Notes: Today is my 21st birthday and to celebrate I give you this new chapter. Enjoy!

The end of term came around quickly after Jen found out the truth about Sam's parentage. It somehow brought the girls closer now if that was possible. They both had this secret no one else really knew. Sam was grateful someone else knew; it allowed her to be able to talk about it with someone else her own age and not have the worry it would get back to her parents.

As the girls packed up there or room for the summer holidays making sure they had everything they needed, Jen was telling Sam all about her holiday plans. "So I'm going to be spending two weeks in Spain with my parents. Then we'll probably go spend the rest with my grandparents. What're your plans? Are you heading to America to see your uncle?"

Sam put another pair of trousers in her bag. "Not this year. I would love to, but Mum's made sure my surgery is booked in for this summer as it's a six week recovery time she'd rather I have it then, so it doesn't cut into my education."

"Aw, Sam, that sucks. When's the surgery?"

A pair of black socks went into the suitcase. "Next week," Sam answered.

A sympathetic look, one Sam always disliked, crossed her friend's face. "I know how much you love spending summers in Florida, and this year you don't get to. Surgery doesn't sound like much fun either."

"It is what it is. I'm going to miss it but at least I got to go at Easter and see my cousins and I guess if I am recovered by October, I might be able to convince Mum and Mycroft to let me go then."

"What about your dad?" Jen questioned.

"What about him?"

"Doesn't he get a say in all of this?"

"I mean I guess he does but it would only be for a week. It would just be like me being here and he'll have a case anyway, most likely won't even notice I'm gone."

"Are you sure about that?"

Sam sat down on her bed, glad that she was all packed up and ready to leave for the summer. "I don't know I guess I'll talk to Dad about it when the time comes."

Jen lifted an eyebrow slightly. It wasn't the first time Sam had referred to Sherlock as Dad in her presence, but it was still odd to hear it. "He's an adult, he'll want a say. They always do. And you do realise you called him Dad again, right?"

"Yes," Sam admitted. "I want to get used to the idea of seeing him that way but I'm not ready to say it to him, and he's not ready to hear it. At the moment he's more like a big brother."

"At least he's there."

"Yeah," Sam absentmindedly agreed.

Sensing that Sam didn't want to talk about Sherlock anymore, Jen decided to change the topic "How have we finished our first year at secondary school? This is just crazy."

"I know. I thought I'd never make it through the first week let alone the whole year," Sam joked. "You still want to be my roommate next year?"

"Of course, who else is going to put up with you?" Jen joked, which got a smile out of Sam.

There was a knock at the door. "Enter," both girls said at the same time causing them both to laugh as David walked in.

"Afternoon to you both," he greeted. "If you're ready, Sam, the car is all set to head home."

Sam passed him her bag that was on her bed. "Would it be okay if you walk on ahead? I just want to say goodbye to Jen and a few other people."

David rolled his eyes, young girls and the overdramatic way they all have say goodbye. One would think that they would never see each other again and that it wasn't just for six weeks for summer break. "Of course I'll meet you in the car. Do you want me to take your chair as well?"

"Yes, please. I'll walk to the car."

Since Jen knew about the truth it made it easier having bodyguards around without questions being asked, they could relax just a little bit. Watching him leave the room, Jen gave her a funny look.

"What?" Sam asked.

"I thought people only looked like that in the movies; he just so incredibly-"

"Too old for you." Sam cut in.

"Oh someone's jealous, is that who you fancy?"

Sam felt her cheeks get hot. "Come on, let's go say goodbye to everyone else. I have a feeling they want me out of here before the traffic gets too much."

Jen picked up her bag and walked to the door. "I didn't get an answer for that, so I'm going to take that as a yes."

Sam followed her and turned to look at the room one last time, she knew it would be there waiting for her when she got back to school after the summer break but right now that felt ages away, with the thought of the operation in her mind. It almost felt impossible that she was coming back. Shaking the thought from her mind, it would all be fine. "See you later, room," she muttered to herself as she shut the door.

Just before getting to the car park, Sam and Jen met up with their friends in the car park, hugging them all goodbye and promising to text and chat to them every day, though Sam did wonder how likely the promises would be kept.

As Sam got to her car, she felt Jen tap her on her shoulder. "Look, I honestly mean it if you need me any time, text me. If it's to do with post-surgery, text me, if its to do with family trouble, text me. If you just need someone to talk to, send me a message. I mean it."

"Thanks" Sam hugged her. "You honestly are my best friend."

"Good, because I would have to fight anyone who tried to take that title from me," Jen laughed.

London felt brighter since the last time she'd been there. It made Sam smile. She did love the city in the summer, it just felt different and she loved it. As the car pulled up to her flat, she could see that her mum was waiting on the doorstep for her.

"Hi, Mum," Sam said, giving her a hug as she got out of the car.

Molly held her, breathing in her daughter's smell, glad that she was home, glad she was hers just for a little bit. "Sammy, I am so glad you are home."

"I told you this last time, but I was only home the other week."

"Yes but you're here now for the summer. I actually get to see you for more than a couple of days at a time." Molly felt tears in her eyes.

Sam wiped them away. "I'm sure you'll want to send me packing by the end of the week."

Molly laughed. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they walked into the house, Sam noticed the absence of her father. She knew she couldn't expect to always have him there, but a part of her on the drive up wanted him too to be. He must be busy with a case, she tried to comfort herself.

"Seen much from Sherlock recently?" Sam asked as they sat down on the sofa for a takeaway and movie night.

"Not really," Molly admitted. "I think Mycroft has set him on an important case. He hasn't been into the lab for the last week but I'm sure he will turn up."

"Here or Bart's?"

"Both, probably." Molly chuckled.

Sam put her pizza box down on the coffee table in front of them even though she still had a little bit left, she wasn't hungry. Molly knew something was on her daughter's mind. She was never one to put the pizza down. Instead of jumping in and asking, she waited for her daughter to speak what was on her mind. "He does want to be there next week, doesn't he Mum?"

Molly put her hand on Sam's shoulder. "He does, and he will be, I promise you, he will be there and well, if he isn't, he will have me to answer to."

A week went by quickly. During that time Sam saw Sherlock, he'd been keeping up his text messages, but it was nicer to see him in person. He told her serval times he would be there for in the next couple of days as surgery got nearer. Her grandparents had also travelled down to be there for surgery day. It made Sam laugh that this time they had insisted on staying with Mycroft rather than in a hotel room. She knew he would be so thrilled with that.

On the night before surgery, Molly always allowed Sam to have whatever she wanted to eat as she wouldn't be able to have any breakfast in the morning. This would be her last supper. It was funny to Molly watching Sherlock walk into her flat with a KFC bargain bucket of chicken under his arm.

"Why are we letting her eat this food?" Sherlock questioned.

"Because this food is the last thing, she will have control of for a while. After tomorrow she won't be able to do anything for herself. Letting her have this will comfort her. I also don't let her have it all the time so it's a nice treat. Will you go knock on her door and tell her the food is here?"

Sherlock walked to Sam's door and knocked. When she said he could enter, he put his head around the door. She was sat on her bed watching a movie on her laptop. She pulled out her headphones as she saw him speak. "Sam, the food is here."

Putting the movie on pause, she left her laptop to the side. "Oh great, I'm hungry."

Sherlock waited by the door, watching her walk. He still noticed the way she wobbled and the occasional need to hold on to a wall or door frame for support. He saw the way her foot wouldn't hit the floor flat like everyone else, this was just her way of walking. The surgery was going to help fix this. Following her out of the room they joined Molly in the kitchen.

Taking off his jacket and putting it on the back of his chair, he sat down next to Sam. "You don't have a case?" Sam asked.

"I've made sure I won't have anything to bother me for the next couple of weeks."

Sam grabbed a drumstick from the top of the box "Has something more important come up?"

Molly's eyes gaze at Sherlock, slightly worried what his answer would be.

"Yes, very important," he replied, grabbing food for himself.

"But what about the case you're doing for Mycroft?" Sam asked.

"That's on pause, not getting anywhere with it."

Molly changed the subject before any more could be said, to how her day at work was, it was times like this she was glad that Sherlock and Sam found her job interesting.

Sam had barely finished eating before she felt herself finding it hard to breathe. There were tears on her check that she was almost sure hadn't been there a minute ago.

Her mum was talking to her. "Sam it's okay, just breathe, okay?"

It took a couple of minutes before she was able to speak again. In that time she had somehow been moved into the living room. Molly was in front of her and Sherlock sat near her, observing everything. "I hate my legs," she cried. "I don't want the operation tomorrow. Don't make me do it Mum!"

Molly felt a pang of guilt. She never liked putting her daughter through the pain of surgery and the recovery that came with it, but she also knew by doing so it would give Sam a better life later on. She hoped Sam would thank her one day for what she made her daughter do. Molly reminded herself it was all done out of love. She was the adult, she had to do what was best for Sam.

"Sam, I don't like the way your legs are either but sometimes we have to do things we don't like because it is better for us in the long run."

"But I don't want to be in pain and not walk or do things for myself," Sam cried as her tears started again.

"I don't want you in pain either but it's just for a little bit, I promise," Molly tried to reassure.

"I don't like being disabled, mum. Why did it have to be me?"

Molly didn't know what else to say so she sat down next to Sam and let her cry. Sometimes she wished she knew what to say in these situations. Sam was like it every time before surgery but it didn't get any easier. Looking over at Sherlock she could see that he was wishing that he too knew what to say.

Sunlight had barely started to appear over London when Molly and her daughter began their short ride in the car. The whole journey to the hospital Sam felt sick. She had gotten much sleep due to nerves of the day ahead but knew it wouldn't be long before she would be asleep again.

"Your grandparents are going to be meeting us at the hospital," Molly said, breaking the silence.

"And Sherlock?" Sam asked, turning to look at her.

"Yes, he should be there too. I'm not sure about Mycroft; he might visit you once the surgery has finished or tomorrow. You know how he is."

"Yes, I do. But to be fair, if I was in his situation I'd choose running the British government today too."

When they got to the hospital, Sherlock was waiting for them outside. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked as they got out of one of Mycroft's car.

"Would you mind carrying Sam's hospital bag?" Molly asked, pointing to it as the driver of the car got out the wheelchair.

Sherlock picked it up not saying anything. It was heavier than he had expected it to be. Sam appeared beside him, she looked tired and scared, all the emotions he would expect from her but it didn't feel like the Sam he knew. In some ways this was a stranger that looked like Sam and he didn't like it one bit.

"Bit early isn't it?" Sam said, not looking at him as she sat in her chair.

"Mm, didn't really notice," Sherlock said.

"Are your parents here?" Molly questioned.

He looked up quickly at Molly. "Yes, they're just inside. They did not want to stand out here in the slight cold. They're waiting to see you." He directed the last bit to Sam.

"I don't blame them for not wanting to be out here. It may be summer but it's freezing. Can we go inside?"

Molly started to push her daughter. "I think that's a good idea. We need to check you in as soon as possible."

Near to the entrance, Sherlock's parents were sat having a conversation. They stopped the moment they saw Sam. They walked toward her and both gave her hugs.

"I'll go check you in," Molly said, knowing Sam was in good hands.

"This isn't an NHS hospital," Sherlock observed.

"No, it's not," Mr Holmes said, "Your brother pays for private care. He wants to make sure Sam has the best."

"Maybe if I had the best twelve years ago I wouldn't be in this," Sam said bitterly, slightly whacking the side of the wheelchair.

"You know it wasn't the doctors or nurses fault, right?" Mr Holmes said gently. "It just did happen."

"I know, I just hate this situation," Sam said as she wiped tears away from her face with the heel of her hand.

Sherlock shared a look with his parents and his mother pulled him aside. "Sam gets a bit nervous on operation day. Don't take anything she says too seriously, it's just her way of coping."

Sherlock nodded, taking this information in. Molly came over to them all, "Sam's all checked in, we need to head to floor three. That's where her ward is."

"I think it would be a good idea to head up now," Mrs Holmes suggested. "It might help calm Sam down a bit, and if she wants to lie down then she will have the bed to do so."

"Yes, that's a good idea," Molly agreed. She went to Sam "Time to head up to the ward."

Sam nodded, not in the mood to speak at the moment as she felt her pulse start to quicken again. Molly pushed her into the lift and everyone else joined them though no one spoke till they were on the ward.

"Here's your room where you will be for a little bit," a nurse said, directing them into a clean white room. On the wall was a small flat screen TV. To the left of the room was a window that looked out into the city though Sam couldn't see anything that would look familiar to a tourist's eye, just buildings and a slightly lighter sky. In the middle was a bed that looked neatly made. Sam didn't; want to touch it due to the fact of how nice it looked, it would almost be a crime to touch it. Above the bed were hospital wires and buttons.

The nurse walked past them and picked up a remote attached too the bed "This is the up and down controls for the bed to help you get comfortable. Would you like me to show you how it works?" she asked Sam in a tone as if speaking to a young child.

"I'm okay, thanks, I've been in hospital before. I um know how it works," Sam said in a tone that she hoped would politely tell the nurse not to patronise her.

"Okay well, that's good," the nurse said, walking to the exit of the room. "We will be back in a few minutes with just a few forms, there's a couple of things we just need to check. Why don't you all try and get comfortable till then?"

Sam transferred from her wheelchair to the bed now uncaring about trying to keep it neat, just wanting to lie down for all the prodding and poking. "I'm hungry," she spoke to the wall.

"I know, I am too. I made sure not to have breakfast too." Molly tried helpfully.

"Just think, after the operation you can eat as much as you'd like." Her grandfather chipped in.

The same nurse appeared at the door again. "Hi, can I just borrow Sam for one moment?"

"Height and weight cheek?" Sam questioned as she got off the bed.

"The very one. You really have been through this all before."

Sam followed the nurse, leaving the rest of the family in the room. When she was back in, another nurse appeared with a form to go through. Sam answered the questions by heart as if it was a quiz she never asked to prepare for.

"You've got to put these on," the nurse said, handing her a wristband that had her name and date of birth on it.

"It won't be long now, will it?" Sam said, looking at Molly

"I would say so, the nurse mentioned that you were first on the list."

Another knock on the door brought in an anaesthetist explaining to Sam what they were going to do. Sam listened but Sherlock could tell she was uncomfortable with it all. Next was another face that Sherlock didn't recognise.

"Hello, Sam, good to see you," the woman greeted.

"That's Sam's doctor, Mrs Park"

"Hi." Sam looked up, forcing a smile on her face.

"So, I just wanted to see you before the operation. This is Doctor Bolton," she said, introducing the young male doctor next to her. "He will be giving me a hand during the operation."

Sam looked at her with a sceptical look. "If they're going to be giving you a hand, surely they should be the one having an operation."

A few chuckles came from all the adults in the room. "Nice to see you've still got your sense of humour. Now I hope you don't mind but I need to draw on your legs to mark to see where I will be operating," Doctor Park said, pulling a sharpie from her pocket.

After the doctor drew on Sam's legs, she left to prepare for the operation. The first nurse walked in carrying a hospital gown. "Time to change."

Sam got off the bed once again and took the gown off the nurse "Mum, would you mind helping me?"

"Of course," Molly said, walking into the ensuite bathroom that was attached to her room. Once Sam was out of her clothes and she stepped into the gown, Molly helped tie it up at that back.

"God, I hate these things. they're so unflattering and it feels like my butt is hanging out in front of everyone."

"They're not very nice," Molly agreed. "But I don't think anyone will notice when you're sat on the bed.

It wasn't long after she got changed that Sam was told they were ready for her. Feeling young and vulnerable she tried not to cry but looked to her mum for help.

Molly took her hold of her hand "You're going to be fine. I love you so much. Gramps is going to go down with you just like always."

Sam nodded, knowing she'd work herself up if she tried to say anything.

Next, her grandma walked over. "I love you, dear. Once all of this is over your grandfather and I will take you too see a show I know you'd like."

Sam nodded and smiled; she knew that would be enjoyable.

Finally with a reassuring gaze from his father Sherlock walked up to Sam's bed. It was the first time he'd noticed how small she was. He knew she was still a child but when he spoke with her he didn't see her in that way. She was just Sam, now was this child about to be taken from him? He knew how medical procedures worked. There was a chance she might not come back. He didn't want to let himself think that but a part of him couldn't get it out of his mind. He only just met her, he couldn't lose her now.

"The operation will be fine. Crying and getting emotional will only make it more difficult on yourself," he began before Molly's nails dug into the skin on his hand. "I'll be needing your help working through cases on my website when you're feeling up too it. That's okay with you?"

Sam nodded again

Sherlock leant forwards and kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Good. I love ...that."

"We are all ready when you are," one of the porters at the door said.

Molly hugged Sam one more time. "I love you."

"Love you, Mum."

Sam was wheeled out of the room. Sherlock's father followed closely behind, Letting go of Sam's hand briefly, he turned to the others in the room. "I'll make sure she's okay."

Molly slumped into the chair next to where the bed had been, put her face in her hands, finally letting the tears out she didn't want Sam too see. Mrs Holmes came over and put her arm round her. "She'll be fine, dear. She's a fighter, gets it from both of you."

"I know, I just don't like putting her through all of this."

"You're doing what's best for her at the end of the day."

Sherlock sat to the side not really knowing what to say or how to feel. He just wanted Sam back in the room making a comment about anything.

It wasn't long before Mr Holmes walked back into the room. Molly and Sherlock both quickly jumped up onto there feet.

"How was she?" Molly asked with concern in her voice.

"I'm not going to lie to you, she did have a bit of a struggle with going under. It did take a few people to hold her but once they got the cannula in her hand she was fine."

"Oh thank god, that's the bit she hates the most. At least that over with for now."

The Holmes grandparents looked at each other before Mummy Holmes spoke. "We know the surgery is going to be a few hours so we are just going to go grab something to eat across the road. Do either of you want anything?"

"I would," admitted Molly, "but I want to stay here so just in case anything happens to Sam I'm right here."

Mrs Holmes smiled. "I had a feeling you might say that." She pulled out what looked like a small lunch box from her bag. "I made this for you. Please eat something, Molly, you need too."

"Sam told me before she fell asleep to make sure you eat something." Mr Holmes said.

Molly pulled a sandwich out the box and took a bite, finally realising how hungry she really was.

"What about you Sherlock, are you coming with us?" his mother questioned.

"No, I'm going to stay with Molly."

"Well, don't go into your mind palace, and be nice too her."

"I will, Mummy." he said in a tone eerily similar to that of an annoyed five-year-old.

The Holmes grandparents left the room leaving Sherlock and Molly on their own.

"Do you mind if I have one?" Sherlock gestured too the lunchbox.

"Oh no, go right ahead."

Sherlock picked up the one on top and ate it fairly quickly.

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Molly spoke. "Sherlock I think it's time we talk about everything."

Notes: So no Irene in this chapter I'm sorry but she will appear later on. So what are Sherlock and Molly going to talk about? How is Sherlock going to be after Sam's surgery?

Comments and Kudos are much appreciated

As always thanks to goodshipsherlollipop for beta reading this for me. Thank you :-)