Funere matris
Her Mother's Funeral, June 2011

Mycroft,

I need to take a week's leave. Starting, well, now. Family emergency. I'll be in Chester for a week. I've let Oliva and Gavin know, they have the plan for the week.

I am sorry for the late notice. My sister actually called me. She doesn't like to acknowledge I exist, so I figure this is more than just their usual dramatics.

-A.

Anthea closed the door of her flat behind her, locking it and carrying her suitcase to her car. Placing it in the boot, she opens the driver's door and gets in. She had a four-hour drive ahead of her, and wanted to avoid as much of the traffic as possible. Anthea attaches her iPod to the sound system and pulls out onto London's streets.

It's an experience that doesn't happen often for her. Driving herself in her own car. During work hours, it's government vehicles and when she decides to go out into London proper, she uses the tube and buses. Anthea finds London's busy streets familiar, the coffee shops and marketplaces charming. It's why after 8 years in Mycroft's employ she still chooses to live in Camden, despite the nightmare of getting through peak hour each morning.

Her phone rings, and automatically connects to the Bluetooth microphone and speakers in her car, cutting the music.

"Hello this is Anthea Jones, personal assistant to Mycroft Holmes."

"So formal, dear."

"Can't actually look at my phone currently, Mycroft. I had no idea who was calling."

"Fair, fair. Just checking you got away okay."

"Yes, yes I did. Sorry about the late notice."

"Anthea, there is no need to apologies. In the time I've known you, you have never asked for immediate leave. Family is important."

"I know, I just don't like leaving it at short notice."

"You worry too much."

Anthea smiled. "I always worry. It's how everything gets done."

"Very true. However, for this week, there is no worrying about work. I'll get in contact with you later."

"Yes, sir."

"Take care."

Anthea clicked a button on her stereo, and the iPod clicked back in again. The current song playing was opening track of Legally Blonde: The Musical. It is an indulgence Anthea allows herself, and one she takes care to make sure Mycroft or the office staff never find out about. She would hear no end of teasing from them if they did.

A little over 4 hours later, Anthea pulled into the driveway of her childhood home. It was a small three-bedroom house on the outskirts of Chester. It looked the same as she remembered it. Dying flowers in the front yard, tacky 'Welcome' mat on the doorstep and peeling pain on the front door. Anthea sighed, before raising a hand and knocking on the door. Anthea's sister – who looked near identical to Anthea, that on many occasions in their childhood, they were mistaken for twins, rather than sisters – opened it.

Anthea spoke first. "Hello Lydia."

Lydia nodded once. "Melissa." She turned and walked inside; the only indication that Anthea should follow was a slight jerk of the head. Anthea sighed, picked up her suitcase and placed it in the hall before moving down the hall to the kitchen.

Two small children immediately bombarded her, clamouring for her attention. "Lissa! Auntie Lissa!" Caroline and Lizze were 8 and 10 years of age, yet the last time Anthea had seen them was two weeks after Caroline was born.

Anthea bent down to hug each of them, not realising how much she missed them until that point.

"Hello girls. My, you've grown. Not long and you're going to be taller than me!"

As they chatted about how the girls were going in school, Anthea could see Lydia's disapproval in the edge of her vision. Just to spite her, Anthea reached into her bag and pulled out a book for each of the girls. She handed the first Harry Potter novel over to Lizzie first.

"It's about time you started to read the greatest books ever."

"I saw the movie for this in the store the other day. Mum wouldn't let me watch it."

"Quite right too. You should read the book first. You'll understand more then."

Lizzie nodded seriously. "That's what Telsie is always telling me."

Anthea frowned. "Who's Telsie?"

"She lives across there." Caroline answers first, pointing out the kitchen window to the house bordering the backyard. "She reads lots of books."

"Is that so. I'll have to meet her before I leave."

"But, you only just got here, you can't leave yet," responded Lizze.

Caroline looks upset before saying, "and I haven't got a book yet."

Anthea turns and pulls her in close, before placing a collection of Disney stories into her lap. "Do you think I could forget you?"

"Disney! Will you read me the one with the flying carpet?"

"How about later? I need to have a talk with your Mum first."

Caroline nods, a smile breaking out on her face as moves across to the couch where Lizze is already starting on Harry Potter. Anthea stands, smiles at them before crossing to the door leading to the backyard and opening it before gesturing to Lydia to come outside.

"I figured the conversation we're about to have you wouldn't want the girls to overhear."

"It's not like you should care. Haven't seen a hair of you since you moved to London. You don't answer your phone and emails get barely a response."

Anthea barely contained her frustration. "Not for want of trying. Every date I was actually free and available, you suddenly had something more important to do. I don't give you my phone number to protect the girls. You cannot tell me that it was all me."

"No, but tell me, when was the last time you spoke to Mum?"

Anthea visibly deflated, bringing a hand up to rest her head on.

"Her birthday. 2 months ago."

"And before that?"

"Christmas."

"And now she is lying in hospital, unable to function of life support!" Lydia shouted suddenly, slamming her hand down on the wooden table next to her.

"Then why are we arguing? Right now, our own problems can wait."

"See, right there, that diplomatic pacification. Because this is a problem and it can't wait. I don't care what it is you do for a living, but this isn't going to go on some agenda–" Lydia raised her hands to make air quotes, "-because it's happening now."

Anthea looked at Lydia, her gaze unwavering. "It can wait."

Lydia looked away first, clenching her fist before replying. "Fine. But don't think I won't forget it."

"May I remind you who currently pays for this house, who will be paying her hospital fees and who will be financing Mother's funeral?"

Lydia stiffened. "Who said anything about a funeral?"

"I did, because I've seen the medical records." Anthea reached out and risked holding Lydia's hand. "She isn't going to make it through this."

Lydia's hand was stiff in Anthea's. A moment later, the pressure was returned. Anthea stepped forward, pulling Lydia close, holding her tightly as she cried quietly onto Anthea's shoulder. Anthea laid a hand on her head, gently stroking through the short, brown curls. She whispered quietly, almost to quiet to hear. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. There is nothing we can do." Anthea was including everything in her apology. She was saying sorry for not being around the last eight years, for not taking an interest in anything outside her own life, for forgetting that even though she doesn't need her family, her family still very much needs her.

Lydia pulled away, wiping her eyes and trying to collect herself. She looked exhausted. Anthea sat back, letter her take the time she needed.

Quietly, she asked, "When is David getting here?"

"Thursday. He couldn't get time of work."

Anthea nodded. "How about I take the girls down to the park for a bit?"

"Thank you."

"It's fine. I'll put the kettle on as I leave."

Anthea stood, rested a hand on Lydia's shoulder before moving back into the house. Caroline and Lizze looked up as she entered.

"Who wants to come to the park with me?"

Lizzie jumps off the couch first, Harry Potter forgotten. "Can we?"

"Only if you wear your shoes."

Lizzie raced of to the front hall, Caroline following after her, grumbling about the injustice of being made to wear shoes. Anthea followed them to the front door, leaving her bag in the kitchen, scooping up a set of keys and placing them in her pocket along with her blackberry. She pulled the door closed behind her before moving to join the girls who were waiting impatiently at the end of the driveway.

Anthea laughed as Claudia grabbed her hand and started pulling her along the footpath in the direction of the park at the end of the street. "Come on, Mel! You're taking forever." She drew the word out, accompanying it with a dramatic hand wave that screamed Lydia. Anthea was reminded of her own childhood. Lydia had been fond of dramatics, always suited to theatre and art. It's a talent that Anthea didn't have as a child. She was never entirely comfortable pretending to be someone else. Now she got paid to do it as a living. Lizzie was already ahead, skipping down the path, auburn hair bouncing as she went.

Anthea returns with the girls just as the sun is setting. She walks them inside and gets the bath water running. She collects the clothes as she leaves the bathroom, reminding them to wash their hair and that she will be back to check on them. Placing the clothes in the laundry she moves into the kitchen and watches Lydia cook.

"The girls are in the bath, I've put their clothes into the wash and sorted what was in the laundry."

Lydia glanced up from the pot she was stirring on the stove. "Good." She points at the cutlery draw, a silent command to set the table. Anthea places out the cutlery, fetches plates from the cupboard and places them on the counter.

"Can I help with anything?"

Lydia levels a look at her. Right. Cooking has never been Anthea's area.

"You can't even cook pasta without burning it." There was no accusation there, just a frank reminder that while Anthea looked after Lydia through high school, it was definitely Lydia who did the cooking. "The day you can cook something more than biscuits or scones, I demand photographic evidence." Lydia lifted the pot of the stove and placed it on a no-heat mat.

As if summoned, the girls re-appear, dressed in pyjamas and hair tangled. "Hair. Brushed. Now." At Lydia's command, the girls sighed and left the room again, returning five minutes later with hair sitting neater. The girls grab cups and go over to the table to claim their spot.

"You do well with them."

"They're good girls. I've been lucky."

"I always knew you would be good with kids. Myself, not so much."

Lydia turns, spoon still in her hand. "I learnt most of what I know from you."

Anthea laughs bitterly. "I'm surprised it was any help as all. I didn't exactly know what I was doing. And Mum was still around, even if it we only saw her for a short time each day."

Lydia turns back to the pot, serving out a portion of the curry onto each plate. "So when are you going to have kids?"

Never, Anthea thought to herself. Not with the life I currently lead. Instead she answered, "I haven't dated anyone in years. Children are not on the agenda."

Lydia handed two plates to Anthea, before turning and moving to the table.

By Thursday, they had a routine. Lydia took care of meals, while Anthea took the girls to school and picked them up each day. David arrived mid-afternoon, and Telsie was organised to pick the girls up from school and look after them until the adults returned from the hospital. It was a difficult visit. While Anthea had spent a large portion of the previous two days at the hospital, today was the last one. The decision had been made to switch off life-support at 10am the following morning. It allowed the girls to say goodbye to their grandmother. Lydia had already sat and spoken with them. While they didn't fully understand what was about to occur, they knew that this was the last time they would see their grandmother.

Lizzie and Caroline where in bed when Lydia, David and Anthea arrived back from the hospital. Anthea left Lydia and David to thank Telsie and entered the kitchen. Turning the kettle on, she took out three mugs and placed a tea bag in each before adding water and letting them brew. Anthea took hers and went outside. She sat down on one of the timber chairs and pulled out her blackberry and sent a quick message to Gavin.

Is Mycroft free? –A.

Do you really need me to answer that? G.

In case you haven't noticed, I've not been around recently. –A.

I'm aware. It's hell here. How do you do it? G.

I'm the best. Now, Mycroft, is he free? –A.

Currently, no. He's in a meeting. G.

With? –A.

France. G.

To hell with it all. –A.

You okay? G.

Fine. Just wanted to talk. –A.

A minuet later, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The screen read 'Gavin Parker'. Anthea sighed and raised the phone to her ear. "That wasn't an invitation."

"I realise that. Mycroft's busy. I know I'm not much of a substitute but thought hearing a friendly voice might help."

"That it does."

"You okay, Thea?"

Anthea smiled at the use of the nickname. It's been a long while since Gavin had dared to use it. "I'm at my childhood house, with my sister who doesn't like my presence, looking after my nieces, while my mother is in a medically induced coma on life support. Life support that we're switching off tomorrow. How do you think I am?"

Anthea heard Gavin's intake of breath. "Shit. I had no idea. I'm so sorry."

"You didn't know."

"Did anyone know?"

"Mycroft probably had an idea. He tends to know more then he lets on about everything."

"Why?"

"Why does Mycroft know? Surely you can answer that one on your own."

"No, why did you never tell anyone?"

"I'm not close to my family. We don't talk. My sister resents me for leaving her when I went to university. I'm now working for the government. She doesn't know what I do, but knows it's highly paid. She never got out of Chester."

"Even after everything you did for her as a child?"

"Probably because of that," Anthea pauses and looks behind her, making sure Lydia was still inside. "We get along, but it's always there. And knowing me, I'll just find a way to avoid it until I can leave again."

"Is that best?"

"Probably not, but I'm not one for confrontation. The sooner I leave them be, the better."

"If you think so."

Anthea shifted uncomfortably. "Gavin, I'm not close to my family, and I have no desire to change that in the near future." She leant back in the chair, tucking her feet up into the side. "And to be frank, it's not really a topic I currently feel like discussing."

"Sorry. I just…" Gavin broke off, unsure of what to say.

Anthea sighed. "I know your trying to help. I appreciate it, really. There isn't much anyone can actually say to help right now."

"I'll let Mycroft know you wanted to speak to him."

"No, it's fine. I'll see him on Tuesday. You too, probably, if you're in."

"Will be. Take care, Thea. Buzz if you need anything. Anything at all."

"Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."

Anthea hit the end button, placing her phone in her lap while looking up at the stars.

Arriving back at her flat on Tuesday evening, Anthea felt drained and exhausted. The weekend was difficult.

Flat or office? –A.

Flat. Lestrade is out. Use your key. MH.

It didn't take long for Anthea to navigate through London's Tuesday evening traffic, even if she did cheat by tampering with the traffic light signals. She parked, got out and entered the building that housed Mycroft's flat. She took the stairs to the second level and used her key to open the front door.

"Mycroft?"

"Office, dear."

She places the keys and her bag on the kitchen counter as she moves through the room. Anthea opens the office door gently, closing it behind her.

"Hello, sir."

Mycroft looks up from the file he is working on, a smile turning into a concerned frown.

"You look terrible."

"Oh, why thank you."

"In the nicest way possible of course."

"Indeed."

Mycroft nods towards the chair, standing and moving around his desk to pull one up next to her.

"How are you?"

"You know?"

"Gavin may have mentioned it to me."

Anthea nods, draws in a deep breathe before turning away, not responding.

Gently, Mycroft speaks. "Anthea."

Anthea turns, meets Mycroft's eyes briefly before looking down, bring her hands up to wrap around herself.

"I had to switch off life support, Mycroft. I made that decision. Lydia agreed, but I made the decision. I…I…" her voice cracks slightly as she stops speaking. "My sister already resents me enough as it is."

Mycroft stands, moving in front of Anthea. She looks up at him, eyes red.

"Come here."

Mycroft reaches out and takes one of Anthea's hands, pulling her up and wrapping his arms around her. Anthea freezes for a moment, before reaching out and returning Mycroft's hug, as tears that she had held back finally made themselves known. Mycroft rubbed his hand in a gentle circle across her back, letting Anthea take the time she needed. Slowly, Anthea lessened her grip on Mycroft, moving back slightly to wipe at her eyes.

She takes a deep breath, attempting to collect herself. "I'm sorry for that."

Mycroft moves to the desk, picks up the tissue box and offers it to Anthea. "Don't ever apologise when it's unnecessary." Anthea nods before sitting back down, tucking her legs into the side of the chair before wrapping her arms around herself. Mycroft leans against the edge of his desk. "You're taking at least another two days off before coming back to work."

"Sir…"

"No arguments. Take some personal time. You haven't since Christmas. Two days. Spend them as you will."

Anthea sighs before nodding. She hesitates slightly over her next words. "Can…is it okay if…do you mind if I stay the night? My flat isn't the most comforting place right now."

"Of course. The spare bedroom is more than free."

"Thank you."

"Come on. Time for cup of tea, I think."

Anthea stands and follows Mycroft from the room.