Chapter 3 - New York

Chapter 3 - New York

March 8^th 2013

Kristen POV

It had been a week since I’d given birth, a week since our lives had been turn upside down in the best way possible. It hadn’t taken us long to get Destiny into a routine, she was a very content baby, only crying if she was hungry, tired or needed her diaper changed. Work was the last thing on my mind, however I knew Rob was preparing for Cannes and both of us wanted to know how she would handle being on a plane. So as a test run we were headed to New York to visit Tom, Sienna and Marlowe, something I was looking forward to. Just as I’d finished packing our clothes along with all the clothes Destiny would need I heard her cry making my way to the nursery smiling as I saw Rob picking her up, trying to calm her.

“She’s hungry?”

“Yeah I think so. I’ve changed her already.”

“She’s got her fist in her mouth, when she does that she’s hungry.”

“I’ll remember that for next time.”

Settling myself down in the rocker, I pulled off my hoody and maternity bra, taking Destiny gently out of Rob’s arms as she searched for my breast latching on quickly as she started to nurse. Moving the rocker gently I felt my heart swell with pride at the little miracle who was in my arms. Looking up at Rob I noticed the unshed tears in his eyes. He’d never admit it out loud but seeing me nurse like this brought out his emotions. Before I could say anything, Rob was at my side with his arm around my shoulders giving me the comfort I needed. Moving Destiny to my other breast, I smiled down at her as she began to nurse again. My eyes focused on Rob looking into his eyes.

“What’s that look for?”

“I just often wonder how we got so lucky.”

“Luck doesn’t come into it sweetheart. You and Destiny are my world.”

“I’m a little worried about the flight.”

“What worries?”

“I’m breast feeding; some passengers may have an issue with that.”

“We’ll talk to the air hostesses before she needs feeding.”

“Why didn’t I think of that?”

“You’ve been taking care of our daughter. Is that the only worry you have?”

“It’s not so much a worry.”

“Out with it.”

“I don’t want JB & Dean with us. This is our family and our friends. Does that make me mean?”

“No it doesn’t make you mean I feel the same way.”

“When do we have to leave?”

“We have a while yet. What did you have in mind?”

“If we get there early there is less chance we get papped.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“What?”

“Well remember when you asked about telling the fans. What if Tom and Sienna took photographs of the three of us and we released one to the media.”

“I like that idea. We need a backup plan just in case we do get followed by the paparazzi though.”

“If we are, then we release a statement before the photographs can be published.”  

“Sounds like a plan to me. Can you burp her whilst I sort my clothes out?”

“Of course, I’ll change her again also.”

“Good idea.”

Laying Destiny into Rob’s arms I wiped my nipples placing the nipple pads in my bra clipping it up again pulling on my red hoody. As I looked over at Rob I couldn’t help but smile as I heard him singing to our daughter in order to keep her calm. Moving slowly so I wouldn’t disturb her I made my way back into our bedroom taking out cases downstairs placing them at the front door. When Rob first told me that we were going to New York to see Tom and Sienna I’m not going to lie I was nervous, however once Rob had explained to me that Tom asked for us to come see them I felt a lot better about it. Five minutes later we were on our way to the airport, Destiny was sleeping in my arms. The second we pulled up at the airport I noticed the paparazzi.

“So much for our plan to release one picture.”

“Remember what we said. We’ll release a statement instead.”

“I’m going to hold her close to my chest they are not getting a close up on her face if I can help it.”

“A member of staff is already getting the luggage from the car. Are you ready for this?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Sliding out of the car after Rob had opened it for me; I prepared myself for the onslaught of paparazzi holding Destiny to my chest hiding her face. Instantly Rob’s arm wrapped around us as I kept my head down, my only focus being on getting to the check in desk. Of course any picture of us together made big bucks; the first picture of our child would make a fortune. Resting my head against Rob I felt us get pushed slightly as I held onto Destiny for dear life making sure she was secure in my arms. Taking a deep breath I calmed my temper down, unfortunately the paparazzi pushing me ad set off the Papa bear in Rob.

“Let us be, we have our child with us.”

“What are you thankful for Rob?”

“What’s the baby’s name?”

“Why are you hiding from the public eye?”

“Leave us alone.”

Resting my head against Rob I finally found enough space to enter Heathrow airport trying desperately to not to show them I was close to tears. It was one thing to get too close to us when we were alone but not when we had our week old baby daughter with us. By the time we entered the check in area I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore as Ron rubbed my back in soothing motions finally managing to calm my erratic nerves as we checked in, thankfully having no problems with Destiny’s passport. Once we were in departures I was ready to sleep again. I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard the tannoy informing us that it was time to board our plane. Five minutes later we were strapped into our seats as Rob held Destiny in his arms as he could tell I was close to sleep. The last thing I remembered was the plane taking off before I was asleep.

Rob POV

I’ve always tried to keep my calm with the paparazzi, if you give them too much then they will find a way to twist our words, however the second I saw Kristen stumble after being pushed, the protective father and husband in me came out and I couldn’t stop myself from snapping at them. I knew Kristen was holding back the tears refusing to give the media anything, however she couldn’t fool me, her emotions were still settling down and the onslaught of attention was too much for her. As she slept, I watched Destiny as she explored her new surroundings. It wasn’t long before we were spotted by a few fans; I’d noticed them looking a few times however they looked away pretty quickly.

“I don’t bite you know.”

“Oh we know, we just didn’t want to interrupt.”

“You’re not, you looked like you wanted to ask me something.”

“We just wanted to say your baby looks adorable.”

“Thank you, she was born last week.”

“Your welcome.”

I could tell that they were shy fans, not the type who would take photographs of us the first chance they could get. Securing Destiny against my shoulder I unclipped my belt making my way slowly toward them, taking out the marker I always carried around with me, noticing they were reading Breaking Dawn, I could tell by their shocked faces they weren’t expecting me to approach them especially whilst Kristen was sleeping. Taking the books out of their hands gently I autographed the front page handing them back, the look on their faces told me everything I needed to, they would talk about the autograph but keep our baby to themselves.

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome. Thank you for keeping Destiny to yourselves. There will be an official statement soon.”

“It’s not our place to say. Thank you for the autograph.”

“Your welcome.”

Walking back to my seat I managed to strap myself back in settling Destiny in my arms with her head resting against my arm. Just as I’d gotten her settled her fist went into her mouth as she started making sucking noises, instantly knowing that she was hungry. Sighing I called the air hostess over knowing that this would be the first test to travelling on planes. How they would react to Kristen needing to breast feed. Instantly, the air hostess came over, eager to do something for the celebrities. I laughed under my breath not entirely sure she’d like what my request was. The minute she reached me I realised she wasn’t just eager she was over eager.

“What can I do for you?”

“My daughter needs to eat, my wife is breast feeding I’d like a blanket so she can nurse comfortably.”

“Of course. In fact I have one right here for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Anything else please ask for me.”

Taking the blanket off the air hostess I turned toward Kristen who was still sleeping reluctantly shaking her awake. Within a few minutes her sleepy eyes locked with mine as she looked between Destiny and myself, noticing Destiny sucking on her fist nodding as she lifted her top slightly placing the blanket over her shoulder as she unclasped the latch on her bra taking Destiny from my arms holding her closely to her breast as she started to nurse our baby girl. Of course there were people staring but the majority of passengers were too busy with their own entertainment.

Kristen POV

When Rob woke me up I knew it could mean only one thing, Destiny was hungry. At first I was nervous about how I was going to nurse with a whole plane full of passengers watching, however when Rob handed me the blanket I instantly relaxed, The second Destiny latched on I felt my emotions bubbling to the surface, my head rested against the back of the seat as I peeked underneath the blanket noticing her hand against my chest. After putting the blanket back into place, I noticed a few men looking but I wasn’t going to let them get to me, this was the most natural thing I could do for my baby and no one was going to stop me from providing her nourishment.

“Why do they have to stare, it’s like I’ve suddenly grown two heads.”

“They don’t understand. Don’t let them worry you, it’s their problem.”

“I’m not, it’s just annoying.”

“We’ll be there soon.”

“I hope we don’t get bombarded again, yet something tells me we’re going to.”

“They won’t come near you.”

“I wouldn’t mind if they were respectful of our space.”

“You don’t have to explain it to me sweetheart I know how you feel.”

“I noticed papa bear appear when I was shoved. You’ll always protect us.”

“It took everything inside me not to tear the camera out of his hand. The only reason I stopped is because you and Destiny were with me.”

“I’m glad you did. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Peeking underneath the blanket again I gently unlatched Destiny from my breast latching her onto my right smiling as she started to nurse again, resting my head against the back of the seat putting the blanket back into place. I could see Rob looking at the two of us from the corner of my eye, unable to keep the smile off my face. Just as I knew all along he was a wonderful father, Destiny was already a daddy’s girl and she was only a week old. Before I had the chance to fall asleep again, I heard the air hostess over the tannoy saying we would be landing soon. Looking underneath the blanket again I noticed Destiny was asleep, unlatching her gently from my breast I handed her to Rob who burped her, whilst I sorted myself out placing fresh nipple pads into my bra before pulling my hoody down over my stomach.

Twenty minutes later we were fighting out way through more paparazzi, this time Rob stayed in front of us as we walked past them, making it almost impossible for them to get a photograph of myself and Destiny. Once we were safely inside I relaxed instantly, Thankfully after being nursed Destiny had fallen asleep and we managed to get through arrivals without any other obstacles sliding into the waiting car a few minutes later. The minute we were securely in the car I felt instantly safe. I knew now travelling with Destiny would be hectic but what part of our lives weren’t hectic. She was worth it. I was brought out of my thoughts by the car slowing down as we reached our hotel. This hotel had always been special to us and now we were bringing our daughter with us, it had taken on a whole new meaning.  Curling up on the couch with Destiny, I watched as Rob unpacked leaving our clothes out for later when we met up with Tom and Sienna. I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath.

“And what may I ask are you laughing at?”

“Well I’m just thinking, we’ve just unpacked everything and the minute Tom hears we’re staying here he’ll make us come back and use their guest room.”

“You’re right. How do you feel about that?”

“Honestly as much as I love it here, it’s not just us anymore. Destiny needs comfort.”

“Alright we’ll ask if we can stay with them.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“I noticed how happy you looked to be back in America.”

“I’m not missing LA as much as I thought I would. I feel safer in England.”

“Really?”

“Really. Look at how much we were photographed here compared to the entire time we’ve been in England, I miss my family, but we can visit. I know eventually we will be back in LA but I meant what I said to Dad, I’m not going back there unless you’re with me and you are filming again soon.”

“Hey, hey, hey you’re getting upset.”

“I’m trying not to but you have to go to Iraq.”

“I don’t have to. Not if you don’t want me to.”

“I can’t ask that of you, it’s an awesome script.”

“There will be other movies, my family comes first.”

“The thought of losing you when you’re over there makes me physically sick.”

“I’m not going.”

I don’t know why but the minute I heard him say that he wasn’t going to Iraq I burst into tears, the built up emotions got the better with me. Within seconds I was wrapped up in Rob’s arms being careful not to squish Destiny between us. Taking deep breaths I somehow managed to calm myself down. The residual pregnancy hormones combined with relief had overwhelmed me. Looking into Rob’s eyes I saw the determination in his eyes, not even my insistence that he not pull out could change his mind. And I couldn’t feel guiltier. Laying a sleeping Destiny into her basinet I nuzzled into Rob’s chest burying my head into his chest as he held me.

Rob POV

When I saw how upset Kristen was becoming at the thought of me filming in Iraq it broke my heart to see, Mission Blacklist may be a film which could boost my career but at the end of the day, it seriously wasn’t worth it if it meant Kristen and Destiny suffered in the long run. As Kristen layed Destiny into her basinet I knew she was about to break down, and within second I was holding her in my arms as she released all the emotions she’d been holding inside. Lifting her head up to face mine I kissed her lips gently wiping the tears from her eyes.

“No movie is more important than you and Destiny. You’ll always come first.”

“I just don’t want you to regret it later.”

“I will never regret staying with you. You and Destiny are my life line.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too sweetheart.”

“When do we meet up with Tom and Sienna?”

“Whenever we’re ready I think we should wait until Destiny wakes up though.”

“She’ll need changing.”

“I’ll do it, you go get some sleep. I’ll call Nick and tell him I’m pulling out of the movie.”

“Alright.”

I smiled as Kristen slid off my lap stroking Destiny’s cheek gently before making her way into the bedroom, curling up on the bed as she fell asleep. I knew it wouldn’t take long for her to fall asleep if Destiny hadn’t have been hungry on the plane I wouldn’t have woken her up. Taking my cell from my pocket I knew this would be a conversation Nick would not like, but I couldn’t find it in my heart to care, Kristen and Destiny needed me, I couldn’t take them to Iraq therefore I would take myself out of the situation. Taking a deep breath I dialled his number this time hoping it would take a while for him to answer, unfortunately this was the one time when Nick had to answer quickly.

“Hello?”

“Nick it’s Rob. I’ve got some news that you’re not going to like.”

“What is it?”

“I’m pulling out of Mission Blacklist. I can’t leave my family.”

“That’s a little short notice don’t you think?”

“Kristen’s only just admitted how scared she is about me going to Iraq I have to think of her and Destiny first. There will be other roles but I won’t allow my family to suffer.”

“Alright I’ll let them know. Tell Kristen I said hi.”

“I will. We’re in New York at the moment.”

“Without us.”

“We’re not under contract anymore, unless we feel it’s necessary we are travelling alone.”

“Alright. Speak to you soon Rob.”

“Speak with you soon.”

Shutting off the call, I tossed my cell onto the couch standing up picking up the basinet with our sleeping daughter in heading into the bedroom smiling as I saw Kristen fast asleep. Resting the basinet on its stand next to the bed, I pulled off my pants, t shirt and socks climbing into bed bringing Kristen into my arms as she settled against my chest, with my daughter next to me and my wife in my arms, it wasn’t long before I gave in to my own tiredness feeling myself instantly relax. I felt at peace with my decision. My family would always come first in my eyes, if other people didn’t like that then it was their problem, we’d been living in the spotlight for a long time, one movie did not define who I was as a person. I was a father and a husband first and an actor second. It was about time our management remembered that. With that decision made, I slept peacefully in the knowledge that I wouldn’t be leaving their side. No matter what.