I don't own the rights to 'Life on Mars' or anything related to it. (Yes, like many I wish I'd thought of it first).
This is set after the end of the last episode of series one. Sam gets a little one-on-one with Annie but the Test-card Girl is having none of it.
Voices"Sam?" two voices merged into one, two voices he knew all too well. It was after pub closing time but Nelson had let Annie and Sam stay for a little while longer, acutely aware of the day's proceedings. "Sam." This time only one voice said his name, and it was coming from the now on TV set. "Sam!" Annie's voice this time, and Sam's head darted round. "Hum?! Oh, sorry." It was bad enough his erratic behaviour without having it spoil the first proper alone time he'd had with Annie since they'd met.
"What is with you?"
"The TV, it's on." Sam said.
"No it isn't." and Sam looked up to see the set most defiantly switched off.
"Oh hell." Sam whispered.
"Don't do this again Sam." His name echoed as three voices now, his Mum's, Annie's and the Test-card Girl's.
"Don't say my name Annie."
"Why?" Annie pleaded taking hold of Sam's now shaking hands.
"I-I've just heard it too much lately." Sam muttered. Annie nodded, she could see it in his face, he looked drained of all life, the last thing he needed was an argument.
"C'mon, lets get you home." Annie said finally, downing the dregs of her drink and standing. Sam smiled and closed his eyes for a second, not meaning to. "You can't be lonely all the time Sam." The distinctly girl's voice filled his mind and his eyes flew open. He glared at the TV set. "Leave me alone!" Sam yelled, jumping up, knocking the table, claming his hands over his ears tightly. "Sam, what do you mean?" Annie yelped, his name reverberated in his head and sent him reeling.
"No, not you, her, that girl, I-I-I don't know why." Sam shakily pointed at the Test-card Girl on the now switched on TV set.
"I didn't turn that on Sam." Annie's voice wavered, scared, but his name now rang out as more voices than he could count. "I know you didn't Annie." Sam whispered, collapsing back into his chair. "Let's get out of here." Sam struggled to his feet, they now felt like lead.
"What's going on Sam?" Annie asked out in the street and Sam was shocked to hear a solitary voice say his name. "Annie, I really, really, really wish I knew." Sam said putting is arm around Annie. She didn't pull away, she appreciated the company.