A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 16: A day frosted with love and sprinkled with fun

July 22, 2009

The S.S Tipton, the Pacific Ocean

Alex Russo hadn't expected to be spending her 16th birthday on a cruise liner in the middle of the ocean, but she enjoyed the fact that she would have near unrestricted freedom. Even Justin had agreed to loosen up and not tell their parents about the misadventures on the Tipton, after considerable threatening of getting jinxed from both Alex and Zack. This was also Alex's last day on the ship, with her brothers having befriended London Tipton, who had uncharacteristically generously agreed to give the Russo family a helicopter ride back to New York City, New York.

Alex carefully chose what she would wear for her birthday: this was a very important decision. She settled on a purple top, black and white chequered skirt, silver coat, black socks with yellow, red and blue stripes on them, topped off with combat boots. She also wore a few necklaces that her parents and Zack had gifted her over the years, for sentimentality.

Alex looked at herself in the mirror and frowned. She wasn't frowning at herself, but at Zack. Why hadn't he apparated in yet? She hated the thought of being separated from him again. She knew that Justin and Max had woken up and were probably roaming around the Sky Deck.

Suddenly, Zack apparated in, wearing a shirt with the colors yellow, green, black, white and gray along with dark grey trousers and light brown formal shoes. His cologne was a welcome, pleasing scent for Alex, and she could tell Zack had put effort into looking his best: his hair had been trimmed and combed while he had moisturized, because of Cody's advice.

But Alex then saw the tray in his hand: he had brought her breakfast. Or had he made it? She watched him put the tray down on the small table in the cabin before he looked at her.

"Happy Sweet Sixteenth, Birthday Queen!" Zack energetically greeted her, smiling widely.

"Thanks, Zack." Alex said, smiling back at him. "The food smells great; did you make it?" 

"Yes, I did." said Zack looking pleased with himself. "I've been taking cooking lessons from Chef Paolo, Chef Gigi and Cody. They all said it tasted brilliant." Zack told her proudly.

Alex smiled flirtatiously at him. "I'll be the judge of that, mi amor." she told him coquettishly.

Alex took a bite of the spaghetti, and then the pasta. Zack stared at her, his heart pounding heavily not because of nerves (he knew the food would be good) but because of what Alex had said. She'd called him mi amor: did that mean he was the love of her life? Zack knew Alex was the love of his life, so why was he so nervous? Probably because Alex was also his best friend, and he didn't want to ever screw up their friendship or lose her. He wanted her in his life, always.

"The food's great, Zack. I love it." Alex said, smiling gratefully. She ate the meal quickly, not having realized how hungry she had been until then. Zack just smiled and sat down next to her and put his hand around her shoulder. Alex leaned back and sighed, content and happy.

After she finished eating, Alex and Zack stood up. Zack magically cleared the plates. Alex then playfully ruffled Zack's hair into its familiar messy state. He frowned at her; she smiled back.

"Thank you for the wonderful breakfast." Alex said smilingly. "I know, when they're born, our kids will love it too." she told him coquettishly, smiling mischievously at Zack, eyes twinkling.

Zack's heart skipped a beat. OUR KIDS? he screamed internally in excitement. Alex was as deeply in love with him, as he was with her, Zack realized. He then remembered: she was leaving for New York tonight. Zack decided he would tell her, but not now: the long game would hold.