Bailey closed her cabin door firmly behind her and began to unpack her things when she noticed the other half of the room.

"Wow." She commented.

"Great, huh?" London squealed. "I had Daddy's personal florists deliver 17 shades of pink! I love Valentine's Day!"

"If only you were that crazy over our school's fundraiser."

"Please." London scoffed. "I hate this stupid school. Why would I give it my money?"

"So we could have more school supplies and books?" Bailey tried.

"All the more reason not to."

Bailey shook her head in dismay, but wasn't going to pick a fight with her roommate. There was absolutely no point, anyway.

"Besides, I don't want my roses to be infected with poor people's germs. And they're not even real!" London waved around the floral room. "These were hand picked from the royal gardens!"

"They're not going to last too long if they're real." Bailey finalized, then set her textbooks on her study for next month's History test.

"Wait…" London looked over Bailey's shoulder. "This is the only rose you got? The one Cody gave to the entire class?"

London began to laugh.

"Yeah…the one Cody gave to the entire class." Bailey muttered under her breath.

London stopped.

"Oh…" she realized.

Bailey avoided eye contact with her. "It-it doesn't really matter."

"You're going to have to be more convincing than that, Bailey."

Bailey tried her best to reply, but instead, she choked up and helplessly burst into tears.

"Um…" London stared at her friend, and sighed in exasperation.

She knew Cody for about six years, and of all the girls Cody would pour his heart out to her (which was kinda often), Bailey was the one he kept dragging on and on and on and on and on and on….

And even though she grew up thinking that only she mattered in the world, it was times like these that she couldn't help but feel compassionate.

"I-I'm sorry. I really shouldn't-"Bailey began, but was interrupted by an unexpected hug from London.

When London pulled away, Bailey stared at her roommate, confused.

"Bailey, I want you to know that I'm here for you."

Bailey gave her a skeptical look through her blurry eyes, not believing her.

London knew she wouldn't, and sat down next to her. "And…maybe Cody isn't a dork to you. Maybe he's your Prince Charming…or whatever they call it these days. I mean, I still don't know what you see in him, since-"

London stopped herself, and then continued. "But I still want to be here to help."

Bailey smiled at London's support, but shook her head. "It's hopeless."

"You wanna know what's hopeless?" London challenged. "Your look, your style, your hair, your nails-"

Bailey looked up in annoyance.

"But…" London paused. "Relationships aren't hopeless, especially special ones like these."

"Then what's the problem? If it's not hopeless, then why are we separated?" Bailey questioned.

London bit her lip, and remembered advice her mother had told her years back, the last time she saw her.

"The best masterpieces aren't without difficulty, strength, and endurance. The most beautiful things on Earth aren't without the creators suffering." London moved closer to Bailey. "You know what the problem is? It's just a game. A stupid, stubborn game you're playing, that everyone loses. You both are so high up in pride, that you don't even take a minute to consider each other's feelings."

Bailey fidgeted with her fingers, taking this all in.

"And you know how to win this game?" Zack asked his brother. "Drop the attitude already, and tell Bailey how you feel."

Cody sat down on his desk chair, and slowly took in his brother's words.

"You're…actually trying to help me?"

"Cody, you have absolutely no idea how frustrating this situation is."

"I think I have an idea feeling."

Zack shook his head. "You and Bailey like each other. Then what are you waiting for?"

Cody sighed.

"It's not that easy."

"Look bro, why don't you go for a walk? That always clears your head."

Cody stood up and gave his brother a gracious look.

"You're actually a pretty good brother. Sometimes." He said, and walked out of his cabin and onto the sky deck.

Travelling around a bit, Cody entered the lobby, where he recognized a familiar face.

Standing next to her, he knew she was avoiding eye contact with him.

"Hey."

"Hi." she replied, but did nothing to continue the conversation.

Trying to enlighten the situation, he spoke again.

"Remember almost four years ago? I won you Hannah Montana tickets for our first date."

"Actually, you didn't win anything. Hannah gave them to us herself." Bailey circulated around him, hinting a smile. "This was the place where you told me you didn't have the tickets."

"And…" Cody couldn't help grinning. "You took it pretty well. I even got a hug."

Bailey chuckled.

"I haven't heard that laugh for a while."

Cody moved closer towards her, so they were face to face.

Bailey began to feel uncomfortable, and looked at her shoes to hide her blush.

"Bailey, I have something to tell you."

She immediately looked up, and stared into his blue eyes. "Me too."

"Why don't you go first?"

"I-I..."

But Bailey couldn't finish her sentence. Cody inched closer, and Bailey stepped defensively back.

"I have to go. I'm sorry."

And with that, Bailey ran through the lobby before she stared to cry again.

Cody clenched his fist in frustration.

So close.

Hours later, both of them returned back into their cabins, only to find a white rose on their desk, with a note. To meet each other at seven o'clock at their favourite restaurant, "A Historical Palace". Both of them dressed their best, unaware that this was part of Maya's plan.

Maya was very proud. She was in complete confidence that this Valentine's Day was going to be memorable.

Zack, however, was completely, irritated.

"Why did you have to take two roses from the bundle I gave you?" he whined for the 134th time.

"Because you didn't even spend a cent on it."

"I taped them together!" Zack protested.

"And that took what, five seconds?"

"Actually…two." Zack informed, and then realized he wasn't helping his cause at all.

"That explains why it was so sticky."

Zack sighed.

"I think I nailed their handwriting pretty well." Maya changed the subject. "They both totally fell for it."

"Well-"

"Shhh!" Maya took her boyfriend behind a plant, watching Cody enter with a suit, looking very handsome.

"Oh my gosh. Cody cleans up so well!" Maya turned to Zack. "Maybe I should have dated the other twin."

"Don't even joke about that!" Zack snapped.

Maya did a small laugh at her boyfriend's reaction.

"Um…not to be a buzz kill or anything, but how exactly are we going to do when they find out that both of them have been tricked?"

Maya's eyes widened. "Oh no…"

"You didn't think of that?" Zack asked, baffled.

"Give me a break. I only had a few hours to think of something, and it wasn't like you were doing anythin-"

This time, it was Zack that shushed her. "There's Bailey!"

She was wearing a velvet dress, with her hair done up in a casual curly ponytail.

Zack let out a quiet whistle, seeking revenge for Maya's earlier statement. "She looks smokin'. Maybe I shouldn't have given her to my brother."

Maya's jaw dropped, and kicked him hard in the shins.

"Ma-ya!" Zack had to bite his lip to prevent him from screaming out in pain.

"Stay quiet. We have to listen in." Maya waved him down.

"Hey."

"Hi." Cody immediately got up and pulled out a seat for Bailey. "You look…" Cody was in a lost of words. "…great." He substituted, though she looked so much better than that.

"You do too." Bailey inputted.

Both of them sat down, and couldn't help blushing, uncertain of what to do next.

"Thanks for the white rose."

"And here comes the drama." Zack muttered.

Cody looked at Bailey, confused.

"Didn't you give me one of those? And invited me down here?"

"No…why would I do that?"

The instant Bailey said it; she knew it was a mistake.

Cody crossed his arms and mounted a glare at her.

"Oh I don't know, maybe-"

"We have to get in there!" Zack said, draining the two voices out.

Maya shook her head. "We can't."

"If we don't stop them, things are going to get ugly."

"Too late for that." Maya stared at her two bickering friends, sadly.

Accidentally, she shuffled backwards, stepping on Zack, which this time didn't hold back the yelp of pain.

"Ow!"

Cody and Bailey stopped, turning to the familiar voice.

"Zack!" Cody yelled out in anger, standing up immediately, dragging his brother to a corner.

"Maya?"

Bailey stared at her friend, feeling shock, confusion, and betrayal.

"Bailey…" Maya sat down directly in front of her friend.

"I can't believe you set me up like this. Is this some sort of a joke? Were you and Zack laughing?"

"No, of course not!"

"Then what was this about?" Bailey demanded.

"It was-"Maya looked at Bailey and continued. "It was a terrible plan to get you two together."

"Why would you-"

"Look, I'm so tired of you two! Why can't you just stop, even for a minute, to realize he's in love with you?"

Bailey blinked in surprise, and then shook her head.

"He's not in love with me."

"He is!" Maya said, exasperatedly. "He is, completely. And you know it yourself! How long is it going to take for you to admit that?"

Bailey looked down at the floor, and stood up.

"I can't do this anymore. I'm leaving."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Zack said, grabbing his brother by the shoulder.

"And why not?"

"Years from now, when you're living alone in a crummy apartment with hundreds of cats, teaching tiology,"

"Biology." His brother corrected instantly.

"Whatever." Zack brushed off. "Years from now, don't you want to know what it would have been like if you didn't ditch the date?"

Cody shuffled his feet, considering this.

"Times like these come once in a lifetime." Zack said. "Now tell me. Do you want to go back in there, and get the love of your life, or are you going to go back to your cabin, and hold your blankie until you fall asleep?"

Cody looked back at his brother and nodded.

"Alright, I see." He sighed uncomfortably, as he watched Maya get up, and winked at him.

"Go get her back." She whispered as she past.

Cody walked slowly back to the table, and prepared himself.

"Bailey, I have something to tell you."

"Me too." Bailey confirmed. "But this time, why don't you go first?"

"Okay."

And with all of his might, he muttered three words he had been dying to say for a long time.

"I love you."

London watched as the deep rich rose petal fell into the water, causing the water to ripple gently. It was a calm night, and the ship was docked in Australia, meaning most of the passengers had left for the attractions, coming back late at night.

She sighed, and looked up to the glistening moon, as she dropped another petal into the still seas; the reflection wavered at the impact, but never disappeared.

Why was it that every year she would spend Valentine's Day alone?

Of course.

Because no one cared about her.

It makes sense. Her mother never stayed much, was a travelling women that spent her time doing everything she could to get away from London. Her father transported her to a hotel, where she was babysitted by the hotel manager, who only did that at first out of pity.

When did she last see her parents?

Two years ago, for her birthday. But that was it. That was all. They had come for the celebration, and not for her.

She stared into the endless waves, the echoing water sounds in her ears.

It is beautiful, she thought.

And into the dim moonlight, she saw a young girl, in a silky pink gown, looking at her. She looked with a serious expression, traces of tears on her light skin. The girl in the water was pretty, she was rich, and she could get whatever she wanted in an instant. She had everything. She would look down at people, like they were nothing to her. Nothing affected her. She was strong, independent, and selfish.

London dropped the rose she was holding onto the image, and it vanished.

It was an image. A cover.

But nothing other than that.

Is this my life? London wondered to herself.

She already knew the answer.

Yes.

Truth be told, she envied her friends. Well…she considered them as friends. Maybe not the same back.

Maya…she was just a waiter…but the instant she came aboard, she could light up anybody's mood.

Everyone thought she was just a pain.

Zack…he was like her…only that he did care about his brother, his friends…and they loved his company.

London shook her head.

Who liked her company?

Cody…intelligent and a quick thinker…took everything as a question…a question that he could easily answer.

London still didn't know her alphabet.

And lastly, Bailey.

London had to smile at her name.

Bailey was smart too, but she also knew the qualifications of being a friend. She never gave up on London…no matter how much she insulted her.

"No wonder no one wants me around." She told herself.

She heard footsteps in the background, and she immediately, turned.

"London?" Zack asked, surprised.

"I…uh…was just admiring the view. It's really beautiful here in Australia." She covered up.

Maya walked closer to her. "Then why are you crying?"

London sniffled. "No reason."

"Is there something wrong?" Maya asked.

London stared back into the calm waters, and sighed.

"Every holiday of the year, I spend it alone." London admitted. "And I watch everyone else spending it with their friends, family…but me? Just alone."

"Well you can be kinda harsh sometimes." Zack cut in.

"Zack!" Maya scolded.

"Alright, I'll be quiet." Zack muttered.

"I just...I don't know...I really want a friend that will stay true to me no matter what. But," London turned to Maya. "It's like no one even cares."

"London…maybe if you-"

Maya was interrupted by laughter in the distance, approaching towards them.

"Here comes the couple." London turned towards Cody and Bailey, who had his arm around her.

"I'm really happy for you Bailey." London tried to smile, but her glistening eyes failed to show the same emotion.

"London? What happened?" Bailey rushed by her side.

Maya quickly filled her in.

"Well…you can be a bit unnecessary sometimes." Cody added.

"Cody!"

"It's best to say quiet." Zack advised.

Cody nodded, taking the hint.

"London, I never knew you would feel this way."

"Yeah well…that London is just a cover." London sighed. "I should go. I'm ruining your special night."

"No its fine!" Bailey protested.

London gave a hesitant look at her, feeling guilty of the times she teased her.

She was here, supporting her, right now.

Did she even deserve that?

"London, you should know that we care about you."

"Really?" London looked up, staring at her four friends.

"Totally." Zack confirmed.

"Yeah London, I mean, no matter what you do or say, you're still our friend." Cody nodded.

"And don't worry. One day you'll find someone, but for now," Bailey grinned. "You're going to have to stick with us."

"Wow…thanks guys." London smiled, her sad tears turning into joy.

"Group hug!" Maya declared.

The four friends laughed, and closed together.

"And…midnight." Zack looked up from his watch.

Maya gazed up to the moon, its dim light shining fierce against the dark water.

Zack and Maya were doing their Friday night ritual, waiting until midnight on the upper deck. Maya had started this, claiming that the waves relaxed her after a long week. It was also a great time to spend with Zack.

"You know," Maya said, sitting up from the lawn chair, "I think I'm going to remember this day for a long time."

"Me too." Zack agreed. "That restaurant charged way too much for the fish sticks. Even though they were delicious, it still doesn't seem right to charge-"

"Not that." Maya objected. "I meant what happened today. Cody and Bailey are back together, and London now knows that her friends do love her."

"All because of you."

The corners of Maya's lips turned up a bit. "Thank you for supporting me. Even though you only did it for the date."

Zack moved next to her. "I am always here for you. Plus, that date was amazing."

Maya rested her head on Zack's shoulder, and closed her eyes, listening to the water clash softly across the edge of the boat.

These were one of the moments that only writers could write, those moments where it happens once in a lifetime…

"The fish sticks were overpriced." Maya confirmed.

"I know!" Zack threw up his hands in frustration. "How can you even get away with something like that?"

Maya giggled, and they pulled into a hug.

Bailey wouldn't let go of Cody's hand. His jasmine scent, the traces of hair gel in his hair, the warmth of his hand…she felt silly, but they comforted her in ways that she needed for months now.

Cody didn't mind. Or should I say…noticed.

He didn't let go of hers either, as they walked slowly through the ship.

When they approached the sky deck, both of them hated that the night was almost over, no matter how late it was. But both of them were assured by the fact that they would meet early next morning for their chemistry club.

Even so, they didn't want to leave each other's side, even for a second.

"So I guess this is it." Cody announced.

"Yeah."

There was an eerily silence, and Bailey pulled Cody into a long waited hug.

"I never stopped loving you." she whispered.

"I never stopped loving you either."

Bailey sighed of relief, and both of them pulled away.

Instinctively, Cody leaned in slowly, but was paused halfway, uncertain if he should continue.

Bailey closed her lips around his. And his world stopped.

Everything was focused on this one kiss. The world had stopped breathing. It had stopped moving. It was watching as the two torn apart lovers finally tie as one.

Well, that was what Cody felt like it was.

His name is Cody, right?

He wasn't sure. But it didn't matter, as his hands moved to her flowing blonde hair, running his fingers through it as he pulled her closer to him. Bailey's rested hands on his neck, lasting the long waited moment for everything it was worth.

When they pulled away, Cody was half dazed.

"Wow." He commented. "I can't tell you how much I missed that."

Bailey laughed.

"You know…I'm kind of missing it now…"

"Nice try."

Cody smiled, but guilt washed over him, itching him to tell her something.

"Bailey…I'm sorry, about that day at Paris…I shouldn't have-"

"Cody, don't." Bailey shook her head. "That was strictly my fault for not trusting you. You were just rehearsing the date with London; that wasn't a crime."

"Bailey, don't say that…besides, I'm the one that wrote a stupid play about it afterwards." Cody muttered.

"I don't even care about that anymore."

Cody thought about this, and said "I think we should start over."

"What do you mean?"

"Two strangers, with absolutely no memories with each other at all."

"You mean…forget all the times we had together?"

"We could always relive those moments. But I want us to forget about our mistakes. No apologizing, whatsoever."

Cody stepped back, and Bailey understood what he was trying to do.

"Hi, I'm Bailey Pickett." She said, grinning at the handsome stranger.

"I'm Cody Martin." He shook her hand, "And may I say, you look beautiful at this late hour."

Bailey blushed.

"Why don't you tell me a little about yourself, Bailey."

The End

**Author's Note: Phew! That was a long chapter to write! Over 4 000 words. Anyway, hope you like the ending, read on to the next chapter please! **