Disclaimer : I don't own Skins or anything I write about.

Pairing : Naomily.

Note : Sequel to Cupids Arrow.

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Chapter One – Hello Future; Goodbye Past

"Political Studies, Introduction to Journalism, Brewers guide to Alcohol, Criminal Investigation…" Naomi sighed throwing down a handful of university prospectuses.

She was lying on her bedroom floor surrounded by hundreds of colourful booklets all vying for her to enrol at their university.

She forced herself to chuckle at a variety of gimmicks the universities use.
Some universities blackmail on the basis of the quality of their education system, naturally.
Some pride themselves on the fact that they are warm and welcoming, and 'no student will be alone!' and some because they throw the meanest parties around apparently.

The whole situation for Naomi is far too overwhelming, and she throws herself onto her bed releasing an exaggerated sigh from her body.

How was she meant to know what she wants to spend the rest of her life doing?

She lay down on her double bed, with her knees bent and swinging from side to side.

Sadly for Naomi, she has no choice but to make a decision now.

It's the last possible day to send away the applications.

She hasn't even written the applications yet, let alone decided where to study and what course she wants to enrol at.

Bristol obviously makes better financial sense.

She wouldn't have to waste money on accommodation, or travel since the university is only a short 10 minute walk away from her mother's house.

She picks up a pillow and covers her face allowing the cushion to muffle her screams.

Why was this so hard for her?
It's her life, and only she could make the decision on what to spend her future doing.

Naturally, she picked up the phone and rang the person that'd make it all okay again; the person she could rely on to fix her problems.

'Hey!' She smiled down into the phone.
Upon hearing the reply she asked casually. 'Could you come round? I really need your help.'

Naomi sat back down on her bed, and began tiding up quickly.
She always felt vain when it came to other people in her bedroom.

She hated people being in her space; seeing her things.

Soon enough, the door knocked.
Naomi dived to the door and opened it with a smile.

'Hey, Ef.' She said inviting the tall brunette into her room
'Hey, so what did you want my help with?' Effy asked sarcastically after seeing the university prospectuses gatherer all over the floor.

Naomi mocked a laugh and threw herself onto the bed tucking her legs in underneath her.

'Why is this so hard?' she asked nervously.
'Because you're not ready to go…' Effy said knowingly.

Naomi looked at Effy, and smiled.
Effy always knew the situation before Naomi did.

'Maybe not…' Naomi admitted.
'What's little Fitch doing? What's she chosen?'
'To be honest Ef, I don't know. I've not even asked.'
'And why is that?'
'Because I'm scared of the answer...'
'You're scared she'll go away and leave you behind.'
'Something like that, I guess.'

Effy sat herself onto the floor cross legged and picked up a notepad.

'What's this?' Effy asked after a few moments of silence.
'List of courses I'm interested in taking, the universities, and the grades I need to get accepted.'

Effy threw the notepad at her.

'Ouch, fuckin' hell Eff.' Naomi said slightly annoyed.
'Here. Take this pen.' She said handing her the pen. 'Go through that list and list them in order of how much you want to do them'

Naomi complied and began writing the list.

'What about you Eff? What are you doing next year?' Naomi asked while jotting down on her notepad eagerly.
'Definitely not this…Got my eye on a job at the record store in the precinct. I've got a job interview on Saturday actually.'
'Good luck. If you do get it, can I get some of your discount?'
Naomi asked cheekily.

Naomi handed back the notepad and Effy read it through.

'Then we're sorted, Nay.' She said with a mysterious smirk.
'What?'
'The top five courses you've chosen are all at different universities. Just choose those as your 5 choices.'
'The first one is in Manchester, Eff.' Naomi said redundantly.
'Well. Whatever happens you're going to be away from Em anyways.'
'What? How do you know?'
'She told me the other day what she's chosen.'
'Then why did you ask me?'
'Because I wanted to know if you knew…'

Naomi sighed. Effy could be crafty when she wanted to be.

'She didn't tell me though Eff. I might be a coward for not asking, but she's not told me either…'
'Then you're both in the same boat. Except she's chosen and applied…and you haven't. So get on with it.'

Naomi looked down onto the floor and nodded.
Effy certainly had a point.

'Where's she applied to?' Naomi asked after a while.
'I'm not the one you should be asking, Nay.'

Effy got to her feet and left the room with a smile.

Naomi sighed and threw herself backwards onto the bed.
She reached her phone from the cabinet beside her bed, and dialed the number she knew off by heart.