Torn [Harry Styles]

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Danica's POV

Harry didn't come back for days, and he didn't answer any of my texts. I really didn't realise how hopeless I was, and I hate that. I shouldn't need harry, I was fine before him. I almost call gabby, just to have someone to talk to but that would sound pathetic. She's such a high school brat sometimes, she gives me a hard time about Harry, acting so immature and asking things like "Ohh are you gonna kiss him behind the lockers, Danica." In a silly voice.

My mother rushes into the house with bags of groceries in her hands, plastic bags rustle, she never uses plastic bags, always recycled materials. She must have been rushing.

"Willow," she calls. "Can you please set the table?"

"Come help me cook dear." She asks me, her hands hurriedly try to prepare a pork to be cooked. "Potatoes, you know how yes?" I nod.

"Who's coming over?" I ask, peeling some potatoes.

"Your uncle and wife." My mother grimaces, I stop.

"I haven't seen them in years Mom." I speak quietly.

"Well, I guess you will see them tonight."

I feel sick, like the smell of oil and roast are suffocating me, putting me off eating forever. I haven't seen them for so long. I think when it comes to relatives I'm always a little put off.. Ever since my father left and the countless family arguments that were had in our old flat. Family has never been security for me, always fear.. Fear that my mother won't make enough, fear that I would have to see these people. But despite all that I don't know why I feel so scared.. I shouldn't.

My little sister gathers up the laundry that was being sorted and puts it in a basket, and then in her room. We leave the roast to cook and my Mother cuts up some cheese and bread and lays in beside crackers and balsamic vinegar mixed with oil. I huff not knowing where to put myself in this house.

"Need anymore help Mom?" I ask.

"No, no, I think we are quite alright." She smiles.

Once I'm in my room I call Harry.. I can't run to his apartment this time because he's not there. He doesn't reply. He's probably seeing my texts and laughing at me, thinking how needy I must be. I hear my mom start preparing a salad, when u feel a buzz in my hands.

I'll be back tomorrow, don't worry.

A text message from Harry reads. I sigh.

Twenty minutes later, there's a knock on the door, causing my body to freeze up. I grip my bed. Sounds of friendly greetings are heard from my living room. It will just be another interesting experience. I will be fine. I take two deep breaths with closed, reluctant eyes before opening my door and turning right into the main vessel of my apartment.

There stands my uncle, well groomed and his perfect wife, wearing red lipstick and high heels. I remember her giving me many telling offs as a child whenever we stayed with them. I'm rather sure she hates me, but she pulls me into a short embrace before moving onto my sister.

"Last time I saw you Willow, you could only just walk." She's grown an very distinct, New Yorkers Accent. They have been here, in the city for a long time, but I guess they never tried to get in touch.

After most of the cheese and crackers had been eaten, we sit up at the table. Everyone engaging in polite, small talk. My aunt and uncle were louder than my mother and I, but we tried to pretend we were having a good time. But in reality, we were both in edge. I felt absolutely sick and dizzy, something I couldn't put my finger on distracted me.

Every noun and then the conversation would briefly stop. My uncle would stare at me, then my aunt would look back and forth between us and her breathing would pick up. And then every time someone would cut into the tension.

"So Danica, what college are you heading to." My Aunts elbows rest on the table and her fingers cross next to her face.

"Um I'm thinking NYCU." I chew before I speak. "Um, but I'm looking into any possible scholarships at other Uni's." I try to ignore the fact that finals are in a few months.

"Oh, a scholarship! Sounds fun, do you think you could be chosen." She gushes.

"Well I won't be the only one going for it but my predicted grade point average is looking hopeful." I stare at the floor.

"Hm, yep. What university's are you looking into." My uncle dips his head as if to receive my answer more clearly that way.

•

After dinner, my family sits in our small living room, eating the gourmet truffles and wine my relatives brought over. I wash up. Although I focus on the washing, I listen to the conversation shift lightly from my sister to my mother and her job.. I hope she can get one from him. I'm not even sure what my uncle does, just that he left a few years after my dad did and now they're very well off money wise that is. People start wrapping up the conversation.

"Yes that should be lovely, we can get in touch yes?" My Aunts high voice is extra loud. I'm almost self conscious about our small apartment, knowing that they now live in some fancy apartment or mansion. But they have been in the exact same situation as us, lived in the same house with my family and I for a few years, back when they were stuck and my uncle had lost what little they had gambling. My aunt had always been a proud lady, and had had bucket loads from her parents. They were homeless for a few years until my uncle started getting back on his feet as a stockbroker. Most of my childhood was a blur really.

The sound of a platter being placed on the counter startles me, causing me to turn. My Uncle Pete stands before me, my head pounds a little. His long fingers dig into the counter top and he stares for a few long seconds. I look down, up and to my mother and aunt who have not noticed his absence on the couch. He sucks open his mouth before speaking.

"Long time no see, love." Pete stares down.

"Yeah" I breath.

"Done much"

I shake my head. His strange shaped head is all to familiar to me. There is a dull ache in the pit of my stomach and the back of my knees as if they were to give way any second.

He moves closer and my bottom lip opens a little. Uncle Petes hands move to my prominent hip bones.

"If you ever need help, you can call me. I haven't heard from you and your mother in so long. And I live close now, so if your ever stuck." He smiles 

I don't move.

"Pete?" My Aunt Eliza speaks up, her voice snapping me from some kind of day dream where I just went blank. Her voice levels behind a piercing pitch in my mind, the sort you hear when your not sure if everything that is happening is real, wether your dreaming or not.

Her face is surprised, yet her red lips are pursed unusually tight. I feel embarrassed that this could look odd. Her features shift to a demanding smile. Uncle Pete rearranges a few dishes and then leaves the kitchen to be by her side. As soon as it's over I'm fine, I just look around and sigh. That wasn't so bad. I'm just a wimp, I guess I've always been intimidated by him.

Once they're out the door, Mom comes to me.

"That wasn't so bad." She breaths.

"Mhmmm." I smile weakly.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, I think I'm coming down with something, I felt faint a second ago." I push air out of my lips. "I've done most of this," I gesture towards the kitchen. "Do you need anymore help?"

"No, you were fantastic." She smiles.

I tried to call Harry before I went to bed, but it passed to voicemail. I hang up.