before any of you say she's only eight and there is no possible way to feel this way at this age, you are very wrong. the past few days i've been calling my cousin beautiful at least 50 times a day because her mom has broken her self esteem. we were in a fucking store and she stood in front of the mirror and pointed out at least 5 imperfections about herself and i almost cried.
she's fucking nine.
30 votes for the next chapter time for restrictions
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"happy birthday!" i smiled as i walked into april's room, only to pout when seeing her still asleep.
i walked over to the bed and sat down, running my fingers through her hair before she stirred a bit. "how does it feel to be eight huh?"
she mumbled something before getting up. "nothing, it's just an age."
"who the fuck told you that?" i poked her side and she groaned. "meghan."
"who the fuck is meghan? is she a he? you're not allowed to date!"
"i hear shouting." ashton knocked on the door before coming in. "is there a problem?"
"yes! our daughter is dating a possible boy!"
"i hate boys!" she protested and punched my shoulder.
"our daughter is dating a possible boy girl!" i spoke over-dramatically and tackled her. she huffed out in annoyance. "off!"
i got off of her and stood up, running towards ashton and pulling him into my embrace. "she's too perfect for this world."
ashton laughed and glanced towards april. "happy birthday beautiful."
april smiled and got up, shoving me aside and hugging ashton. "we have breakfast ready and luke and michael are here with charlie too."
april's cheeks flushed red at the name and i let it slide as we walked out. everyone was already at the table eating as april sat down at the end. i took a seat next to charlie while ashton sat next to michael. "should we open presents after we're done?" luke asked curiously and i looked towards april who grinned.
after we had finished eating i cleaned up the plates, michael nearly throwing me down to the floor when i was about to start doing dishes. "i'm doing them." he turned on the water and went for the soap but i slapped his hand away.
"no you're not." i grabbed the sponge and pushed him. he pushed me back, grabbing wrist and taking the sponge from my hand. "ashton control your husband!"
"calum control yourself!" he shouted back from the living room and i rolled my eyes. "fine, but this is the last time you're doing them."
"you said that last year." he scoffed and i flipped him off before walking out. april was sat on the couch with a present on her lap. "were you guys waiting on me?"
"no she's scared to open it." ashton laughed and april slowly brought her hands to the top. she took her time opening it and everything felt off. she looked like she wasn't even happy and it's her birthday.
once she got the paper off she smiled and gave a thank you to luke for the gift, moving it to the side while ashton handed her another one. it was a small, but i knew she'd like it. she took her time taking the paper off of this one too, but smiling brightly at the camera sitting on her lap. "i-i love it."
something told me she didn't, though.
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"ashton there's something wrong." i sighed, feeling the tears brimming my eyes. i don't know what i did wrong but something was so so very wrong.
the last time she acted this way was when she was six and breathing got heavy. "whatever it is you didn't start it calum." ashton assured but i shook my head.
"i've spent my entire life trying to make her happy and keeping her happy. i put her before myself everyday but what did i do wrong. i had to have done something ashton!" i shouted and he flinched at the tone. i wiped under my eyes, giving up once the tears just started to flow freely. "she told me she lost all her friends at school maybe that's the problem?"
"what do you mean she lost her friends? when was this?" i asked confused, it's impossible for her to lose a friend.
"it was a few weeks ago, they called her weird and i told her it wasn't anything to be ashamed of. i think it's gotten worse but she hasn't talked about it. if anything she's starting to just not talk at all. yesterday she barely spoke a few words while you were out." ashton sighed and i sniffled.
"why won't she talk to us about it? is she afraid of us?" my voice cracked as i spoke. i wouldn't ever want her to be afraid of me, no child should be afraid to talk to their parents when they need to. "don't ask her about it, when she's ready she's ready."
ashton nodded and i got up from the table. "i'm calling it a night, it's been a long day."
ashton nodded once more as i turned off the kitchen light and slowly made my way to the bedroom. i stopped at april's door, freezing in my spot as i stared at it.
it was closed
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happy new year btw yooo
