Ch 22
The auditorium was almost completely full of parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and every other kind of family that a little kid could have. River and the Doctor had managed to get seats close to the stage, bringing Jack, Ianto, Vastra, and Jenny along with them. (Strax was made to wait out of sight as to not scare the humans and Vastra wore her vial for the same reason.)
"Did you get the flowers? And did you remember to bring the camera?" River asked, bouncing the fussy baby in her arms, checking the clock once again to see what time it was.
"Yes, and yes, don't worry." The Doctor smiled, camera at the ready. He pulled out a pacifier for Arthur. "Your filter still working?"
"Yes, but I wore a loose dress just in case." She murmured, kissing Arthur's forehead as he finally settled down. "How were they when you dropped them off? Was Freya remembering her lines?"
"Wouldn't stop reciting them. They're out of their skin with excitement." He informed her.
She smiled, "Good, I'm glad."
The lights started to dim and the audience around them quieted down. The curtains opened, the girls on stage with their class. They were in flower costumes, beaming.
River's smile grew when she saw her daughter's, thrilled that they were smiling so brightly. They spotted her and waved as discreetly as they could as the number started.
"Take a picture!" River whispered, waving back at the girls. The Doctor fumbled, getting the camera up and snapping a photo along with most of the other parents. She beamed, even Arthur's attention being drawn to the stage.
The girls sang along cheerfully with the others on stage, only fumbling the dance once or twice. Arthur thankfully remained calm throughout the performance, only getting fussy at the very end.
The audience cheered and clapped as the children bowed. Arthur didn't like how noisy it had gotten and started whimpering.
"I'll meet you outside." River murmured, getting up and carrying the baby out before he started to full on cry. The Doctor nodded.
Arthur squirmed but soon calmed as they got further from the loud people. River sat down outside the auditorium, bouncing the baby and talking quietly to him.
Flowers. He thought about the pretty colored plant things his parents had brought, only recently having learned the name. "Looowuf!" He tried to say. Arthur had made a new game of attempting to say words he liked, though couldn't never really get the hang of it.
She laughed, "Flowers, my sweet. Fffff-lowers."
"Fooo-wuh." He tried again.
She smiled, kissing his forehead, "Very close, sweetie."
"Muh!" He grinned. 'Muh', 'no', and 'Da' were the only things he could stay without much trouble.
"Yes! Very good!" She laughed again, beaming, "Your sisters will be out very soon."
They won't bring the loud, will they? He asked, unsure.
"I don't know, my sweet. They might, but I promise it won't last very long."
He buried his face against her. No loud.
"It's alright, I've got you." She murmured, rubbing his back.
The auditorium doors opened and people started filing out of the room. Clara was the first to find River, having sat away from the rest of her friends since she had to help out with lighting. She greeted the woman with a hug. "What'd you think?"
"Oh, it was wonderful! All of the children did so well." River smiled, hugging her tightly.
Arthur waved his arms, grabbing onto Clara's shirt. "Oh, careful there, kiddo." She laughed, trying to detach herself from the baby's grip.
"Are you coming over?" River asked. All of their friends had agreed to have a little after party at their flat.
"'Course I am! Wouldn't miss it." She smiled brightly. "But I've got to stay and help clean up, so unless you're all willing to wait a bit, I'll be a bit late."
"Oh, I would stay and help, but it's way past Arthur's bedtime and he's been getting fussy."
"I can tell." Clara managed to free herself from Arthur's grip. "I'll catch up later, then."
River nodded, "See you soon." She turned to look for her family, letting Clara greet the rest of her students.
Jack and Ianto found River next, though they stayed and made pleasant conversation with her. Ianto was holding Arthur when the rest of the gang came chasing behind the girls. Freya and Amelia were beyond themselves with pride and excitement for the party, tackling River with hugs.
River hugged them tightly, "Oh, I'm so proud of you! You both performed so wonderfully!" They both tried to say something at once, sounding like an overloaded computer. "Slow down, girls." She laughed, "One at a time."
"Daddy said there would be chocolate cake and I want ice cream too and can we stay up late, pretty please?" Amelia said.
"Well, alright. I suppose you can." She nodded, "Are you ready to go?"
Freya nodded. "Auntie Vastra's ready to be out of her vial."
"Alright, then we'll get going." She took both of the girls hands, leading them out and making sure the rest of the group was following.
The girls waved to their friends as they left, walking home with their family. They chattered the whole way, Freya announcing that she was going to be a movie star one day.
The group filled up the dining room of the flat, River going to put the baby down before she and the Doctor brought out dinner. It was the girls' favorite: homemade mac' and cheese. There was also a fruit salad and some wine for the adults.
River poured wine for each adult, except for herself and the Doctor, and helped the girls get food.
"I wanna do a toast!" Amelia insisted, standing on her chair.
"Alright, be careful." River warned, not wanting her to fall off the chair. She took her seat beside the Doctor.
Amelia cleared her throat for dramatic affect. "Ahem! I wanna make a toast because... because it's been a really brilliant night and I've got people to thank for thank. Thanks for coming to see me in my show, we worked really hard. Thank you Mummy and Daddy for helping make costumes and driving us around and stuff and making my favorite dinner." She picked up her cup of milk. "To, um, to acting and family!"
The table followed her lead, raising their glasses and repeating "To acting and family!"
Freya and Amelia got up so they could clink glasses with everyone. Amelia paused at River. "Mumma, you forgot your wine."
"Oh, no, I didn't forget. I'm not going to have wine tonight." She glanced at the Doctor, seeing if he was ready for them to make their announcement. He glanced back with confidence.
"But you always have wine." Amelia countered.
She laughed, "I don't always have wine, my love. Now, Daddy and I have our own announcement to make."
Amelia's excitement grew again as she scurried back to her seat and stood on her chair once more so she could announce to the table: "One more thing! Mummy and Daddy have something to tell us!"
River stood and started taking off her perception filter. "Well, the Doctor and I are quite pleased to announce that in a few months, there will be another addition to our family." River smiled, taking the Doctor's hand and squeezing it.
The adults immediately smiled and congratulated her, but the smile couldn't have been wiped off Amelia's face quicker. The girl sat in silent shock, staring at her mother. Freya wore a similar expression.
The smile left River's face one she saw the girls' expressions. She went over to kneel in front of them, "What's wrong, my loves?"
"I don't want you to die again!" Amelia burst out, louder than necessary.
"Oh, sweetie. That's not going to happen this time, I promise. Things are very, very different. I'm not going to die, everything will be alright." She wrapped her arms around the little girls, pulling them close.
Freya sniffed."You said that last time. You kept saying it was fine. You lied to us and then you left us!"
"I'm not lying, honestly. Last time, there was something wrong with the place where the baby grows, but this time, it's all fixed. I cross my hearts that nothing is wrong this time." She held them tighter, wishing she could just take away all the fear.
They clung to her. "How's it fixed?"
"It's very complicated, but I promise that it's all fixed. I would never decide to have another baby if I knew I would be leaving you."
"B-but what if something happens." Amelia warbled. "Something always happens."
River bit her lip, glancing at the Doctor for help.
"Amelia," He got up went to them, doing as River had done. "We're not going to shut you out. If something happens, we'll let you know. But if something does happen, I'll be able to fix it. I can fix almost anything, can't I?"
She nodded, hesitantly, "But what if you can't fix it?"
"Then I've got the help of all your Uncles and Aunts. I've got the universe in a box. Something somewhere will be able to help, I promise." He assured.
"Are you still upset?" River asked gently.
Amelia shook her head, worn out. "I'm scared."
"How can I fix that." She hugged her once more, all of the negative feelings about the pregnancy that she had still been fighting starting to arise again.
"Can I sit on your lap for dinner?" She asked shyly.
River nodded, "Of course, sweetie." Amelia brought her food over to River's place at the table.
Quiet conversation resumed. River tried to reignite the happiness and excitement of the night, though she felt as if she had ruined it. The girls distracted themselves with eating and talking to their family about the play, though they clearly weren't as energized as they were before.
Once everyone had finished dinner the plates were cleared, and the cake was brought out. River stayed behind in the kitchen to wash the dishes. The Doctor volunteered to help her, doing the drying. River was quiet as they washed.
"...You doing alright?" He asked after a while.
"Yes..." She murmured, "Are you?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I am."
"I ruined tonight..." She whispered.
"River, you didn't." He looked at her.
"I did." She stopped what she was doing, "They were so happy and now..."
"Now they'll come to terms with it and learn that it's going to be okay." He finished.
She sighed, "But they shouldn't have to do that. We should have talked to them about this."
"They would've had the same reaction. It had to happen one time or another," He pointed out.
She swallowed, "I'm worried that we made the wrong choice."
"We can't change it now." He wasn't sure exactly which choice she was referring to. "We've got to persevere with what we've got."
"I'm sorry." She whispered, "You're right." She went back to washing the dishes, falling silent again. He feared he might have said the wrong thing, but didn't push the topic further.
They washed and dried for another minute before Amelia tiptoed in with her plate, tugging on River's dress. "I'm done with my cake."
"Ah, thank you, my sweet." River murmured, taking the dirty plate from her and sticking it in the sink.
Amelia watched her movements, eyes falling to her belly. "It grew...?" She hadn't noticed before.
"Well, no, not exactly. I've just been wearing a perception filter."
"The thing that hides it?" She confirmed.
River nodded, "Yes, exactly."
"Who were you hiding from?" She looked up at her mum.
"Well, I just wanted to hide it until I decided to tell you." She explained.
"Why did you wait?" Amelia's tone was curious.
River shook her head, not wanting to talk about it, "How about you go back out and play with your Aunts and Uncles. They're going to leave soon."
"They want you to come, too." She informed.
"Alright, I'll be in in a minute."
Amelia nodded and hugged River's legs before scurrying back to the others.
River turned off the tap, turning to the Doctor, "Are you coming back in with me?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "We've got people waiting."
She sighed, starting to walk back into the other room. He briefly wondered if he'd said something wrong again or she just didn't want to deal with people. Either way, he put on an assuring face for her and the girls, following her back to their guests.
River put on a happy face for her guests as they walked back into the room, taking a seat on the couch in the living room where the group was now gathered. The girls quickly snuggled up with River, wanting to be physically close to her.
The conversation somewhat revolved around the new baby, though no one mentioned the girls' reaction. Vastra was quite chipper, proud of River for her progress. River tried to seem as happy as possible, though all the questions about the baby were rather overwhelming. She glanced at Vastra, considering telling her about the name they had chosen later on.
"Mummy?" Freya tugged on her arm. "Am I having a little brother or little sister?"
"The baby's going to be a girl. So you'll have a little sister." She smiled weakly.
She smiled back, genuinely interested in the news, as was everyone else. "Can we name her Elsa like the ice queen?"
River laughed softly, kissing her forehead, "We'll see." She glanced at the Doctor, unsure if they should share the name they picked. He looked back at her and shrugged as to say now was no different than later.
"We actually have pretty much decided on a name." River began, glancing around the room.
"Is it a pretty name?" Freya asked, everyone's eyes on her in anticipation.
"Well, I think it's pretty." She smiled, "Daddy's Mum's title was Terra, so we've decided to name her Terra."
"Ooh, I like that," Clara grinned.
"Good choice." Jack agreed.
"Thank you." River beamed, "We've picked her middle name as well..."
"Let's hear then!" Clara leaned forwards excitedly.
"The Doctor and I both thought it would be fitting if her middle name was Vastra." She said, looking to Vastra.
The woman let out a small gasp of pleasant shock, an ear to ear smile breaking out on her face. "I'm... more than honored."
River smiled, getting up to go hug her friend, "I'm glad you're happy. You deserve it."
Vastra hugged her tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"It's the least I could do." She whispered.
"It's more than the most you could do." She let out a chuckle.
River smiled, giving her one last squeeze before returning to her seat. Vastra seated herself closer to River this time, smile never faltering.
The rest of the night went on rather smoothly, their friends all departing late into the evening. Jack and Ianto helped carry the girls to their rooms before they left since the two children had fallen asleep listening to their family talk. The paternoster gang were the last to depart, Vastra was still beside herself, giving River more hugs at the door.
River smiled, "We'll keep you updated."
"Thank you." Vastra beamed, wishing them goodbye and good luck. River waved, closing the door behind him and then turning to the Doctor.
"You feeling alright?" He asked with a soft smile.
She nodded, smiling back, "Better than before."
"That's good. Vastra was quite happy about the name." He reminisced.
"I know." She hugged him tightly, "I'm so glad."
"Me, too." He relaxed against her, pleased that she'd cheered up.
"Do you want to take a bath with me? I think I could just a quick soak to relax before bed." She murmured, heading for the stairs.
He nodded and followed. "I'd love to."
She smiled back at him, climbing up the stairs and into their bathroom, running the water. They undressed, discarding their clothes in the corner of the bathroom before climbing into the filling tub.
River let out a sigh, relaxing in the warm water surrounding her.
"The girls were quite good in their play." He rested his arm on her shoulders.
"Yes, they were excellent. I was very impressed." She hummed, resting her hand on her belly.
His hand followed soon after, resting over hers. "She's getting big."
"She's healthy. Though I'm starting to wonder if there is two of them in there." She joked, resting her head against his shoulder.
"I think you were bigger with the twins at this point." He laughed.
She laughed weakly, "I don't remember anymore it was so long ago."
"They're not even six yet." He chuckled. "Good thing we have pictures."
She nodded, "How did we not figure out there we two of them until so late when I was that big."
"Neither of us had seen a Gallifreyan pregnancy in a long while. Plus, Freya's placenta was blocking Amelia on the ultrasound." He reasoned.
"Yes, I suppose so. I think Terra's going to be big. She's bigger than Arthur was." She commented, putting her other hand to her side.
"You're also in a better condition that you were with him." He added.
She nodded, "Yes, that's true. But he turned out just fine. He's healthy now and just as big as he should be."
"And I'm sure Terra will be, too." He grinned.
"You know, I do feel as if I'm running low on kisses." She murmured.
"Well, it just so happens that I have some." He chuckled, leaning over to kiss her. She beamed, pressing her lips gently against his, moving her hand to rest against his cheek.
He hummed contently. "Anything else you need, love?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm fine just laying here for a few more minutes."
"Maybe more than a few minutes." It was so pleasantly warm, he didn't want to get out soon.
"That's fine with me." She hummed, closing her eyes. He grinned to himself.
They stayed curled up in the bath with each other for a while, just enjoying the calm, before something pushed against River's hand.
River had been starting to fall asleep when she felt the push, startled awake. "Doctor? Did you feel that?"
"What?" He asked, tone still relaxed. "I think she just kicked..." She breathed, sitting up a bit more.
He woke up a bit more at that, repositioning his hand next to hers. She waited to see if the baby would move again and confirm what she thought she had felt.
A moment passed before the little foot pressed against their hands again. She took in a gasp, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"That was most definitely a kick." His expression matched hers.
River laughed, leaning over to kiss him, glowing. He moved his lips softly against hers. "Today is full of surprises."
"It certainly is." She whispered, "She's strong."
"Just like her Mummy." He commented.
"Oh, stop." She smiled softly.
"Never." He teased, feeling Terra tumble and kick softly.
River laughed as Terra tumbled around, "She certainly had lots of energy."
"Maybe it's the cake you ate."
"Maybe.. .or maybe she's hungry again." She murmured.
"Is that a hint that you want more cake?" He chuckled.
She smiled, "Yes. And I think Terra would also like some apple pie."
"That will require some baking unless you want to skip that and see of the TARDIS has some." He informed.
"I don't mind baking." She murmured, "As long as you don't mind."
"Not at all." He grinned, reaching for the drain. She smiled back, kissing his jaw then standing and getting out of the tub.
The water drained and the Doctor grabbed towels for the both of them. She took her towel from him, drying off and then wrapping her arms around his waist, "Love you."
"I love you, too." He kissed her.
They headed off to the TARDIS's kitchen, leaving the door open in case the girls were to need them. They spent the next hour or two baking pie. Time lost meaning to them as they laughed with each other and exchanged kisses and flour on each other's noses. All the while, Terra playing with her new found ability to kick.
As the smell of the pie filled the room, River took the Doctor's hands, pulling him into the middle of the room, "Do you remember the first time we went dancing?"
"The very first time? I tripped so much, it's hard to forget." His cheeks gained a slight dust of red.
She laughed, "The first time you took me dancing, you were absolutely perfect. I suppose you had gotten the hang of it by then."
"Oh yeah, that wasn't my first time, though." He recalled. It was all wibbly-wobbly, but luckily her first time dancing with him hadn't been his last with her. "It was your birthday, wasn't it?"
She smiled, nodding. "And, do you remember when we found out I was pregnant with the girls?"
He nodded. "That was a life changer."
She squeezed his hand, "But, a good one, right?"
"Not a doubt." He confirmed, grinning widely.
"Do you think we ever would have had children if I hadn't… if I hadn't come to you after my miscarriage." She whispered.
"I think it would've happened eventually." He shrugged. "But time took this path and now we're here."
She looked up at him, nodding slowly.
"I like it here." He offered a warm smile and tapped her nose. "Dance with me?"
"I'd love to." She whispered, giving him a weak smile.
He placed his hands gently on her waist as the TARDIS started some music to dance to. She swayed gently with him, tiredness starting to settle in.
They danced until the timer for the pie beeped. He pulled away and put the done food on the counter top.
"It smells wonderful." She murmured, "Though I'm not terribly hungry anymore."
"Pie for breakfast then?" He suggested.
She smiled, "That'll give it time to cool. Bed now?"
He nodded. "Bed now."
She took his hand, turning off the lights and walking upstairs, not bothering to go to the bedroom in their flat.
They got into bed, curling up to each other. "Night, love." He said.
"Goodnight." She whispered, drifting off.
