Just a Soldier

Chapter 82 - St Ives

Scarlett's POV:

This trip has already taught me so much about where Y/n and Ava have come from. From where Y/n grew up when she was just a kid. To where Ava was born and where they lived before they made the move over to the US. It's given me a much greater understanding of what they've been through. Especially Y/n.

When Ava showed me the rooms they lived in, I couldn't believe Y/n had given Ava the bigger of the two. But then again, I don't know why I'm surprised as Y/n has always put Ava first. She has spent the last 7 years making sure that Ava is happy and safe. I guess I hadn't realised just how much she had sacrificed for her. It makes me more determined to make sure that I'm the best mother I can be for Ava and help share the load with Y/n.

That evening we went for a walk around the town and Ava became the tour guide, showing us where she went to nursery and school. It's cute seeing how enthusiastic she is to show me as much as she can. We even managed to visit the park they used to go to, before the sun set. It had a pond with ducks swimming around in it. "Mummy used to pick me up from school and bring me here to feed the ducks!" Ava explains. "I'll get us some food and we can come down tomorrow morning before we leave if you like Ava?" Y/n suggests, and Ava's eyes goes wide as she bounces on her feet. "Can we?!" She squeals. "Of course, bug." Y/n confirms before turning her attention back to the water.

The whole evening I walked with Y/n's hand in mine as Ava walked just in front of us, taking us on our route march as Y/n called it. It was quiet and calm here. I can see why Y/n likes it. Here and Wanborough are the complete opposite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" I ask as I climb into bed with Y/n after getting back from dinner. "It's going to be a long drive, about 4 hours, to get down to St Ives. So, I thought we could stop at a safari park not to far from here. Then we can get down to Cornwall in time for dinner?" She explains, pulling me close to her so she can hold me. "Oh, I like the sound of that. I've never been to a safari park before!" I say in excitement.

I'm really looking forward to going down to Cornwall. I've never been before and when I googled St Ives, it looks beautiful. I think it's going to be the perfect end to our trip. Though I'm trying not to think about it being the end too much as that means we're that much closer to Y/n leaving. And I'm not ready to think about that right now. I just want to be in the moment.

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I'm in awe as we drive down a long road past this big beautiful stately home. Apparently, this is all part of the grounds of Longleat safari park. It's very impressive. You don't get many buildings like this in America. This house is nearly 500 years old which is older than modern day America! But this isn't even what we're here to see. Y/n has pre-bought the tickets so we're heading straight to the safari entrance at Ava's request. She wants to get straight to seeing the animals.

"Let's hope the monkeys are not in a destructive mood today." Y/n mumbles as we wait for our turn to enter. "What do you mean?" I ask with a confused look as Ava giggles in the back. "Last time they pulled off the rubber on mummy's windows!" Ava laughs, a completely different reaction to Y/n's eye roll. "Good job I bought insurance for the rental!" She jokes as we start our journey through the first gate.

This is really like nothing I've seen before. It's weird staying in the car and getting so close to the animals. It's nice not seeing them from behind a window or cage. "Ok bug! Do you have the app ready?" Y/n asks and Ava nods. "You're our tour guide today then bug!" Y/n tells her with a big smile and we're on our way. "First up is Africa!" Ava shares as instantly see some giraffes. "Look mama! There's a baby!" She points out at the smaller animal.

"It says here that their tongues are 50cms long! They use them to pull leaves from branches. That's so cool!" Ava shares with us from her app. She is then pushing her face against the window to get a better look. We end up having to stop as a group of the giraffe get pretty close to the car. "Wow." I whisper when one is right by my window. They're such beautiful creatures.