from there. Zack and Maddie were nowhere near that level of intimacy. "I have no idea Zack." Cody admitted quietly. "That's too bad Codester, I was hoping you'd help me find the right words. There's only one thing left to do: call on my comrades for a man-plan." Zack stated softly. Cody laughed outright at this. "You're not seriously considering getting advice from either Bob or Tape Worm? Tape Worm still lives with his parents!" Cody pointed out snidely. "True, but I'm desperate Cody. And desperate men need manly advice on the statutes of man-law. Round up the boys." Zack instructed, his head in a daze while he looked in his drawer for some clothes. This is a bad idea," Cody said to no one in particular.
"My friends, thank you for attending at such short notice. This time I actually have a real problem." Zack began soberly. The only person absent from this meeting which took place in Bob's hotel room was Mr. Moseby, his excuse being that he 'had a hotel to run'. "Finally, may I suggest you wear 3-D glasses at the next viewing of Saw 5?" Bob offered casually. "Bob, I actually have a problem." Zack countered impatiently. "Look guys, I'm really in it deep with Maddie. I've royally screwed things with her." Zack continued painstakingly. "What are you talking about Zack? Last time I saw you two together, you were getting along like a house on fire." Bob countered reasonably. "That's exactly the problem Bob. Things were going too well. We spent the whole day together. Then I walked her up to her hotel room at the end of the night. Well, one thing led to another and…" "Say no more Zack, I see where you're going with this. Now she's avoiding you right?" Tape Worm intervened smoothly with an understanding smile on his face.
"Yes Tape Worm, that's exactly it. Guys, I don't know what to do. I've dated a lot of girls before., but I've never felt a fraction of anything for them the way I feel about Maddie. I mean, when she kissed me on Sunday night, it felt right, like something finally clicked into place in my head." Zack stated earnestly. "Wait, you guys just kissed?!" Tape Worm exclaimed in confusion. "Yeah Tape Worm. What did you think I meant?" Zack asked distractedly. "Dude, I thought you closed the deal with Maddie!" Tape Worm exclaimed indignantly. "You thought I what? Tape Worm, why would you think that?!" Zack snapped angrily. "You said she was avoiding you." Tape Worm responded defensively. "Because she feels guilty about kissing me when she has a boyfriend, not because I closed the deal. Believe me, if I had closed the deal, I wouldn't be in this predicament." Zack replied matter-of-factly.
"You are unbelievable Zack." Cody retorted acidly, looking at his brother in disbelief. "No wait Cody, I didn't mean that. Of course I wouldn't try to seduce Maddie, I care about her. This idiot Tape Worm is screwing with my head." Zack returned exasperatedly. "Ah, so you only peeled the grape then?" Esteban asked lightly. "Look, let me make this very clear so there's no confusion. Maddie and I just kissed on Sunday night. And Prom Night for that matter too." Zack explained crisply. "Wait, Prom Night too? You didn't hit that thang! Funny, I use my dyslexia to land girls." Bob added smugly. "No Bob I didn't!" Zack retorted fiercely. "Get real Bob. Zack was still a minor then. It would've been statutory rape if Maddie had attempted to hit 'any thang'." Cody retorted sarcastically. Zack couldn't suppress a grin at Cody's quip. "Uh gentlemen, I don't feel comfortable at all referring to Miss Maddie in this derogatory light." Esteban intervened uneasily. "Yeah, I agree with Esteban. It's really disrespectful." Lance agreed in a no-nonsense manner, giving Bob and Tape Worm a beady look. "Lance and Esteban are right fellas. That's not the issue at hand. I need your help, I need to engage Maddie. But I don't know what words to say." Zack admitted sadly. "Or you could just peel the grape again," Tape Worm remarked seedily. Esteban had to hold Lance back from charging Tape Worm. "I told you this was a bad idea Zack. We're not getting anywhere." Cody pointed out sardonically.
"It's like I said before Zack, you've just got to take charge and lay it all out." Cody continued in a gentler voice, patting Zack's shoulder while he paced the room. "How can I do that when Maddie won't even talk to me?" Zack asked quizzically. "Then you'll have to get her attention." Esteban put in helpfully. "Hey, I like where Esteban's going with this. Zack, you have to do something big to win Maddie over." Tape Worm agreed eagerly. "Yeah, and nothing says 'I'm sorry' like a great big grand gesture." Bob added excitedly. "Like proposing in a pool!" Lance exclaimed delightedly, raising his hands in the air. "Hey, great idea." Tape Worm congratulated. "Hey, bad idea." Cody retorted sarcastically with a big smile on his face. "Are you guys nuts?! Zack's can't ask Maddie to marry him! Do you wanna give her another reason to avoid him?" Cody demanded exasperatedly. "Just because Bailey didn't wanna elope with you in Vegas that one time…" "So not the point Bob! Besides, Bailey knows I was kidding about that," Cody interrupted hastily, a shade of rouge appearing on his cheeks. "Sorry guys, but Cody's right. A proposal of marriage must be done with the utmost sincerest of intentions and not on some apologetic whim." Esteban put in wisely. "I hate to say this guys, but Cody and Esteban are right." Zack stated wearily, finally stopping in his pacing.
"Proposing is not the answer. All I really want to do is talk to her. If I could just get her to listen, I'd tell her wonderful she is and how sorry I am for constantly making a fool of myself when I'm around her. Then I'd tell her how much my heart soars when I see her coming from afar and how much it aches when we're apart. She's my lifeline, my reason for breathing." Zack concluded just above a whisper. The hotel room was filled with an eerie silence for the few minutes. Finally, someone broke the silence. "Zack…that was like… whoa." Lance murmured hoarsely. "Zack, I think you finally figured out what to say to Maddie." Cody said in a voice with pride. "Si, it's true. There is no higher compliment to a woman than a declaration of love. My own father, Diego Julio Ricardo Montoya De La Rosa Ramirez, declared his love and undying affection for my mother Gladys in the market square amongst stray chickens and merchants selling their wares in our village. It was after this moment that my mother swore to pledge her mind, body and soul to my father for as long as they both lived. They have been together ever since." Esteban stated wistfully. "You're right Esteban I'm gonna do it. Thanks guys, you're brilliant." Zack replied graciously. He gave them all one last smile before quitting the room. "Our work here is done." Tape Worm marvelled wistfully, putting an arm around Bob. Esteban and Cody looked at him and rolled their eyes.
Thursday brunch [25 June] came all too swiftly. Zack hadn't yet managed to confront Maddie, mainly because she had finally left her room and was no where to be found. But Zack was sure of one thing, Maddie couldn't avoid him forever. Today was Carey and Arwin's final dress rehearsal before the wedding. The idea was for all the bridesmaids and groomsmen to dress up, but not the groom or the bride. "Well, Arwin and I can't dress up, especially me. Everyone will see what my dress looks like before the wedding." Carey explained knowingly. "So why have a dress rehearsal at all?" Mr. Moseby asked wearily. "Because the bridesmaids' dresses are gorgeous." Carey gushed, clapping her hands together. "You people and your new-age notions of weddings. It's nothing that a drive-thru wedding couldn't fix in 10 minutes." Muriel pointed out matter-of-factly. Father Morris, who was officiating the wedding ceremony had arranged for the dress rehearsal to take place at noon at St. Paul's.
"I'm still not sure about this colour for the bridesmaids' dresses," London mused doubtfully, tugging at her dress unnecessarily. "Well tough, Carey's sold on turquoise. So quit fretting, you look beautiful." Maddie remonstrated firmly while placing a white flower behind London's ear amidst her flowing black hair. "Thanks Maddie, so do you." London replied sincerely, giving her a small smile. "Okay girls, it's show time. Make me proud." Carey instructed vehemently. Maddie sighed once to the ceiling and took her position behind Bailey. London was in front of Bailey with Carey's sister Marie leading the troupe. They began moving steadily forward, flowers in hand and smiles on their faces. Marie swept forward imperiously through the open doors to the sound of the wedding march in the chapel. The guests were all seated: Zack and Maddie's peers kept throwing goofy looks and smiles at the bridesmaids. Maddie subtly ignored them and focused her attention forward. Her expression nearly broke when she saw Arwin at the arch with Father Morris dressed in an outfit which resembled his old uniform from the Tipton. Her smile faltered ever so slightly when her eyes fell on Zack instead. He looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored gun-metal grey tuxedo; his blonde hair slicked back with gel for the occasion. But it was his smouldering gaze that nearly took her breath away, threatening to steal the remnants of her resolve. How could he still look at her that way with those piercing X-ray blue eyes of his after everything she'd said and done to him? How could he look at her like there was no one else in the room?
Zack hadn't noticed any of the bridesmaids; not even his Aunt Marie the Maid of Honour, not his oldest friend London Tipton or Bailey, his brother's girlfriend. Up till that moment, Zack had been politely bored, standing with an underdressed Arwin and his better-dressed counterparts: Arwin's Greek cousin Milos, Mr. Moseby and his brother Cody. But there was nothing polite about his stare when Bailey's head shifted to the right with Maddie bringing up the flank. Maddie's make up hadn't been done too dramatically, but it enhanced her cheek bones and her brown eyes. The turquoise bridesmaid dress hugged her shapely figure and complimented her tanned complexion. Her blonde hair was done up in loose ringlets cascading over her shoulders. Zack's gaze said it all: it told her of his resolve to stay where he was so as not to take hold of her and quit the room; how much he wanted and needed her; how much he cared. Zack smiled on the inside when Maddie's eyes met his and she subtly swallowed, looking every bit as tortured as he felt. And then the music stopped and Maddie was opposite from Zack, watching Carey (dressed in blue jeans, sandals and a short-sleeved top) standing next to Arwin in anti-climatic fashion.
The facetious ceremony went on accordingly without any interruptions. Oddly enough, the soon-to-bride and groom began acting less and less like they were engaging in a rehearsal, but rather in the actual wedding ceremony, their eyes on one another throughout. Father Morris had to caution them at the end of his speech when Carey and Arwin both dove into each other's arms in expectation of their first marital kiss. The only other person who looked equally disappointed at the end of the proceedings was Zack. Maddie on the other hand, looked positively relieved that the end was nigh. While everyone shuffled around the happy couple back at the Tipton for drinks, Maddie took this as her cue to disappear and quickly. She glided gracefully past some people and voluntarily shoved others brutally out of her way. Zack saw Maddie's attempts and began doing the same, not wanting to miss an opportunity to talk to her.
In his haste, Zack dumped a grateful Muriel into Esteban's lap. Zack saw Maddie take the elevator back to her suite and flew up the emergency stairwell instead.
Maddie took her key-card out of her handbag and began opening her door. In her oblivious state, she gasped when she felt a hand on her arm. She whipped around and found Zack standing before her with a pleading look in his eyes.
"Zack," Maddie murmured uncertainly, taken completely off guard. "What are you.-?" "I need to talk to you, Maddie." Zack intercepted roughly, looking her dead in the eye. "Zack, I don't think that's such a good idea." Maddie replied shortly, recovering her senses slightly. "You can't keep avoiding me forever, Maddie. I just wanna talk, that's all. Then you can kick me out or I'll leave of my own free will." Zack stated reasonably. Maddie sighed aloud. "Fine." She responded crisply and opened the door to let him past. Once inside, Zack began pacing violently around the room. When he became aware that Maddie was standing in the room too, he ceased his pacing and looked at her.
"Okay, just a few things before I start. Can you please just let me finish my speech before you interrupt like I know you want to? If you want to yell at me or throw stuff (which you'll probably do after) I won't defend myself. Please sit down." Zack began sombrely, gesturing to her bed. Maddie obediently sat down and looked up at him, worry lines creasing her forehead. "Okay, I know you're expecting some kind of apology for Sunday: for taking you out of the hotel and for not stopping you from throwing yourself at me. Quite frankly, I'm not sorry about any of it. It was one of the worst nights of my life, but I still can't regret it. I can't regret any of it; meeting you, knowing you, flinging myself in your way. The only thing I do regret is not realizing the implications of your coming into my life sooner. You've changed me inexplicably for better and for worse. And you've changed too, but only for the better. I'm not a little kid anymore; I'm not a boy, I'm a man. Even as a boy, I knew I'd always feel this way about you. You tried to talk me out of it, I tried to move on. I dated other girls, but none of them measured up. You see, I had someone else on my mind; this candy counter girl who used to work at this very hotel. I'd literally wait for the bell to ring promptly at 14:45 everyday before I would race Cody back to the hotel. He always thought it was a game; he didn't know I was racing to see you clock in. for your first shift of the day. I memorized everything I wanted to say to you, to make you smile, make you laugh, anything that made me sound way cooler than what I really was. I did this for three years without fail, the longest thing I've ever adhered to in my life"
"But then you left. I knew you didn't leave me, but you left all the same. You had these dreams and goals that were too big for my hollow head and my fragile heart. I couldn't keep up. A few weeks after you left, I had to remind myself not to come down to the candy counter to talk to you: it took a while to get that routine down-packed. You've been part of my existence for nine years. I thought it meant more to me than it did you, our time together. High school passed in a blur, I didn't really see anything or anyone. I made a pact with myself that if I could get through prom night without breaking down, I'd be able to get over you. I'd given up hope that you'd ever come back to Boston, but you did that night. You looked at me differently, like I wasn't too young for you and when you let me kiss you, it felt like we were on the same page for once. And then you were gone again. These past few weeks with you have meant the world to me, I felt more like myself than I have in a long time. The thought of you leaving again is tearing me up slowly. I don't think I can survive a third goodbye. So I need to tell you this once and for all. I should've told you this sooner and meant it sooner, but I really mean it this time. I love you, Maddie. I love you so much, I might die of internal combustion. When I see you, my heart feels like it's literally expanding in my chest. And when you leave, it just deflates all over again. Everything I've done in my life these past nine year has been influenced by you directly and indirectly. You're the author of my awakening. You're my lifeline, Maddie, my reason for breathing, I love you. I love you." Zack concluded breathlessly, the air getting caught in his throat.
During his speech, Zack found himself slowly descending to Maddie's level, slowly bending and kneeling in front of her. It was a few minutes, maybe a few hours before Maddie could speak again. "Wow, I thought you'd be yelling or throwing things by now." Zack stated in awe, puzzled by her response. "I'm not mad at you, Zack, I never was, far from it. I'm just stunned." Maddie replied hoarsely, staring into space. "Stunned?" Zack asked curiously. "You shouldn't have said any of this to me. I wish you could undo everything you've just said." Maddie continued wearily finally looking Zack in the eyes. "How can I undo it when I meant everything I just said?" Zack asked in confusion, secretly wondering if Maddie had finally lost it. "I know you meant it, but it doesn't change anything." Maddie returned firmly. "Doesn't change anything? Maddie, everything's changed! Everything's changed for me." Zack stated heatedly. "But not for me." Maddie retorted flippantly, rising from the bed. Now it was her turn to pace the room while Zack sat on the bed. "Zack, maybe you have changed, maybe you have grown. But we're still worlds apart. It's like you said: my dreams and goals were too big for you. Look, it broke my heart when I left Boston, I honestly never thought I would ever leave. But I did, and I moved on. I didn't let my previous heartbreak cripple me. I packed it away in the back of my mind and I made my life make sense again, I made it meaningful." Maddie stated matter-of-factly.
"When you say you've moved on, you mean with Brett?" Zack questioned flippantly, his composure cracking slightly. "Yes, with Brett, but my whole life in general: location, my career, my ideals." Maddie explained reasonably. "Do you love him?" Zack demanded blatantly. "Yes, I do love him. He's a good man." Maddie responded quietly. "And am I a good man too?" Zack demanded snidely. "I always knew you'd grow up to be one. You haven't disappointed so far." Maddie replied sincerely. "Do you love me?" Zack asked softer still. "Zack, don't do this," Maddie remonstrated sternly. "Don't do what, Maddie? Figure out where I stand with you? You owe me that much." Zack responded shortly. "I can't give you what you want or need, Zack." Maddie stated seriously. "Why not?" Zack demanded angrily. "Because we want and need different things, Zack . My whole life's in New York. Your life is here in Boston. You're about to start a new career. We're in different stages of our lives." Maddie answered pointedly. "Your life doesn't have to be in New York. Boston's your home. You belong here with me. Aren't you the least bit curious about what it would be like?" Zack demanded vehemently. "That's not the point, Zack. I can't just pack up my life. I want to settle down, have a family eventually. I want and need someone stable, some I can count on. You may be grown up, but have you really matured?" Maddie demanded earnestly.
"Yes, yes I am, Maddie, I am that guy! And even if I'm not, I can be. I can change! I'll do whatever it takes. Just tell me what you want me to be." Zack pleaded strongly, placing his hands on Maddie's shoulders. "I can't tell you what to do, Zack. You have to figure it out on your own." Maddie replied knowingly. "Okay, look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me. If you can do that, I'll stop. I'll walk away and leave you alone." Zack asserted fervently, his grip on Maddie's shoulders growing tighter.
"I don't love you, Zack." Maddie answered blandly, looking him dead in the eye, iris to iris. Maddie didn't blink for what seemed like forever. Finally, Zack conceded by tearing his eyes away from her. "I'm sorry, Zack, you have to forget about me and move on with your life. Find someone your own age, someone who can make you happy. I never wanted to hurt you." Maddie urged pleadingly. Zack had already made it to the door. "That's too bad, Maddie, you've gotten good at it over time. Have a nice life." He returned sardonically before leaving. He couldn't have noticed when she finally collapsed back onto her bed with no intention of ever rising again as the door clicked neatly back into place.
Cody sat on the edge of his bed, his hands balled into fists, the knuckles turning whiter each second. Without warning, the room door opened with a defiant swing as Zack entered. Cody immediately rose to his feet. "Zack, have you just come from Maddie's room?" Cody asked quietly, trying to gauge his twin brother's unreadable expression. "Yeah, I followed her up the minute we got back from the church," Zack replied tonelessly, removing his bow-tie and jacket carelessly. "And, what happened? Did you tell her Zack?" Cody prompted urgently, watching his expression for any subtle change. This time, Zack only nodded which struck Cody as unusual. "And?" Cody demanded faintly, the remainder of the question dying on his lips. "Maddie doesn't love me back Cody." Zack replied softly, his voice cracking at the seams of his self-control.
Without thinking or planning to, Cody walked to his only brother and put his arms around him. Cody knew better than to show any blatant affection for his brother; Zack had always acted cooler-than-thou-art when it came to expressing his emotions, even those strongly tied to Maddie. But this time, Zack offered no resistance, but simply gripped his brother tightly as they hugged. Cody could not see, but only heard the dry sobs emitted from Zack's throat and his own throat burned too. "I'm so sorry Zack," Cody murmured while patting Zack's back. "Maddie told me to find someone my own age, to forget about her. How am I supposed to do that Cody?" Zack demanded in a voice tinged with fear and defeat. "Ssh, it's gonna be okay Zack. Just let it out," Cody remarked helplessly while patting Zack's head soothingly. And they remained that way for a while, Cody leaving Zack alone to his own dejected and tortured thoughts; Zack surrendering to a pit of nothingness where he was just a boy and Maddie didn't exist.
Zack found himself 20 minutes later down in the Tipton's kitchen in the refrigeration storage facility staring blankly at a large chunk of ice. Carey had bugged him incessantly for days on end to finish the ice sculpture in time for the wedding. Till now, Zack had put it off with excuses like 'I'll do it later,' 'Do you want the best bachelor party or not Arwin?' and 'Maybe if I sleepwalk, I'll do it in my sleep'. But it was now or never, it had to be done. And Zack had no idea how to begin. All the inspiration he'd built up over time with thoughts of Maddie and their time together had been removed by her immortal words of damnation. There was nothing left, nothing left to taint him or make him move one inch closer. That was Zack's first mistake when his mallet made sudden contact with the block of ice. He looked down at his now trembling hand holding the mallet. He struck a second time to be certain. Surely this burning sensation in the pit of his stomach, threatening to engulf him in its once dormant flame, was something more than regret. More than this new sense of mournful despair. Could it be, the drumming in Zack's ears asked rhythmically, could it be…anger?
Zack didn't wait for his reason to catch up with him to steal this new power. He couldn't forget Maddie and now he didn't have to. He didn't have to think of her and how they used to be. All he had to do was think of what they could be. Yes, the beast in his chest purred, use your power. Let it fill you up, let the tingling in your toes numb your senses. Go on, use your weapons. Zack picked up the chisel, allowing the mallet to crush it against the ice, now gleaming eerily in the glare of his infrared goggles he was wearing. Yes, the beast encouraged heartily, beat your resolve down, hammer it into place. Paralyse your heart, stop it from beating. The seconds of throbs once filled with Maddie whenever she appeared were slowing down into an indifferent murmur. Zack used this final opportunity to think of Maddie many years prior, one memory which was particularly irksome and torturous to him:
"I know how you feel: disappointed, humiliated, devastated, like you've been kicked repeatedly kicked in the stomach."
"You left out nauseous, but that might be from the 19 cocktail weenies that I ate."
"You always overeat when you're upset."
"No I don't. Why are you even talking to me anyway? Don't you wanna spend your Prom with your beloved Jeff?"
"Turns out Jeff has a supremely beautiful college girlfriend. To him, I'm just a kid."
"Well welcome to my world."
"Zack, you're very special to me, but you're still only 12. I need to find someone my own age and so do you."
"Can't you wait for me Maddie?"
"I wish I could. 'Cause I know you're gonna grow up to be a great guy that any girl would be lucky to have."
"What do you consider as grown up? 13?"
"More like 18."
"So then, 2180 days from now and we have a date? I've also been doing better in Math."
"When did you become so interested in school?"
"Since you said that you wanted somebody smart."
"That may be the most wonderful thing any boy – man has ever said to me."
The beast cursed inwardly as the train of Zack's thoughts, but was appeased instantly with approval when Zack was finished. It was several hours later, around 9pm when Zack looked up at his work. Zack was disappointed to find that his hands throbbed in pain from the effort. But it was done and the beast allowed Zack a moment to bask in the majesty of his creation. The skill was unquestionable, the resemblance burned with clarity. The silent figures could've been real if it had not been for their unmistakably icy countenance. Zack or anyone else might have believed they were real, breathing and in love by the way they held each other. Some reality held true, his striking face, her flowing hair. But they were made of stone, they could only possess and embrace the reality crudely carved for them by their creator. The sculptor dropped his weapons of choice with a clang. He didn't give his tears an opportunity to melt the ice. He didn't give himself more time to pity the solitary figures or himself as the storage door shut with a violent rumble.
Earlier that Evening…
London came swiftly through Maddie's door barging in on Maddie while she was changing. "London, what are you – how did you get in?" Maddie demanded hysterically, a blouse in her hands. "I have key-card to every room in this hotel." London explained smugly with a broad smile. "Every room – wait, what about that time we snuck into Jesse McCartney's room with Zack? Why didn't you just use your card key?" Maddie demanded indignantly in disbelief. "Now what fun would that have been?" London asked sweetly, which made Maddie roll her eyes. "Nice," London commented mischievously with a wink at Maddie's lacy bra. Maddie turned crimson and hurriedly put her blouse on. "Not funny. Look London, could you come onto me later? I'm going to meet Carey and Arwin for dinner downstairs." Maddie stated hurriedly. "No you're not. I already called Carey and Arwin and told them you're not coming." London remarked sweetly. "And why did you do that?" Maddie asked wearily. "Because Maddie, I know that you're not in the mood for dinner downstairs, especially not with Carey and Arwin. And why should you be, considering your emotionally draining argument with Zack. You need a quiet evening to be alone with your thoughts." London explained seriously. "London, you're absolutely right. I only agreed to dinner to be polite. I think I'll order some room service instead." Maddie replied all too eagerly while picking up the phone. "I've got a better idea. We are having an emergency meeting in my suite." London interrupted, coming between Maddie and the phone. "We??" Maddie asked quizzically. "Us girls. Since you won't listen to me, you left me no choice but to call for a meeting of minds to discuss your plight with Zack." London replied seriously. "London, I've already made up my mind. There's nothing left to talk about." Maddie stated shortly. "I beg to differ. Come on." London urged, grabbing Maddie by the hand. "London no, we talked about this! I am not rehashing this again! London, London, London!!!" Maddie bellowed furiously, still being dragged away by London as her hotel room door snapped shut.
"Ladies, thank you for meeting at such short notice," London began dramatically while pacing the room. They were all assembled together in London's suite: Agnes, Bailey, Barbara and Max all sat in a circle around a sullen Maddie while London paced. "No problem. Besides, I was so not going to miss Maddie dish the dirt about what really went down with her and Zack on account of dinner." Barbara replied mischievously. "London, you have seriously crossed a line here." Maddie fumed from down below. "I know, but it's for your own good. So sit down and play along." London commented curtly. "Oh, the emergency meeting I can handle. But why do I have to sit in the middle of everyone?" Maddie demanded waspishly. "Because you've been a bad girl Maddie," Agnes purred sensually which drew laughs from everyone except Maddie. "Okay Agnes, you have to maintain a 2-feet distance from me at all times." Maddie warned ominously, pointing her finger at Agnes. "Okay, enough clowning around ladies. Maddie, tell them what happened with Zack." London encouraged persuasively. Maddie sighed one last time at the chandelier before beginning her tale.
"And that's what happened. Now Zack is furious with me (deservingly of course) and I'm sitting with this ticking bomb in my hands. Now the question is: do I tell Brett or not about kissing Zack?" Maddie asked plainly of the group at large. Agnes was the first to respond. "Absolutely not! Brett will kill both you and Zack and dump your bodies in the Hudson River! Uh-uh, I say you sing a bar of Shaggy's 'It Wasn't Me' and put this baby to bed." Agnes replied vividly. "See, what did I tell you Maddie? Denial is just a river in Egypt!" London put in passionately. "That's not the right –" "Seriously Bailey, don't bother pointing out the mistake," Maddie cut in briskly, giving her a knowing look.
"Maddie's right ladies, trust is paramount in any serious relationship. From what Maddie's told us about Brett, he might be able to forgive her and they can get back on track. I mean, if that's what you want." Barbara stated uncertainly. "What do you mean if that's what I want? Are you suggesting an alternative?" Maddie demanded defensively. "Well that depends – who's the better kisser?" Max demanded with a playful smile on her face. This question was received with several loud whistles and girlish titters. "I am not answering that." Maddie answered sternly. "It's Zack isn't it? I bet it is," Barbara stated enthusiastically with an eager expression. "Does Zack cup your face while he kisses you and straddle your stomach? I've seen him do it with another girl. It was unbelievably hot." Agnes put in excitedly. "I bet he has soft lips," Barbara added happily. "Soft lips don't mean anything. Back in Kettlecorn, Danny Hoserberg, the newspaper boy had incredibly soft lips. But they got that way from getting stuck in a milking machine." Bailey interrupted knowingly. "What is this? Mating tips for overheated cows?! I can't believe we're discussing this!" Maddie exclaimed indignantly.
"Girls, Maddie's right. This isn't helping. You say you love Brett and I totally believe you. But how do you feel about Zack?" Bailey interrogated shrewdly, watching Maddie's expression. "You're right Bailey, this isn't helping. I'm not comfortable talking about this at all. Max, what are you doing?" Maddie snapped impatiently as Max who appeared to be silent breast stroke in the air, her arms sweeping forwards. "Oh, I'm just checking for puppet strings to see how Zack's still controlling your word processes so effectively without being in the room." Max explained sardonically. "Ooh, she's got you there Maddie!" Agnes whooped uproariously while cackling aloud. "Maddie, when are you gonna get over yourself? I get you not wanting to be vulnerable with Zack, but why not us girls? Are you afraid to admit the truth, even to yourself?" London queried seriously, coming to sit in the centre of the circle next to Maddie. "And what exactly is the truth London?" Maddie demanded defensively.
"That you do feel something for Zack and it's deeper than friendship." London responded calmly, looking Maddie in the eye. "I don't feel anything for Zack!" Maddie exclaimed exasperatedly. "As Shakespeare said, the lady (you in this case) doth protest too much." Barbara pressed wisely. "Maybe I'm protesting because you're all too nuts! Me having feelings for Zack is absurd, impossible." Maddie murmured disparagingly. "Oh my gosh, you have do have feelings for him, I can see it in your eyes. It's like you're working yourself up to say something that you don't really mean." Bailey mused pensively. "There is nothing in my eyes, you're imagining things Bailey." Maddie berated. "I understand why liking Zack is absurd, but why impossible?" Agnes asked innocently, looking over at Maddie. "Not that it matters, but there is a 3-year age difference." Maddie explained firmly. "Sure, that would've been a factor when Zack was still 12 and you were 15. I really don't see how it matters now Maddie. He's 21 and you're 24, problem solved." Max replied nonchalantly. "No, problem not solved Max. We want different things, we don't have anything in common." Maddie persisted relentlessly. "That's not true, you both like that dumb show 'Funniest Monster Truck Collisions'. So you want a family and some white picket fence, Zack loves you. Something tells me he'd do anything and go pretty much anywhere you wanted." London put in matter-of-factly. "Oh, that's what I wanted to tell you earlier Maddie. Since Muriel couldn't and didn't want to be here, she asked me to tell you this. She said whoever you choose, make sure he's the one with two important qualities: a cute tush and dough to spend." Max added rapidly. Everyone laughed at this, including Maddie who shook her head while she smiled.
"Maddie, in all the time that I've known Zack, you're the only other person besides his parents and Cody that he's ever mentioned in the same breath with any sense of importance and influence in his life." Bailey added earnestly, touching Maddie's hand. "Exactly, all this time I've known the Martins, they've always treated me like family. Carey's always been a great friend to me. How do you think she'd feel about me getting involved with Zack?" Maddie questioned of the room at large. "Maddie, Carey's old enough to be your own mother. She's not naïve, she knows how Zack feels about you, she'll understand. I don't think she'd stand in your way if you chose Zack." Barbara responded simply. "Personally, I don't think that's what you're afraid of Maddie. From what Zack's told me about you, you've always had to fend for yourself and make your own way in life. That's made you independent and self-assured over time. But everything about Zack and his love for you is uncertain and that scares you. Brett is stable, tangible and safe. I think you're afraid to really love Zack because you're afraid of letting yourself go completely and being vulnerable with him. Zack makes you feel reckless and unsure of yourself. That's what really scares you." Bailey stated knowingly to the astonishment of everyone in the room.
"Okay, that's all the time we have. I think that's enough food for thought for one night." London said imperiously with a wide smile clapping her hands together. Everyone began standing up and stretching their legs at once. "Maddie, I really hope that you take what we all said to said to you tonight to heart. We're just looking out for you." Bailey stated earnestly, squeezing Maddie's hand. "Yeah Maddie, we've got your back, whatever you decide to do." Max agreed reassuringly. "Thanks girls, I really do appreciate it, despite my initial reluctance to listen. I promise I will think things through before I do anything either way." Maddie assured them while hugging them each in turn as they all filed out save for her and London.
"You've got that look in your eye. What's on your mind London?" Maddie asked shrewdly of London who was standing quietly across from her. "It's nothing to do with tonight's discussion. I purposely invited everyone to my suite so I'd have a chance to talk to you alone after the meeting. I have some news." London began hesitantly. "Well shoot, what is it?" Maddie asked enthusiastically, watching London's reaction. London sighed before continuing. Okay, here goes: Being back in Boston had been a blast these last few weeks with my old friends reminiscing about the old days. I've been really sad thinking that it has to come to an end after Carey and Arwin's wedding and we all have to go our separate ways again," London began softly. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I get depressed just thinking about it. I'll miss everyone so much after the wedding." Maddie agreed despondently, not liking where this conversation was going. "Exactly. But then I started thinking about it. I mean, why does it have to end? Why do I have to leave again? And that's when I realised that I don't have to." London continued lightly. "London, what are you saying?" Maddie questioned curiously.
"I'm saying that I'm moving back to Boston. I'm coming home Maddie." London answered simply with a smile on her face. "You're what? But London, what about Europe? What about all the parties thrown by celebrities and rich heiresses?" Maddie inquired quizzically. "I've been all over Europe and I can skip all those parties. Besides, I can throw my own parties right here in Boston." London replied dismissively with a wave of her hand. "Well London, that's so great that you're coming back. I don't even think Mr. Moseby will mind all the wild parties; he'll only be too glad to see you again." Maddie stated happily. "Of course he will, but I'm not moving back into my own suite here at the Tipton." London interjected plainly. This stunned Maddie. "What do you mean you're not moving back into the Tipton? Where else are you gonna live?" Maddie demanded in confusion. Without a word, London went and opened up a drawer in her living room. She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Maddie. "This is where I'll be living," London announced smugly and grinning broadly.
Maddie's face fell as she looked at the paper. "London, this is a title deed. You bought a house?!" she exclaimed in shock.
"Yip."
"But London, this is a huge step. I mean, it's a house! Does you Dad know about this?" Maddie asked all in one breath.
"Maddie, I know this is big. That's why I'm doing it."
"But London, I really think you should think this through before you rush into anything."
"Maddie, I have thought this through. Look, this isn't just another one of my crazy ideas. I've lived in hotels all my life and been shuffled back-and-forth between my parents. I want to live somewhere that actually belongs to me, in a real home. I'm tired of being a nomad. And no, my Dad doesn't know yet. But quite frankly, I don't think he'll mind too much. I really think he'll sleep better at night knowing he can contact me at a permanent residence. You convinced me that Boston is where I need to be when you called me in Saint Tropez 3 weeks ago. I'm finally ready to do something this big. Boston is my home and this is right for me. Are you disappointed Maddie?" London asked cautiously, putting her arm around Maddie. "No London, I'm just stunned. This is a 5-bedroomed house. You're really gonna live there all by yourself?" Maddie asked in a concerned tone. "I don't have to, you could always come live with me." London answered airily. "London, are you asking me to be your roommate?" Maddie demanded quizzically.
"Not really. I know your life's in New York now. But if your uh, circumstances were to change in the near future, you'd always be welcome to come stay with me."
"And why would my uh, circumstances change in the near future?"
"I'm not saying they would necessarily, but the future is so uncertain these days; what, with the economy the way it is and the price of gas…" London rambled on nonsensically. "Okay, I get the picture London. It's so sweet of you to ask all the same. London, you're getting a house! We have to celebrate." Maddie urged eagerly. "You read my mind." London agreed while getting the champagne glasses.
When sleep finally overtook all in Boston for the night, the inhabitants were astonished when Friday [26 June] greeted them all too eagerly. For most of Boston, Friday wouldn't have held any significance save for a prelude to the weekend. For those attending the Martin/Hawkheiser wedding, Friday teemed with ungratified anticipation for the nuptials the following day. The only two persons unaffected by this thought were Maddie and Zack, both equally too distracted to care what Saturday held. Zack in particular was stoically calm and composed despite his outburst of sudden emotion the previous evening. For the mean time, Zack had made a silent pact with the beast not to react in any way that would affect the nuptials negatively. Zack reasoned that the last thing his mother and Arwin needed was him putting his fist through a wall out of exasperation like he wanted to. Maddie woke up on Friday morning feeling disgruntled from lack of sleep and certain unease of heart and mind. After the advice offered by her peers and London's news, Maddie's euphoria had been short-lived when her head hit the pillow. It wasn't long after that she shoved her head under the pillow, trying to chase the wave of depression sweeping over her when she thought of Brett and Zack. It was 24 hours later and Maddie still had no inkling of what she would decide. Bailey's startling revelation the previous night had done nothing to make Maddie's choice clearer or easier.
Maddie wasn't in a particularly talkative mood as she approached the concierge desk. But her eyes lit up instinctively when she saw Cody with his back to her at the concierge desk. Perhaps the reason was a collection of things: fond memories, the fact that she and Cody had always gotten along amicably or perhaps it was because Cody reminded Maddie so much of Zack. "Hey Cody, what's up?" Maddie asked casually. Cody whipped around and fixated upon Maddie with unusual intensity. "Hey Maddie, sleep well?" Cody demanded crisply, looking her in the eye. "Not really, I kept tossing and turning a lot." Maddie admitted evenly. "Well I can think of two plausible reasons for a sleepless night: the result of a guilty conscience or from screwing other people over on a regular basis. Or maybe, those two reasons are interrelated. What do you think Maddie?" Cody interrogated pointedly, glaring at Maddie unabashedly. It didn't take long for Maddie to cotton on. "Zack told you what I said to him on Thursday right?" Maddie asked wearily, keeping her eyes fixed on Cody. "It came up." Cody replied tersely. "Look Cody, you have to know that I'm truly sorry about everything that's happened between Zack and I. In spite of everything, I still care about him." Maddie stated sincerely in a voice teeming with regret. "Funny, from your behaviour, most people would classify that as using my brother's affection for you when it was convenient to get your own way. And now you don't have any more use for him. I'm glad I'm not in his shoes." Cody retorted maliciously, inwardly enjoying the look of hurt on Maddie's face. "Cody, I –" "Save it for someone who cares Maddie," Cody interrupted harshly and brushed past her towards the elevator. Maddie stood rooted to the floor, feeling a mixture of resignation and smarting anger at Cody's words. A wave of annoyance swept over her when she realised she'd forgotten why she came to the see the concierge in the first place. "Oh forget it. It's not like the day's going to get any better after this." Maddie muttered ruefully to herself as she stalked off back to her room.
Cody arrived back in his room 5 minutes later, still fuming. A serene Zack who was staring out of his window decided not to ask any questions pertaining to Cody's unusual mood. "I can't believe the wedding's tomorrow, it's all happening so fast." Zack mused wistfully, finally looking at Cody. "Tell me about it. I'm kinda glad it's gonna be over soon so things can return to normal." Cody remarked sardonically. "Hmm normal, whatever that means anymore." Zack responded jadedly. The twins were startled out of their depressed thoughts by a loud knock on the door. "Delivery!" a booming voice called out imperiously. Cody glanced automatically at Zack. "Don't look at me, I've been too busy moping to order anything." Zack said quickly. "Well I didn't order anything either," Cody responded softly. The knocking became more pronounced. Cody sighed and looked through the door's peep-hole. Joy was too light a word to describe Cody's reaction when he opened the hotel room door/ "Well aren't you two strapping young lads a sight for sore eyes?" Kurt Martin greeted in a silky tenor voice. "Dad!" Cody and Zack chorused in unison, bounding into his open arms. "When did you get here?" Zack questioned excitedly of his father. "I just arrived." Kurt replied smoothly. "Dad, you should've told us when your flight landed. Zack and I would've come to meet you at the airport." Cody stated quickly. "I wanted to surprise you. Besides, I figured your Mom would probably be keeping you boys busy with the wedding plans." Kurt replied casually. "Yeah she has. I know Mom invited you to the wedding, but –" "You didn't think I'd actually come right?" Kurt interjected shrewdly with a raised eyebrow. "Okay, you got us Dad. We just figured you'd be on the road again touring or recording an album back in LA." Cody explained on behalf of Zack. "Well I was touring as a matter of fact. But your Mom did ask me to come to the wedding. And I didn't wanna disappoint her or you guys. I've missed you." Kurt said sincerely, pulling them both into a bear hug. "We've missed you too Dad, so much." Zack murmured genuinely.
"I still can't believe your Mom's getting remarried after all this time as a single woman. I just figured it was because she never got over her first love: me." Kurt stated smugly with a broad grin on his face. "I thought Mom's first love was the guy who stole her animal crackers in high school." Cody pointed out knowingly. Kurt's face fell slight. "Okay then, first love after that guy," he amended stoically. "But Arwin's a good guy right? He's good to your Mom right? Sure, he's not handsome, charismatic or musical. But who's keeping score right?" Kurt asked rapidly with a reserved chuckle. "Sure, but Arwin's smart and head over heels in love with Mom." Cody answered simply. "Sure, those are good qualities. I'm just surprised your Mom didn't pick someone more artsy, like me." Kurt pointed out matter-of-factly. "Oh yeah, 'cause that worked out so well the last time." Zack quipped sarcastically. "Well it's good to see that your sense of humour's intact. Got that from your old man." Kurt stated evenly, clapping Zack hard on the back.
"So how 'bout it boys? What say you to heading out to Fenway Park and hitting the batting cages for old times' sake huh?' Kurt asked pleasantly. When he was met with blank stares from his two sons, he frowned. "Oh come on, why the long faces? Who died?" Kurt demanded lightly. "I'd like to come Dad, but Mom wants me to pick up a whole host of things for the reception tomorrow. But I think Zack could use some fresh air." Cody suggested nonchalantly. "Of course he can. Nothing like some fresh air and a heavy bat to cure a broken heart." Kurt remarked jovially. "You told Dad?!" Zack accused indignantly, rounding on Cody. "I had to, you need to talk to someone." Cody explained unabashedly. "Of course you do. And who better to talk to than your old man? A man who's seen the world and experienced every kind of woman." Kurt announced enthusiastically, putting his arm around Zack, who looked less than amused. "Great, it's settled. I'll catch up with you back here at the hotel afterwards. Then you can meet Bailey Dad." Cody stated evenly. "Absolutely. I can't wait to meet the girl that's swept you off your feet. Where's she from again? Cattle Creek, Omaha?" "Kettlecorn, Kansas Dad." "Gotcha, well I'll get to meet them both. Batter up Zackary!" Kurt exclaimed excitedly.
"Zack, put a bit more wrist into your swing." Kurt commanded gently. The two of them had reached Fenway Park's batting cages and Zack was batting first against the ball machine. Zack was having a hard time hitting any of the balls aimed at his bat. "Zack, you've always been able to hit a meatball. Your technique's all over the place today." Kurt added softly. "Yeah, don't I know it." Zack muttered dryly, taking aim once again. "Man, Maddie really got to you didn't she?" Kurt added with a whistle. "Yeah, she got to me Dad. She's been getting to me ever since the day we met. I don't even know what I ever saw in her. She's so condescending and stubborn." Zack spat angrily, swiping at the air. "Man, you must really love this one." Kurt marvelled in an impressed tone. "Yeah Dad, I do. Even being angry with Maddie makes me love her even more. This sucks!" Zack exclaimed irritably. "What are you talking about? Son, you're in love for the first time. This is good news." Kurt stated amiably. "No Dad, good news would be Maddie being in love with me just as much as I love her. She looked me dead in the eye and told me that she didn't love me." Zack snapped heatedly. "And you believed her?" Kurt asked in disbelief. "Zack, give me the bat. You sit this one out before you embarrass your fantasy baseball team with 5 consecutive strikes." Kurt instructed tersely.
And from here, Kurt hit every single ball pitched to him while he spoke to Zack. "Zack, just because a woman looks you dead in the eye and tells you she doesn't love doesn't mean that it's true. 4 times I told your Mom that I loved her and 4 times she never said it back." Kurt stated exasperatedly, hitting the ball with a crack. "You told Mom you loved her 4 times?!" Zack asked loudly. "I surely did. The first time I said it, she dumped a strawberry smoothie all over me. The second time I said it, she slapped me," Kurt began with a wry laugh. "Wait, Mom slapped you?! But why only on the second occasion?" Zack demanded curiously. "Well, that might be because I kissed her in front of her boyfriend. But I prefer a good slap any day of the week; she pushed me into a pool when I said it a third time." Kurt responded ruefully. By now, Zack was chuckling heartily. "I can't believe Mom actually slapped you. Or maybe I can. So what happened the fourth time you said it?" Zack questioned curiously. "She kissed me. Your Mom didn't say the words then just like every other time I'd told her. But I knew that her feelings towards had finally changed for the better. Man, that turned out to be a great weekend in Reno." Kurt marvelled with a seedy grin. "So what are you saying Dad?" Zack demanded pointedly. "I'm saying that sometimes you've got to go after what you really want. It wasn't easy with your Mom; but I knew she was the one for me and I was prepared to do whatever it took to win her over. Anything worthwhile never comes easy, but it's always worth fighting over, like with your Mom and I." Kurt explained sincerely. "That's great Dad, but you and Mom got divorced in the end!" Zack retorted morosely. "Damn, I forgot about that little glitch in the story."
"Okay, so your Mom and I didn't get our happy ending. But I take responsibility for a lot of that. You see Zack, I knew your Mom was the one for me and I really loved her with all my heart. I still do till this day. But I was selfish and immature. We'd just gotten married and a while later we had you and Cody. But I still wanted to pursue my musical career. Your Mom was ready to settle down and raise a family; she was prepared to put her dreams on hold for the time being. But I wasn't, and that was the problem. I still wanted to be out on the road, sleeping in cheap motels and playing gigs till the wee hours of the morning in dingy night clubs. I wasn't ready to be a good husband and a good father. I always regretted breaking your Mom's heart because she was the last person I ever thought I'd hurt. But if there was one thing I'm sure I did right in my life, it's you and Cody. Your Mom gets most of the credit for the kind of men you're turning into right now. Here's what I want you to take from this story. Don't put your own hopes and dreams ahead of the woman you love. Love is about compromise and growing up. Don't be afraid to be grow up Zackary. Sure, your Mom and I didn't work out in the end. But I'll always love her, probably till the day that I die. She's my soul mate. So when I say that falling in love for the first time is good news, it means that you're preparing yourself for future great things. Being an adult isn't about what choices you make. It's about what you do with those choices. You're a man now and you have to own up to your own mistakes and responsibilities. So if Maddie's who you want in life, then fight for her because she's worth it. Your first love never leaves you Zack, never forget that." Kurt concluded gently, putting his arm around Zack. "Wow Dad, that was…deep." Zack marvelled aloud. "I know." Kurt remarked quietly. "Thanks Dad, I love you." "Love you too Son."
The sun waned slightly as the afternoon wore on relentless. Maddie had decided to quit the hotel after her argument with Cody in the morning. She had wandered absent-mindedly to the almond tree in the park nearby, seating herself down on the bench between the mossy hedges. The place was so serene, it actually helped to calm her. But her thoughts were still muddled and confused. And to think that Zack had reintroduced Maddie to the old almond tree just 5 days ago. It seemed like a lifetime had already passed. Because whatever way Maddie looked at it, she was going to hurt someone she cared about. Why did it have to be so hard? There was one thing Maddie was certain of; she wasn't leaving the park until she'd made a decision. "Grr, but I don't know what to choose!" Maddie exclaimed furiously to no one in particular. "Maybe I can help with that," a suave voice announced from a few feet away. Maddie looked up in astonishment. "Mr Moseby?!" Maddie cried out in bewilderment.
Sure enough, it was Mr. Moseby as Maddie had seen him earlier that morning. He was immaculately dressed as always; light grey suit, baby pink button-down shirt, cream-coloured loafers and his favourite green and gold Tipton tie. But he looked strangely out of place in a space where there was no mahogany desk, no crystal chandeliers, no tiled floors and no shiny vase as a center piece. But Maddie's spirits lifted slightly at the look on his face that mirrored her own: sadness and polite confusion. "Mr. Moseby, what are you doing here?" Maddie asked quietly, watching him approach her. "Looking for you Madeline." Mr. Moseby answered swiftly. "How did you know I was here?" Maddie asked dumbfounded. "I didn't, but London thought you might be here. That girl is amazingly perceptive when she puts her mind to the task." Mr. Moseby marvelled. "Yeah, she's been on a roll lately," Maddie agreed quickly. "Yes, she surmised that you might have come here to think. I can see the park's appeal for such an endeavour: quiet, restful, tranquil. I come here every now and then to do just the same thing." Mr. Moseby stated in a relaxed tone.
Maddie stared at him in amazement. "You come here to the park? No offense Mr. Moseby, but the thought of you being anywhere but at the Tipton is astounding." Maddie admitted sceptically. "With all due respect Madeline, but you don't honestly think that I spend every waking hour in the confines of the Tipton? Even I get sick of the place sometimes." Mr. Moseby quipped dryly. "Sorry, but I do Mr. Moseby." Maddie admitted meekly. "Well you thought wrong Madeline. Sitting in the park gives me time to mull over my many thoughts, whether they may be important matters for the Tipton or personal endeavours of my own. Since you have no particular interest in the running of the Tipton, may I surmise that you're mulling over personal endeavours yes?" Mr. Moseby prompted carefully.
"Something like that. I have this decision to make, a choice if you will. But it's incredibly difficult and I don't know what to do." Maddie answered morosely. "Well, have you asked for any advice on the subject?" Mr. Moseby queried delicately. "I have, and even received unwanted advice! But I'm still at a complete loss of what to do." Maddie replied frustratedly. "Was the advice unsound? Is that why you can't decide?" Mr. Moseby pressed cautiously. "No, that's not it Mr. Moseby. The advice, though unwarranted at times, was actually very good and even reasonable. I just feel like I've opened up a can of worms. And now there's some stuff from the past that I'm having trouble dealing with." Maddie responded quietly. "Hmm, intriguing. Perhaps the trouble lies not with getting the appropriate advice for I'm sure you could resolve your contention without guidance. Perhaps the trouble lies in not having an appropriate outlet for your emotions. Perhaps just having a good listener is all that's required." Mr. Moseby mused, a little more to himself. "Mr. Moseby, that's exactly it. I haven't been completely honest with anyone with my troubles. I guess it's because I haven't found anyone I feel I can really trust." Maddie admitted truthfully. "Well then, what about me? I have been told that I listen attentively to the plights of others." Mr. Moseby invited cordially. "But, what about the Tipton? Don't you have to get back soon?" Maddie asked reluctantly. "Pish-posh, that hotel can run itself just fine without me for a good hour. Now, speak away." Mr. Moseby encouraged heartily which made Maddie chuckle.
When Maddie had finished her tale, Mr. Moseby was more than stunned; he was practically elated. "This is just like that episode in The Young and the Restless I saw the other day! Of course your situation is unscripted, therefore much more plausible than any silly soap opera." Mr. Moseby amended sheepishly. "You're right, my life does sound like a soap opera. How did things get so complicated?" Maddie asked despondently. "Life does complicated the older one gets," Mr. Moseby stated solemnly. "Madeline, let me ask you something: what were your goals and ambitions when you were growing up?" he asked of Maddie curiously. "Well that's easy, I've always wanted to be a writer. I wanted to make a success of myself, rise above my circumstances. That's why I worked two jobs during high school; that's what's always motivated me. When I was a kid, I always dreamed of going to New York one day and hitting the big time. When I got my post at the Times, I never really questioned any of it. I just assumed that I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be." Maddie answered pensively. "But what about your personal life Madeline? I don't profess to know much about women, but did you never consider settling down eventually, starting a family?" Mr. Moseby pressed curiously. "Of course I want that. It was just a question of finding the right person to do all of that with. Then I met Brett two years ago and the thought crossed my mind." Maddie responded softly. "But now you're uncertain about him? Because of Zack?" Mr. Moseby queried shrewdly. Maddie nodded.
"Don't get me wrong Mr. Moseby, I do love Brett, really. He's everything I could ask for in a boyfriend: loving, attentive, smart and successful. And he's not opposed to starting a family nor to me having my own career. I guess I assumed that somewhere down the line, he would propose and I would say yes. And then we could finally start our life together. I thought that's what I wanted, until now. And then I'm back in Boston again, my home, with my family and my old friends and it feels right to be here too as well in New York. I feel like I've found a part of myself that I've lost over time. And that's been because of Zack. Being around him has been like a tonic to my emotional lethargy. And he knows me Mr. Moseby, I mean really knows me. We have so much fun together, I can be myself completely when I'm with him and he accepts me regardless. I wouldn't have finished the chapters of my book if it hadn't been for Zack. Okay, I know I would've finished it eventually, but I doubt it would've been half as good as it is right now. Zack inspires me." Maddie stated wistfully. "I sense a 'but' coming here," Mr. Moseby interrupted sardonically with his fingers on the bridge of his nose. "You're right Mr. Moseby, there is a but. Zack may be making me feel things I haven't felt since I was a teenager, but he's still younger than me. He's about to begin his chosen career path. And yes, it is at a prestigious architectural firm, but he is still just starting out. He lives here and I live in New York. And next to Brett, Zack is still a child. I don't know if he even knows what he really wants." Maddie elaborated jadedly. "Have you ever asked him?" Mr. Moseby asked in a different tone. "No, I guess I haven't. Maybe I don't really want to know either." Maddie responded quietly.
"Madeline, let me tell you a story about my own experiences with jobs and relationships. I hope you'll bear with me. With jobs, it was always pretty simple: working with my mother when she was still a seamstress; a temporary cashier at Burger World; a bell-hop at the Waldorf Hotel; the concierge at the Boston Tipton and eventually the floor manager. Relationships, on the other hand are a mute point: I didn't have any." Mr. Moseby began nonchalantly with his lips pursed. Maddie stared at him in amazement. "You never had a single relationship? Didn't you go out on dates?" Maddie demanded in bewilderment. "Of course I went on dates Madeline. I'm not completely immune to the allure that is Woman. It just never turned into anything serious enough to be called a relationship. My dear sweet Mother once said to me: 'Marion, everything in life in uncertain. So make what you will of opportunities given to you. Don't waste your God-given talents on something as flighty as your heart. Mould a career that stimulates your mind and feeds your stomach.' And that's exactly what I did. I so badly craved the approval of my Mother and I wanted to prove that I could be every bit as successful as my older brother Spencer. I studied at school and in-between the two jobs that I held down at the linen factory where my Mother worked and Burger World. I didn't make time for friends or romance. It took many years before I finally saw the fruits of my efforts. Mr. Tipton finally recognised my tenacity for the hotel business when I worked as a concierge at the Tipton. He invited me to apply for a managerial position which was a senior ranking. I've been his right-hand man ever since, entrusted with every difficult task and profitable venture for the Boston Tipton's overall success." Mr. Moseby concluded airily.
"Mr. Moseby, it sounds like you have a life that most people would be proud of or envy. Yet I can't imagine you not having a meaningful relationship at all during that time. It must have been incredibly lonely for you." Maddie mused miserably. "But that's my point Madeline. I've been perfectly composed and content all this while for the most part. I'm used to keeping my own company. I reasoned that I had achieved all I really wanted out of my life; I didn't really need much else. But sometimes I catch myself thinking about the possibilities: what it would've been like to fall in love at least once. To feel butterflies in my stomach at the sight of someone that had nothing to do with getting a good hotel rating. Giving up on hotel management altogether. Settling down outside of the city; getting married to a wonderful woman; having a few Marions (boys a girls) running around and sending them off to preparatory school. It'd amazing how much your mind can wander during off-peak season at the Tipton."
"My point is simple Madeline: forging a career that empowers you and using your God-given talents is good and something to strive for. But you don't want to miss out on the important things in life like me: fun, adventure, companionship, true love. If you become so consumed with making a name for yourself, you will eventually lose yourself along the way. When you were still working at the candy counter at the Tipton, I know I was always hard on you. It was only because I was trying to motivate you in my own way to do better for yourself." Mr. Moseby stated seriously. Maddie looked at him in wonder. "I always thought you gave me a hard time because I thought you didn't like me. Plus, the way you were with London –" "Now just a minute Madeline. I would've thought my treatment of London was understandable. Besides her own father, I practically raised her in the Tipton. Naturally, I'm fond of her in a paternal way. But I was also incredibly fond of you too Madeline. I suppose I saw a lot of myself in you: that same energy, that same thirst for success. I wanted you to foster your talents at the Tipton and hopefully go onto greater things. I can see now that you did just that." Mr. Moseby stated in an impressed tone.
"Mr. Moseby, that is the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thank you." Maddie replied graciously, feeling a tear escape her eye. Mr. Moseby swiftly took a handkerchief out of his breast pocket and handed it to Maddie. "Since I've apparently inhaled a dose of truth serum, I may as well continue. Despite his antics in my hotel and his talent for trouble all-round, I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised by Zack's transformation. Certainly, he still has a vivid imagination and a scheming demeanour. But he's entering into a prestigious institution and not the institution with the iron bars that I once imagined. He's finally using his talents to carve a future for himself. All in all, his prospects look promising. I will never admit this to another living soul, but I am fond of the Martin Twins, especially Zack. They're turning into remarkable men. I will be expecting great things from them in the future." Mr. Moseby mused cheerfully. Maddie smiled in response to this. "But back to your plight. I don't really believe that you have to choose between any particular man at all. What you have to choose between are two lives. You must choose that which makes you happy. Because that which makes you happy makes you whole. When you know which makes you whole, you'll have your answer." Mr. Moseby concluded gently. Without thinking about it, Maddie launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. "Mr. Moseby, you are truly the most wonderful man that I know. And someday, you are going to find your special someone. Don't give up." Maddie whispered into his ear. "I'm counting on it. I've just been voted Hotel Manager of the Year for a third consecutive time." Mr. Moseby said with a leering grin while they sat in the park.
The evening came all too rapidly as most Bostoners returned to their homes at the end of a gruelling day. The Martin/Hawkheiser wedding party (nearly 30 people in total) were assembled in one of the Tipton ballrooms for the rehearsal dinner. The majority of the guests were already present save for four: Zack, Kurt, Mr. Moseby and Maddie. "Now come on, give us a kiss Cody-kins. Tell me, when are you and Bailey going to give me some grandchildren?" Cody's grandmother cooed while pinching his cheeks. "I'm sorry Nana, but Bailey and I need to further advance our careers first. Then we'll talk about grandkids." Cody murmured between his pinched lips. "Where the hell is Zack?" he thought impatiently to himself. As if they were heaven sent, Zack and Kurt appeared in the ballroom with their dinner jackets on. "Dad, Zack, thank God you're finally here!" Zack, you have to rescue me from Nana. She's driving me crazy." Cody whimpered with dry sobs. "Yeah, in a minute Cody. Have you seen Maddie? I really need to talk to her." Zack interrupted tersely, his eyes scanning the room rapidly. "I don't know, she's not here yet. London's been trying to call her." Cody replied evenly.
London appeared at Cody's side looking displeased. "What was the point of putting a tracker on my friends' cellphones if they just switch their cellphones of?" London demanded irritably, snapping her phone shut. "So they can't be found?" Cody offered facetiously with a stupid grin on his face. "Well Maddie had better get here soon. I can't make my announcement over dinner without her." London retorted in a no-nonsense way. "What announcement?" Zack asked quizzically. Just then Carey was next to them as well. "Have any of you seen Mr. Moseby? He was supposed to say a few words before dinner." Carey stated anxiously. "No Mom, we haven't." Cody answered truthfully. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen Mr. Moseby all day. He hasn't been at his desk or in his office all day." Bob added knowingly, coming to stand with them as well. "Ultra weird. I thought Moseby was permanently glued to his desk." London mused pensively.
15 minutes later, Arwin approached Carey and tapped her gently on the shoulder. "Uh honey, I think we should get the rehearsal dinner underway before it gets late for our guests." Arwin stated cautiously. "You're right sweetheart. I really wanted Mr. Moseby to officiate the dinner. I'm really worried that neither he nor Maddie aren't here yet. No one's seen either of them all day." Carey replied urgently. "I know honey, I'm sure they're on their way. Then Mr. Moseby can make his speech during dinner," Arwin chided soothingly while massaging her shoulders. "You're right Arwin, thanks." Carey replied softly, pecking him lightly on the lips.
Just then the ballroom doors swung open and a very weary-looking Mr. Moseby stepped inside. "Mr. Moseby, are you alright?" Carey asked in a concerned tone. "I'm fine Carey, I'm sorry that I'm late." Mr. Moseby apologised profusely, mopping his head with a handkerchief. "It's alright Mr. Moseby, we're just glad that you're finally here." Arwin stated soothingly, patting him on the shoulder. "Aargh, this is so frustrating, Maddie's still not picking up! Mr. Moseby, did you see her on your way here?" London asked worriedly. Mr. Moseby's face fell uncharacteristically and Zack picked up on it. "Mr. Moseby, where's Maddie?" Zack questioned suspiciously. "Maddie was with me earlier, but –" "Just spit it out Mr. Moseby!" Zack thundered unexpectedly. "I just came from the airport." Mr. Moseby answered gravely. "The airport? Wait, did you drop Maddie off at the airport?" Bailey asked curiously. "Yes I did, she needed to get the next flight out of Boston." Mr. Moseby affirmed quietly. "The next flight out? But where is she going at this time of night?" Agnes demanded anxiously. "New York." Mr. Moseby replied soberly, avoiding Zack's eye. "New York, but why? The wedding's tomorrow, she's one of the bridesmaids!" Carey exclaimed hysterically. "What exactly did she say?" Zack asked softly, looking at Mr. Moseby. "All she said was that she had to go to New York tonight and it couldn't wait. She said that's where she needs to be, with Brett. I'm so sorry Zack." Mr. Moseby answered solemnly, finally looking him in the eye. "Zack," Kurt said, touching Zack's shoulder. Zack shrugged out of Kurt's grip. He looked at everyone one last time before running out of the room. "Zack!" Carey called out after him, but Arwin held her back. "Let him go Carey." He chided gently. "I can't believe Maddie just took off like that. And Mr. Moseby helped her." Max stated disbelievingly. "I know, I mean why New York? Did Maddie think the wedding moved there? 'Cause it's still here in Boston." Lance stated matter-of-factly to the annoyance of all present. "I'll take care of him." Tape Worm promised ominously while Bob cracked his knuckles.
After checking their room for any sign of Zack, Cody returned to the ballroom only to find that Bailey was missing too. "Guys, where's Bailey?" Cody asked worriedly. Now it was Barbara's turn to look sheepish. "She left. I think I might have upset her." She admitted abashedly. "How? What did you say to her this time?" Cody demanded impatiently. "I might have been reminiscing about that time here at the Tipton where our school band played a symphony with Sergei, the Russian musical genius." Barbara answered meekly. Something clicked into place in Cody's head and he glared at Barbara. "Honestly Barbara, you really should keep your thoughts to yourself!" he spat maliciously and left the room too.
10 minutes later, an exhausted Cody opened the door to the rooftop, clutching his side for stitches having sprinted throughout the Tipton. To his intense relief, he recognised the back of a young girl with long brown hair that shone in the moonlight sitting by the pool. "Bailey," Cody called out as he ran to her. Bailey looked up from her musings with a blank expression on her face. "What happened downstairs? What are you doing up here?" Cody asked pointedly. "Cody, why didn't you ever tell me that Barbara was the first girl that you ever said you loved?" Barbara demanded heatedly, the fire now apparent in her eyes. "Bailey, Barbara may have been the first, but certainly not the last. I told you that I loved you too." Cody stated earnestly. "Yes, but did you ever tell me you love me on a stage in front of the whole world?!" Bailey exclaimed, flaring up. "So you heard about that huh?" Cody queried stupidly with a nervous grin.
"Zack, I'm not upset that you declared your love for Barbara in front of an audience, at least not entirely. It's the fact that you bother declaring your love at all." Bailey answered plainly. "So what, you want me to take it back with Barbara? With you?" Cody demanded disbelievingly. "Of course not Cody. But how I can be sure that really mean it? Bailey asked sadly, feeling a tear escape her eye. "Barbara's a part of your past, kind've like Maddie is to Zack. I just don't know where I fit into your life." Bailed added cryptically. "No, not like with Maddie and Zack Bailey. I'm not like Zack; he was set on Maddie from the first day he laid eyes on her. I thought I loved Barbara, she was my first girlfriend. I was infatuated with her at best, but not really in love with her like I previously thought. Those feelings I had for Barbara have faded over time; she's over me too, I mean she started dating Bob right after we broke up for crying out loud! But you're right, Barbara is a part of my past, but you're a part of my future. That's where you fit in, I love you Bailey." Cody stated passionately, cupping her face with his hands and wiping her tears away. "And how do you know that for sure?" Bailey demanded seriously. "I don't know, but I know that feeling I get in my chest whenever you're around, like butterflies as if I'm seeing you for the first time every time. And then there's that feeling in my gut whenever we're apart," Cody murmured quietly. "What feeling is that?" Bailey asked softly. "Like it's being repeatedly ripped out over and over again. You're the only woman I want Bailey. And if you don't know that by now, you never will." Cody promised seriously. "Don't worry, I believe you. I love you too." Bailey murmured passionately, enveloping his lips in hers while putting her arms around him.
Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
A few minutes later, Cody and Bailey were still seated around the pool, their arms wrapped around each other. "Why did you come up to the roof anyway?" Cody asked of Bailey curiously. "Actually, I came up here looking for Zack. I thought he could use a friend." Bailey explained earnestly. "See, this is why I love you so much. You are so selfless." Cody praised, planting a tiny kiss on her forehead. "I still wish I could've caught up with him though. I hope he's okay." Bailey murmured anxiously. "Yeah, me too. I feel so helpless. I wish I could do something." Cody stated ruefully. Bailey squeezed his hand tightly. "I know Cody. Whatever happens, we'll figure it out. Together." Bailey promised sincerely. "Bailey, please promise me something," Cody urged abruptly. Bailey stared at him, waiting for him to continue. "Promise me that whatever happens with us, you won't just hop onto a plane and take off without a word. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you that way. Just promise me that we'll talk it out or something beforehand." Cody breathed, his words coming out in heavy torrents. "I promise. You can't get rid of me that easily. I'm not going anywhere Cody, I love you." Bailey replied earnestly, kissing him lightly on the nose. "I' love you too Bailey," Cody whispered, pulling her closer to him.
And if you have a minute why don't we go?
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Keane hummed in mournful bliss through the speakers at the airport. Maddie had just gone through the gate to her plane and was waiting to board. She sighed and closed her eyes for a minute, imagining what it would be like to ignore the announcer, catch a cab and go back to the Tipton. But it was too late for that now. Everything that had happened during the day, during the last 3 weeks had led up to this moment in time. Maddie had run out of time; she had to decide. And she knew that if she didn't leave now, she'd never be able to later. Maddie had to see Brett, to be with him, she had to go back to New York. Then she remembered what had convinced her of this fact: Zack's ice sculpture. Mr. Moseby had mentioned it in passing and Maddie had been overcome with curiosity. As soon as she had seen it, she instantly wished she could exit the storage room. She'd never be able to face Zack after this; she had hurt him too much. Unbeknown to Zack, Maddie too had to step away from the sculpture in her haste to prevent her tears from melting the ice. For she recognised the immortal characters carved by Zack: it was her and Zack. It was the two of them as Zack had always pictured – happy and in love. Maddie marvelled even now at their exquisite features, how Zack had lovingly carved and shaped them with his hands and his heart. He had captured every strand of her hair down to the tee – had he memorised it while in her presence all this time? No, Maddie chastised herself, you can't think about Zack now. "Maddie, you are getting on this plane and you are not going to look back. It's over now, accept that." She said firmly to herself as she stepped forward. She calmly handed the flight attendant her boarding pass and walked steadily through the terminal onto the place. She didn't look back once, not even to hear the faint bars of Keane drifting now into unequivocal silence:
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know.
A/N: Shoo, I told you this would be a mother of a chapter. I only just finished typing it up. I felt so sad for Zack and Maddie when I came to the end of this. It already feels like the final instalment. But don't despair, I won't leave you all hanging too long. The seventh and final chapter will be a walk in the park after this ; ) I wanted to thank PaoHalliwell for the review as well, all of you have been just wonderful to me. Sigh, this chapter felt like a drawn out after-school special, lol. Anyhoo, I'm going to start the next chapter ASAP and I'll post it soon after. Stay tuned!