The One I Love

Epilogue

Two years later

Ada

“Encore, encore,” the crowd is chanting, but we’ve already had two encores and we’re behind schedule. I smile at Charlie as we run behind the stage and try to catch our breath before we have to talk to people again. We take a minute to embrace and he kisses me.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of touring and going on talk shows. People really like that we love each other and we sing together. It gives them hope there’s someone out there for them to make music with. Lila and Thomas are always with us. I was able to pay Lila to become my personal assistant and we both were able to leave the high school.

I felt terrible when I left, but I was able to see the last group through graduation before we blew up and I let one of the other teachers take on the new ones so they wouldn’t get used to me.

The set was amazing. The fans were so full of energy for us tonight. Now we’re going through the usual press junket behind the scenes. I feel completely woozy. I haven’t told my husband yet the good news. I want to wait until we’re alone.

The dress I’m wearing feels a little tight and I try to move around so it loosens a little. I’d give anything to be wearing sweatpants right now.

“The two of you just recently got married,” the reporter says like we don’t know. “How has that affected all of Charlie’s female fans that wanted him to stay single for them?”

“It hasn’t,” I say laughing. Charlie reaches for my hand. “They still throw their panties, sneak into our hotel rooms, and send love letters every day.”

“There’s only one lady for me,” Charlie says sweetly and kisses my hand.

“This is the third album for you guys in two years. That’s quite an accomplishment. What keeps you motivated?” The same reporter is asking all the questions.

“We keep each other motivated. I write about her and she writes about me. We’re both really stubborn and really creative. I think you have to have someone to write with who just gets you.” He smiles and squeezes my hands. “We released so fast because we have so many songs between us. This last one is just covers of some great songs and it’s sponsored by the Everyone Sings foundation. We’re giving all our proceeds to the charity.” Charlie says winking at me.

We field a few more questions and then it’s time for the meet and greet. Our lives have been such a whirlwind it feels like we haven’t slowed down.

When we walk into the green room there are the usual loud screaming girls waiting to fawn all over my husband. I have fans too, they just aren’t as passionate.

After an hour of signing autographs, I’m feeling really woozy. I stand up to go to the bathroom. I figure the line can wait for me to pee. I have to pee so much lately. Immediately

I faint. It’s only a few seconds I blackout but it’s enough to find me on the floor.

Thomas rushes forward and security does too. It’s like they think I’ve been struck. For a while, Jimmy had stalked me but he went to prison after he almost beat his new girlfriend to death a year ago. My dad hasn’t bothered us. One day the other shoe may drop but for now, we’re safe to travel the world.

I can’t really talk and try to catch my breath to tell them I’m fine. It’s too late though. My husband has called the ambulance. Thomas is yelling at everyone to give me air and Lila has managed to squat on the floor beside me despite being eight months pregnant.

The ambulance comes and all the fans are given vouchers or something Thomas has to appease them because they don’t get to meet Charlie.

“Honey, you can meet with them.” I am on the stretcher and they are taking me to the hospital as a precaution. I haven’t been able to tell them anything and I plan on doing so when they close the ambulance doors. The press is still close by and I really want to keep our privacy.

‘I’m not letting you go to the hospital by yourself. That’s not happening.” Charlie says and he climbs into the back with me.

“Okay miss, tell me what’s going on with you today,” the paramedic says.

The ambulance is already pulling out of the venue and I find myself feeling nauseous. I breathe through it earning a concerned look from Charlie.

“She just wanted to start a rumor she’s pregnant passing out in front of all those girls,” Charlie jokes.

I can’t help it. The grin that spreads across my face is a dead giveaway.

“No, really?” Charlie says. “Really?”

“Yes, I’m pregnant. I wanted to tell you in a much more special way then the back of an ambulance.

“So, you fainted because of the baby. Is everything okay, is it okay? Our child.” The anxiety is building and he stands up hitting his head on the ambulance. It’s like he forgot where we were for a minute.

“Yes, it’s common for this to happen. They are going to take me to the hospital as a precaution but we should be just fine.” I say. I put my hand on my belly and he does too.