Chapter 45

Again, I don't own any of these characters

The next couple of weeks, Cody and Bailey were busy with their school work and preparing for the second round of tests before spring break. Naturally, they had both done really well on the first round of tests. But, during this time, they were also sent a letter from Sony Pictures instructing them to call the studio so they can book their flights and reserve their hotel room in Phoenix. Both thought it would be a good idea to have the room be in Bailey's name. Also, they were instructed to stop by the bookstore as the University had chosen which sweatshirt they wanted them to wear on air. Both were relieved to find a simple navy blue one with white letters with the crest underneath. They were given several of them in hopes they would film on several days.

By the time the last weeks of classes arrived before spring break, everything was settled. They were scheduled to be in Phoenix by that Sunday. It was worked out that they would have a long layover in Kansas City where one of Bailey's sisters would be there to pick up Porkers. And Yale provided a shuttle service to airports in both Hartford and New York, so Cody and Bailey didn't have to worry about long term parking. Once spring break was over, they would fly back into New York and catch the shuttle back.

But before they could worry about leaving for the desert, they had their second round of tests. Fortunately, the two weeks proceeding spring break had the tests spread out. So, they had plenty of time to study for each one. Of course, after each test, both felt like they did well on it. And to make matters better, the weather had improved dramatically as well. While the mid 40's in March wasn't balmy, it wasn't bitterly cold anymore either.

Finally, the Friday before spring break arrived and Cody and Bailey were now done for two weeks. They spent the afternoon doing the laundry they would need for their two weeks away. Plus, due to forecasts of Phoenix being in the high 70s, they broke out some of their shorts, skirts and dresses (Bailey for the last two, not Cody). They even were going to pack their bathing suits.

Saturday was spent packing and spending one last day quizzing themselves. The decided not to burn themselves out though and called it a day before dinner. That evening was spent watching some mind numbing television. They thought about going out, but campus was already a ghost town. Besides, they had to be up early the next morning to catch the shuttle. In fact, the most they left the apartment was walking next door to make sure Jo and Bill didn't mind gathering their mail while they were gone. Of course, Bill couldn't help but let them know that they had both smoked more of his exams.

As they sat there just taking it easy before they headed out the next day, Cody turned to Bailey.

"You know what else is going to happen while we are in Phoenix?"

"What's that?"

"Our anniversary..."

Bailey smiled. "You remembered..."

"Of course...You think I'd ever forget the day that the most beautiful woman in the world agreed to finally go out with me?"

"Well, with the blizzard, exams and preparing to go to Phoenix, I wouldn't have blamed you if you had..."

Cody smiled. "I would never do that. And as its my turn this year to take care of everything, I've done just that..."

"Any hints?"

"Nope..."

Bailey grinned. "But Codykins..."

Cody grinned right back. "No way, my little hay bale..."

Bailey gave him a fake frown. "But I thought you loved me..."

Cody cups her cheeks with his hands. "Sweetie, there are no words to describe just how much I do love you. That's why I want to make this special and show you my thanks for the best three years of my life..."

Bailey smiled at him. "Without a doubt the best three years of my life too. And I know exactly what you mean about words being insufficient. But Cody, you show me everyday how much you love me, and I hope I do the same."

Cody smiled back at her. "You do, Sweetheart...You do..."

"Still no hints though, right?"

"Not a one..."

Bailey just cuddled up closer to him. "Its okay. I know what ever you have planned, I'll love..." Bailey paused. "Cody?"

"Yeah, Bails?"

"Will we still celebrate this anniversary after we're married?"

"I don't know about you, but I fully plan on it..."

Bailey sighed. "I do too...It would be nice if we could save it as our anniversary and get married on it in two years..."

"I know...but it won't bother me to have another day where I get show you just how much you mean to me..."

Bailey giggled. "That is true..."

"And theoretically, we will be on spring break for it in two years, but there's no guarantee everyone else we want to be there for it can be..."

"I know. I know summer means the people we love and care about will actually be able to be there..."

"And they will be. It will be perfect. Just you wait and see..."

The next morning, they were showered and dressed and ready to go when the shuttle pulled up outside. The next thing they knew, they were traveling down I-95 on their way towards JFK Airport. A couple of hours later, they were at the airport and waiting to take off. To make the hand off easier, their stop in Kansas City wasn't going to be considered a true layover. They were going to get their bags and recheck them after Porkers was picked up. A couple of hours later, they were landing in Kansas City. Returning to the baggage area, they gathered their bags and Porkers. They sat waiting on Bailey's sister to show up. Finally, they looked up, and there was Mandy.

"So, where are you two crazy kids heading off too?"

Bailey hugged her sister. "Oh, just a little fun in the sun..."

Mandy nods. "Well, after those pictures you sent us of the blizzard, I don't blame you in the least. That didn't look fun at all..."

"It wasn't so bad..." Bailey grinned. "It just meant we had to spend more time inside together trying to keep warm..."

Mandy rolled her eyes. "Too much information, Little Sis..."

Cody just stood there shaking his head.

But Mandy turns to him. "You sure you know what you are doing marrying her?"

Cody smiled. "Some days I wonder..."

Bailey turns to him. "Hey!"

"I'm just kidding, Bails. I know exactly what I'm doing and wouldn't change a thing..."

"Better..."

Mandy shrugged. "Well, she's the stubborn, headstrong one in the family..."

"Oh, I know...And I love that about her..."

"Well, I should be getting back to Kettlecorn...Is Porkers ready?"

Bailey nodded. "Yeah, he's right here..." Bailey leans down to talk to Porkers. "I need you to be good while Cody and I are away. Can you do that for us?"

Porkers oinked.

Bailey smiled at him. "I knew you would. We'll see you soon, okay?"

Mandy left with Porkers in tow, and Cody and Bailey turned around, checked their bags again and went back through security to await their flight into Phoenix. As they sat there waiting, Cody turned to her.

"He'll be fine. He'll be running around sticking his snout into anything and everything. By the time he misses us, we'll be back..."

Bailey nodded. "You're right...I'm just so used to having him around."

"So am I."

Soon, their flight was called, and they boarded. Two hours later, they were landing in Phoenix. After they disembarked the plane, they gathered their luggage and began to look around. Supposedly, someone was supposed to be meeting them at the airport. Finally, the saw someone holding a sign that said 'B. Pickett & C. Martin'. They approached the man and identified themselves. A few minutes later, they were on their way.

Cody turned to Bailey. "You ready?"

Bailey nodded. "Let's do this!"

To be Continued...