Your eyes flicker open as the sound of laughter and the TV going wakes you up. You know it must be your twin boys, Mason and Nathan, since they're always up around this time.
You yawn as you pull the covers to the side and stand up, stretching.
After you take a shower and change into a pair of jeans and a plain white t-shirt, you join your husband Hunter and the boys.
"Mommy, you're up!" Mason squeals as he jumps off of the couch and runs to you, wrapping his little arms around your legs. Nathan follows him and does the same, which makes smile down at them.
"Are you done sleeping? We missed you!" Nathan says.
"Yes I'm done sleeping," You laugh as you kneel down and hug both of them, squeezing them tight. "And I missed you more!"
"No, I did!" Nathan says.
"No, I missed you more!" Mason shouts.
"No, I---"
"Hey, I'm sure that both of you missed mommy just as much!" You say.
You hear a laugh and look up, seeing Hunter chuckle as he makes himself a cup of coffee.
"Do you guys want to finish watching TV while I talk to daddy?"
"Sure!" They answer at the same time, running back to the couch to finish watching Spongebob.
You stand up and Hunter sets his coffee mug on the counter, wrapping his arms around you and holding you tight.
"You been up early?" You ask.
"I woke up with the kids," he replies, which is usually around seven in the morning.
"Aww, Hunter." You look into his eyes, keeping your arms wrapped around his neck. "You could've woken me up,"
"I wanted you to sleep..."
You caress his face and look into his tired eyes. You know he's been super busy lately and hasn't been getting the rest he needs. "You look exhausted."
"I'll be okay," he replies, giving you a half smile.
You sigh. "You always say that. Is it okay if I talk to you in our room?"
"Sure."
After he tells the kids that you'll be back in a minute, you go back to the bedroom to talk to him.
"So what did you want to talk about?" He asks, closing the bedroom door behind him and sitting next to you on the bed.
"Have you thought about taking a break soon?"
"Not really." He shakes his head. "Why?"
"Because you're exhausted, Hunter."
"Faith, I already told you I'm going to be okay. The past few weeks have just been a little crazy but I know I'm gonna get through it."
"But you're doing too much all at once and it's affecting how much sleep you're getting."
"Well, I've been trying to get a lot of things done lately. I'm trying to get myself out there again and finish this record. I have to give the fans everything."
"How are you going to give the fans everything when you barely have energy left?" You ask.
"I don't know, Faith. I'll figure something out, but you don't need to worry."
"Yes I do. I need you to be healthy and happy and yourself. When you're tired you're not yourself."
"Okay." He seems like he's lost in thought, trying to think of the best answer to your comment.
"Listen to me," You say, which causes him to look into your eyes again. "This isn't just about me or our kids or your fans. This is about you. I love you and I don't want you to stretch yourself too far. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"Yeah." He nods and clasps his hands together, looking away. You know he has a hard time handling these conversations since he's so passionate about what he does, but you have to be honest with him.
"I'm going to check on the kids now. Maybe you can try to get some rest before soundcheck and your show tonight," You say, standing up.
"Okay."
You take a deep breath and walk towards the door, hoping that he will listen and appreciate your honesty and concern.
"Hey Faith?"
"Yes?" You respond, looking back at him.
"I love you too."
(Part two coming soon!)
