More Than a Soldier

Chapter 57 - Why?

Y/n's POV:

After taking the time to make my decision, I had called back Deborah and confirmed that I would like to meet with Charlotte and Dale. I also told her that I was happy to fly out to England to meet them. I considered meeting them here in LA, but for some reason that didn't sit comfortably with me. I don't know their financial situation and I didn't want to assume that they could afford to fly out.

The plan is to meet at a quiet pub back in Bristol where they are currently living. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I've tried to take my dad's advice on board. The only decision I had to make was if I wanted to meet them or not. Any decision on having a relationship with them or anything could wait.

Since I told them, my parents have been incredible. They've been so supportive, especially dad. They encourage me to talk about it with them and reassure me that they're not offended to hear about it. Their main desire is that I'm happy.

Scarlett, being the amazing wife she is, has arranged to take some time off work to meet me in England so she can support me. Although I hate the idea of her moving her work around for me, I'm so grateful for it. I'm not sure that I could do this alone, so knowing I have her with me is making this whole situation slightly better.

Dealing with Ava was another story and I regrettably had to lie to her. I hated doing it, but Scarlett and I both agreed it was the best thing to do until I know more about what might happen next. Although she's smart for her age, I'm not sure how she would take me explaining the situation. I couldn't tell her I was visiting Scarlett as she would want to come too, and I would have no excuse for her not to.

In the end, Sophie saved the day, and she asked Ava to go camping with her and Matt. They were already planning to go away, and it was actually Matt's suggestion as he wanted to spend more time with Ava. They have this really cool campsite right on the beach and it's got a pool and kids club and everything. I'm actually jealous of how much fun she's going to have.

After dropping Ava with Sophie, I headed to the airport on my way back to England. It's a very different journey to the last time I did this with Scarlett and Ava in tow. A ring weighing heavy in my pocket in anticipation of me proposing in return. This time, I'm going to meet the two people who created me, and subsequently abandoned me.

The whole flight I'm unable to focus on anything. I have a movie playing but my mind is elsewhere. My thoughts going through all the questions I want to ask, to wondering what they are like. I always thought if my parents ever got in contact with me that I would be excited at the chance to get to meet them. But it turns out I have a lot more anger towards them than I expected.

I have the best parents you could ask for and a family that I love more than anything. I haven't felt that anything was missing, so this feels more like an obligation than anything. Though I'm trying to see it as an opportunity. I can finally get answers to questions that have plagued me since I was a little kid. Anything that happens beyond that is yet to be determined. But like I promised dad, I'm going into it with an open mind.

Considering I spend the whole flight lost in thought, it goes by surprisingly quickly. Though as soon as I move to get off the plane, I realise how tired I am. The 10 hour flight and lack of sleep is really catching up with me. I arrive early morning in London, and I've still got a two hour car journey to get to the hotel in Bristol. Scarlett is flying in directly to Bristol this afternoon, so I'll get to finally see her and I can't wait to hold her.

I wait for my bag to come around the carousel, my eyes drooping as I try to focus on spotting my bag as it comes through. Seeing the rainbow lace that Ava tied on it before we went to London last time, I grab the bag and start to wheel it through to arrivals. I have a car waiting for me, knowing I wouldn't be able to drive, so I keep an eye out for my name on a piece of paper.