More Than a Soldier

Chapter 31 - 2018

Y/n's POV:

The last month has been jammed packed and flown by. Suddenly we're in January and it's not long until the two biggest changes of our lives are about to happen. I leave the army and not long after we're off to Atlanta for nearly four months.

After getting back from Disney, we had a bit of a calm before the storm. Ava was back at school whilst Scarlett's work started to ramp up in preparation for going to Atlanta in the new year. I had the rest of December off and have been doing bits around the house and working with Alan on the Real Hero.

I've really enjoyed my time working with him. He's a real genius and I'm learning so much. We've made some changes to the piece, but I think it's working really well. We even have an alternative extended piece which was really cool to work on. After working with him for a little under a week, he asked me for input on some of the other pieces and suddenly, we're working across 5 other pieces for the movie.

He's obviously had words with Scarlett though, because he is remaining tight lipped on where our piece is going to sit in the movie. He only shares what he absolutely has to in terms of information on where any of the music we're working on is going to appear and focuses on the emotions that need to be conveyed.

I've actually really loved working on some of the fight scene music. Learning how Alan works to use instruments to create different atmospheres and to build tension has been great. I am doing my best impression of a sponge to absorb all the information and skills that I'm learning. It's become a real passion and there is a part of me that wonders if this could be where my new career starts.

I've been thinking more about the 'what next' of my life and I feel more comfortable in the position I'm in. Making sure that I take the time to find something that I really love. Sophie and I have talked a little more about opening a second location. Nothing set in stone, she's just shared her vision and how much I would be involved. I actually love the idea of working with her. Creating somewhere special. I think what is so appealing about it is the flexibility that it would afford me.

I wouldn't be tied down and once it's up and running, and hopefully successfully, I'd be able to pursue other interests as well. Maybe looking to make a career within the music industry. I'm sure Alan would be able to help me find a start off position where I could learn the ropes.

For the first time in a while, I'm completely comfortable with where my life is going. That's as long as I don't think about my last day in uniform too much. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to move on to the next chapter, but it's a huge step for me. The army has been my life for the last 14 years.

Leading up to Christmas, Scarlett was preparing for 2018, making sure she knew what projects she had coming up and any commitments that she has. She's actually most excited for Jojo Rabbit. Although the time away in the Czech Republic worries her a little, the script has her gripped. It's great seeing her so enthusiastic about it. Not that she isn't on all her other projects, but this one really seems to mean something to her.

She's kept her schedule relatively light for this year. Well, light for her. With the wedding and plans to start a family, she wants to make sure she's around as much as possible and only doing projects that really call to her. Luckily, they're doing the final reshoots for Infinity War whilst also filming for Endgame, so she won't be returning to Atlanta until later in the year for any reshoots for Endgame. Everything is shaping up really nicely.

As the holiday season approached, I found I got more excited than I usually do. Knowing that we have this big family to celebrate with is amazing. It's what I had always wished to have when I was a kid. I'm so happy that I'm able to give Ava that now.