A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 11: A Day of Surprises, Presents and Love

July 22, 2008 

New York City, New York, United States of America

Alex Russo took a break from the dance floor, tired of dancing. Her 15th birthday had gone off well so far, considering all the magical shenanigans that had nearly caused a disastrous expose of the magical world and the derailment of the party. The whole party had been difficult to organize, as her family and the Waverly Substation had nearly gone bankrupt, thanks in no small part to the ongoing "Great Recession". They had avoided bankruptcy at the last moment due to her brother Justin's ruthless cost-cutting and penny-pinching measures.

Alex had initially been angry at her father for his questionable financial management of the Waverly Substation, causing the whole problem. She remembered the tantrum that she had thrown at that time and the unusual harsh reprimand that she had received from her parents. Theresa, in particular had reminded Alex that she had never had a Quinceanera, and that Alex should be grateful that she would be having a Quinceanera.

Alex had also thrown a tantrum because she had not wanted a Quinceanera, now, though, she was looking forward to the celebration and the more presents she was undoubtedly going to receive, but she had dreaded the intricate traditions that inevitably followed the innately ostentatious occasion. Alex wasn't sure whether to be happy or to be sad.

She went to the balcony and looked out at the New York skyline. She found herself thinking of Zack Martin all the while. Now there was someone she wanted at the party. She smiled wistfully, remembering his month-long return to Waverly Place for summer vacation, and the memories they had made. She was sad he couldn't stay longer.

She remembered that when she had been scolded for the Quinceanera tantrum that she had thrown, she had tried to run away from her home: she had even packed up and landed in the Martin family suite at the Tipton Hotel in Boston, having stunned Carey, Cody and Zack with her sudden appearance and stunning request.

Carey and Cody had tried to pacify and calm Alex down, but it had been of no use: she remained as stubborn as ever. Cody and Carey had given up and left the room to call and inform Theresa and Jerry of the situation that had arisen.

Zack had then taken over. He had patiently listened to her lengthy rant, and had agreed with her to an extent, but he also told her that her parents were correct: she should appreciate everything that she had, no matter how small. He teasingly called her a drama queen for her extensive protests but said that he loved her dramatics all the same.

Alex reflected that had it not been for Zack, she wouldn't have even had a Quinceanera after the chaos she stirred up; Zack had convinced her to do the right thing: return home and apologize to her parents. He had also convinced them not to cancel the Quinceanera after Alex promised to help in the planning of the event. She chuckled and thought, Zack Martin is amazing.

At that moment, she felt a sudden presence behind her. She tensed, but then inhaled the scent of a familiar cologne. A wide smile spread across her face: here he was, as if he could read her mind. She turned around and grinned mischievously at him, ready to make a snarky comment, but the words died on her lips when she saw what he was wearing and how he looked.

Alex saw Zack was wearing his tuxedo: it was the first formal wear that his parents had ever bought for him. He looked unbelievably handsome, with his light brown hair tousled, his blue-green eyes glinting with mischief and happiness. Alex felt her knees weaken along with a strong urge to pull Zack by the hand, take him to her room and kiss him (among other things she wanted to do) till the sun came up. 

"Wow. You look amazing, Zack." Alex nervously stammered, unable to take her eyes off him.

"Thanks, Alex." Zack said. Blushing, he uncharacteristically hesitatingly stuttered out, "You look magnificent."