Author's POV

Saturday came and Sunday went, and soon enough the week had passed.

"Mam!" Madison calls from the front door, "The moving people-guy are here!" She shouts louder.

"Aye!" Cheryl tuts, coming down the stairs. "Why are you bloody yelling? You get your voice back and you're suddenly making sure to put it to use?!" She moves her giggling daughter out of the way.

"Where would you like this, Miss?"

"Upstairs. Just follow us." Cheryl wobbles her way back up the stairs and over to the master that will soon be the twins shared bedroom.

Spring was definitely here. The sun was out, the weather was just right and the crisp in the air wasn't bitter anymore, it was warm enough to breathe, or at least that's what Madison has been saying.

"How long is this going to take?" Cheryl asks the working men.

"Not long, Miss. Probably an hour or two."

She nods, exiting the room and heading back down the stairs. "What's got you in such a good mood?"

Madison shrugs, following her Mam into the kitchen. "Can't a girl be happy?"

"Of course. I always want you to be happy... But you're usually complaining over something."

Madison pouts, "You make me sound like such a cow."

"Uh..." Cheryl averts her eyes, "Let's keep your happy mood alive, yeah?"

Madison rolls her eyes. "Did you talk to Mum today?"

Cheryl forces a smile on, nodding her head.

"What'd she say? Is she coming back? When is she coming back? Did she tell you?"

"Not anytime soon. I'll tell you when she tells us, now quit asking."

Madison huffs, "Is she going to at least come to the baby shower?"

"We're not having a baby shower, Madison. I already said no." Cheryl says end of.

"But I wanted to do it for you—"

"No."

"You've never had a baby shower, why wouldn't you want one?"

"Because," Cheryl sighs, finally giving her daughter her full attention. "I just, I don't want one. Okay?"

Madison rolls her eyes, "You're such a party pooper."

"There is no party to poop on—"

"There would be one if you weren't such a pooper—"

Cheryl holds her hand up, "Maddy. Shut up." She walks out of the kitchen.

"You're only saying that because you know I'm right!" Madison shouts behind her Mam, knowing she had made her smile. She knew something wasn't right. Her parents were on speaking terms and Cheryl seemed to have more meetings than usual. But of course, Cheryl was never late with picking up Maddy from school. But things were just not adding up.

Madison slumps on the sofa, texting away.

Madison: Mam's hiding something from me

Lexi: This is a case for the FBI!

Madison: Shut up Lex

Heather: Is her hiding something mean it's a good or bad thing?

Madison: I don't know. She's be down lately... so idk

Heather: Everything will work itself out

Lexi: Snoop through her phone!

Madison giggles and replies: That's impossible and plus I'd sh*t my pants! I'd get caught before I ever find anything

Lexi: Take my advice

Heather: Don't listen to trouble

Madison: I feel like I'm talking to the devil and angel on my shoulders

Lexi: Me being the angel

Heather: Of course..🙄

Madison giggles, soon sighs. She wasn't sure what to do... but she was leaning more towards Lexi's idea. She was trouble, but she always came up with the best ideas.

She takes a moment, thinks about it and soon gives in.

"Mam?" Madison calls out, following her Mam's trail. "Mam—"

"It's not happening—"

"What? I'm not even talking about your party anymore. Get over it—"

"What do you want then?" Cheryl sighs, setting her phone down beside her and this time resting her hands atop of her large bump.

"My phones acting up—"

"I just bought you a new one, Maddy. Did you break it already?" Cheryl tuts, rolling her eyes with a long sigh.

"No I didn't break it!" Madison thinks fast. "I. I don't know what's wrong with it. Can you give me your phone so I can call Apple?"

"Use the house phone—"

"I don't know where it is—"

"It's right there." Cheryl points out the phone on the table.

"Oh." Madison laughs awkwardly. "Uh yeah. Okay. Great. Thanks." She grabs the house phone and exits the room, mumbling curse words under her breath.

Madison: That didn't work!

She texts the group chat.

Heather: You listened to the devil!!

Lexi: Haha! Try taking it when she's sleeping. That always works!

Madison huffs, trying to decide on what to do.

"You know what." She says aloud, storming back into the room her Mam was sat in. "Tell me what's going on." She says, bluntly and honestly.

"What're you on about now?" Cheryl sighs, crossing her arms across her chest.

"You think I'm stupid—"

"What'd I tell you about using that word?"

"Tell me what's going on. I know you're not going to meetings and I know there's something going on. Just tell me. Stop treating me like fragile china!"

"Madison—"

"Mam!" Madison stomps her foot.

Cheryl's eyes turn soft, her features crumble. "Com'er."

"You can't cuddle me out of this. I know why you want me to come over there—"

"No seriously, sweets. Come here." Cheryl pats the space beside her, inviting her daughter over.

"No. Tell me." Madison stubbornly stands in her place.

"You don't want to know, Maddy, it's better to just stay in the dark—"

"Why? Because you think I can't handle the truth. I'm not a child, Mam."

Cheryl raises an eyebrow, "One, you are a child and two you're probably going to hate us when I tell you. So, it's best—"

"Tell me."

Cheryl sighs and gives in, she knew she couldn't hide it from her much longer. "Okay come here and I'll tell you. I promise."

Madison finally walks over and sits beside the sad eyed Geordie. "What is it?"

Cheryl takes her daughters hand into her own. "I don't know how to say it."

"Just like a plaster."

Cheryl smiles softly, "I love you."

Madison remains quiet, her heartbeat shooting through the roof at this point. "Just say it."

"Nana Diane isn't doing too good."

Madison doesn't say anything.

"Your Mum's been with her this whole time." Cheryl adds, stroking her daughters' hand in affection.

Madison nods, but still, doesn't say anything. She realized now why her parents kept all of this from her, she never did take death very lightly. Madison felt emotions in a million tidal waves... and they were never calm tides either.

"Say something." Cheryl whispers gently.

Madison shakes her head, forcing herself not to cry.

"Talk to us, sweets." Cheryl whispers once more, tugging at her daughters' hand in hopes to pull her in closer.

Madison shrugs, "I didn't know her very well," she clears her throat, "But, I mean, she was always nice to me. I just..." She clears her throat once more, hoping she wouldn't cry. "I feel bad for Mum is all." She half lies.

Madison always felt so deeply. Death was something that terrified her, no matter who it was that passed, she was affected each and every time.

"She's come around to accepting it."

"How can you just accept it?" Madison frowns, "She's going to lose her Mum. Is that how she would feel if she were to lose me? Or you?"

"Maddy—"

"No." Madison stands to her feet, "Forget it." She sighs, walking out.

Cheryl allows her, knowing her daughter needed some space. She's upset nonetheless, she wished she could do more for her. She felt as though she was useless, like no matter what she did, it was never good enough for the Teen.

She rests on the sofa for a few minutes, taking it all in; soon following her daughter's trail and finding Madison in the kitchen eating ice cream, seemingly dazed off in her own train of thought.

"Can I join?" Cheryl clears her throat, getting Madison's attention.

Madison shrugs.

"Ice cream is always good." Cheryl smiles, sitting across from her daughter, the large windows behind her; settling beautifully against her daughter's perfect skin. Her green eyes glimmering and dancing with the sun creeping through.

Madison shrugs once more, "We don't have to talk." She says honestly, spooning ice cream into her mouth.

"Talking is good."

"Not always."

"You want to sit in silence then?" Cheryl asks, knowing sooner or later Madison would start her rambling.

Madison nods.

"Can I have some?" Cheryl smiles, looking at the pint full of caramel ice cream, Madison's favorite.

Madison nods, pushing the pint into the middle and giving her Mam the spoon she'd been eating from.

"If it makes you feel any better," Cheryl begins, now eating ice cream too. "Your Mum would die without you."

Madison shrugs, "Everyone gets over it at some point."

"That's not true."

"Can I ask you something and you promise not to get upset with me?" Madison asks, resting both hands on the wooden table.

"Of course, you can ask us anything."

"When you gave me away," She began, already witnessing her Mam's eyes sadden. "After sometime down the line, you managed to live your life and find love, no?"

"I mean, yeah but—"

"And you tried for another kid and I'm sorry that it didn't work out for you, but you still tried."

Cheryl looks down at the ice cream, evidently ashamed.

"What I'm trying to say is... People move on, people get over things. Whether you found me or not, whether I came back into your life or not. You would have continued to live your life, you would have still had another child, you would have still done it all. With or without me. Everyone moves on." Madison rambles.

"I was never happy, Madison."

"You were. You may have remembered me from time-to-time but you were still happy. You were happy with Mum when I wasn't in the picture. You lived your dreams. You became what you always wanted to be."

Cheryl shakes her head, "I was miserable. Yes, I was happy with your Mum, yes, I was happy I accomplished my dreams – but that wasn't everything for us. You were. When you came back into me life it's like... For the longest time I couldn't breathe, and it was almost as if I finally took my first breath in a long time."

Madison shrugs, unsure what to say.

"Are you happy?"

"Of course."

"What about... What about Chris?" Cheryl finally asks.

"He would want me to be happy."

"And what about us?"

"What about you?"

"You're going on about how I was practically selfish for being happy at some point—"

"I didn't want you to be happy." Madison says honestly.

"And why is that?" Cheryl asks, surprised.

This was the first time they were speaking about this, open and honest. It was needed.

"Because," Madison shrugs, "Why should you be happy? I wasn't happy."

"But I thought you were happy?"

Madison shakes her head, "I never felt at home."

"And now?"

Madison nods her head.

"Com'er." Cheryl smiles, with tears in her eyes.

This time, Madison listens. She walks around the table and allows her Mam to pull her down to her lap, wrapping her arms around her crying mother's neck, tightly. They hold each other, like it was the only thing they knew how to do.

"I love you." Cheryl whispers, placing endless kisses to her daughters' cheek, head, temple and anywhere her lips could touch.

Madison sighs with happiness.

______

Do you think this is a good idea?" Madison whispers, looking down at the bouquet of sunflowers in her hand.

"Why do you think it's not?" Cheryl replies, speaking to her daughter in the gentlest of tones. She glances over to Madison, "Hm?" She hums, looking back at the road.

"What if she doesn't want to see me?"

"I'm sure she does." Cheryl assures her, reaching across to stroke her daughter's thigh. "Don't overthink it. I'm sure it'll make her happy when she sees you – plus I gave your Mum a heads up—'

"Like I care what she thinks." Madison rolls her eyes, still upset with her Mum.

"Babe—"

"No, I don't care." Madison says stubbornly.

Cheryl sighs, but doesn't argue. She pulls up in front of the humble looking home, this being Madison's first time visiting her Grandma Diane's home.

Madison looks around, noticing all the homes were fairly close to each other. She doesn't comment, but Cheryl can see the curiosity in her daughter's eyes.

"You ready?"

Madison nods, climbing out of the car in unison with her Mam. "Wait." She stops Cheryl in her tracks.

"You okay?"

Madison extends her hand out, needing her Mam's support now.

Cheryl smiles, taking her daughters' hand without hesitation. "Come on then." Cheryl leads the way, Madison gripping her hand tightly.

Knock. Knock.

They wait, soon enough Kimberley is the one greeting them at the door.

Madison rolls her eyes.

"Hi baby." Kimberley smiles weakly, greeting her wife with a kiss to the lips. "Hi Maddo—"

"I'm not here to see you." Madison says bluntly, never locking eyes with her Mum.

Kimberley swallows her daughters' words, forces a smile and nods, moving out of the way. She knew her daughter was upset with her, she just never realized it was to this extent. However, she gives the Teen all the space she needed.

Madison greets her aunt Amy, allowing her to pull her into a tight hug, holding onto the sunflowers she'd brought with her all while.

"How are you?" Amy asks, smiling.

"Good, yeah. It's nice to see you." Madison returns the smile, still holding onto her aunt.

Amy unravels the cuddle, taking a good look at her niece. "I'm happy you're here."

Madison blushes and averts her eyes, "Sorry it took me so long, I, I just found out..." She says softly.

"That doesn't matter. Come. Do you want to see her?"

Madison nods, allowing Amy to lead the way up, her heart raging with anxiety.

"Does she know I'm coming?" Madison whispers.

Amy nods, stopping outside her Mum's bedroom door.

"Do you want me to come in with you?"

Madison shakes her head, gripping the flowers tightly.

Amy opens the door and walks away, giving the Teen all the privacy she needed.

Diane opens her tired eyes, the only light coming into the bedroom was the gloomy day from the outside world.

"Hi." Madison rasps, forcing herself not to cry.

"Hey you." Diane smiles, her weak aura evident to the teen.

"Can I – can I come in?"

Diane nods, "Of course, come, come sit here." She pats the empty space beside her, groaning as she attempts to sit up.

Madison takes in the sight of her Nana, she was so weak, her skin was so pale. She didn't look like herself... I guess death does that to people... it takes everything it has ever given and more.

"I got you these." Madison sets the sunflowers on the bedside table, and ever so gently, she sits beside Diane.

"They're lovely, just like you."

Madison smiles, blushing. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a freshly baked pie."

Madison giggles, "I bet."

They share a smile.

"Mum makes really good pies, I bet if you told her to make you one she'd make it." Madison suggests.

"Why don't you go ask her to make some?"

Madison bites her lower lip.

"I heard." Diane reaches out, taking her granddaughters hand into her own. "Don't be upset with her."

"I don't like when she upsets Mam." Madison says truthfully.

"And what about Cheryl? What if this was her?"

"Well I wouldn't want the same for Mum as well."

Diane smiles, weakly. "Forgive her."

Madison shakes her head, "Not yet."

"Time is an interesting thing, isn't it?" Diane coughs, but soon composes herself. "You never know when it will stop ticking."

"Don't start getting wise on me now." Madison giggles, earning a smile from Diane. They spend the next hour talking away, soon enough, Madison was resting in her Nana's arms, taking in the moment, as it may never happen again.

"I'm happy I get to spend time with you."  Madison whispers, "Sometimes people are taken without a goodbye." She looks deep into her Grandmas tired blue eyes, they were fading. "I love you." She whispers once more, cuddling gently before releasing and standing to her feet. "I hope you know you've always had a special place in my heart." A tear escapes Madison's eyes, "I hope you always will."

"I love you too, and I hope you know I've always been proud of the girl you've become. I'll always be by your side, even if you don't realize it or forget." They share a final hug before Madison exits the bedroom, closing the door on her way out.

She breaks down as soon as the door is completely shut, crying her little heart out.

This was it.

This was the final chapter of her story with Diane.

This was the end.