breathe// 5SOS

38

Ashton

I didn't see Ava on Friday until after work, when I picked her up from therapy. Viola was still sick, but getting better, and Ava had been in the office all day. I'd hardly got a break.

She was smiling when she came out, looking at her phone which made her almost walk into the car.

"Who are you messaging?"

"Everyone,"

"That's a lot,"

"Well Sam decided that next Tuesday would be best, Marcus texted, Harry asked when I'd be going over again, Julie wants me to go over, and Amber was trying to decide what nails she'd get,"

"It really was everyone,"

"Exactly,"

"You can see Harry whenever,"

"Tomorrow,"

"Not tomorrow, that was cheeky,"

She shrugged and buckled up, getting her headphones out.

"Did you behave for Luke?"

"Yes. Is Viola better now?"

"Not quite, but she's getting there. If you and I made her some tea at home, you could give her that,"

"Yeah, okay,"

"Do you want a special drink from the shops?"

"Iced coffee,"

"Ava, you've never drank coffee," I laughed.

"But everyone says it's nice,"

"I'll get you a proper one tomorrow, yeah? From Starbucks,"

"Okay,"

"Do you want to read to me tonight?"

She nodded and turned to face me, her head squished on the seat. Since I was driving, I blew her a kiss which she lazily caught and put on her cheek. I laughed, turning on the radio.

"I'm guessing you don't want pizza again?"

"I don't mind,"

"You are exhausted huh?"

She nodded, holding onto the door handle as I parked up the car. I got out, then helped her out of the car as she gripped onto my arm.

"I feel like we need to go out for ice cream tomorrow, just us two,"

"Yes please,"

"I love you," I mumbled, kissing her head. The past couple of days, I'd felt really distant from her, and now by looking after Viola it was all a mess in my head. I needed her to know she still had her dad.

At the flat, I found my mum in the living room, reading a magazine. Viola had fallen asleep, and I wanted to keep it that way, so we quietly said goodbye to her.

I really didn't want to cook, and felt bad for giving Ava a second take away, but I ordered a curry instead. She came through with her book and rested in my side, opening it up on the page we left on.

As she was tired, there were a few stumbles, but she kept going. I'd noticed how her resilience was growing lately- I was really proud.

Once the chapter was finished she put the book down, wrapping my arms around her herself.

"That was good,"

"I think English is my best subject,"

"Well, with all these new topics next year you might find an even better one,"