Chapter 7

I don't own these characters, but it would be nice if I did.

Wait...In this story, I actually created some of them, so I do own them.

Anyways, I do promise to keep them true to themselves.

And as for the ones I did create, who they are is up to me, so...

Seattle, Washington

Cody just slumped back in his chair and hung his head. He hadn't been able to even keep up the charade for even twenty-four hours before being found out. If not for the situation he found himself in, he would have began laughing. When he and Zack had concocted this crazy plan, he thought for sure that it would have been Zack that would have blown their cover first. But no...it had been Cody to do so. Steeling himself, he looked back up at Addison and Bailey and sighed.

"How did you know?"

Addison just looked at him as it fully dawned on her that it was in fact Cody. "So...you really are Cody and not Zack?"

Cody nodded. "Yeah. I guess a week of learning who each other was wasn't enough to pull this little facade off..."

Bailey finally spoke up. "A week...what are you talking about?"

Addison joined in. "And how long have you and Zack known about each other?"

Cody gave a small laugh. "Known each other existed...three weeks. Known that he was in actuality my twin brother...one week. So, I'm still getting used to the fact that I have a twin brother that I never knew about. Look...I'm sorry about all of this. It was never my intention to upset anyone with this..."

Addison shook her head in confusion. "I don't understand. What happened then?"

"You two might want to sit down. Its kind of a long story..." They sat down on the bed and just kept staring at him. "Up until three weeks ago, the only life I knew was that of me and my Mom. She's the cabaret singer at the Boston Tipton Hotel, and before that, we had constantly moved around when she got better jobs. Well, about three years ago, she got the job in Boston and we've been there ever since. Well, this summer, I wanted to go to this physics camp at Cal Tech..."

Addison turned to Bailey and spoke up. "That's the one you went to Bailey!"

Bailey nodded but kept looking at Cody. "Yeah...it was."

Cody's eyes lit up though. "Really? You went to it? I really wanted to go it and have the chance to learn under Dr. Cooper and Dr. Hofstadter. I loved all the papers they have written on string theory..."

Bailey's eyes lit up too. "You know what string theory is?"

He smiled. "Of course. I wrote a paper last year on string harmonics." He laughed. "I don't think my physics teacher had any idea what I was talking about though..."

Bailey had to laugh too. "I know what you mean. I wrote a paper on supersymmetry breaking last year, and my teacher was the same way..."

Addison interrupted them. "Can we get back to the story, please?" She shook her head. "Looks like I have two people now who know so much about things I could care less about..."

Cody smiled. "Of course...by the way, my buddy Woody at home says the exact same thing. Anyways, my Mom didn't want me to go all the way across the country and preferred me to stay closer to home and go to the physics camp at MIT. So, we compromised, and I went to the applied mathematics camp at the University of Texas..."

Bailey's eyes went wide again. "I almost went to that one! They were going to be focusing on approximation theory, and I thought that sounded fascinating!"

Cody smiled at her. "Oh, trust me...it was! I bet physics camp was just as fascinating though. I hear Dr. Cooper is...one of a kind."

Bailey laughed again as Addison rolled her eyes. "Can we get back on topic again?" She paused. "Wait a minute...the University of Texas...that's where Zack went for basketball camp..."

Cody nodded. "Yeah, and our first encounter wasn't exactly an amicable one. You see, I headed over to the dining hall with my suite mates and I had just sat down at a table when this girl I had never seen before sat down across from me..." He went on to explain their his and Zack's first altercation and proceeding prank war. And hearing what Cody and his friends had done to Zack, Bailey and Addison were laughing so hard they were almost crying.

"Oh my gosh! I've known Zack for forever, and I've never heard of anyone getting Zack back like that before."

Cody had a small smile. "I admit, it felt kind of good at the time, but not one of my proudest moments. I prefer to work out disagreements peacefully, but I felt pushed to have to retaliate in kind. Anyways, the head of summer programs at the university made Zack and I room together from then on hoping to diffuse the situation. To say we had a cold war would be an understatement. Well, about a week ago, we got into yet another argument. Somehow, he brought out a picture of his mother he had, and I brought out a picture of my father that I had. We quickly realized that his mother was my Mom, and my father was his Dad. And when we compared birthdays, it dawned on us that we were twins." He sighed. "So, in a quick moment, my whole life had changed..."

Bailey nodded feeling sympathy for him. "I bet that must have been some moment..."

He let out a small chuckle. "You're telling me. I just found out my life had been a complete lie. It dawned on me that they were so many unanswered questions I had. I wanted to call my Mom immediately and demand some of those answers, but Zack said he had a better idea..."

Addison smiled. "He thinks he always does..."

"He suggested we turn the tables on them. We would switch places, and it would be us that had the secrets on them for a change..." He paused. "But to be honest, I just wanted to finally get to know my Dad, so I agreed to it. I mean...I had gone my whole life without knowing who my father was. So, when offered the chance to finally get to meet him, I jumped at it. So for the past week, we tried to teach the other as much as we could about our lives. That's how I knew who you were Addison." He smiled at her. "Zack speaks very highly and affectionately of you and even says you are a sister to him..." He stopped and frowned. "Wait a minute! How did you know that I even existed?"

Addison paused and pulled out the picture of them as babies again. She then told him the same story that she had told Bailey earlier. "I promised my Mom on her deathbed that I wouldn't never tell Zack or Kurt that I knew. In retrospect, maybe I should have. I had no idea how it would truly affect you too when you would find out. Sorry..."

Cody just smiled at her. "Don't worry about it. I can understand why you kept your silence, and I don't blame you. Anyways, the cat found its way out of the bag anyways..."At that mention, Sprinkles jumped up into his lap and began purring again. Cody just laughed. "Sorry, Sprinkles...it was a figure of speech."

He paused and sighed. "Well, I guess I should call Zack and let him know our plan is now ruined and time to end the charade. Then I guess I need to sit Dad down and tell him the truth..."

Addison smiled at him. "Why would you do that? Nothing is ruined."

"Huh?"

"You came here to get to know your Dad. I can understand that. I'd do anything to be able to spend more time with my Mom, but I can't. But you're getting your chance, and I want to help." She smiled. "Besides, Zack is like a brother to me, and by extension, so are you. I mean look at this picture...we go way back. I'd like to get to know my other brother."

Cody smiled back at her. "Really?"

"Really. I'll do whatever I can to help you out, and I won't say a word to anyone."

"Thanks. I've never had a sister either. After everything Zack told me, I wouldn't mind getting to know you as well." He laughed. "Before now, the closest I've had to a sister is London Tipton..."

Addison's eyes went wide this time. "You know London Tipton?"

"Yeah. She's a good a friend of mine. Can be kind of materialistic and dense at times, but underneath, she still has a heart of gold." He paused. "I wonder if Zack has run into her yet. I wonder who else he's run into by now..."

Addison smiled. "If he has, I'm sure Zack has figured something out. He always does. But for the time being, I would really like it if you would stay."

The whole time Addison and Cody were talking, Bailey was just sitting back observing Cody. Of course, the resemblance to Zack was uncanny, but then again, they were twin brothers. But she was quickly seeing that only their exteriors were similar. Actually, the more she studied his face and his mannerisms, she was picking up differences between them. But she realized she could do that because she knew to look for differences. Anyone else probably wouldn't notice.

But it was what was his personality and demeanor that were really intriguing her. Based on what she had read and what she was experiencing first hand, she was looking at the anti-Zack. While Zack could be brash, cocky and never serious, she was getting a completely different vibe from Cody. His eyes had literally lit up when she mentioned going to physics camp and genuinely seemed to enjoy things like that. Beyond that, he had a completely different personality to him. He appeared to be warm, kind and compassionate, and Bailey found herself being inexplicably drawn towards him. If she was honest with herself, she didn't want to see him leave so soon either.

She smiled and finally broke her silence. "Count on me to help in any way I can as well..."

Cody smiled back. "Thank you both...I really appreciate it. And if you see me acting too unlike Zack, just let me know..."

Addison laughed. "We'll try."

Bailey spoke up again. "But just around us, just be yourself."

"Thanks again..." Cody sighed and reached for his cell phone. "But, I should call Zack and let him know I've already been found out." He paused and smiled. "Would you two like me to put it on speakerphone so that you can erase all doubts that there are really two us?"

Bailey smiled back. "I don't think we have any doubts about that whatsoever, but it might be fun..."

Boston, Massachusetts

Zack just looked back and forth between Woody and who he believed was Barbara. Woody looked genuinely afraid while Barbara continued to glare at Zack. He paused to fully take her in. She was attractive if you went for the brainy type...but Zack didn't. And the death glare she was giving him indicated to him that she was not very happy at all. Zack tried to remember what Cody had told him about her. He did remember Cody telling him story about why they broke up, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember what it was.

"So...Barbara...what's up?"

She just kept glaring at him. "I can't believe you, Cody! How dare you ask out that other girl right in front of me!"

Zack just looked at her. "Easy. One, because I wanted to. Two, I didn't see you standing there. And three, last time I checked, you are my EX girlfriend..."

"Because you've never given me a chance to make it up to you!"

Zack paused. He really wished he remembered what Cody had told him about their break-up. He just shrugged though. "As far as I can tell, I'm single and she is single, so there is no reason Maya and I can't go see a movie together. No big deal."

Barbara was about to say something when Woody said something. "Yeah. No big deal. Cody dumped you, life goes on. Besides, didn't I..." She turned to Woody and glared at him while she lifted her foot.

"What were you saying, Woody?"

Immediately, Woody dropped to the ground and curled in to the fetal position. "Please don't hurt me! Please don't hurt me!"

Zack sighed. "Get up, Woody and pick up your dignity and manhood while you're at it." He turned back to Barbara. "Look..."

She interrupted him. "Cody, you have to give me another chance!"

He sighed. And then it hit him. He didn't remember what Cody had said about the break up, but he was remembering Cody saying don't make her mad unless you wanted a broken foot. Zack had a big day planned for tomorrow, and a broken foot definitely would ruin those.

"Look...we're broken up. You have your life now, and I have mine. It was fun while it lasted, but its over now..."

"But..."

"No buts." He smiled. "Besides, something tells me that Maya and I have a lot more in common than you and I ever did..."

Barbara looked at him incredulously. "How can you say that? We're both in orchestra together. We're both on the academic bowl team together. You and her have NOTHING in common!" She shook her head. "I make one little mistake, and you won't ever let me forget it. If it helps, I haven't seen Bob since that day!"

Zack just looked at her. He was getting a feeling that it was this Bob that caused the break up of Cody's relationship with Barbara. And then the thought crossed his mind that Barbara had cheated on him. For some reason, Zack felt his blood beginning to boil. How dare she do that! No one did that to his...he paused and shook his head. He almost began laughing. Zack had only known Cody was his brother for a week now and already he was protective of him.

"Sorry, Barbara. Once a cheater, always a cheater."

She just looked at him and tears began forming in her eyes. "But that's not true! I made a horrible mistake! One that I'm paying for every day!"

Zack shrugged. From what he remembered, Cody didn't seem too broken up over the relationship, so he figured he'd get this girl out of his life once and for all.

"Sorry. A relationship without trust is no relationship at all. I hope you have a nice life, just don't hope or expect me to be a part of it..."

Zack paused as he said that. Had he really just said that? He tried to convince himself that was something Cody would say, but he had this nagging voice in the back of his head telling him that he was absolutely right when he said that. Zack shook out of his thoughts when he saw Barbara break down crying and run off. He just stood there when Woody walked back over to him.

"You okay?"

Zack turned to see that Woody had a genuine look of concern on his face. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Woody nodded. "Good. I was going to tell you I saw her out with Bob last week while you were gone. But when she threatened to stomp my foot again..."

Zack laughed. "Well, I appreciate that you were going to tell me. You're actually a good guy, Woody." He paused. "You remind me of someone I used to know. Someone I grew up with. She always had my back too."

Woody frowned. "Who are you talking about? You've never mentioned anyone like that to me before..."

Zack shrugged. "I was younger when I knew her. Anyways, its dark and we should be getting back. Besides, I told my Mom I wanted to stop by and see her show. Lets go."

So, they headed out of the park, and Woody headed home while Zack headed back into the Tipton. Walking through the lobby, he began looking around at it again and decided to try to find the cabaret. And when he heard music and singing, he headed in that direction. Finally finding the cabaret, he stood outside and listened to his mother performing.

As he stood there, he realized that his mother really did have a beautiful voice. He smiled as he listened to her, but he soon found himself agreeing with Cody. She definitely needed some new material.

"She sounds good tonight, doesn't she?"

Zack turned and found himself looking at a taller guy with thinning hair and glasses held together by masking tape. That could only be one person that Cody had described to him.

"She sure does, Arwin. You heading inside?"

Arwin shook his head. "Actually, no. I'm about to head home and get cleaned up. The is new woman who just moved into my building and she offered to fix me dinner."

Zack just looked at him in surprise. From everything that Cody had told him, Arwin was head over heels in love with their mother. Cody had even said Arwin had a life sized cut out of her.

"Arwin...you have a date?"

He nodded. "Yeah. No offense to your Mom, but I decided to finally move on. Your Mom is still in love with someone, but she'll never admit it. Even I know when to walk away..."

Zack just stood there and looked at Arwin again. His Mom was still in love with someone? He paused and wondered. Could that person be their Dad? Zack stood there and realized there were still a ton of questions that he and Cody had no answers to.

"We can still be buds, right?"

Zack looked back up at Arwin again. "Yeah. Of course. Good luck with your date tonight. I've actually got one of my own tomorrow."

Arwin smiled at him. "Good for you. I always told you some girls actually go for the geeky type. Looks like its finally paying off for the both of us."

"Yeah...I guess so."

Arwin left, and Zack turned his attention back to his mother's performance. He just stood there enjoying the show when he felt his pocket began vibrating. He pulled out his cell phone and saw it was 'Zack' calling.

"I wonder how things are going for him in Seattle...

To be Continued...