Chapter 5 - The Paparazzi Strike Again

Chapter 5 - The Paparazzi Strike Again

March 9^th 2013

Kristen POV

I had to admit; being with Tom and Sienna instead of the hotel was definitely more comfortable. I felt more at ease knowing that we weren’t going to get strangers walking in and out of our room the minute we were out. Unfortunately, the change in time zones had messed up Destiny’s sleep pattern and she was awake at 4am. Not wanting to disturb Rob, I picked her up walking downstairs into the living room pulling off my PJ top as she latched onto my breast beginning to nurse. The tugging sensation felt strange however, to see my baby girl nurse made my heart swell with pride. I was brought out of my thoughts by the light being turned on, turning to see who had woken up I smiled a little seeing Sienna in the doorway.

“Sorry if I woke you. I didn’t want to disturb Rob so I came down here.”

“It’s alright you didn’t, Marlowe wouldn’t settle back to sleep.”

“How do you manage it? Working and being a mom.”

“It’s all about balance. You’ll know when you’re ready to go back to work.”

“I couldn’t imagine leaving her right now.”

“I can tell. She’s only a week old though; you’ll have plenty of time for work.”

“I’m not missing it as much as I thought I would, Rob’s got a few movies coming up this year and The Rover is going to Cannes so we’ll be joining him there. What worries me more is the paparazzi at LAX they aren’t exactly respectful of space.”

“Have you thought of going via private jet?”

“Yeah, neither of us particularly likes travelling that way, but when it comes to the paparazzi at LAX it’s provably for the best.”

“At least until you release her arrival.”

“We should do that when we go to the beach.”

“Good idea.”

Unlatching Destiny, I guided her toward my left breast stroking her cheek gently as she started to nurse again, resting my head back against the couch I closed my eyes, the fatigue beginning to kick in. Glancing over at Sienna I smiled as Marlowe looked across at Destiny. Every time we came to New York he seemed to have grown. It would be interesting to see how the two of them interacted as Destiny got older. Once she’d finished nursing, I laid her against my shoulder rubbing her back gently smiling as she burped settling her head against shoulder as she slept.

“You’re a natural.”

“She’s a really good baby. Unless she’s hungry, tired or needs changing she doesn’t really cry. The time difference has knocked her off schedule a little.”

“That’s understandable. Should we head back up?”

“Mm, that’s probably for the best, we have a busy day planned.”

Moving to the end of the couch, I stood up slowly, being careful not to jostle Destiny, following Sienna upstairs, and heading into our bedroom resting Destiny slowly into her crib, climbing back into bed, praying I wouldn’t disturb Rob. Taking a deep breath I nuzzled into his body instantly relaxing. Within minutes I was asleep, my conversation with Sienna had put my mind at ease. Rob and I had plenty of time to think about work and other commitments, right now the only one who mattered was Destiny. With that decision made, I fell into a deep sleep, hoping Destiny would sleep through.

The Next Morning 8am

Rob POV

It wasn’t unusual for me to be awake early; however it was unusual for Kristen to still be sleeping soundly. Gently sliding out of bed I made my way over to Destiny gathering her up in my arms laying her gently on the changing table, taking her soiled diaper off tossing it into the diaper disposer before wiping her bottom and putting on a fresh diaper and clean clothes. Her big blue eyes looked up at me quizzically as I gathered her into my arms again, resting her against my chest after laying down again. I was brought out of my thoughts by Kristen’s hand rubbing the side of my stomach gently. Turning my head slightly I smiled seeing her sleepy eyes open. Mentally I cursed myself, I hadn’t meant to wake her up, yet something told me that it was inevitable whenever Destiny made the slightest noise.

“She needed her diaper changed I did it.”

“She’ll need feeding soon. But she’s settled right now.”

“You look tired.”

“I am a little; she was awake at 4am. I keep forgetting that the difference in time affects her more than us.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I didn’t want to disturb you, Sienna followed me down, Marlowe had a bad night.”

“Next time, wake me. I want to help.”

“Do you think I should start pumping so you can help?”

“Only if you feel comfortable with it.”

“I just don’t want you to miss out on bonding with her.”

“Hey, hey, hey, I don’t miss out I understand that you need to breastfeed.”

“Maybe when she’s a little older.”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with sweetheart.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Rubbing Destiny’s back, I noticed she had her fist in her mouth again, sitting up slowly as I gently handed her to Kristen, looking on in awe as she started to nurse. I’d always wondered what it would feel like when I was a father; however the feeling that I experienced every time I looked into her eyes it felt like I could burst at the seams with pride. After our talk I knew it was time we needed to head back to LA, the only thing that worried me was the paparazzi. They’d never been respectful when it had just been the two of us; I wasn’t comfortable with how they would react when we had our daughter with us.

“I know what’s on your mind.”

“Oh you do huh.”

“LAX Airport, I spoke to Sienna about it and she suggested we go via private jet, I know it’s not how we like to travel but until we release the photograph and statement I’d feel better about it. What do you think?”

“I think you’re right.”

“When we get more comfortable travelling with her in LA we can stop using them.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Once Destiny was done nursing I gently took her from Kristen resting her against my shoulder as she burped. Looking over at Kristen I noticed she was getting ready to leave the house, then I remembered her conversation with Sienna the day before about shopping, it made me happy to know she wasn’t worrying about anything anymore. Coming to New York had been the best decision I could have made I only wished we didn’t have to go back tomorrow. As Kristen headed to the shower I stood up carefully with Destiny securely in my right arm, grabbing my cell as I called Nick reluctantly. Once again he answered quickly, not giving me a chance to gather my thoughts.

“Hello?”

“Nick, it’s Rob, I need you to arrange a private jet for New York to LA.”

“You’re coming back to LA?”

“We are, but we’re not ready to show Destiny yet, we plan to release a statement.”

“When were you planning on that?”

“We’re taking photographs today we will release them after we get back to LA. Why do you ask?”

“I take it you haven’t seen the papers?”

“No we just got up.”

“The pictures of you two arriving in New York have been published.”

“Why do they have to take this away from us?”

“They only do that if you don’t release the statement, would you like me to get it written out.”

“Yes please. I’ll talk to you later. I’ll have to talk to Kristen. Just when she’s more relaxed the paparazzi have to spoil it.”

“I’ll call you back.”

“Alright.”

“Bye.”

“Bye Rob.”

Kristen POV

After showering, I dressed carefully, especially when putting my underwear on as my cervix was still open and painful, although I was hoping that Rob wouldn’t find out, however something told me that I wouldn’t be able to hide it for very long. He always knew when I was hurting. Pulling my hair into a ponytail I walked back into the bedroom noticing Rob didn’t look as happy as he had done when I went for a shower. Moving to his side I rested my hand against his back as he looked up, his sparkling blue eyes looking sad. Taking a deep breath, I sat down next to him wincing a little.

“What happened?”

“The paparazzi have sold the pictures of us arriving at JFK Airport.”

“So much for revealing Destiny’s arrival our way.”

“They only win if we let them; Nick’s getting a statement together now. Are you going to tell me what hurts?”

“It’s nothing.”

“If you’re wincing it’s something.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“Tell me.”

“I’m just a little sore, down there. My cervix is still open for another 5 weeks and it’s a little tender.”

“Oh I see.”

“I’ll be alright though. I just have to take it easy.”

“Make sure you do.”

“I will I promise.”

“Good.”

Standing up slowly I leaned down kissing Rob’s lips gently smiling as he laid Destiny into my arms. I knew he missed both of us when we were apart which hadn’t been very often since Destiny’s birth. Noticing she was all dressed ready to go I sighed, suddenly reluctantly to leave Rob, the only thing making me leave was the knowledge Tom would be with him. I was brought out of my thoughts by Rob’s arm was around my waist, instantly calming my frazzled nerves. In this one small gesture he was letting me know everything would be alright and there was nothing to worry about. Taking a deep breath, I felt my confidence grow as we walked downstairs where Sienna and Marlowe were waiting. Once Destiny was laying securely in the stroller, we were on our way. This was the first big outing since Destiny’s birth and despite my nerves I was looking forward to it. I only hoped the media would leave us alone.