Chapter 7 - Returning To L.A.

Chapter 7 - Returning To L.A.

March 10^th 2013

Kristen POV

Once again we were up early, however this time it wasn’t because Destiny needed to nurse, although she would need to nurse before we flew home. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I stroked Destiny’s cheek hoping she would stay asleep long enough for Rob and me to pack. Suddenly I was thankful we hadn’t taken everything with us to England. Five minutes later we had everything packed and ready to go. Taking a deep breath I checked on Destiny smiling as she stared back at me, her fist in her mouth. Gently scooping her into my arms unclasping the front of my nursing bra curling up on the bed as she started to nurse. I was brought out of my thoughts by Rob’s hand against my cheek. Gazing into his eyes I saw them shining.

“I thought it would be best to nurse before we left then she could sleep on the plane.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me. You seem more at ease.”

“I came to a decision yesterday when we were on the beach.”

“What did you decide?”

“That unless the role really caught my eye I’m going to be a stay at home mom. I don’t like the idea of someone else taking care of her while we work, even if it is our family.”

“This is what you truly want?”

“Yes. It also gives us a chance to be a family; we can come with you instead of having to stay behind.”

“Now I definitely like that idea.”

“Me to. How soon do we need to leave?”

“Once she’s done nursing. The sooner we leave, the quicker we get home and avoid the paparazzi.”

“She’s almost done.”

“How can you tell?”

“She’s slowing down in her suckling. She’s falling asleep.”

“Want me to take her while you get showered?”

“Mm I wish I could have a bath.”

“I know you do sweetheart, only a few more weeks to wait.”

“Feels so long away.”

“It’ll fly by I promise.”

“Alright I believe you.”

Laying Destiny in Rob’s arms, I grabbed the fresh towel I’d laid out the previous night heading for the shower undressing quickly, stepping into the warm water sighing in contentment as the hot water relaxed my aching muscles. I didn’t think I’d be as excited to move back to LA after Destiny’s birth, however now I’d made the decision not to return to work unless the role I’d been sent was something I felt really passionate about, the fear had completely disappeared. Once I’d finished showering I dried quickly pulling my damp hair into a messy bun, walking slowly into the bedroom slipping on my shoes I practically raced downstairs coming to a stop at the bottom as I watched Rob pack the SUV. I noticed Destiny was already asleep in her car seat. Grabbing the rest of the luggage I slid it into the trunk of the car wrapping my arms around Rob’s waist nuzzling into his back.

“Hey that was quick.”

“I’m eager to get home. I didn’t realise how much until I’d made the decision not to work unless it was necessary.”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been more relaxed.”

“It’s been the last weight off my mind. You and Destiny come first.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too. Are we ready to go?”

“We are, hop in.”

As I slid into the passenger side I slipped the photographs out of my hand luggage smiling at the finished result. The media may have revealed Destiny’s arrival before us, however the image we would release and the statement were the true revelation. They think by taking this choice from us they have won, yet all they have achieved is us assuring we tell our fans the news our way and make it even more personal. Slipping one of the smaller images out of the set I slid it into my purse slotting it into the picture section with pure pride on my face no doubt. Resting my head back against the head rest I placed everything back into the carry-on luggage opening the window slightly. I knew Rob was concerned by my actions, yet I didn’t want him to worry even though I felt sick to my stomach.

Suddenly I realised why, the restaurant we went to after the beach last night, the food I ordered had unsettled my stomach. I knew it couldn’t be the chef because no one else felt this way. Looking into Rob’s concerned eyes I smiled slightly. As we pulled up at JFK airport I knew I couldn’t hide how unwell I was feeling as I slid out of the car gently holding Destiny to my chest. Rob’s hand laid against my shoulder his eyes looking into mine.

“You feeling okay you’ve been really quiet?”

“My stomach is upset.”

“The restaurant last night?”

“Mm, it’s all I can think of because you, Tom and Sienna are fine.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I thought it would pass.”

“But it’s not?”

“No.”

“Come on let’s get you home. Want me to hold Destiny?”

“Mm, I’m thinking I should pump milk if I still feel like this in a few days.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Laying Destiny in Rob’s arms, I automatically wrapped my arms around my stomach as we entered the plane. Suddenly I was thankful we had decided to get a private jet, knowing that they came with normal bathrooms and comfortable beds. Curling up on the sofa I rested my head against the back of it closing my eyes as I tried in vain to keep my breakfast down. I knew Rob was worried about me, especially because there wasn’t anything he was able to do in order to take away my discomfort. Just as I’d relaxed and come to terms with my breakfast staying firmly in place the plane took off, jostling my body. Covering my mouth quickly I made a dash for the bathroom bending over the basin as I emptied my stomach contents. Resting my head against the cool porcelain I saw Rob standing by the door, his forehead creased into a frown.

“I’ll be okay. Just a touch of food poisoning. I’m suddenly glad we never took a commercial flight.”

“Feeling a little better?”

“Not really. My stomach is hurting.”

“I brought you some water.”

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

“Spoiling the journey home.”

“Babe you can’t help feeling sick.”

“The food last night didn’t agree with me or I’ve got that stomach virus that’s been going around.”

“From the symptoms you’ve just described I’d say you’ve caught the stomach flu.”

“Great. Just--. Oh god.”

Leaning over the basin I emptied the contents of my stomach again curling my body around the basin closing the lid as I flushed it resting my flushed cheeks against the toilet lid, taking small breaths out as I sipped the water trying to get the vile taste out of my mouth. Once I was sure I wasn’t going to throw up again I stood up slowly rinsing my mouth out before heading back out to the living area of the plane curling up on the couch again, completely drained. Now I knew I would have to pump milk because I didn’t want to risk Destiny’s health whilst I wasn’t feeling well. I was brought out of my thoughts by Rob’s arm around me as I rested my head against his lap as Destiny slept in her basinet at his side. His palm made its way up my back as I tried to relax enough to sleep, although with my stomach churning I knew it was impossibility.

“We’ll be home soon.”

“I’m hungry but I know it’s pointless eating.”

“It’s probably best you don’t.”

“How long have you been feeling like this before you said anything.”

“Just since this morning. I was fine last night.”

“If you still feel like this tomorrow we’ll call the doctor.”

“Alright.”

Rob POV

I knew there was something wrong with Kristen the minute we pulled up at the airport, she’s never quiet and I noticed she was paler than usual. Once she explained to me that she wasn’t feeling very well everything clicked into place, the minute we got on the plane I knew she was trying to hold herself together, unfortunately the minute the plane took off she dashed toward the bathroom. Gently placing Destiny into the bassinet I raced after her just as she lost her breakfast. She looked as fragile as she wrapped herself around the basin. I hated seeing her in any type of pain, especially when there was very little I could do to stop it, I only hoped it was one of those 24 hour bugs and nothing serious like the flu.

After another bout of vomiting I helped her back to the couch in the living area, sitting next to her smiling as she rested her head against my lap I knew she was feeling exhausted yet unable to sleep, I rested my hand against her back hoping it would bring her some comfort. Her arms were wrapped around her stomach her face scrunched up in pain. Suddenly I was thankful we would be landing soon. I was brought out of my thoughts by the plane’s pilot announcing we were about to land, closely followed by Kristen dashing into the bathroom again with me close behind.

“Babe what can I do?”

“I’m not sure there’s nothing you can do.”

“The movement makes it worse?”

“Mm.” 

“We’re nearly home.”

“Thank god. How’s Destiny?”

“She’s sleeping.”

“That’s good. Oh not again.”

Resting my hand against her back again I rubbed it gently hoping it would help relieve some of her discomfort. Despite her mad dash to the bathroom, Kristen didn’t get sick again, something I knew she was thankful for, I guessed landing wasn’t as turbulent on her stomach than taking off was. Once we were on the ground, I helped her to her feet, waiting as she rinsed her mouth out again. Ten minutes later we were in the car on our way home. Just the three of us. From here on out, we were on our own. Of course our families would always be on hand if we needed them, however Destiny was our child and our responsibility. My family.

Kristen POV

By the time we arrived at the house, I was starting to feel less nauseated, however I still wasn’t going to tempt fate and eat just yet. As the car pulled up to the house I was suddenly relieved to be back in LA, as much as I love to stay with Tom and Sienna this was our sanctuary. Once Rob had placed our luggage into the house, I followed him holding Destiny close to my body, wrinkling my nose as I realised she needed changing. Walking upstairs, I headed into the nursery laying her tiny body against the changing table as I proceeded to change her diaper. Just as I was placing the fresh diaper on I heard the door open, smiling I turned slightly seeing Rob standing in the doorway.

“Hey you, how’s Bear and Bernie settling back in?”

“They’re outside I thought it would help if they got their energy out before you came back down with Destiny. I could have changed her.”

“I know but I wanted to.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Better, still queasy but not as nauseous as I was.”

“That’s good. Do you think you can handle something to eat?”

“Mm some soup would be nice.”

“One bowl of soup coming up.”

“Rob, are you sure you’re okay with pulling out of Mission Blacklist?”

“I’m sure, like you said, our family comes first, and I’d rather be here than have you worry about me.”

“I just wanted to make sure. I don’t want you to regret anything.”

“I could never regret choosing you and our daughter over a movie. There will be other movies.”

“It’s good to be home. The UK is home also but this is different.”

“I know what you mean.”

“I’ll be down in a minute.”

“Alright.”

Watching Rob leave to make my lunch I scooped Destiny into my arms sitting in the rocker pulling my top off, dumping it on the floor at my feet, unclasping my bra. Surprisingly I didn’t need to guide her toward my breast within minutes of me removing my bra; she was latched on suckling greedily. In my heart I knew she wasn’t due to be nursed for another hour, however I needed the comfort. I didn’t realise how long I’d been nursing until Rob appeared at my side again running his hands through my hair.

“She’s asleep.”

“Can you lay her in the crib?”

“Of course I can. What happened?”

“I panicked about being home. Nursing her calmed me down.”

“You know I’m not going anywhere right?”

“Mm, I had time to think whilst she nursed. I realised I was just being silly. I really am happy to be home. This is where we belong.”

“This will always be our home wherever we travel.”

“I was thinking, only Jackson and Taylor know about Destiny, my bump was pretty small, why don’t we invite everyone over and have a welcoming party.”

“I like that idea.”

“I thought you would.”

Standing slowly, I laid Destiny in Ron’s arms smiling as I watched him gently lay her into her crib. Seeing her sleeping there looked right. This was home, as much as we loved England this was where we needed to be. However I was determined to make sure we visited England a lot more than we had done prior to my pregnancy. As I watched Destiny sleep, I rested my head against Rob’s chest as we left the room, leaving our baby girl to sleep. Taking a deep breath, I looked around the house as we walked downstairs sitting at the dining room table as Rob brought out my lunch, thankfully after nursing any queasiness I’d been feeling had all but vanished. I guess my nerves got the best of me. As I looked into Rob’s eyes I saw my future, Destiny may only be a few weeks old, however I knew we would have more children when she was older. I definitely wanted to give Rob the son he’s always wished for. With that decision made, I set about planning the party, first thing on the agenda was to call everyone and invite them. This would be the first time wed all been together since the LA Premiere and I couldn’t think of a better reason to get together than introducing our child to them, I only hoped everything went without any issues. The last thing I wanted was for the paparazzi to invade our privacy again. Yet something told me as long as Rob was around, the paparazzi didn’t stand a chance of capturing pictures of Destiny and I, Papa Bear was on full alert. Our protector. My life. My husband.