"You know how exhausted I've been lately."
"Exhaustion, you're a new mom, and you're sleep deprived."
"And the mood swings."
"You're a new mom, and you're sleep deprived."
"And the headaches."
"New mom, sleep deprived."
"Light headedness, dizziness."
"New mom, sleep deprived."
"No, it's more than that."
"Is something wrong with you? Are you anemic?"
"I am, but there's more to it."
"I told you to take more vitamins."
"I take plenty of vitamins, thank you."
"So, what?"
Maura reaches for her purse. She pulls a piece of paper out, and hands it to Jane. Jane takes it from her. She studies the picture.
"Why are you giving me this? What does this have to do with anything."
"Jane, look at the date."
Jane glances at the corner of the picture, "This is from today," Jane realizes.
"I know."
"That isn't supposed to be there," Jane tilts her head, "It's looks like..." she trails off.
"It is."
"You don't know what I was going to say."
"I'm pregnant."
"What?"
"You heard me, I'm pregnant."
"You have a seven week old baby," Jane points out.
"I know."
"How did this happen? When did this happen?"
"About five weeks ago."
"What? With who?"
"Who do you think?"
"Are you being serious, right now?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"I can't believe this."
"Neither can I."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I am not going to tell anyone else, yet."
"Until you decide."
"Decide, what are you talking about?"
"Isn't it high risk?"
"Incredibly so."
"So..."
"I'm keeping it. That's not what I'm waiting on."
"What are you waiting on?"
"I'm waiting until I'm through my first trimester, because I want to make sure that the pregnancy is going to..."
"Do you know how hard this is going to be?"
"Yes," Maura nods.
"Have you considered what happens if this baby has down syndrome, too? I mean they're going to be less than a year apart, and that is a big enough challenge, in itself. Not to mention having a child with special needs, maybe two.""I know."
"And you work full-time."
"I know."
"So does Tommy."
"I know."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"Not yet."
"How are you going to explain the formula to him?"
"I'll figure something out."
"So are you still going back to work, tomorrow?"
"Yes. I have to, in order to keep my sanity."
"You're crazy."
"I know."
"Maura, you should tell him."
"I will, but I want to wait a few weeks, at least."
"Why do you shut him out?"
"I don't."
"You do."
"I have a hard time trusting people, I guess."
"Because everyone you ever trust leaves you?"
"I guess."
"I'm your best friend."
"And you support me, even when you don't agree with me. You have no idea how much I appreciate this."
"Maura, are you really sure that you want to do this? Have you really thought this through?"
"No. I just found out. I'm still in shock. I can't believe this."
Jane pauses for a moment, to study Maura. Maura looks past her, at the basinet that sits next to the end of the couch. Jane notices the look that Maura wears. A look of fear, confusion, happiness, and, sadness, all rolled into one.
"You're scared?" Jane realizes.
Maura tries to avoid eye contact, but quickly decides that is no reason to be deceptive.
"Yes," she nods.
"You can tell me."
"I have a tiny little baby, who isn't even two months old. A baby who is going to need every moment that I have to spare. I'm not ready to leave her yet."
"So don't. No one say you have to go back to work, tomorrow."
"I have to, or I never will."
"Would that be so bad?"
"I want to go back to work. Working keeps me sane."
"You think it will make you a better mother?"
"I don't know," Maura shrugs, "I just know that..." she trails off. She gets off the couch, and steps past Jane. She walks between the couch, and the coffee table, to the basinet. She lifts the sleeping baby out. She holds the little girl close, and stares at her, as she sleeps.