Maura creeps down the stairs and goes to the living room. She looks to the hall clock, 3am. she just hopes she doesn't wake the whole house. To Maura's surprise, Constance flashes her a soft smile as she enters the room

"Mom? What are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep, you?"

"Same.. Is everything okay with you?"

"Yes, I just think I'm overtired. Are you alright dear? Where's Jane?"

"Still sleeping, I left her, she was tired.."

"She really cares for you dear. Your Father and I saw that at the hospital, she was distraught.."

Maura sits on the couch "I love her Mom... A lot"

Constance smiles "I'm happy for you dear. I take it she loves you back?"

"Yeah she does.. Mom? Are you sure you're alright? You look very out of it"

Constance sighs and takes the girls hand "Your Father told me not to tell you, but I think I should. I was at the doctor today Maura.."

Maura looks up to the older woman "Why?"

"I-I had to get a scan done Maura. Remember those headaches I was getting? Yes, well, they did an CAT scan and found a brain tumour"

"W-what?" Maura asks a mixture of shock and pain in her voice

"Sweetheart, It-It's inoperable"

Maura is full fledged crying now and Constance holds the girl close

"Maura, sweetheart, listen to me. I'm okay. I have to go back to the doctors later this week. Maura, I'm not in any pain, I promise you, I'm okay"

"Whats going to happen?"

"I'm going to talk to the doctor and I'll talk to you properly sweetheart okay? I don't want you worrying though. I want to have fun not be upset, okay?"

Maura nods "I love you Mom"

Constance closes her eyes and pulls the girl into a hug "I love you too dear. Now, go up to bed. You need to sleep, tomorrow is your first day back at school"

Maura nods and kisses her Mothers cheek "Goodnight Mom"

"Night Maura"

xx

The next morning Jane knows something is wrong. She woke up alone and lately Maura had been staying in bed for longer.

"Maur?" Jane asked as they walked in the school doors

Maura turned to the brunette "Yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

"No.. No, I really am not"

"Hey? Talk to me. Whats wrong?"

"Can we talk later Jay? I-I don't want to talk here?"

"Okay. Whatever you want. Lunch maybe?"

"Okay. Love you Jane"

"Love you too Maur. See you in Biology"

"See you then"

Jane looked confused as Maura walked away. She didn't have a clue what was going on.. The sooner lunch comes the better.