Chapter 66
That evening everybody joined for a special farewell dinner for Sonia. Things got quite jovial with plenty of wine being consumed. Tegan and Lindsey weren't allowed to drink because of the medication and the pregnancy. Lindsey was in great spirits anyway. Tegan was strangely reserved. Everybody was chatting and laughing and enjoying each other's company. Tegan sat with her hands in her lap after dinner and just took in the faces of her loved ones. She felt truly blessed and her heart felt like overflowing with love. Sonia was seated next to her and put her hand on Tegan's where it was resting on her thigh. Tegan looked at her and smiled. "You okay sweetie? You're very quiet tonight" said Sonia softly and squeezed her child's hand. "Yeah, I'm good thanks mom" smiled Tegan. "I'm just sad that you're leaving tomorrow" she said, her voice changed pitch. "I'm getting some fresh air, would you like to join me?" asked Sonia, her mother's instinct telling her that she needed some alone time with Tegan. "Sure" said Tegan softly. Sara was in the process of telling a longwinded joke, she was making wild gestures with her arms but stopped as soon as Tegan and Sonia got up. "Everything okay?" she said looking alarmed. She unconsciously acted as Tegan's babysitter ever since she was released from hospital. "Yup, we're just going to get some air" said Sonia. "We'll go wi..." Sara started but stopped as soon as Emy took her hand and shook her head slightly. Sara remembered a conversation she and Emy had earlier that day about how she probably needed to give Tegan a bit of space. "Actually, you guys go we'll get dessert ready. It's your favourite mom" smiled Sara and continued with her joke.
"What's up kiddo" asked Sonia as they walked outside to the pool. "I just had a bit of an emotional rollercoaster of a day that's all mom" said Tegan and folder her arms around her waist. "Tegan... are you going to be okay when I go home?" asked Sonia. Tegan put her hand behind her neck and moved her head around to loosen her tight neck muscles. "I'm going to be fine mom... I've got some amazing people around me" said Tegan and smiled. "I wish I wasn't going tomorrow" said Sonia becoming emotional. Tegan opened her arms and hugged her mom tight. "Then don't go..." she said softly still holding her mom. "I have to sweetie... They're not going to keep my job any longer, they've been super understanding but I've already pushed it. Plus, I have bills to pay you know" she said. "I understand mom... you have a life to get back to. I'm so happy that you were here when I needed you... when Sara needed you. It means so much to me. You're the best mom... I love you" said Tegan. "I love you too Tegan. I'm gonna miss you so much" said Sonia. "Well I'm going to phone you like a thousand times a day... and as soon as I've got the all clear to fly again I'm coming to Vancouver for a long visit. I miss dad and Bruce too. Sara and I are planning a big comeback show as soon as we can, you'll be here for that right?" asked Tegan. "Wouldn't miss it for the world" smiled Sonia and squeezed Tegan's shoulder. "Mom... I'm sorry you had to go through all that..." said Tegan softly and looked down. "My babies aren't even born yet and already I can't even imagine how horrific it must be when one of them gets sick" said Tegan. "Seeing your child hurting is probably the worst feeling in the world, knowing there is nothing you can do to ease the pain just kills you... I'm not gonna lie" said Sonia. "I think I aged 10 years in the last few months" she smiled. "But seeing you fight back like that... it made me so incredibly proud. You're such a fighter... I knew it the day you were born. You were so, so tiny and you were sick. You were the weaker one but you turned out to be the fighter and pretty soon I knew that I gave you the right name... the strong name. Because your spirit is so strong. You were such a sweet baby, you were the sensitive one. When you cried it was always with dignity while Sara would scream more than cry, she would turn red and shake her head but you... you were persistent, gently crying until you got your way" said Sara and smiled. Tegan chuckled and shook her head. "Thank you mom... for everything" she said and pulled her mom into another hug. "No Teetee, thank you for being such an amazing daughter." said Sonia. That's when the dam walls broke and Tegan started sobbing in her mother's arms. "It's okay my baby, you're okay... it's over" whispered Sonia into Tegan's ear and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Keep making me proud Tegan" she smiled. After a minute or two Tegan calmed down and wiped her eyes. "Sorry about that... I must be getting my period... Speaking of which... I don't think I've had one for ages... since I became sick... or... I don't know maybe I did. Things get blurry sometimes" said Tegan with a frown. "Well, I read that when your body goes through trauma or severe illness it stops for a while, moving all the reserves to where you need it" said Sonia. "Mmmm... I'll have to ask Kate about that" said Tegan. "At least we know I'm not pregnant" said Tegan and burst out laughing.
The rest of the group joined them outside with some incredible dessert. "You get a really big bowl Tegan, you need the calories" said Sara. "Note to self: There has GOT to be better ways to lose weight" laughed Tegan. "You could all do with adding a few pounds too actually" said Tegan "Cafeteria food..." said Sara. "Yeah that and some bullet wounds, broken bones or a head injury" said Kate. "I'm adding plenty of pounds thank you very much" said Lindsey rubbing her belly. "Yes you are and I LOVE it" said Tegan putting her hands around Lindsey's waist from behind. She kissed her ear and Lindsey giggled like a schoolgirl. Tegan held her spoon up "To the best damn friends and family anybody could ever ask for"
A/N: Here's the thing guys, if you don't review I feel as if I'm shouting in outer space... I really feel out in the cold without some kind of feedback (Thanks to those who DID take the time to send me a comment). Please review – even if you hate it – I can take it. These few homy chapters were necessary, hopefully there will be more excitement and less emotion soon. Where do you want the story to go next?