A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 12: Separation is not the end of love, but a creator of new love

August 4, 2008

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

"Are they here yet?" Zack asked his mother anxiously, as he paced up and down, clearly nervous.

"Zack, they'll get here as soon as they can. Now come on, we have to get to the ballroom for the celebration. It's will reflect badly on you if you are late to your own birthday party." Carey said.

"Mom's right, Zack. We only have one 15th birthday party. They'll definitely be here." Cody said.

"Alright, don't bite my head off." Zack huffed, scowling. "I get it. I'm always late." His scowl then rapidly changed into a wide smile. Cody and Carey were surprised at this rapid change of mood.

"You're right, Mom. You too, Cody, let's go for our 15th birthday party." he said, earning himself bright smiles from both his mother, Carey and his younger-by-10-minutes twin brother Cody. 

They stepped into the lift, all of them nervous but excited for the celebrations. Zack had found out, after nearly charming the pants off London and Maddie, that all of their friends had planned them a surprise party, which would be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Tipton Hotel. They had all been preparing for the event quietly but conscientiously. Everyone was ready for this event.

All three of them were dressed to the nines: Carey was wearing her best dress, which had been an anniversary gift from Kurt when they were still dating, while Zack and Cody were wearing their tuxedos, which were 13th birthday gifts from their parents. They all cut striking figures.

As they stepped off the lift, they noticed that the hotel was unusually quiet and lacking usual hustle and bustle. The three of them exchanged knowing smiles and walked to the ballroom.

As they entered the ballroom, there was an explosion of noise. Balloons fell from the ceiling; confetti flew into the air from all directions and cheers of happy birthday rose from all sides. Carey, Zack and Cody all reveled in the moment, smiling widely, but showing surprise at all.

The twins, for the next few minutes, were beset from all sides by well-wishers. Their friends and family all came forward and exchanges hugs and kisses; the twins remembered hugging their dad, Tapeworm, Bob, Esteban and kissing Maxine, Maddie, London, Jessica, Janice and Barbara on the cheeks. However, Zack and Cody remained on the lookout for the Russos.

After the noise died down, Esteban asked the twins, "Who told you about the surprise?"

Before the twins could respond, London Tipton and Maddie Fitzpatrick both stepped forward, guilty looks on their faces. "We did, Mr. Esteban. We're so sorry, we couldn't help it." they said.

"What made you spill such a big secret after all my warnings?" Mr. Moseby asked animatedly.

"I did." Zack piped up. "I was able to charm them into telling me about the surprise party."

Maxine snorted derisively. "That's not the only thing he was able to charm them into nearly doing." she commented jealously. Zack blushed at the comment, while everyone else laughed.

Esteban Ramirez looked at Zack. "One day, your crazily effective charm and startlingly weak willpower are definitely going to get you into deep trouble with women, Zachary." he predicted.

At that point, a familiar voice spoke up. "What do you mean, one day, Mr. Moseby? Zachary Martin gets into trouble with women on a daily basis." Everyone turned to see the Russos and Harper Finkle, standing there while struggling to hold up a gargantuan mountain of gifts.

Zack and Cody, along with everyone else, couldn't take their eyes off Alexandra Russo. She looked absolutely gorgeous, in an off-the-shoulder red dress. She wore very little makeup, with only those who knew her well realizing this fact. Her chocolate brown hair fell loosely over her shoulders and her warm coffee-colored eyes twinkled with both mischief and happiness.