proud// 5SOS

30

Calum

"Cal, I am gonna head off now. She wants to talk to you,"

"Alright. Thanks for keeping her company. I know we got off on the wrong foot but you are welcome round any time,"

"You think that was gonna stop me?" Link grinned, "Thanks for having me,"

He let himself out, so I went upstairs and knocked on Esme's door; she called me in, then gave me a slightly swollen-cheeked smile.

"Uncle Ashton is on his way," she beamed, "And Luke, and Michael,"

"This early?!"

"Well, maybe not right now. Ashton is,"

"Nice. Link said you wanted to talk to me?"

"I want a cuddle,"

"A cuddle you shall get,"

I climbed into her bed and held her tightly, a small giggle escaping her. Someone was clearly happy to be seeing her uncles.

"I am really excited to see everyone. I feel a lot better today,"

"That's good. Would you like any painkillers? Your cheek is a bit swollen,"

"Link got me some. Is it ugly?"

"No. You are never ugly,"

"Okay,"

"Are you mad at me?"

"No," I laughed, "You are all good,"

She nestled her head into me and I hugged her, closing my eyes. I had vowed to savour every hug we got whenever she returned home, and I definitely did. If I could hold her in my arms forever I would.

Today, I got to hold her until Ashton arrived, who she ran down to see; I followed, making him a coffee.

"Good morning,"

"Thank you for coming,"

"I missed ya!" he said, catching her as she jumped up at him, "You look better,"

"Yeah. My cheek is a bit swollen though,"

"You rock it,"

"Uncle Ashton, would you like to make cookies with me?"

"At... 10am?" he asked, checking his watch, "Of course,"

I gave him a smile, because I couldn't help but smile at seeing Esme so happy for the first time in so long. I knew once she settled, she would be dying to have fun with her uncles again.

They got right to it, and I sat at the table and watched with a huge grin in my face. When she was in her element, Esme lit up. I loved it. I never missed a gymnastics meet when she was younger because I knew it meant seeing her glow. Even classes, I hardly missed. I don't think I would ever get fed up of watching my daughter do what she loved, or enjoyed.

While they were making them, the front door opened and I heard Luke come in- I knew because it took a while for him to take his converse off. The cookies went in the oven, then he came and gave Esme a cuddle, kissing the top of her head a few times.

"Hiya sweet,"

"Hey Luke. We made cookies,"

"Oh nice! I look forward to them,"

"Really?"

"I do!"

"While they bake would you like to come up to my room?"

"For what?"

"A thing,"

"Well I can't say no to a thing!"