Crazy But True

Chapter Sixteen

*Two Months Later - Ellie’s POV*

“For homework, do pages 48 and 53 in your work books and be prepared for the quiz on the geography of Latin America tomorrow. Okay? I’ll see you kids tomorrow!” Katy, our home schooling tutor, said while packing up her things and leaving for the day. 

After that day on the beach, when we decided to be home schooled together, life has been relaxed. Cody has been able to do a lot more shows, interviews, and premieres, I got to spend time with Ariana more, and Alli got to hang out with Madison and Maggie all day long. The only downside being that Tyler and Chloe didn’t drop out with us. They’re actually moving down to San Francisco together and getting married as soon as they both turn eighteen. Cody is already dubbed Tyler’s best man and I’m the maid of honor according to Chloe, who’s got  the whole wedding planned out in her head already. No Easton, no Kylie, no schedule, no limits. I love this life. The best part is everyday after our lessons, we almost always go to the beach. It was just our regular routine now. 

“Come on! It’s gunna be overcrowded if we wait any longer!” Maggie said opening the front door, beach bag in hand. 

“Calm down, Maggs.” I said patting her head. “Okay, seriously? THIS IS TAKING FOREVER. GET A MOVE ON PEOPLE!” Maggie laughed at me.

“Jeez, we’re coming! We’re out the door, see?” Cody said grabbing my waist and pulling me out the door next to him. We were on our way to our secret spot, once again.

We did our normal thing. Cody surfed while the rest of us swam with the waves, body surfing almost. Two hours later and we decided to get out and go across the street to the pier to get a snack. 

“Ugh, you guys go ahead. There’s a bunch of sand stuck to my towel. I’ll catch up with you.” I said shaking the towel out. I really hated it when this happened. 

Cody, Alli, Madison, Maggie, and Ariana ran over to The Back Porch, a local restaurant, and ordered. About five minutes later I was satisfied with the cleanliness of my towel and shoved it into my over the shoulder bag. I got up and started walking towards the crosswalk, when I got a text. I dug through my bag and found my cracked iPhone. 

One new message from: Cody Is The Sexiest Boyfriend Ever

Cody: Hey, where are you?

Me: At the crosswalk, be there in a sec :)

I sent the text and looked up. Didn’t look like any cars were coming. I started to cross when my phone binged. I opened up the message and started reading it. 

Cody: Okay, love you El <3

I smiled and stared at the cute little text. I was so fixed on my screen that I didn’t even notice. I didn’t notice the minivan that was barreling towards me, the driver looking for his fries in his bag of McDonald’s. The brakes squeal through the streets a little too late. Crash. Now it’s just black. Seems like I missed the sunset today...

*2 weeks later - Cody’s POV*

I can’t believe she’s gone... She was like part of my family, except I think I loved her more than that. Where was Ellie when I needed her? I stood up from my seat and started walking down towards the grave. It wasn’t filled yet, so you could still see into it. That box. I hate that box. The only thing standing between me and her was that ugly, hideous, evil black box. I couldn’t take this any more. I fell to my knees and covered my face with my hands. I could hear some one coming up behind me. It was Tom. He sat down next to me and hugged me. 

“It’ll be okay, Cody. You’ll move on. There’ll always be a special place in your heart for her, remember?” Tom smiled up at me. 

“Yeah...yeah, you’re right. Thanks Tommy. I think I’m ready to- to- umm... finish this.” I choked looking down at the black box once again. 

I picked up the shovel and filled in the hole with the pile of dirt that was mounded next to the grave. I finished up and threw the shovel down and ran inside. This is too much. Who would make just a fifteen year old kid do this? It’s pure torture. I shouldn’t have to go through it. I sat down on the couch next to Alli. 

“Cody, I understand this is a hard time for you, but why are you being so overdramatic?!” Alli shook my shoulders back and forth for extra emphasis. 

“I’M NOT BEING DRAMATIC!” I shouted. 

“Umm... Codes, it was just your x-box. You can get another one. By the way, it’s really creepy how you call it a ‘her’ and that you buried it.” Ellie said walking into the room from the kitchen.

“Well, we bonded over the Waiting 4U tour. I had a lot of memories with Betty.” I sniffled. 

“Betty? Oh, that’s just too far.” Alli laughed. 

“Aww, Cody. Do you wanna go get a new one today? I’ll go with you!” Ellie sat down next to me and smiled. 

“I guess so. I don’t get why you couldn’t help me bury Betty though...” I squinted. 

Ellie just lifted up her arm, which was still in the hot pink cast from two weeks ago. It had about 50 signatures on it from every one we knew. The had all rushed to the hospital to see her when I told them the news of her being ‘hit by that minivan’. Possibly because I exaggerated how hurt she was, but I like to think it’s because she’s got a lot of people who care about her.

“Rightttt! I keep forgetting you have that thing on. You’re so clumsy!” I laughed at her.

“Excuse me! I was just trying to not get hit by a car. How was I supposed to know there would be a street lamp in my way? Not my fault that I ran into it.” She said readjusting herself on the couch.

“Hahaha ohh El. This is why I love you.” I said. 

*Ellie’s POV* 

Wait, what? Did he just? Seriously? I mean, I’m 100% positive that I love him, too, but here? In front of his sister, after he just had a meltdown about his x-box “dying”? That boy has that worst timing ever. 

“Codes, horrible timing. Honestly.” I laughed. 

“Why? Alli already know. She’s known since August!” He smiled back. 

I looked over at Alli, who had the biggest grin on her face. She nodded her head, to assure me that, yes, she had known for over four months. 

“Well, I love you too Cody. Now, let’s go get another x-box! Ca we get a Kinect this time? I wanna get that new dance game.” I said excitedly running to get my purse. 

“Ohh! I wanna come! I loveee those games! Ariana has like all of them. They’re so much fun!” Alli said running behind me to go get her phone.

“Sure, we can get that one and that game, but let’s go! We’re burning sunshine.” Cody said, already at the front door, holding it open. 

We piled into the car, with Brad driving, and headed out to the nearest Best Buy. 

Have I mentioned how much I love my boyfriend? And my life? And my friends? And everything?