breathe// 5SOS

57

Ava

"Dad, what should Marcus call you?" I asked, helping clear up the plates, "he doesn't know,"

"You can call me Ashton, or dad, I don't mind. I didn't expect you to call me dad if you're not comfortable,"

"But I can?"

"You can,"

"I've never called my foster family by that,but I accidentally called you earlier, and it didn't feel weird. Maybe because you're my sister's dad,"

"Dad, please can Marcus and I take Milo for a walk?"

"As long as I can follow behind a little with Montana, because neither of you know your way round,"

"Thankyou," I smiled, Milo running towards me at the mention of 'walk'. I took her lead and put it on, giggling as he hugged me. Marcus crouched down and stroked his head, letting me take in his appearance properly.

In real life, his jawline was prominent. His eyes had different shades of brown, much prettier than mine, and his skin was really smooth. I guessed he inherited the good genes- if there were any good.

Our noses were different, and his hands were massive compared to mine, but the biggest difference was his height. He was almost the size of dad, even more than Harry, yet I was only just starting to grow.

Luke said I was finally getting my growth spurt, and seemed to understand my body more than myself. It was okay though, because I could be open with him, and it didn't scare me anymore.

I put my shoes on and held Milo's lead, looping my arm round Marcus.

"I noticed you still had an almost full advent calendar,"

"I don't want it,"

"Why not?"

I shrugged and waited outside for dad, feeling his eyes burning into me. 

"It's Christmas though Ava, the season for eating as much chocolate as your body can take,"

"I just don't want it, okay?"

"Hey, I was just asking okay? I know you aren't seeing Lucy, and Christmas is stressful, but I want you to eat and sleep still,"

I nodded and rested on his chest, letting him hug me.

"I'm really happy to have a big brother,"

"I've always wanted to have a sister, I've had younger kids around but never anyone like a sister,"

"I can tell you things, right?"

"Of course,"

"Okay,"

Dad started walking, Montana considerably slower than Milo, so we ended up ahead.

"I've never been to this part of Australia, or this close to a beach,"

"I've never been to the beach,"

"Really?"

"It's too hot. Luke wanted to run there but I refused,"

"Fair enough. Tell me more about your dad's friends, because I'm bound to meet them at some point,"

"They're amazing,"

"But in what way?"

"Calum is dad's assistant, and best friend in the world, they call each other brothers. He doesn't sugar coat things, so he gives the best advice and knows peoples limits. I think it's his talent,"

"Who was looking after you earlier?"

"Michael, he's a doctor, and works a lot with kids who need extra support . He's pretty chill and likes video games, and he's helped me a lot because he also has anxiety,"

"Then Luke is your trainer... or? I'm sorry, I've forgotten,"

"No. He's my doctor, well they both are really, but he just does it because I couldn't even walk down the stairs without running out of breath. I love Luke, he's really easy to talk to. If I want a chill day, I'll go to him or Michael,"

"It sounds like you have a lot of good people,"

"Well so do you, now," I grinned, "I didn't even mention grandma, Harry, Lauren, Julie, Sam, Owen, Amber, Sapphire, Charlie, Mr Carter or Viola,"

"Wow," he chuckled, "I'm happy for you,"

"Will you be with me in Mr Carter's room?"

"I don't think so, maybe at first because I'm new, but I've always just joined normal classes,"

"Oh," I said sadly, "you enjoy normal classes?"

"I...do. I'll see you round school,"

"Did dad say when we are moving?" I shot, changing the subject.

"He didn't, but it'll be soon Ava. I can't move in until you move because they won't like how cramped it is, but soon,"

"I didn't know you could buy a house that quick,"

"Your parents are on top of it all, and luckily found a house with an owner eager to move out,"

"It's got a massive kitchen. I want to be a chef, maybe,"

"You'll have plenty of options,"

Milo started barking and Marcus took the lead with me, managing to hold him back, but not me. I stumbled and skid across the floor, feeling my knees burn.

"Ow," I whimpered, "dad,"

Marcus helped me sit up, gently wiping me tears and moving my head so I didn't see any blood. It felt like there should be.

"Oh dear poppet, you'll be okay,"

"Dad," I cried, Milo jumping into my leg despite being the cause.

"It's just a graze, no blood. Let me see your hands,"

I showed him and he hummed, pressing hard which stung a lot.

"All clean, there was just a little stone,"

"I'm not walking Milo ever again,"

"We don't say that, do we?" he reminded, "when you're out of this moment, you'll regret things like that, won't you?"

"Yeah,"

"Start heading back, we can give you a plaster if that helps,"

I shook my head and stood up, walking by Marcus again.

"What if it gets infected?"

"I'll help you clean it up," he assured, "it's only little,"

He took my other hand and we walked back, the sun starting to set. It was really beautiful.

Dad insisted I got my photo taken infront of it, so we stopped in the path and I smiled. Then, I took one holding Milo, and I actually liked them both.

Then I gave dad my phone and Marcus and I took one together- it was freaky.

"How on earth did I end up here?" I mumbled, "how did we end up like this, together?"

"Like what?"

"People who have lives, and go to school, and have people who love them. I'm starting to realise how important love is,"