Eva's PoV

I desperately needed time alone when I got home. This day had been full on and confusing and all I wanted to do was sit alone and do my homework whilst I forgot about every interaction I'd had to encounter today. From the loner who literally didn't talk to anyone but knew everyone's gossip, I'd spoken to Ashton, Calum, Sirgani, Dean and Maya today - all of which had just sent me into a confusing spiral of self doubt and worry. Surely this day couldn't get any worse?

"Hey sweetheart!" My dad called as soon as I shut the front door. Of course he'd be home today of all days. I mentally prepared myself for the falseness of our father/daughter bond as I headed into the kitchen with a smile on my face.

"Hi dad. You're home early!" By early, it was on time - but it'd been months since he'd left on time and spent an evening in the house. He didn't spend that time bonding with us though, he'd be working still; checking emails or speaking to clients.

"Well, I got let off early today for my great deal with Francesco. It's all gone through and I'm now the seller of the month." He beamed, proud of his work. I would have been pleased for him, but it was just more work talk like every encounter was and to be honest I was more than fed up of those conversations.

"That's good." I said, trying to offer a smile. Quickly, it became awkward like it always did so I used my scapegoat. "I've got a lot of homework I need to do but I'll cook some dinner later for us if you want?" He offered a sad smile in return, obviously sad I wanted to leave but not having anything good enough to make me stay.

"I thought we could order something?" He suggested, moving a brochure along the table. "There's this cool Japanese restaurant I want to try?" My eyes widened as Katsu's menu was pushed my way. This was the one Ashton worked at, although surely he'd avoid our address now like he told me he did for everyone else.

"Uh yeah sure." I smiled. "Thank you." I turned away and began to head to my room but stopped midway and turned back to my dad. "I'll be finished my work in about an hour? Or we could eat first if you're hungry?" Dad shook his head and shooed me.

"Finish the work first. That's most important!" He said as I quickly headed to my safe place, closing the door behind me and letting out a sigh of relief. These interactions just became more awkward as time went on. Dad only ever talked about work when I did see him on the rare occasion and I had no interest in that. All I wanted was a normal family, one who'd sit together for dinner and laugh and make fun of each other and love each other. Oh well, life isn't all flowers and rainbows. I've got to make the most of what I have.

Pushing the thoughts from my head, I buckled down and did my work, finishing within the hour. I quickly changed into my best looking loungewear - just in case Ashton delivered the food - and headed into the kitchen where dad was on the phone to what seemed like his boss. He was talking about the recent deal and what he'd done to achieve it, making sure to miss out the fact I was used in his plans. I waited for him to finish the call before I cleared my throat, making him spin round on his heels.

"You all ready for the food?" He smiled but it fell as soon as he saw my unimpressed expression.

"Gyozas and aubergine katsu curry please." I said with anger in my tone. He wasted no time in ordering before continuing the conversation we needed to have.

"It'll be about twenty minutes." He repeated once he'd hung up the phone. "Now what's the sour face for?" I rolled my eyes. Of course he wouldn't even realise.

"Not saying thank you for helping you with Francesco's deal? Not telling your work friends that you roped me in to help you?" I said, gesturing to myself as I spoke.

"Eva, you didn't secure a deal with Francesco. You were there to show I was a family man, and you hung out with his son. You didn't pitch the idea and get him in on it." He begun how he always did. Never thankful, just selfish. I scoffed at the shitty response.

"Right. And me going to the game and pretending we have a relationship didn't help prove you're a 'family man'." I used air quotations as I said the last two words, knowing that'd upset him. His face twisted with anger.

"You're so ungrateful! I work nonstop to help you and your mother and this is what you think? You have no idea." He shouted, flinging his arms out in frustration.

"No idea?!" I shouted back. "I have no idea that I spend ninety percent of the year alone because you're both working? That I just leave music on to drown out the silence this house offers me all day every day? That the one day we come together for my birthday you're both twitchy and waiting for a call out or client call?" The corners of my eyes stung as I spat my thoughts venomously towards my father. "I spend every day by myself but that's portrayed as a good thing? You work so hard to look good at work but you clearly don't give a shit how you look to me." My dad opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, merely scrunching his face in response as his phone began to ring again. Glaring at me for one final second, he finally looked back at his phone and answered it. Not wanting to spend another moment in that room, I headed out the front door and sat on the step, looking out over the neighbourhood as the cold breeze blew and it began to get dark. After a while of silence, the sound of a bike powering towards my house caught my attention. Great. The food was here and I'd have to interact with dad again, as much as I wanted to avoid him for the near future.

"Oh fucking hell." I heard as soon as the biker had pulled up beside my house. To my utter surprise, Ashton removed his helmet and placed it on the seat as he got our food out. "You again?" I couldn't tell if he was genuinely annoyed or messing about but right now I wasn't in the mood for anything. Ashton approached and stood in front of me, holding the food bag towards me. "Twice in a week. You must love this food... or seeing me." He said, giving a small laugh afterwards. Once again he was greeted with silence. "Earphones?" He continued, finally sounding concerned. I looked up at him slowly, tears still brimming my eyes. His smile dropped instantly, his eyes taking in my saddened features.

"Sorry. Right. Thank you." I said, taking the food and smiling apologetically. I gave him a small wave before heading back inside and shutting the door, leaving him on the doorstep alone and confused.