Where I Belong

"Left right then the knee. Keep it coming Ava I want it faster" Theo yelled

I felt sick.

I was soaking with sweat and I had been here for over 2 hours. Theo was working me to the bone today.

"Two knees one after the other. Left right knee knee got it? Keep hitting those pads. Tony you let me know if she's slacking". He chuckled which made me his the hand pads Tony was wearing harder.

"She definitely ain't slacking" Tony laughed as I punched his hand one more time before I collapsed onto the ground.

"I think I'm dying" I breathed grasping my water bottle. I never knew I was so unfit. Gulping down my water I threw some over my face in an attempt to cool off. "Seriously it burns" I moaned holding a hand against my chest. The shit he had me doing was one hell of a work out.

"He's just getting started" Tony chuckled as he held his hand out for me "Wait until he has you doing sit ups and push ups".

My face immediately fell but I was ready for it. I needed someone to push me, I needed something to keep my mind busy and if that meant sweating my ass off in a gym for hours then that's exactly what I was going to do. I felt good.

"This is the easy stuff Ava, enjoy it while it lasts" He grinned

"Go home kid you've earned an early finish" Theo called before disappearing through a door at the back.

Truth was I didn't want to go home especially when I had nothing to go home to.

"You did good today Ava but remember and take a day off. It's good to relax the body don't hit it too hard".

"I won't" I smile lifting myself off the floor "Holy crap I can't remember the last time I was this sore" "Go home get an early night".

That's exactly what I didn't want to do. "Hey what are you doing tonight?" I asked

"Got a date" He grinned checking his watch "Like in 30 minutes shit I gotta go Ava I'll see you in a few days". Gathering my stuff together I made my way to my car. Guess I couldn't put off facing my mom any longer.

........

The house was quiet when I arrived but the sounds coming from my brother told me she was about somewhere.

"Francis is that.... Ava?"

There she stood the strong beautiful woman that raised me. "Now I know how I pull of sweatpants" I grinned as she threw herself at me. "I've missed you A".

"Missed you to mom how's Leighton?" I asked pulling out of her embrace.

"He's a little under the weather but he's good. He's so much like you" She grinned as I picked my little brother up from his crib.

"We both seem to have dads eyes I wonder if he'll have your attitude too" I smiled not being able to look away from him. "How have you been mom?" I asked getting comfortable on the couch.

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"I should be the one asking you that. Ava I can't even-.."

"Please don't" I whispered keeping my eyes on Leighton. He was so small so precious. He was perfect.

"Just tell me you're okay and that you're dealing with everything. I know what you're going through but I need to know that deep down you're dealing with it".

That was not what I was expecting from my mom but I appreciated that she was letting it go.

"I'm getting there I'm handling it now how about you let me take Leighton for the night so you can have a night off?" I asked

"No baby you don't have-.."

"Mom let me have my brother for the night so you can chill out and have some you time. I know how busy dad gets so please let me take him". I knew she was arguing with herself, she didn't like leaving her kids didn't want anyone thinking she was a bad mom. "Mom stop thinking about it and have a night out or even a night in. A bath in peace?" I laughed placing a now sleeping Leighton back in his crib.

"Thank you Ava wait until I tell your dad we have the house to ourselves" She grinned making me pull a face.

"Yeah I don't need to picture that" I grimaced "Go get his things ready I'll take him just now".

"You really sure? I mean I don't-.."

"Mom Blaze is out of town and I wouldn't have been doing anything anyway now go get his things ready it's time I started to spend quality time with my baby brother" I said cutting her off. And off she went.

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Making my way around the kitchen I poured myself some juice just as my phone vibrated.

Still ignoring my calls?

Frowning at the message from him I sunk my teeth into my bottom lip. I wasn't ignoring him.

Still not here? And I wasn't ignoring you I was sleeping..

Sending the message I crossed my arms over my chest holding my phone tight. I wasn't ignoring him I was just sad he wasn't here. Recently we had been inseparable I guess I just miss him.

I'm working a job Ava... I'll be home as soon as I can. Be good and behave!!

Huffing at his reply I stared at the message for a few minutes before I sent another one.

Guess I just miss you. I'll see you when you get back. I've got Leighton tonight so if you're going to call make it at a decent hour. I love you Blaze x

"I just need to grab his formula and his steriliser and then you should be good to go. His travel cot and baby monitors are good to go. These are the best things ever invented. You can watch him while he sleeps from the living room. They never had that shit when you were born" Handing me his bag she wiped at her forehead. "Now are you really sure?".

Rolling my eyes I slung his bag over my shoulder "Go get the rest of his stuff while I place these in the car".

"If you need me just call. If he's too much I'll come straight over and pick him up".

"Mom" I sighed "I've got him now go enjoy your night I'll have him back here tomorrow okay?". My mom really was a worrier.

"Okay" She smiled as I pulled out of the drive way and drove home.