A Soldier's Life

Chapter 14 - Growing up so fast

Y/n's POV:

All weekend I couldn't stop thinking about my coffee "date" with Scarlett. I couldn't help but admire her as she walked into the café in her peach dress. It was like a moment from the movies, everything around her seemed to slow down and blur as she swayed her hips, her dress flowing in the wind. She was beautiful.

Conversation flowed easily and both of us seemed comfortable in each other's company. She showed a genuine interest in getting to know me and I loved that she was interested in talking about Ava as well.

It's sad how often someone's interest in me has stopped the moment they find out I have a kid. Although I'm careful who I introduce to Ava, I never hide her away from anyone I'm dating. She is part of a package deal with me and if that is a problem, then I don't want that person in my life.

That is why Scarlett was so special in my eyes. How she was with Ava on set and arranging help for her birthday made my heart warm. No one has ever been like that to me, even my ex, Lindsey. I don't think Scarlett understands how much her actions mean to me. All adding to the growing feelings I have for her. All feelings that I had spent the last two weeks trying to forget about.

I can't say I wasn't happy after I read the article about her and Colin no longer being together. I was torn over whether to bring it up with her, but before anything, I wanted to be her friend and I wanted her to know that I was someone she could confide in. I was shocked when she said that he had been cheating on her. I don't understand how he could do that to her. I mean she's the most beautiful woman, kind and caring. How can you cheat on someone like that?

The hour we spent together went by way to quickly and I hated that I had to get back to work. I couldn't stop smiling on my drive back to camp. I'm not naïve, I know there is still a high chance she isn't even interested in me as anything more than a friend. I don't even know if she likes women, from what I've seen she's only ever dated men.

But I'm just going to enjoy the time that we do spend together. For the first time, since moving from LA, I feel like I've made genuine friends away from work. And it all stemmed from having a coffee spilled down me in Griffith park!

The rest of the weekend, when I wasn't thinking about Scarlett, was spent getting ready for Ava's first day at Kindergarten and making the most of the time we had together before her school life starts. On the Sunday night I was putting Ava to bed ready for her busy week ahead.

"Are you coming to school with me tomowow Mummy?" Ava asked me as she crawled into her bed. "Of course! Sophie and I are both going to drop you off. We wouldn't miss it for the world." I replied whilst helping to tuck Ava up in bed. "Now what do you want to dream about tonight bug?" I ask, getting ready for our nightly tradition.

"Hmmm, that I will have lots of friends and like school." She responded shyly. "You're going to make so many friends Ava. Right, are you ready?" I lean over grab Mr Snuggles and hand him to Ava who grabs him quickly and cuddles him under her arm. "I'm ready Mummy."

"Goodnight my sweet Princess. May your dreams be full of having fun with your friends and being the smart little genius, I know you are at school and that the tickle monster will be kept away! Mummy loves you to the moon and back. Sleep tight bug." I gently stroke Ava's hair as I speak and place a kiss on her forehead when I'm done. "I love you too Mummy." She mummers as sleep starts to take over.

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I was woken up by a dip in my bed. I turned over to see a sleepy Ava crawl closer to me. "What's up bug?" I asked with a raspy voice, opening my arms for her to snuggle into me. She pulled her arms into her chest as she got as close to me as she could, her head resting against my chest.