Total Drama Cody's Toy Store: Chapter 1
By: jungleboy69
Chapter 1: A Birthday Surprise
It was a fine spring day in the city of Wana-Nakawa, Canada. The sun was shining brightly, and the trees were in bloom with flowers, filling the air with the sweet fragrance. For Cody Anderson, the first day of spring was perfect for celebrating his birthday. If only it wasn't April Fools Day
He was a rather scrawny teen, about 5'0 to 5'2 feet tall. He had short brown hair that parted in short bangs, teal eyes with a visible gap in his teeth. He wore a yellow t-shirt with red and blue stripes across his torso, an undershirt underneath his t-shirt with rolled up sleeves, dark blue jeans with pockets and a pair of greenish brown sneakers.
He carried a black and yellow school backpack as he trudged down the path. "Hey, Cod-ster!" The latter turned to see a large teenage boy who looked rather plump. He had blond hair and round eyes. He wore a white t-shirt with a blue maple leaf at the front and greenish yellow shorts with pockets and green sneakers. He had a backpack with stickers of burgers and pizza on it.
With him were two other boys. One had dark brown hair that fell over his neck, and he wore a red sweater vest with a blue short-sleeved shirt and white undershirt along with green shorts with pockets and greenish brown sneakers. His backpack was dark blue with science stickers
The second was a brown skinned teen with a goatee beard and muscular build. He wore a green T-shirt with a white collar and the letter 'D' on the front, with grey shorts and sandals on his feet. His backpack had a picture of animals on the front.
"Owen, DJ, Noah!" Cody called as he waved to them. They had been the best of friends ever since they were toddlers. Cody was always known for being a geek and a nerd, and this made him a target for bullies like Duncan and Alejandro.
He wasn't the only one; Owen was bullied for being a 'fat-boy', Noah for being a 'wimp' and even DJ despite his large size, was picked on for being a 'mama's boy'. "What's up, Cody?" Noah asked, grinning. "Nothing much." Cody replied with a smile. "Just heading back home to celebrate my birthday"
"Will there be cake there?" Owen asked, hungrily. "I bet they'll be cake!" "Sorry that we can't join you." DJ replied. "My mom expects me to be back at 2pm sharp." "And I'm still grounded for causing that little explosion in the science lab." Noah grumbled.
"Hey, it's alright." Cody assured. "At least I have Owen." "Cody...I can't come." Owen explained. "My parents are having their annual Spring Day Casserole for lunch and I ain't gonna miss it." Cody sighed. "So, you're not coming?" He asked.
"Yeah...sorry dude." Owen replied, sadly. "Hey, you don't have to worry man..." DJ added. "Birthdays can get overrated, take my first birthday for instance." "My mom had me dressed up in a mini tux and took me to a photographer" He shuddered. "I still have nightmares about that day."
"Anyway, we all pitched in together and we got you something." Noah replied, getting Cody's attention. "You have?" The latter asked. "We have?" Owen asked as well, getting Noah to elbow him on the side. "Yeah!" He added. "Remember...the surprise..."
"Oh, yeah!" Owen added, taking his backpack and pulling out a wrapped present. "Here you go, buddy!" He said, handing it to Cody. "What is it?" Cody asked. "Well, open it up and see for yourself." DJ explained.
Curiously, Cody unwrapped the present to reveal a picture portrait of himself, Owen, Noah and DJ when they were 11 years old. They were smiling and crowded together with the words 'Bros for Life.' decorated on the picture frame.
"Guys...I...I don't now what to say..." Cody replied. "Think nothing of it, pal!" Owen explained, smiling. "We're brothers, right!" "Losers stand together!" Noah added, proudly. "Through thick and thin!" "You may be a geek," DJ explained, slapping a hand on Cody's shoulder. "but you're our geek."
Cody smiled and held out his hand. "Bros for Life?" He asked. The other boys smiled back and placed their hands on Cody's. "Bros for Life!" They all spoke together.
(Back in Cody's house...)
"Happy Birthday, Sweetie!" Cody groaned as his mother, Laura Anderson, wrapped her arms around him. "My little boy's now a man!" She added, kissing him on both his cheeks. "Mom, stop!" Cody complained.
"Forget it, son." His father, Gabriel Anderson replied with an amused expression. "Just let your mom baby you." As soon as Cody came home, he was warmly greeted by his parents. Like all parents, they were loving folks who loved and cared for their son.
Gabriel was a shoes salesman while Laura was a university history professor. Cody couldn't have asked for more loving parents than them. "Your uncle and your aunt will be joining us tonight for your party." Laura replied.
"Uncle Phil and Aunt Cassie are coming over?" Cody asked. "Yeah, good o' Phil is coming to town and he's ordered pizza for us!" Gabriel added. "Sweet!" Cody replied. "I'm just gonna rest in my room for a bit." "Sure, honey!" Laura added. "But be down when they get here."
Cody went up the stairs and to his room. He placed his bag on the ground, closed the door and collapsed on his bed. It had been a long tiring day at school, with Duncan and his gang making him, Owen, Noah and DJ the targets of their April Fool pranks.
Nevertheless, his friends were always there for him no matter what Duncan and his delinquents threw at them. Still, there was also the matter of getting a girlfriend. No girl would ever want a nerd like him. He sighed as he laid down on his bed.
*Beep! Beep!*
The sound of his phone buzzing caught his attention. Taking it out from his right pocket, he saw a message from his uncle Phil. It said:
Hey kiddo! Happy birthday! Your aunt and I are anxious to celebrate your coming of age! You're 18 years old, practically a man now! Your aunts got the presents ready and I'll have the pizza and soda ready. Hope you had a good day in school.
Anyway, I have a special surprise for you. I have been thinking about this matter over and I have made my decision. I'm sure you're looking forward to it!
Cody grew confused. What did his uncle mean by that? What was he talking about? "Sweetie!" His mother called him from downstairs. "Uncle Phil and Aunt Cassie are here!" "Sweet, Mom!" Cody exclaimed, jumping out of bed. "I'm on my way!"
(Later...)
"Happy Birthday to You!" The family sang as Laura entered the kitchen with a large chocolate cream cake and candles on top. The birthday dinner were two large pizzas with pepperoni, onions and peppers along with some ice-cold soda.
Cody had received Planet Zoo in Xbox One and the entire World of Warcraft expansions from Phil while he got the movies Big Hero 6 and the Lion King from Cassie. "Thanks for the presents!" Cody replied. "You shouldn't have troubled yourselves."
"Think nothing off it, dear" Cassie assured him. "It's the least we could do for our favorite nephew." "He's your only nephew..." Laura pointed out in amusement. "Anyway, who wants cake..."
"Well, don't mind if I do!" Phil replied hungrily. "I've always loved your baking!" "Well, you won't be disappointed." Laura added smiling as she started to cut the cake. Soon, the whole family were enjoying the rich creamy taste of the chocolate cake.
"So, Uncle Phil..." Cody asked. "what was that message you sent me earlier?" "Message?" Phil repeated before registering what he meant. "Oh, that message; I almost forgot all about that!" "What message?" Gabriel asked.
"Oh, Uncle Phil messaged me earlier that he had a special surprise for me." Cody explained. Everyone turned to Phil who nodded. "What kind of surprise...?" Gabriel asked cautiously "Oh, come on bro..." Phil replied wryly. "Don't you have any faith in me?"
"Really?" Gabriel asked raising an eyebrow. "You remember the last time you said that, I had to bail you out because you placed a whoopie cushion filled with custard on our 2nd grade teacher's seat and we got detention for four weeks."
"Hey, it was one time!" Phil protested. "Besides, it's different this time." "Do you remember my company, Phil's Toy Palace?" He asked. Phil was the CEO of a successful toy company. His toys were famous and well known throughout America and the world.
"Yeah, that's where I got Cody Jr" Cody replied, remembering his teddy-bear which he kept in his room. "Yeah...that's what I want to talk to you about, Cody." Phil explained. "As you know, my company has been at the top of the Toy empire for 10 years now, and since I've made my fortune, I've...decided to retire."
"Retire?!" Cody and his parents exclaimed in shock. "Yes" Phil added. "I have been discussing this matter over and over and I decided that Cody will be my successor." "What?!" The family exclaimed, particularly Cody.
"Me!?" The latter was stunned. "Taking over the Toy Palace?!" "Phil, are you sure about this?" Gabriel asked. "Cody's still in high-school, he doesn't know the first thing about owning a company."
"Don't worry, I won't be retiring so soon." Phil explained. "I'll be there to teach him." "Why me, Uncle Phil?" Cody asked. "Maybe, you should choose someone else." "There is no one else." Phil explained. "My boy, you will be perfect for the job; you're hardworking, friendly and helpful to others."
"Uncle Phil...I don't know what to say." Cody replied "Tell you what...tomorrow, I'll take you to my company and give you a tour of the place" Phil suggested. "You can see for yourself and make your decision then."
Cody couldn't understand why his uncle choose him, but he was curious about the Toy Palace. "Well, I can't say I've always wanted to visit your workplace, so why not?" "Excellent!" Phil replied. "We'll start first thing tomorrow morning!"
"Sweetie, are you certain?" Laura asked. Cody nodded. "Yeah, maybe this will give me a chance to find a job in the future." He explained. Little did he know that his life was about to be changed forever.