Authors notes: thanks once again for follows and reviews and favourites they really make me happy. A special thank you to mossib who reviews every chapter - you really are a good friend.
Disclaimer. I don't own the Mentalist - not one part of it!
Jane and Lisbon quietly entered Ivy's room at the nursing home that has been her home for the past two years. Ivy turned at the noise and a smile lit up her tired face.
"Hi handsome."
Jane pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed. He took Ivy's hand in his.
"Merry Christmas Ivy. How are you doing?"
"Oh much better for seeing you."
Lisbon could see a twinkle in the frail woman's eyes and her affection for Jane was evident. Jane had told her that Ivy had worked at the children's center for many years until ill-health had caused her to retire two years ago.
"Are you comfortable?"
"Yes, your little hypnosis trick is still working wonders. I feel very tired though. I think it is time for me to go meet Joe?"
Jane patted her hand and nodded. Ivy notices Lisbon for the first time,
"This must be your lady boss."
Lisbon is startled
"How did you know?"
"Handsome here has talked a lot about you and you have that 'cop thing' about you."
Lisbon moves to the opposite side of the bed from Jane. She refuses to make eye contact with him but knows he is grinning like a Cheshire cat,
"My name is Teresa, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Believe me the pleasure is all mine. Anyone who can put up with this one day after day and still be his friend is someone worth knowing."
Lisbon hears Jane's affronted gasp. Ivy turns her mischievous eyes towards Jane.
"You know I love you and if I had been 40yrs younger, you wouldn't have stood a chance, but you are an acquired taste."
She winks at Lisbon.
"You've got that right"
"If you two ladies have finished discussing my finer attributes"
Jane plays along with a huff,
"How did your performance for the children go today"
"Very well, made extra special with the help of my lovely assistant over there"
"I bet it was, Who were you this year"
"Prince Charming so Lisbon here was Sleeping Beauty and a real beauty too."
"Ooooo The sparkling Yellow and purple number. I wished I had seen that!
"Yes, what was with the shorts? I thought Prince Charming was going to be a safe option after that 'Buz Lightyear monstrosity last year"
"I know I told Joe that they looked hideous but he wouldn't listen. He was given the costume from a friend who had worn it during a Pantomime in England but he didn't have the nerve to go on stage in just the tights so he had the shorts made. I laughed so hard when he first put them on I got stitch."
"Well that must have made him feel good. Luckily Lisbon here was able to show more restraint."
Ivy turned to Lisbon
"You are even more talented than I thought. How on earth did you manage that."
"There was a room full of children but my tongue bear the scars. Plus he somehow managed to pull it off"
"I'm not sure whether I should take that as a compliment or not."
Jane grins.
Lisbon remembers something from the conversation.
"Is Joe your husband and it was his costume?"
"Yes Joe use to do the magic show for the kids but he died just a year after Patrick started coming and he kindly volunteered to take it over. He wears one of Joe's costumes every year."
Suddenly exhaustion overtakes Ivy and it is evident to Jane and Lisbon.
"I think we need to leave and let you sleep"
"No don't go Patrick, stay. I don't want to be alone. It's time for me to go and be with Joe."
Jane nods and moves his chair closer. Ivy's voice as become weaker.
" Do you have a message I can pass on."
It was Lisbon's turn to gasp as she realised what Ivy was asking. She looked across at Jane and he was looking down. Ivy gave his hand a squeeze.
"I know you don't believe in such things as an afterlife, but what would it hurt, just incase you are wrong. I will definitely be searching them out I dying to meet your wonderful family - ooops pardon the pun, even in my weakened state a still have it"
Jane looked at Ivy once more
"Always my dear."
"Will you humour your old friend Handsome"
Jane almost imperceptibly nodded his head. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath composing himself. He then opened them
"Tell them I'm sorry and that I love and miss them everyday."
Ivy smiled fondly at Jane
"I know you do. Anything else?"
Jane'e eyes are glistening
"Tell them...when it's my turn I want the biggest hug ever and until then I'm trying..."
Ivy patted his hand.
"I know you are and you will succeed and find happiness again Patrick."
Ivy turns to Lisbon
"Take good care of him - he will be worth it."
"Good bye handsome and thank you for being a good friend"
Ivy smiles and closes her eyes.
