Chapter 124
Sara and Kate took a slow stroll down to the guest house after their shower. "How's your vision?" asked Sara concerned. "Okay... It's definitely getting better. Less blurring, double vision's not so bad and much less frequent. Like now, I see perfectly fine" said Kate. "That's good... I still don't know if it's a good idea for you to be walking around like this?" said Sara. "Sara, thanks for the concern but I need to move around. Trust me, I need to get the blood going and I really feel fine for the first time today. We won't be long, I just want to check on Tegan quickly" said Kate. "Thank you for taking such good care of her, even when you're sick yourself" smiled Sara. "Just doing my job" winked Kate. "You're doing way more than your job and you know it" said Sara. "Yeah well... she's one of my best friends in the world... I just want to make sure she's 100% soon" said Kate as she knocked on the door.
Tegan and Lindsey were still making out on the couch when they heard the knock. "Shhhh, stay still maybe they'll go away" whispered Tegan. Lindsey giggled under Tegan. "Tegan open up" shouted Sara. "Dammit go away" whispered Tegan. "Tegan... I have a surprise for you" said Kate loudly. "They're not gonna go away babe, just open up" said Lindsey. "Aghh... the lack of privacy in this place" mumbled Tegan. She got up looking annoyed. She straightened her hair and opened the door. "Can I help you guys" she said looking annoyed. "Just want to come hook up your juice for the night and give you a checkup" said Kate. Tegan rolled her eyes and waved them in. "You can hook up the juice but I really don't need another check up Kate" she sighed. "Uh huh" grunted Kate. "Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" asked Lindsey. "I've been sleeping all afternoon and I needed to get a bit of air and take a walk anyway. I'm fine" smiled Kate. "Are we interrupting?" said Sara looking at the pillows on the floor. "D'uh" said Tegan softly so only Sara could hear. Sara stifled a laugh and shrugged. "Sorry" she whispered. "So where's my surprise" said Tegan. "Soon... just go to the room so I can examine you" said Kate. "As you wish" sighed Tegan.
Kate examined Tegan very thoroughly. She listened to her lungs for a long time. "Is there a problem?" asked Tegan. "No... just making sure" said Kate. "I phoned for the results of the blood tests we sent in this morning and everything is thankfully fine" said Kate. "Awesome! Told you I'm okay... I feel good" said Tegan. "How's your breathing been in the last few days Tee?" asked Kate wrapping the BP cuff around Tegan's arm. "Okay... you know... not perfect but fine" said Tegan. "After ARDS the lungs take quite a few months to fully recover... Normally anything from six months up to a year. You're going to be out of breath every now and again. It's pretty normal. It doesn't mean there's something wrong... they're just still in recovery mode. The physio says you're doing really well with your therapy" said Kate. Tegan sighed and took a deep breath. "Will they ever be 100% again Kate" she asked with a serious expression on her face. "I hope so Tee. There's no way of telling but you are doing exceptionally well. Really... most people who've had a way less serious case of ARDS take much longer than you have to recover" said Kate patting Tegan's hand. "Yeah and some never do" said Tegan softly. "Well you will Tegan, just keep doing what you're doing! It obviously helps that you've got the trained lungs of a singer! These are some super star lungs. You're doing great " said Kate. "Kate... will I be okay to sing in a few weeks time at the show" asked Tegan. "I think so yes... I'm going to insist on at least 2 breaks in the set and I'll be there to check, give you some oxygen in between if you need it. Tegan, I would not have given you the all clear for this if I din't think you'll be up to it" said Kate checking Tegan's temperature. "All good... no sign of infection. Pulse ox slightly low but it's probably because you've been making out on the couch when we got here" laughed Kate. "What!" said Tegan. "Not saying anything" said Kate shaking her head. "I'm a newlywed after all!" she winked. "Okay lie back down" said Kate. "Why, I thought we were done" said Tegan. "Here's your surprise, I'm taking the dressings off and removing the stitches... that's if everything looks okay in there" said Kate. "Yes! Finally! It's been so annoying keeping those things clean and dry" said Tegan. "Tonight will also be your last night of IV antibiotics" said Kate. "Cool so you can take this shitty central line out tomorrow!" said Tegan. "No... maybe in a few days. We need to keep the immune boosters up bud" said Kate. "I think my army is quite strong now" said Tegan. "Tee... you're going to have a busy few weeks coming up. We really don't want you to get sick now... that's really the last thing you need. And if you get sick Lindsey's going to get sick. Pregnancy runs down your immune system" said Kate. "Okay... I don't want Lindsey sick" sighed Tegan. "Keep eating plenty of healthy food... your nutritional shakes... get lots of sleep" said Kate as she started removing the first dressing on Tegan's chest. "Owwwee" moaned Tegan. "Sorry, does it hurt" said Kate. "The skin is just really sensitive and those plasters sure stick" said Tegan. "Okay here we go... wow, looks perfect. You've got really good skin, heals really well. These scars should be really minor" said Kate. "One thing I have going for me. The big thoracotomy scar is nasty" said Tegan. "I think that one is looking really good too actually. Keep putting tissue oil on it. I will help fade the scar. Kate removed the stitches and cleaned the site before moving on to the other two.
"Why are they taking so long... they shouldn't be taking so long" said Lindsey. "Linds relax, they're probably just talking" said Sara. "I'm going to check on them" said Lindsey getting up. With that Kate and Tegan walked back into the room. "There you are, we were getting worried" said Lindsey. "Ta da" said Tegan pulling up her shirt to below her breasts to show her new scars. "I'm dressing free" said Tegan and kissed Lindsey on the cheek. "Dude you really need to work on your abs, they're not what they used to be" joked Sara. "Yeah as if you're going to win Miss California tomorrow" said Tegan rolling her eyes. "Speaking of which... when can I exercise again Kate" asked Tegan. "Tomorrow if you want... just take it very, very easy please. Just walking... not power walking... slow walking or cycling for cardio and a few minutes of light weights. Swimming could also be good" said Kate. "Okay great" said Tegan. "And I want you to wear the portable pulse ox and keep your heart rate down to below 110 and your pulse ox above 95 please" said Kate. "Well why don't I just do it with a full fucking ECG" said Tegan sarcastically. "Actually... call me before you go, I'll go with you. I don't feel comfortable with you exercising alone. Don't exercise alone anyway... ever... somebody needs to be with you all the time. At least for now" said Kate suddenly sounding worried. "Kate... fuck... of course I won't exercise alone. I'm not that irresponsible. I'm not a child you know" said Tegan. "I know.. I'm sorry Tegan I just... I worry about you. It's my job to worry about you" said Kate honestly. "I know... and I get it... but trust me Kate, I'm not going to do anything stupid. Not now" said Tegan. "So when are you guys moving back to your place Kate? We saw the decorators today and we hope to be in out new place in a couple of weeks" said Lindsey trying to change the subject. "Umm... Soon... I just still want to be close in case there's a problem with Tegan" said Kate. "Dammit Kate... I'm fine, stop fussing. Every day you check and every day I'm fine. You live two fucking blocks away... two small blocks. You'll probably be able to drive here faster than you can walk here from Erin's house" said Tegan angry. "Jeez Tegan just take it easy... Kate's only looking out for you" said Sara defensively. "Yeah well I don't need babying anymore" said Tegan. Kate sat wordless clenching her jaw. "Tegan that's enough" said Lindsey looking spooked. "I... I'm sorry Kate... I'm just frustrated. I know you have my best interest at heart but I really want you to get on with your life. I feel guilty for hogging you like this" said Tegan calming down. "We'll move back to my place once the central line is out okay" said Kate looking out of the window. "Kate... I'm sorry" said Tegan softly. "I love you and I really appreciate what you're doing for me so much. I'm sorry... I'm an asshole" said Tegan looking embarrassed by her outburst. "It's okay... I understand that you just want to get on with your life... and I'm sure you're pretty sick of me by now" said Kate. "Hey... come here" said Tegan and pulled Kate into a long hug, careful not to hurt Kate's ribs. "Thank you for everything Katy... you're my favorite doctor" said Tegan smiling. "I bet you say that to all your doctors" smiled Kate. "Tegan... can you come help me make some tea please" said Sara. "I'll help" said Kate. "No no... Tegan will" said Sara. Sara switched on the kettle and opened the back door. She waved Tegan outside. Tegan gave her a puzzled look but stepped outside. "What the fuck was that" said Sara. "I'm sorry Sara... but I really think I'm okay... she's being paranoid!" said Tegan. "Tegan... Kate... well those nightmares and flashbacks will make anybody paranoid okay! Frankly, I'm surprised that she's not sleeping in a chair next to your bed! I talked to Violet today and she said right now we just have to humor her... Taking care of you... knowing you're okay is the one thing that makes her feel safe and in control right now... Please Tegan. This is how you can help her. Just let her take care of you... I know you're fine but to be honest... deep down I'm glad she's constantly checking on you because I still worry about you... fuck Tegan... you almost died" said Sara as tears started rolling down her cheeks. "I... I'm sorry Sara... I'm sorry... It's okay... Kate can baby me as long as she needs to. I'm such a selfish prick" said Tegan, eyes wide. "You're not Tee... I understand your frustration" said Sara. After a quick cup of tea Kate and Sara got up to leave. "We're going to leave you two to have a nice, relaxed evening now" said Sara. "Okay... Thanks for everything... get some rest Kate. You still look a bit pale" said Tegan. Kate swallowed hard. "I'll try my best" she said and smiled a half-hearted smile.
After a few hours of reading in bed Sara put her hand on Kate's and pushed her book down. "Bed time baby" she smiled. "I'm not tired yet" said Kate. Sara knew she was lying. "Sweetie... you're eyes are drooping... I can see you're exhausted. You need to get some rest now okay... here's your meds. A pain pill and a sleeping pill" said Sara holding out her hand with the two tablets. Kate let out a deep breath through her pursed lips, balling her cheeks. "It's going to be fine... you're going to have a good night I know it" said Sara softly. "Uh huh" said Kate in a high pitch. She swallowed the two pills and cuddled up to Sara. "Goodnight my angel" whispered Sara as she switched the light off. She ran her fingers softly up and down Kate's back. "Why is it so easy to love you" whispered Kate. Sara smiled in the dark. She knew in that moment that Kate was the love of her life. She had finally found her and nothing would ever tear her away from her. She felt Kate's body relax and her breathing slow down. Once she was certain that Kate was sleeping she allowed herself to nod away.
A few hours later Kate gave a small gasp and opened her eyes. Another nightmare raced through her mind but at least she didn't wake up screaming again. She dreamed about the girl she couldn't save a few weeks ago, the Tegan and Sara fan. She dreamed about having her hands in her chest cavity squeezing her heart. She looked at the patient's face and suddenly it wasn't Lucy lying in that bed. It was Kate herself. That's when she woke up gasping. This dream was so freaky that she at least knew immediately that it wasn't real. Seeing Sara asleep next to her calmed her. She stared at Sara's face in the moonlight. She couldn't resist softly touching her cheek. Sara stirred and opened her eyes. "Baby... are you okay" she whispered. "Yes... go back to sleep Sar" whispered Kate. Sara pulled Kate closer. "I'm right here angel... sleep now" whispered Sara. The sleeping pill was still in Kate's system and she nodded off again.
Sara woke up to birds chirping, light was creeping in through the gap in the curtains. Kate was sleeping peacefully next to her and she smiled as she stretched. A few minutes later she got up to go make Kate breakfast and bring it to her in bed. A while after Sara left Kate woke up and felt adrenaline course through her when she didn't find Sara next to her. "Sara... Sara" she said loudly. Sara entered the room carrying a tray with breakfast. She immediately plonked it down on the floor and rushed to Kate's side. "I'm here! Kate I'm here!" she said taking her in her arms. Kate breathed heavily. "Were did you go?" said Kate. "I just went to get you some breakfast sweetie" said Sara. "I'm sorry I scared you" she said softly. "You didn't scare me I was just confused for a second" lied Kate. "I'm here now... it's okay. Come on, sit up now and have something to eat" said Sara. "Okay" said Kate softly. "Did you have a good night sweetie?" asked Sara. "Yeah I actually did" said Kate sitting up. "No nightmares?" asked Sara. "No... just a weird dream" lied Kate. Even though the nightmare scared the crap out of her she was relieved that she dealt with it quite well and that it didn't involve Tegan or Sara. She slept quite well for the rest of the night and she felt much better than the previous day. "How's your vision?" asked Sara. "Good... no blurring, no double vision, no headache" reported Kate "Mmm... the swelling around your eye seems to be going down nicely and the bruises look better. Pain levels?" asked Sara softly touching Kate's face. "Better... manageable. Thanks Dr Quin" smiled Kate. "You're welcome. It's just nurse Sara" smiled Sara buttering Kate's croissant. "Sexy nurse Sara... I like it" laughed Kate. "Sexy nurse Sara is just head over heals in love with Dr Lovegood" whispered Sara playfully before kissing Kate. "Okay eat up" said Sara. "You're such a tease" said Kate rolling her eyes. "Looking forward to getting rid of this horrible thing on my nose today" smiled Kate. "And these stitches in your lip... they kind of prick me every time I kiss you" said Sara. "I'm sorry" smiled Kate. "I don't mind... It's the only prick I'll ever allow close to me" laughed Sara. Kate giggled. She loved that Sara made her laugh all the time. Sara made her forget her troubles and Kate loved her for it.
"I'm excited!" said Tegan kissing Lindsey's hand as they walked into the community centre where the birthing classes would be taking place. "Did you eat enough this morning baby" asked Lindsey. "Yes... I had a huge breakfast actually. More importantly, did you?" asked Tegan. "Of course I did... I have a massive appetite these days... eating for three makes you hungry!" laughed Lindsey. Minutes later they were introducing themselves to the instructor and the rest of they class. "So are you two sisters or what's the deal here. Where's the husband" said a guy. His wife rolled her eyes. "No... we're married" said Tegan. The guy sniggered. "That's what's wrong with the world" he mumbled. "Excuse me sir do you have a problem with us?" said Tegan. "Tegan just leave it" said Lindsey. "No... I want him to apologize. I have the same rights as you do. Love is love man" said Tegan looking upset. The guy just shook his head. "They're fricking everywhere these days" he said. "You need to go look into your heart sir... because it's not a pretty place" said Tegan. "Tegan drop it" said Lindsey. "Why can't you just have a separate class" said the guy. "Yeah and I guess you want these people to also be in our class" said Tegan pointing at an inter-racial couple close by. "Yeah I do..." said the man with hate in his voice. "Is that the example you want to set for your kid... hating people who are different to you?" said Tegan. One of the other dad's got up. "Listen man why don't you just apologize, you were way out of line" he said. "No" said the guy. "Thanks for trying" said Tegan to the straight dad. "Peace dude" said Tegan showing him a cool little peace sign. Two gay guys and their surrogate mother walked in and Tegan smiled. The man looked even more annoyed now. "Can we all calm down now please... this should be a calm, loving, happy space" said the instructor. "I apologize Anne. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to start something but I just couldn't stay quiet" said Tegan. "I understand Tegan. If I wasn't the instructor I would have told him off myself" said Anne. The guy just sat down moping. His wife looked embarrassed and scolded him. "I hope we can change his mind" whispered Tegan in Lindsey's ear. "Sweetie... ignore him please" said Lindsey.
After a half hour lecture on what they could expect they were instructed to take their seats in a circle. Lindsey was on a large exercise ball and Tegan was seated behind her on a stool. "I'm going to pop this ball I'm so huge" giggled Lindsey. "No you're not... you're perfect" said Tegan. Anne dimmed the lights and played soft, relaxing music. "Partners... your number one priority is to make mommy feel relaxed, calm and safe. I want you to try and simulate that now for a few minutes. Just make mommy relax. This will be the periods between contractions" said Anne. Tegan put her arms around Lindsey's waist and her hands on her belly. She softly breathed into her neck. "You are so amazing... I love you" she whispered and rubbed Lindsey's belly. "You're going to be such a wonderful mommy... everything is okay... you're fine... the babies are fine... just relax" whispered Tegan and she softly kissed Lindsey's neck. "You're so good at this I may fall asleep" whispered Lindsey. "Good, that means it's working" said Tegan. "Do you want me to rub your shoulders baby" whispered Tegan. "Yeah" said Lindsey softly. Tegan rubbed Lindsey's shoulders with her eyes closed. "There we go... feel the tension leaving your body" she whispered. A few minutes later they moved on to the lamaze breathing. Tegan and Lindsey giggled as they practiced. "Focus, we shouldn't be laughing" said Tegan. "I hope there will be at least some laughing on the day" said Lindsey. "This is hilarious though" said Tegan. "Okay breathe baby... you can do it. In, in... ooooouut... there we go" said Tegan. "Is this okay for you to do with your lung problems Tegan?" said Lindsey whipping her head around. "Yeah I'm sure it's fine... I feel fine I'm sure it's actually beneficial.. God knows Kate wouldn't have allowed me to come if it's not. Now focus and breathe" instructed Tegan. "Okay guys... you all did really well today. Next time we'll focus on the massage techniques and practice the breathing again. Partners... give mommy a foot rub tonight... she deserves it. Remember what you've learned today" said Anne.
"That was so cool! Let's stop at the shops on our way home" said Tegan as they walked to the car hand in hand. "Okay... why?" asked Lindsey. "I'm just dying to finally buy them an outfit or two" smiled Tegan. "Okay... just a few things. Your mother bought like half a cupboard of clothes already. We need to research the strollers and stuff first" said Lindsey. "Yeah just a few things" said Tegan. "We need to make a list of things we need tonight. Nappies, pacifiers, bum cream, those breathing mats, blankets " said Lindsey. "Okay stop... I think there's a lot we haven't thought of yet. We'll make a list tonight" said Tegan. "Yeah and we need to get a move on! I want everything ready... washed... packed perfectly in that room when they arrive" said Lindsey. "Me too... I'm so happy right now Linds... I'm so excited... and in love" smiled Tegan.
A/N: Excitement over the babies is building! Remember to review please, I love hearing from you.