breathe// 5SOS

70

Ashton

"I had ice cream," Ava beamed, climbing into the car next to my mum.

"Just what you need on a hot day," I smiled, taking Viola's hand as she climbed in. The smile on her face told me it went well, because I knew she had wanted to talk with Ava.

"Do we have to pack tonight?" Harry asked.

"We do, just so that tomorrow is relaxed,"

"Please can someone help me?" Ava asked, tiredly leaning against the door as I started to drive.

"I will help once I am packed poppet,"

"Thankyou,"

For the ret of the journey, she was quiet. Her and Harry had one last dip in the pool with Lauren, while mum packed up their bag. Viola and I went into our room and started to pack everything up as well, organising what was able to be worn in Japan and what was too dirty.

We packed the suncream and swimming costumes away, the main part of our suitcase ready for a city break.

"Ava was really worried about rules in the new house, so I said we would all sit down and talk at the time,"

"Yeah- is that why she was shutting herself off?"

"No, that was just because of all the changes overall. She was worried you might hurt her in some way,"

"But did you have a good time?"

"Yeah, it was nice to spend that with her. At home, we are going to go back to school shopping, and I will take her to get her ears pierced,"

"Thankyou, for making her feel special. I know it can be hard to build a relationship with her- I still am- but it is just how she tries to stop herself getting hurt,"

"I am worried about building one with Marcus,"

"I think he will love you, I think he will come to both of us, not one of us,"

"You know him better than me,"

"He is really mature, but also really insecure. A worrier, I guess,"

Understandingly, she nodded, snaking her arms around me. I tilted her chin up and kissed her, smiling as I remembered last night.

"I'm gonna help Ava," I mumbled, kissing her again.

"I'm going to make everyone drinks and catch up with your mum,"

"She will love that,"

I headed to Ava's room and heard her showering, so I got her bag out and emptied it. Then, I started to put everything not needed on the next holiday in the bottom again.

She hadn't got many clothes left, because Viola had packed the bare minimum, but there was a dress, some leggings and a top left.

"Is someone in the room?" Ava called timidly.

"It's dad, I can leave if you want?"

"No,"

She came out in her pyjamas, her wet hair brushed which I immediately started to plait.

"I have done it all for you because it was only a quick job,"

"Thankyou,"

"I know you miss home, but you are still excited right?"

"Yeah. I have never been to a big city before,"

"Then I am happy to take you to your first,"

Once I had done her hair, she crawled into my hold, holding me tightly. It reminded me of when she first came- she was so mature now.