A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 20: Life's twists and turns are a good way to learn

New York City, New York, United States

May 6, 2011

Time seemed to stop. Zack Martin heard a faint whistling noise that rapidly escalated into a loud blaring noise. He lost his balance, and his knees buckled, and he grabbed the edge of the table to avoid falling. His vision tunneled and blurred, and the noises around him became muffled. His heart began pounding loudly as if it was about to burst out of his chest, he struggled to breath, felt dizzy and his muscles tensed and trembled. He felt like he would collapse and die just then.

Then, suddenly, everything cleared up. Zack's muscles relaxed and stopped trembling; he was able to balance himself, his breathing became heavy but regular, his vision cleared, his heart rate stabilized and the whistling sound in his ears dissipated altogether. However, the sounds around him hit him hard: customers chattering, the hustle and bustle of rush-hour New York City, his heavy breathing, the clattering of plates and the frying of the burgers in the restaurant kitchen.

"Zack?" Maya said, staring at him with a look of concern and worry on her face, tears in her eyes.

Zack tried to smile reassuringly at her, but the pain he was feeling diluted the smile, making it come across as more of a grimace. The weight of her words then sunk in, hitting him hard: she was pregnant with his child. Zack Martin, the irresponsible hedonist, was going to be a father.

He looked at her closely, fear in his eyes. "When did you find out you were pregnant?" he asked.

Maya looked at him tearfully. "I felt ill after I returned home following the graduation ceremony, and I was showing all the symptoms of pregnancy. I took a test, which just came back positive."

Zack was stunned. "But we were so careful! We used protection when we did it, every time!" he exclaimed, briefly forgetting that the Russos, particularly Alex Russo, were standing behind him.

Maya frowned at Zack. "Not every time, Zack. We didn't the last time." she told him somberly.

Zack's knees gave way, and he fell into the chair. "I can't believe it. We're going to be parents."

Maya nodded, numb at first, before her eyes widened in shock and realization. "Oh, no! What are our parents going to say about this? More importantly, what will we do now?" she questioned.

Zack tried thinking of an answer but couldn't. "I don't know." he weakly told Maya, who began to cry, the dam of long restrained tears breaking loose at the realization of her uncertain future, where nothing was set in stone, where her wildest dreams and deepest fears were both possible.

Seeing a girl he once loved cry shook Zack. He stood up and hugged Maya, cradling her gently. "Don't worry, Maya. Whatever happens, I'll be there for both you and the baby. Everything is going to be okay. I promise." he said. Maya gave him a watery smile, tears still flowing freely.

Zack turned back to see the Russo brothers, Harper and Cody staring at the scene in disbelief. "Where's Alex?" Zack asked them, his calm voice concealing his inner turmoil from everyone.

"She ran inside after you hugged Maya." Max stuttered out, barely able to speak in his shock.

"Zack, what will you do now?" Cody asked his brother hesitantly, in complete astonishment.

"I'll do what I'm supposed to, Cody." Zack spoke solemnly. "I hope I can rely on your support."

Cody nodded numbly. He turned to the Russos. "Please take care of Alex. I'll just walk Maya back to her house." Zack requested Justin, who nodded briefly and went into the house, followed closely by Max, Harper and Cody. Zack turned once again to Maya Benett, who smiled at him in gratitude and took his extended arm. The two then walked out into the pleasant New York air.