Unexpectedly, You

Chapter 1

I'm curled up in my bed under a blanket scrolling through my phone, when my mom knocks softly and comes in. She sits on the edge of my bed, brows furrowed. Something is wrong. My dad leans against the doorframe, arms crossed.
"Frey" Mum begins, her voice is gentle but firm.
"We have to tell you something important."
I sit up, my stomach tightening and a lump forming in my throat.
"Okay... what's going on?" I try to keep my tone casual but my voice wavers slightly and my fingers curl nervously in my lap. Dad steps forward, clearing his throat.
"Your mum and I got some very good.. opportunities that we can't pass up. Both of our jobs are offering us promotions." I look at him, slightly confused.
"I don't understand, isn't this good?" I smile in relief. I thought something terrible happened.
"The thing is, both jobs are in Virginia Beach. It's a great chance for us, and it's only temporary, but—" I can't even allow him to finish his sentence.
I blink, confused.
"Virginia? As in... the United States?"
Mum nods gravely, biting her lip.
"Yes Freya, It's a really good move for our careers, and we thought it would be a wonderful experience for you as well. New scenery, new friends..."
I feel my chest tighten and my eyes begin to water.
"New friends..?" I whisper, almost laughing at how absurd it sounds.
"I have Liv, I don't need new friends! How am I meant to leave my home, my school, and everything I know behind?"
Dad puts a hand on my shoulder.
"We know it's a lot Frey. We didn't take this decision lightly. We really thought about how it would affect you. But it's a new chance for all of us to grow."
I drop back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Trying to ignore the tears spilling out of my eyes and burning in my throat. How could my parents do this to me?
Mom sits beside me, taking my hand and wiping a tear from my face.
"We know it's sudden, sweetie. And we'll do our best to make this easier for you. I have a friend living in Virginia Beach that i've known for a long time. She even has a son your age."
I sit up after hearing my mom say this.
"A friend all the way in America, Since when?" Now more than anything, I feel curious.
"We met a long time ago before I had you, I used to visit America all the time, and we just stayed in touch." I feel slightly better now, hoping I won't be completely alone. I swallow hard, trying to wrap my head around it all.
"So... we're really leaving London?"
Dad nods.
"Yes. Soon. We want to give you time to process and say your goodbyes, but we also need time to start planning. New school for you, new house, everything." I hug my knees to my chest, staring at the wooden floor. Part of me is excited, imagining sun and beaches and a fresh start. But another part of me aches, thinking about how I'll be the odd one out, and having to leave everything behind.
"This is.. a lot," I admit quietly.
Mum squeezes my hand.
"We know, Frey. We'll get through it together." I nod, even though my mind is spinning. How on earth am I gonna tell Liv... Another pang of worry hits my chest. What if she's angry at me?
My mum and dad notice my pained expression and begin to leave the room.
"We'll give you some time alone now hunny." After they leave I sit cross-legged on my bed, staring at Liv's contact photo of us. How am I gonna leave her? My thumb hovers over the call button, hesitating. I know she's gonna be upset, and honestly... so am I. Finally, I press call. The ringtone echoes in my ears for a few seconds until she picks up.
"Hello?" Liv's bright, cheerful voice comes through.
"Hey... Liv," I say, my voice shaking a little. There's a pause. "Frey? You sound upset. Are you okay?" I take a deep breath.
"Um... no. I'm not, really." I bite my lip, trying to find the words.
"I... I have to move away. To the United States. Virginia, my parents got jobs." There's silence on the other end, and I can almost hear her processing it. Finally the silence goes on for too long.
"Liv... say something please."
"What?! Freya... What do you mean? When?"
"It's soon." I admit, blinking back fresh tears.
"My parents both got job offers, and they can't pass them up. I have to leave London... leave school... leave everything." A sob comes out as I'm saying the last part. I clamp my hand over my mouth to contain myself. This whole conversation makes it seem real. I hear her gasp, then sniffle.
"Frey... this is insane... this can't be happening. You're really leaving? Like... forever?"
"No, not forever!" I tell her quickly. "I mean, eventually my parents have to let me come back, right?" This can't be it. I cannot leave London forever.
Liv's voice cracks.
"Right... but who am I going to talk to everyday? Our friend group won't be the same without you." My chest tightens. She isn't making this any easier.
"I know, Liv... I'm going to miss you so much. I don't want to go, honestly. But my parents say it's for the best." There's a long pause, and then she whispers,
"I'm going to miss you so much."
"I'm going to miss you too." I whisper back, my voice trembling.
"I guess we'll have to do video calls and send dumb memes like always," she says, trying to sound cheerful. I laugh softly through the lump in my throat.
"Yeah... and maybe I can teach you some American slang."
"Ugh, please don't," She groans, but I can hear the smile in her voice.
We sat on the phone for a while, talking and laughing. And for a moment, I feel like this won't be so bad.

A.N
ZO HEREE!
How did you guys like chapter 1? I know you're probably wondering where Malachi is but we gotta be patient 😂 he'll be here in a few chapters. I wanted to write some scenes w/ just Freya and her move here to make the story flow a bit better!