---Sorry it took me so long to update but I had no time to write and I went to Virginia for the weekend. Plus I did last minute visiting to family and hung with friends and babysat.---
A/N: I know I have another story "There Can Be Miracles" and that one I am still working on, but this story popped into mind and I just had to write. I hope you enjoy the read!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody".
Move Along – chapter seven: Merry Little Christmas
Zack woke to the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies and was surprised to find a small girl in Cody's bed. Then he remembered that Schuler and Maryann had stayed the night along with Kurt. He walked over to the bed.
"Maryann," whispered Zack as he gently shook the girl's petite shoulder. "Wake up. It's Christmas."
Maryann moaned and inched away from Zack's touch.
"Come on, there's cookies for us."
"Go 'way."
"Maryann, don't you want to see what Santa brought?"
Her toddler eyes widened with immense light and she hopped out of bed and ran out into the main section of the hotel room.
"Merry Christmas," greeted Kurt, Carey, and Schuler warmly as the two kids entered the room.
Maryann glanced around the room frantically, a frown hastily forming on her face.
"What's wrong angel?"
"Santa didn't come daddy."
"Sure he did, Maryann, look at the presents."
A tear and sob escaped her and she shook her head seriously. "Mommy's not here and that's all I wanted."
Schuler glanced at Carey and she returned an understanding nod.
"Come on princess. We'll go home and spend Christmas Day together, just you and me, okay?"
"I wanna see Cody," pouted Maryann.
"Come to the hospital around three in the afternoon," replied Carey.
Schuler nodded, and everyone wished each other a Merry Christmas, and then Schuler and Maryann left.
"Hey mom?"
"Yes Zack?"
"As soon as we're done opening gifts and all, can we please go to the hospital? I really just want to be with Cody today. After all, it is Christmas."
"Of course."
"Carey, what about the Christmas lunch we planned? Remember our conversation," Kurt pressed. He'd apologized for walking out but he still wanted his seventeen-year-old son to still live a normal life.
"Kurt, not today. I shouldn't have even brought that up. We'll go to the hospital at eleven, all right?"
Zack smiled a genuine smile. "Thanks mom. Dad, please understand… it's Christmas and all I want is to be with Cody."
"I understand. But after the holidays, Zacko, we're getting your life back on track."
"Deal."
Father and son shook on the compromise.
"Now come on, sweetheart. We've gotten you a few presents we think you'll really enjoy," said his mother, as the trio made their way over to the Christmas tree.
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Schuler was watching his daughter open the many gifts he had gotten her to make her holiday a bit more special since this was their first Christmas without Daniel and Jane. Each time Maryann opened a present, no thrill was expressed on her face.
"Baby what's wrong?"
"Nothing," came her sweet, innocent voice.
"You don't seem happy. Didn't Santa bring you what you wanted?"
"I wanted mommy and Danny."
"Honey you know they're in Heaven now," Schuler sighed in dismay.
"But you said that Santa brings you anything you ask him to. I wanted mommy and Danny, and they're not here. There is no Santa."
"Maryann , you listen to me right now." Schuler lifted her chin, "Look me in the eyes." As soon as she obeyed, Schuler continued, "Santa is real. But honey, some things are too big or too powerful for him to handle. God is stronger than Santa, right?"
"Yeah," her bottom lip quivered, her eyes filling with tears.
"God knows mommy and Danny are free up in Heaven. They're not hurting anymore. Isn't that what you want for them?"
"No more hurt?" Maryann's voice cracked.
"No more hurt," Schuler confirmed.
"They should stay in Heaven," concluded the little girl as a lone tear slid down her cheek.
"Come here," Schuler said, collecting his daughter in his arms as she cried.
After ten minutes, sniffling could be heard and Maryann wiped her eyes and nose on her father's shirt sleeve.
"Do you feel better now?"
Maryann nodded.
"Good. I love you, Maryann."
"I love you, daddy. Merwy Cwistmas."
"Merry Christmas. Now how about we have some lunch?"
"Yeah! Then play?"
"Yes. Then we can play."
"Daddy?"
"Yeah?"
"Can we talk to Cody today?"
"Sure you can. He still will be asleep but you can talk to him."
"Cody's Danny."
"No he isn't, Maryann."
"Cody's Danny," she stated again.
"Honey, Danny's dead."
"I know. But Danny's in Cody."
"What do you mean, Maryann?"
"There's no Ethan. Danny's heart's alive."
"What are you saying?" Schuler asked, bewildered.
Abruptly Schuler's three-year-old daughter was possessed with an older child's voice that Schuler presumed and recognised as Daniel's voice. "Dad, Maryann's right. Ethan died after the transplant from kidney failure. My heart is being preserved. You cannot speak a word to this to the family you met, but one of their son's – Zack or Cody – will be in need of a heart transplant, and my heart will be used."
"When?"
"Soon. Dad, do not mention a word of this. If you do, the situation will turn dire."
"My mouth is shut. I love you son."
"I must go now. I love you too, dad. Tell Maryann mom and I are happy. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
"Who's going goodbye, daddy?" asked Schuler's daughter.
"No one."
"Then why'd you say it?"
"I was daydreaming."
"Oh – can we eat now? I'm hungry."
"Sure," smiled Schuler.
The duo walked hand-in-hand while Schuler prayed the best for everyone this Christmas.
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Where am I? It was so dark before… now there's a light. I couldn't feel anything and now there's force and pain. My eyes hurt and my throat feels like a thorn bush. The light really hurts. I want to go back to the darkness. At least yesterday there was warmth and voices. Zack's voice especially. Now there's nothing. I'm cold and all alone. Where's Zack? He promised he wouldn't leave me. I'm scared… what should I do? Fight the force or give in? Please let me do the right thing…
An alarm alerted the children's intensive care staff to report immediately to room 3056 where Cody lie gagging and tossing around in bed.
"Hold him still," ordered Nurse Suzie.
The two orderlies obeyed. The nurse held the intubator in place as they awaited Dr. O'Connor's arrival. He finally arrived and checked the teen's vital signs and nodded in affirmation. He unplugged Cody from the respirator and placed an oxygen mask over his face to help control his breathing. Bleary eyes blinked back at him and tears of gratefulness met his.
Cody brought his arm up weakly and pulled the mask off and muttered in a strained voice, "Thanks…", swallowing in pain. "Water…" he croaked.
"Here you go." Dr. O'Connor allowed Cody to take three sips of water.
Dr. O'Connor placed the oxygen mask back on the boy's face and said sternly, "Do not try to talk and DO NOT take off that mask. Its helping you breathe easier all right? Maybe in a few days we can remove it, deal?"
Cody nodded and his head lolled to one side and he was asleep instantly. Dr. O'Connor smiled.
"I guess there really are miracles," the doctor muttered leaving the boy's room.
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When the Martins arrived at the hospital and received news that Cody had woken up briefly and was no longer on a respirator – each of their Christmas wishes came true. Cody was improving. Dr. O'Connor also mentioned to them that it seemed Cody remembered everything they had taught him because he seemed coherent and he spoke.
"Mom, dad – I told you Cody would pull through."
Kurt looked away, disappointed in himself. "Look Carey, Zack – I'm sorry for walking out. I never should have… that I can never forgive myself for. I don't know what came over me that said give up on my own son; it was foolish."
"Kurt, we already forgave you. Cody seems to be on the right path now – So hopefully he'll have a speedy recovery here so he can come home sooner. And you can you're your father/son time with him. That's what I think you need right now," concluded Carey.
"Mom's right dad. I know something Cody would enjoy."
"And what is it?"
"Teach him to throw a ball correctly dad. Even before everything happened – he couldn't throw to save his life. Nothing would make Cody happier than being taught to play ball by his dad."
"That is a promise I can make. You are becoming a very intelligent, young man, kiddo."
"Thanks."
"You really are, honey. Ever since Cody needed learning and you taught him – You've matured. I am proud to call you my son."
"Ditto," replied Kurt, ruffling Zack's wild, blonde hair.
They turned their attention back to Cody and sighed.
"Think he'll wake up again?"
"I don't know."
"Sure he will. Once he recognizes our voices, my little brother will wake up."
A knock on the door and a voice filled the air, "Is it all right for us to come in?"
Carey turned, and walked over. "Sure Schuler. Hey Maryann, how are you?"
"Good. Daddy and I had fun."
"We sure did."
"Zack, can we play?"
"Kid room again?"
Maryann nodded vigorously.
Zack smiled and they left.
"We got some wonderful news today," Carey said with a smile.
"And?"
"Cody woke up before we got here. Briefly that is."
"And he's using an oxygen mask now, no longer hooked up to the respirator," added Kurt.
"That is the best news I've heard. I am very happy for you guys," Schuler said sincerely.
Carey and Kurt smiled.
"I'm going to go get a coffee and waste an hour; do either of you want me to bring you back a cup?"
"No, but thanks," replied Schuler.
"Hot chocolate, Kurt. Thanks."
"Yep."
When they were left alone in the room with the exception of the medicated, sleeping child, Schuler and Carey stared at each other.
"Carey I was wondering if maybe after the holidays end if you'd be willing to have dinner with me? A first date?"
"I'd love to. Kurt can watch the boys and Maryann."
"Carey you are the only woman I've ever met who I have loved like I loved Jane. That's something very special right there."
"I've been on a few dates here and there but I feel a connection with you. I definitely am willing to try this relationship. You make me feel safe and appreciated… and deeply loved."
"I haven't met Cody really, but Zack is a terrific young man. And he's courteous, not many boys his age are."
Carey laughed, "Cody forced that on him. Kurt wasn't in the boys' lives much. I tried as hard as I could to teach the boys manners. My trying rubbed off on Cody but Zack was more like Kurt… stubborn. Cody brought out the young man you see in Zack today."
"I'd say Cody triggered it; you're hassling did it."
"Thanks."
A moaned filled the room and Cody squeezed his eyes close tighter than they were.
"Cody, sweetie?"
"Emm… light hurts," the boy moaned.
"Turn the lights off, Schuler." When the lights were off, Carey asked, "Better baby?"
"Thank you." His eyes fluttered open. "Mom!" he exclaimed weakly.
"Welcome back Cody."
He glanced at the other person in the room and narrowed his eyes. "You… your Schuler?"
"Yes I am."
"Zack likes you a lot."
"I like you boys too."
" 'M tired. Love you mommy."
"I love you too sweetie." Carey rubbed Cody's sweaty hair and kissed his forehead. "Merry Christmas Cody."
"… Cwistmas mom."
And with that Cody was back to sleep.
"He woke up," Carey eyes beamed with joy.
Schuler and Carey hugged and their lips met and they stayed that way for minutes. When they finally broke apart both adults muttered a wow in shock and knew that they were meant for each other though neither would admit it right then and there.
A/N: Well, what did you think? Let me know in your review! The eighth chapter is almost complete so that should be out VERY soon! Expect Chapter 8 Tuesday or Wednesday! Will review all who review me. Please REVIEW! Thanks, - -Stacey-