*3 weeks later*

Alex was driving toward Elm Tree House ready to drop her little brother and sisters off to get settled in. She was driving slower than normal, "Just being cautious" she had told her mother after receiving an odd look. Her Mam knew otherwise but wasn't feeling strong enough to contradict her daughter. Her latest round of treatment had started a week ago and it was knocking her on her ass. They were meant to drop the kids off last week but they kicked up a fuss and got there own way, Alex was secretly happy about this.

Alex pulled the car into the drive, contemplating driving round the block a few times to kill time, but this would just delay the inevitable.

After help the kids out of the car and practically putting her mother in her wheel chair, it had become easier for Alex just to pick her up than struggle with her mothers strength, Alex went and knocked on the door.

Tracy seemed to be on door duty all the time, as here she was again, only this time she was greeted with a smile and a "hey" from Alex instead of a stroppy teenager and a dirty look. Alex had also turned 20 in the past 3 weeks but that still didn't change how she felt about the kids being here. At least Tracy was there to keep an eye on them and make sure Alex was well informed. They had become friends, after seeing each other on a night out, both taking a break from real life.

Alex turned to find the kids had off loaded there bags and were standing with sulking expressions. She started introducing them to Tracy;

"Theres Molly" she pointed to the oldest girl. Molly was tall for 14, and had long brown hair all the way to her waist. She was the most sulky and agreed with Alex that they should be staying with family. Alex smiled sympathetically, reading the girl's mind.

"And that is Robbie and Rachel. Twins, you wouldn't think it though." Robbie and Rachel were polar opposites. Apart from being both 10 they were nothing alike. Robbie had jet black hair, a golden tan and was tall. Rachel had white blond hair and was as pale as a ghost. She was also very short, standing a good head height under her brother. They, however may have been wearing sulking expressions, were excited about living in a house with lots of other people.

Tracy smiled warmly and started chatting to them merrily as she led them into the house. Mrs Young was staying quiet trying to regain her strength from being lifted from her car. She knew she didn't have long, she could feel it, all she could do was reach up weakly and touch her daughters hand as she pushed her in the door. Alex sqeezed her mothers hand and smiled weakly at the top of her head. She also knew that it wouldn't be long, but admitting it to each other would be too easy.

After meeting Mike and Gina, it was time for goodbyes. They had all agreed the kids would settle in better if they left quickly.

Mrs Young gestured to Molly to go in for a hug but Molly shot her an unforgiving look and walked into Alex's arms instead. "Go say goodbye to her" Molly tried to protest but Alex wasn't having it. "This may be one of the last times you see her this healthy, she needs to know you love her and that you are going to be okay. Otherwise she can't leave." Molly was now looking at the ground, tears welling in her eyes. Alex bent down to look her directly in the eyes and said "Hey, hey, look at me. Its going to be okay. You still have me and Robbie and Rachel ... and ... and Mark and David when they come to visit. And your going to be a aunty soon. There is so much to look forward to." Alex gave Molly one final hug and told her to look after Robbie and Rachel before letting her go see her mother.

Alex hugged the twins and told them to be good and to hold off on the pranks for at least a week. They may not say much but they could be mischievous little bugars when they wanted to be.

At last it was time to leave, no tears were shed they would be let out at bedtime, when the lights went out and noone was watching.

Alex pushed her Mam to the car, picked her up and put her inside, then they drove away both leaving a part of themselves behind. They didn't say a word the whole journey but Alex heald her mothers hand as her silent tears crept out and falling at the realisation at what they had just done.