Mini Me // A.I (completed)

seven

< Saturday 11th, 2021 >

{ Ashton }

I walked into the rehearsal space and found that Calum, Michael, and Luke were already here. I quickly sat my backpack down and made my way to where they sat,

"Where's Oakley? I thought she was coming with you" Michael frowned. I sighed and looked at Calum, who already knew where she was,

"She's been with Kay since we got back from Disney"

I will say, when Kay asked to have her for a little while, I was shocked. If she asks to have Oakley it's usually for a couple hours, not days. I was reluctant, but it's ultimately Oakley's decision. I'm not going to tell her she can't see her mom. I asked her what she wanted to do and she said she wanted to go,

"Have you at least talked to Oakley?" Luke asked. Typically Kay will not let Oakley call or talk to me while she has her,

"No. I can't get a hold of Kay. I went by this morning to see Oakley but nobody answered" I sighed.

I want to trust Kay with our daughter, but it's hard sometimes when she does her own thing and will randomly leave Oakley. I know she's probably doing it to get back at me for taking Oakley to Disney. We never called her while we were away, but in reality, we didn't have time. We were so busy.

"I'm sure she's okay Ashton. She wouldn't do anything that would hurt Oakley. I mean, she does love her daughter even if she doesn't always show it" Calum spoke up,

"I know. I just, I miss Oakley. I haven't liked waking up and it not being by Oakley"

They all nodded. They understood,

"Let's rehearse some for the Global Citizen thing" I stood and headed to my drum kit. I played a few beats while the boys warmed up some.

****

The boys and I headed out of rehearsals, all stopping by our cars,

"Y'all wanna hang out mine tonight? Sierra and Crystal too?" Calum asked,

"Yeah sure" both Luke and Michael replied,

"I'll come over" I nodded,

"Cool. You all can come over whenever" Calum shrugged, "We can order pizza"

"I'm gonna go to Kay's first. See if she's there" I shrugged. The guys nodded and I hopped in my truck, driving towards Kay's complex.

I sound like some crazy parent, but when I don't get a call or a simple text for days, it makes me nervous. Kay and I agreed that Oakley would call me before she went to bed, and I've yet to receive a call.

I parked in the lot and I didn't see Kay's car. I groaned but got out and headed up to her place. I knocked anyway and waited. I spotted the mail still sitting on the mat,

"Sir? Can I help you?" I heard a voice say, making me turn and see an older lady,

"Sorry. I was just looking for the girl who lives here" I stumbled,

"Well she's not there. She and her daughter went to Texas. I'm looking out for the place"

My jaw locked. She took Oakley out of state without telling me. If we're taking her out of the state, we tell each other first,

"Thanks" I nodded, "Do you know when they'll be back?"

"Monday I believe"

I nodded,

"Thank you. Have a good night" I spoke then headed out.

I got back in my truck and grabbed my phone, finding Kay's name and texting her:

-messages-

[ I know you're in Texas. Why didn't
you tell me that you took
Oakley out of state?
I've been freaking out ]

Kay: [ I want her to know
my family ]

[ And I want her to know them
too but you've got to at least
tell me. I would've let her go anyway ]

Kay: [ see then there was
no need to ask ]

[ Can I talk to Oakley? ]

Kay: [ when she wakes
up from her nap ]

————

I rolled my eyes and dropped my phone into the cupholder.

****

I was anxiously waiting for a call to talk to Oakley. I wasn't going over to Calum's until I got to talk to her.

Finally, as I was about to leave, my phone rang with a FaceTime call. I immediately answered and smiled as my toddlers face popped up on the screen,

"Hi baby girl" I smiled,

"Hi Daddy!" She smiled back with a wave, "I miss you"

"I miss you too" I sighed, "Are you having fun with Mommy?"

"Yeah. I got on a airpwane" she told me,

"Yeah. Did you meet Mommy's family?" I asked,

"Yeah. They nice" she nodded. Just as I went to say something, I heard Kay tell her to hurry up,

"We go to zoo" she told me,

"Yeah? Well have fun" I smiled, "I love you Oakley"

"Wove you too Daddy"

Then she hung up. I was sad my call was barely five minutes, but I did get to see her face.

With a sigh, I grab my keys and headed around the block to Calum's, pulling in and walking right into his backyard,

"Hey man" Luke smiled, "Did you get ahold of her?"

"Yeah" I grumbled, taking the blunt Calum offered, "They're in Texas"

"She didn't tell you?" Crystal questioned,

"Nope. She didn't even let Oakley call me until like twenty minutes ago" I took a hit quick, "But Oakley's having fun"

"I'm sorry dude. I know it's been hard with co-parenting lately" Michael apologized,

"Its whatever. But when they get back, me and Kay are having a talk. Like I don't mind her taking Oakley to see family- that's perfectly fine- but at least tell me so I'm not here freaking out thinking that something is wrong. I told Kay when I was taking Oakley to Disney"

"It'll get better Ash. Just don't go into the conversation yelling or anything. You're going to have to be calm or else she'll keep doing stuff to piss you off" Sierra added. I nodded,

"I appreciate you guys dealing with me and all of this"

"Of course Ashton. We love Oakley like family and we love you. We'll do anything to help you"