breathe// 5SOS

20

Ashton

By the time we'd got home, Ava had calmed down a little. She had to go to school, but even I had to admit it was a little extreme.

"I want a break from school," she said dramatically, falling onto her bed.

"You deserve one,"

"I deserve pizza,"

"You are having that on Saturday,"

"Oh, so we have a rubbish tea,"

"Stop being so cheeky," I smiled, "where are you going tomorrow?"

"Luke's office,"

"Good plan. I need you to look online for some swimming costumes and clothes you might like,"

"Does his office have air con?"

"It does, because he's lucky,"

"Who gets paid the most?"

"Michael," I said, "you nosey bugger,"

"Then?"

"Luke, me, Calum. We are definitely not short of money though,"

"Now I feel bad for taking those presents off Calum,"

"Do not," I said firmly, "Can you shower please?"

She nodded and hugged me, making me feel her heart pounding.

"Go and cuddle with Milo first," I suggested, "and it's still an early morning tomorrow, so don't start a film,"

I went to the kitchen and got out the pasta, Viola already making the sauce. There was sausage in the oven, and a dish to bake it in.

"That was intense,"

"She's cooling off, it seems a bit extreme,"

"At least they're not making her do more than the minimum,"

"I feel like my life isn't together again,"

"Don't say that, you're doing great," she said, holding my hand, "I love you,"

"I know,"

"Then what's the problem? You can tell me,"

I shook my head, turning on the stove.

"Ash, you don't have to be embarrassed,"

"I think I'm just handling this wrong. I'm totally winging it, and hoping I give her what she needs, while... I'm not even happy with my body, and I don't feel good,"

"You are beautiful,"

"Viola," I whispered.

"No, you are. You make me smile, and give me cuddles when I'm cold. You appreciate my feelings, and treat me with respect. You don't expect me to do all the work round the house, and let me build a relationship with your daughter. I love your eyes, and the way your hair flops in the morning. I love being curled up by your body, and laughing with you,"

"Viola," I stressed, "I don't see it like that,"

"I'm not saying you shouldn't go to the gym, or eat the foods that make you feel better, but you are beautiful,"

"Dad, the shower's really slippy and I am stuck," Ava shouted, breaking the moment.

"Viola can help,"

"No, dad,"

"Ava, we've had this conversation,"

"Ash, she's gonna cause a fuss if I go,"