A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 8: There is no greater punishment than jealousy

January 12, 2008

Boston, Massachusetts, United States and Los Angeles, California, United States

Zachary Martin sat in front of his and Cody's shared laptop, waiting for the Skype connection to go through and the call to be accepted. He was anxiously waiting to talk to Miley Stewart who he realized had probably just finished her dinner. It had been a very busy Saturday for him, and even though Zack was tired, he wanted to talk to her. 

It was about time that I did, Zack thought to himself. He had last communicated with her a month ago, when he had sent her a letter, congratulating her on winning the Silver Boot and asking about what was the drama that had been going on backstage. She had promptly responded, thanking him for his best wishes and had told him to call her for the full details. Although he had been super busy, Zack was now finally free and called her.

Zack quickly checked his hair and his looks in the mirror (Why??? he thought to himself) before she came on the line. Was he trying to look good on purpose? Did he still have a crush on Miley? Zack dismissed these thoughts. He no longer had a crush on Miley Stewart. At least, that's what he was trying to tell himself. It was just his careful attention to his looks and vanity, Zack decided. 

The call finally went through and was picked up. Zack was surprised to see Lily Truscott and Oliver Oken on the line rather than Miley. He knew that

"Hi, Zack!" Lily and Oliver said in unison, undoubtedly happy to see Zack after such a long time.

"Hi, guys. How are you? Where's Miley?" Zack asked in response, happy to see them as well.

"Oh, we're fine. Miley's just going through her regular pre-bedtime skincare routine." Lily said.

"Miley doesn't have such a routine, Zack; she's just trying to look good for you." Oliver sang.

"Oliver, quit being clumsy! We weren't supposed to tell him what Miley told us!" Lily reprimanded before realizing her mistake. A look of guilt instantly appeared on her face.

"Real smooth, Lily! Who's the clumsy one now?" Oliver retorted derisively, earning him a punch in the chest from Lily. He groaned dramatically to make a point, causing Zack to grin widely.

Zack decided not to mention the fact that he might have been trying the same thing as Miley, but Lily promptly noticed the blush developing on Zack's face and read his thoughts instantly.

"It seems Zack was thinking on the same lines as Miley." Lily said, much to his embarrassment.

"By the way, you'd make a much better boyfriend to Miley than all the guys she's dated so far." Oliver said, before he and Lily were shoved aside by Miley, causing Zack to stifle a grin.

"Wow, you look great." Zack said as his eyes settled on Miley Stewart and how she looked.

She was wearing pajamas, but she looked like she was going to a party. Her pale skin glowed ethereally, her brown hair was immaculately brushed, and her wide smile showed off her pearly white teeth. Zack thought she looked stunningly beautiful.

"Thanks, you look great too." Miley said as he blushed as she looked at Zack and his attire.

He, too, was wearing pajamas, but his skin shimmered due to the moisturizing that was a ritual. His tousled golden-brown hair easily gave Robby Ray Stewart a run for his money, and Zack's blue-green eyes and mischievous grin drew Miley in. Miley thought he looked gorgeous.

UGH, WHY DO I FEEL THIS WAY? Miley silently thought as Zack asked himself the same question and reminded himself that he was in love with Alex Russo, and not with Miley Stewart.