Forever Young

It took a really long and early morning phone call, but I managed to change my appointment to a date that Jack would be able to be home. It was a few weeks later than the last one, but I knew he really wanted to be there. To know everything immediately. I couldn't really blame him.

When the day for them to all leave finally arrived, I drove Jack to the airport, wishing that I was going along too. I had to keep reminding myself that an eight hour flight to England would not be good for me, neither would really be working and constantly moving around. The last thing I would want to end up doing is just coming along for the ride and taking up space.

“I don't wanna go yet.” Jack pouted when we were about half way there.
“You have to, hun.” I chuckled. Jack reached over and grabbed one of my hands.
“I just want to be here, with you and the baby.”
“What about your fans?”
“They'd understand.”
“Maybe, but this is also your job. It will be okay, it's only a little over a month, then you guys get like, a month and a half of Christmas vacation. Both the last half of December and January to be home.”
“Yeah, then we're on tour. Again.” He groaned, leaning back.
“Usually your begging to be on the road.” I laughed.
“Well, I'm not now.”
“Just survive a few weeks, you get to come home, see our baby and know what gender it is, and have like a day or two to hang out.”
“Can't it just be the end where I know and it's winter and we can go on our vacation?”
“Yes, where I'll be six months in and blowing up.”
“I bet you'll still be cute.”
“Damn straight I will be.” I laughed.

Soon we were at the air port, walking in for bag check in. Everyone else was already there of course.

“Preggo!” Alex yelled, running up and not even hugging me. He just went straight to rubbing my stomach.
“I really wish you guys would quit calling me that.” I complained. “And for fuck's sake Lex, can I get a hug before you start feeling me up?”
“Shh, I'm rubbing the baby for good luck on tour.” He teased, and Rian pushed him out of the way to hug me.
“Ignore the idiot, I'm going to miss you.” He said and I hugged him back.
“Yeah, I'm gonna miss all of you guys, Ri-bear.”
“It's not too late for you to get a ticket.” Jack smiled, and I rolled my eyes.
“Stop tempting me.” I snapped as he walked off to greet the rest of our friends.
“Emmmmm,” Matt complained, coming up to hug me next. “How dare you get knocked up and leave me alone with these idiots.”
“One of the idiots knocked me up.” I laughed hugging back.
“Hey!” Jack yelled, making everyone laugh at him.

Of course, soon all the hugging was done and the guys had to go through security. I wasn't allowed through since I wasn't flying with them, so it was good by for now. Jack practically suffocated me for five minutes trying to get as much affection as he could from me until I had to push him while Flyzik dragged him to the line by his shirt.

“I'll call you when I land, babe!” Jack yelled dramatically and I waved.
“I'll be waiting.”

Waiting until I could see them anymore, I turned to leave. A few tears formed and fell from my face at the thought of all the boys being gone without me, but I quickly wiped them away. It's not like I'll really be alone. Hayley and Cass said they'll come visit. Plus, I had my puppy who's not really a puppy anymore. Things would be okay, I can get through some time alone at home.

Once I got to the apartment complex Jack and I still lived in, I couldn't help but notice the desk lady gave me a sneaky smile. That was weird. Taking the elevator up because I'm pregnant and allowed to be lazy, I was even more shocked to see my door wide open. Eyes widening as a million possibilities ran through my head, I hurried over to see what the hell was going on.

“Surprise!” A bunch of feminine voice yelled once I walked through the door way. Successfully scaring the shit out of me. I stared at everyone, finding Hayley, Cass, Joyce, Jenna McDougall, and lots of others I recognized. Hayley came up to me, smiling.

“Surprised?” She laughed, probably at my horrified expression.
“Um, yeah.” I said. “What the hell is this?”
“Um, your baby shower? Duh.” She laughed.

I looked back at the rest of the room, noticing the balloons and and streamer.

“Oh.”
“Jeez, pregnancy brain much?” Cass teased coming over to hug me.
“I'm just shocked you losers, I was expecting to spend the day being sad that the boys are gone.”
“Why do you think we did it today?” Hayley giggled.
“Good point.”
“Now, let's party! First thing is, games!” Cass said dragging me in, and I smiled glad this evening was going to go way better than planned.

The day went by in a blur. There were so many people here, I was surprised how many female friends I really made over the years. It was a little saddening to remember Tay wasn't around anymore, considering we haven't talked since Warped. Unfortunately, part of me thinks Tay was mad at me cause I was friends with Alex who for the first like, half or so of tour led her on a bit. I know he didn't mean to, and it's petty of her to be this way.

When it got to presents, I was surprised by how well everyone did. Jack and I didn't think much about what we needed, but I guess Joyce had made a list for everyone to use to as a reference. I got some neutral clothes, a blanket, Joyce got us a crib set, people got together to get all our bottle supplies, and diapers. There was more, but I was just overwhelmed with everything to properly remember.

“You guys are amazing, thank you.” I said, hugging the ones who were leaving right now.
“Anytime, babe.” Jenna winked, and I laughed.
“Only Jack gets to call me that.”
“Says you.” She teased, giving me another hug and leaving the room. The only one's left were me, Cass, and Joyce.

“So, did you have fun dear?” Joyce asked, and I nodded.
“Yeah it was. Thanks you so much for everything guys.” I smiled, looking around. “Where's Bailey by the way?”
“We put her in her run outside, I'll get her.” Cass said, running off.
“We should probably clean up too.” Joyce called after her.
“I can help.” I offered. “The party was for me, and baby Barakat.”
“Jut no straining yourself.”
“I won't, I won't” I agreed.

Once Cass came back with Bailey, I made sure to give her some love and treats for having to stay outside so long. Things got cleaned up fast enough, and soon I was alone in the house again. It had only been about five or so hours so I still had to wait for Jack's call. I decided to relax in the bedroom, turning the t.v on to Comedy Central and calling Bailey to lay with me. Being the good dog she was, she laid right next to me, head resting on one my legs as I sat cross-legged.

After a few bad stand-ups and unsuccessful channel flipping, I was nearly falling asleep sitting up. My eyes dropped once again when I heard my ringtone go off. Jumping a bit from the sound, I scrambled to grab the device and answered.

“Hello? Jack?”
“Hey baby,” He said, “You were waiting huh?”
“Yeah.”
“How the party go?”
“You knew?!”
“Duh, of course I did.” He laughed. “So...?”
“It was great. How was your flight?” I asked, laying down on the bed.
“Boring.” He sighed. “What we get?”
“You mean what did the baby get.” I laughed, and he told me to shut it.

We talked about the party, his flight, and how much we missed each other already. It was lame and corny, but after years of being able to be on the road together, sleeping next to each other, talking everyday face to face, this was already hard.

“I'm surprised I survived to be honest.” Jack said, “I wanted to jump off the plane the whole time. I'd swim back to Baltimore right now if I had to.”
“Jack,” I chuckled before yawning a bit. “It won't feel that long if we stop dwelling on the fact that we're apart.”
“Says you,” He snorted. “And I think you need to go to bed.”
“But I don't want to stop talking to you.” I pouted.
“Now who's dwelling on it?”
“Barakat.” I snapped.
“Mrs. Barakat.” He teased.
“Just, stay on the phone a little longer.” I muttered, blushing a bit glad he couldn't see it.
“I'll stay on as long as you want me to.” He mumbled.

Notes

Sorry this took awhile guys <3 CAN WE GET SOME FEEDBACK? WE KNOW YOU'RE THERE.

Also, everyone tell Jessi how rad she is <3