Chapter 20

Again, I don't own any of these characters

The next week went smoothly as well. Tuesday night was their first chemistry test. Since the class was so large and made up of a few different sections, the exam was held in a large lecture hall. As such, it had to be given by multiple choice. For Cody and Bailey, knowing one the four choices listed was correct was almost unfair. Both had their scientific calculators out and using them with great speed. But being the cautious duo they were, they went back and double checked their work on every question. Walking out of the test, both felt real good about how they had done.

The rest of the week was more of the same – studying and doing homework. Friday arrived and brought with it their Biology test. Both breezed through it as well. Afterwards, they continued on with their classes for the day. At the end of their chemistry class, their professor said the tests were already graded and scores were posted outside by everyone's student ID number. Cody and Bailey checked and, naturally, both had A's.

They decided to stay on campus after class to meet Max and Tapeworm for a late lunch.

"So, I guess we've all made it through our first round of exams and survived..."

Max sighs. "Barely. Will someone tell me why I signed up for that Calculus class? I think I did okay, but that stuff drives me crazy..."

Tapeworm turned to her. "Tell me about it. I'm wondering why I signed up for for my Philosophy course I did. I wish I had chosen something else..."

Max turned to him. "Well, if you want, I took several philosophy courses in high school. I may be able to help you out if you want..."

Tapeworm smiled. "I would be forever grateful. And if you want, I can help you with Calculus. I'm pretty good at it..."

Max smiled. "Then I would be the one forever grateful..."

Watching them, Bailey slipped her hand under the table and squeezed Cody's hand. Cody just slightly shook his head.

Max turned to them. "I wish I had done what you two did and taken as many AP courses as I could..."

Tapeworm just shook his head. "That had to be a lot of work..."

Bailey smiled. "It was, but that's why I'm glad we had each other. We encouraged the other to study and never tried to pressure the other not to. We had a lot of dates they were just us having dinner and then studying and doing homework until curfew."

Max laughed. "I didn't know Cody was such a cheap date..."

Bailey laughed. "He wasn't. Its just we both valued our educations and were grateful that the other understood and encouraged it..." She smiled at Cody. "But, we had our fair share of really romantic times too..."

Tapeworm grinned. "I have to hear this. What's the most romantic thing Cody ever did?"

"That's easy. My 18th birthday. He had surprises set up for me all day and ended in him proposing."

Max rolled her eyes. "That was a special occasion. I'm talking something he did on just a regular date..."

Bailey paused. "Cody did his fair share of grand gestures like recreating the mulch festival because I was feeling homesick to doing everything in his power to get me tickets to a concert I was dying to see to making a Thanksgiving dinner with all of my favorites when I couldn't make it home, but the things that stand out to me are the little things."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the nights we just lied together on the skydeck looking at the stars or the nights when I had to work late, he would have picked up dinner for me, had it waiting for me in the cabin, and then gave me a foot rub. Things like that showed me how much I meant to him. And its still the same way. I love cooking dinner together at night and just spending time together curled up on the couch. Even though we're engaged, he hasn't let up in romancing me. He shows me on a daily basis how much he loves me. And I completely love him for that."

Max sighs. "That sounds so nice..."

Bailey smiles. "It is. I thank God everyday that Cody was brought into my life and that he chose me to love."

"I want that someday too..."

"Well, its out there. You just have to let it find you..."

Max wistfully looks away. Bailey takes the opportunity to stare and grin at Tapeworm. He sighs and nods.

"So, what is everyone doing tonight?"

Max snaps back to reality. "No clue..."

"Why don't we all go see a movie or something?"

Max shrugs. "Fine with me..." She turns to Cody and Bailey. "What do you two say?"

Bailey smiles. "We'd love to...Give us a call later. We have to get over to student health so we can Cody's stitches removed."

"Cool, we'll see you later..."

As they leave to walk towards student health, Cody turns to Bailey.

"Well, I guess I know what we're doing tonight..."

Bailey grinned. "We're staying home because you aren't feeling too well after your stitches come out..."

Cody was confused. "Huh?"

"When they call, you aren't going to feel well, so we're staying at home..."

"But..."

Bailey grins. "We'll cancel and they'll be forced to go by themselves..."

Cody catches on. "I see..." He grins. "When did you get so devious?"

Bailey just simply smiles back at him. "You rubbed off on to me, you hooligan..."

Cody laughs. "But I'm reformed..."

Once at student health, Cody's stitches were ready to come out. This time, the doctor just gave them neosporin to keep it clean, but other than that, the wound needed air to breathe. Once they got home, they just hung out together on the couch taking it easy.

Max did call, but Bailey gave her the story she made up, but she hoped Max and Tapeworm had fun. Max agreed and hoped Cody felt better soon.

Snuggling back together on the couch, they were both ready to do nothing. So, they were flipping through the channels when they found Jeopardy on. Both agreed to watch it and see how they did. Well, both did really well and knew their stuff. At the end of the show, a special announcement aired.

"Jeopardy is pleased to announce a new tournament we are now accepting applicants for. If you and your friend think they are the top duo among college students, sign up today for the Jeopardy College Team Tournament today!"

Bailey just sat there leaning against Cody. "I always loved watching Jeopardy..."

"I did too...Used to drive Zack nuts...He was more of a The Price is Right kind of guy..."

Bailey smiled. "Growing up, Kettlecorn didn't have cable, so all we got was the basic networks via our antenna. Every night after dinner, my Dad and I would watch together and play along..."

"Sounds like some good memories..."

"Yeah...Part of me always wanted to try out for the show..."

Cody looked down at her. "Well, why don't you?"

Bailey looked back up at him. "Are you serious?"

"Of course. I bet you'd wipe the floor with them."

"You really think so?"

Cody smiled. "I know so..."

Bailey paused. "You think I would actually have a chance?"

"Definitely. You'd be exactly what they are looking for. Brilliant and drop dead gorgeous..."

Bailey leaned up and kissed him. "Thank you, Codykins..."

Cody smiled. "Anytime, Bails...So, you going to go for it?"

Bailey paused. "Maybe..."

"Go for it...I'll be behind you every step of the way. I'll help you prepare too. Anything you need."

Bailey paused again. "Anything?"

"Just name it..."

"Then try out with me for the College Team Tournament."

Cody was surprised. "Really?"

"Oh yeah. I can't think of anyone else I would rather have as a partner there with me. And having you there, I wouldn't feel so nervous..."

Cody paused and then smiled. "Alright. You know I would do anything for you."

Bailey reached up and hugged Cody. "Thank you, Codykins...Just you wait and see. We'll show the world how unbeatable we are!"

To be Continued...