To the Moon and Back

Call It What You Want

Hunter's first night on stage was awesome. Joelle and I enjoyed it from the VIP patio and also enjoyed the likes of Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Dallas Smith. The performances were winding down for the night as Joelle and I headed back to the buses. We parted ways for the evening and I got ready for bed.

H: tidying up, be at the bus soon. I'll walk Cole

J: already here, getting ready for bed xo

I pulled back the covers and crawled into bed, scanning Instagram for photos. I came across the one Hunter posted from the other day and decided to like it. I noticed there were over two hundred comments, and against my better judgement, I began to read them. Most of them were positive, saying how cute we were, or how much they loved Hunter. A few of the comments were downright mean, mostly directed toward me and my physical appearance. I bit taken aback, I decided to check myself out in the full length mirror. I always felt I was average. Standing at 5'3, my figure was slim, but somewhat athletic after years of soccer and horseback riding. I wasn't a stick thin girl. I had a butt and boobs but I tried to eat well and stay active. 

I heard the bus door open, close and lock. "Hey sweetie, gotta remember to lock the door. What are you doing?" Hunter asked as he caught me staring at myself. "Did you get sunburnt?" I shook my head as he clipped the leash on to the dog. 

"I'm good," I said, forcing a smile, "just hoping in don't get a beer belly." I was half joking, placing my hand on my stomach.

Hunter kissed my cheek, "You're perfect. I'll be right back okay?" I nodded and headed back to the bed.

Hunter returned shortly, got ready for bed and cuddled up beside me. "Jenna, you know a lot of people are going to say things that are mean, untrue and hurtful," he held my hand and continued, "this life, it makes your skin tougher. But know that whatever people say online - its their opinion. They don't know you like I do. You are beautiful inside and out." He pulled me close and wrapped me up in a hug.

"Thank you Hunter, I needed to hear that."

He nodded, "I know. I saw the comments too."

We turned out the lights to rest up for another busy festival day ahead of us.

The second day was just as busy, Hunter performed on the main stage and Joelle and I sat on some speakers stage side and enjoyed watching our men do what they loved most. Hunter finished his set and was followed up by Dustin Lynch and Luke Bryan. I took a video side stage of Luke and sent it to Stephanie.

J: shake it for the bees

S: looks like you're having a great time! Ps loved the insta posts

J: thanks! Can't wait to see you.

"Jenna, Joelle!" We turned to see Sam waving us to come. We hopped of the speakers and followed him, "Hunter isn't feeling too well." We walked toward a tented area to see Devon and Matt trying to keep Hunter awake. Once I saw what was happening, I ran right up to him and felt his forehead. He was burning up but wasn't sweating. I grabbed a towel and a near by water bottle and draped it around the back of his neck. "Joelle, I need more water. Someone get a medic. Hunter, stay with me hun." His head was nodding off, his eyelids getting heavier. I patted his cheek and Joelle came running back with water bottles and Sam lead the medics toward us.

"Ma'am, we are going to need you to step aside." One of the medics grabbed scissors from a bag and began cutting Hunter's shirt open. They laid cooling towels on him and he began to come back to.

"Thank goodness," I placed my hand over my heart, Joelle squeezed my arm.

"Good quick thinking to cool him down Jen." Hunter opened his eyes, apologizing. He didn't realize how warm he was and he hadn't been staying hydrated. We went back to the bus for the afternoon to rest and stay cool. The guys joined us in Hunters bus for lunch and some games of Pictionary.

The sun began to set and the air was much cooler, "Hey Jen, I'm up for going to the patio if you want." I looked up from the word search I was working on.

"Only if you're certain." I put my book and pen aside, patting the couch cushion next to me. "You sir, gave me a little fright. No drinks tonight. Water only."

Hunter sat next to me and put his arm around my shoulders, "Thank you for acting so quickly."

"Don't need to thank me," I kissed his cheek, "you were heating up like a furnace, and I went on first aid autopilot." I filled up two water bottles and we headed out of the bus. We caught up with Joelle, Sam and the guys at the VIP patio and spent the remainder of the evening chatting, singing and dancing.

Someone caught Hunters eye and I look over my shoulder to see Dustin Lynch. He shook Hunters hand and introduced me. Dustin removed his cowboy hat and said, "Pleasure to meet you. Hunter is a lucky man."

Hunter smiled and agreed, "She's something alright. Come sit with us." He pulled up a chair. Once again, the night began to wind down, and we made our way back to the bus to walk Cole and call it a night.

"Thank you for bringing me along," I said as Hunter and I pulled the sheets back off the bed. "I know it's a lot to ask, but what's next?"

Hunter smiled, "Not too much honestly. We drop you off tomorrow and head to PEI for Cavendish, then back home to work." Hunter told me about the music video he's doing for his next single and a few side projects he's writing on. "What does your schedule look like Jen?"

I shrugged, "I wrote my exam, the results will be mailed out soon hopefully. Just working that Starbucks barista life." I laughed, "I did however get a volunteer position at the retirement home by parents. It's just once a week but it's good experience for my resume."

Hunter nodded, smiling. "That's great. I know we will do thanksgiving in November.... did you want me to come up for your thanksgiving?"

I nodded, "That would be awesome, if you're available." Thinking to myself it's going to be a really long nine weeks til I see Hunter again.

After Boots and Hearts, the rest of the summer zipped by between work, volunteering and FaceTiming. My Instagram had been blowing up since Hunter posted our pictures. He was wise to tell me to make my account private, it helped me weed out the creeps and weirdos that tried to find me. I did however get lots of amazing adds from Dustin, Thomas Rhett, and Danielle Bradbery. I didn't mind that the summer was over, I was just counting down the weeks until Thanksgiving.