Chapter 25

"Blazing New Paths"

I don't own these characters, but it would be nice if I did.

Wait...In this story, I created some of the characters, so I will actually own them.

Anyways, I do promise to keep them true to themselves.

And as to the ones I create, who they are is up to me, so...

The Sports Bar/Restaurant near Harvard Yard

Realizing that she had just been stone cold busted, Amy quickly slammed the top of her laptop closed. Once she had done that, she quickly looked up at her roommate trying to figure out the best way to to spin the fact that she had just been caught surfing a website she had previously called lame and moronic. Although a few thoughts and ideas entered her mind, she dejectedly came to the conclusion that they were all too too stupid or far fetched for Beth to actually buy. Not that anything Amy would have said would have mattered anyways as Beth had a big smile spreading out on her face indicating that her discovery was too good to let slip away. As she took her chair and gave her friend a knowing look, Amy steeled herself for the worst. And after a few moments of letting her suffer from the silence, Beth finally began her inquisition.

"Well, well, well..what do we have here? Amy, unless my eyes deceived me – and since I have 20/15 vision after my laser surgery, I don't believe they did – you were on that E-Harvard site again. That was the same site that you once told me only losers and the dregs of society would actually use. Now, either you have lost a lot of self confidence as of late or..."

Amy wasn't about to let her finish that thought. "Look, its not what you think. I promise you I can explain everything!"

Beth began chuckling and teasing her. "Oh, I bet you can, and I'm really, really looking forward to hearing this. I mean, as your roommate and friend, it is my responsibility to make sure you don't do anything stupid or self destructive. I'm hear to listen for this obvious cry out for help. And that's what this is, right? I distinctly remember you telling me that that website gave you the creeps. If that was true..."

"It does! I was just..." Amy sighed in defeat. "Fine, but its not as bad as you are making it out to be. Look, I was working on my my final project for my computer science class about a month ago when I hit the proverbial wall. I really needed something to distract me from it hoping that focusing my mind elsewhere would help. So I checked my bookmarks to see if there was anything there that would be a good diversion. And E-Harvard was one of my bookmarks since I had used it so much for my freshman seminar project that I told you all about. Well, maybe I had been studying too much and was feeling slappy happy or insane or whatever, but for a few laughs, I created a profile of the real me to see what kind of weirdos I would actually attract."

"And did you?"

"Yeah, I was right on..." She paused. "...for the most part."

Beth gave her a look. "For the most part? What does that mean?"

She sighed again. "A couple of days after I posted it, I got this message from a guy who was basically making fun of the whole on-line thing. Well, that one actually caught my attention since I had been saying some of the same things he was myself. One thing lead to another, and we got to sending messages back and forth. During the stress of studying, exams and projects, I found it to be a good source of mindless fun and a opportunity to just be stupid."

"Uh huh..." She tapped her chin as if she was thinking. "Now, where have I heard this scenario before. Oh yeah...I remember now! Amy, I hate to break it to you, but you're not Meg Ryan, that's not Tom Hanks on the other end, and I'm pretty sure whoever this dude's family is doesn't own a multi-million dollar book chain." She paused and laughed again. "Then again, this is Harvard, so maybe they do..."

Amy rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I know that! I'm well aware that this isn't the movie You've Got Mail. I know stuff like that to that degree doesn't happen in real life. I'm not a complete idiot."

"The jury is still out on that one. Anyways, you say that was a month ago, right? So all that stressful stuff is over now and you're still talking to him?"

Amy hung her head in shame. "Yeah, I guess I am. We were making fun of finals and how professors like to test of the most obscure of details. He said he was going to send me a message today proving that point, and I was just checking to see if he had sent me said message when you busted me."

Beth smiled. "Is school all you two talk about?"

She shook her head. "Well, we may have branched out to other subjects..."

"Like what?"

"A little bit of everything. We both muse over what we find to be ridiculous about anything like books, movies or politics."

Beth kept smiling. "Oh really? He must be well versed then, and to legally be on that site, he has to be a student at Harvard too. Is he a rising sophomore like us?"

Amy paused to think before shrugging her shoulders. "I actually don't know. We've pretty much kept our personal lives out of our talks. I think we're both enjoying the anonymity of it all."

She laughed. "Well, you should probably at least find out what his name is before you meet him..."

She shook her head vigorously. "Nope! Will never happen! I didn't do this to meet anyone, and I don't plan on starting now!"

"Good. I don't want you to get catfished." Beth laughed again. "Besides, I'm way too busy to appear on a cheesy MTV reality show anyways. And I know I'd end up being the friend they bring in to have you bounce things off of or cry on my shoulder or..."

"I promise, I'll never meet this guy! I wasn't planning on even doing what I'm doing now, but I don't seem the harm in it. Besides, I don't get the impression he is anxious to meet me either. Right now, we both have an anonymous figure out in cyberspace we can rant and rave to. We can get things off our chests to each other that we can't with anyone else. I see nothing wrong with that."

She frowned. "You been badmouthing me?"

Amy laughed. "Constantly!"

"I guess that's fair. I do the same to you to Aaron. Just take it from me though, its actually a lot more fun having someone there physically you can talk to and complain to about things."

Amy smiled. "But Beth, if I need someone for that, that's what I have you for..."

Beth rolled her eyes. "Should have seen that one coming. Anyways, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but there are other things you can only do with another person there with you." She laughed. "You're my girl and all, but you're not my type when it comes to other things."

She acted offended but kept smiling. "I won't say I'm not hurt, but I think I'll get over it."

"You better. So, do you even know this guy's name?"

"Of course..." She paused. "I think I do anyways."

"Oh, this should be good..."

Amy gave her a look. "Well, his screen name is Adam's McRib. So, I think its safe to say his name is Adam."

"I would say the odds are probably good for that, but I'd me more concerned that he named himself after a nasty sandwich from McDonald's made from who knows what. I know its supposed to be some kind of a pun, but still..."

"Yeah, I called him out on that too. He said it was his form of protest against the restaurant which I found myself in total agreement with. He actually said it was an indictment against the people of the world that they've served over ninety-nine billion people without them realizing just how bad the food really was or questioning what was actually in the food." She paused again. "Well, he did say except for the French fries. His theory is that they lace them with crack..."

Beth laughed again. "Well, he may have a point there." She paused. "Does he know your name?"

Amy shook her head. "Nope. He calls me by the screen name I used."

"And that would be what?"

She paused and looked away in embarrassment. "Perfect 10..."

Beth began laughing again. "Oh wow! Me thinks someone at this table has an awfully high opinion of herself. No wonder you drew all the weirdos in like moths to a flame! You were asking for it with that name!"

"I don't mean it the way it sounds. It was just a nickname that my Dad used to have for me when I was a little girl."

She gave her another look. "Your Dad gave it to you? Kind of sweet and creepy at the same time."

Amy returned that look with a smirk. "Nothing like that! Get your mind out of the gutter! When I was younger, I asked him why I didn't have any brothers or sisters younger than I was. And Daddy told me that when he and Momma had me, they'd hit the jackpot. Any more after me could never have lived up to standard I had set. So, since they told me I was the ultimate child and the tenth child in the family, he would call me his Perfect 10."

Beth shook her head and laughed again. "You do realize he was just blowing smoke up your..."

She cut her off. "Yes, I know! But I still loved that nickname, so I decided to use it again."

"If you say so. I won't say I won't give you too much hell about this, but you know I will have to from time to time."

"I know hence why I was trying to keep it a secret. After the interrogation you just gave me, I'll do much better in the future to hide it from everyone else."

"I sure hope so." She paused. "All kidding aside, I don't want to see you get hurt. We dodged a major bullet thanks to C.J. with those two jerks this past winter. I got lucky in that the next frog I found seems to be turning into a prince. I just want you to find one of your own too."

Amy smiled. "I truly appreciate that, but this is really nothing. I can 100% guarantee you that absolutely nothing will ever come from this. Adam or whatever his name is will probably be a distant memory by the time next semester starts."

Cody and Bailey's Place

Fortunately for Bailey, Harvard Student Health had numerous locations all across campus, and once such branch was situated in the Longwood Medical Area. That made it extremely convenient for those in the medical and dental schools as that alleviated the need to head over to the main part of campus several miles away. And even more fortunate for Bailey, with her appointment scheduled for a late Friday afternoon, she was able to get in and get out fairly quickly. So, when she found herself walking back into the front door of their home, it had only been about forty-five minutes since she had kissed Cody goodbye.

Of course, looking around their townhome upon her arrival, she was a little surprised to find that Cody wasn't already there himself. Bailey checked with both Albie and Allie, but neither one of them had seen or heard anything from him since that morning. Immediately, she figured he was just late in getting their movie tickets for that evening. But when another forty-five minutes elapsed, she began to get a little worried. Bailey was about to call him on his cell phone to see where he was when she heard the front door open again. When Cody walked into their living room, she sighed in relief that it was actually him.

"Are you just now getting home? Was there a long line at the theater?"

He winced. "The movie tickets...I'm sorry, Bails. That completely slipped my mind."

She gave him a funny look. "It did? But you were packing up to head over there when I left to head to my appointment?"

"Well, that was my plan at the time. And I'm pretty sure I would have picked them up if Professor Hyden hadn't saw me in the hallway and asked me to come to his office to talk to me about something."

"He did? What about? Is everything okay?"

Cody paused before nodding. "Yeah, I think so, but I'm not sure what you will think about it though..."

That really confused Bailey. "Huh? You're not sure I'll like what he had to say? What are you talking about, Sweetie?"

"Lets go sit down on the couch and I'll tell you everything. I'll save you the unpleasant stomach burning I got when he offered me a shot of bourbon..."

She nodded even more confused, but they headed for the couch anyways. And once they were both seated, Cody took her hand in his and gave her the play-by-play of the entire conversation he had had with their teacher about a hour previous. And as he told her everything that the good professor had said, Bailey's mouth fell open in surprise.

"Are you serious?"

Cody could only nod. "Yeah, that is exactly what he said. Now, tell me - what do you think?"

Bailey paused before pulling him in for a hug. "I think that is an amazing opportunity you've just been given! What did Professor Hyden say when you naturally accepted the offer?"

He smiled and laughed. "I haven't accepted anything yet. I told him I would have to talk this over with my wife first and see what she thought. If you weren't on board, it would be a no go."

She pulled back and smiled back at him. "Well, I truly appreciate that, but you should have told him that you were in. This is something you can't pass up, Cody!"

"Again, I told him I wasn't going to do anything without talking it over with you first. I mean, it does sound like something I'd love to do, but its not more important to me than the plans we've already made."

Bailey smiled again. "Again, thank you for that, but I think this is something you should definitely go for! I'm just kind of surprised that neither one of us thought of this before. Sweetie, you're a natural researcher. I think you would kick butt at that!"

"You really think so?"

"I know so. I mean, who else would have gotten so touched when I bought them a slide of a two-headed paramecium back in high school?"

Cody laughed. "That's true. I do still pull out Teviot and Scott every so often just to see how they're doing. Plus, I remember completely facinated a few years back when they engineered the AIDS virus to not only not be harmful to the human body but actually use it as an assassin for cancer cells. It would be pretty cool to be able to be on the front line of thinking of stuff like that."

"See? That's even more proof that you should do this. You've been waiting to find your specialty, and I think you've finally found it."

"Maybe, but it would also change some things for us. Foremost, it would mean us sticking around Boston for a few more years while I finish the PhD."

Bailey smiled again. "Honey, I'm pretty sure that was going to happen anyways. Boston is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, and this is where we'd want to do our residences. And Sweetie, I know you've said you'd go to the ends of the earth for me, but Boston is our home now. I mean, a lot of our friends are either here or only a few hours away. I can't imagine us living anywhere else right now."

"I guess that's true."

"Trust me, it is, and if Professor Hyden was right about the fellowships, we should have more than enough to live on for the few years you're at MIT and while I'm a resident. I mean, its not like we have that many expenses anyways. Your tuition will be covered as well as our medical insurance plus we don't have a mortgage to worry about. We'll be fine financially if this is what you really want to do."

He paused. "You know, the more I think about it, I think I would love to do this."

"Then its unanimous then. Cody, I just want you to do whatever will make you happy. If this is it, so be it." She teased him. "Though, I still think it would have been nice for us to have our own clinic where you delivered the babies and then I treated them afterwards."

Cody couldn't help but to laugh. "Sweetheart, I love you more than anything, but that was never going to happen."

"I know. But I can see a perk that I'm going to get out of this new plan."

"Yeah? What's that?"

Bailey laughed. "Think about it! I'll be able to brag that my husband has two bachelor degrees from Yale, a medical doctorate from Harvard and a PhD from MIT! How many people do you know that will have that kind of educational background?"

Cody shook his head and laughed again. "True, but I've learned I'll still be only the second smartest person in my family. And when we are ready to have kids, I may find myself sliding down the pecking order even further."

"We both will, Honey. We'll get used to that together."

"You know, it will be kind of weird though."

"What's that?"

"Well, this summer, I'll be taking my first class in five years that you won't be in there with me. What am I going to do without my favorite study partner?"

She smiled and kissed him. "She'll be here to quiz you and help you study. I'm sure I can find ways to keep you properly motivated if it becomes necessary..."

"I bet you will."

Bailey scooted closer to him. "About that class though, it will have to change some of our plans though."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you first week of classes is the week before Sophie's wedding back home. We were planning on taking that Thursday and Friday off and flying back to Kettlecorn that Thursday morning. We'll have to change that since you'll have class on Friday morning."

He smiled. "No we won't. You go ahead and fly out on Thursday, and I'll catch the first flight out I can as soon as my class gets out the next day. I know you'll want to be there for her bachelorette party/shower, and I promise I'll be there in time for the rehearsal dinner Friday night."

"I guess that would work." She laid her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Of course it will. But lets not count our chickens before their hatched. I could totally blow the brunch we're having with Professor Garrison on Sunday. If I do, we won't have to worry about any of this."

"Oh please! If our medical school admissions process proved anything, its that you know how to handle yourself under pressure. Besides, I'll be there with you to help you out and talk you up to this Professor Garrison. By the time brunch is over, he'll be begging you to join his program."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. And when it does, it would be a good idea for us to head over to the Tipton Clinic in person on Monday afternoon to let them know about this and see what they have to say about you transferring to the research division."

He looked down at her. "You'll go with me?"

"Of course I will. Remember, we're a team. We're doing this together."

Cody kissed her cheek. "Have I mentioned lately that I have the best wife in the whole world?"

She smiled. "Yeah, you have, and don't you ever forget it!" She paused. "You know, I actually envy you in some regards. This time next year, we'll be in full prep mode for part one of the USMLE. While the rest of us bust our humps trying to get as good a score as possible so we can get the best residencies, you'll be able to take it easy because your score won't really matter."

He laughed. "Oh please! You know me, Bails. Not a chance I slack off any on that. You know as well as I do that I'll try to do as best as I can. Its not in me to slack off."

Bailey looked up at him. "I know that, but in the back of your mind, that nugget of information will keep you from getting as freaked out as everyone else will when it gets to be crunch time. Its only human nature. I know I will."

"Well, I'll just be here to help you from getting so freaked out then. Just tell me how, and I'll do it."

She paused to think for a minute before an idea came to her. "You serious about that?"

"Of course I am."

Bailey grinned. "You remember that proposed bet we talked about about a month and a half ago? The one you said you really weren't scared of the terms per se but would prefer to have it on something you had a final say in the outcome?"

Cody paused to think. "Uh huh...If you're talking about what I think you're talking about."

"I am! Looks like we've found the terms of our bet then! The one of us that gets the lower score between us has to go through with it!"

He sighed. "I did say I would, didn't I? Alright. Fine then. I'll do it. Its a bet." He paused. "But when we write it up, can we change the wording to the person who doesn't get the higher score between the two of us? That just sounds less harsh."

"Whatever you say!" She extended her hand. "And you my dear have a deal!"

Zack and Maya's Suite

After the afternoon she had had, Maya was almost exhausted by the time she finally got home that evening. Despite that though, she was feeling very good as if large weight had finally been removed from her shoulders. While a small part of her was a little sad that a long friendship was over, she was hopeful that she had seen the last of Will for a long time if not forever. And not having to deal with him anymore added a spring to her step. But, she was only human, and having to deal with that earlier confrontation as well as a long day of work had left her completely wiped out. As such, she couldn't wait to get back to the suite and crash or maybe take a nice long hot bubble bath. But once she opened the door, she quickly discovered how popular of an idea that turned out to be. Sprawled out on the couch with the television blaring in front of him, she observed that Zack seemed to be on the precipice of falling asleep himself. Maya just shook her head, walked over to him and gave him a quick peck on the forehead..

"Was your last final really that rough?"

Zack looked up at her and smiled. "You can say that again. I walked out of it feeling violated. But, Amanda and I went for a celebratory drink afterwards, and I think that helped sooth the pain a little. But I was so tired, I headed home immediately after I finished my first and only drink."

"Well, you're not the only one who's had a long day, so scoot over and make some room for me."

So, he complied. And after Maya kicked offer shoes, she climbed onto the couch next to him. And that seemed to hit the spot as she sighed in contentment. "Much better now..."

"You can say that again. Actually, I said the same thing when I first sat down. Though, don't be surprised if I fall asleep on you shortly. I was well on my way when you came in."

"I won't take any offense if you don't if I do the same."

"Deal..." Zack yawned. "So, anything out of the ordinary happen to you today?"

She paused before laughing. "Oh, I guess you could say that. Will stopped by to see me this afternoon..."

That caught Zack's attention, he sat up and his eyes immediately flew open. "He did? What happened? Do I need to go have a talk with him? Do I need to kick his butt?"

Maya kept laughing. "I don't think so. In fact, I seriously doubt I'll ever see him again!"

He looked at her in confusion. "Huh? How can you be so sure? I mean, didn't you think that same thing before today?"

She smiled and began telling him everything that had happened. "Since I doubt he wants me to completely ruin his future, that's why I feel so confident this time."

Zack nodded. "Yeah, I would say so." He paused. "How come we didn't think of that earlier? You would have thought we would have..."

Maya shook her head and began laughing again. "I asked myself the exact same question. But the positive thing to remember is that I'm almost confident that he'll be out of our lives from now on."

"That's good..." He began laughing too. "Though, I guess I'll have to give up on a rematch out on the river..."

She gave him a look. "You miraculously stayed dry the last time. No need to tempt fate, Babe."

"What are you talking about? I was just getting into a groove out there! If need be, I think I can fill in if an emergency occurs down in Rio!"

"Uh huh...whatever you say. Lets change the subject though. How does it feel to have a full year of Harvard under your belt now?"

Zack paused before shrugging. "Pretty good actually. I survived a year without flunking out, so I guess I can hack it there after all."

Maya smirked at him. "Hmmm. If I recall, I told you that exact same thing last year! Mark another one down for me!"

"Yeah, yeah. You were right, okay? Satisfied?"

"I guess I satisfied. But, the next time I tell you something, you better listen to me and not forget this!"

He shook his head and laughed. "Yes, Dear. Though, it turns out I wasn't the only one who finished up their first year at Harvard today. We ran into Amy and her roommate while we were getting a drink, and they had just finished their last finals of their freshmen years."

"Good for them. Though, to be honest, I'm glad I only have three semesters left instead of three years."

Zack shuddered. "You and me both, Babe...you and me both. Though, I don't envy the Codester either. He has to help them move out of their dorm room tomorrow. Sucks to be him. Kind of surprised yet glad he hasn't called asking for our help yet."

Maya nodded. "Bailey mentioned it to me, but she already knew we couldn't help out anyways. We already have plans tomorrow afternoon we can't get out of even if we wanted to."

Zack gave her a look of surprise. "We do? I thought this weekend was going to be spent doing nothing in preparation for going back to work on Monday..."

She smiled. "Not entirely. Your Mom and Arwin's wedding is only about a month away now, so we're helping them do some of their last minute tasks. Plus, I have to have my fitting for my bridesmaid dress and you have to get fitted for your tuxedo."

He groaned. "Can't they just use my measurements from Cody and Bailey's wedding last summer?"

Maya poked him in the gut and teased him. "Afraid not, Zack! You may not be freshman anymore, but you have put on a few pounds in the past year..."

"Hey! Its all muscle!" He sighed before something dawned on him. "Wait a minute! How are Cody and Bailey getting out of helping with these tasks and getting measured?"

"I'm guessing its because they're helping Amy move out. Besides, your Mom said they both went for their fittings last weekend anyways."

"Why didn't they tell me and I would have done mine then too? I would gladly have done it then!"

Maya laughed. "Because no one wanted to take you away from studying for your finals. We thought that was more important for you to do."

Zack began to pout. "This sucks!"

"It won't take that long. And then we'll have all evening to do as much or as little as we want. Plus, we'll have all day Sunday free to do nothing."

"I guess..." He paused. "Remind me not to put off everything to the last minute when it comes for us to do all of this stuff when its our turn."

She teased him again. "Our turn? For that to happen, you'll have to propose to me first. Until you do that..."

"Yes, I'm well aware of that. In fact, I've been giving that very idea a lot of thought lately."

Now it was Maya's turn for eyes to go wide in surprise. "It has?"

Zack smiled. "Of course it has. I mean, we've talked about waiting until we're done for school, and that's only a year and a half away now. With the finish line finally in sight now, I've begun to think that its about time for me to drop down to a knee..."

She gave him a look. "Wait a minute! Did you just propose to me?"

He laughed. "Nope. Trust me, when I finally do, you'll have no doubts that's what I'm doing."

"Oh really?"

"Really. I mean, I've already got the ring, I just need to find the right time and place. And fortunately for me, I have an adviser who is helping me with planning all of that."

Maya began laughing. "Cody?"

Zack shook his head. "Nope. Amanda." He paused. "Actually, she insisted she help me out after she heard my original idea. She said she'd kill me herself if I did it."

She kept laughing. "Oh, this I have to hear!"

"Well, for some reason, she didn't think airing it on the jumbotron at a game would have been very romantic. I think after the kiss cam at the Garden, it would have been cool."

She gave him another look. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, she didn't think you'd like it."

Maya laughed again. "Remind me to thank her the next time I see her. That would have been incredibly lame. I hate those things. You feel sorry for the girl because you feel like the crowd is almost forcing her to say yes."

"Hey!"

Maya leaned in and kissed him. "Don't worry. I give you an 'A' for effort, but Amanda is completely right about this. I'd kill you if she didn't..."

Zack sighed. "Oh well, we're thinking of other ideas you'll hopefully like better."

"I'm sure I will..." She laughed again. "I mean, anything has to be better than the jumbotron. Let me guess. You would have picked a Knicks/Celtics game or a Yankees/Red Sox game. Zack, either way, one of us would have been upset at the end of the night. I want our engagement to be a happy time for everyone."

"Laugh all you want, but I do promise you this. I will one day drop down to my knee when you least expect it. And the day will be a lot sooner than you may think."

The Park near Tipton Town, a few weeks later in early June

While everyone else around Boston had been finished with school for several weeks, the crew at Harvard Medical school finally finished up their Year One Integration Exercises that Tuesday afternoon. Once the last of them turned in their final work, all of them headed out for a celebratory lunch and congratulated each other on successfully finishing their first years and being one quarter of the way done with medical school. Of course, they did tease Cody that he was only like one seventh of the way done with his grad studies, but he was in such a good mood right then that he didn't care. Besides, he brought up the fact that if they included residencies, there was a chance he would be done before anyone else. When they finally got home that afternoon, Cody was happy to head over to the complex's gym for a workout before taking a nap. But, Bailey knew she had to push herself and headed out to do a ten mile run.

Fortunately for her, She wasn't running alone though as she had somehow talked Amy into heading out with her. But after about five miles and almost as many blisters, Amy said she was done for the day and headed over to a park bench to rest. As she debated how crazy she was for letting her sister talk her into what she now considered a fool's folly, her feet let her know how upset they were with her. So, she took off her shoes and began rubbing them as gingerly as she could. And as she was doing that, she heard a familiar laugh coming from her left. Looking up, she saw C.J. and Rufus standing there, and C.J. wasn't able to hold back how humerous he found the sight in front of him.

"Should I call Dr. Scholl? Are you alright?"

Amy sighed. "I know you every right to laugh right now, but please, don't ask..."

He grinned. "Come on! You know I have to! You'd do the same thing if the roles were reversed."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "You've got me there. Alright...I somehow let my sister talk me into doing the Boston Marathon with her next year. She said not only would it help keep us in shape, but it would be fun and a good bonding experience for us."

"And is it so far?"

"Not so much when it takes everything I have to keep up with her. She has a few months head start on me, but I thought it wouldn't be a big deal. Boy, was I wrong! The plan was to go ten miles today, but halfway through, my body said it was done. So, I'm sitting here waiting on her to come back. I'd head back home, but my feet are telling me they aren't going anywhere for a little while."

C.J. laughed. "Sounds like a lot of fun..."

"Oh, trust me, its not. But, I also figure with the way I'll be eating this summer living with those two, this is something I'll really need. It would be really ironic if I got my freshman fifteen the summer after my freshman year."

"Yeah, it would be...and hilarious at the same time. I know wouldn't be able to resist the urge to give you pure and total hell."

Amy smirked at him. "Gee...thanks."

"Hey, you'd do the same for me. But look on the bright side, I admire you for agreeing to do this. My Mom would have a total meltdown if I did that. She'd be afraid there would be another bombing."

She nodded. "Yeah, my parents aren't too thrilled about it either, but Bailey told them it was a way to remember those who lost their lives or limbs a few years ago. I know it was a terrible tragedy, but I know the aftermath of it really changed how my family viewed the city of Boston. At first, they thought Cody might have been an exception to their preconceived notions about people here, but now, they realize Bostonians are good people and very tough and resilient."

He nodded too. "I would have to concur with that. They may talk funny, but they're good, hard working people."

"You can say that again." She smiled. "So, I understand your now officially done with your first year at Harvard too. Congrats."

C.J. smiled back at her. "Finally and thank you. I now have the rest of the week off before I begin my summer job next Monday. I'm really looking forward to having a couple of days off to do absolutely nothing."

"Lucky you. I started my summer class yesterday."

"Yeah, but you've been doing nothing the past few weeks." He paused and laughed. "But, I guess the old saying is true - no rest for the wicked, huh?"

"Hey!"

"I kid, I kid! How are you liking it and your job so far?"

Amy paused. "You know what? I absolutely love it. This kind of stuff fascinates me to no end. I can't get enough of it. Trying to understand the dynamics between men and women is like searching for intelligent life in the universe. Odds are you'll never see it in your life time, but you have to hope."

C.J. smiled again. "Very true. Well, it looks like its my turn to congratulate you then."

She frowned at him in confusion. "For what?"

"Well, if you've found something you're so passionate about, its like what I told you before. Sometimes, you don't pick a major, it picks you. It looks like something has finally picked you."

Amy paused to think for a moment. "You know, you're right. I do enjoy it, so why not declare it as my major?"

"Which it are you talking about? Based on what you've told me about this class, it sounds like you have two paths of study to choose – sociology or psychology."

"That's true. I don't know yet, but maybe by the end of the summer, I'll have a better idea of which way I'm leaning?"

"Maybe." He paused and smiled. "Or you could open door number three."

"And that would be?"

C.J. laughed. "Amy, you wouldn't be the first and won't be the last college student to have a double major if you wanted to pick both."

Amy laughed too. "That's true I guess. Something else for me to think about, huh?" She paused again. "That and trying to explain to my parents what I'll end up doing with a degree in either or both."

"Well, whatever you choose to do, I'm sure you'll be successful at it." He paused and laughed. "Speaking of interesting coincidences though."

"What do you mean?"

"Your field of study could be why the mind does what it does and mine is how the brain itself works."

She laughed again. "That's one way to look at it, but then again, I guess that makes you a great source of potential information for me again!"

He shook his head vigorously. "Uh uh! Oh no! I thought I was through being your guinea pig for your class projects!"

"Yeah, well, think again! Why would I give up such a valuable asset such as yourself?"

He hung his head. "Awww, man..."

"Don't worry, I don't think it'll hurt you...that much"

C.J. shook his head again. "Famous last words...One of these days, you'll hopefully find another test dummy."

Amy laughed again. "Now, what fun would that be?"

"Can't you use your sister and brother-in-law sometimes?"

She smiled. "And deprive you of all the fun? No way!"

He sighed sarcastically. "Lovely...Well, I should be getting back home. I think Rufus is ready for a nap, and if I'm honest, so am I. And knowing my days as a lab rat aren't over has suddently worn me out..."

"I am too, but I'm stuck here until my feet begin working again or Bailey gets back." Just then, Amy heard the ring tone indicating she had a new message on her phone. "Hopefully, that's her saying she on her way back right now."

"Well, have fun then...and if I might suggest - soak your feet in epson salts." And with that, C.J. headed off back towards his home..

Amy sat back on the bench and fished her cell phone out of her pocket. Checking it, she saw that she didn't have a new instant message but rather a new email. Upon opening it, she saw that it was from E-Harvard informing her that she had a new message. Opening up the app on her phone, she finally saw who it from.

"Ahhh...its from Adam. I wonder what he has to say today?"

The Roof of the Tipton Hotel, the following weekend

The following Saturday finally brought with it Carey and Arwin's wedding. And fortunately for all of those involved, it went off without a hitch. The ceremony itself was a very simple yet beautiful one, and everyone really liked the idea of having the reception up on the Tipton's rooftop. And not only did the weather fully cooperate in that it didn't rain or wasn't too warm, but the background view of the Boston skyline was spectacular. After a few hours of helping the newly married couple celebrate there new nuptials, they all watched as they made their exit on their way to their honeymoon. But the newlyweds leaving didn't signal the end of the party by a long shot as everyone hung around to keep having fun. And after a while, they realized they were going to need more supplies to keep it going.

Zack looked around. "I think we're almost out of wine up here...That's not good."

Maya looked around too. "And I think we're out of champagne too. That's not good either."

He paused to think. "If I'm not mistaken, I think London stored a couple of boxes of extras of each down in our suite. I guess someone could go down and get a couple of each..."

Max stood up. "I'm on it..." She paused and laughed. "Besides, I don't think either of you are in any condition to be walking down the stairs right now anyways."

"Ha ha. I am not that bad..." Zack paused before he uncontrollably hiccuped. "Okay, but I've been worse before."

"Oh, I totally believe that...and I look forward to seeing it again tonight with my own two eyes. I'll be right back."

Gabby stood up too. "Hey, I'll help you out there. Something tells me we're going to need more alcohol than just what one person can carry back."

Without any further protests from anyone, they both headed off towards the stairwell. And with them gone, Zack held up his glass and turned towards his brother.

"Here's to Mom being happy and finally hitched now!"

Cody held up his glass as well. "Here, here. I'll drink to that. And here's to not having to worry about taking care of her in her old age now either. She'll have Arwin for that."

"Now, I'll drink to that news myself!"

Bailey laughed. "And I'd like to toast to now having half the Martin family married off, and the other two seeming to be well on their way to joining their ranks..."

Maya shook her head and laughed too. "To quote Zack, I'll drink to that! And according to him, it might not be that long until number three bites the dust..."

That immediately caught everyone's attention as all eyes turned to her and Zack with questioning looks on their faces. Maddie was the one who finally spoke up first. "Oh really? Something we need to know about, Zack? Is there something you've done we're not aware of?"

He shrugged but smiled. "Not at this moment, but there could be some movement on that front in the near future. But there is no need to talk about that now. We're here to celebrate Mom and Arwin..."

Cody laughed. "Nice yet subtle diversion there, Bro."

"I try my best."

Maddie turned to Cody. "Well, it seems we also have something to celebrate on your front as well. Congrats on getting accepted into the Harvard/MIT joint MD/PhD program. That's an awesome accomplishment!"

He laughed. "Well, to quote my brother again, I try..."

Zack shook his head. "Oh no, don't quote me in regards to that! You're willingly adding a few more years of school to the three more you already have left in medical school. Maya and I are already talking about soon finally being done, and here you go willingly taking more on. You have to have finally flipped your lid! Even though Bailey loves school as much as you, she isn't doing that either! Tell me, why Broseph? Why?"

"Because it sounds like something I think I'd be really good at. Besides, I think all the work we had to do for our senior projects back at Yale should definitely help me out when it comes time to have to do a dissertation."

C.J. grinned. "Well, if you need any help with yours, let me know. Not to brag, but I have already done one myself..."

Amy rolled her eyes at him. "Yeah, rub it in that you've already got a PhD by the age of 18..."

Zack shook his head and laughed. "You know, for over twenty years, I never thought I'd ever see the Codester get..." He paused. "...well, out Codyed. I have to admit, its a trip to see it. Is that why you're doing this? You going for the PhD to get back your title as biggest overachiever?"

Cody shrugged. "Nah, that doesn't really matter to me at all. Rather, its just a way to fulfill a dream I've had for a long time. When I was younger, I kept talking about getting degrees from either Harvard or MIT, and this way, I'll have both..." He paused and began laughing. "Though, back then, I thought it was going to be because I was going to have to support both you and Mom in your old ages. Now, I know I don't have to do either anymore. You have Maya to support you now!"

Zack smirked at him. "Ha ha..." He paused. "But since we're talking about it, what exactly does a virologist do anyways? I have no idea what one of those is..."

"Well, the best example I can give you of one is Dr. Jonas Salk."

Zack gave him a confused look. "Who?"

And at that moment, everyone seemed to give him a bewildered look. Maya could only shake her head. "Please tell me you aren't serious?"

"Yeah, I seriously don't know who that is. I'm taking it its someone pretty major, but you have to remember I was a slacker in high school, and then in college, my major was Hospitality Management. Nowhere for that to come up in my studies."

Bailey spoke up. "Dr. Jonas Salk was a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh during the time when polio was a major epidemic terrorizing the world. He came up with the idea of using dead strains of the virus to make a vaccine thinking the body would learn how to attack it without it worrying about it infecting the body. Nobody thought it would work, and he couldn't get anyone to agree to willingly sign up for human trials. So, Dr. Salk personally tested it on himself and his family. Well, turns out he was 100% correct, and polio soon became a worry of the past." She paused and turned to her husband. "Oh yeah, I fully support you in this, but there will be absolutely no human testing on yourself, myself or any of our future children."

Cody just nodded. "Yes, Dear..." He turned back to his brother. "An example you might be more familiar with would be Will Smith's character in I Am Legend. He was a virologist as well."

Zack paused to think before nodding. "Gotcha now. However, it should go without warning that if you are responsible for causing a zombie apocalypse in Boston, I'll have to kill you myself!"

He laughed. "Duly noted, but something tells me if one breaks out, you'll be the last of my worries. You're so afraid of zombies you'll lock yourself in a bunker and be crying in the corner in the fetal position!"

Zack smirked back at him. "Ha ha! Very funny!"

"Thanks...I try."

About that time, little Zoey began fussing and crying out. Maddie checked her and sighed. "She's wet, and it looks like she needs a diaper change. I can't wait until we've finished potty training her..."

Cody grinned. "Hey, if I can train two cats to use a toilet, I have every confidence you can train my goddaughter."

"Thanks...I think. Unfortunately, her diaper bag is down in Zack and Maya's suite from the last time I had to change her."

Cody stood up. "I need to use the facilities, so I'll go down and get it. And I can help Max and Gabby while I'm down there bring stuff back up. They've been gone so long, I think they may be having trouble carrying everything. Be right back."

And about five minutes later, Cody finally made his way to the door of Zack and Maya's suite. But before he opened the door, he heard giggling and the unmistakeable sound of lips smacking together coming from inside. To himself, he chuckled thinking Max's mystery beau must have finally made an appearance.

"Looks like I'll finally get to meet this guy. I can't wait to see what he's like..."

And with that, he quickly opened the door hoping to surprse them. But to say what he actually saw inside the suite shocked him would have been a huge understatement. Yes, Max was indeed making out and swapping spit with someone in the suite. But it was who she was with that blew Cody away.

"Gabby? You're Max's secret boyfriend..." He began stammering. "I guess that would make it girlfriend..."

The End. To be Continued in Season 2

AN: Like I said before, I was planning on taking a risk in this story that I hadn't previously attempted to try. Well, here it is! LOL Anyways, with us only having a limited exposure to Max in SLOZAC and not knowing what she had been up to for a long time, this was a gamble I felt comfortable taking. Some may not be happy with it, and I can understand that. I hope everyone will see where it goes before getting too upset. Now, as for season 2, it should be starting sometime this summer. You can guess what some of the storylines will be, but others I have only finally decided on recently. And a tip of my hat to the real Harvard University for giving me some inspiration. My thanks to everyone who has patiently waited for me to finish this story.