More Than a Soldier

Chapter 93 - Epilogue

7 Years later

Ava's POV:

Even though it's has been my normality for a long time now, I still can't get over the number of celebrities that we have at our parties. Especially when they are all here for me. Like today for example. We're having a family barbeque to celebrate my graduation from High School. But when we say family, that means about 30 people! I've been so lucky to grow up with such a supportive family. I have so many aunties and uncles that are there for me at a drop of a hat. It's a very different life to the one that mum and I had before moving to LA.

"Are you looking forward to going to college?" Uncle Hunter asks me as we sit around in the garden. "I can't wait. I'm so glad that Gracie is going too. I'll have someone that I know and I feel like I'll be able to settle more." I respond. I managed to get into UCLA so I can complete a degree in zoology. Mum always used to tease me that I loved animals so much when I was younger. She always thought I'd end up as a vet or something. I guess I never really grew out of it.

"Think of all the parties you'll be able to go to." Uncle Hunter says with a smirk. "Don't go giving her ideas!" Mama shouts, overhearing our conversation as she walks out from the kitchen. "Sorry kid!" He apologises before rushing off like the child he is.

"I bet you're excited to play soccer too." Auntie Elsa carries on the conversation that Hunter so quickly left. "Yeah, it's going to be so much fun. I never knew it would be something that I would enjoy so much." I reply. "It helps that you're talented." Uncle Hemsworth adds on, making me blush at the compliment. I was able to get a part scholarship to play football too which is exciting. Though I know it's just going to add a lot more work on to an already busy schedule. But I love football and I'm glad I've got the chance to carry it on properly.

"Ava, will you come play with us?" Leo calls to me from the grass patch which has been a makeshift football pitch since I started playing back in school. "I'll be over in a minute Leo." I respond, earning a pout and a sigh. "Fine. But Mia wants to be in goal!" He tells me before returning to the rest of the kids.

You're probably wondering who Mia is. Well, three years ago, mum and mama sat us down and told us about a three year old girl that mum had met whilst volunteering at a foster home. They wanted to adopt her and give her a loving home like Leo and I have been lucky enough to grow up in. We instantly said yes and within a couple of months, she was moving in with us and our family of four grew to a family of five. I think it was nice for Leo to have someone closer to his age to play with.

Whilst I watch Leo run back to our sister, my eyes catch a glimpse of our mums. Mum is at the barbeque and mama has wrapped her arms around her, her chin resting on her shoulder. They're laughing about something and then mum leans down to give mama a kiss. It's very sweet. Growing up, I had the best example of true love. Yes, we may have watched all these Disney movies with princesses finding their prince. But I didn't need that when I could simply watch my parents.

Even after 9 years of marriage and 11 years of being together, their love is still fresh. I've lost count of the amount of times I've walked in on them dancing around whilst cooking dinner, or just having sweet moments together. I used to be embarrassed by it when I was younger, but having seen so many of my friends' parents go through divorce, I became far more appreciative of having two parents who are still as madly in love with each other now as they were when they got married.

Despite the fact that one of my mums is a world famous actress, I was given the best childhood, being kept as normal as possible. As I've grown up, I've been able to avoid being in the spotlight. It's not something that I've ever wanted, and both mum and mama have made sure that I'm protected. The odd occasion where I've had issues, they have always been there to protect me. When I have been "in the lime light" it's been on my terms, like at premieres that I attend with mama.