The Act of Forgiveness

21

When Hanna, Sawyer, Evelyn, and I got to the stadium around four, fans were already lined up along the metal barrier. We were closer than usual, only a four foot wide walkway in between the two gates. I held Evelyn closely as Mark, one of Jasper's security guards, held onto my lower back and pushed us forward. Sawyer was walking in front of me, Noah wrapping his arm around her shoulder protectively. Hanna was beside me, looking rather serious for once.

We finally got inside, wandering down the tunnels of the underground in the stadium. We finally reached an open room where everyone was bustling inside. Jasper happened to glance over and his face lit up. He walked over quickly, ignoring his stage manager as she called after him.

"Hi baby." He cooed, pulling Evelyn from my arms as she kicked happily. He stood up fully and kissed my cheek. "Hi babe."

I laughed and wrapped my arm around his waist. "You need to go see her before she has a heart attack."

"Fine, but I'm taking E." He declared, readjusting his grip on Evelyn and walking away.

I turned to say something to the other girls, but they were already at their stations, getting everything ready. I stood by the door, trying to stay out of the way as everyone was strictly in business mode.

Eventually things started to calm down and I was perched on the leather couch, watching Jasper play with Evelyn as he got his hair done. Hanna was getting annoyed as he kept moving around and she eventually hit the top of his head with the brush she was holding. He jumped a little and shot her a dirty look before turning his attention back to Evelyn.

After about an hour and a half of everyone focusing on Jasper, which he told me was his least favorite part about touring, he was finally able to come back over to me and sink into the couch, sighing in relief. He passed Evelyn to me and I kissed her chubby cheek happily.

"Ready to go?" I asked, leaning into his side a little. He was quick to drop his arm around my shoulders and pull me closer.

"Probably as ready as I'll ever be." He laughed a little nervously.

"Want me to take Evie back to the hotel now? Noah and I are gonna clock out and get some food probably." Sawyer asked, walking over while holding Noah's hand.

"Yes, but I'm gonna miss my baby." I pouted, pulling her closer and smushing my face into her cheek. She laughed loudly, using her small hands to push me away weakly. I pulled away but kissed her cheek one more time before handing her to Jasper so I could get her stuff ready.

"I love you baby." I heard Jasper murmur, he ran his hand through her wispy hair while she sat contently.

I pushed her stroller over that another security guard had brought behind us. Her diaper bag was tucked in the mesh and I had stuck a note in there to remind Sawyer of everything. "So she's probably hungry actually, she had that little snack when she woke up but that was a while ago. She should have plenty of diapers in there but make sure you put her in a night time one tonight. Her bunny and blanket are in the stroller and her pajamas are in the bag. She's going to want some milk before bed and if she gets restless just walk around while rubbing her back, that might be a Noah job. You have a key to our room if you need anything, but the cribs with you and I think I packed all the stuff you'll need."

I went to say something else but Sawyer raised her hand with a laugh, shaking her head. "Poppy, she'll be ok. You can trust us."

"I know, it's just my first night away from her." I reminded her, tears welling in my eyes against my will. "Just take care of her, don't be afraid to call me ok?"

I walked over and picked her up out of Jasper's arms to hug her one last time before I strapped her in the stroller. She sat there lazily, inspecting a toy that was attached to the lap bar.