🎧: ✅
🕶️: ✅
💭: None
😰: 10%

Three months later, Zack reaps the benefits of faking his dyslexia, while Cody unsuccessfully shames him and attempts to get him to come clean. Cody is doing his schoolwork on the coffee table adjacent to the couch, while Xander is seated at the dining room table. They concentrate on their schoolwork as Zack plays basketball in the living room, which is unusually quiet because he is dribbling on the carpet.

Cody: Don't you have any homework?

Zack: Sure, but Mr. Forgess says to only do as much as we can.

Cody: You haven't even tried.

Zack: Ok...

Cody sits on the couch while Zack glances at his notebook for a few seconds.

Zack: I'm stumped!

Zack tosses his notebook back on the coffee table while Cody throws his hands in the air. Xander tries to keep the peace.

Xander: ... Well, Zack, you know what Mr. Forgess said. Some chapters are optional, but others are required. I will admit though, I'm only doing the minimal amount of work myself, unless I need more practice.

Cody: At least you're attempting to do your work.

Carey enters with something behind her back.

Carey: Zack, I'm not gonna say I'm sorry anymore, but I got a present for ya.

Carey gives Zack a video game as he gleefully reads it aloud while pacing around the room. Cody gets up from the couch, confused about how this situation is escalating, but sees an opportunity to expose him.

Zack: Oh, sweet! Spontaneous Combustion 3! That's my favorite combustion of all. This version has the Flames of Argon and the Scepter of Sirus!

Xander: ... Wait, are you serious? Maybe we can play it when we're done with our homework.

Zack: Of course! I'm going to need my little life cleric.

Xander: ... You know, I always assumed you would be a warrior class, and Cody would be a mage. With me being a healer. But you chose mage.

Cody: Guys, we're getting off topic. Zack, I thought you dyslexics had trouble reading.

Zack realizes what he said and looks to the right with his eyes, standing completely still. Carey combs the back of Cody's hair a couple of times.

Carey: They do, Cody.

Cody: All I'm saying is he flew through the "Flames of Argon" pretty quickly there.

Carey: Yes, he did, didn't he?

Both Carey and Cody cross their arms at him. Xander stands up next to Zack, unknowingly defending him.

Xander: ... What are you two talking about? We haven't even started it yet.

Zack: Uh... *High-pitched voice* That's because I've been looking at the video game box for weeks. It was really hard to read at first, but then I memorized it. Mr. Forgess said us dyslexics have good memories.

Cody: And yet you haven't remembered my birthday. Ever. *Holds his hands up at himself* And we're twins!

Xander: ... I know the only birthday I can remember is my own.

Zack tries again with the high-pitched voice, looking at the floor and playing the victim.

Zack: Mom, Cody's making me feel bad.

Carey raises her finger at Cody, who turns around.

Carey: Cody, stop picking on Zack. *Looks up from him* Boy, that sounded odd.

Cody asked Carey and Xander to go into the twin's bedroom for a private conversation regarding Zack while he booted up the new game. Xander sat on Zack's mushy bed, while Cody began by pointing his hand towards the door.

Cody: Do you see what I mean now? He's been acting like this all trimester!

Carey: Yeah... I'm starting to have my suspicions now.

Xander: ... I did notice that the font on the cover was different. Like, a monster movie type font. Maybe he just got lucky?

Cody approached Xander quickly and cautiously.

Cody: Xander, think, when did Zack ever have trouble reading?

Xander: ... In class today.

Cody: *Holding his hands out* N-No, I mean... before his "diagnosis."

Xander: ... I can't think of a time. I've only been with you guys for around 5 months now.

Cody: Exactly.

Xander: ... But that doesn't mean that dyslexics have problems reading 100% of the time, though, right?

Cody plops on his bed, nearly smashing his head against his desk in frustration.

😰: ⬆️ 15%

Carey: Guys, don't worry about it; I'll talk to Mr. Forgess later and figure all this out, alright?

Cody: Thank you.

Xander: ... Ok.

A little later in the night, after the twins had gone to bed and Xander was back at Henry's house, Carey decided to call Mr. Forgess's classroom, hoping he was still there.

Mr. Forgess: *Smiles* This is Mr. Forgess!

Carey: *Smiles* Hi, it's Carey Martin. I was calling to talk with you about my son, Zack Martin.

Mr. Forgess: Are you going to start apologizing to me like you have been all trimester?

Carey: Not this time. Um, how's his progress at school? Just checking in.

Mr. Forgess: Oh, his grades have drastically improved since he's been in my class! All straight A's. You should be proud of him.

Carey: Well, um, another reason I'm calling is because there have been some complaints from my other son that Zack may be... to put it lightly... faking it?

Mr. Forgess: How so?

Carey: For example, earlier today when I bought him a video game he really wanted, he read the cover perfectly.

Mr. Forgess: *Pbbt* That could just be a one-off thing, though.

Carey: One of his friends thought so too.

Mr. Forgess: Tell you what, you come into class tomorrow and I'll give him a real test. You don't even need to do anything. How's that?

Carey: Sounds good. Good night!

Mr. Forgess: Good night.

As Carey hangs up, she looks at the twin's bedroom door.

Carey: I really hope he didn't lie to me after all this time.

🎧: ✅
🕶️: ✅
💭: None
😰: 0%

Mr. Forgess's classroom resembles a kindergarten classroom. It contains the complete alphabet with illustrations above it throughout the classroom, the four seasons described on a wall, simple-to-read novels, and much more.

Right now, Mr. Forgess is passing back recent tests to everyone. Xander's desk is located next to the left of Mr. Forgess's, because the room is packed with there being only four brown tables, able to hold only eight students, Zack included. This is also to ensure that Xander does not break school rules by goofing off on the tablet.

Zack: Check it out, Bob. An "A!" I can't wait for our next test. *Looks slightly to the left* Zack, did you really say that? *Looks slightly to the right* Yes, Zack, I did.

Bob stares at him with disgust on his face, holding his hand out horizontally.

Bob: Should I be afraid of you?

Carey walks in.

Zack: Mom, what are you doing here?

Carey: Mr. Forgess invited me in to observe, and I hear they're serving shepherd's pie in the cafeteria. You know how much I love me a good shepherd's pie.

Xander: ... I prefer to have cold lunches.

Mr. Forgess: *Holding two papers* Zack, your mother called me, and we've been discussing your amazingly quick progress in this class. So why don't you start things out by reading something for us all?

Mr. Forgess hands Zack one of the two papers.

Zack: *High-pitched voice* Well, I'm painfully shy, but-

Mr. Forgess: *Smiles* Come on. Give it a whack.

Xander: ... No judgement here, Zack.

Mr. Forgess: See? Xander believes in you.

He gestures to Zack, who stands up and walks in front of the class.

Zack: "One supo zonder blenasher?"

Everyone in the class looks at each other, potentially judging him. Xander quietly clasps his hands together.

Bob: And this guy got an "A?"

Zack lifts up his hands a little as he looks at Mr. Forgess.

Zack: This makes no sense!

Mr. Forgess: O-Oh, I-I'm sorry. Here. I meant to give you this.

He swapped papers with Zack, and he began reading immediately.

Zack: "Once upon a time, when the father of our country was a little boy..." *Smiles and bobs around* Oh, this makes a lot more sense.

Mr. Forgess: Yeah, and you seemed to read it without any problems.

Carey: As opposed to, say, someone who actually has dyslexia.

Xander: ... Of course he does... right?

Zack takes a moment to gaze left and right with his eyes, trying to think of something to say.

Zack: I-I'm cured! *Points at Mr. Forgess* You, sir, are a genius. I'm going to tell all my dyslexic friends.

He hurriedly drops the paper and attempts to flee, but Mr. Forgess apprehends him and takes him in front of Carey. Carey tries the soft-spoken yet authoritative approach, crossing her arms.

Carey: Zack, is there something you want to tell me?

Zack: *Sigh* Ok. I thought if I pretended to have dyslexia, I wouldn't have to work hard to get good grades.

Xander squints his eyes a bit and tilts his head towards them.

Xander: ... Huh?

Zack then returns to the front of the class and stands in the exact center of the four tables.

Zack: I mean, you guys have it so easy. Right?

Bob: *Points out with his hand a few times* Yeah. The jumbled letters, the ridicule, the inability to sink a free throw.

Mr. Forgess: The dyslexia doesn't affect your basketball ability.

Bob: *Points his hand at himself* Yeah, I know, but I was on a roll.

After Xander lets the new information sink in, he finds his eyebrows narrowing, clenching his hand, and slightly gritting his teeth, just wanting to punch something. He stands up in front of his desk so that everyone can see.

Xander: ... You think this is easy, Zack? You think being... me? Having to make sure everywhere is dim and quiet enough? Making sure I tell people not to touch me and have hugs and kisses every single time I see them? Having to pee every 5 minutes no matter what I drink?

Mr. Forgess: Alright, Xander, I think you've made your point.

Xander slowly turned his head at him like a robot for a moment, then continued on. His left hand remained clenched, but he was flicking his fingers with his right.

Xander: ... I'm not done. You think it's easy to not know what others are feeling 90% of the time? What people really mean when they say things sometimes? Having to get 90% on every single test, exam, quiz, or even assignment just to appease someone that might as well be breathing down my neck? To basically be risking my freedom seeing you every day, with my chest consistently tight, along with useless pills every dang day, and you think this is EASY?!

Xander's face became pink as he looked at them. Zack, Carey, and Mr. Forgess took a few steps back, hands raised, anticipating him to assault them. Some of the students did the same, standing up and moving to the rear of the room. Mr. Forgess attempted to calm Xander with an apprehensive smile, suggesting he go for a walk. Xander immediately moved his head towards him for a few moments. Xander put his headphones on and walked to the doorway, saying one last thing to them. Directly to Zack.

Xander: ... For some reason, I... I'm still choosing to forgive you for this, but this time, you DO deserve to be punished.

After he leaves, the tension of the room dies down, and the students return to their seats.

Bob: Dang, and I thought I had it rough.

Carey chooses to raise her authoritative voice a little bit to Zack.

Carey: Zack, I can't believe you did this.

Zack: It's just that you're always talking about how great Cody & Xander are in school.

Carey: Zack, you do realize that you caused Xander to have a meltdown, right?

She looks at the classroom door and then back at Zack.

Carey: I know he doesn't know this, but he probably feels very betrayed right now with what you did.

A minute goes by, with no one saying anything.

Mr. Forgess: You know, Zack, you're actually a very bright kid. You're just... lazy.

Zack answers swiftly and smiles.

Zack: Is there a class for that, too? I'm hoping it's not before noon.

Mr. Forgess: Don't worry, Zack. The school will help you catch up with your work.

Zack stands beside Mr. Forgess.

Zack: Oh, by providing me with extra time for my assignments?

Mr. Forgess lays one of his hands on Zack's shoulder.

Mr. Forgess: Yep. You'll have lots of extra time. June, July, and August.

Carey: *Smiles* Peak season for vegetables.

Zack: But...

Carey instantly loses her smile, ready to return to authoritative mode.

Zack: Ok. I'm sorry, Mom.

She extends one of her hands toward Mr. Forgess.

Zack: And Mr. Forgess.

He uses both hands to point to the remainder of the class.

Zack: And class.

Bob repeatedly signals at himself.

Zack: And Bob.

Bob looks away, silently saying thank you. Carey points her hand at the door.

Zack: And... Xander, wherever you are, I'm sorry to you too, buddy.

Carey: I think you need to go tell him directly. *To Mr. Forgess* Can he be excused?

Mr. Forgess: Yeah, I was about to head out to look for him anyway.

Before the three exited the room, Mr. Forgess instructed the students to continue with any work that they might have. He also grabbed a pack of cards on a metal ring, showing emotions on them.

Carey rests her hands on her hips.

Carey: So... any idea where he is?

Mr. Forgess: No clue. He never usually does this, so there are really no common spots that I know of.

Carey: I know he prefers dim and quiet spots, so that's a clue.

Zack has an idea and turns to face Carey.

Zack: What about the basketball locker room?

Carey: Why there?

Zack fidgets with his fingertips.

Zack: I know it's silent and dim in there when it's not being used.

Mr. Forgess: Might as well try there first. It is close by, and Xander couldn't have gotten far.

Inside the basketball locker room, everything is just as Zack described. Dim and silent, with no one around; not even the coach is around, as his fairly grubby office is vacant. Xander is sitting on one of the smooth and shiny brown benches between a three-sided wall of maroon lockers. His headphones and sunglasses were off to the side, and his green shirt was moderately stained with tears. Xander then looks at his wobbly hands.

Xander: W-What was that? It felt... empowering. But... wrong at the same time.

Xander took a couple more minutes to reflect on everything that happened and if he should return to class.

Xander: Has Mr. Forgess called Dad about this already?

😰: ⬆️ 30%

As he was thinking about this, he heard numerous footsteps coming down the long hallway.

Xander: Welp, there goes my freedom. Now Dad'll drag me everywhere he goes.

😰: ⬆️ 65%

Xander stares down, prepared to accept his fate, but then he hears some familiar voices.

Zack: ... Xander?

Carey: Honey?

😰: ⬇️ 20%

Xander looks up, anxiety shooting back down to see the trio.

Xander: ... What are you three doing here?

Carey: We wondered where you ran off to and just wanted to make sure you're ok.

Mr. Forgess: How are you feeling?

He hands Xander the packet of emotions, but Xander merely returns it after a couple of seconds, not even attempting to try and know.

Xander: ... I'm... not sure.

Mr. Forgess: It's perfectly fine to feel that way sometimes.

Carey and Zack sat on the right bench, and Mr. Forgess on the left, thinking of ways to comfort Xander. Carey then gradually looks at Zack.

Carey: Well, I think someone has something to say.

Zack focuses on Xander with a remorseful face. Xander barely makes eye contact, like he usually does with anyone.

Zack: Xander, I'm really sorry about what I did and said.

😰: ⬇️ 10%

Xander didn't know what to say; he'd already forgiven him in class.

Xander: ... I'm sorry too.

That caught everyone's attention.

Mr. Forgess: What for?

Xander: ... For... being like that in class. I don't know what happened there.

Carey: Xander, you have every right to be angry at Zack. I still am.

She notices Xander's soaked shirt.

Carey: Have you been crying?

😰: ⬆ 30%

Xander tries to hide it, but he's obviously unable to. Then he scrunches his knees as close to his chest as his diaper will allow.

Xander: ... Does Dad know about this?

Mr. Forgess: No, he doesn't. Do you want him to?

😰: ⬆ 40%

Xander: ... I'd rather you not. I don't want him to know that I've been crying.

Carey adopts a more serious demeanor and determines to aid him in a more drastic way.

Carey: I'm seriously starting to consider calling CPS on that man.

Xander: ... What's... CPS?

Mr. Forgess: Usually a couple people of the law come to investigate to make sure everything's alright in a family.

Xander: ... I think a few people like that came by already.

Their eyes got large as both adults looked at each other and then back at Xander.

Carey: Well, what happened?

Xander: ... They came into my room and talked with me about... things. Like how I'm doing, if I like being there. Stuff like that.

Zack: *Crossing his arms* And?

Xander: ... I knew that Henry was eavesdropping, so I lied. I said what he wanted to hear.

Mr. Forgess: How'd you know he was eavesdropping?

Xander: ... I'll say it like this. I'm not sure if he even knows what the word "privacy" means.

Carey and Mr. Forgess shake their heads in disbelief, with Zack just looking down at the tiled floor. Xander, disoriented, stands up and heads straight to the water fountain from him, stumbling a little bit on the way.

Carey: Careful, honey! That... speech in class earlier must've taken a lot out of you.

Mr. Forgess: Do you just want me to give you a permenant A's on all your grades just to satisfy your dad?

As Xander bent down, took a deep breath, and swigged the water, he considered his offer but eventually decided against it.

😰: ⬇ 30%

Xander: ... No. As much as I want it, it's not fair to everyone else.

Everyone looked at each other, once again surprised by Xander's mature attitude; even Zack wondered why he chose to do things the hard way.

Mr. Forgess: Ok, I know you're trying your absolute hardest with keeping up your grades, and I'm proud of you for that.

Carey: I am too.

Mr. Forgess: Do you just want to stay in the library and skip any homework assignments just for today?

Xander: ... No, I can't fail-

A stinging ache penetrated Xander's mind, and he grasped his forehead, instinctively closing his eyes and tightening his teeth. Carey persuaded him to go to the library in an authoritative yet sympathetic manner.

Carey: Alright, that's it; you need to take a break, Xander. I'm asking this in a caring way.

Xander panted briefly as he returned to the bench before submitting to her wishes.

🎧: ❌
🕶️: ✅
💭: None
😰: 0%

Back in the Martin suite during the first week of summer break, Zack has a few books laid out, as well as some makeup sheets, and a pencil in hand, pointing at his chin numerous times. Cody crosses his arms and gestures at him many times, getting up in his face. Zack fidgets with his pencil a little bit.

Cody: Told you this would blow up in your face. Now you have to do all the work by yourself. No one to help you. Just you and you alone.

Zack: Ok, if you're so smart, what's the capital of North Dakota?

Cody: That's easy. Bismarck.

Zack: I thought Bismarck was the capital of South Dakota.

Cody: No, that's Pierre.

Zack: Then what's the capital of Wyoming?

Cody: Cheyenne.

Zack: *Smiles* Thanks. You just finished my homework.

Cody acknowledges what he has done and rests his arm on the dining room table with his hand on his face.

Zack: Like shooting fish in a barrel.

Cody quickly stomps into his room and almost slams the door, but not enough to make Xander nervous. Xander, meanwhile, stays concealed under the desk, dodging Cody's legs, and providing candy bars to Zack in secret.

Zack: *Whispering* A Nutter Butter bar? Atta boy!

Xander: *Whispering* ... I'm only doing this because I thought that the vegetables-only thing was too strict of a rule.

Zack: Still, you're a lifesaver, Xander. *Looks up from the desk, smiling* Hmm... Maybe this summer won't be so bad after all.