Recollection

"Damn, I'm exhausted!" I exclaimed once we landed at Heathrow.

I knew immediately that I wasn't the only one. All the guys seemed less than par and Hunter had been a bit cranky on this leg despite CC and Ash trying to calm him with hilarity. We deplaned and walked slowly into the massive airport.

It was nearing sunrise, so once inside I found the first window I could and stood there watching as the sun peeked over the horizon.

Ash stood close but didn't touch me. I didn't know why but thought it might have had something to do with the fans that managed their way out this early in the morning to see their idols arrive.

A woman who Ash obviously knew well took a hold of Hunter so he could go sign a few autographs and pose for photographs along with the rest of the band. I stood watching him through the reflection in the window.

"Hi! I'm Anna. I'm PR for the guys while they're over here."

I shook her outstretched hand and smiled. She seemed very sweet.

"So this is the precious Hunter, Ash was so colorful about." she kept her voice low.

"Yeah that's him." I grinned. I took his little hand into mine and he reached for me. Anna helped get him into my one armed embrace and he nuzzled his face in the crook of my neck.

Once the guys were finished with autographs and photos, we all made our way to baggage claim. Ashley grabbed as many bags as he could and the rest of the guys picked up what was left. I held onto Punk, with help from Anna, as best I could. He fell asleep in my arms a few minutes after being there. Guess he just needed to hear his Mama's heartbeat and breathing.

We were wrangled into a couple vans and off we were to the hotel I was guessing.

Andy, Ash, Anna, Punk and I were in one while Jake, Jinxx, CC, and the immediate crew were in another.

Anna said our bus for this tour would be ready later in the morning. And that it was safely equipped for our little rascal and I was very pleased with that news.

About 25 minutes later we arrived at the hotel. We checked in and collected our keys and dispersed to our elected rooms. CC and Andy bunked together same with Jake and Jinxx. Punk, Ash and I had a room and the crew members doubled up in the remaining rooms.

Once Ashley opened our door and placed our luggage in a corner of the room, he went over to the second double bed and began rearranging pillows. Once satisfied, he took Punk from my arms and placed him down gently enough not awake him.

He then led me over to the other bed and told me to lay down. I did so and he removed both my shoe and medical boot from my feet before removing his own boots. He climbed in next to me and took me into his arms. He buried his face into the side of my neck and whispered 'Now I know why Punk likes this so much' before instantly falling off to sleep.

Even though, I was exhausted my brain wouldn't let me sleep. I was caught between being proud and feeling lucky that I was here but also feeling like a letdown as well.

I don't know how long I laid there listening to the breathing of both Ashley and Hunter before I drifted off to sleep myself and it didn't seem like I was asleep for very long before Punk woke up hungry and wet once again.

Notes