The Ditch

It’s been a rocky week. On Tuesday, Thea announced to Cody that she and Thea are splitting up. She’s worried that they’re becoming co-dependent—whatever that means.

—It’s that four year thing, said Thea.

—Um, said Cody, who can’t remember having a relationship that’s lasted more than four weeks.

And then Thea said she was going to Sydney in a month.

—To live?

—Yup.

—You’re fucking joking.

—Nup.

Thea will stay with her cousin until she can get a job and a place of her own. She’s serious about leaving. Cody does not welcome this piece of news.

—How fantastic. I’m so jealous, you’ll have such a great time.

—Yeah, I’m a bit nervous.

—Oh you’ll be fine. I better start saving so I can visit.

Cody spends that evening going over her bank statements and crying. She has fifty-four dollars and the rent’s due this week. She doesn’t understand why she’s a waitress. She doesn’t understand anything anymore. She goes to the bottle store and buys a twenty-eight dollar bottle of vodka.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Cody says she’s busy whenever Thea calls. On Saturday morning Thea turns up with a bunch of grapes.

—I’m not sick, says Cody.

—Why are you avoiding me? asks Thea.

– 16 –

—I’m not.

—Cody.

—What? What? There’s nothing going on.

—You’re mad at me.

—I’m not.

The kettle whistles and overflows.

—Fucking screaming noise, says Cody.

Thea turns the kettle off and makes tea.

—OK, says Cody, I hate you. You’re leaving.

—I’ll miss you, says Thea. Just don’t ruin this last bit.

—Christ Thea. Why is it so hard for me to let people go?

—I don’t know, darling. But you’d better get over it.

That night Cody dreams she is a little girl again.

*