Chapter 10
Mary, Casey's mom, is there with her. Mary hands Jane a tissue. The elevator moves down, and Mary talks quickly, knowing that there is not much time before the window of opportunity closes and the detective bolts through open doors. "Jane, please do not judge him too harshly. I know he really likes you. One reason, I'm sure, he hopes this operation will succeed. "Jane goes to speak, but Mary raises her hand. "I will keep in touch, if you like, we have your number. Jane, I know you have waited long and its frustrating, please be patient. He will contact you when he is ready."
The elevator doors open and Jane exits. She turns to Mary, "I don't know if I can wait, Mrs Jones. I'll be in touch." She turns and heads to Maura's room. Mary shakes her head as the doors close. As Jane quickly strides down the corridor, she heard hurried footsteps behind her. She turns to see her mom, rolling her eyes and heading back down the corridor, she rasps, "And no, Ma, I don't want to talk about it". By the time she reaches Maura's room, her mom has caught up to her.
Constance is sitting by Maura's bed with their hands intertwined. Jane leans on the doorway watching. Constance senses the Rizzoli presence and turns. "Hello Jane, Angela," she says.
Jane, still a bit embarrassed about the "I love you" scene, nervously fidgets before letting a strained, "Hi," come out and brings her eyes to meet Constance.
Constance smiles. "Jane, dear, would you like to sit with Maura a while?" The detective smiles shyly and mumbles, "Yes please." As Constance rises and exits the room, she grabs Janes hand as she enters.
"Jane, I know you care for Maura deeply. She has a good friend in you. Jane, remember when you told me she was your best friend and that you were protective of her?" Jane meets her eyes and nods while chewing on her lip. "Don't be ashamed of loving your friend, and tell her. She loves you, too. I can tell." At that, Constance squeezes Janes hand and leaves the room with Angela.
Jane once again takes the chair next to Maura. She grasps Maura's hand. "Hey buddy, I'm here." Jane says as she stares at Maura's face. Suddenly her eyes open and Jane is staring into gentle hazel eyes.
"Hey," Maura whispers.
"Hey back," whispers Jane. The two friends just stare at one another with hands intertwined.
Jane breaks the silence, "Okay, Doctor, you officially scared the crap out of me."
Maura weakly smiles, "Sorry."
Jane grins. "Well, I intend to be mad at you for that when you're better, and don't do that again! No more kidney donations for you."
Maura furrows her brow, "Actually, that could not happen, see I only have one kidney left and without that one …."
Jane laughs and rolls her eyes. I'm making a point! God, woman, you are SO literal!" Maura still looks at Jane with a furrowed brow.
"Okay, and that point is?" Maura responds.
Jane rubs her face with her free hand, takes a deep breath, and looks Maura in the eye. "Here's the thing. Uh - ah you and I have been through a lot together, and you have been there for me, and I've been there for you. I'm really bad at this." Her free hand rubs her face and combs through her hair before continuing, "Maura, remember you said that you didn't want anything to harm our friendship and that you, well, said - ah - you loved me?" Maura nods with querying look on her face. "Well," Jane continues as her posture stiffens, "me, too". She sits up straight and gestures a "that's that" with her hand.
Maura shakes her head "'Me, too' what, Jane?"
Jane throws her head back and rolls her eyes. "You're going to make me say it!" She rasps before bringing her eyes back to Maura. "I love you, Maura, and this whole thing has made me see it. We are like sisters, ya know."
Maura smiles and squeezes Janes hand. She knew how much it took for her brave detective to tell her her feelings.
"Uh, Jane," Maura teases as Jane's eyes fly open and she feigns anger throwing her hand in the air.
Okay, gross. No mushy stuff, Doc." They both look at each other and laugh.
At that point Jane sees a figure in the doorway. Jane can't believe her eyes as she stares at the figure and assumes a protective stance.