A Soldier's Life

Chapter 12 - Elephant Families

Y/n's POV:

Today is the last day of my leave before I head back to work. It's been a fun filled week with Ava and we've had some experiences we'll never forget. To finish our week off we are heading to the Zoo. I love animals and can't wait to go. I think I'm more excited than Ava!

This week off has come at the perfect time. The summer break is almost over, and we've got a big two weeks ahead of us. Ava starts kindergarten next week and it's her 6th birthday the following weekend. It's allowed us to have time just the two of us before work and school start getting in the way.

I was up early today, ever since the day on set, I've been having nightmares most nights. Luckily Ava hasn't noticed. It's 8am and I'm sat eating a bowl of lucky charms. Yes, I know, I'm almost 30 and eating a child's breakfast, but I'm tired and too lazy to cook.

Ava is still in bed out cold. We had a late night watching more marvel movies. We've not had the chance to finish all the movies by the end of the week, but I figure it would be a good thing for us to do together in the evenings once I start back at work.

After I finish my breakfast of champions, I quickly jump in the shower before waking Ava up to get ready. I quietly put on some music and dance around singing along whilst I wash myself. Once I'm done, I start planning my outfit for the day. I decide to go for a pair of blue Bermuda shorts, but before I could decide on a shirt, I hear a knock at the door.

At this time of the morning, it's only ever Sophie that visits. Without even thinking about what I was wearing, I run to the front door to let her in. "Did you forget your keys again Soph?" I asked swinging the door open.

"Oh wow, is this how you always answer your door?" Panic sweeps over me as I don't see Sophie at my door, but Lizzie. Her eyes fixated on my stomach. That's when I realised I was just in my shorts and a bra. "Lizzie! Uh, hi, I'm gonna go grab a shirt, come in." I said trying to hide the embarrassment.

As I'm rushing into my bedroom, I hear Lizzie shouting behind me. "Don't put a shirt on, on my account!" I laugh to myself whilst I grab an oversized top. Once I'm no longer half naked, I rejoin her in the kitchen where she's sat at the island.

"Sorry about that, I thought you were Sophie. I don't think I'm going to get used to Marvel actors turning up at my door." I awkwardly chuckle. Lizzie was just sat there smirking at me whilst my face continued to be a dark shade of red. "Don't be embarrassed, your abs, they're, well they're something special." She teased. "Anyway... what do I owe the pleasure of Miss Olsen turning up at my door on a Tuesday morning?" I ask wanting to quickly move away from the topic of my abs.

"I was jealous of Tom's day with you on Saturday. I have a day off filming so thought I'd come bug you to hang out with me, Where's the little one today?" Lizzie asked looking around the apartment for Ava.

"She's still in bed, we had a late night. And uh, we're actually heading to the zoo today, but you're welcome to join us." I offer walking towards the freshly made coffee. I picked up the pot and shook it in her direction as a silent question if she wanted any which she nodded.

"The zoo?! I love the zoo!" Her excited reaction was cute. "But I don't want to intrude on your day." I pushed a mug of coffee in her direction and took a sip out of mine. But before I can answer her, I hear little footsteps approach us. "Morning bug." I smile in my daughter's direction as she rubs her eyes clinging to Mr Snuggles in her other hand.

Placing my coffee back on the counter I walk over and bend down to pick up a sleep Ava. She snuggles into me, not having yet noticed the visitor stood in our kitchen. "Good Morning bug. Do you mind if we have a friend join us at the zoo today?" I asked. "What friend Mummy?" She responded, looking at me confused.