"Clinical epidemiology and population health, introduction to the profession, the molecular and cellular basis of medicine, patient-doctor year 1, the human body, and immunology, microbiology and pathology… Maura, you are going to take six courses this semester alone?! You know this isn't undergrad anymore right sweetheart? I don't doubt that big brain of yours, but how are you going to have the time to handle all of these courses?" Jane looked up from Maura's schedule to look at the blonde questioningly. It was Jane's third weekend home and Maura would be starting medical school in the coming week. They'd sat down after lunch to discuss Maura's schedule and the course load she would be taking that semester.

"Time isn't an issue Jane. I did extensive research on the material and I'm sure I'll be able to handle it. There are a lot of courses that are required for 1st years, this is barely half. I would've signed up for another had I been able to. You're going to be gone all week until the beginning of next year bébé; I'm going to need something to keep me busy. I want to be able to finish school as soon as possible so that I may begin my residency. I've put a lot of thought and effort into this Jane." Maura looked straight into chocolate orbs, seeking some kind of support.

"I know you have sweetheart, and I'm nothing but supportive of your goals, you know that. I just don't want you to work yourself into the ground. This next year or so is going to be very difficult on us, but we just have to keep afloat, right? You know my schedule is going to be crazy for at least a year after I get out of the academy and the next few years for you are going to be incredibly taxing while you get through med school. I'm just afraid that somewhere in between your determination and mine to get to where we want to be we'll lose ourselves and the relationship we have. I don't want that," Jane said quietly.

"I don't want that either Jane. I know we can work this all out. We just have to understand that we're not 17 anymore… we're at a completely different stage in our lives. We're building a future not for ourselves alone, but for us as a couple. You are following your dream and I'm following mine. There's common ground there… and that's the love we have for one another." She reached over and placed her hands on Jane's shoulders and squeezed softly. "That will get us through this, you'll see. We just have to keep our eye on the goal and be patient with one another."

"It's just… I barely see you now, and that's with you not even attending classes. What's it going to be like next week? Next month? What will it be like when you are spending every waking moment pouring yourself into a textbook?"

"I told you already bébé that I would make time for you, because you are important to me. But you have to understand, this is something I have to do, just like you being away from me all week is something you have to do. Do you think I'm going to like when you get out of the academy and work the night shift? When you have to leave all night and I'll be left to sleep alone or not sleep at all, worried that something may happen to you?"

"You know how important being a cop is to me Maura…" Jane began to raise her voice.

"I am well aware of it!" Maura shot back. "I'm aware, and I understand the situation. I'm trying to get you to understand where I'm coming from too! We knew this was going to happen somewhere down the line Jane… did you think that our relationship was going to be perfect the whole way? No obstacles? No difficulties? I know you are passionate about becoming a police officer; I've known that for as long as I've known you."

"Maura…" Jane began.

"Don't 'Maura' me Jane. You have also known about my passion for science since day one. You've known that I've wanted to be a doctor for years. Up until now, we've done nothing but support one another because we were working towards our goal. Now what? Now that we're out of going to the same school things are going to get rough to the point of not handling it anymore?!"

"That's not what I'm saying!" Jane shouted back.

"What are you saying then?!"

Jane kept quiet, trying to put her thoughts in order. In reality, she knew Maura was right… that was exactly what she was saying. "You're right." She looked up at an expectant looking Maura. "You're right, ok? I'm just having trouble accepting the fact that we're not going to be able to see one another and spend time the way we are used to."

"But it's ok when we can't do it for you, but not ok when I need it?" Maura asked, not entirely convinced.

"No Maura, just listen to me. I'm not comfortable in either situation. I hate being apart from you too you know… staying in that stupid tiny cot alone at nights, missing your body next to mine and not seeing you but a couple of days out of the week kills me. I don't like it one bit… I never have. Now I have to accept that when I do see you, you'll probably be doing homework and projects."

"Jane…"

"But we'll still be together, and that's what's important to me, ok? If I have to sit across from you while you read a textbook all day, so be it. That'll be enough for now, because we'll be together. I'd rather sit across from you and watch you read than not have any time with you at all baby." Jane got up from her seat and went to wrap her arms around Maura. "I love you Maura. I'll never stop loving you. I know that we have our difference of opinion from time to time and that we may not understand where the other is coming from, but never doubt my love for you sweetheart. I'm here to stay." She leaned in and kissed Maura tenderly and brought the blonde even closer to her own body.

"I'm here to stay too, bébé."

Insomnia is a bitch and now I still can't sleep. Thought I'd write another chapter for you all. Thoughts?