Between The Roses

Off in the distance, the airport came into view. Trees passed the car as we drove down the road. Today was a bittersweet day. Not only because tour was starting today, but also because it was the first time I was leaving Lincoln for an extended period of time since he was born a little over a year ago. Andy was driving, thank God for that. From the backseat I could hear Lincoln babbling away at the iPad. I bit my lip and sighed, shifting in my seat. I watched out of the corner of my eye Andy turn to face me.

“How you doing?” He asked to break the silence. I shrugged and sighed again.

“Sadee, you can talk to me you know. I know going on tour now is difficult but I’ve done it and you can too,” he was trying to make me feel better but it was really only making it worse.

“I know that. But that doesn’t make it any less painful,” I sighed and looked over at him.

“You’ll only be gone for two months. Then you will be home for a few weeks before we join you on tour,” he reminded me and I nodded.

“I know. It’s just that I’ve never left Lincoln for that amount of time and I’m a little scared to leave him,” I looked into his eyes while we were sitting at a red light.

“And I’m sure he’s going to miss you. Hell, I’m going to miss you like crazy. But we can get through it,” he said and I just continued to looked at him. He grew silent then and remained that way until we got to the airport and began unloading my bags. While he was getting my bags, I got Lincoln out of his seat and hugged him tightly. Lincoln was more interested in the airport though and was squirming.

“Let’s get in the airport before Celeste sends a mean text,” Andy told me and I nodded. The three of us walked into the airport and got all checked in and through security before Andy spoke again.

“Do you know where your band is right now?” He asked.

“Brett said he was by the door to the plane,” I said and Andy nodded. We then began looking for my band. Once I spotted them, I smiled and walked over by them. Brett was hugging Lettie, who was not able to come on tour due to her being pregnant. Callum was hugging Lake and his kids. Aidden was the only one just standing there awkwardly.

“There she is!” I heard Celeste call out.

“Here I am. Sorry, there was traffic,” I told her and she nodded.

“That’s why I said to leave a little early. Let’s get one last goodbye with the loved ones then let’s get on the plane; it’s boarding,” she told us and I sighed. I could feel the tears beginning to form in my eyes as I kissed the side of Lincoln’s head and felt Andy wrap his arms around me tightly.

“We will see you again in two months. And on skype or facetime,” he told me and nodded.

“I know. Alright, take Lincoln or I’m not gonna let go of him,” I instructed Andy and he complied. As he pulled Lincoln from my arms, I felt myself begin to break down. Almost immediately I wrapped my arms around my boys before giving Andy a kiss and then turning from them.

“Bye!” I called out as I walked toward the plane.

“Say bye to mommy,” I heard Andy tell Lincoln and it broke my heart. Once they were out of view and we were boarding the plane, my chest nearly fell apart. By the time I was in my seat I was basically in tears. Brett was sitting next to me with Callum on his other side. I looked out the window at the airport and felt the tears fall from my eyes.

“Hey, it’ll be okay,” Brett reassured me and I sighed.

“I know it will but that doesn’t make it hurt any less,” I told him and he nodded.

“I get that, don’t worry. But think of the next two months as time for Lincoln to really bond with Andy,” he said and I chuckled.

“It will be. How are you not a mess right now? Lettie is pregnant and could quite possibly have your kid while we are gone,” I asked and he chuckled.

“I have come to terms with it. I know that she could have our child while we are off in Europe somewhere. But there isn’t really anything I can do about it. I could fly back but by the time I’d get there the kid would have been born already so why miss a show if I am gonna miss the birth any way?” He answered and I nodded.

“I guess. It’ll be a whole world of different once your kid is actually here and you have to leave though,” I told him and he nodded.

“True. And I’m only the dad. I didn’t carry that kid for nine months. Can’t imagine what you’re going through,” he sighed with a chuckle. I smiled and looked over at Callum.

“How do you do it?” I asked.

“What? Leave Ryley and Graham at home?” He asked and I nodded. “Well, I just think to myself that what I am going is for their best interest. Giving them what they need in life; a roof over their head, clothes on their back, and food in their stomach.”

“You make a good point Cal,” I sighed and then looked forward. The plane was beginning to lift off and I was not completely looking forward to touring while my child was back at home, but music is what makes me happy aside from Lincoln and that is what I was doing exactly. It’ll be a long two months but it will be a fun two months.

Notes

Hey there readers. I have no valid excuse for the 7 month hiatus I took. I'm going to try to get back into writing this but between writing my novel, class, work, and family stuff I am making no promises. I am coming closer to the end of my semester so I will be preoccupied with that for a while. But I will try.

Thanks!

Peace <3