A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 18: Don't think or post, just dance and toast

March 19, 2011

The S.S. Tipton, Atlantic Ocean

Zack Martin, tired but happy, pulled himself away from the dance floor to take a break. He grabbed some punch from the refreshment table and sat down, watching his friends dancing and talking to each other. It had been surprisingly easy to convince Mr. Moseby to organize a second prom after the first "secret" one, especially considering Mr. Moseby was of the view that he and Zack were even after he had sent Zack into the atmosphere in retaliation for a similar prank that the Class of 2011 had played on him which caused him to cancel the Prom.

Zack reflected on his years on the S.S Tipton: everything seemed to be great. Well, almost everything. There was still the matter of one hot Hispanic-Italian girl and her increasing distance from him that had caused Zack's feelings to get completely confused again.

Alex had told Zack that she had broken up with Dean on the twins' 16th birthday. However, after that, she gradually fell out of contact with Zack and Cody: they still talked, but only on special occasions like birthdays, festivals, anniversaries etc. Alex had fallen in love with Mason Greyback and had been involved in a chaotic relationship with him, as Zack had found out from Max Russo.

Zack had dated several girls since and had fallen in love with Maya Bennett and was now in a steady, committed relationship with her, while Alex and Mason remained locked in an on-off dynamic everyone found increasingly toxic. Max and Justin had made it clear to Zack that they had concerns about Alex and Mason's relationship, as did Theresa and Jerry, while Grandma Magdalena was openly opposed to it, saying that she would disown Alex if she and Mason married. They were in agreement that Zack would have been a better boyfriend for Alex.

Zack was broken out of this reverie by the sight of a familiar tall and blonde girl walk in. Zack was dumbfounded that Maddie had come all the way just to be here and went to greet his friend.

"Madeline Margaret Miranda Catherine Genevieve Fitzpatrick!" Zack exclaimed. "It's so great to see you again." he said, beaming mischievously at her. "May I say you look spectacular tonight."

"Zachary Martin!" she responded playfully. "It's great to see you again too. "You've grown up a lot and you look very handsome." she said, smiling. "Don't let that go to your head, Zackie."

The two hugged, exchanging kisses on the cheek, before drawing away and gazing at each other. Maddie was wearing a deep blue off-the-shoulders sleeveless dress and no makeup. Her long blonde hair flowed over her shoulders onto her upper chest, her brown eyes twinkling mischievously. Zack thought she looked gorgeous, but he always thought she did.

Madeline looked up at the boy, rather, the young man, whom she used to babysit. He had grown up a lot: he was now several inches taller, well-muscled, his once blonde hair slowly turning light brown. Zack was wearing a black suit, a blue tie and an expensive silver Vacheron-Constantin timepiece. Maddie realized that she was attracted to him, after he crushed on her all these years.

"Maddie, I can't believe you're here. What made you come all this way?" Zack asked her, curious.

"I promised you I would dance with you at your Prom if you danced with me at my Prom all those years." Maddie reminded. "You kept your promise, and I'm here to keep mine." she said.

Zack smiled. "After all these years?" he asked. Maddie smiled back. " Always." she responded.

Zack chivalrously offered his hand. "Would you like to dance, dear lady Madeline Fitzpatrick?"

Maddie gazed lovingly at him. "I thought you'd never ask." she said, accepting his hand.

Maddie remained as slim as ever, Zack thought as he realized could feel her bones through the dress as he put his hands on her back.  The hesitation waltz was their first dance of the night.