I didn't know why he picked me or why I agreed with him but the next thing I remember is being on my bike, pedalling homeward.
Well, how was I going to hide it from my parents especially my mum who enjoyed checking my room occasionally?
Well, I would figure it out later.
The head was in a bag containing some stuff like batteries, a bunsen burner, a rheostat and other science related stuff.
Plus, the bag was hung on my left handlebar.
The plan was that if my parents asked me what the bag was for, I would say that it was for some Chemistry practical.
Genius.
He had even given me a script that I was supposed to say in case my parents wanted details about this "practical".
But I didn't memorize.
I had my own plan.
(That's a lie. I was just lazy)
Well, things went well.
I got home, defended my carrying the bag to my mum and put it inside my school bag.
Well, after that, there wasn't much to do.
So I whipped out my phone and used it till it was time for dinner.
Yeah, that day was boring.
After a sumptuous dinner prepared by me, (the food was so sweet that my kid sister puked it out. Damn!) I laid down on the bed, ready to sleep.
It was then that I drifted into Dreamland and had a weird dream.
In that dream, Azim was standing on a train with his back to me and I called out,
"Azim!"
I was quite tearful.
"I knew it! You're still alive."
He shifted sideways.
"Come on bro, I don't understand all this. Why did you change so much and disappear? Something is wrong. Come and clear the air."
He laughed.
It didn't sound like a laugh.
It sounded like the growl of a 1993 transistor radio when you toyed with its antenna or whatever it is called.
I was confused.
He wasn't turning back so I couldn't t see his face.
I tried a different tactic.
"Sally misses you."
He gasped.
"Sally has been not so happy ever since you stopped smiling. She wants you to ea..."
He raised his head.
I could sense pain.
"Sally wants you back."
This was true.
She actually told me that she missed KAzim.
That's what everyone called us then.
Kazim + Azim = KAzim.
Get it?
He suddenly turned back.
Now it was my time to gasp.
This wasn't Azim.
It was but it actually wasn't.
I don't know how to explain but it was kinda like him.
This Azim has a dark face but whitish body.
His shirt was white but trousers were black.
One eye was red, the other was black.
Then he smiled, revealing his teeth.
Remember when scientists told us that our brain can't imagine a new color?
Well, I SAW a new colour.
His teeth was like a combo of black and white.
Another crazy detail.
I was absolutely horrified.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"You're not Azim!"
He just gave me look that implied "oh really?"
I balled my fist.
He noticed it and said,
"You are not Kazim."
What?!
"What do you mean I am not Kazim?"
I asked, staring into his soul.
If he had one.
He gave that radio ahh laughter again then was about to speak.
But just then,I woke up.
Aw man!
Why does my brain always have to stop the dream when it's getting good?
Terrible cinematic skills.
Well, I was drenched in sweat...and puberty liquid.
I wasn't afraid.
Hell nah, I ain't five years old.
I was surprised.
I eased off the bed and opened my school bag to check the head.
It was just there, minding its own business.
Instead of getting emotional again, a wave of logic hit me.
The head wasn't rotting or smelling.
It was still whole and fresh. (This is weird considering the fact that I am talking about a dead head).
Breaking the freaking laws of Biology.
I would have started overthinking it but then I felt some movement behind me.
I turned around instinctively and saw nothing.
I was glad I usually watched professional wrestling.
If any monster tried to act funny, an RKO and Powerbomb combo was waiting for it.
Sweet.
I didn't have a cutlass like Adewale but I could cut a lass if she misbehaved.
Suddenly I saw a group of people outside in front of my bedroom window.
I panicked.
A green roach hopped on my leg.
(Hold up, wait a minute, roaches aren't green!)
I looked down.
Suddenly, the window shattered.
A shot pierced the air.
I dropped to my knees.