Hey everyone! Okay this is chapter 39, about 4 more to go x I hope you are all well . . . Thank you for your lovely reviews they make my day x I'm on nearly 24,000 views, which makes me extremely happy like you wouldn't believe! It has given me so much encouragement, considering this is my first story. Anyway, I hope you like the chapter x It has a bit of everything in it in terms of character pairings xx Its not a long chapter, but it is just some fluff for y'all xxxx

Thalia's Tree x x x

Disclaimer: I do not own morganville vampires. And the song at the end is by Idina Menzel, so I do not own that either xxx

Eve's POV

I marched down the hospital corridor, not really knowing where I was going, and not really caring either. I just knew I had to get out of that room.

Claire needed surgery. That was the only thought I had floating around in my head, repeating itself over and over again, like it was trying to drill itself into my brain. Why hadn't the radiotherapy worked? It made me feel so angry that Claire had gone through all that pain for nothing.

I felt selfish leaving the others there in the room with the doctor, but I knew that I couldn't let Claire see me cry. If I did it would scare her and that's not what I wanted. I was just finding it hard to get my head around everything that was happening. It was all progressing so quickly.

I continued to storm down the hall ways, trying desperately to hold back the tear that threatened to appear. I stormed through corridor after corridor, pushing passed anyone who got in my way. There was no stopping me from getting as far away from that ward as possible. But I was forced to stop when I heard a noise. A noise that made everything seem a lot worse.

I heard a baby's cry.

Stopping dead in the middle of the corridor I took a moment to realise where I was. I had managed somehow to stumble into the maternity ward. I remembered a time, when I was younger, when I had wanted to be a midwife. Yep, it wasn't always my dream to work in a coffee shop with an evil vampire manager. There was a time when I had wanted to do so much with my life, but I had thrown that opportunity away when I stop working hard at school.

I looked through the glass window at where there where rows of small babies in cots, some laughing and some crying. I took a quick step backwards, hands once again flying to cover my mouth as I gasped and a few stray tears escaped. Suddenly everything wrong with life hit me like a ton of bricks. Claire was not too far away talking about surgery, and here I was, crying because I couldn't stand to even look at children anymore. What had become of life?

"Eve?" My head snapped to the side as I heard my husband's voice. I moved so my back was to him. I didn't want him to see me in this state.

"Eve, whats wrong?" I felt a hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it off.

"Don't Michael." I croaked. "You have to be with Claire. She needs all the support she can get."

"Then why aren't you in there with her?" He challenged. I turned to face him and saw his eyes soften when he looked at me. "You need me just as much as she does."

"That's not true."

"Then my are you crying?" He asked.

I shook my head. "I just feel so childish! I came out here to get fresh air then somehow managed to stumble upon this place, which has just made me feel even worse!"

"Its okay babe." Michael told me.

"No its not!" I exclaimed. "Claire has gotten worse and I cant have children! How could things possibly be okay?"

Michael sighed and step forward to put his hands on my arms, tilting my head up so I was looking into his beautiful blue eyes. "Things will be okay. Maybe not now, but they will be." He kissed my forehead. "You have to be brave Eve. For Claire and for yourself. I know things are scary at the moment, but it could be the first day of the rest of our lives. And that's a good thing!"

I looked at Michael, confused. "How is that good?"

He smiled. "Because it means we get to write the rules. No right or wrong, we can be free. . ."

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Shane's POV

The next morning I came to the hospital early. I wanted to make sure I was with Claire as much as possible. Yesterday was hard, for all of us. Last night, once we had gotten home, Eve had approached me, saying sorry for how she had acted that day.

"It just got too much." She had admitted. "And then I ending up walking into the maternity ward and -"

"Its okay." I told her. "Don't worry." She had smiled weakly and had began to walk away, but I had suddenly pulled her into a hug, surprising both of us. I guess if the last few months had taught me anything, it was that you could never let a moment pass, because you might not get the same opportunity again.

"Love you Shane." Eve had mumbled into my shoulder.

"I love you too." I had replied, rubbing her back comfortingly. "Even if you can be a bit weird sometimes."

I got into the elevator and pressed the button for floor seven, and waited patiently for the doors to open. Yesterday, after Claire had made her decision, she had been moved to the neurology sections so she could be catered to her needs. I hated leaving her by herself last night, she was so scared. But I wasn't allowed to stay because I wasn't technically family.

Thinking of family, Claire had been forced to call her mum and dad to explain what was happening. Well, she wasn't forced, because now she's eighteen I don't think she legally has to tell them, but she was persuaded to. Obviously, it had been a very difficult phone call, but as it turns out her dad had been taken back into hospital as well. She hadn't been the only one keeping secrets. Her dad had had another heart attack or something, I wasn't entirely sure because Claire had been crying when she told me. Her mum said she would try and get here in the next couple of days.

I came to the reception desk, where the friendly nurse on duty smiled at me and said, "Go on in Mr Collins. I think Rose is in there with her at the moment." I nodded and smiled back. Rose was the nurse who had helped with Claire's transfer yesterday and I have to admit I really liked her. She had auburn hair and a kind of small build, like Claire only taller. I think she was in her 30's, so she wasn't that old.

I walked to the end of the corridor and pushed open the door labelled A14, pleased with myself for remembering the room number before I left last night. I didn't feel like getting the mick taken out of because I had gotten lost.

Inside Claire was still in her bed gowns. She looked at exhausted and, if possible, worst than the last time I had seen her. Her hair had been pulled back into a messy bun, a sure indication that she had been sick at some point. But even though she was obviously tired, she smiled weakly at me when I entered, her tired eyes lighting up slightly.

"Oh good morning Mr Collins!" Rose greeted me happily as she came in from the bathroom door with a pile of Claire's clothes in her hand.

"Please, I told you yesterday you can call me Shane." I replied. Rose giggled sweetly and agreed. She may have been in her early 30's but she gave off the aura of a much younger girl.

My concentration shifted from the nurse to my fiancee. "Hello beautiful." I walked to her side and kissed her forehead. "Miss me?"

"Always." She whispered, leaning into my hand as I stroked her cheek affectionately. Her skin felt hot to touch.

"Going somewhere today Claire?" I asked as I noticed Rose putting her clothes at the end of the bed.

"Yep. Me and Eve are . . ." She trailed off and I looked at her worryingly. She tried to sit up more while moving away from me. I had no idea what she was doing.

But Rose got the idea. "Its okay Claire. Shane help her sit up." I did so, gently placing my hands under her arms to lift her weak body into a sitting position. The auburn haired nurse had grabbed a plastic bowl and placed it under my Claire's chin. "Its okay sweetheart, just get it over with." Rose encouraged.

Claire breathed heavily. "I don't want to. It hurts." She cried in a quiet voice.

"I know." Rose said, placing her hand on Claire's back. "I know."

Getting over my moments shock I quickly moved so I was sat facing Claire, perching on the edge of the bed. I wrapped one arm around her waist and used my other hand to stroke her hair comfortingly. "I'm here." I told my finacee. "I'm right here."

It took a few minutes but eventually Claire threw up. She gasped for breath as the nurse handed her a glass of water. Once she had gotten her breath back she joked. "It never gets any easier."

I loved how Claire could always lighten a bad situation. "Seems like its gotten worse." I replied. Claire nodded but didn't say anything.

I cleared my throat and changed the subject. "You were saying something about going out?"

"Oh yeah." Claire remembered. "Eve is taking me to the hairdressers. If I cut my hair at least it wont look so bad when they have to shave it."

I felt an uneasiness inside of me. I loved my fiancee's hair. It wasn't really long but it was past her shoulders. It had a short of wave to it which made her look adorable and normally it would shine once she had washed it. Her brown hair suited her perfectly, and I didn't want her to cut it.

I didn't say this though. "What ever makes you happy." I told her with a smile.

"Oh I don't want to, but its for the best." Claire replied.

After 20 minutes or so I left the room briefly so Rose could help Claire get changed. I was worried that she wouldn't be strong enough to go to a hair salon, but my mind was put at ease when the auburn haired nurse told me there was one just around the corner from the hospital. Eve and Michael arrived a little while later, and while Eve processed to enter room A14 to help Claire, Michael came and sat next to me on one of the chair's in the family room down the hall.

"So . . ." Michael began awkwardly. I didn't respond but nodded in acknowledgement. I envy girls for being able to be so open with their emotions. I guess talking about your feelings just isn't a guy thing. It never has been for Michael and I anyway.

"How's Claire this morning?" Michael finally asked.

I shrugged. "The same." I thought for a moment then added, "I actually think she might be getting worse."

I looked at Mikey. His body language and facial expression told me that he could sense the same thing. "I hate to admit it but I think you are right. I'm worried about her."

"Yeah." I muttered. "Me too."

Michael patted me on the shoulder in a manly way, then we sat in silence. But it was no longer an awkward silence. It was a comforting one. I knew my best mate had my back, and I knew he had Claire's too. I knew that when I had come to accept the deal he had made.

I just hoped that was enough.

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Claire's POV

"Eve I refuse to sit in a wheelchair." I told my best friend sternly.

"But what if you get to tired to walked back here after the hair appointment?" Eve exclaimed dramatically.

We were both ready to leave, but because Eve was Eve nothing was as straight forward as to just walking out of the door.

"I'm not elderly!" I snapped. "I would like some of my dignity kept in tact! Its bad enough that I need people to dress me."

Eve tensed. She was was stood in front of my hospital room door in an attempt to stop me from leaving, and I was stood, arms crossed, facing her. In that moment she slouched against the door defeated.

"God, I'm such a bitch. Sorry CB." Eve apoligised, clearly upset.

"It's alright." I sighed. I smiled to show I forgave her. I could never be mad at Eve for long. "Just remember, I like to be independent."

"Yep, got the hint." Eve smirked sarcastically. "But we will call Michael if you need help. Cause I sure as hell won't be able to carry you back here to this prison."

"Deal." I agreed. We shook hands and laughed. I felt better than I had this morning. The feeling I had had then was horrible, I couldn't remember ever feeling worse. But it comes and goes. I know I'm getting worse, I don't need a doctor to tell me that, but I'm not going to let it stop me from doing things like going out with my BFF.

"Alright, lets go before I chicken out. . . "

oxoxoxoxoxox

Twenty minutes later I was sat on a comfortable, furry couch in a very nice looking hair and beauty salon. The salon's name was Classics to Modern, and I liked it here. It was a little hot, but what hair dresser's isn't? It consisted of white walls, one of which had a pink flowery pattern on it that seemed to climb up to the ceiling.

Next to me Eve squeezed my hand. I looked at her. "Nervous?"

"Is it bad if I say yes?" I asked in replied. I bounced my knees up and down, trying to release some of the nervous energy.

"Oh course not! Babe, this is a big deal." She smiled warmly. "But it's very brave of you to be doing this."

"I'm just nervous that I won't like it, or that Shane won't."

"Sweetie, the hairdresser knows your situation, so I'm sure she will come up with something perfect. And as for Shane, I know for a fact that he will love you no matter what your hair style is!"

I let out a breath that I hadn't even realised I had been holding. "I hope you are right."

"Aren't I always?" Eve smirked in a cocky tone.

"Um, no not always." I giggled.

"Yeah, well whatever."

After a few minutes I was eventually called upon and led to one of the black spinney chairs.

"Alright then doll," Began the hairdresser. She had pink hair that was cut short. She had her nose pierced and wore a lot of make up. She was a very pretty lady. "I'm Candy. What are we here for today?"

"Um," I hesitated, trying to think of something on the spot to say to make it look like I actually had some kind of an idea. I didn't though. To be honest I only ever go to the hairdressers for a trim normally, I have never really had it styled before today. "I'm not really sure." I finally admitted. "But I know it has to be shorter. I'm . . . I'm kinda having this surgery things that um . . ."

"It's alright chick you don't have to explain." Candy said politely. She smiled at me in the long mirror that I was facing. I smiled back. "I will come up with the perfect hair style for you."

Through the mirror I looked at Eve who was still sat on the sofa. She looked just as nervous as I felt. But she tried not to show it as she winked at me encouragingly. She mouthed the words 'you okay?' to me and I smiled back, nodding in reply. Then turning my attention back to the hairdresser, would was grabbing a load of brushes and scissors. I said,

"Go for it. . . I'm ready."

oxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I don't know how long I was sat in the chair for. Forty minutes, maybe more. candy chattered on about random things like how her best mate had just broken up with her boyfriend and how she wished she could date him bla bla bla . . . I listened but I was concentrating more on what she was doing to my hair.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, she was finally finished snipping parts of my hair away. Even though I had been watching the whole time, it wasn't till now that I really got to see it as a finished product.

I will admit, I was prepared to hate the outcome, but actually, it was okay. Candy had cut it into a sort of bob style. It was longer than a bob, to about the middle of my neck and, even though I already missed my longer hair, this hairstyle made me look . . . made me look older.

Older and more mature. It showed off the shape of my face in a flattering way. It showed my features in a way I had never seen them before. Not only did I look older, but I felt it too. I felt like I could take on anything.

A new hair style, a new beginning.

"What do you think?"

"Wow." Was all I could say. I was aware that Eve had gotten up to stand next to me.

"CB, you look amazing!" My best friend exclaimed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. "You happy?"

I looked up at her and smiled. "Yes." I stated. "I feel very very happy right now." I turned to the pink haired hairdresser and said."Thank you so much. I love it."

"Ah its alright chickpea I'm glad I could help." Candy replied, her smile so warm that it made my heart tingle.

I payed for at the reception and ten minutes later Eve and I were outside, the wind blowing through my newly cut hair. I noticed Eve staring.

"What is it?" I asked cautiously. I don't think Eve realised she was actually staring.

"Oh, um nothing. Just can't believe how much you've grown up." She replied.

"Eve, its just a hair cut." I laughed.

"Yeah, but its a representation. A symbol of how far you've come from being that little 16 year girl that I found in an alley way." I frowned at her. "Okay yeah, that did kind of sound like BS."

"Nah, you're right." I grabbed Eve's hand as we continued to walk. "But I couldn't have grown up without your help."

"Aww that's sweet." We walked until we reached a bench outside the hospital. Eve lead me to it, figuring I probably needed a break. Was I really that transparent?

I sat on the bench and put my head in my hands. I had found out from experience that if I got light headed, this was the best way to over come the feeling.

Eve didn't say or do anything. She had learnt now that I wasn't always going to pass out every time I got dizzy. She knew that I could handle it.

I breathed in and out. I hadn't even had any warning of this spell coming. It was like as soon as I sat down my head thought 'Hey, thats our cue!'

Even though I felt like absolute crap, I also felt alive.

"How ya doing there?" Eve asked as I sat up after a minute or so.

I leaned against the bench. "Been better, been worse." I answered truthfully.

"Wanna head back inside? Its getting a bit cold out here." Eve said.

"Getting a cold is the least of my worries." I replied sarcastically.

"Claire." Eve warned. I had done it again. My friends knew that it was normal for me to have mood swings, it was one of the many symptoms I had to endure. And over the last few months they had learnt how to stop them before they started.

"Sorry." I mumbled. "Okay, let go inside."

Nodding, Eve stood up and waiting for me to do the same. When I didn't she sighed and gently pulled on my arms to help me. She kept them there until she was sure I was steady on my feet, then led the way inside.

We took the elevator, obviously. Even if I could walk up the stairs, I would've chosen not to. There were so many of them!

Eve and I entered the room A14 and I saw that Shane was sat slumped down in one of the chairs, legs crossed and reading a newspaper. He looked up when he heard us enter. He sat frozen for a bit before he said "Claire?"

I shrugged and joked. "Yep, last time I checked."

Shane stood up and made his way towards me. He studied me, as if it were the first time we were actually meeting. "Wow, Claire, you look beautiful."

I blushed "Thanks." I walked past him and sat on the bed, knowing my legs probably wouldn't take my weight much longer. Shane followed, crouching down in front of me.

"I mean it Claire. You've always looked gorgeous but now you look like a grown woman."

"Okay, um I'll be in the hall." Eve excused herself, probably thinking this was going to end in a kiss.

Of course, she was right. I leaned down and kissed Shane on the lips. "I love you."

"Hmm, I love you too." Shane replied contently. I giggled and sat up. Another dizzy spell hit, but I made myself ignore it.

"So princess, what do you want to do?" My finacee asked. "We have this lovely hospital bedroom all to ourselves, I wonder if . . ."

I laughed and slapped his arm playfully. "No! Anyway I'm too tired. Can we just cuddle and watch TV?"

Shane sighed, pretending to be disappointed. But I knew that he really liked the idea of just cuddling. "I suppose. Budge over then."

I moved so that Shane could sit next to me. I mirrored his position and then rested my head on his chest. He turned the TV on and flicked through the channels. We finally settled for an old black and white film, must to Shane's distaste. He began to stroke my hair in a comforting rhythm like he always did.

Eve returned after 10 minutes, but when she saw us both lying on the bed in each other's embrace I think she got the message that we wanted to be alone.

Time went by, but how long I do not know. Neither of us moved as we were both very content in each other's arms. However after a while my back began to ache. But when I moved to get more comfortable there was a sudden sharp pain in my head. I groaned loudly, startling Shane who was nearly asleep.

"Alright Claire?" He asked worriedly, sitting up to examine the situation.

"Not really." I replied truthfully. I held my head as it pounded. "My head is killing."

"You're okay." Shane told me, rubbing my arm to try and calm me down. I wanted to cry. "It's nearly time for your medication anyway. Do you want me to go find Nurse Rose and see if you can have it a bit early?"

"Yes please." I whispered. I looked into Shane's eyes which were large and startled. God I hated worrying him, but there wasn't anything I could do about it this time.

Shane kissed my forehead and stroked my cheek. "Just lie down and try and relax till I get back." He instructed. "I won't be long."

Once he left I did as he told me. I lay down on my side and concentrated on my breathing. In, out, in, out.

I calmed down a bit and my head began to feel better. But I just couldn't shake the horrible feeling that consumed me.

I then remembered a way my mother used to calm me down when I was little and got nightmares. I wracked my memory to try and remember the lyrics of the song.

And I might still cry, and I might still bleed. These thorns in my side, this heart on my sleeve. And lightening my strike this ground at my feet. And I might still crash, but I still believe. . .

If this is the moment I stand here on my own, with everything I have inside, everything I own. I might be afraid, but its my turn to be brave. If this is the last time before we say goodbye, at least its the first day of the rest of my life. I can't be afraid because its my turn to be brave. . .

Things were about to get tough, I knew that. I wasn't going to like the next part of my life. After surgery I would need to rely on other people more than I felt comfortable doing, but it was going to have to happen. It was the only way to get my life back.

It was my turn to be brave.