So, good Molly is alive and Sherlock has broken her heart again and has gone back to London alone.
Oh dear, will there ever be a happy ending for the two of them?
It had been barely a month since Sherlock had saved Molly from Bridget Fitzgerald, and then broken her heart again.
Molly then threw herself into work and into training her students. Callahan O'Kennedy was arrested as an accessory to murder, lost his place at the university and is now in custody. Bridget is facing a long prison sentence. She has currently been placed in a psychiatric institution, as she lost her nerve shortly after her arrest and tried to commit suicide. She would stay there until her trial.
The past few weeks have been hard for Molly. She kept thinking about the last words of Sherlock.
"It was all just a game. It was all about the case! I don't love you."
She really couldn't believe she'd fallen for him and his games again. How stupid and naive she'd been.
But sometimes good things happen from bad things. And it did.
After Bridget and Callahan were arrested, the residents of the community apologised to her for believing she had something to do with the murders.
Since then, she felt more comfortable and accepted. Patrick checked in with her shortly after the incident and wanted to make sure she was all right.
He was very attentive and stood by her at all times. They started to meet up more often and eventually Kilian and Officer Thomas, more likely Brian, joined her company. Even though all three were younger than her, she visibly enjoyed meeting them. Close friendships developed and Molly was able to gradually forget the last weeks and the pain.
Slowly, her heart began to heal and begin to mend.
And now Molly was on her way to her friends in her old home. Slightly nervous, she slid back and forth in her seat on the plane, looking out of her window and then back to her neighbour.
It was the 7th of July. Today was John's birthday and she wanted to surprise him.
The trial took place less than a week ago, and after Bridget and Callahan were sentenced and had to spend a long time behind bars, Molly decided it was time for a little break.
Her supervisor happily agreed to this. He knew what she had been through and was starting to worry about her due to her heavy workload in the last few weeks. Actually she had only planned a week's holiday but her boss insisted on a longer period. And so Molly now had three weeks' holiday. It was the first time she had so many days off in a row and she had to get used to it. Maybe she would simply use the time to travel around Ireland, or England or Scotland. Depending on.
Her tomcat Toby, who resented her moving to Ireland at first, had gradually settled in and was now spending time with her neighbours, the O' Reillys. Mr. O'Reilly was a real cat lover, his wife said, and was happy to have her little visitor for the next few weeks.
Molly smiled slightly as she thought about how joyfully he received him and what toys he had gotten for him. She didn't have to worry about whether he would be all right. Rather, she had to think about how to get him back into her house.
But for now she was on her way to London. It took her a little effort, after all, Sherlock would certainly cross her path, but she longed for home and her friends and her little goddaughter. She was excited and wondered how tall Rosie was by now. And what Greg and Mrs Husdon would do. And above all, how they would react if she suddenly appeared at their door. She smiled at the thought of finally being able to hold her in her arms again and put aside any thoughts of a certain detective.
Yes, if she thought about it like that, then Sherlock had actually done her a big favour. She found it easier to push him away all of a sudden. Not to forget, because, she had realised, she would never be able to do that. No matter what happened, she would always love him.
The initial rage and sadness over him faded with time and slowly turned into indifference. It was fine the way it is. So she could finally pursue her plan and finally be happy.
It was shortly after noon when Molly got out of the taxi and was now standing in front of the building with "221 B" written on the door. She took another deep breath. That typical London air. Then, with several bags in her hand, she slowly walked to the door. She had bought a small gift or souvenir for each of her friends.
With her hands full, she had a little trouble getting the right bell sign, but she was lucky. She prayed that she would be there to give Molly a little reprieve before she finally had to face Sherlock.
For a few short minutes, which seemed like an eternity to Molly, the door slowly opened and a completely surprised Mrs Hudson looked at her.
"Molly? Is that you, dear?"
Molly smiled happily at her and just nodded. When the old lady realised, she finally pulled her into a tight embrace and then led her into her flat.
"How lovely to see you! But come in first'."
Molly beamed and was happy that the old lady was so happy about her surprise visit.
While Mrs Hudson prepared tea and put out some biscuits, she chattered incessantly. She kept asking Molly questions, but wouldn't let her speak because she was always talking in between. She told her how so much had changed. Since Sherlock would use 221c as his laboratory, it would be much tidier and quieter in the flat above her. And above all no more separated body parts in the fridge. She laughed when she explained this. And Molly also had to smile slightly.
"But tell me, how are you doing? And what are you doing here?" she finally asked and finally gave her room to speak.
Molly then told her about her previous time in Ireland, her new job and her colleagues and friends. She said very little about the murders and Sherlock's visit.
"Actually I wanted to surprise John. You know, his birthday," she then explained.
"And I wanted to ask you something, I suppose I should ask you something?"
"What is it?" the elderly lady then asked curiously.
"Well, I wanted to ask you if I could possibly use your kitchen? I'd like to surprise John with a cake, but since I came by plane, I haven't prepared any."
Mrs Hudson's face lit up visibly.
"Of course. I was about to go shopping anyway. We can get something there. Have you got anything particular in mind?" she said. But she didn't mention that she had already brought John a cake this morning.
But before Molly could answer, she went straight on.
"Tell me, where are you going to live while you're here? Or are you leaving again tomorrow?" Her tone was slightly sad.
Molly just smiled at her, then took her hand and squeezed it slightly.
"No. I've had so much holiday and I'm sure I'll stay here a few days longer"
Late in the afternoon Molly was putting the finishing touches to the cake. She had decided on a simple chocolate cake with a sugar coating and sugar writing. She knew that chocolate was always good and above all it was good for the nerves. And if you worked alongside Sherlock Holmes, you would need something for the nerves every now and then.
So while she was drawing the last lines of her "Happy Birthday" lettering, Mrs Hudson told her about Rosie. She had been attending a crèche for several months now. She feels very well and is getting more and more alert. Every now and then, she would hear children stomping around and then Sherlock or John running after her frantically, calling out to catch her. Since she had started to run, there was no stopping her. Her two boys, as she liked to call them, were sometimes quite desperate.
Molly smiled when she heard how bright and what a whirlwind her little goddaughter had become and that she kept both of them quite busy. She was surprised to hear how quickly she had developed, but then she remembered that she was finally coming after John and Mary and that there was no need to be surprised.
Mrs Hudson was just about to reply when she suddenly heard footsteps above her.
"Ah, they're back again."
Molly gazed intently at the ceiling. Slowly some excitement started to build up in her.
And then there was a knock at the older lady's door. She apologised to Molly for a moment and finally went to the door.
Molly couldn't make out who it was and the voices were too far away. A short time later Mrs Hudson came back, told Molly who was at the door and then took the cake with her.
Molly carefully approached the door to the living room, peeked lightly through the open crack and listened.
"You brought me a cake this morning, Mrs Hudson." It was John, now standing in her sitting room with Rosie in his arms.
Molly rejoiced and her heart pounded joyfully in her chest as she saw her little goddaughter radiant before her.
"Well, that's not the surprise I meant" Mrs Hudson then explained.
That was Molly's cue and slowly she opened the door and entered the living room.
"Hello, John. Happy Birthday" she said, slightly shyly, and came closer.
John stood there with his mouth open and could not believe who was standing in front of him now. If he wasn't carrying his daughter on his arm, he would probably have wiped his eyes in disbelief now.
When Rosie saw her godmother, she beamed and grabbed for her with her little arms.
"Hello my sweetheart. How are you?" Molly then asked and carefully lifted her into her arms.
"Molly" said John still incredulous and surprised.
"What are you doing here?"
"That almost sounds like you're not happy to see me?" Molly then asked with a feigned sad face and pout.
John shook his head briefly before turning to her and hugging her joyfully.
"Of course I'm happy to see you! But now tell me, what are you doing here?" he then asked after he had separated from her again.
Molly told him about her holiday and that she wanted to surprise him on his birthday.
"Well, you certainly managed to surprise him," he beamed. Then all of a sudden his expression changed.
"Unfortunately I don't have time now. I've actually just come down to ask Mrs Hudson to look after Rosie. Sherlock's got a new case. Speaking of which, does Sherlock already know you're here?" he then asked.
Molly denied and asked him not to tell him anything about her visit either. John then looked at her with a puzzled look and a wrinkle on his forehead. She told him it was a long story.
"Oookay. Oh, you know what, Sherlock can manage on his own. If you're not doing anything yet, how about dinner?" John then asked.
Now it was Molly who looked at him in wonder.
"You don't have to do this. Besides, Sherlock will probably be angry if you don't come with him.
"Oh, I'll just tell him I haven't found anyone for Rosie. Then he has to go alone. And anyway, you've got to make the most of the time while you're here," he said and waved away with a light wave of his hand.
"So what do you say? I for one am dying of hunger," he grinned then.
Molly pondered for a moment but then she thought that she didn't want to stand between the two of them and she didn't want to be to blame if Sherlock got angry with John. She was and could not be that selfish. Instead, she thought she wanted to spend time with her goddaughter and be able to look after her. They could then meet tomorrow for lunch or dinner if he wanted.
John understood and accepted her offer with thanks. He promised he would be back soon. Then he turned around and ran back upstairs to the flat at a brisk pace. But he didn't get far when Sherlock stopped him in the hallway.
"What took you so long? Have some more tea? We have a case. Lestrade's waiting for us!"
When Molly heard his voice, she suddenly felt goose bumps all over her body. Slightly startled, she glanced at the door with her goddaughter on her arm, hoping he hadn't noticed her.
Mrs Hudson quickly closed the door.
"Are you OK dear?" she then asked, slightly worried, when she saw the look on Molly's face.
Molly was in a light trance and shook her head briefly when she heard the elderly lady speak.
"What? Yes of course" she replied and smiled slightly.
The elderly lady looked at her with sceptical looks. Then she took Rosie from her and then took her to the kitchen where she prepared dinner for her.
After Molly had freed herself from her rigidity, she helped her and then spent some time with Rosie. Eventually it was time to put her to bed. Carefully she carried the little one to her bed on the second floor, switched on the baby monitor and then went down again carefully and quietly. She stopped briefly at the door to a certain flat when she suddenly noticed the familiar, pleasant and unmistakable scent. His scent. Her senses played with her.
She took a deep breath, remembered the moments when she always smelled it by chance and then ran downstairs, still slightly foggy.
Mrs Hudson was already waiting for her with a cup of tea in her living room.
"So Molly, dear. Would you like to tell me what happened?" she asked and looked at her again with such concern.
But Molly just waved away, explained that the past few weeks had been quite exhausting for her and then apologised to her as she had to make her way to a place to stay for the days. Mrs Hudson then frowned, but didn't. She didn't want to push her into anything.
Then they said goodbye and Molly set off in search of a hotel for the next few days. In her mind the last hours. The glow on the face of her goddaughter and her friends. And Sherlock.
Surprise, Surprise! I would think that Molly has definitely managed the surprise :D
Excited to see how Sherlock will react when he sees her...