Doctor Detective Soldier Heroes
Chapter 9
"Then into my life waltzes another amazing woman, you"
Abby blushed at Jane's words and smile, looking away for a moment as I looked on, a sick feeling growing in the pit of my stomach, as Jane spoke again.
"Abby, I think you're really incredible, I could so easily love you, you're everything I've looked for in someone, kind, strong, determined, independent, caring and one hell of a woman. I can see us living together, laughing at the world and you convincing me to go bungy jumping or something equally stupid, I could see us waking up together, we could be incredible" She shrugged as Abby blushed to her hair roots.
"I've seen enough of your body to know that it's pretty amazing. I'm not scared of your scars; god knows I have enough of my own. I really could love you; I'm already halfway there now"
Abby looked away from Jane for a moment, staring down at her coffee cup as she obviously got her emotions under control before dragging her eyes up to meet Jane's, the sadness in her voice palpable.
"But you're not are you?" Jane frowned, obviously looking for the right words. Finally she spoke.
"Honestly, no, not yet; I thought Maura was straight and not interested, if you'd asked me out I would have said yes in a heartbeat, I'd already thought about you, god knows you're gorgeous enough that any man or woman would be honoured to be with you" Jane shrugged. "The thought of being with you, well it was getting to the point that if you hadn't asked, I might have" I could see hope and disappointment warring in Abby's eyes and my heart went out to her.
"The honest truth is that I'm already in love with someone very special, while falling in love with someone equally special. If Maura hadn't come clean today, I'd probably be dating you sooner rather than later, but it'd be because you're you, not as some substitute or surrogate" Jane grimaced, she could see the hurt in both women's eyes. No matter what she said she was going to hurt someone she cared about a lot.
"Abby, the only reason I can't date you is that Maura was in my heart first. I love her and she means everything to me" My heart leapt at her words, as I desperately tried not to shout out loud in joy, before I suddenly realised what Jane's words were doing to Abby.
"You mean almost as much to me, even though we've only known each other for a few months, you're remarkable Abby, someone very special and deserve someone who loves you as much as you truly deserve" Abby's hazel eyes were full of sadness, something we could both clearly see.
"That's not you though, is it?" Jane grimaced, she could see she was hurting Abby and it was obviously painful, as much to Jane as it was to Abby. I knew Jane, she hid it well, but under the persona she showed the world was a woman with a big heart, a woman who cared.
"No, it's not me, my heart belongs to Maura, you deserve someone whose heart belongs completely to you, you're no one's substitute Abby, you deserve to be loved by someone who gives you the total devotion you deserve" I could see Abby's eyes start to fill with tears, causing something within me to clench.
Not only was Abby Jane's friend, she was mine as well, to see her in such distress and to know I had partially caused it was wrenching. Surprising me though, Abby demonstrated some of the same courage that had served her so well on the battlefield, wiping her eyes once and sitting back. To my astonishment she even smiled.
"I'm happy for you Jane. If it can't be me making you happy, then I'm glad it's Maura, she loves you, she has for years" I looked at Abby, understanding the effort these words were costing. Standing Abby stood there, looking down at us. "I'm gonna go now…"
"Not so fast" Jane spoke as she stood. "You don't get to run Abby" She stood there and held her arms open in invitation. "I have two extraordinary women in my life, I don't wanna lose you; I can't lose you" They practically fell into each other's arms as I slid my way out of the booth to join them. I stood there for a moment, hearing them murmuring to each other, too low to hear what was being said, though from the fierceness of the hug they were sharing I could imagine some of it.
Finally they moved apart and stood there, both working hard to keep their emotions in check. I stepped a little closer and carefully laid my hand on her arm.
"Abby, you are my friend too, I'm sorry…" I was suddenly swept up in a crushing hug, one I returned, as she whispered in my ear.
"Take care of her Maura…and if you ever hurt her…" I nodded unconsciously.
"I will, she means everything to me" Abby nodded once and stepped back, letting me go. She looked at Jane again and forced a smile.
"Well I'll leave you two, I have things to do, places to be" With another nod, she turned and walked away, leaving us there, my hand unconsciously seeking out Jane's for support as we both felt bereft.
As Abby disappeared through the door of the café Jane turned to me and I could see the same question in her eyes as I was sure she saw in mine, 'what have we done?'
