Just then the elevator doors open and we step onto the Sky Deck and everyone is there.

"SURPRISE" Everyone shouted. There was a sign that said "Happy Birthday Zack" and a taped on note that said, "and Cody". I was so relieved that we weren't in trouble.

"Happy Birthday, Zack" everyone then shouted then Bailey halfheartedly said, "and Cody" and a few people mumbled, "and Cody".

I was overcome with emotion. "Thanks guys. This means so much to me." People were patting me on the back and hugging me and wishing me a happy birthday, and then I felt a pit in my stomach. There is someone missing from my side that should be sharing this moment.

I look around and see Cody talking to Bailey by the juice bar. Maybe they're becoming friends. Then she halls off and slaps him across the face. What the heck!?

Cody's POV

We enter the Sky Deck and everyone yells, "SURPRISE". I know it was for Zack for everyone likes him. I see the sign that has my name added to it, but this is really for Zack and I am happy for him. I let him enjoy the moment and take a seat at the juice bar. I see Bailey and since she knows Zack really good, I bet she'd know what I could give Zack for his birthday. I'd like to get him something special. I go over to her to get her advice.

"Hey Bailey? Can I ask you a question?" She turns to me with a hard look and says, "If this is just one of your cheesy pickup lines, why don't we just fast forward to where I slap you?"

I just brush it off since I have fed her some pickup lines this week and probably deserved that response. Plus I want to know what to get Zack for his birthday. I start again.

"So Bailey. What do you think I should get Zack for his birthday? Her hard look turns mean and she hauls off an slaps me hard across the face. I am in shock! I just stand there with my mouth open not knowing what to do or say. I don't even blink. I feel a pit in my stomach that feels worse than the slap. I see Zack run over to the two of us.

Zack's POV

I run over to where Bailey and Cody are and ask what the heck was going on. They both have a blank look on their face and aren't moving a muscle. Bailey then covers her mouth and Cody speaks to me in a low shaky voice. "Zack? Thanks for everything and having faith in me, but it's obvious that I don't fit in around here." He turns away and walks over to the railing, away from everyone, and stares at the ocean.

I turn my attention to Bailey. "What did he say to you?" she uncovers her mouth and says, "Well...He asked me what I thought that he should give you for your birthday."

"So you slapped him?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, but I thought he was going to feed me another one of his cheesy pickup lines and I've had enough of them!"

I jumped in, "But he didn't!"

"I know that now!", she said.

"Ahhh" was all I could say. I just shook my head and walked away to be with my twin. He had both forearms on the the railing with his head down looking at the ocean beneath us. Not knowing him well enough to know what to do, I just stand by him in silence and put my arm around him.

Cody's POV

Why do I even try? These people are never going to accept me! I thought Bailey was a little different. Boy was I ever wrong. I'd leave this boat at the next port, but I could never leave my brother. I'll just stay over here away from everyone and let him enjoy his party. I feel a presence by me and then a comforting arm around my shoulder. I know it's Zack, but I don't look at him.

"Zack, this is your party. You should be with your friends." I say without looking up. "I'll just stay out of the way, it'll be better for everyone."

"Well, they aren't acting like my friends right now!" Zack says loudly enough for the others to hear. "In fact, I am a little disappointed in them".

Zack turns his attention back to me. "Cody? Cody, look at me." He says as he turns me to look at him face to face. "Cody, you are a wonderful person. You are fun to be with, and you are everything I ever wanted in a brother. I always wished I had a brother, and now that it has happened, I'm not disappointed one little bit. In fact, I am proud of you. You have so many wonderful qualities that are just starting to emerge, that I think if my friends are real friends, (Zack says loud enough for everyone to hear) they will give you a chance to see the real you."

Zack sees the good in me and in his friends. But I think it is too late. They all hate me and I have given them every reason to do so. I don't want to come between Zack and his friends. They have been here for him, and I have not. I can't just jump into his life and expect him to drop everything and everybody just for me.

"It's OK Zack", I say. "I'm not going to come between you and your friends. I can share you with them. You enjoy your party and I'll meet up with you later." I turn to walk away and there is Bailey.

"Cody, I am so sorry! I didn't even listen to what you had to say. I unfairly judged you. I am so ashamed, so embarrassed of my behavior. Please forgive me."

When she said this to me, it was like a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders.

She continued. "You asked me a question. You were thinking of your brother and not of yourself. I ruined the moment."

She then turns my face to inspect her previous act. Her face then goes a bit pale and she looks apologetic. Sheepishly she asks, "Does it hurt?

I half smile with the right side of my mouth. "Only when I laugh." We both laugh a little. "Ow ow!" I wince a little.

With a look of concern she asks me, "So do you forgive me". I respond, "Only if you forgive me for being rude and disrespectful to you."

By now, Zack is standing to the side of us with an arm around each of our shoulders, "Group hug?" We nod and we all hug.

By this time, the remainder of Zack's friends come over to us and Marcus speaks for the group. "Ah Cody? Maybe we misjudged you..." I cut him off. "Actually," I said, "I was being a major jerk. I've never had a real friend before. I've never had to worry about other people's feelings; it was all about me. It's all I have ever known. So please be patient with me, I have the best teacher in the World, Zack".

Again speaking for the group, Marcus adds, "You got it Cody". Zack looks at me, then to the rest of the group and says, "Well, let's get this party started!" He then adds, "Who wants to Flamenco?"

My phone then rings. I see it is my dad. Ya know what? Life is going to be real good. "Hey dad..."