More Than a Soldier

Chapter 17 - Coming Home

Scarlett's POV:

Thankfully, Ava only seemed to have a stomach bug and was doing better by the evening the next day. The second phone call from Y/n definitely cheered her up. Well, it's cheered both of us up. When we spoke to her the day before, she sounded so tired and defeated. I can understand why after everything that she had been through for the last week. I can't even begin to imagine what it would have been like to be in that position. It's also not lost on me that there was a high possibility that Y/n could have been hurt or worse in such a battle.

I kept Ava off school for a second day just to make sure she was completely over the bug and wasn't going to pass it on to the other kids at school. Lizzie ended up staying with us for the rest of the evening which was nice, and the next day Susan came around to check in on Ava. She made us some dinner and it was delicious!

Once Ava was back to school, I was catching up with some of the meetings that I had to move around over the last three days. I'm glad for it as it was helping to keep my mind off the fact that she is home in less than two weeks. Even less until she leaves herself.

My meetings consisted of script reading for Endgame and the initial meetings for Jojo Rabbit. Filming won't start until the summer next year, but Taika is keen for us all to get to know each other. I met Roman Griffin Davis who plays my son in the movie, and he is just the sweetest kid. He's English and I can't wait to introduce him to Y/n and Ava. They're going to love him. I also met Thomasin McKenzie who is new up and coming New Zealand actress. She's just turned 17 but she is so mature and, from what I've seen, extremely talented.

We had a cast lunch, and it was great to get to meet some of the others who are going to be in the movie. If you were to read the synopsis of the film, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a weird story. But the script is so well written. A great balance between humour and sadness. I just feel that there is something special about this film and I can't wait to get started on it.

The last week before Y/n comes home, it feels like I'm just waiting for a phone call saying that she's been delayed. But it never comes. Until the 17th October. My hand is shaken when I see Y/n's number. "Hey babe." I greet, trying to hide the fear in my voice. "Angel!" Y/n practically squeals down the phone in excitement. I've never heard her like this, and it instantly relaxes me. "You sound happy." I chuckle. "I'm coming home!" She cheers and it makes my heart soar. "It's actually happening? No delays?" I query, not quite believing it's happening like it was planned. "Yep, I'm just about to hand my phone in now and then I'll be heading to get ready for the first flight." She explains.

"Wow, I can't believe it! I can't wait for you to come home." I respond, relief evident in my voice. "Hopefully, all the other flights will be on time, and I'll be back home in three days. But after this call, I won't be able to contact you." She shares and I pout, knowing that it's going to be a long three days. "How will I know if you're delayed?" I ask, not wanting to miss seeing her at the airfield.

"The Sgt Maj will text you when we're in flight back to LA. He'll confirm timings and instruction for entry to the airbase." She instantly puts my mind at ease. "God, these next three days can't go by quick enough! Any requests for when you're home?" I question, wanting to make sure she gets exactly what she wants. She thinks for a moment before answering. "Your lasagne and lots of cuddles." I can hear the smile as she talks. "I think I can arrange that." I smirk, the excitement building of her finally coming home.

"I have to get going now. But I can't wait to see you, my love. Our new life is about to start." She beams through the phone. "I'll be there waiting for you. I love you." As we say goodbye, I can't wipe the smile off my face. The love of my life is coming home!

__________

Sleep was nearly impossible last night. The excitement was so much that I couldn't get my mind to be still enough to get some rest. I got a text confirming the time of Y/n's flight and everything that Ava and I needed to do to be there to greet her. Thankfully, her flight gets in relatively early, so we're not waiting around all day for her to get home. She lands at 10am so we'll be leaving at 8am to get there and through the security bits in time for them landing.