Saving Lotte Sullivan | Collingwood/Carlton

34: Fking Cheers

'Really wish your dad had of come down here with us' Lotte said, annoyed as she pushed Ivy's wheelchair and IV towards the available table outside of the ice cream shop, Cassius straight away running over and trying to decide which flavour he wanted. Lotte sighed and shook her head, rolling her eyes. He was so much alike to her nephew she hadn't seen in five, six years. But then when she thought the better of it, yes most kids were energetic and went nuts over ice cream.

'What do you want?' Lotte asked Ivy, as she pulled her brother's old wallet out. He'd handed it down to her when she was just 15 and she still used it for everything.

'Nothing' Ivy said defensively, as she folded her arms, in a mood. 'Why'd he make mama run out again?' She asked.

'Your dad didn't - I'm not getting into this because it's none of my business' Lotte said, feeling like she was about to start arguing with a teenager instead of a 6 year old. Ivy certainly did seem to be a little version of her mother, at least attitude wise.

'COME ON LOTTEEEEE, ICE CREAM!' Cassius yelled from the counter, as he waved her over. 'I have to help your brother before he implodes, are you sure you don't want anything?' Lotte asked, as Ivy stubbornly shook her head. 'Nothing. I don't like ice cream' she said, as Lotte sighed and walked over, passing Cassius a ten dollar note.

'What one do you want?' He asked, looking up at her, a little somewhat impatient. 'You're polite' she said, surprised. He shrugged.

'You're taking foreverrrrr' he whined. 'Maybe not so polite. I don't want any, you enjoy' Lotte said, laughing at him as he handed the cashier his note.

'Where's the surprise?' Ivy asked, as Lotte returned back to the table with Cassius. 'The surprise is coming, they're having trouble finding a parking spot' Lotte replied, rolling her eyes as she texted the person. 'Who is it?' Ivy asked tiredly. 'You'll find out' she said, as Ivy looked away. 'I wish mama had of taken me with her. I hate dad and you' she whispered. Lotte almost yelled back, about how much Josh cared for her, when the surprise suddenly walked in.

'Cassius my main man, did you not think to order an ice cream for me?'

The 4 year old suddenly turned around with massive eyes and a just as huge smile. 'UNCLE NICKY!' He screamed, as he jumped on his father's younger brother and caused a scene in the middle of the hospital.

'Don't tell me he's the surprise' Ivy said, looking like she was about to cry. 'What - I thought Nick was your favourite?' Lotte asked, deflated. It's like she just couldn't do anything right by this kid.

'His name is Nicky and auntie Scarlett is my favourite' Ivy said defensively, as Lotte sighed. Auntie Scarlett. She'd remember that name. 'His name is Nicholas, actually' she corrected.

'Daddy said you weren't visiting but you're here!' Cassius exclaimed, as he hugged his favourite relative. It had been a little while since he'd last seen him. Everything was different. Cass was either staying with his dad's parents or sister, or at the hospital with his immediate family. And Uncle Nicky was always wherever he was.

'Wouldn't miss catching up with my two mains for the world. Hi Ivy, how are you feeling?' Nick asked, putting his phone on the table as Cassius jumped on him again, starting to become hyperactive from the sugar. 'Alright mate, alright. I just got here. Give me a minute to say hello to your sister' Nick said, laughing as he pulled his nephew off. 'She's Lotte' Cassius said, ignoring him as he pointed to his father's girlfriend.

'We've met, Cassius' Lotte said, looking up at Nick. She'd organised this but she'd still never forgive him.

'I want to go home' Ivy whined, as she glared at her uncle. 'Where's Josh?' Nick asked Lotte, who shrugged. 'Had to call your parents' she said. 'There's a surprise' he sarcastically remarked, as he rolled his eyes.