Chapter 6

Homework

The walk home from school was a quiet one for Miley. She was still lost in her thoughts about Maggie. Then she had an idea. If they had a picture of Maggie to use when they started their fundraising, they may get more donations. All and all, it was not a bad idea.

They got to Miley's house and started down the driveway.

"This is where you live Miley?" asked Jake.

Her first instinct was to give a snide answer but she bit her tongue. Mr. Aaron's words came back to her.

"Yes it is." Miley simply answered.

As they got to the front door, Miley stopped before opening it.

"Remember your promise Jake."

"I will Miley. Relax."

She opened the door and led the way in. On the couch watching TV were Zack, Cody and Maddie. They were waiting for the past ten minutes for them to get home. They turned when they heard the door open and watched as our trio and Jake came in the door.

"You're Jake Ryan the zombie slayer!" Zack yelled out. "I never miss a show."

"Thanks. But I'm here to do homework right now."

"Jake, this is Zack and Cody Martin." Miley introduced them.

"This is Maddie Fitzpatrick."

"Nice to meet you guys."

"Homework? You mean you go to school with a TV star?" asked Zack.

"Yeah, he started coming to school after we got back from Boston." Answered Oliver.

"Hey, maybe you guys can help us." Lilly added.

"What are you guys doing?" Zack asked.

"I don't know Zack. It is their homework." Maddie said.

"Oh no, this isn't homework per say. This is a fundraiser contest for Leukemia Awareness Week." Oliver told them.

"What's the contest about?" Zack asked.

"Hannah Montana is having a fundraising contest. The school that raises the most money wins a Hannah Montana sponsored dance, and the group of students that raises the most money wins a night out on the town with Hannah." Jake answered.

"I have just one question though." Maddie began, "Where's Jackson?"

"Oh, Jackson and Cooper lift weights after school. It's part of their training," answered Miley. "He should be here in one hour."

"Well, I guess I'll help with the fundraiser planning then."

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It was agreed upon that everyone would help with ideas for the fundraiser. Miley started off with her idea.

"I was thinking, since this is to raise money to help kids with leukemia, why not use a picture of Maggie on flyers. Then we can set up donation spots so people can drop off their donations."

"Hey, we can also put her picture on buckets and go door to door." Cody suggested.

"That's a great idea, Cody." Miley said and bumped his shoulder with hers. Then they smiled at each other. Jake noticed.

"You said Maggie is going to be here tomorrow?" Jake asked.

"Yes," Miley answered. But she was suspicious. "Why do you want to know?"

"Well, if we are going to use her picture, I just thought it would be nice to meet the person."

Miley looked to Lilly and then Oliver, both nodded.

"Okay, but remember your promise," Miley warned.

"Hey. Aren't you Jake Ryan the zombie slayer?" Cooper asked as he and Jackson came into the house.

"Jake, this is my brother Jackson. And this is his friend Cooper."

"Hi. Nice to meet you guys. I hear you guys are going to try-out to be one of the two U.S. Olympic men's beach volleyball teams." Jake said.

"That's right man. We are. Matter of fact, we were about to go to the beach to play some pick-up games." Said Cooper.

"You're coming with us, Maddie?" asked Jackson.

"You bet I am." Maddie got up to go change. Jackson and Cooper went to do the same. Miley and the others went to the computer to work on the flyers. As they got started, Miley went to her room to get a picture of Maggie. She then scanned it into the computer and they finished their work on the flyer.

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Once the flyers were done, they started to work on their homework. Zack went back to the TV, but Cody stayed with Miley and helped her work on her homework. Jake was paying more attention to the interaction between Miley and Cody. He was jealous and he knew he was jealous. It was very obvious that there was something between her and Cody. But since he lived in Boston, that just meant he had to bide his time until Cody went back to Boston. But in the meantime, he could work on impressing her. But what did he have to do to do that. One thing came to mind right away. She wanted him to behave just like a normal person. Not a super celebrity. Well he could do that. And maybe, just maybe if the school won the contest and his group won the night on the town, through his hard work, then he just might have a chance. He knew he had the money to see to that part of the plan. He just had to turn on his charm the right way. Well, he was an actor after all.

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After the homework was done, Jake needed to go to work at the studio. Oliver called Amy and asked if she wanted to meet him at the beach. Amy lived a short walk from Rico's. She'd be there in fifteen minutes.

Oliver and Lilly headed home to get changed and then would meet Miley, Zack and Cody at Rico's. They all walked up to Rico's at the same time. Perfect timing. From there, they joined Maddie who was cheering on Jackson and Cooper.

Back at the house, Robbie Ray was getting ready for a night out on the town with Carey. Robbie was looking forward to showing Carey the sights. It had been awhile since he was out with a lady. Well, it may not be a date but he hoping it was going to be a fun night.

Carey was finishing getting ready. Even though this wasn't a date, she was just a touch nervous. Like right now. Perfume or no perfume. Oh what the hey. It was suppose to be a night out on the town and she was here to relax and have fun. She was putting the finishing touches on her hair when there was a knock on the door. She put her brush down and grabbed her purse. A quick check to be sure she had her key. With that done, she went to the door and joined Robbie in the hall.

"I'm all ready to go." Carey said.

"Great. How do you like sea food?"

"I love it."

"Great. I know this little place just down the coast."

"What do you have planned for after dinner?"

"Do you like to dance?"

"I haven't been dancing in months."

"Well, I think we can fix that then."

When they reached the car in the parking lot, Robbie opened the door for Carey and closed it. He went around to his side of the car, got in, started the car and drove off into the early evening