More Than a Soldier

Chapter 13 - Birthday without Mummy

Scarlett's POV:

September has been a challenging month. I knew it was going to be busy, but things definitely proved to be difficult. It just made me miss Y/n even more, if it's possible. It's been a little challenging with Ava. I can't complain as she has been amazing through this whole period, it's no surprise that she was going to have a wobble at one point.

When we got back from Myrtle Beach, we had a little over a week before Ava went back to school. It gave us both a chance to get back to some form of normality and get over the excitement of the summer break in Atlanta. Work for me over the next couple of months is quite quiet as we lead up to filming for Endgame. I wanted to make sure I was around for Ava as much as possible whilst Y/n is away.

I never thought I would say this, but it's been nice not being so busy. I have always loved my job, and I still do. I wasn't happy if I wasn't working on a project. But over this last year my priorities have changed and I'm enjoying the side of my life that isn't revolving around my work. Instead, I get to create some incredible moments with Ava.

The start off to school was pretty easy. Ava was really excited to be going back and have the chance to see all her friends again. That was one of the downsides of her being in Atlanta with me, she wasn't able to hang out with them at all. We had Gracie around within a couple of days after we got back, and it was like we were never away. So that made me feel better about Ava going back to school.

The night before, we had dinner at Mama Gina's as a treat. We got the family sundae and managed to eat it all between the two of us, though Gina did help with a couple of spoonful's! We snuggled watching TV on the sofa and just before I was about to put her to bed, my phone rang, and my face lit up when I saw the number ringing. "I think this is for you." I smile towards Ava, holding the phone out.

"Hello?" She answers the call tentatively. I can hear a muffled voice on the other end and then Ava's face lights up. "Mummy!" She squeals in excitement, pulling her phone away from her ear and putting it on speaker phone. "Mama is here to!" She informs her, giving me a big grin. "Hi babe." I greet before I hear her voice. "Hi my love. How are you both?" She asks and I can hear her smile through the phone.

Ava: We are great mummy. We had burgers at Mama Gina's and we finished off the family sundae!

Y/n: Wow! Really, that sounds amazing. I can't believe the two of you managed to finish it all on your own. Especially after eating burgers.

Ava: It took us a while and some of the ice cream had melted by the time we finished.

Ava admits which causes Y/n to chuckle.

Y/n: Are you excited to start second grade tomorrow?

Ava: I can't wait to see Gracie every day again!

She shares whilst I let out a small gasp and bring my hand playfully up to my chest in fake insult.

Scarlett: Are you saying that you don't want to be with me anymore?

Ava's eyes go wide as I speak and she is quickly stumbling over her words as she tries to backtrack whilst Y/n is laughing down the phone.

Ava: No mama! I'll miss being with you!

She tries to defend but it's too late. The tickle monster has already arisen! I launch my tickle attack on Ava who wiggles to try and get out of my grasp whilst laughing. Not wanting to keep her from Y/n too long, I relent and hand her back the phone whilst she tries to catch her breath.

Ava: Mama's mean.

She teases me poking her tongue out which causes me to pout.

Y/n: It's ok, when I'm home we'll team up against her!