Saturday
October 8th 2011
6:00 p.m.
No rain.

- There was general relief this morning when he police announced that they've found Shaun Mars alive – explained reporter Glen Sanders from the TV screen – more than four days after his disappearance. Mars has been imprisoned in a well by the man known as the Origami Killer. The successful resolution of the case was made possible only by the bravery of Ethan Mars, who the police believed at one point to be the Killer. It is no doubt due to his great courage and tenacity that he succeeded foiling the plans of the Origami Killer. The police commissioner presented him with an official apology today. A special thanks should also be given to Norman Jayden, and FBI profiler, and sergeant Jennifer Lebowski who were the only ones in the police force who believed in Ethan Mars' innocence and, along with a brave young journalist Madison Paige, discovered the real identity of the Killer. The Origami Killer turned out to be Scott Shelby, 48, a former police lieutenant who claimed to be a private eye hired by the families of the killer's victims. Shelby was killed during a massive police operation, but further details has not yet been released to the public.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

After the events in the old warehouse Jennifer has been transported to the hospital. She passed out halfway through the ride and didn't wake up until 5 p.m. the next day. By the time she came around her arm was all casted up and her back wound stitched once more. The doctor explained to her how close she was to death when she got here and that it took an immense blood transfusion from Ethan to keep her alive. Upon being asked where Norman is he responded that the FBI agent was told by his superiors to go back to Washington, but he asked him to tell her he'll be back as soon as he could.

When she got out there was no end of journalists trying to get her to talk about the case and she had a hard time disposing of them. She also received invitations to numerous social events and at least three talk shows, one of them being the prestigious Let's Talk Tonight, where she would be appearing alongside Norman. The young profiler even appeared on the cover of Today's World Magazine. She, him, Ethan and Madison were all proclaimed national heroes.

After the whole truth about the Origami Killer and the investigation has been revealed, both captain Perry and Carter Blake were suspended, with the latter soon send to prison for abusing his power as a police officer, corruption, barbaric methods and sexual harassment. Jennifer couldn't be more satisfied.

After things settled down a little she got to properly meet Madison Paige and listen to all she's managed to find out about the Killer during her investigation. She had to admit, Scott Shelby's story was really tragic and touching and helped her understand his motives and the orchid-origami ritual. She didn't think it justified his murders in any way, but still she couldn't help but pity him a little. Especially since she knew what it felt like to be unloved by her own family. He was a poor, sick man who needed a serious psychological help he clearly never received.

Her meeting with Ethan was very emotional. Now that everything was over they could rekindle their friendship and truly catch up after all the years they've been separated. He thanked her for believing in him and helping in finding his son, she thanked him for the time they've spent together in high school and the blood transfusion. Then she told him her life story with all the details, all the things she's kept hidden from him in fear that he'd reject her. He on the other hand told her all about the trials he had to go through and how the Killer revealed him to be the inspiration for his murderous quest of finding a father who'd save his son. She could feel he wasn't comfortable talking about it and that it would remain a touchy topic for years if not the rest of his life. They decided not to bring it up again. They both wanted to forget about the past days nightmare and start anew. Especially him. Jennifer was happy to hear that he planned on moving out somewhere with Shaun and Madison, who she discovered developed a romantic relationship with Ethan.

She however wasn't sure what to do with her life. She wanted to make a change, that's for sure, but what kind of change? So many things has changed already. Nothing in her life would truly be the same anymore. And now, that the storm was over and everything was calmer she started wondering how wide the gap between what she should do and what she wanted to do would be. So she started with what she felt she should've done a long time ago. The evening after meeting with Ethan she wrote a letter to her mother, telling that she forgave her for not being there for her when she needed it, and thanking for the few happy childhood years she gave her, but stating that she'll still stand by her decision of never seeing her again. It wasn't easy to write all of these words but after throwing the envelope in the mailbox, Jennifer felt somewhat relieved and refreshed. Like something heavy and crushing was dropped from her back and she could feel light and free again. Like she cut herself off from something, some chapter of her life that was now closed and could finally be left behind. She only hoped that was the only thing she'd have to leave behind now.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Tuesday
October 18th 2011
Midday.
No rain.

Norman Jayden entered the police station, looking around. All of the people looked really busy even though the last week couldn't have been calmer. Yet it seemed that dealing with an aftermath of closing a case could sometimes be as big as the case itself.
Not wanting to waste any more time, he tapped the nearest person on the shoulder and asked:
- Excuse me, do you know where I can find Jennifer Lebowski?
- Yes, she's right there behind her desk.
He followed the officer's pointed finger with his gaze and indeed found Jennifer sitting behind Blake's former desk and typing away with one hand on the computer. Her other hand was in a plaster cast, which was something new to him. They wouldn't let him into the room they were treating her in the hospital and later he had to leave before he had any chance to see her. He felt horrible about it.
He approached her from behind, making sure she wouldn't see him and just as he was standing close enough for her to feel his presence he said:
- I'm looking for lieutenant Lebowski, have you seen him? – he asked, parodying the first words he's ever spoken to her. She immediately spun around on her swivel chair and a bright smile appeared on his face, the one he haven't seen in a while.
- Norman! – she shouted happily, pulling him into a one armed hug. Then realizing his joke, pinched him playfully – Ha, ha, ha. Very funny.

Jennifer was really happy to see Norman again. Happy and nervous. Because now, that they were reunited it was time for a very important question to be asked: what next?
- Congratulations on your promotion. – he said with a smile. She looked down at the golden watch on her right wrist.
- Thank you. That watch will haunt me for the rest of my life probably. – she chuckled slightly – I heard you have a promotion coming for you as well.
He tried to shrug it off, but she could see he was proud. They both were serious about their jobs after all. He then turned to her and said more seriously:
- Listen, Jen, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you woke up.
- It's okay, I understand. – she responded – Orders are orders. I was a bit lonely, that's true, but Ethan and Madison were keeping me company.
- I still feel horrible though. – he said. She just shook her head.
- There's no need to. – she said and kissed him on the lips. He returned the kiss and Jennifer felt a wave of serenity going through her. When they parted, Norman's gaze turned serious again.
- Listen, I've been thinking…
- I don't want you to sacrifice anything just to be with me.
He looked puzzled.
- What do you mean?
- I mean that you have the job you love in Washington and I know it's very important for you.
- Not as important as you though.
She shook her head.
- I've been thinking too. And I realized you have your life there and I have my life here. You can't simply combine it just like that.
- Are you saying… - he started but didn't finish, his face turning from puzzlement to hurt.
- I've made my decision, Norman.

Those words were like a sentence to him. He wanted to ask her if there was any possible way for them to be together, but it seemed that she wasn't interested in it at all. Her words hurt him very deeply. He wouldn't have a grudge against her, he wouldn't be capable of doing that, but he felt… broken. He didn't know why she thought they shouldn't be together. Was it because they've known each other for less than two weeks? Maybe she was scared of something? Maybe he didn't want to know. No, he wanted to know, that's why when he saw Jennifer's mouth open to speak again he listened intently.
- I'm resigning from the police and coming with you to Washington.
At first he thought he misheard something so he looked at her puzzled. But then the meaning of her words downed on him and his eyes went wide. She must've misinterpreted his expression because she quickly added:
- If you want me to of course…
But Norman didn't have to think twice if he wanted her or not.
- Are you kidding? Of course I'd want you to come. But I thought… I thought what you said earlier meant you wanted us to split. – he then furrowed his brows realizing something. – Wait. But what about your job? I mean, what about your promotion and your life here? I don't want you to give up your dreams for me too.
She shook her head.
- I'm fed up with all this for now. Ever since I can remember I've been either running or chasing after someone. I've had enough. I need to lead something like a normal life.
- But I thought you said you couldn't leave the police.
- I've spoken with the new captain and send a letter to the commissioner. They said they'd arrange something.
Norman was beyond happy hearing her words. But still he was slightly concerned.
- Have you really thought this through? You know, a career like that is not rebuilt easily. Is this really the best thing for you?
- It may not be what I should do, but it certainly is what I want to do. I'm done thinking. Back at the warehouse when I was seconds from death I remember thinking about how my life was just a big police chase with me on either the chased or the chasers' side. I want a change. I've got too close to everything recently. I need to step back and just… enjoy myself.
Norman understood her perfectly. He wasn't surprised she felt that way. After all she had way more adrenaline in her life than most of the women her age, no wonder she wanted to feel normal for some time. He hugged her and she returned the gesture.
- I hope this will work out for you. – he said.

Friday
October 20th 2011
2:05 p.m.
No rain.

- All packed up and ready to go?
- Almost, here, these are the last bags.
They were in front of her apartment building. And not just her and Norman, Ethan, Madison and Shaun were there too. They've come to say goodbye to her and help her with packing and carrying her things. After all she was still recovering from her injuries.
- Well, I guess that's it. – said Norman, closing the trunk of his car. – We're good to go.
Jennifer turned around to face her old and new friends. First she walked up to Madison and shook her hand warmly.
- It was really great meeting you. I hope we can chat sometimes and get to know each other a little better. – she said and smiled.
- I hope so too. – she responded and also smiled. Then Jennifer turned to Ethan. Instead of shaking his hand she hugged him warmly.
- Good luck to you Ethan. – she said – I hope everything works out just fine and that all three of you will be happy.
He returned the hug.
- Good luck to you too, Jennifer. And thank you.
The parted and Jennifer made her way towards Shaun. She crouched before him and smiled warmly at him. She couldn't describe how happy she was to see the little kid alive. She managed to fulfil her promise, she saved her friend's son from the Origami Killer. She guessed she treated Shaun somehow like her own child and she was sure the latest events only strengthened this bond.
- Now Shaun, take care of your daddy, alright? Because I know he's going to take good care of you.
He smiled at her brightly.
- I will. - he said and Jennifer patted his head. Then she got up, said her last farewells, waved her hand a little more and got into the car. As the vehicle started moving, she breathed in deeply, feeling like some giant weight was lifted off her chest. It was a feeling of coming change, a positive one. She felt like a new-born person, like something really fresh and weightless. And she adored that feeling.
- I think I'm in love with you, Norman. – she said not really thinking before opening her mouth. She saw him looking at her in shock and immediately regretted saying this. Love is a big word. It shouldn't be said too soon. But even though she knew Norman for a short period of time she was sure that what she felt on her side was love. A really strong bond that made her think that she's known the man all her life even though she didn't. But she wasn't sure what his way of thinking was. She was about to begin explaining herself when she heard him respond:
- And I think I'm in love with you, Jennifer.
It was shocking for her to hear. She looked at him. There was a gentle kind of smile on his face. Did he mean it? Wasn't it all to early? Perhaps he's only said that not to hurt her feelings. But whatever the cause was, she was glad he said it.
The ride continued and Jennifer wondered where would this road take them. Where would this road take her. She still had her doubts, her attitude towards life didn't allow her to ever be fully sure of anything, but either way she hoped that whatever awaits her in Washington it will be something positive. She decided she'd make sure it would be. Maybe after she lives her life as a free human being a little she'd join the ranks of FBI? Yeah, that'd be nice. A family wouldn't be bad too. It's been so long since she's had anything close to a family. And now that she had Norman she saw a new chance for herself. She saw new chances everywhere.
And her goal was to take each of that chances and use it.
She deserved that.

Author's Notes: So, this is it, huh? The end of the story. I've been working on it for some time, it's weird to have it finally done... But then again, I'm thinking of writing a sort of spin-off that would tell what would happen to Jennifer, Norman and others if they made some different choices through the course of the events. After all, Heavy Rain wouldn't be Heavy Rain if it didn't have multiple endings for each of the characters, not always happy ones... ;)
Either way, tell me what you think. I'm waiting for the reviews! :) And if you have some interesting heavy rain fanfics as well, don't hesitate! I'll be glad to read them! :)