A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the show. Thanks so much for the kind reviews of the previous chapter. I seem to be on a bit of a roll with the updates. Keen to get to the next bit of action I guess ;)
Chapter 142
Lindsey opened the dressing room door and walked into a grinning Tegan's arms. Tegan held her tight rocking without words for a long time. "I love you" she whispered. "You were amazing... I'm so proud of you. God I love you so much" said Lindsey still hugging Tegan. Tegan felt some kicks against her stomach touching Lindsey's and laughed breaking the hug. "Hey kids... you want some love too?" she said with her hands on Lindsey's belly. She went down on her haunches and kissed her belly. Lindsey ran her fingers through Tegan's hair. "I'm all sweaty" said Tegan getting up taking Lindsey's hand. "I don't care. I want to touch you" smiled Lindsey. Tegan moved her face closer to Lindsey's and kissed her passionately holding her face in her hands.
The door opened briefly. Tegan heard the excited chattering of people as Sara and Kate entered the dressing room. Sara closed the door behind her and leaned against it laughing. "It's mayhem out there!" said Sara. "I've instructed Jeremy to keep everyone out. You'll see them at the after party soon. Relax for a bit" said Kate. "No let them in" said Tegan. "Tee just take it easy for a few minutes. You're looking a bit fragile. Catch your breath... freshen up" said Sara sitting down. Tegan stumbled around a bit. "Sit down let's check your vitals" said Kate. "Again?!" complained Tegan. "Yes... Again" said Kate rolling her eyes. "We don't want you stumbling over the last hurdle" said Sara. "Can I at least sit on the couch with my wife? That recliner feels like the dentist's chair" said Tegan looking tired and a bit pale. "Of course" smiled Kate. Tegan sat down next to Lindsey and put her head on her shoulder. "You must be so exhausted Boo" said Lindsey and kissed Tegan's hand. "Yeah... but so incredibly happy" said Tegan softly.
After her normal checks Kate gave Tegan a pat on the thigh. "Just catch your breath for a few minutes and I'll let you go. But take it easy okay. Try and get off your feet as soon as you can, I want that BP up" said Kate. "Sure" said Tegan sounding weak. "She's still looking very pale" said Sara softly to Kate. "I know... Sara just... try and get her out of there as soon as possible. She needs to get some rest" said Kate. "Is she okay? Should we go straight home?" asked Sara. "As if that's ever going to happen" said Kate laughing. "Let her have her party. She's okay. We'll just keep an eye on her. Trust me, she's not going to have the energy to stay very long anyway" said Kate. "Neither will I... I'm finished" laughed Sara.
Kate gave Tegan something to drink to make her feel a bit better. "Can I go now please?" asked Tegan very politely. "Okay... but take it easy. This show took a hell of a lot out of you" said Kate. "I will. Thank you for getting me through tonight Kate. I couldn't have done it without you" said Tegan. "You got it" smiled Kate. Tegan fixed her hair and makeup. She didn't know what to feel. She was so happy, so excited but so exhausted, both emotionally and physically. "Let's do it" said Tegan taking Lindsey's hand, not wanting to stay still for too long in the fear of not having the energy to get back up again. "How are you holding up babe" asked Tegan. "I'm fine sweetie... tired but good" smiled Lindsey. "You sure?" said Tegan looking into her wife's eyes. "I'm sure... come on, you've got so many people waiting for you" said Lindsey. "I know you're tired baby... I'm going to be as quick as possible" said Tegan. "You deserve this party... take as long as you need. I'll relax on a couch somewhere if I need to" said Lindsey.
Tegan and Sara walked into the hospitality area where their friends and family were gathered talking excitedly. Alex noticed them first and started cheering with a massive grin on his face. The rest of the group followed and the twins started greeting people as the cheering continued. Naturally their nearest and dearest were first, Tegan hugged her mother tight. "I feel as if I never want to let go mom" said Tegan while still holding her mother tight. "You hang on as long as you want to honey... I'm so proud of you! You were amazing" said Sonia into Tegan's ear. "Thank you" whispered Tegan. "Stop hogging mom" complained Sara. Tegan let go of her mom and moved on to her Dad, Erin, Alex, Bruce... the friends and family just kept coming and she really didn't have time for more than a few words with each of them. Tegan turned back to Erin. "Hey E... remember lunch with the family tomorrow" she said. "Of course, that's if you're awake by then! Go now! Your adoring public awaits" smiled Erin.
Tegan and Sara eventually managed to have a chat to Bruce Springsteen. They called over the photographer to take some photos and then Sara proceeded to excitedly take some more on her iPhone. They eventually left Bruce with the parents who were chatting away enthusiastically with their hero. They all seemed to be hitting it off beautifully. They then proceeded to slowly make the rounds and say hi to everybody.
Sara turned around. Her eyes went wide and her heart skipped a beat when she saw a familiar face in front of her. "Emy... hi" said Sara and gave her a tentative hug. "Hi Sara... you guys were amazing tonight, congratulations" said Emy. "Thanks Em" said Sara softly and started breathing faster. Kate turned around to find Sara. "Oh hey Emy. This is a surprise" said Kate and hugged Emy hello. She took Sara's hand in hers. "I wasn't planning on attending due to a business trip but that got postponed and had to be in LA anyway for some meetings. I'm so glad I came" said Emy. "Me too" said Sara. Kate smiled, she knew that she needed to give them a minute alone but really didn't want to leave Sara for a second. "I see Addison, I'm going to go say hi" she said, her emotional intelligence shining through. "Okay" smiled Sara and reluctantly let go of her hand. "You seem really happy Sar... and I'm happy for you" said Emy with a sad smile. "Thanks Em... finally feels as if things are back on track. How are you doing?" asked Sara. "Great thanks, busy" said Emy. There was an awkward silence. Sara didn't really know what else to say. It made her sad. She used to be able to talk to Emy for hours... about anything. "Thanks for coming Emy... I really appreciate it" said Sara. "I was lying... I was planning on coming all along... wouldn't miss this for the world" smiled Emy.
Sara was relieved when Tegan joined the conversation. "Sorry to be interrupting guys" she said. "You're not interrupting" said Emy smiling. "Emy I want you to meet somebody. This is Nancy" said Tegan. "Nancy is a trauma doc, she works with Kate. She helped Kate treat me the night I collapsed in the dressing room" said Tegan. "Oh wow... Hi Nancy, great meeting one of Tegan's rescuers" said Emy. "She's got a really exciting job. She flies around in helicopters and stuff. All very Rescue 911" joked Tegan. "Great to meet you Emy" smiled Nancy. "Emy is one of our oldest and dearest friends. She has her own graphic design company. She's brilliant" bragged Tegan. There seemed to be an instant spark between Nancy and Emy and they were hitting it off immediately. Sara backed away slowly and felt a pair of arms encircling her from behind. She instantly recognised Kate's familiar touch and smiled when she felt Kate's soft breath in her ear. "Tegan playing matchmaker?" Kate asked. "Yeah... looks like it's working" said Sara. "Holding thumbs" said Kate and kissed Sara's cheek.
Sara was so tired and completely emotionally drained. She silently wondered how Tegan must be feeling. She looked over at her sister who was still sipping Kate's electrolyte solution talking to Ellen. She saw Tegan suddenly starting to sway and grab on to Ellen's arm. Sara dropped her conversation immediately and rushed over to Tegan. "Tee... come on sit down" said Sara. "I'm okay" said Tegan. "Sit down Tegan" said Ellen looking petrified. "Sorry, I'm okay... but you're right I just need to sit down for a few minutes" said Tegan. Sara led Tegan to some couches where Lindsey and Erin were sitting already. "Hey... joining the pregnant, elephant feet corner?" said Erin. "It's the best corner anyway" smiled Tegan and gave Lindsey a peck on the cheek. "You two okay?" asked Tegan. "Yeah we're fine... but we haven't been rocking out on stage all night. How are you holding up Tee?" asked Erin. "Truthfully... I'm fucking exhausted... but I'm fine" said Tegan. "Hardcore superstar by far huh" smiled Erin. Tegan laughed and shook her head. "You want to go home Boo?" asked Lindsey. "No... I don't want to but I'm going to have to soon. I just don't want to be a rude host" said Tegan. "I think everybody will understand Tegan" said Erin. "Can we stay a few more minutes? Are you okay sweetie?" asked Tegan. "I'm fine babe... if you are?" said Lindsey. Tegan just smiled.
Sara was adamant for Tegan to stay seated and she brought the guests over to Tegan. "Teegs look who I found" said Sara smiling with her arm around a young girl's shoulder. "Christine! Hi! How are you doing?" said Tegan excitedly hugging the young fan she visited in hospital. "I'm great thank you. Great show! Thank you so much for sending me tickets. I'm the envy of my entire school. I'm so happy. You look much better in this outfit than a hospital gown.. but I mean you looked great in that too" said Christine blushing. Tegan laughed. "Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it. You look much better too. Are you okay now?" she said. "Oh yeah I'm fine! I loved your show, best night of my life. I was going to ask those Reach for a Dream people for tickets as my wish but then you sent some... good thing since I'm not dying and I would have felt really shitty stealing some other kid's wish" said Christine laughing. "Well I thought that those Reach for a Dream people must have sent me Bruce Springsteen" laughed Tegan. "Nope... just Erin" said Lindsey. "I knew it must have been you... thanks E, you're the best. By the way have you met Christine. She's a huge fan" said Tegan. Christine was on cloud nine and Tegan, Sara, Erin and eventually Alex obliged and took numerous photos with her and signed some merch. Sonia looked at her kids from afar. "That's what makes them amazing right... They have so many important celebs here that they could rubbing shoulders with but there they are... taking selfies with a fan" smiled Sonia. "You did a great job with them Sonia" said Stephen. "So did you Steve" said Sonia. "Well... let's be honest, it was mostly you" smiled Stephen and put his arm around Sonia's shoulder. "I'm so proud of them I feel as if I could explode" said Sonia. "Me too... what did we do to deserve them" said Stephen.
It was getting really late and the crowd was beginning to thin out and Tegan and Sara started saying goodbye to their friends and family. "I don't want this night to end" said Tegan to Sara. "Me neither but fuck I'm tired" laughed Sara. "Me too... feels as if I ran a marathon and I need to get Lindsey and my kids to bed" said Tegan. "They can be so proud of their mom... let's go home" smiled Sara. "Hey Sar... thank you for the best show ever" said Tegan.
Tegan, Sara, Lindsey and Kate walked out of the venue towards the car. Fans were screaming for them at the barricade. "What are you guys still doing here!" said Sara as they walked over. "Girls... you don't need to sign... go home" said Jeremy. "Just a few minutes" said Tegan. "Linds... I'll just be a few minutes I promise" said Tegan. "Okay... go... I'll wait in the car" said Lindsey. "I'm joining Linds... you know how I feel about your screaming fans and we don't want a scene" said Kate. Sara laughed. "I'm fine... there's a million security guards. I'll be there soon" she said and squeezed Kate's hand.
Tegan and Sara handed out autographs as fans snapped photos. Sara could see that Tegan was starting to take major strain again. "Guys I'm really sorry but we need to go now. Thank you for coming out. Drive safe!" said Sara and turned Tegan around. "That's enough Tee... let's go" said Sara. "Bye guys... thanks for coming" said Tegan over her shoulder. Tegan was breathing heavily when she got back into the car. "You okay Teebag?" said Kate sitting in front. "Uh huh... let's go" she sighed and put her head on Lindsey's shoulder.
The SUV pulled away followed by their security team. Kate and Jeremy were chatting in front but the back was quiet. "Sweetheart... Tegan?" said Lindsey softly but Tegan didn't reply, her hand limp in Lindsey's. She was out for the count on Lindsey's shoulder. The car stopped in front of Tegan and Lindsey's house. Jeremy opened the back passenger door, looked at Tegan and smiled. "Unlock the door, I've got her" she said softly. He picked his friend up gently and carried her to her bed. "Sweet dreams" he said and kissed her on the forehead.
"Linds... I just want to make sure she's okay. You can get ready for bed" said Kate. "Okay... thanks Kate" said Lindsey. "Sar... sorry, I won't be long" said Kate. "Take all the time you need" said Sara. Kate gently took Tegan's vitals, careful not to wake her up. She put an oxygen mask on her face as Sonia walked into the room. "Is she okay?" asked Sonia looking worried. "She's fine... she just needs some rest" smiled Kate. "Let's get her ready for bed" said Sonia in full on mom mode. She helped Kate undress Tegan. Tegan woke up halfway through. "What are you doing?" she asked confused pushing away the oxygen mask. "Shhh... go back to sleep" said Sonia. "I can get undressed myself thanks" huffed Tegan. She sat up and pulled on her pyjamas. Kate put the mask back on after looking at the pulse ox meter on Tegan's finger. "Okay relax now... just a few more minutes of oxygen and we'll let you get some sleep" said Kate. "Linds" smiled Tegan as her wife snuggled up next to her. "Go to sleep superstar" said Lindsey. "I love you" said Tegan just like she did every night before falling asleep. "Oh and thanks guys... for taking care of me... as always" said Tegan before nodding off.
A few minutes later Kate and Sonia walked into the living room and found Sara and Jeremy both fast asleep on the couches. Kate smiled and kissed Sara softly on the lips. "Lets go home" she whispered. Sara stirred. "Is she okay?" she asked groggily. "She's fine" said Kate. "Good... let's go home I'm sure the dads are busy finishing your expensive Scotch" said Sara. "That's fine... I'm not much of a Scotch drinker anyway" said Kate pulling Sara up. "Hey Jer... wake up dude" said Sara. Jeremy was snoring away with his hand on his belly. "Jeremy" said Sara shaking his shoulder. "I'm awake" said Jeremy and jumped up. Sara laughed. "Do you want to stay here tonight? We can get home safely you don't have to drive us" said Sara. "No... I'm going to deliver you home safely... and then I'm going to sleep for 24 hours" said Jeremy yawning. "You're a star Jeremy" smiled Sara.
"Goodnight mom... see you in the morning" said Sara yawning. "You did so great today Sara... sleep well my baby" said Sonia hugging Sara. Sara held Kate's hand tight for the short trip up the road home. They found Stephen and Bruce drinking Scotch on Kate's patio as predicted. "Told you so" Sara smiled at Kate. "There she is! Our little super star!" said Stephen. "Hey guys... hope you left me a night cap" joked Sara. "It's poured already" said Bruce. "Tegan tucked into bed alright?" asked Stephen. "Yeah... she's down. Barely made it half a mile from the venue" said Sara. Sara lay down on a lounger. "What a day" she sighed and took a sip of Scotch. She felt emotion overcome her for the umpteenth time that day as she slowly unwound. Kate sat down next to her and rubbed her belly softly. "You okay my love?" said Kate softly. "I'm more than okay... I'm so happy" smiled Sara and put her hand on Kate's closing her eyes.
A/N: Ahh a soppy chapter (come to think of it most of them are soppy ha ha). Hope you enjoyed it. Review please!