As Time Goes By - MHB Sequel - Ross Lynch/R5 Fanfic

Chapter 19 - Birthday Parties and News

Chapter 19

Ashley-

-- a year and a half later --

Today is Annabelle's tenth birthday. She's pretty excited because of finally being a "double digit." But I can tell that she wishes Ross was here to see her turn ten. But, I mean, we're all making the  best of it.

"Mom! Mom!" Annabelle runs into the kitchen where I'm feeding Jewel her lunch.

"Yeah sweets?" I turn to her and see she has a parcel. "It's from DAD! HE SENT ME A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!" I smile. "Have you opened it yet?"

She shakes her head. "Not yet. Right now I am though. Could you come watch me?" I nod. "Yeah. Jewel's almost done."

Annabelle runs out into the living room, and I finish up feeding Jewel, carrying her on my hip with me to the living room, sitting on the couch next to Carter, across from where Belle is; the loveseat.

Annabelle opens the top flaps of the box, "Oh my gosh! Dad sent me necklace - all the away across the ocean!" I chuckle. "What's it of?" She opens the jewelry box. "It's a lady bug!" She smiles at me.

She looks through the box more, taking out three sheets of folded paper. "There's one for you C, one for you Mom, and one for me." She stands, bringing Carter and I our letters, and I let Jewel down, and she crawls around on the floor.

'Dear Ash,

Hey. I know the last we talked was Christmas - wow, it's been a long time! But I'm writing this to you because I just wanted to say thank you.

I know I've said it a bunch of times before. But this time it's for everything. For putting up with my constant - but hopefully not annoying - mood swings, which are ridiculous I know. And my constant need to kiss you. Hehe. I like to do that. And my constant need for your hugs. They make me happy, feel better on a bad day. And a lot of other things that I'm sure would take a whole three pages to write out. But thank you.

And one last thing... I love you, baby. Never forget that.

Love, Ross xoxo

P.S. I'll be home early; around March, maybe April! Can't wait to see all of you! Love you!xo'

I smile to myself. It's February, so only a few months.

Carter-

I unfold my paper, reading,

'Hey C!

I just wanted to write this to say I miss you too. I know, I'm a mind reader. Hehe. But I hope you're not too sad without me there. I don't want you to be. I'd never want you like that. And if you're feeling like that right now, like I say all the time: turn that frown upside down! :D

It won't be long until I'm home, I'm sure Mom will tell you when I'll be arriving home.

I miss you, and I love you C.

Love, Dad xoxo'

I grin. I can't wait until Dad arrives home.

Ashley-

"Kids," I say, breaking the silence of our reading. "Dad has written to me that he'll be home early; March, maybe April."

"Really?!" Carter and Belle say in unison. "That early?!" C says by himself this time.

"Yeah," I smile. "Excited?" They nod their heads vigoursly. "Of course!" I chuckle, watching as Jewel climbs up into Belle's lap, and she beams.

Then, there's a knock on the door. I walk over and see everyone with huge smiles on their faces.

"Hey!" I beam, and the kids come behind me.

"Belle! Happy birthday!" Everyone walks in as Mom says this to Annabelle, and she smiles. "You're a double-digit now! How exciting!"

"Yeah," she smiles still. "Thanks Grams."

~~~

Annabelle's birthday goes on for about four or five hours, and it's finally done, and I'm exhausted. But I hear something being dropped through the mail slot in the door. Who would be mailing something this late at night?

I pick up the letter that's addressed to me, and walk back to the couch, opening it.

'Dear spouses/parents,

Your husband/boyfriend/son will be home very soon. On March 30th. If their last name starts with A-L, they'll be on the first flight; A56. If their last name starts with M-Z, they'll be on the second flight; C45.

All of the best regards,

Brent Colonel, Military Chief'

All I have to worry about is getting to Ross' flight, A56. I should call Mom. I pick up my phone, dialing Mom by heart.

"Hello?" She answers. "Hi Mom. I just got a letter saying that Ross'll be home March 30th."

"Oh my goodness!" She gasps, and I could tell she's smiling. "That's great, Ash! I'll tell everyone. Goodnight sweetie, love you."

"Love you, Mom." We hang up, and I head up to mine and Ross' bedroom, changing into my pajamas, laying down, falling asleep not long after.

---

Hiya!

So there will be about four more chapters of this book. Tell me if ya want a third book about Cariel (Carter and Ariel), but it'll be shorter than these first two books.

Love you all,

~Ashley xx