More Than a Soldier

Chapter 90 - Oscar chat

Scarlett's POV:

6 months old

Since being nominated for an Oscar, my workload has increased significantly. There are a lot of interviews, which Dina has advised are important to do. Even though I want to have my evenings back! Some of them I'm able to do from home in the office over zoom. But I have a number that are booked in over the coming weeks in the lead up to the ceremony.

As much as I'm honoured for the nomination, with the reshoots and work on Sing 2, it's taking up my valuable spare time. Time that I'm not with my family. It's strange how attached I've become. I've always loved being around them, but since Leo was born, the moment I'm away from them for more than an hour, I yearn to be with them.

Y/n has come to some interviews with me, kids in tow where we know it's appropriate. Ava has enjoyed seeing this side of my work and especially loves the ones that involve games. That's been nice to have them with me, though we're still trying to keep Leo out of the public eye as much as we can. So that means no going to the big interviews like Fallon or the Late show. Paps are always scoping out at the studio there and we don't want to introduce him to that world if we can help it.

Leo is now over six months old, and I can't believe where that time has gone. He has really started to grow into his personality and it's amazing to see how much it feels like Y/n. When we picked the donor, we went for someone with similar features and personality traits. Turns out those traits are starting to come through.

He's such a goof, just like Y/n, and he's always smiling. I've never seen such a happy kid. Don't get me wrong, he definitely has his moments and tantrums, but on the whole, he's nearly always smiling. He's clearly into sports. Well, Y/n is trying to believe that. She's introduced him to soccer and rugby on the TV and, I must as admit, he watches intently.

It's adorable to watch when Y/n is in her jersey for her team that's playing, whether that's Liverpool, LA Galaxy or Gloucester Rugby (as I've learnt is her chosen team in rugby!). Leo and Ava are then wearing a matching top and Leo sits with his mummy as she explains what is going on. When they score, she celebrates with them both which makes Leo giggle and laugh loudly, clapping his hands together. It's actually made me watch the games with them. I'm not interested with what's happening on the screen, but I love seeing them together in moments like this.

Ava is still very much into her soccer and is doing really well on the school team. Her and Y/n spend time in the backyard practicing. Ava often comes home and tells her what her coach told her she needs to work on, and Y/n takes the time to help her.

We're currently all sat enjoying the cool afternoon outside. I'm sat on a blanket with Leo who's sat playing with one of his many toys. He started to sit a few days ago and it makes him seem so grown up now! Whilst I'm enjoying my time with Leo, Y/n and Ava go through some drills that the coach had suggested. "That's it bug, keep your head up. You need to see what's ahead of you as well as keeping an eye on the ball." Y/n instructs her.

Ava does as she's told but loses control of the ball, making her huff and stomp her foot a little in frustration. Y/n stops and kneels in front of Ava. "Hey, look at me. It's going to take practice to do both. That's what this drill is for. Keep your touches on the ball light and small. That way you won't kick it too far away whilst you're checking your surroundings." Y/n talks to her calmly.

Ava nods her head, but a pout still firmly sits on her mouth. "Grab the ball and go again. It's ok to make mistakes here with me. We're going to make sure you get the hang of this." Y/n reassures her with a big smile. Ava huffs a little and walks over to grab the ball and they go again.

This time she's able to control the ball for a little longer before she loses control. Y/n's instruction clearly already starting to work. "That's amazing bug! Just one small adjustment and you're already doing better." Y/n cheers and that seems to cheer Ava up and she runs to get the ball and try again.