Hey everyone. Here's Chapter 4. I'm still in the middle of exams but I'll try to get out the next chapter faster than I did this. Thanks for reading :)
Jane went immediately to the fridge when she came home. She needed something strong to take the edge of. She also didn't want to think of how this day has been a disaster of epic proportions. She wanted to get to get close to Maura and when he best friend got even closer, she flinched. Joke's on me, I guess. She sat down on the couch and watched some TV. She shuffled through the channels until she gave up and drank the last bit of beer in the bottle. She buried her face in her hands for what felt like an eternity. When she looked up, a tear fell out. She ran to the sink and splashed her face with water. Get a grip, Jane. She headed for the fridge and took another beer. She finished the beer with one swig. Not enough. Jane opened the fridge again and took a six pack. She put it on the counter and sat. She started drinking. At the sixth beer, her phone buzzed. Her vision was already blurred but she did read that it was from Maura.
Maura: Are you mad at me?
Jane looked at the phone. She didn't need Maura right now. She drank another beer. Her phone rang. When she saw that it's Maura, she became overcome with anger. This woman really couldn't wait. She took a deep breath and threw her phone with impressive force. The phone shattered and Jane went back to drinking.
Frost: Korsak, have you seen Jane?
Korsak looked back at the man and was surprised. He was gonna ask the same question.
Korsak: No.
The two were at the cafe. Frost was a few people ahead of Korsak in the line. He was in line for his morning pancake. Frost looked at his wrist watch.
Frost: It's almost 8 am. Did she say anything?
Korsak: No. No calls or texts from her.
Then came in Maura, who was a little bit more somber than usual. She went straight to the coffee counter. Korsak walked to her.
Korsak: Dr. Isles?
Maura looked back.
Maura: Detective Korsak, Good Morning.
Korsak: Have you seen Jane?
Maura heart raced. She thought of all things that has happened to Jane before and everything just seemed possible. She also remembered that when she called yesterday, the call got cut off. The phone died after.
Maura: No, Detective. Is everything all right? Did something happen to Jane?
Korsak: No, No, nothing. Maybe she's just running late.
Maura: Yeah. I'll call her.
Korsak: Thank you, Dr. Isles.
Maura was tempted to go over to Jane's. She wasn't sure if Jane would answer her calls but she stopped herself. If Jane wouldn't even take her calls, she for sure wouldn't appreciate if the Doctor showed up on her doorstep. Maura decided to pass on the coffee and went to her office.
Jane was awakened by the dampness she felt on her cheek. Before she even opened her eyes, she felt a sharp headache. She cringed.
Jane: Holy...
Jane sat up and opened her eyes. The light from the windows immediately blinded her. She rubbed her eyes together and tried again. She was shocked when she saw that she slept slumped in the counter. She stretched her back and felt a couple of bones pop. She cursed and then realized that she's late for work. Jane ran to the bedroom, took a bath and changed clothes with soreness and a terrible headache looming over her. She made it out of the door in record time.
Jane parked on the curb and ran to the precinct. She passed by the security and slid in the elevator. She was still a little sore so she stretched a bit on the elevator. When it opened, she hoped off and walked normally to her table. Korsak immediately eyed her.
Korsak: Jane, what happened to you?
All the detectives in the room turned to her. Some eyes widened, some snickered. Jane looked at everyone, surveying their reactions.
Jane: Nothing. I just had a late night.
She sat on her seat and cringed. Frost noticed this and Jane's apparent state of unruliness.
Frost: You had a late night? With who?
Jane grabbed the stress ball on the left side of her table and threw it at Frost. He shielded himself with a folder and started cracking up.
Frost: But seriously, Jane, who was it?
Jane: I'm gonna punch you.
Korsak: Jane, you do look like someone who was just caught red handed. You didn't even wear your shirt properly. It's inside out. You look like you...
Jane: Okay, okay, stop.
Jane looked down at her shirt and it was inside out. Great.
Korsak: So, if there's not a guy, what happened to you?
Jane sighed. She didn't want to say that she got wasted because she was too confused. That she was too emotional because Maura spooned her and she chickened out. That Maura said, "I love you too much" and that she couldn't deal with it. That she probably wrecked their friendship with how she acted yesterday. No, she was embarrassed already.
Jane: Told you, I had a late night. I was watching this documentary and I fell asleep. On the couch.
Frost: Maura's rubbing off on you too mu ch, Jane.
Jane and Korsak looked at Frost.
Frost: Which is good because you need some... you know...
Frost swallowed. The glares of Jane and Korsak was too much to handle.
Frost: Finesse.
Jane: I am really gonna punch you, Frost. What time do you get off?
Before Frost could answer, Korsak phone rang. He answered then turned to Jane and Frost.
Korsak: Jane, there's a body downtown. You up for this one?
A body. Meaning Maura would be there. She's definitely not up for that.
Jane: Why don't you and Frost take this one? I... uh, I saw something worth looking into yesterday. Might check up on it.
Korsak nodded. He and Frost was already heading for the door when Jane rubbed her temples. She found nothing on her open cases that was worth taking a second look but for the sake of her sanity, she lied. Frost and Korsak can handle it. Might be best since the Jane's hangover still hasn't simmered down and she would just be cranky the whole time. Her phone rang. She looked at the number and saw Maura's office number.
Jane: Crap!
She stood up and looked around. She needs someone to cover for her. She didn't see Frankie or anyone familiar. Then, Jane's eyes narrowed in on one person. Riley. She casually walked over to her and sat on her chair. Riley was surprised.
Riley: Detective Rizzoli.
Riley looked at Jane.
Riley: Good Morning?
Jane: Call me Jane.
Riley just nodded.
Jane: Right, I need a favor.
Riley: Sure, Detective. What is it?
Jane: Someone may look for me in the next few minutes and uh... I need you to cover for me. Just say to that person that I'm running some leads on a cold case. Okay?
Riley looked confused. Jane won't fill in the blanks of the conversation.
Riley: Are you talking about a particular person, Detective?
Jane: No, no. Just anyone who will ask in about.. uh.. a few minutes. I'll actually be in the bathroom. Don't tell anyone.
Riley nodded, still confused.
Riley: Sure.
Jane heard the elevator dinged.
Jane: Okay, gotta go.
Jane ran to the bathroom while casually looking over her shoulder to see if Maura saw her. When she was finally there, she arranged her shirt. There were also some other components of her look that needed to be fixed as she completely missed the mirror on the way out. After some more minutes of waiting, she peaked at the room. When Maura was nowhere to be found, she came walked back to her desk. She patted Riley on the back on the way.
Jane: Thank you.
Riley: You're welcome.
Jane sat back down again and kept herself busy.
Lunch. After Jane got wind of the case, she fully dove in. It was a ritualistic killing so they checked the bystanders faces and checked it against the victim. After almost three hours of looking through hundreds and photographs faces and profiles, Korsak and Frost decided to have lunch. They didn't even bother to invite Jane in since they know she was going with Maura. Jane, however, was determined not to have lunch. She figured that her little favor to Riley would send the message that she just wasn't up to any kind of anything with Maura right now. She focused all her energy to the pictures in front of her. She tuned out everything until she felt a slight tap on her shoulder. The tap made her jump and she snapped her head.
Maura: Hello, Jane.
Jane: Maura... What are you doing here?
Maura sat down on chair. Jane backed away a little.
Maura: Well, Jane, it's lunch. I was wondering if you would have lunch with me.
No. Jane was thankful that she didn't blurt out that reaction. She would have been in bigger trouble than she already is now. Her mind raced. She was thinking of a good answer to her best friend, something acceptable and would not seem like she's being blown off. She looked at Riley's table. The Detective wasn't there.
Jane: Actually, I'm going to lunch with Riley. I have teamed up with her for a lead i'm running down... from a cold case.
Maura nodded. Her expression wasn't changed. She looked cold. After, she smiled but that still didn't warm up her expression.
Maura: How about tonight?
Still no. Jane didn't want another sleepover. Not just yet. Not until she figures out how she would deal with how Maura is now and since she already established a pairing with Riley, she went along with it.
Jane: I'm afraid i'll still be with Riley. She wanted to show me this new bar..
Now, Maura backed away a little. The words 'new bar' resonated in the blondes head. Jane noticed it and cursed herself for being a terrible liar. Jane thought that by now she would've been someone who's good in making up a story since she's heard it all. Apparently not.
Jane: Um... A new bar at Baker's. Um, I asked for her help with this one so and she wanted to try it. So, no. I'm sorry.
Maura: Is something going on?
Jane stopped. She thought well before she answered.
Jane: Nothing. Nothing's going on. Sorry, Maura, I'm just really busy.
Maura: Yeah but, I feel like i'm being blown off. Are you mad that because of what i said yesterday?
Jane: No. No. God no. I'm not blowing you off, I'm just busy. Like I said. Please don't take it the wrong way.
Maura nodded.
Jane: Are we good?
Maura: Yeah, we're good.
Jane could hear the thickness in her voice. Maura stood up and walked away. When Maura was gone, Jane could feel tears coming. She couldn't understand how they went from best friends to this. She's hiding from Maura and blowing her off. Just a few weeks ago, she said she would settle for friendship just as long as she doesn't lose Maura. Now, she deliberately pushing her away. She didn't want this but for some reason, it's happening. What the hell is wrong with me?
Night fell. Jane was lucky that today was a hectic day for Boston PD. They were able to make an arrest on the killing this morning and they were congratulated by the Lieutenant. Frost and Korsak invited Jane to the Dirty Robber after the talk with Cavanaugh.
Korsak: So, beer?
Frost: C'mon, pop. I need something to calm me down.
Korsak: Pop? I told you, I'm not old enough to be your father.
Jane: Yeah, Barold, Korsak's not old enough to be your father. He's barely old enough to date me.
Frost cracked up while Korsak shot him a look.
Korsak: Jane, we'll see you there?
Jane: No. I'm gonna go home.
Frost: Okay, what's wrong with you?
Jane and the two sat down on their seats.
Jane: Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Why do you guys keep asking me that?
Frost: Because something's up. What is it? We guessed you and Maura were fighting but you guys have been so close lately.
Jane: No. We're not fighting. I just... want to go home early.
Korsak: Okay then. Whatever happened to the lead you we're running?
Jane: Nothing. It uh, turned out to be nothing. I'm gonna go.
Jane picked up her bag and walked out.
At the car, Jane thought about going to a bar. She wanted to drink. As much as her couch seems appealing, she wanted to be around people. She didn't want to fall into the hole of what happened yesterday. She parked at a bar that they used to go to. She came in, settled into a booth and ordered. Her beers came and she started drinking. On her fourth, she felt someone behind her.
Riley: Detective?
Jane looked up and saw Riley.
Jane: Hey, Detective. What are you doing here?
Riley: I come here to drink. Would you mind if I join you?
Jane: No, no. Sit.
Riley sat down. Jane wanted to be alone but turning down Riley just seems cruel. And turning down Maura isn't? Jane started drinking again. She wanted to drown out the voices.
Riley: So, what are you doing here? Don't you guys go to the Dirty Robber?
Jane: We do, but I guess I was looking for something new so I came here.
Riley: Is that code for "I'm hiding from Maura"?
Jane was taken aback by Riley's curtness. Riley started drinking, not phased by the shock on Jane's face.
Jane: I don't know what you're talking about.
Riley: Sure you do. Your face sold you. Plus, she looked for you about a few minutes after you hid. So, two and two.
Jane: Fine, I'm hiding from Maura.
Riley: Why? Aren't you guys best friends?
Jane: We are. Why are you interrogating me?
Riley looked at Jane. She was reading her. Jane didn't appreciate that she thought they were close enough to ask her things like this.
Riley: Sorry if it came off that way. I was just wondering what's happened. You seem very close and suddenly you not close anymore. There's gotta be something there.
Jane: There is but I'd rather keep that to myself.
Riley got comfortable and looked at Jane. She's waiting until she fesses up. Jane finished her bottle and ordered more.
Riley: Since you're not telling, can I guess?
Jane: No.
Riley: I'll take a stab anyway.
Jane sighed.
Jane: Please don't.
Riley: You're in love with Maura.
Jane almost spit out the beer.
Maura went home looking a little winded. She wasn't sure what was going on between them and Jane. She had a pretty good idea what it is though but before she can confirm, Jane was already gone. She entered the rest house to check on Angela and if her courage permits, to ask about Jane. When she went in, she saw Angela on the counter, preparing dinner.
Maura: Hi Angela.
She took of her coat and put down her bag on the small table.
Angela: Maura, just in time. I'm cooking Polenta with Bruscitti.
Angela looked up at Maura and saw her that her face registered sadness.
Angela: Are you okay, dear? You seem sad.
Maura sat down on the couch.
Maura: Just a tiring day at work, I guess.
Angela: I'll take care of that. I've been told that this is the best food I could cook. This is actually Jane and Frankie's favorite when they were growing up. I guess it's still is since they always ask me to cook it. Where is Jane, by the way? I haven't able to contact her all day also.
Maura heart sank a little deeper. She dreaded saying the words, with Riley. No matter how busy Jane was, she always made time for her. She would run to her when she was stumped in a case, waiting for her to say something genius that will eventually lead her to solve it, not Riley.
Maura: She's out with Riley.
Angela stopped chopping the carrot.
Angela: Out with Riley? Does she have a new guy?
Just as Maura thought that this conversation couldn't be more heartbreaking, it did. That word. Guy.
Maura: No, Angela. Riley is a woman.
Angela: Jane's dating women now?!
Maura looked back and saw Angela shocked to her core.
Maura: Oh, no, no. They are not dating. Riley's a Detective. Do you remember Jane's next door neighbor? The one who was helped by Detective Frost and Frankie?
Angela then relaxed. She looked like she remembered who Maura was talking about and understood.
Angela: The one with the tattoos. Oh, I remember. They're working a case now? Huh. Why would Jane team up with that woman? I don't get her sometimes. Is she coming home soon? I wished Jane would be here for this.
Maura: Me too.
Angela stopped what she was doing. She looked at Maura. She walked over and joined the blonde on couch. She put her shoulder around her. Maura was a bit surprised but settled into the hug.
Angela: You have a problem. Tell me.
Maura: No, Angela. I'm okay.
Angela: You don't look okay, sweetheart but if you're not ready to talk, I respect that. Just know that if you are, I'm here to listen. Also, I'm moving out of your house.
Maura: Thank you, Angela- Wait, what? Why?
Angela smiled.
Angela: I'm moving in with Sean.
Maura was shocked. She didn't know that their relationship was already that serious. She would think that Angela would be a little more cautious about jumping the gun after what happened to her and Frank Sr.
Maura: Isn't this kinda fast? Have you told Jane or Frankie?
Angela: I know it's fast but when you get to be our age, you just care that you're happy.
Maura: This could complicate things for Jane, Angela.
Angela: I know but I hope they will be happy for me. Sean's a good man and I've been really feeling alone since Frank left.
Maura understood. She knows the feeling of being alone. If this makes Angela happy, who was she to contest that.
Maura: Well, I'm happy you're happy. You're still welcome to visit anytime.
Angela: Thank you, dear. I want you to be happy too so know that you can tell me anything. I'm gonna go back to cooking.
Angela stood up and went back to the kitchen. Maura thought about what Angela said and decided to not bother her with her problems with Jane. She heard chopping and after a minute or two of thinking, she joined Angela in the kitchen and the later taught her how to cook her specialty.