haze / afi

part 71. ashton's family

"violet, your hair looks fine," ashton stands in the doorway of the bathroom, looking at violet through the mirror.

"it looks frizzy, it's not fine," violet argues. "first impressions are everything, i need my hair to be perfect."

it's not uncommon for violet to worry about the way she looks before seeing certain people. today specifically, she's worried because she'll be meeting ashton's family for the first time. just... not in person. over a video call.

she has nothing to worry about. ashton's mum, anne, already loves violet from what he's told her. and he tells her a lot. told her about when they met, told her when they started dating, even asked for advice a few times. much like his mum, his sister, lauren, is excited to meet violet too. his brother, harry, will be appearing briefly during this call.

ashton has pre warned his family that violet is a little anxious to talk to them, asking them to not go too overboard with questions or single her out in any way. not that they would.

they were also meant to be on call a good fifteen minutes ago, but violet's worry is getting the better of her which is why they're both standing in the bathroom at this exact moment.

after she doesn't look like she'll stop fussing with her hair, ashton steps beside her, fluffing up his hair to mess the curls up. violet stares at him, folding her arms. although, she can't help but smile.

"you look cute," she reaches up, running her own hands through his now messy curls.

"so do you," ashton's hands grasp her waist, pulling her closer for a soft kiss. "and your hair looks absolutely fine, baby, looks as perfect as it always does."

"are you sure?"

"one hundred percent."

"okay," she sighs, turning to the mirror to check one last time. "sorry we're late calling your mom, that looks bad on my part already."

ashton shakes his head, telling her not to worry. "i told her i couldn't find my laptop charger."

"you lied to your mom for me?"

"partial lie," he chuckles. "actually couldn't find it at first."

violet finally forces herself to leave the bathroom, ashton following behind her. "are we calling up here?" she asks. "or living room?"

"living room?"

violet nods, now following ashton along the hall and downstairs to the living room. ashton's laptop is charging on the coffee table, already in place for them to start this call.

violet grabs the blanket from the other sofa, bringing it over to cover her legs with, holding it up for ashton to sit beside her. he places his arm around her waist, making sure she's comfortable before he pulls up his mum's contact information.

"ready?" he hovers over the call button on the screen.

"think so," violet takes a deep breath.

he clicks on the button, the screen presenting a calling symbol to show it's ringing through. a small rectangle picture is in the top corner to show what they look like, causing violet to fiddle with her hair again. ashton is quick to take her hand in his, stopping her. before they know it, the call is being answered. ashton's mum and sister appearing on the screen.

here we go, violet. just stay calm, this is fine. you're fine. it's not like this is happening in person.

"hey!" ashton says, violet only manages a small wave. "it's good to see you both, this is violet."