A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 2: Back together and it feels like old times (with new feelings)

August 11, 2006

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Alexandra Russo couldn't believe what a disaster her carefully thought-out plan had turned out to be. She had disguised herself magically as a student of Zack's high school in Boston and snuck in, joining the play to be close to Zack, only to be uncharacteristically caught in a wild brawl triggered by jealousy and anger. She had never thought of herself as a jealous person, but it seemed she had a reservoir of those feelings stored away, ready to break.

What she couldn't believe, was that she had missed Zack so much that she had started a relationship with Cody, then gone ahead and broken up with Cody because she liked kissing Zack (her first kiss), even fighting for him with another girl and ending in a debacle onstage. 

She was wondering: did she like Zack in a romantic way? She had always been his closest friend, but did she have deeper feelings for him? Had their separation triggered deeper feelings for him? If she did, what could she do about it? She didn't know if he liked her back, and besides, wizards like her couldn't be with non-magical people like him.

While she was thinking all these thoughts, Zack walked in with her father and brother. They all were laughing at something Zack had said. As soon as her father and brother saw her, their smiles disappeared, replaced with disappointed frowns. Zack's smile, however, widened and turned into the mischievous grin she knew and loved, causing her heart to skip a beat.

Alex realized, at that moment, that she truly loved Zack. She wanted him to be more than just a friend to her. But she would have to wait for that. With much difficulty, she took her eyes off Zack and looked at her father, her feelings turning from contemplative to fearful.

Jerry cleared his throat and began: "Alex, we're disappointed in you for what you did. Once we get back, you're grounded for a week. You'll have to do all the household chores." 

Alex's spirits lifted. Grounded for only a week? Zack must have worked his charm and saved her. There could be no other reason why she was getting such a light punishment.

Jerry continued: "We would have punished you more, but Zack convinced us that you pulled this stunt only because you missed him and that we should go easy on you." 

At that moment, Alex felt her chest warm with affection for Zack and threw herself at him in a bearhug; though he was caught off guard, he hugged her back and kissed her on the forehead. 

"Thank you." Alex told him, to which all he said was "You're welcome."

"You know, I'd love it if all of you could come home for dinner. I've missed you guys a lot, and so have Mom and Cody. They'd really love to see you again." Zack said. 

Alex and Zack threw pleading looks at Jerry and Justin, who exchanged a look, then sighed and reluctantly nodded, causing Alex and Zack to mischievously grin and skip ahead, holding hands, over to where Carey and Cody were standing. 

"Mom, Cody: I have a surprise for you. Look who decided to show up." Zack said, before gesturing towards the three Russos. 

Carey squealed in delight and hugged Jerry and Cody and Justin exchanged a hug as Alex linked her arm with Zack's and curled up around him. He could feel the tension coming from her, as if she were about to confess something. He also sensed some very deep, pent-up rage bubbling inside her.

"Cody, Aunt Carey: I have something to confess." Alex said. 

Cody and Carey fell silent as Justin and Jerry glanced questioningly at Zack, who shrugged quizzically. 

"I disguised myself as Gwen to see Zack and Cody again. I missed you guys so much, and I'm sorry for the trouble I caused." 

Zack looked on in awe and admiration as Justin and Jerry tried to suppress their smiles, Carey giggled and Cody turned red, green and finally white.