“Bye Perrie. Thanks for this!” I said with a big smile.
She chuckled, “Anytime Nat, and congrats again.
“Thanks. Later!”
“Bye.” With that, she got in her car and drove off.
I got in my car and grabbed my phone from my purse. I dialed Harry and tapped the speaker button, settling my phone in the cup holder and starting the car.
“Hey you’ve reached Harry,” his voicemail sounded as I pulled out of the lot. “Sorry I couldn’t get to the phone, but if you’ll leave your name and a brief message I will get back to you. Byeee.” Beep.
“Hey Haz, its Natalie. I’ve got some news so call me back when you get this.” I hit “End” as I continued down the road.
The idea ran through my mind to go see him since I was so close, but I decided against it. He was probably out with the lads. I drove home in silence wondering how my parents were doing. I’d spent enough time with Perrie to where they should be cooled down by now.
I parked in front of my house noticing my father’s car wasn’t in the drive. I grabbed my purse and strolled to the front door finding it locked. I grabbed my keys back out of my purse and unlocked it.
“Mum?” I called once I stepped inside. No answer. She must have gone with dad, I thought to myself as I dropped my purse by the door and made my way to my room.
I sat at my desk rifling through the papers for the ads I highlighted. I neatly stacked them and called to apply one by one. Even though I got the scholarship I still needed to have spending money so I figured I might as well still get a job.
After I was finished I counted a total of fifteen jobs I called for. I decided I could use some relaxation so I grabbed my book and plopped down on my bed, getting comfortable before I opened it and started to read. I began nodding off and was soon asleep.

I was awoken by a light rap on my door. I lifted my head groggily, “Yes? Come in.”
My door opened slowly revealing my mum, eyes slightly puffy. “Sweetie, can you come downstairs for a minute?”
“Yeah sure. I’ll be down in just a minute.” She left me in wonder, sleep still in my eyes.
I stood myself up, rubbing my eyes with a fisted hand and slowly made my way downstairs.
“Pumpkin have a seat please. Your mother and I need to talk to you,” he said indicating the chair across from them. I sat down slowly, clammy hands rubbing down my thighs and resting on my knees.
“Natalie, I’m sure you have heard your father and I fighting lately?”
“Yes, I have noticed.” I said quietly, already knowing where this was going.
“Also how we haven’t slept in the same bed in months?” There was a pit in my stomach and a knot in my throat. I nodded as tears began to form. “We love each other very much, Honey.”
“We just aren’t in love with one another anymore.” Tears started to streak my face and my hands were shaky as I stared between them, trying to force my lips from a pout. “Sweetheart, your mother and I are getting a divorce.”
The word slowed itself and drawled out in my mind. I knew that was the inevitable end, but it didn’t make hearing it any easier.I began to sob as more tears fell.
“I know this is short notice, but I am moving back to Sussex,” My mum said.
“And I’m being transferred to Oxford for work.”
“So...” I began slowly, “What about me?”
“It’s your choice. You can go back to Sussex with me or go to Oxford with your father.”
I chuckled ironically, as the tears started to slow and anger began to replace the sadness. “No,” I took a deep breath, “You don’t understand.” They had puzzled looks on their faces, prompting me to continue. “I got the scholarship.”
“Oh Honey, that’s fantastic.”
“Not fantastic if I have to move away from London.”
“I’m sorry sweetheart. We will need to know who you decide to live with soon.”
I stared at my father, trying not to believe he said what he had just said. I made another ironic chuckle and looked down. “You’re so selfish.”
“Excuse me? You do not take that tone with me young lady.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t if you weren’t being so selfish.” I stood and stormed out of the living room.
“Natalie Anne Hollandsworth you get back here this second.”
I turned swiftly on my toes, “Why? So I can be badgered with questions about who I want to live with? So I can be told in depth how I don’t get to live my dream? All because you two decided to divorce and move away. No thank you.” I turned back and continued my angered march towards the door. I grabbed my purse on the way and ignored their cries and pleas for me to return.
I darted to my car and peeled out quickly. The anger was starting to fade and slowly be replaced with realization followed by sadness with more tears and quiet sobs. I made the ten minute drive to Harry’s in five. I banged on the door and tried to control the sobs as tears still fell down my face.
His eyes were trained over his shoulder when he opened the door with a big grin on his face and laughter sounding from inside the house. He turned to me and his smile fell as concern washed over him, “Natalie, what’s wrong? What happened?”
“M-m-my parents Haz, they’re…" I sniffed, "they’re getting a divorce.” A loud sobbed escaped and he reached out and pulled me into him.
I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face into his chest. He shut the door and rested his chin on my head, one hand at the small of my back rubbing tiny circles there and the other held tight around my shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Love.”
We stood that way in silence, the only sound being soft voices coming from the lounge. “The worst part is,” I sniffed, “I won that scholarship and they are both moving away.”
“Well,” he released me and held me at arm’s length so he could look me in the eyes. “Live here, with me.”
“What?” I asked wiping my eyes.
“Yeah. Why not? You’re my best friend and I only live about fifteen minutes from campus. I have a spare room anyway. It’s perfect.” He said with a dopey, hopeful grin.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“Natalie,” he gave me an incredulous look. “Like I said you’re my best friend. And it is no imposition.”
“Okay then. Thanks Haz.” I hugged him again, tightly. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you had company. I’ll go.” I started to turn towards the door.
“No you won’t,” he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the lounge. “This is your house now too. Besides it’s just the boys.”
“Okay.”
“Hey lads, guess who’s got a new roommate,” he said, smiling wide.