"We're just going to get these bags out to the car, alright? Kurt told them. Carey nodded.
"Zack, let's go for a walk." she suggested.
"What? Why?" He asked. The ship was being torn apart around them, and she wanted to go for a walk? It didn't even make sense!
"Come on. Come with mama," she said wrapping her arms around him, and leading him out the door. He looked back at Cody pleadingly, hoping he would say something, but Cody merely turned away to help their father.
"Thanks a lot," he mumbled under his breath.
"I think you can manage this one yourself Zack. She wouldn't be so desperate to talk to you if you had written her a letter once and a while."
"Hello?" Carey said looking at the two of them. "I'm right here."
"I did write!" Zack fought back.
Kurt placed his hand on Cody's shoulder, hoping he wouldn't continue. It's not that he expected a fight, he was used to their brotherly arguments, but the four of them had a long car ride ahead. The calmer they were, the easier the trip would be.
"You once turned in an essay that was identical to an email you sent to mom! It wasn't even a paragraph!" Cody exclaimed.
"Guys," Carey said more sternly. Then paused a moment contemplatively as she considered Cody's words. "Really? Which one?" Then thinking better of it, she shook her head, and quickly moved on. "Never mind, that's not important right now. Come on," she opened the door again.
"Sorry mom," the twins echoed. Zack followed his mother out of the room leaving his father and brother to bring everything to the car.
"I really don't want to talk about it," Zack started as they walked down the hallway.
"Alright," she replied. "We don't have to." At the end of the hallway they opened the door allowing the sound of a saw to come pouring through. "They sure aren't wasting any time," Carey exclaimed over the noise.
Zack pulled his mother gently by the wrist and closed the door. "This way," he said. "I know a place they haven't started on yet. Carey followed her son down the hallway into a small indoor lounge area.
She sat down next to him on the couch, and looked around a moment.
"I think it was supposed to be a study or something. No one really used it though. Maya and I used to meet here at night sometimes. Past curfew," he admitted. "We never did get caught."
Carey didn't approve of his disregard to school rules, but said nothing as she rubbed his back and listened.
"I know what you're thinking mom," Zack sighed. "I disobeyed the rules. Maybe I went too far sometimes, but not with Maya. You raised me better than that."
He sighed again before standing to pace the room. "She thought I was a player, and maybe I am because I can't help it that some girls just attract my attention, but I don't play mind games. I'd never do what dad did."
"Hey," Carey said approaching him, placing her hands on his shoulders. He looked... Forlorn. A look she had never seen on his face before. "Zack? Sit down with me. Where is this all coming from? What did dad do?"
"He left," Zack replied simply escaping his mothers grasp, and returning to the couch. Carey sat down beside him again. "When I first found out about the Peace Corp, I thought that breaking up with her would be easy. I knew there was something different about her than the other girls I've dated, but I was in denial. Until I finally realized..." Zack trailed off. "I can't do this," he sighed in frustration.
It was on rare occasions like these that he envied his brothers ability to express his feelings so easily. Whenever he tried to express himself, he felt like an idiot.
"You realized that you love her?" Carey asked. Zack nodded his head miserably.
"I've been on a thousand stupid dates. Those girls were all easy to break up with."
"Zack, I think I understand. Let me explain to you a couple of things. Back when I..."
Zack groaned.
"Alright," Carey told him. "No stories, I promise. First, your father loves you."
Zack rolled his eyes. "I know that, but what about you? I heard you mom... A long time ago, how much his games hurt you."
Carey was shocked into silence for a moment. Finally regaining the ability to speak she started with an apology. "Oh Zack, you were never meant to hear our arguments. I am so sorry. Listen to me, alright? The truth is, breakups are always emotional. Sometimes it makes you feel like love isn't worth the risk, but it is! For your father and I, it just didn't work out. It was no ones fault. Zack, I'm not sure what you heard me say all those years ago, but I don't blame him. It was emotional time, but now we both agree that we're better off as friends."
Zack hugged his mother briefly. "Don't you worry Zack. Someday, the thought of Maya won't hurt so much." Carey kissed her sons forehead. "Are you ready to go? We were thinking of grabbing a bite to eat next door."
Zack nodded. "Yeah, but can I say bye to Woody first?"
"Woody," Carey thought out loud. "Cody's roommate?" She asked.
"Yep," Zack replied.
"Sure," Carey replied. "Invite him along if he's hungry. I felt bad for the young man."
"He's always hungry," he replied a smile. Seconds later his smile disappeared. "Wait! Mom?" He called after her. She turned around to face him, barely having made it to the hallway. "What do you mean you feel bad for him? Why?"
"Oh, your teacher told me that he was the only one whose parents didn't show up for graduation."
"I didn't see London's parents," Zack replied.
"She has Mr. Moseby. A stranger showed up for Woody. I don't know the whole story. He didn't tell you?" Zack shook his head. "Hmm, well be sure to invite him to lunch if you want. We'll be next door."
"Thanks," he replied.
-
AN: I'm not sure how long this will be yet, but for now I am laying the foundation for an idea I've had in my head for a while.
This story is written/uploaded entirely from a two year old cell phone. I apologize for spelling, formatting and other errors.