A/N: This story will vary from journal perspective of Maura Isles to story told in 3rd person form. The journal entries will be in italics and the standard story in normal font. This story is a A/U set in the west. Characters you'll recognize by names which won't change, but settings will. There will also be some of my own characters. Yes, for the purpose of the story Maura has a son, but it is not as clear as it seemed to be from the current generations perspective looking back (meaning did Maura actually have a son? And if so how and with who? Not all is as it appears).
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April the 5th 1859
What seems like it is just the beginning of a long journey is. Council Bluffs was an interesting starting place. I met many wonderful people there, some of whom I travel with even now. We will remain on this road for quite some time.
Traveled hard today. My efforts of learning how to properly handle the oxen have paid off tenfold. I am glad I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could. While some others find it appalling that a woman would travel alone, or even with a boy of ten, I find it refreshing. Leo is a good boy. He needs love and a mother's hand. We all do. Looking at him, makes me miss my own mother and father so much.
I was up once again with the sun this morning. The people I travel with seem nice enough. Reverend Martin doesn't seem to know what to make of me or Leo. I find this amusing. This man who can find God in everything, can't seem to find sense in a woman selling off everything she owns to travel to the great state of California. I don't mind his curious eyes however. If anything, I find them flattering. To follow ones dreams and succeed on your own, I do believe might in fact be God's work.
Although the scenery is the same, it is not. It's like watching the waves on the coasts of Cape Cod. Although the waves each appear similar to the watchful eye, they each bring about some form of peacefulness, and calming effect they do in fact differ from one another. The rolling grass does the same for me as I sit in my wagon each day.
A man who I know as Jonathan brought me fresh milk from his cow this evening. It was a pleasant treat and I know Leo enjoyed it as well. As this adventure first began Leo insisted on sleeping on his own, with nothing more than his dirty jacket to cover him. Too many years of sleeping on the streets I suspect. Thankfully, with time, he now sleeps in a tent I made, with real blankets and a pillow. I know a boy h is age needs space, but he also needs the proper things to ensure he sleeps well.
I had invited Jonathan to stay and join us for dinner. Our pleasant conversation still is fresh on my mind as I lay here preparing for bed. I enjoy his company tremendously. He is so unlike the men back in Boston. He finds it most fascinating that a woman of my age and class has struck out to "find herself". He has a nice smile, and rough hands. That is the best way to describe him I do believe. He also listens to me, and my views. I find that most refreshing. I do believe he and I shall make good friends.
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April 29, 1859
It rained today. The wind made travel difficult for some of the wagons. At first I feared that a bigger storm would arrive, but we managed to steer clear of one by luck. Reverend Martin would say it had nothing to do with luck, only divine intervention. I do find him most entertaining.
Jonathan spent the day riding along side of me. We talked about cattle ranching as well as farming. He is quite wise for an uneducated man. Although I do believe I am beginning to realize out here, education will neither make nor break you, for it is that of your fellow man that you find the will to survive.
Mrs. Anna is in her fifth month now. She and her husband amuse me. He is very protective of her. He insists on doing most her share of the work. Jonathan informed me that her last child was lost to them in her sixth month. I don't understand why they would choose now to venture out on this trail while at such a critical stage in her pregnancy, but I am beginning to realize I don't understand much of anything really. Yet still, I can't help but wonder if the choice was hers to make. She has expressed great relief that I am traveling with the group. I may not be a licensed Doctor, but without arrogance I saw with 100% confidence I am better educated then most in procedures, medicines, and other herbal remedies. I hope those skills suit me on this trip.
I met someone today. Someone…well more amazing then anyone I've ever met. Her name is Jane. She is my age. We have so many similarities- yet so many differences. Our meeting was quite the amazing chance really. I owe her Leo's life. If it hasn't been for her…I dare not finish the thought.
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"Leo!" Maura called out from behind the wagon wheel. "Leo dinner!"
"Five more minutes Maura!" Leo called back from behind a large rock about sixty yards away.
"Fine…but stay close. Don't wander any further then that."
"Yes Maura," Leo smiled and waved and went back to playing with the other children.
Five more minutes had passed when Maura went back to look for Leo. "Leo!" this time she received no answer. She felt the rumble before hearing it. "What the …" she was confused. She heard two men rush over the hillside shouting, "Stampede!"
"Leo," Maura breathed out running toward the hill. "Leo!" she screamed knowing he was in danger. She could just feel it. She moved as fast as her feet would carry her. Down below her, in the valley she could see Leo…about fifty yards ahead of the buffalo…but the buffalo were gaining ground fast.
"He'll be crushed!" Maura screamed and began to run down the hill. Jonathan grabbed her arm. "No Maura…you can't…You'll be killed."
"Let me go," she broke out of his hold. "That's my son!" Jonathan knew Leo wasn't Maura's son by blood, but it was clear she couldn't have loved him more.
"Look!" Anna shouted and pointed. All eyes were on the lone figure who rode past the buffalo, very dangerously barely ahead of them. They reached down and swooped up the boy in their arms, never slowing the fast gallop of their horse.
"He's got the boy!" Reverend Martin shouted.
"Leo…" Maura felt tears running down her face as the horse, rider, and child approached them.
"Thank you for…" Maura let the words slip out as she caught eyes with the most dashing person she'd ever seen. "…saving him…" and for the first time ever in her life...Maura Isles was lost for words.
"He's okay," Jane smiled and got down off the horse, the boy in her arms. "Shaken up a bit…but okay."
"You saved him…"
"I was lucky. I have a fast horse," Jane smirked not wanting to make a big deal out of it.
"And quite the hands too," Reverend Martin said adding his two cents. "That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Touch by God no doubt."
"Luck," was Jane's only response as she nodded.
"What's your name?" Maura asked approaching the stranger more closely. She shake the feeling she knew her from somewhere.
"Jane. Jane Rizzoli."
"Well Jane," Maura held out her hand. "Please…join us for dinner. It's the least I could do."
"Sure," Jane smiled and followed Maura to the wagon area where dinner was waiting. Jonathan watched on as jealousy ran through him unsure as to why. She was just some woman. Maura was his, or would be soon enough.
