"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The whole room erupted in cheers as Christine walked in and jumped in surprise, laughing as she clutched her chest then hugged Mick. He'd told her a little white lie about them needing her to come and take a quick press photo before the show. She'd sulked as she hated having her photo taken professionally but had gone down to the communal kind of room that they hung out and met people in after the show. She hadn't expected anything like this as all the band, back-up musicians and crew had gathered for a quick surprise party.
"Michael!" Christine exclaimed as she kissed his cheek.
"Don't look at me love, it was all Stevie," Mick said bowing to her and Stevie giggled shyly opening her arms to Christine who dived into them.
"Thank you so much Stevie!" Christine hugged her tightly.
"You're so welcome." Stevie whispered and kissed her cheek, grinning as she let go.
"Thank you everyone for coming, i haven't been this surprised since Mick accidentally walked into my room naked!" Christine joked and the room burst into laughter and ooh's.
"You promised not to tell anyone about that!" Mick's eyes went wide in embarrassment, now that wasn't something you saw everyday.
"Sorry honey," Christine giggled pinching his now red cheek.
"Okay everyone, one drink before we go on because i don't want any lights dropping on my head!" Stevie joked as champagne circulated around the room and she made eye contact with the lighting director who pretended to be offended.
"Christine," Lindsey's voice whispered playfully in her ear and she jumped in surprise again as he and John, joined Mick and Stevie in a semi-circle around her.
"We have a present for you." Lindsey said handing her a little velvet box and pursing his lips as he tried not to smirk when her face crinkled into a smile and she reached up to kiss his cheek, then leaned forward and pecked John's lips.
She opened the box and smiled even more brightly, inside was a beautiful 24 karat gold necklace with the pendant in the shape of a songbird.
"Turn it over." Stevie said and Christine did as she was told. On the other side of the pendant four tiny hearts were engraved along with an infinity symbol. Christine was never one to get particularly emotional, but she felt tears fill her eyes and she looked at each of her bandmates with such love, no words were needed to explain.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking as a tear fell. She was so happy to be back. To finally feel like herself again after years alone in the countryside.
"Now no tears love." Mick said pulling her to him and she hid her face in his chest until she could get them under control.
"You like it?" Mick asked as she pulled back a little and stood by his side, his arm wrapped around her waist.
"I love it." Christine answered her adorable smile returning.
"Have a guess who's idea it was," Mick said playfully, looking at Stevie, making it obvious.
Christine grinned and hugged her best friend again.
"You're really spoiling me tonight darling," Christine joked.
"It's the first birthday we've seen you for in 16 years! We had to make it special." Stevie teased but she'd really wanted to do this for Christine. She wanted her to feel how loved she was by everyone.
Christine laughed along with her bandmates and touched the necklace gently in it's box. The boys gave her another kiss each and went to chat with the back up musicians. Leaving her and Stevie alone for a second.
