All of my 5sos work

Support

She couldn't keep her legs still, the continuous shaking wasn't easing as we neared the building. It all seemed so surreal, my little girl off to high school- where did the time go? It only seemed like yesterday when I first held her in my arms, how my wife muttered a name for her and all I could do was nod in agreement, our little Amelie.

Yet now she squirmed as much as she did then, constantly fidgeting with her blonde hair that she wanted to keep down and made the effort to fit in. "Okay Amy, you ready?" I spoke up as we approached the school and she stopped me before I went any further.

Her blues eyes filled with panic as she grabbed a hold of her stuff, holding it close to her chest. "I'll get out here Dad." Part of me ached inside at those words as she refused to make eye contact, was she embarrassed by her old Dad?

"Don't want to be seen getting out of the car or having a kiss eh?" I joked but it wasn't taken as lightly as I hoped, she remained quiet and I could practically hear her heart beating from here. "You know the others are going to be there, they'll look out for you if you need them." Encouragement went a long way for us and Amy simply nodded before getting out and waving goodbye.

She followed the other kids towards the school, clinging onto her shoulder straps as she went. Just as I leant back into my seat a pound on my window made me jump, turning I sighed before seeing him laughing. "Oh very funny Cal, you trying to give me a heart attack?" Undoing the window his laughs became louder, and his son joined in too. "How you feeling about today Johnny?" Johnny and Danny were juniors whereas Max was a senior, looking a lot more like his Mum than his Dad. 

They always promised to look out for Amy, just hoping they live up to it. The four of them had always been friends, they'd always joke together and play together but once the boys went to High School things changed. Soon they became distant or acted awkwardly around Amy but she was unsure why, sure, she had other friends but none like these guys, they were like family- a support group. 

Shrugging Johnny walked off, Cal just rolled his eyes before leaning against the frame of the car. "Hates being seen with me now, since he's a junior he can't afford ruining his rep." He scoffed softly before waving one last time as his son turned around. "How was Amelie?" The look I gave him was enough of a response and I received a simple nod. "You know she'll be alright, especially with those guys." Looking on we saw the others walking in from different directions, they were pretty easy to point out since they took after their parents. 

Max was the most easy to find, he had the knack of dying his hair since he was 14 and it currently is a dark blue, much to his Dad's approval. Danny always had drumsticks on him, whether he'd walk about twirling them in his fingers or stuck in his back pockets, the boy had been playing any instrument that he desired but always favoured the drums. Then there was Johnny, out of all of the boys he took his Dad's looks more than his Mums, you knew he was Cals kid especially with that cheeky grin. 

Arranging to see Cal another time I headed back home, waiting for the time to come when I'd have to get Amy later on. Walking back in my phone began to buzz and as I took it out of my pocket I couldn't help but frown; three messages from Amy. 

Dad the guys hate me here. 

They won't talk to me. 

I think I'm an embarrassment as I'm a freshman. 

Sighing I collapse onto the sofa staring straight ahead at the family photos over the years, how full of life she seemed in each yet she lacked that joy in the smile she gave me before shutting car door. I fiddled with my phone in my hands for a few minutes, unsure what to do. The guys couldn't be forced to be friends with her, it just seems sad as they were a support group for one another, always had been and I always assumed they would continue being so. Another buzz interrupted my thoughts and as I looked at it I was more so surprised; Michael. 

Luke, hey. Seems like young Daniel has a bit of a crush on Amy. Max informed me moments ago hence why the guys are acting off around her. Sorry bout the upset dude, kids will be kids unfortunately. 

A soft chuckle escaped me as I imagined Danny seeming awkward, it seemed wrong considering how confident he always was around everyone, to me I can't picture him being off with anyone, especially Amy. Responding I put my phone down and continued with my day, just hoping she was finding her way around with ease. 

Before I knew it I had ten minutes before she was due to be done, grabbing my keys I rushed out the door and to the car with various questions circling my mind about her first day. Waiting in the parking bay I could see her looking around calmly but unable to see me, just as I went to get out I saw someone walking towards her holding drumsticks in his hand. 

Sitting back down curiously I observed the two of them, how he was just smiling and talking with some difficulty whilst Amy was her natural cheery self, laughing away the awkwardness surrounding them. After a few minutes he waved her off and she turned around, unable to wipe the smile off of her face as she saw me in the car. Climbing in I could see her trying to hide that smile, the difficulty held in her blue eyes, I know that look all too well. 

"So, how was your first day?" I asked as I started the engine back up, she shrugged and relaxed into her seat pulling out her phone. 

"It was okay I guess." Mentally I laughed at how different she seemed in less than ten hours, I knew this was going to work out, she'll always have her support group at hand. 

Raising an eyebrow I couldn't help myself, "So, how's Danny?" Instantly I saw a blush cross her cheeks and she fidgeted on the seat, eyes wide and clearly uncomfortable. 

"He's, he's good." Nodding she tried to convince herself of her point as I headed on home, seems like things will work out after all. 

*

It seemed weird, the worry I had looming over me with each first day she had at a new school. Going from the excited giggles of a pre-schooler to the awkwardness as a High schooler, seeing how much she had grown up into a beautiful young woman like her mother. She headed towards the stage not long after her friends, smiling brightly as she shook hands and accepted her certificate. Everyone was able to be here, her family, her support group but most importantly he came to surprise her. 

After the ceremony she came running towards me with ease in those heels she picked out a week ago. "Dad! Dad I did it!" She squealed with excitement as she showed us her certificate and I couldn't hide the pride in my smile. 

"We couldn't be more proud of you Amy," Comments from the guys and her friends were made as she hugged each of them, looking next to me I saw my wife clinging to my arm and wiping the tears of joy away, letting out a watery laugh as she did. "there's just one more surprise." She raised her eyebrow to me and turned around, all of a sudden I was back to being in the car watching my baby girl talking to him like they were complete strangers. 

The awkwardness blew away in the breeze and he held onto her tightly, refusing to let her go. "Congratulations Amy," She was speechless, unable to even fathom how he was able to make it considering he was studying abroad. 

Ashton nudged my shoulder and gave me a wink, "Come on," He spoke quietly next to me, "they do make a cute couple." Looking back he held her close in his arms and she was on her tip toes, even in those heels. All the heartache, the first dates to tears, memories shared and made all seemed worth it in this moment. 

My little girl had finally grown up.