Chapter 137
Sara felt a pair of eyes on her towards the end of the last rehearsal. She turned her head and saw Kate's lanky body leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, jeans hanging low on her hip bones. Kate smiled at her. "There's the hero!" exclaimed Sara and hastily took off her guitar to embrace Kate. "You guys are sounding amazing" said Kate. "Thank you... but stop pushing the attention away from yourself! Here's the genius that fixed Tegan!" said Sara loudly. Tegan and the band whooped and cheered. "There's a whole team that fixed Tegan... and the main person that fixed Tegan is Tegan herself!" said Kate shaking her head. Tegan jokingly took a bow. Sara smiled and kissed Kate on the cheek.
Sara couldn't put her finger on it but Kate seemed slightly unnerved somehow. She looked at Kate rubbing her hands over her face as she sat down. "Take five guys" said Sara and sat down next to Kate as the band left the room. She turned her face towards her with her fingers. "Thank you Kate, for everything" she said softly. "You're welcome Sara" said Kate and nodded.
"Did you just get here? I expected you earlier" said Tegan. "I was on my way out of the building but... yeah... um... there was an emergency. Somebody came in with two gunshot wounds... the ER docs were all busy with a bus accident so... it was all hands on deck you know" said Kate. "Oh... how'd it go?" asked Sara surprised. "Well... If you're asking if I froze again, or fainted or freaked out or something... the answer is no. I was fine" said Kate. "That's good baby?" said Sara pushing Kate's bangs out of her eyes. "Yeah..." smiled Kate tentatively. "What's wrong then" asked Sara. "Nothing Sar... But, the patient wasn't fine... he... didn't make it. I just... it sometimes just... it gets to me, but it's nothing I'm not used to. He didn't stand much of a chance" said Kate. "I'm sorry Kate" said Tegan with her hand on Kate's shoulder. "Hey no worries... we win some we lose some" said Kate slapping her hands on her thighs getting up. "I just feel as if I'm losing more than I'm winning these days" mumbled Kate. "Katy you haven't been treating anybody to... win you know... you could have walked in on a sprained ankle or an infected appendix today but instead you were thrown into the deep end... and you coped fine... that's good sweetie... and you fixed Tegan!" said Sara.
"Hmmm... I remember them... I remember every one... and I sometimes worry about forgetting them" said Kate staring out in front of her. Tegan closed her eyes, not sure she wanted to hear this. "Remember who sweetie?" asked Sara. "The people who died in my care" said Kate looking pale. "You can't fix them all Kate... you just can't" said Sara with her arm around Kate's back. Kate swayed backward and forward slowly. "I know... I know, I just... it keeps me in the moment you know... strange as that may sound... remembering them... it keeps my feet on the ground. Just when you start getting the God complex" said Kate with a weak smile. "And that's what makes you a phenomenal doctor... the way you care about every single patient. The way you give every one of them 1000%" said Sara. Kate swallowed hard.
"Are you okay my love" asked Sara softly while rubbing Kate's arm, concern rising in her voice. "I am... I really am. I just needed to... get this off my chest I guess. But I'm back on the horse! Gosh what a buzz kill right... I'm sorry guys" said Kate. "It's okay Kate... We're always here for you. I hope you know that" said Tegan hugging Kate. "Thanks... isn't five minutes long gone?" said Kate. "Yeah... guys get in here. Slackers!" shouted Sara jokingly. "Well... guest artist reporting for duty" said Kate picking up her guitar. "You're doing it?" asked Tegan looking surprised but thrilled! "I don't make promises I don't keep Tegan" smiled Kate. "Yeah but... I was kind of losing hope" said Tegan. "Unless you don't want me to? I'm very happy to sit this one out!" said Kate quickly. "Oh hell no, you're not sitting out. A deal's a deal" winked Tegan. "We rehearsed it anyway... hoping you'll come around" said Sara.
Lindsey came looking for Tegan just as they were finishing up rehearsals. The group stood in the middle of the room in a circle with their arms around each other's shoulders as Sara gave a pep talk. Lindsey smiled and took a photo with her phone. "Hey hon" said Tegan as the group broke up. "You ready?" asked Lindsey. "For the show?" asked Tegan. "Yeah for the show" said Lindsey. "I think so, well we better be" joked Tegan and kissed Lindsey. "I'm gonna get some amazing shots tomorrow" said Lindsey. "Hang on. Linds... I don't want you to take photos tomorrow" said Tegan. "Why?... Tegan no, that's what I do" complained Lindsey. "Just calm down and hear me out" said Tegan. Lindsey folded her arms annoyed. "I want you to just be my VIP guest tomorrow. To relax and enjoy the show" said Tegan. "I do relax and enjoy the show when I'm taking photos" said Lindsey. "Linds... please... You're very pregnant... with twins... You're having trouble just carrying this belly around, never mind a truckload of camera equipment. I don't want you on your feet and I don't want you tiring yourself out... You have to take care of yourself now, take care of the babies. Sweetie I don't want to be up there worrying about you... Please just sit right next to my mom and Kate and Erin tomorrow... just enjoy the show and relax. There'll be plenty of other photographers... none as awesome as you though but still... please Linds. Take care of yourself... please" pleaded Tegan.
"Tegan's right you know. You really don't need any unnecessary physical strain right now, we don't want an early labour" said Kate. Lindsey shook her head slowly. "Okay then... I'm not happy about it but understand where you're coming from and believe it or not, I too want the best for our babies... Sorry Boo... I wasn't thinking" said Lindsey. "I just want you and the kids healthy" said Tegan. "Goodnight guys, see you bright and early tomorrow at the venue" said Sara to the band. "Night guys, great job today" said Tegan, she put her arms on Lindsey's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Let's go home... to our very own home!" said Tegan. "Yeah... my back is killing me today" said Lindsey. "Hey Linds, do you want me to tape up your back and your belly with some KT tape. It will offer you some kind of support and relief" said Kate. "That would be great thanks, I'll take any help I can get right now" said Lindsey. She looked completely exhausted. "Linds? Any pain around the belly?" asked Kate looking worried. "It's just heavy... so yeah it's this pulling sensation and the muscles hurts sometimes... most of the time" said Lindsey. "Okay, I'll pop by the new house in a few minutes. I just want to go grab the tape at home" said Kate. "Come, let's get you home supermom" smiled Tegan.
"Leaving us so soon?" said Erin standing in the doorway. She made a sad face. "Erin... your little birds are leaving the nest" said Tegan and hugged Erin. "I don't want you to go... I'm gonna miss you guys" said Erin sounding emotional, on the verge of tears. "Hey we're not moving to Alaska or something... we'll be just down the street" said Tegan still hugging her friend. Erin was clearly hormonal and over emotional and tears were rolling down her face. "Hey, hey it's okay... shhhhh" whispered Tegan. "It was great having you here Tee... I love you so much" said Erin. Tegan kept rocking Erin in her arms. "I love you too... Guess what" she said into Erin's ear. "What?" asked Erin breaking the hug and looking at Tegan. "I got the all clear at the tests today" said Tegan. "That's awesome. Well done! I'm so happy" said Erin and the dam walls just broke. She was a bawling mess which in turn turned Lindsey into a bawling mess.
"Oh dear... two crying, pregnant women... this is... a bit of a challenge. Help me out with Linds for a sec" said Tegan into Sara's ear. Sara had her arm around Lindsey's back trying to soothe her. "Erin... hey come on buddy... calm down now" said Kate sitting Erin down. "I... can't" sobbed Erin. "Erin..." said Tegan sitting down next to Erin and taking her hands. "Look at me" said Tegan. Erin looked up. "You're the best friend in the world... Thank you for taking such exceptional care of us these last few months. I don't know where we would be without you... E... look at me" said Tegan after Erin looked down again. Erin let out another sob and looked up at Tegan. "I'm right down the road... We'll still see each other every day you know that" said Tegan softly. "I know... I'm just... I'm so happy for you guys and I'm... ugh... I'm just a hormonal mess today and I'm so tired, I worked my ass off today" said Erin before blowing her nose. "I know... you'll feel better once you've gotten a good night's rest... everything's okay" said Tegan with Erin in her arms.
"Everything's set for the pre-show tomorrow" said Erin trying to change the subject. "Why won't you tell us who it is" said Tegan. "Because... It's a surprise" said Erin. "Come ooooon" said Tegan. "Don't make me cry again Tegan" said Erin. Tegan put her arm back around Erin. "And you're still our MC?" asked Tegan. "Mmmm... I don't know I may send Alex up there if I feel like a whale" said Erin. "You look fucking amazing... what a star! You're going to be great" smiled Tegan. "And you... are going to have the best show ever... You're phenomenal Tegan... don't you ever forget that" said Erin and gave another quick sob. "Man we're good at blowing sunshine up each other's asses!" joked Tegan. Erin laughed. "Go home... and enjoy every minute" said Erin.
Tegan and Lindsey stood in the driveway of their new home holding hands. It was evening and warm light escaped the windows. "I want to remember this moment forever" said Tegan and looked into Lindsey's eyes. "Me too... I love you Tegan" said Lindsey. "I love you more" smiled Tegan and squeezed Lindsey's hand swallowing hard. "If I wasn't recovering from an illness and you weren't preggo with twins I'd totally carry you over the threshold" said Tegan. "Yeah but right now I'd flatten you" joked Lindsey. "No you won't! Let's just walk in hand in hand" said Tegan. She unlocked the door and took a deep breath before opening it.
"Welcome home baby" said Tegan. They stepped in together and Tegan gave Lindsey a long, happy kiss. "We're home!" exclaimed Tegan dramatically and danced into the living room. Lindsey giggled excitedly. The decorators had switched some lights on and left some aromatic candles burning in the dining room. There was a massive vase of flowers on the large wooden dining room table with a card next to it. "Dearest Tegan and Lindsey. Welcome home! Wishing you many happy years filled with joy and love. Best wishes and lots of love. Always, Alex and Erin" read Tegan. She moved on to the gift basket filled with all kinds of cheeses, biscuits, chocolates, snacks and French Champaign. "Dear Tegan and Lindsey, A new home is a place for memories to be made and dreams to come true. Congratulations! All our love, Sara and Kate" read Tegan before popping a chocolate in her mouth.
Tegan moved to the living room looking around in awe. She lifted one leg and dramatically fell backward onto one of the couches. "I'm in heaven" said Tegan. "You better not have chocolaty fingers on that new couch" said Lindsey. Tegan laughed and closed her eyes. The doorbell rang and Kate and Sara entered the room. "Helloo, anybody home" said Sara. "Come in guys" said Tegan sitting up. "Oh my gosh guys... it's amazing, it really turned out so well right" said Sara after inspecting the entire house. "I'm so incredibly happy for you guys" said Sara. "Let's tape you up so you can get some rest Linds... you look out on your feet" said Kate. Kate expertly taped up Lindsey's back and belly after taking her BP. "Your BP is looking okay. Just get some rest now. Hopefully you'll feel a lot of relief from the tape. This stuff is magic" said Kate.
"Let's get you to bed" smiled Tegan after seeing Sara and Kate off. "I'm just going to take a quick shower babe. Here's your meds" said Lindsey handing Tegan a handful of tablets. "I was hoping I would be done with these by now" sighed Tegan. "Soon babe" smiled Lindsey. Tegan looked at the tablets in her hand. "There's an extra one" said Tegan and looked up at Lindsey. "You can count" said Lindsey. "What is it?" said Tegan looking angry. "It's the sleeping tablet" said Lindsey. "I don't need it" said Tegan stubbornly. Lindsey sat down next to Tegan with some difficulty. "Baby... take it now... so you can get a good night's rest. You need it. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. And the first night in a new place is always an adjustment. Please... for me" said Lindsey with a puppy dog face. "Linds... new places don't bother me, I'm used to being on the road remember. This place makes me feel so calm and safe. Anyway, I'm so tired I'm sure I'm going to sleep like a log" said Tegan. "You know it doesn't work that way. You're excited, nervous... By the time you finally give in it's going to be 3am again and if you take it then you won't be able to get up in the morning" said Lindsey. "I guess" mumbled Tegan. "Kate said this is not going to make you groggy tomorrow, just the opposite" said Lindsey. "Okay I'll take it... can I at least get cleaned up and undressed first" said Tegan rolling her eyes. "You do that... then get in bed, I'm going to take a shower, I'll be here soon" smiled Lindsey. "Okay, gosh you're already in mom mode! I'm just going to read a few chapters till you're done" said Tegan.
Lindsey found Tegan fast asleep in bed after her shower. She was propped up on some pillows, her torso naked. A parenting book was lying open on her lap. Lindsey touched her sleeping face softly and smiled. She slowly pulled some pillows out behind her back and pulled the covers over her body. "Sweet dreams rock star" she whispered and kissed her forehead lightly.
Sara and Kate sat in their living room having a glass of wine before bed. "I wrote a song for you" said Kate out of the blue. "Really? A woman of many talents!" smiled Sara. "Don't get too excited, don't know if it's any good" blushed Kate. "I'm sure it's fantastic. When did you write it?" asked Sara. "During the last few days... I had plenty of time on my hands you know" said Kate. "Well... can I hear it?" smiled Sara. "Um... I guess" said Kate. She got up and fetched her guitar. "I can't believe I'm nervous about this" laughed Kate. "Take your time" said Sara sweetly.
Kate took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She started playing. "We search for a thing like this all our lives, and we wait, for the right time. And it so easy, so easy to lose. I'm a mess in your mind oh but I'm well enough to choose. I choose you in the night when I'm frightened by my dreams. You in the morning, in the dark, in the dawning of belief. You curled up close and calmed my heartbeat. Oh you, I choose you, I choose you for me... You see I knew way down, long before... I know my soul knows yours... And it is so easy, so easy to see. Your arms... and your hands and your mouth they were made for me... So I choose you in the night when I'm frightened by my dreams. You in the morning, in the dark, in the dawning of belief. You curled up close and calmed my heartbeat. Oh you I choose you, I choose you for me... I choose you, I choose you, I choose you. I choooose you, I choose you, I choooose you... How is it so easy to easy to love you. How is it so easy to care. How is it so easy to love you, but I find, I find I do. So I choose you in the night when I'm frightened by my dreams. You in the morning, in the dark, in the dawning of belief. You curled up close and calmed my heartbeat. Oh you I choose you I choose you for me. Oh you I choose you, I choose you for me. Oh you, I choose you. I choose you for me" Kate's husky voice ended of the song slowly and she opened her eyes. Sara had a fist in front of her mouth, her legs curled up. Tears were rolling down her cheek. "That was... incredible... that's the most beautiful gift anybody has ever given me" said Sara softly. Kate smiled and looked down shyly. Sara leaned forward and kissed Kate tenderly. "And I choose you my love... I choose you" she whispered.
A/N: I know I'm dragging things out a bit. But Tegan and Lindsey are finally in their new home and it's almost show time. Hang in there. The song that Kate "wrote" for Sara is an existing song and I have no claim whatsoever to it (it's just fiction). And I adjusted one or two words. It's by the incredible Eliza Shaddad and it's called "For you me". Google it. I think it's on Soundcloud. Kate's voice is way lower though so use your imagination. Thanks for all the great reviews for the previous chapter. Please keep 'em coming!