Motherhood Isn't for Sissies, Conclusion
By Simahoyo
It was the day Maura would be awakened, not by Prince Charming, but the ever surly Dr. Slukey. Knowing her daughter, Constance brought along a new toothbrush and a tiny tube of toothpaste. Maura would be mortified by her breath after over a week without oral hygiene. She had it timed to take care of that little problem privately before the entire Isles plus Rizzoli families converged on this tiny room. The nice Day Nurse had agreed to help out with the chore, while everyone waited outside the door. The hall was filled with Benny, Constance, Angela, Jane and Frankie Rizzoli. Tommy has been unable to get off work, so Frankie held flowers from his brother. The anticipation was driving Constance insane, but she hid it like a good hostess at a boring dinner.
She could hear the others talking, but they might as well have been speaking Martian. At last Slukey sauntered out of Maura's room, head high, and nose in the air. Constance stepped in front of him. He glared at her, then deigned to speak. "She's fine. She will have a hard time speaking for a bit. I have to go." As he strode down the hall, the lovely Day Nurse, paused, smiled, and added," She's awake, and ready to see you–one at a time, at least as you enter."
"Were you able to..."
The nurse grinned and gave Constance a thumbs up. Benny opened the door, leaving it open so Constance and the Rizzolis could see. The second she saw him, Maura's face lit up like Christmas. He bent down, engulfed her in a hug, and they could see her hands reach around his neck. After a minute, he stepped back and nodded to Constance.
She had to stop herself from running. She threw her arms around her daughter, and kissed her cheek. Maura was smiling at her now. She tried to speak, but nothing came out but a croak. "I love you so much. The Rizzolis are here waiting to see you. We can talk later." With a final kiss and hug, Constance stepped back to make room for Angela. The Rizzoli matriarch was shivering as she came in, she clutched at Maura, who hugged back. It was a long hug–the Rizzolis were practically family by this point.
Frankie was hesitant, presenting the flowers, but not sure what to do with them. "These are from Tommy. He had to work. The guys and the morgue people are coming tomorrow." Constance took the flowers and looked around for something to put them in. A pitcher was nearby, and with her sense of whimsey, it fit the situation. Frankie bent and gave Maura an awkward hug. She hugged him back. As he stepped back, Maura watched the door.
Jane's entrance was a mixture of pride, shyness and anticipation. Maura showed a depth of feeling her mother had never seen before. She felt her throat close up, and her eyes tear. When the two women were close enough, Maura's opened her arms, while Jane wrapped herself around her. Their kiss would have been enough to wake Snow White and Sleeping Beauty–if Maura hadn't already been awake. The love poured off them in waves. Jane pulled back, and they gazed into each other's eyes. Constance glanced at Benny, who was gulping to control his emotions. Angela was openly crying. Frankie was red faced–a man seeking privacy. Jane stayed next to Maura, and talking to her quietly.
The emotions had worn both Isles out. Frankie and Angela left, while Jane was still sitting with Maura. It was a good day. A tiny tapping sound came from behind the closed door. Constance went to open it, and there stood a slightly younger, shorter version of her." Constance almost rubbed her eyes. She never expected..."Sophie? Oh my God. Sophie!" They hugged awkwardly.
"How, when...? I'm so happy to see you."
"Connie. I got your letter. When I heard about your daughter, I drove right down. How is she doing?" Constance almost didn't register that her sister had answered in French. She switched languages.
"Come in, I'll introduce you. You haven't even met my husband."
They walked in together, and something empty inside her started to fill. She glanced at her sister. There was no wall of resentment. Maybe she had been forgiven. Benny looked up, and did a double take. He obviously knew who this was. Constance took her sister up to Benny, switched to English, and introduced them.
"Sophie, this is my husband, E.G. Isles. E. G., this is my sister, Sophie." He grinned, took her hand and shook it in a charming, non-invasive way.
"It's good to meet you. Our day just got even better."
Sophie laughed, and followed as Constance turned to Jane and Maura. "Sophie, this is our daughter, Maura. Darling, this is your Aunt Sophie." They both looked at each other in fascination. Maura hadn't even known about her Aunt. And Sophie had just found out about Maura.
"I see you must be feeling better. When your mother wrote me about what happened, I drove straight down."
Maura opened her mouth, and despite the croaking sound, she forced the words out. "I'm so happy to meet you. Forgive me, I just got a breathing tube removed."
"And...?" Sophie was looking at Jane.
Constance looked at Jane and Maura, "This is Jane Rizzoli, she and Maura are...Well, Jane...? Just don't you dare say best friend."
Jane colored briefly. "I guess–um, way more than friends?" Her voice squeaked at the final syllable.
Sophie smiled, and commented in French. "Sounds like a B. C. accent." Maura giggled. It was a nice sound. Maura's reply was in French also, "Mon amant." Sophie nodded approvingly.
Constance looked at Sophie. She looked good. "I haven't seen my sister in too many years, so if everyone will forgive us, I'd love to have a while to catch up."
The two sisters went down the hall to a quiet corner, and sat down facing each other. Constance gathered her thoughts.
"I want to know if you have forgiven me?"
Sophie's face reflected astonishment. "What? What have you done for me to forgive? Yes lost track of each other, yes. I had thought you were so wrapped up in your life with your rich husband that you didn't want to be a part of our old neighborhood anymore. When I got your letter, I could see that you weren't a snobby rich person. I was happy about that part."
"But you always said I was a terrible mother to you. That I had ruined your life."
"No. Connie, I was a teenager–I was sad and angry because I'd lost my mother and father. I said the same hurtful things all teens say. Didn't Maura?"
"There were several, 'I hate yous' at the time–yes."
"Just like my kids. I grew up. All these years–gone because you believed an angry teenager? I'm so, so sorry. And you were so young to take me on. How did you manage?"
"I thought I didn't. Sophie, tell me about yourself. What have I missed? Are you still married to Guy?"
"Yes. The best decision of my life. He's an electrician now, and owns his own company. I have two kids, Nicole and Robert. Nicole is nearly forty now, with grown up kids, and the oldest is expecting. I'm going to be a great-grandmother."
"That's wonderful. Do you have pictures?"
The photos came out, and the sisters compared the children and grandchildren with family members they had known as children. Whose nose was like Grandmere's Who was as tall as Papa.
As time went on, they re-joined the rest of the family, and Maura's new aunt got to know her and Jane–obviously about to be the newest family member. Constance looked at the tableau in from of her, gazed upwards and whispered, "Merci"
The End.