The Girl In My Head

[† Shazi]

Part 1 Monday Morning

Cody woke in the morning to his alarm. It was another day in his empty house. No parents to help him with homework or cook him breakfast. Not that he ate it anymore.

He rolled off the couch, where he’d been sleeping since his parent left a month ago, and headed to the bathroom. He closed his eyes as he passed his parents room. The door was still closed, Cody hadn’t wanted to open it to see since he received the note telling him that they’d gone.

Reaching the bathroom, Cody turned the shower on and stepped in. The water blasted over his shoulders loudly, and echoed all through the house.

He trudged back down the corridor to his own room to fetch his school clothes with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Remember to eat something Cody.

Cody stopped dead. He looked around him to see where the person who spoke was, but could find no one. He shrugged and put his clothes on and headed to the front door.

Cody you need to eat.

Cody stopped again, Unsure of what was going on.

“Hello?” he called out, feeling very stupid calling out to the air.

I’m here Cody

The voice replied, he couldn’t find what direction it was coming from.

“Where are you?” Cody asked. Feeling somewhat less stupid knowing something was responding to him.

I don’t really matter Cody, just go and eat something

Cautiously Cody went back to the kitchen and made himself some breakfast and ate it before he finally left the house for school.

260 words

Edited September 22, 2012 by Emotional Outlet

[† Shazi]

Part 2 Monday Afternoon

Cody’s day at school was a blur. He didn’t remember much of what happened.

“Hey Cody, you want to come over to my place on Saturday?” Sam asked. Her red hair blew behind her like a stream of fire coming from her head. Sam was pretty, but Cody knew she had a thing for his cousin Elijah.

“Course I will Sam,” Cody grinned in reply. He and Sam had been best friends for a long time, and up until his parents leaving, Cody had told her everything.

“And can you get Elijah to come as well?” She asked hopefully. Cody laughed, she really was dead set on getting with him.

“I think I can manage that Sam.” He nodded and smiled. Sam jumped for joy and let out a small squeal of delight.

“Thanks Cody, you’re the best, See you tomorrow!” She hugged his tightly and jogged to her bus stop, about a block from Cody’s house.

Cody continued on alone, thinking about what had happened that morning. The weird voice that told him to eat something. It sounded like it was a girl. But not a voice he recognised.

Watch out Cody!

Cody snapped back to reality and stopped walking just in time to see a car speed past him on the road. He had been just about to step out in front of it and get himself killed until the voice in his head stopped him. He panted heavily and crossed to his front gate.

“Thanks,” he said quietly. Hoping he was heard by the voice. He fumbled for his keys and opened the front door.

He got inside and checked his bag for any homework that he should do before crashing for the day. Finding none, he sat down on the couch and turned the TV on.

He jumped as his mobile phone began to ring loudly and obnoxiously. He grabbed it from his pocket and answered.

“CODY!, I just got a call from Elijah!” Cody had to hold the phone away from his ear as Sam screamed on the other end.

“And what did he say?” Cody asked. He’d given Elijah Sam’s number some time ago as per her request but never expected him to actually call her.

“He wants to go out with me Friday night!” She squealed, causing Cody to hold the phone away from his ear again.

“Awesome, you better make sure you have an outfit picked.” Cody said slyly. Sam gasped in horror.

“I only have 4 days to find something! I’ll talk to you tomorrow Cody!” she hung up with haste. Cody chuckled to himself. He knew Sam far too well.

[† Shazi]

Part 3 Monday Night

Cody sat at the table in the kitchen staring at the fridge. His stomach was telling him to eat, but finding the effort to get up and make something was stopping him from bothering.

Cody, please eat something.

“Fine,” Cody mumbled. He stood up and opened the fridge to find something to eat. “Who are you anyway?” he asked the voice.

I’m no one special.

“But you’re in my head, right?” he asked. “Not hiding and stalking me?” he grabbed some leftover soup from when he cooked on Saturday and put the bowl in the microwave. The girl giggle a little before answering him.

Yes, I’m in your head.

“What’s your name?” Cody asked, “I feel like I should be worried about you, but you saved my life earlier today.”

My name is Alex, and you’re welcome by the way

Cody could almost feel her smiling, it made him smile too. He knew her name now, she wasn’t just some random voice telling him what to do. He set the timer on the microwave and let his soup reheat.

“So, you’re a girl in my head,” Cody started, “Why exactly?” he asked confusedly.

Honestly? I have no idea why I’m in your head.

“Well, guess we’ll have to figure that out then won’t we,” he told her. The microwave beeped to tell him his soup was ready. He ate his soup and then went to the couch and laid down.

Bed already? Goodnight Cody.

“Goodnight Alex,” Cody mumbled and quickly fell asleep.

[† Shazi]

Tuesday Morning Part 4

Good Morning Cody

“Morning Alex” Cody Yawned loudly and rolled off the couch. He stumbled to the bathroom for his morning shower. Once he got into the water he became suddenly very self conscious of Alex.

I’m not looking.

Cody wasn’t convinced but continued his shower anyway. He got out and got dressed a lot quicker than he normally would and made sure he was ready for school.

Food Cody

Cody rolled his eyes.

“Yes ma’am,” he laughed and made himself some toast for breakfast.

He was earlier than normal to get ready so instead of heading straight to school he decided to go for a walk elsewhere.

The morning sun was bright, and made the streets look a lot nicer than they did in the afternoon. Cody lost himself in the scenery and forgot to make sure he knew the time.

Cody, where are we?

Cody snapped back to reality and noticed where he was. Nothing around him was familiar. He didn’t know what direction he’d come from, and had no idea where he needed to get to.

“Hey, you okay there kid?” Someone asked from behind. “You look lost.” Cody spun around to see a guy around his age with bright purple hair and piercings on his lips and ears talking to him.

“Um, hi,” Cody mumbled, his shyness was getting the best of him right now.

“You lost kid?” he asked, he looked genuinely concerned.

“Um, yeah. I was going for a little walk since I was early for school and got lost,” he said quietly.

“School huh?” the guy laughed, “Where do you go? I could probably take you there.” He offered.

“Thanks,” Cody sighed with relief, “I go to Wahfer High.” He told him.

“I know where that is! Follow me,” He gestured to Cody and began to walk.

“Thanks, I’m Cody” Cody introduced himself.

“Dylan” Dylan replied, “and you’re welcome.I couldn’t leave you stranded there like a lost puppy,” He laughed.

“Did I look that bad?” Cody asked worried. Dylan laughed.

“Yeah, you did,” he patted his shoulder. The two walked in silence for a while until Dylan rounded a corner and made a fanfare.

“Here we are!” he sang. He handed Cody a small card. My number in case you get lost again,” he smirked, and left Cody at the gate.

“Thanks Dylan!” Cody called out to him.

“You’re welcome kiddo!” Dylan called back.

[† Shazi]

Part 5 Tuesday Afternoon

Again, Cody’s day at school was a blur. Sam chatted and prattled on, teachers did mostly the same. Cody thought more about Dylan than anything else. He was so nice, despite being the type that would normally beat Cody up.

“Hey Cody, where were you this morning?” Sam asked. They were walking home together like always.

“I got lost.” Cody replied with a blush. “A guy named Dylan led me to school.”

“Thats good,” Sam smiled. “You need to be more careful.” She scolded lightly.

“I will,” Cody chuckled.

“Is everything okay with you Cody?” Sam asked out of the blue. “You’ve been rather down lately.” She mused

“Everything is fine” Cody lied. “Have I been?” he asked, trying to act confused by this.

You shouldn’t lie to her Cody

Cody tried to ignore Alex.

“A little, I guess it’s probably nothing.” Sam shrugged, “See you tomorrow,” She said as they arrived at her bus stop and Cody continued home.

He wasn’t far when he spotted Dylan wondering the streets.

“Hey kiddo!” he called out and jogged over to Cody.

“Hi Dylan.” Cody grinned.

“Hey, I hate to ask someone I only met today, but have you got a place to crash for the night?” He asked quietly. “My parents kicked me out for the night and I have nowhere to go,” his eyes shone with fear.

Cody bit his lip, he wasn’t sure if he should, nor did he want anyone to find out about his parents.

“If you don’t think it will be okay with your folks, then I’ll keep looking,” Dylan said upon seeing Cody’s stuggle.

“Only for the night?” Cody asked.

“Yeah, I’ll probably be allowed back in tomorrow.” Dylan replied.

“My parents are out of town for the week, what they don’t know, can’t hurt them.” Cody smiled.

“Thanks so much!” Dylan grinned. “I like you kid.” He patted Cody’s shoulder.

[† Shazi]

Part 6 Tuesday Night

Cody and Dylan had settled and Cody made dinner for the two. Both were camped on the couch, waiting for something interesting to come onto the TV.

“Man you have this whole house to yourself?” Dylan asked.

“For a week or so yeah,” Cody shrugged. Dylan nodded in approval.

“You’re a good kid, not throwing any random parties while your folks are gone.” He laughed. “You’re nothing like me,”

“I love my parents, why would I want to trash their house?” Cody tilted his head sideways in confusion.

“And thats the difference between you and me my friend.” Dylan nodded solemnly. “I hate my parents, so I’d love to trash their place.” He added.

Cody nodded and stared back at the TV. There was still nothing on, but he and Dylan didn’t have much to talk about.

“So where am I sleeping tonight?” Dylan asked suddenly. Cody blanked for a moment,

On your bed Cody

“You can crash in my room.” Cody responded automatically from Alex’s nudge.

“You sure man? I’m happy on the couch,” Dylan replied worriedly. Cody nodded.

“I sleep on the couch most nights anyway,” He shrugged.

“Alrighty then, thanks man” Dylan grinned. Cody showed him where his room was and then came back to collapse on the couch.

Goodnight Cody.

“Night Alex,” Cody mumbled and fell asleep.

[† Shazi]

Part 7 Wednesday Morning

Good morning Cody

“Morning Alex,” Cody mumbled. He rolled off the couch and headed to the kitchen. Dylan was there cooking eggs and bacon.

“Hey kiddo, hope you don’t mind,” he grinned sheepishly. Cody yawned in response. “I’ll take that as a no.” Dylan laughed. He served to himself and Cody and sat at the table.

They both ate in silence, Cody was hoping that either Alex or Dylan would break it.

“So, school again today?” Dylan asked.

“Yeah,” Cody replied dully.

“Wanna come check out town with me instead?” Dylan asked, Cody thought for a moment. He never really paid that much attention at school anyway.

“Sure.” he smiled. “Need to shower first.” he added offhandedly and Dylan nodded.

“Mind if I have some more?” he gestured to his empty plate, Cody shook his head. “Sweet,” Dylan jumped up and raided the fridge.

[† Shazi]

Part 8 Wednesday Afternoon

Cody and Dylan wondered around the streets for hours, talking. Alex had been silent the whole time. Considering how she was when Cody was around others, he wasn’t surprised, but he felt something different from her than usual.

Suddenly they stopped walking, and Cody looked up at Dylan expectantly.

“Well, it’s been fun Kiddo, I’ll give you a call sometime.” Dylan patted Cody’s shoulder, “See you round,” he waved him off. Cody stood blank for a moment waving like a fool.

We’re at home Cody

Cody jumped at the sound of Alex’s voice and looked over at the house he was standing in front of. He hadn’t realised that Dylan had taken him home too.

Dylan might not have looked like the kind of guy most people would give a second chance, but he wasn’t anywhere near as bad as some might see him as. He was a lot nicer than Cody remember many of his classmates being.

Cody walked into his house and found Sam standing in the entrance waiting for him with a very unhappy look on her face.

“And just where the hell were you today?” She asked heatedly. Cody drew a blank.

[† Shazi]

Part 9 Wednesday Night

“Cody, why didn’t you say something!?” Sam hugged Cody tight. He had told her everything. She was here, there was no one else around and he would not have been able to tell the same lie that he had told Dylan. Alex wouldn’t let him. He cried into Alex’s shoulder.

“I don’t know.” Cody sobbed, “I feel so useless,” he hugged her back and cried harder.

“You said they left you a note? What did it say?” She asked. Cody sniffled and tried to regain himself to remember.

“They apologized for being bad parents, and then told me not to try to find them, and that food would be sent here weekly, as well as all the bills paid by them.” He hiccuped, “they said that I’d be better off with them not around and that they still love me,” he choked on his words and kept crying.

“That doesn’t make any sense Cody, you’re parents were amazing.” Sam said sadly. “You stay here and I’ll go make us something to eat.” She added after looking at the time on her phone. Cody let her go so she could go to the kitchen.

Before you go to bed Cody, I need to talk to you.

“Okay Alex,” he said quietly so Sam didn’t hear.

He and Sam sat and ate and talked about everything. Sam told him about everything she and Elijah talked about, and Cody told her all about meeting Dylan and the week he’d been having so far. He didn’t mention Alex, because she was already worried enough about him, he didn’t want to add to that.

Sam called her parents to tell them she was staying at Cody’s for an emergency, and decided she was going to crash on the couch.

When she went to bed, Cody wondered into his room, closed the door and sat on his bed.

“What did you need to talk to me about Alex?” Cody asked.

It’s about Dylan.

“What about him?” Cody was confused. Did she see something that Cody has missed?

He was my brother.

Cody fell silent.

[† Shazi]

Part 10 Thursday Morning

Good morning Cody

“Morning Alex.” Cody rolled off the couch. He smelt toast cooking and wondered into the kitchen.

“Morning Cody!” Sam said brightly as she buttered toast.

“Morning,” Cody mumbled and plonked himself on a chair. “What are you making?” he asked.

“Honey on toast,” Sam replied, “I was going to make bacon and eggs, but there’s no bacon.” She shrugged and put honey on the toast.

“Dylan and I ate that yesterday morning.” Cody replied as she handed the plate of honey toast to him.

“Dylan stayed here?” Sam asked with confusion. Cody nodded, he forgot Sam and Dylan hadn’t met.

“Yeah, he was kicked out for the night.” Cody replied and Sam nodded.

“So, what do you need? you’ve been alone here for a month, things look like they could use a clean.” Sam took a note of everything around her. Cody nodded, the most he’d done is the laundry and dishes. “Let’s get to work!” she grinned

“What about school?” Cody asked.

“For once, I’m going to say this is more important.” Sam replied.

[† Emotional Outlet]

Laundry and dishes is the most I do around our apartment, haha.

Still interested to see where this goes! I think it's nice that Alex says "good morning" every day to Cody, though I worry that she might try to take over his body or something.

[† Shazi]

haha, you people always seem to come up with things would never even occur to me.

Part 11 Thursday Afternoon

Sam and Cody had been cleaning all morning. Sam told Cody she was going to make lunch and left him in the lounge room alone. Cody sat on the couch and stared at the blank TV.

“You there Alex?” he asked quietly.

Always Cody.

“I have to ask, if Dylan is your brother, that means you were a person once right?” he asked.

Yes, I was

“So you’re a dead girl in my head?” Cody asked bluntly and Alex giggled

Since you put it so bluntly, yes, I’m the dead girl in your head.

“What happened?” Cody asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.” Alex was silent for a few seconds then took a deep breath.

We were in an accident, Dylan was driving and he crashed the car.

“I see, and you?” Cody tilted his head sideways, he wasn’t sure where he should look while talking to Alex.

I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and I was in the middle of the back seat.

“Oh,” Cody didn’t know what else to say. From what he could gather, Dylan blamed himself for Alex’s death, and his parents did too. No wonder he was getting kicked out of home all the time.

Cody’s train of though was broken by a knock on the front door. Cody stood up and opened it.

“Hey Cody,” Dylan greeted sheepishly, “I got a huge problem, and I have no one else I can talk to,” He shuffled awkwardly. Cody blinked in confusion.

Let him in Cody.

Out of instinct Cody stood to the side and gestured for Dylan to come inside.

“Thanks,” Dylan mumbled.

[† Emotional Outlet]

Oh man, what a weird coincidence both our stories had car crashes occur in the past! Kind of amusing.

I wonder how she ended up in his head, though. It makes me wonder if he's just susceptible to that kind of thing, sharing space with someone who has unfinished business before moving on. Or if she can "jump ship", so to speak, and talk in someone else's head. o.o

[lemmingllama]

Definitely interesting. I have a feeling that Sam and Dylan are going to duke it out when they meet... Keep on writing this awesome story

[† Shazi]

Part 12 Thursday Night

Cody told Dylan to sit on the couch and went to speak to Sam. He let her know that there was a guest in the house, and that he was going to speak with him first. Sam nodded slowly to show she understood before going back to her cooking.

“What’s up Dylan?” Cody asked and sat next to him.

“I have no where to live.” Dylan said simply. “My parents threw me out for good.” He sighed.

“Why?” Cody asked. Dylan took a deep breath to calm himself.

“I had a sister,” He started slowly, making sure Cody was keeping up. “And she died last year in a car accident.” He continued. “I was the one driving at the time, and I told her to put her seatbelt on, but she said she’d be fine and that she trusted me not to hit anything,” tears began welling up in his eyes, Cody could feel Alex’s grief as well. “And I couldn’t control the car, I ended up slamming into a tree, my parents and I survived practically unscathed, but she.” He began to sob and couldn’t continue. He bent over and huddle himself.

Cody patted Dylan on the back comfortingly. He’d just heard the story from Alex, but she was distant and a little unfeeling. Dylan telling him was gut wrenching.

Sam poked her head in cautiously from the kitchen and held up a plate of food. Cody nodded and went to grab it from her.

“Who is that?” She asked in a whisper.

“That’s Dylan, I’ll introduce you a bit later,” Cody whispered back and took the plate from her. Sam nodded and retreated back to the kitchen. She cam back with a second plate and some forks for him and Dylan to eat.

“You want something to eat Dylan?” Cody asked when he got back to the couch. Dylan looked up at the food and nodded. He took the plate from Cody and ate slowly.

“So you’re parents, Do they blame you?” Cody asked.

“Obviously,” Dylan scoffed, “That’s pretty much all they’ve been doing since the accident.” He laughed a little as he ate.

“Sam,” Cody called out, Sam poked her head out the door and investigated before coming out. She sat next to Cody on the couch.

“Hi, I’m Sam,” she blushed and looked down, she glanced up at Dylan then back at the floor.

“Dylan,” Dylan nodded in response.

“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need to,” Cody said to Dylan.

“Won’t your folks feel weird about that?” Dylan asked confusedly.

“My parents aren’t coming back,” Cody replied. Dylan Gaped.

[† Shazi]

Part 13 Friday Morning

Good Morning Cody

“Morning,” Cody mumbled, he woke up on the couch again, Dylan was camped on an air mattress that Sam had set up, while she was in Cody’s room. Cody yawned loudly and rolled onto his back.

“Morning pal,” Dylan said quietly. “Hey, when you said your parents went away for the week, did you mean they said they were going and then decided to never come back or?” he trailed off.

“They’d already been gone for a month,” Cody replied. “They up and left while I was at school, and left me a note." He added.

“Did you tell anyone?” Dylan asked.

“Not until Wednesday when I ended up telling Sam.” Cody shrugged.

“Morning guys,” Sam wondered into the room and yawned loudly. “Want some breakfast?” She asked.

“I’ll check out the front, Friday is when I get the groceries delivered.” Cody replied and rolled off the couch. Sam nodded and wondered into the kitchen sleepily.

Cody opened to front door, grabbed the 3 boxes of food and carried them inside to the kitchen. He unpacked them all and put them in their right place before leaving Sam to make breakfast.

He and Dylan sat at the table in the kitchen and talked with each other and Sam to get the morning rolling.

“So, if you’re living alone, you’re going to need someone to live with, this house is too big for just you.” Dylan said, “and I need somewhere to live.” He mused, thinly veiling his hint.

“Sounds like a plan.” Cody laughed. “You should probably get your stuff from your parents house.” He added.

“And we should get ready for school.” Sam snapped. Cody nodded and headed to his room. He grabbed his school uniform and went to the bathroom to shower. When he returned to the kitchen, Sam was ready to leave and Dylan had already left.

“Time to get moving.” Sam smiled and she and Cody left the house for school.

[lemmingllama]

“They’d already been gone for a month,” Cody replied. “They up and left while I was at school, and left me a note. He added.

You made an oopsie at the end of this line. And still good, although I cant see the ending

[† Shazi]

thanks for pointing that out, i forget the end marks for talking all the time

[† Shazi]

Part 14 Friday Afternoon

“About time you guys got here!” Dylan called when Cody and Sam came into view. Cody got out his keys and opened the front door for everyone.

“Want some help with anything?” Cody asked, looking at all the bags Dyan had on the front porch.

“Nah I got it,” Dylan waved him off and grabbed three bags to bring inside. Cody went to his parents room. He slowly opened the door, not really wanting to see what was in there.

The room was empty. His parents had cleared it out and taken everything. Tears welled up up in Cody’s eyes, his parents really were gone for good. Dylan poked his head into the room.

“I take it this is going to be my room?” He said. Cody nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll find a way to get your bed over here at some point.” Cody replied. “Can you survive with the air mattress?” He asked.

“Yeah, until we can get mine, it should be fine.” Dylan replied. He set his bags down and went to grab more.

Cody came back to the lounge room and found Sam sitting on the couch, playing on her phone. She looked up at Cody and smiled.

“Just sending a message to Elijah to let him know tonight is cancelled.” She said and hit the send button. “I’d love to go, but right now, you’re more important.” She stood up and hugged him.

[Wake]

Really enjoying the story... really looking forward to more:)