Helloooo have another chapter. I apologise that I can't do happy times for too long… enjoy!

Clara turned over in bed; it was the last night of their holiday and she couldn't sleep however hard she tried. Something wasn't right, she could feel it. She went to give up, sitting up in bed ready to get out but she quickly felt Danny grab her arm.

"You okay?" A small mumble came from his direction - Clara hadn't even noticed he'd woken. She lay back down carefully, turning to face him. He took one look at her and spoke again, "new question. What's up?"

"I don't know…" he gave her a stern look. "No really, I don't. Something doesn't feel right, but I don't know what it is so… I don't know Danny, I just can't sleep. Don't let me stop you though; one of us needs to be awake tomorrow." She smiled gently at his obviously half-asleep expression. "As adorable as you are, you can't drive home looking like that." Danny rolled his eyes and shook his head a little to wake himself up. Clara went to protest but he stopped her by putting a finger to her lips.

"I think someone needs distracting." Danny wrapped his arms around her to pull her closer and Clara didn't stop him – she could do with the distraction. He kissed her softly, but they didn't get far before the door burst open. They automatically sprung apart and Clara sat up to see Faith running in looking extremely upset.

"Mummy you have to come you have to come!" She said, grabbing Clara's arm before she really registered what was going on.

"Why honey? What's up?" Clara asked, standing up to follow her.

"Chloe's not right! She won't wake up!" She was stressed, of course she was. Clara glanced back to Danny, trying not to look too worried but suggesting he might want to follow without actually speaking.

"She's probably just asleep sweetheart." Clara went down the hall with Faith who kept pulling on her to move faster.

"No no no!" Faith would only reply no, and she was getting more upset very quickly. As they got to their bedroom Clara opened the door and immediately ran over – Faith wasn't mistaken. Chloe was grunting a little and dribbling. She wasn't asleep either; Faith just didn't understand that bit. Danny soon appeared in the doorway and Clara looked up to him calmly.

"Daddy can you take Faith downstairs and get her a drink? Oh and chuck us those pillows." She nodded to the spare ones that were sat on the shelf. Danny quickly handed them over. "You know who to call right?" She asked and he nodded. Danny picked up Faith who immediately started to protest.

"No no no! I need to stay with her I can't leave Daddy no no no!" Clara could hear her calling as Danny left, taking her downstairs. Right now Clara was just grateful Ellie was a heavy sleeper. She quickly turned her attention back to Faith, positioning the pillows around her, taking off her PJ top and stroking her hair.

"Alright sweetheart, I'm here and you're safe okay? Everything will be fine I promise you. I'm right here…" No sooner had she finished her sentence the seizure fully took hold. Clara wanted to cry, scream, anything, but she couldn't. She'd seen this before; they had an epileptic pupil at the school for a while. That was hard to deal with but in your own child? This was a whole new league of hard.

What was probably less than 30 seconds felt like an hour, but eventually the shaking stopped. Chloe opened her eyes the tiniest amount but she was clearly, and understandably, very tired. Clara managed to reposition her in the recovery position before kneeling beside the bed and stroking her hair once more. Chloe wanted to cry, Clara could see that, but she didn't have the energy. She could still hear Faith downstairs crying, scared for her sister – how do you explain this to her? To either of them?

"Chloe honey you're alright, I promise you're alright. I know you're scared but it's all okay I promise. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere." She held her hand and felt a gently squeeze on it. "Good girl, well done." She felt tears building up in her eyes but told herself she had to calm down for the children's sake.

Thankfully it wasn't long before she heard the sirens, as much as she just wanted to keep Chloe here and hold her tight she knew that wasn't the best thing, she needed looking over now. Clara heard the front door open and Faith started screaming again. Soon after the bedroom door opened and they came over, followed by Danny who was holding Faith closely.

"Danny please don't bring her in here. I'll come out to you but please…" He nodded, backing out. Clara turned her attention to the paramedics and stood up. "She's had a seizure. Started with grunting and dribbling before becoming tonic clonic." They looked at her, clearly a little impressed by her vocabulary. "I had a pupil once whose seizures presented exactly the same." She explained before continuing, "she was conscious both before and after the seizure and has been a little responsive although hasn't actually spoken, however she is understandably drained." Clara took a deep breath to keep calm. "Please she's only 5…" however professional she tried to sound, she was a mother first and foremost, and she was scared.
The paramedics had already started assessing her, one of them talking to Chloe throughout. Clara had kept a hold on her hand for a while but they soon needed access. As soon as she let go there was a response from Chloe.
"Sweetie you're safe, these are nice ambulance people here to help you okay? Mummy is just going to speak to Daddy but I won't be long I promise." She didn't want to leave, but it wasn't fair on Danny being kept in the dark either.

Clara left the room, finding Danny back in their room with Faith curled up on his lap and Ellie lying beside them – she'd obviously woken at some point.
"Ellie you mind looking after your sister for a moment?" Ellie might struggle with emotions in general, but she was pretty good with her little sisters. She quickly nodded, taking Faith from Danny and letting her cuddle up on her instead. Danny left the room, pulling the door too for a moment and looking at Clara for answers, but Clara couldn't keep calm any longer. She felt the tears start to escape and Danny quickly pulled her close.

"You're doing amazingly Clara." He kissed her head, but she knew he still needed answers. Clara pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes.

"She's… had a seizure. Remember Paul? He was in my tutor a few years back." Danny nodded, "that's how I recognised it. Same symptoms." Only now did she realise she was shaking. "Chloe's responsive, she seems stable. I.." Danny took her hands to steady them. "I'm scared Danny, I know I need to stay strong but I'm terrified." She sighed and shook her head. "No, enough about me. How's Faith?"

"Scared. They don't like being separated at the best of times, but this is worse than that. I'm sure she can sense Chloe's pain a little too…" Clara nodded; she knew exactly what Danny meant. "Listen Clara, I'll take Faith and Ellie and head down to the hospital now. You can go in the ambulance? I'll meet you there." She nodded.

"I love you." Clara told him before going back in to the twin's room where Chloe was now hooked up to various different machines. Clara inadvertently gasped a little.

"It looks worse than it is don't worry, we're just making sure she's stable before we take her in. Do you want to get together a few bits to take in?" Clara nodded, watching Chloe looking so small and fragile as she gathered up a couple of things and found a bag to put them in before going back to crouch by the head of the bed, stroking Chloe's hair gently. She was very sleepy now – still awake but she was drifting in and out of sleep. "Alright we're ready to take her in, are you coming with us?" Clara nodded.

"My husband is already on his way there." Clara explained, grabbing the bag and sticking close to Chloe as they carried her downstairs. She looked so helpless, it was horrible to see.


They took her straight for a scan when she arrived. Clara was pacing the relatives room waiting for them to return. Faith had finally fallen asleep, exhausted from the events, which freed up Danny a little more.

"Clara come and sit down, please." He had got up from where he'd been sat with Ellie, taking her arm but she shrugged him off without thinking.

"Mummy!" Ellie called out seeing her reaction – sometimes Clara wished she'd not taught Ellie all these things, and then she immediately hated herself for thinking it. She stopped pacing, turning to look at Danny and Ellie.

"Sorry sweetheart," she looked at Ellie as she spoke but glanced to Danny to make it clear she meant him too. Clara took his hand and went over to sit between them, putting an arm around each of them. "You're both being amazing, thank you." She let her head rest on Danny's shoulder but kept a hold on Ellie who was obviously struggling with this whole situation but doing it amazingly.

"What did they actually say when you arrived?" Danny asked quietly.

"They needed to give her a CT scan straight away as she's stable enough and that they'd come and find me once they were done…" Clara kept replaying the conversation in her head. "They basically need to confirm what I already know." Danny gently kissed her hair.

"But if it is what you think then it's manageable right? We know that too. She'll be okay Clara." No sooner had he finished and the door opened. All 3 of them stood up as the nurse came in, Faith still asleep on the chairs.

"We've taken Chloe in to our paediatric resus area for observation. If you want to come through the doctor can explain more to you." Clara nodded.

"Mummy should I stay with Faith?" Ellie perked up. Clara looked around to her; she knew why Ellie was offering.

"Will you be alright sweetheart?" Clara asked, concerned about her being in such a strange environment. Ellie nodded, she had her book with her which would help. "Okay, if you need me just phone, I won't be far away." Clara reassured her before standing up and going through with Danny and the nurse.

When they reached the room Clara took Danny's hand – there were even more wires attached to her than before. She felt Danny squeeze hers gently, he was just as concerned. The doctor came over to them with what was supposed to be a reassuring smile.
"Hi I'm Doctor Grey, but please call me Fiona. I'm the paediatric specialist in the A&E department here, I also specialise in paediatric epilepsy. I've been told you're aware of the possible diagnosis here?" She looked at both Clara and Danny who both nodded.

"We're both teachers. A few years ago we had a pupil with benign rolandic epilepsy in the school; he grew out of it…" Fiona nodded.

"Based on your recollection of the seizure that is what I believe we could be dealing with here. I can't confirm that just yet. I want to get an EEG done as soon as possible although it probably won't be till the morning now. All her obs are looking good though; she's just very tired and occasionally asks for her Mum." Clara hadn't taken her eyes off Ellie since they came in the room, she was sleeping now. "We'll get her transferred up to the children's ward as soon as possible. One of you can stay with her there I've managed to sort you a side room with a spare bed. I suspect we'll need to keep her in for a few days, I am aware you're supposed to be going home tomorrow…" Fiona looked down at the address on the notes.

"I'll sort that. Clara can stay here and I'll take the others to a hotel nearby tomorrow." Danny explained. Clara looked up to him.

"Ellie won't…" Danny shook his head.

"I'll let her help me decide. We'll work around it all; Chloe has to be priority now. Go on, go to her." Danny let go of her hand and Clara quickly went over to the bed. Danny looked back to Fiona for a moment. "She has a twin…" He started, but he didn't need to say anymore.

"It's possible, yes, but we can't be sure. I would recommend Faith has further investigations when you get home, I'll get a letter sorted to explain. Don't worry though; if I'm right then it is highly likely Chloe will grow out of this in time. It's also entirely possible she will have minimal seizures in that time; we really can't predict how it will progress. Obviously she won't be treated here long time, but living in London does give you access to some of the best specialists in the country, I'll make sure you're transferred to the best team." Fiona smiled. "I'll leave you for a while, do find me if you have any more questions." She finished, leaving the room. Danny made his way over to join Clara, standing slightly behind her and looking at Chloe.

"We have the most amazing girls Clara, they're so brave…" he spoke, watching Chloe sleep.

"But they shouldn't have to be Danny. They're so small." Clara took his hand, leaning in to him while still stroking Chloe's hair. He didn't have a response to that, he didn't need to. Danny pulled the chair close and sat down, pulling Clara down to sit on his lap. They sat in silence for a while, just watching Chloe. After a while Clara heard a noise from behind her and suddenly realised Danny was crying. She sat up, turning around and wiping the tears away. "I'm sorry." She spoke almost silently, kissing his cheek where the tears had fallen.

"What for?" Danny asked. "Clara you've been brilliant with all this. You've turned Ellie in to a brave young girl; you coped with this evening amazingly and did exactly the right thing. Because of you Chloe is safe and well, and will be absolutely fine." Clara realised where his mind was going with this.

"No Danny no. No stop this now, look at me." She turned his face to make direct eye contact with him. "I couldn't do any of this without you, I love you, you give me strength Danny. The girls love you, Ellie learns so much from her Dad. Don't ever think that you're not good enough." She looked directly at him to make sure he realised her sincerity.

"Daddy?" A weak voice came from behind Clara and she quickly turned around. Chloe had her eyes open a little and was looking at them. Clara stood up, letting Danny go to Chloe as had been requested. Chloe reached up to him as he leant over, touching his face. "Don't cry." He smiled gently at her, sitting on the edge of the bed and hugging her.

"Oh honey I'm okay don't worry about me. How're you feeling?" He asked, Clara stood watching them.

"Tired. Where's Faith?" As she spoke Clara felt her phone vibrate. She pulled it out and saw the text from Ellie.
Faith's awake, she wants to see Chloe. She's getting upset. Clara looked over to Danny.

"I'll be right back okay?" Clara said and went out to see Ellie and Faith.

When she reached the room she found Faith on the floor in tears and Ellie holding her – it looked like she'd had to calm her down and Clara would love to know how.
"Everything okay?" She asked, kneeling down in front of them.

"Faith's upset." Ellie stated. "She kept screaming but I told her that Chloe wouldn't like it and now she's lying here." Sometimes Ellie's bluntness was very useful. Clara nodded, smiling gently at her.

"Well done sweetheart." She looked down to Faith. "Hey, Chloe wants to see you." Faith perked up. "I thought that might put a smile on your face. Come on you." She picked Faith up and looked to Ellie. "Come on honey." She picked Faith up and took her through, Ellie following. They were soon back in the resus room and Clara put Faith down on the bed with Chloe. "Careful okay?" Faith nodded and curled up next to Chloe.

Chloe settled then, her eyes shutting as she drifted back in to sleep, still completely shattered. Ellie stepped forward slightly, taking Clara's hand.

"She looks exhausted." Ellie said. Clara let go of her hand and put an arm around her. "I know it's night time but more than usual."

"Chloe's a little poorly darling, and she's really tired because of it. But they're going to do some tests and help her." She gave her a little squeeze. "How're you doing sweetheart?" With her routine all out of kilter and the plans having all changed for the next few days Clara was surprised Ellie was still keeping it together.

"Mmm I'm okay." Clara looked down at her and realised she was playing with her fingers.

"You're doing really well honey. I'm proud of you, I know this isn't easy. If you're struggling you just let me or your Dad know alright?" She smiled gently, looking up to see Danny coming over. "You okay?"

"Fine, they're both asleep now. It's getting late I should really take Ellie and Faith back but I…" Clara nodded.

"I know, are you sure you're okay to go I could…" Danny shook his head.

"No, she needs her Mum. Besides, I need to sort out where we're going next – that's a job for us El." He looked to Ellie, smiling. "Ready kid?" Ellie transferred herself to Danny's hand, clearly very tired now.

"I'll bring Faith out to the car; Chloe should be okay for a couple of minutes right?" Clara bit her lip as she looked at the twins in front of her. Danny touched her shoulder gently.

"She'll be fine, the car isn't far. Hopefully we can get Faith back still asleep." Danny spoke as Clara made her way over to pick her up, but she'd managed to stiffen herself as she slept, clearly prepared for this situation. Clara managed to shift her but she soon woke up, starting to protest.

"No no no…" She moaned sleepily, kicking slightly.

"Faith you're just going back to sleep okay, you can come and see Chloe tomorrow I promise. Come on let's get you to the car." Faith started to wriggle more. As she did, Fiona came back in to the room.

"No!" Faith screamed, managing to push herself out of Clara's arms. She started to fall but Fiona quickly jumped forward to catch her.

"Woah there little one let's not be hurting ourselves shall we?" She gently stood her up and Faith ran back over to the bed, climbing on to the chair and then curling up beside Chloe once more. Clara was only just getting over what had happened. "I guess she doesn't want to go then."

"Thanks… um, not really no. They're pretty close, sorry…" Clara tried to regulate her breathing again.

"Well I've just had the bed confirmed upstairs. Listen it's not normal practice, but there's a possibility she could stay up there with you. I'll speak to them, they generally listen to me." Fiona put a hand on her shoulder. "You're doing brilliantly." She smiled and turned to Danny. "They'll be fine; Ellie looks very tired you should get home."

Danny nodded. "Thank you." He spoke to Fiona but looked over to Clara before leaving. Clara nodded.

"I'll text you later. Go on, Ellie needs to sleep." She quickly went over and hugged them both. "I love you both." She let them go, turning straight back to go over to the twins. "Is she going up now?" Clara asked Fiona as a nurse came in to join them.

"Yes, the porters are on their way. This is Gill; she's going to be Chloe's assigned nurse up on the children's ward tonight. We've worked together for years; you're in very safe hands." Fiona smiled, finishing writing something in the notes. "I'll leave you now, I do have to stick down here but I assure you the team upstairs are brilliant, and I'm hoping to come and check on you all tomorrow." Clara nodded, looking over to her from where she'd been focussed on the twins.

"Thank you, really thank you." Fiona just smiled and nodded once before leaving the room.


Clara woke up the next morning feeling quite stiff. Despite the bed provided in the room she'd ended up on the chair beside Chloe's bed. She couldn't have had much sleep, but she quickly noticed both girls were awake, chatting away to each other. Clara smiled a little, stretching and standing up to grab her phone that she'd managed to put on charge. Danny had already text her asking how she was, but Clara decided to delay replying as the medical team came in. She slipped her phone away and went back over as Chloe suddenly went very quiet.

"Hey, it's alright sweetheart, they're all here to help okay? Faith honey let's give them a bit of space." Clara went and picked Faith up and letting her have her tablet to play on. "Good girl." She stood up between the chair and the bed, holding Chloe's hand. She listened in as they talked both to Chloe and each other about the situation. Eventually they addressed her.

"We're going to run the EEG this morning, hopefully that will back up Fiona's diagnosis which we all agree with." The doctor explained. "If we can confirm it and Chloe stays stable, we should be able to let you go in 24 hours once we're sure everything is alright. For now we'll keep monitoring her but she can eat and drink as normal and other than the EEG we'll detach her from the monitors so she can move around a little." Clara smiled, nodding.

"Thank you all, you've been really helpful." She said.

"Are you looking after my sister?" Clara suddenly realised Faith had managed to make her way round to the doctors, pulling on one of their tops to get their attention. She went to pick her up but the doctor stopped her, crouching down to Faith.

"Yep, we all are." She replied. "You guys are close right?" Chloe was watching, she still appeared a little nervous and slightly tired again.

"She's my twin, can't you see that?" Faith replied.

"Faith!" Clara gasped, going to apologise but once again she was waved off politely.

"Yeah you look exactly the same, if it wasn't for the hospital gown I'd never have told you apart. So you worried about your sister?" The doctor asked. Faith bit her lip a little and nodded, glancing up to Chloe.

"She was really sick last night and now she's really tired and I know she doesn't feel right I can feel it like I felt when she got ill." The doctor looked up to Clara who just nodded. She looked back to Faith.

"Well she's getting better now, you feel that right?" She asked. Faith agreed. "She had a bad attack, what we call a fit and that makes her feel very tired and sick but she'll be back to normal soon. But there's a chance she might have another one so we need to find out what they are so we can help her." She smiled gently; Faith had another look up to Chloe.

"How can I help her?" Faith asked. Clara felt a small lump in her throat; she didn't know how to feel right now.

"By just being yourself sweetie. You can keep her feeling happy and hug her when she needs a hug. And in the future if you think she's having another fit you can get help yeah? You did really well this time." Faith nodded, running back over to Clara who picked her up.

"Is it really going to happen again Mummy?" She asked, looking panicked again.

"It might do, we can't be sure. But that's why the doctors are doing these tests so we can have a better idea. Chloe will be fine though, the doctor is right." Faith nodded, looking back to the doctor.

"Thank you for helping her." She said before leaning away from Clara so she could get down and back on the bed. "It's okay Chloe; I'm going to make everything better." Faith said. Clara just watched as she hugged a sleeping Chloe. The medical team left leaving her to sit back down. She knew the next few months were going to be testing, but what was new? They would get through it, they always did. Many things had been sent to test them, but they were strong, all very strong, and Clara wouldn't really change anything.