A/N: Quick notes cause this chapter and the next, which I have already written and sent to my new beta, are super crazy long. This chapter is mostly a set up for the next several chapters. Don't worry the chapter after next is the sex chapter so...look forward to that! I was thinking I'd write that one chapter under an M rating but not post it as part of this actual story so I don't have to change the rating of the entire story. I'd still make this flow, just absent all the really dirty stuff! Let me know what you think...I don't know what to do about it! Anyway...I got nominated for two rizzles for this piece...smiles...vote for me at ,rizzle awards at word press dot net, if you like the story. Sorry about how long this chapter is...the next one is way longer! Enjoy and review please! Luv you guys! And with all that being said...here we go!
Jane
"In the future...we should probably take Franklin Thomas to doggy day care before our home inspections," Maura said next to me in the hospital emergency waiting room while she held an ice pack over my eye.
Maura, James, Consuela and I were all sitting in the waiting room holding ice to various injured parts of our bodies. James hadn't said much since the disaster happened, he was sitting with an angry pout on his face and an ice pack down his pants. Both he and Consuela had knots on their heads from colliding into each other earlier. Consuela was flip-flopping between moaning in agony about her back and cursing Claire whom she now considered to be a worse devil than Franklin Thomas. Maura at least seemed to have regained her senses...thank goodness for that. I wish she'd had her senses about her an hour ago and maybe we all wouldn't be stuffed into the crowded emergency room moaning randomly in pain and shaking our heads with the horrible memories of the day.
"I hate that fucking dog!" James hissed from his seat on the other side of Maura.
Both of James' hands were down his trousers holding the ice pack against his privates. When the four of us first hobbled into the emergency room everyone in the waiting area went quiet and just stared at us. James had to hobble awkwardly with his legs spread wide and both his hands down his pants holding the icepack in place and he hissed and wailed with every step he took. Consuela walked in beside him bent over and shuffling her feet across the floor oddly never actually taking real steps. Maura walked in with me holding the icepack over my eye and trying to dissuade my lingering fury and debilitating hopelessness. My elbow was wrapped in ice and hung limply in a sling Maura made for me. Even the nurses at the triage station looked at us wide-eyed and wondering. All of our clothes were stained and twisted and our faces were tight with pain and frustration. Now we all sat in a corner looking weary with physical and mental exhaustion.
"He's just a puppy James...but I am sorry" I sighed heavily.
"Evil Diablo dog try and eat James man parts! And he try and kill me! Why he not try and eat silly social worka woman, that at least be fair." Consuela moaned.
"My nuts feel like they're going to pop! I probably have rabies of the dick or something!" James cried.
"James, Franklin Thomas has been vaccinated, he's just...he's just bad!" I shook my head remembering all the havoc he caused!
"El DIABLO!" Consuela hissed all hunched in her chair.
"Can we lay off FT for a little while? We've all got a lot more to worry about than a puppy." I said sadly.
"That's easy for you to say. It wasn't your dick being chewed on like a doggy bone! Thomas the tank will never be the same!" James hissed at me fixing me with his most loathsome glare.
"Who the fuck is Thomas the tank?" I asked incredulously.
James' face turned the brightest of red.
"It's my...it's what my wife calls my penis!" James mumbled.
I burst out laughing.
"You call your dick Thomas the TANK!" I cracked
James glared at me hard.
"I have three kids and I've only been married five years. My wife calls my penis the little engine that could." James said, his face turning almost purple.
"Well you and Franklin Thomas have something in common. You share a name...maybe he was just trying to get friendly with his namesake!" I burst out laughing again.
James looked like he would have kicked me if he wasn't in so much pain. He looked pathetic sitting there holding his man parts and whimpering randomly. I felt awful for him, but I felt awful for all of us. Something would have to be done about FT. It was unseemly for him to go around chewing on men's testicles.
"James, I'll take care of your medical bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering, but what are we going to do now? The inspection was a disaster!" Maura wailed.
James rolled his eyes and adjusted the icepack down his pants.
"What exactly did you tell that woman Maura?" James grumbled.
Maura's face went all guilty again and she looked like she wanted to cry. I hoped she wouldn't start that again. Two beers wasn't enough to refuel my reserves of patience I'd spent trying to get Maura to act normal in front of the social worker. I wanted to take a large sleeping pill and forget this whole thing ever happened. I'd never escape this reality though; very likely my reality was about to turn into something even more horrible and hellish than it was currently. What Maura said to the social worker about me was awful. But Maura was always awkward, hot-tempered, and often said things that were inappropriate at the worst of times. I knew deep down she'd only been trying to stand up for me. I did wish Maura could figure out how to stand up for me without plunging us into a world of chaos.
"I told her..."
"What on Earth has happened to all of you?" Addison Montgomery asked suddenly appearing in front of us with wild eyes and a curious expression.
I can only imagine what she thought of the four of us sitting in that waiting room; all of us with some sort of stain on our clothing and random injuries all over our bodies.
"It's...it's a long story!" I mumbled.
Addison just stared at us a few moments longer.
"All of you come back with me now; you look like the four freaking stooges!" Addison hissed.
It was with much moaning and groaning and curses under our breath that we finally made it to our feet and started our parade of damaged bodies behind Addison.
"So...let me get this straight," Addison said leaning heavily on the counter in the private hospital room Maura and I were hustled into earlier.
I just got back from radiology. Consuela and James were in separate rooms somewhere having their wounds attended too. Maura told Addison the entire story of how we actually met and what happened with the social worker earlier in the morning. Addison listened to the story with her jaw hanging open most of the time and her green eyes bright with disbelief.
"You two met through an escort agency?" Addison squeaked in a high-pitched frantic voice.
I sighed heavily about to respond but Maura cut me off.
" It was Jane's first time and anyway we haven't had sex Addison. Jane and I are just dating!" Maura said angrily.
Why was the woman so testy about the subject of my past profession? My being a whore seemed to inflame Maura beyond reason. Besides it was she that told Addison the whole story...not me! What did Maura expect? That people would roll out the red carpet and bust out the welcome wagon for a whore?
Addison seemed taken aback by the viciousness of Maura's tone. She just stared between us with blinking eyes for a few moments before she spoke again.
"So...does the social worker know that?" Addison asked incredulously.
"No...maybe...I dunno! We didn't really get a chance to explain." I sighed.
"So the social worker is writing up a report about the whole thing...and all that crazy stuff happened right in front of her?" Addison said frowning and shaking her head.
"Yup," I said lying back on the examination table.
"That guy James' testicles are a mess. They look like purple peaches!" Addison exclaimed "And your maid is a mess too...she's going to need rest for weeks. Your elbow is going to be OK, your eye too but it still looks awful. You need to alternate heat and ice all day long. As far as this situation with the social worker; I'm going to write DCS myself. I've seen you with Angela, I know how much she means to you, Jane. I've seen you with her too, Maura. However crazy and ridiculous I think this is, Angela is very lucky to have two people like you guys to care for her and I'll say that in my letter. You two need to get yourselves and your people home and take it easy for the rest of the day.." Addison sighed heavily.
"Would you really do that for us Addison? Would you really write a letter on our behalf to DCS?" Maura's eyes were wide with excitement and gratefulness.
Addison's expression softened into a sympathetic smile. She was very pretty with her red hair and green eyes and white coat over her stylish clothes. She reminded me of Maura only taller and less socially awkward.
"Of course I will, Maura. And I'm doing it as much for Jane as for you! No parents are perfect, but I've seen far worse than the two of you; despite the circumstances under which you met. That's what friends are for Maura, to have each other's back when the proverbial shit hits the fan." Addison smiled.
I was floored. This could be just what Maura and I needed to help us through this nightmare. Addison, being Angela's doctor and a well-respected medical professional and Maura's long time friend could sway DCS to not take further action against us for the time being at least. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. I wanted to run into Addison's arms, sweep her into a hug and plant kisses all over her cheeks but Maura beat me to it. Maura flew into Addison's arms almost knocking over the red-head. I was taken aback by Maura's display of affection. Maura didn't display that much affection toward me most of the time. I mean she kissed me, mostly in private, and cuddled me, also mostly in private, but never anything like this. Maura was practically drenching Addison's clean white coat in tears and was trembling with her sobs. Addison's eyes went wide for a few moments then she smiled and wrapped her long arms around Maura in return smiling as she did so.
"Thank you so much Addison! This means the world to me. I-I-I'm so sorry I never gave you a chance all those years ago. I was cold and distant and you were so wonderful and full of light. I didn't think I deserved someone like you in my life, even now; you're such a special person. I hope you find someone to make you as happy as you deserve to be!" Maura whispered in Addison's ear.
I don't know why, I don't know how or where it came from, but I suddenly felt a storm of jealousy rip through me. I was grateful to Addison, don't get me wrong, but what the hell was Maura talking about as far as her not giving Addison a chance all those years ago? What did that mean? Did Addison secretly have a thing for Maura? Could they once have been lovers? What did Maura mean she didn't think she deserved Addison? Addison was for all intents and purposes perfect for Maura. She was well-educated, had a bright shining career, she was beautiful and fit perfectly in Maura's world. I stick out like a sore thumb in Maura's elite company. Why didn't Maura think she deserved all that Addison had to offer? What was so special about me? Or was Maura only settling for a whore because she thought she didn't deserve better even though Addison was what she really wanted? Watching the two women embrace right in front of me made me feel empty inside. I felt my stomach drop. I felt my chest burn with sadness and self loathing. I felt my eyes stinging with tears. Maura was saying something else to Addison; she was speaking softly into the woman's ear. I felt the urge to run, I had to get the hell out of there. I scooted off the exam table and dressed quickly slipping out of the room before either of the woman noticed. Not that they seemed at all concerned for me in that moment. They were so busy in their embrace they didn't have time left to concern themselves with me.
I walked mindlessly down the hallway and caught the elevators up to the infant ward. I found Angela's room and sat down in a chair next to her bed and pulled her into my arms. Angela was still mildly sedated, she still had the feeding tube, but her esophagus was healing nicely now. Addison said they'd take the feeding tube out Thursday and monitor her overnight, if everything went well Angela could come home Friday. I'd been so elated when I heard that I started crying uncontrollably. Maura had to pull Addison from the room to get the rest of the information because I hadn't been able to calm down enough to hear anything else that was said to me. I'd just been so happy. I wanted to take Angela home more than anything. I wanted to bathe her, feed her, read to her, play with her, cuddle her; I wanted to do everything outside of this damn hospital. I'd promised Angela a better life and I wanted her to have it sooner rather than later, and the first step was taking her home.
But now as I sat with my daughter in my arms I just felt so lonely for some reason. Actually, I knew the reason. She was about 5' 10" with gorgeous green eyes, long red hair, a million degrees, and all the class and sophistication in the world. I couldn't be angry with Addison, not outright. She was the only reason Angela was still alive, well she and Maura together. They did make quite a team. Together I don't think there is anything they couldn't accomplish. But seeing Maura in Addison's arms hurt me. How long before Maura realized that she could have Addison if she wanted? How long before Addison remembered why she wanted Maura so long ago? I couldn't blame Addison, Maura was beautiful, sweet, and funny even though she didn't realize she was being funny most of the time. But at this point, losing Maura would kill me. I wanted her, I wanted to be hers and her to be mine. I wanted Maura with all her imperfections and silly quirks! I wanted her despite the fact that she drove me crazy half the time, coddled me like a child far to often, and pampered me like a princess despite my most desperate protestations.I wanted her hugs and even her tears to be only for me. I wanted to be the only woman in her bed ever again and all I had to offer, I wanted to offer only to her.
But what did I have to offer Maura? What did I have to give her she couldn't get from someone else...someone better...someone more her class and her style? How long before Maura became weary of the drama I brought into her life and tired of me? How long before I lost my luster? Or did I ever have any luster at all? Did Maura just feel sorry for me and feel obligated to see me through my darkest night? Does she really care for me or am I...am I just all she feels like she deserves for some strange reason? Those thoughts ran through my head over and over on a loop as I sat for many long minutes with my daughter in my arms. Every now and then a tear would fall down my cheek and land silently on Angela's little body. I didn't want to cry, I wanted to be strong, I wanted to pretend like I wasn't hurting so badly inside. I just couldn't escape the pain, I couldn't get the image of Maura in Addison's arms from my head no matter how hard I tried. Even Angela wasn't enough to keep the waves of self loathing from washing over me and settling deep in my heart. I didn't notice that I wasn't alone in the room anymore. I didn't feel Maura approach me from behind. I didn't see her curious almost hurt expression. I didn't notice how frantic her eyes looked. I didn't see a lot of things. I was too wrapped up in myself to look beyond my pain.
"Jane, I've been looking for you everywhere." Maura exclaimed right behind me.
I jumped. I was so startled. I hurriedly wiped my eyes and looked over my shoulder to see Maura there. Her eyes were wide and she looked a bit panicked. I don't know why but I felt myself growing angry.
"Why were you looking for me everywhere? Didn't you know I'd be with my daughter?" I spat turning back around and looking down at Angela's sleeping form in my arms.
Maura was silent for a few moments. Then I felt her fingers run through my hair softly several times and a sigh escape her mouth.
"Everything is going to be OK Jane. You're going to take Angela home Friday and this DCS nightmare is going to be settled. Addison has been a friend for a long time, she's well respected and her letter will go a long way with DCS. I thought you'd be happy." Maura said softly still running her fingers through my hair.
Normally the gesture would have comforted me, normally I would fall into Maura's touch and feel safe and desired by it. This time though it made me feel pathetic and sad like Maura was coddling me again. Maura didn't touch Addison like that, Maura fell into Addison like I always fell into Maura and it made me feel furious and worthless.
"That's, that's nice." was all I said.
I heard Maura sigh again.
"Jane I'm so sorry about the home inspection. I was just so nervous and everything got so out of hand. I couldn't figure out what to say without James there to filter for me. I lost myself in my emotions. But know that it was fear more than anything that made me react so badly. I was afraid of saying something to hurt you or Angela. I tried Jane, but the stress and the pressure of lying made me fall apart. I've never held a living persons future in my hands in such a way; especially not someone I care for so deeply! I promise next time I'll be stronger for you. I know you needed me to be better than I was and I failed you. I'm so sorry Jane," Maura pleaded with me desperately.
"Sure Maura," I sighed offhandedly.
I shook my head slightly pulling away from Maura's fingers running through my hair. I didn't bother to look back and notice how hurt Maura was by my actions. When had I become so needy and possessive? I'd never been like this in my entire life. Maura scooted another chair next to me and sat down. She was silent for a while as I held Angela in my arms.
"Consuela is going to stay with us in the guest room while she re-cooperates. I just spoke to her and apparently she's pulled several muscles in her back badly and damaged her sciatic nerve. It will be weeks of physical therapy before she's better. James is...well he showed me his injuries," Maura hung her head in shame.
"He will heal but he's going to be very uncomfortable for a while. I will send a dog trainer to work with you while I'm away. We must do all we can to see that Franklin Thomas doesn't repeat this behavior again! We have a baby coming home soon, things must be in order!" Maura sighed.
I perked up and looked over at Maura.
"Where are you going?" I asked curiously.
Maura gave me a heavy forced smile.
"Boston,"
"Aren't you on leave? Why do you have to go back?" I said sadly.
I was angry about Maura's embrace with Addison, but I didn't want her to leave again. I was lonely without her; even though we talked all the time when she was away. I felt my heart break all over again and my face fall in defeat. I wanted to cry. I wanted to rage at Maura over Addison and ask a million questions about their past, but the idea of being alone again without Maura was consuming my thoughts and my emotions. I wiped more tears from my eyes.
"There is an important case that requires my attention. I won't be gone long, I'll come back as soon as I can," Maura said leaning over and placing her hand on my arm to reassure me.
"But...but when are you leaving?"
"Thursday, I need to see to this as soon as possible so I can get back here with you and little Angela." Maura squeezed my arm lightly.
"THURSDAY!" I spat at her. "You're going to miss Angela coming home Friday!"
A sad pained look crossed Maura face. She looked weary for a few moments.
"I...I know I'm really sorry about that..." Maura started but I cut her off immediately.
"...Can't it wait? Don't you have a staff to take care of things while you're gone? Isn't that what you told me? You said you were free for six weeks! What's so important that they can't handle it without you?" I hissed angrily.
I would have raged at Maura but I couldn't with Angela in my arms. Maura looked extremely sad and uncomfortable under my furious gaze.
"Jane, it's a special case. My staff can't figure out how to properly process evidence I submitted for a cold case before I left and I need to fly back and do it myself." Maura pleaded.
"A COLD case, you're flying back and leaving me alone with Angela and Consuela to work a COLD case?" I asked incredulously.
"Jane please I need you to understand..."
"...Do you just not want to be here? Are you having second thoughts? If you don't want to do all of this, if I'm crowding your space and you just want to get away then say so...I-I'll leave you the hell alone. I don't need you, I'll figure it out myself like I always do." I spat viciously at Maura pulling my arm from under her hand roughly.
I don't know what came over me but I was so angry, and hurt, and now Maura was leaving me again. I didn't want to think about how selfish and unfair I was being. I was hurting like crazy inside at the thought of being without Maura; especially when Angela was coming home. I wouldn't cry though, not this time. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of my tears. My face burned with the effort of holding my tears within me. I bit my tongue to stop myself from continuing my rant. If I did continue talking I knew I'd end up screaming and Maura didn't deserve that. I couldn't scream with my baby in my arms anyway. I steeled my nerves, gritted my teeth, and sucked up my sadness and despair. If Maura wanted me gone then I'd be gone faster than she could say the word. I still had my apartment, I could leave her and never look back. I didn't bother to look over and see just how much my words hurt Maura. I didn't see the stunned horrified look on her face that was quickly replaced with pain and tears. I didn't see the way her hands trembled and her lips quivered. I didn't pay attention to the way her breath quickened and her face had fallen into an expression of the deepest hurt. I didn't see the way she tried to swallow the huge lump in her throat or the way she clutched at her heart as if I'd stuck a stake through it.
"Jane...how could you even think that? How could you say that to me after...after everything we've been through together? If I didn't care for you deeply, you and Angela both I wouldn't have bothered to go through so much on your behalf. I have never, ever cared so much for other people in my life. I've never wanted a woman as much as I want you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me! I'll never leave you, why do you want to leave me?" Maura sobbed quietly next to me.
I looked at her for a few moments. Both of her hands were over her face but I could still see the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her face was red and her voice was shrill and agonizing to hear. Her breath came in choking rapid waves and her entire body trembled with the ferocity of her suffering. The center of my chest exploded with guilt and grief. I was overcome with wave after wave of sympathy for Maura and fury with myself. Lashing out had been for so long my only way of protecting myself from emotional pain. But Maura was the sweetest most sincere person I'd ever met, even if she was weird beyond reason sometimes and I just didn't understand her half the time. But I understood this, I understood the pain in her face, and her voice, and her tears. I understood that I'd hurt Maura far more than she deserved and I was more the fool for my insolence.
"Maura, please don't cry I didn't mean to hurt you...I just don't understand why you have to leave to work a cold case! I wanted you to be here so we could bring Angela home together. I thought that's what you wanted also! I just...I'm sorry," I sighed laying Angela back in her tiny bed.
Maura was on her feet in an instant and slid her arms under Angela pulling my baby into her body. Maura was still crying softly but she cradled Angela gently in her strong arms. Maura smiled through her tears looking down at my daughter. She rocked Angela gently and brushed her cheek with her thumb. My heart melted. I couldn't stop it. I felt my selfish anger and my hurt fade away. The tears I'd tried so hard to choke back swelled in my eyes and ran down my cheeks. I felt my heart open and so much love pour out of me. How could I ever think Maura didn't care for me? The way she looked at Angela was the way my mother used to look at me so many years ago. There was nothing but love and the sweetest tenderness behind Maura's eyes as she cradled my child. I thought of how much my mother would have loved Maura. I thought of Maura at my family dinner table and how much light she would have added to every meal. I thought of the new life Angela now had with Maura as her...well as her daddy. What greater privilege did Angela have with the greatest person I'd ever known backing her up? How fortunate was she and I to be cared for so deeply by one so stong and so capable as Dr. Maura Isles?
I reached up and cradled Maura's face in my trembling hand. She looked up at me with eyes full of tears of her own. We stared at each other for a long moment nonverbally exchanging so many thoughts and unspoken feelings. Of all the hell we both experienced so far today, there wasn't a single person in the world I'd want by my side than the woman standing in front of me with my baby in her arms. I'd take all of Maura, even the hives and hysteria any day of the week. Even when Maura was falling apart she was still my constant. If it weren't for me trying to keep Maura together during the inspection I would have fallen apart myself. If it weren't for Maura, I wouldn't have to worry about home inspections at all because Angela would most likely be dead. If it wasn't for Maura I would still be caged with fear and regret and self loathing rather than being free to explore myself, the world, and Maura for all the wonderful that she was. I sighed and choked on my tears as I brushed a few loose strands of golden hair from Maura's beautiful face and looked right into her soft hazel orbs. She was so beautiful in that moment. Even though her clothes were rumpled and stained. Even though she looked exhausted and like she'd run through a fire, I loved Maura so much in that moment.
I didn't stop to think about it, I had nothing left to think about. I cradled Maura's face in both my hands leaned in and kissed her. I kissed her deeply, passionately. I kissed her like I had loved her forever. I closed my eyes and sighed softly against her lips. I felt Maura's mouth open willingly for me, I felt her fall into me, I heard her moan softly against my trembling lips. I felt her hand cradle my face and pull me deeper into the kiss. I felt my entire body shiver in excitement and hunger. My tongue savored the sweet taste of Maura's mouth, my lips took in her essence, loving her softness and strength. I wrapped my hands in her hair and pulled her head back slightly so I could kiss her harder. I loved being taller than her, I loved the way Maura had to look up at me when she kissed me, I loved the way the smaller woman's body quivered against my own. I loved the sound of the soft moans escaping her mouth. I loved the fire coursing through me, I loved the burning between my legs, I loved the juices that flowed out of me. I loved the way my heart felt light as a feather, I loved the way my spirit felt free and unburdened as it hadn't felt in so many long years. I loved kissing Maura...I loved her!
"Ahem," A throat cleared behind us.
I didn't break the kiss for a few moments. I was enjoying myself far too much and Maura didn't seem to be in any rush to part from my lips. I don't know if she heard the voice behind us at all. When I finally pulled away from her Maura's eyes remained closed and her breath remained unsteady for several seconds. It wasn't until I brushed her cheek with my thumb and whispered her name that she finally opened her sparking eyes and looked up at me with a blushing smile. I was lost in that smile; I couldn't turn my eyes away from her. She was just so beautiful to me all glowing and happy with my baby in her arms.
"Ahem," the throat cleared again.
We both jumped in shock when we saw Claire Haverty standing in the doorway of the hospital room staring wide-eyed at both of us.
"Oh shit." I thought.
"Miss Haverty...how are you?" Maura asked in a dangerous threatening tone. Only Maura could make a simple greeting sound like a battle cry!
Maura seemed to have done away with the nervous babbling she was reduced to earlier in front of Claire. She was all poise and strength again. Maura seemed to be taking her promise to pull herself together to heart. I was floored by the change in her demeanor. Three hours ago Maura had been a mess in the presence of this woman, now she stood straight-backed and square-shouldered radiating confidence. Maura stepped in front of me protectively, shielding me from whatever Claire was about to say. I couldn't see Maura's eyes anymore, her back was to me. I would bet all my money that Maura's eyes were emanating that cold 'I dare you' look they got sometimes when she was angry. I didn't bother speaking. I just nodded my head toward Claire and quickly moved to pull Angela out of Maura's arms. If she was about to start storming around again I didn't want her holding Angela while she did. Daddy did have quite the temper when pushed! I cradled Angela against my body tightly, I was terrified of what was to come.
Claire looked between the two of us with an unreadable expression before her eyes softened and she actually smiled. It was the first time I'd ever seen the woman smile. I wished she would smile more often, she actually didn't look so weary with a smile on her face.
"I received a call from a Dr. Addison Montgomery and a very...a very strongly worded letter through fax about an hour ago. I was told I could find you two here, my office is only a few blocks away and I thought I could stop by on my way to lunch." Claire said still smiling.
"What do you want now?" Maura spat.
I wish Maura didn't look like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey. Her protective vibes were filling up the room and making me uncomfortable...and worried. I moved to dissuade some of the tension Maura was causing. Between Maura and Franklin Thomas I felt like it was possible everyone I'd laid eyes on today would end up in a hospital bed!
"It's good to see you again Claire," I said stepping in front of Maura now.
I felt like it was Claire that needed protecting from Maura as verses me that needed protecting from Claire.
"What can we do for you? I'm sorry about how our last meeting turned out. I hope you don't judge us to harshly for all that!" I said nervously.
Claire only rolled her eyes a little.
"If all my home visits were that entertaining my job would be a lot less stressful." her smile widened.
If I didn't know better I would think Claire was trying to hold back laughter.
"I just wanted to apologize for accusing you, Dr. Isles, of any type of abuse. I've been watching you two for a while outside the room." Claire looked a bit ashamed now. A red blush crept up her cheeks.
"I can see that you both care for Angela and love her very much. You've provided a beautiful home and life for Angela when she's released from the hospital. Besides, your friends and even you housekeeper seem compelled to defend you two to the bitter end. It will be my recommendation to the court that you be allowed to proceed as you are. You'll still have to have the monthly home inspections to make sure everything is going smoothly but rest assured, I'll not be pursuing a case against you. I'll tell James the same thing before I leave. I just wanted you to hear it first and from me."
My heart leaped, I smiled down at Angela.
"You hear that baby girl? Everything is going to be OK!" I exclaimed excitedly.
Maura moved from behind me. She seemed to have relaxed her aggressive stance.
"We both appreciate that," Maura said shaking Claire's hand and escorting her from the room.
I sat with Angela another thirty minutes before Maura returned all smiles and bouncing with excitement.
"Well that's all cleared up. Are you ready to go home? Albert is already waiting for us with the dresses and suits for you to try on for tomorrow night!" Maura asked excitedly.
"WHAT!" I exclaimed.
I'd forgotten all about agreeing to go to that damn fundraising thingy.
"Yes Jane, I know you don't feel like going out and shopping so...Albert brought the stores to us. It will be fun." Maura said leaning over and pecking my stunned lips.
'I can't go to that thing looking like this! The left side of my face looks like a purple pumpkin!" I wailed.
Maura just smiled at me.
"You will always be beautiful, although cosmetics will go a long way as far as the discoloration of your face!" Maura sighed eyeing me sympathetically.
"I don't even know how to cover a bruise with makeup, I hardly ever wear it at all! I can't meet your mother looking like a drag queen or something," I protested.
I was starting to panic just thinking about tomorrow night. Maura just laughed.
"You could never look like a drag queen. Besides Albert will take care of your makeup and hair. You don't have to worry about all that! I can't wait to see what they brought for you to try on." Maura smiled, she was running her fingers through my hair again. I didn't bother pulling away this time. I liked the way it made me feel.
"Is...is Albert in the apartment alone right now with Franklin Thomas and a bunch of expensive clothing?" I said breathlessly.
I knew my eyes were wide with horror. Maura's eyes went wide too as she thought about what I said.
"We...we should probably leave now!"
Maura
"Why I need stay here with Diablo dog and you two love birds? You two always staring at the other with big puppy eyes and goofy grins. It make me sick! And evil Diablo be death of me!" Consuela wailed in her wheelchair in the elevator on the way back up to the apartment.
It had taken a great deal of persuading and patience, mostly on my part because Jane was a panicked mess about FT being alone with guest in the apartment, to get Consuela out of the hospital and back in the limo to bring her home. We'd dropped off James at his apartment building earlier. He hadn't done away with his angry pout the whole ride there but he seemed less furious by the time we hustled him back into his apartment and into the arms of his wife with furious apologies and sympathetic smiles. James at least had been given some nice pain killers and was swimmy eyed and light-headed by the time we got him home. I felt horrible about the nature of his injury, but the cream would help with the pain and the swelling and I'd write him a substantial check for his trouble.
"We are not love sick puppies Consuela." Jane hissed at her in feigned anger. "I think you're just jealous. If you weren't so mean you'd have someone too!" Jane teased.
I wasn't fooled anymore by the banter between the two of them. I heard Consuela raging at Claire earlier in defense of Jane's character, and I knew she would sneak Jane treats when I wasn't around. I'd even overheard Jane telling Consuela about her family and her daughter...some of which she hadn't even told me. Jane and Consuela secretly liked each other; they just had an odd way of showing it.
Consuela fixed Jane with her most hateful expression, "You evil like dog! Dis why dog so badly behave...it because you terrible motha! I teach you thing or two about being motha!" Consuela said haughtily.
"Don't be silly Consuela...you feed on the young and helpless! But you're no match for me...I'm spry and float like a butterfly!" Jane cracked throwing a piece of balled up paper at Consuela and dodging around the elevator teasingly.
Consuela cursed and tried to swat at Jane but Jane stepped out of the way leaving Consuela moaning and cursing in pain.
"OHHHH! You be death of me too!" She wailed.
"Oh...you've already got one foot in the grave old woman, I'm just helping you along!" Jane said slyly on the other side of me. I knew she was using my body as a shield against any further blows from Consuela.
"Both of you stop it, Consuela you need to rest and relax and Jane stop antagonizing her!" I sighed nudging Jane in the ribs with my elbow.
Jane gave me a pout in return.
"Owww," She exclaimed.
I rolled my eyes. "Don't be silly, that didn't hurt. I'm more worried about Franklin Thomas hurting Albert than I am about you right now!" I sighed heavily thinking about the chaos we were very likely to be stepping into...again!
"Oh...yeah let's hope FT wore himself out this morning and has passed out far away from Albert and the department store I'm sure he brought with him." Jane said nervously.
I couldn't have agreed with her more but at that moment the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Two loud voices could be heard talking excitedly somewhere in the apartment. I took a deep breath and wheeled Consuela out of the elevator and down the hallway with Jane close on my heels.
"OH my GOOOODNESSSS!" Albert said appearing in the hallway ahead of us with Franklin Thomas tucked under one arm and a glass of champagne in his free hand.
Both Jane and I stopped short staring at FT and Albert in shock. Franklin Thomas was licking at Albert's face in between barking at us excitedly. FT didn't let anyone but Jane and I hold him let alone carry him around. What on earth was happening in my apartment? Albert looked as eccentric as ever in a bright pink pair of slacks with white shoes and a pink and white polka-dotted shirt! He was even wearing pink lipstick and black eye liner. I looked over at Jane, she was standing with her mouth hanging open and her eyes were bulging in her head. Consuela looked much the same in her wheelchair. I don't know if they were more taken back by Albert's bizarre appearance or the fact that FT seemed to have taken a shine to him. Either way I knew this was not the scene anyone was expecting to walk into.
"Girl-FRIENDS!" Albert gasped clutching at his chest and staring at Jane and I wide-eyed and curious, "What has happened to you guys clothes? And Jane baby your EYE? OH girl we are going to have to fix that shit honey you cannot be walking around town looking like you got beat by a pimp! You three look like you've been to Iraq and back!" Albert said setting Franklin Thomas down and prancing up to Jane with fluttering dramatic hand gestures.
Franklin Thomas barked once and disappeared around the corner to find some mischief.
Jane seemed shocked into immobility.
"Oh...it's nothing it's just a little bump on the head," Jane said when Albert came up next to her staring right at the horrible bruise on her face with a disapproving frown.
"Oh no girlfriend. That shit is AW-ful! Dr. Isles you ain't been letting some fool beat on this beauty have you?" Albert exclaimed turning to me with pursed pink lips and wrapping his arm around Jane's waist.
Jane giggled before I could answer.
"Actually is was Maura that beat me up. She tried to kill me on a bike in the park!" Jane laughed.
I rolled my eyes. I'd rather that little tid bit stayed between us; but at least she was laughing about it. Jane had sulked since it happened; much to my dismay. Even so it was unseemly to say that I had beaten her, I didn't do it on purpose! I was just awfully clumsy at the best of times, even more so on a bike it seemed.
"Oh girl-FRIEND! Dr. Isles you ain't gotta beat her honey! Make loooove ladies not war!" Albert said hustling Jane down the hallway with snapping fingers and the dramatic twisting of his hips.
I sighed again and wheeled Consuela to the guest bedroom.
"Silly gay man love Miss Jane!" Consuela said as I helped her onto the bed after we both changed into something less stained and more comfortable.
"Yes I see that,"
"I think he love her more than you! He always saying how pretty she is," Consuela moaned as she lay back on the bed.
"Jane is very beautiful," I smiled at Consuela as I sat next to her on the bed.
Consuela smiled that hideous smile of hers and chuckled to herself.
"It good thing she pretty cause she have bad attitude,"
I grinned to myself.
"So do you Consuela," I said honestly.
Consuela looked up at me and studied me for a while.
"I see you hugging red-headed doctor in hospital. You make Miss Jane very sad! Why you no tell Miss Jane for yourself that she beautiful?" Consuela asked frowning at me.
I was taken aback by the question.
"I did, I've told her! How did I make her sad?" I inquired curiously.
What did I do to make Jane sad? I know she'd been awfully short with me in Angela's hospital room, even a little bit cruel, but I had no idea why. I thought it was because of how horribly I'd handled the home inspection. Jane had every right to be angry about that; but I wouldn't fail her in the same way again. I was ashamed actually of how badly that went. I couldn't have been any more hysterical and ridiculous all morning. Thank goodness for Addison and Consuela or the outcome might have been very different.
Consuela looked at me like I was a fly that needed swatting.
"You hugging pretty Doctor hurt Jane feelings. I see it for myself! Jane like to think she strong but inside she always hurting. You make Jane feel like she not good enough for you...even though dat silly! Jane best thing ever happened to you!" Consuela cackled.
I was stunned. That couldn't be true could it? Was Jane actually hurt about a simple hug between Addison and me? Could she actually feel threatened by Addison is some bizarre ridiculous way? Was that the reason she lashed out at me earlier?
"I never meant to hurt her Consuela. I didn't even think about it." I protested.
"Dat problem, you have big brain and you knowing many things, but you no think about feelings of others enough. It never matter before but now Jane your responsibility! You must be considerate." Consuela smiled closing her eyes and relaxing against the pillows.
I thought about Consuela's words for a while. She was right and I knew it. I'd never been concerned with emotions, my own or anyone else's. I had a lot to learn about love it seemed. At least I had Consuela to help me. I looked down at the older wiser woman and smiled taking her hand in my own. Consuela had worked for my family since I was a child; she knew me better than anyone else in the world. I cared for her and valued her opinion above most others.
"I wanted to say thank you Consuela for standing up for Jane to Claire earlier. I wasn't doing anyone any good and if it weren't for you...well things would have been a lot worse I think. You're a good friend." I smiled sincerely.
I really did mean it. I didn't have many people to call friends. Actually all the people I was close to were employees of mine or colleagues. I'd never had anyone I could introduce as my friend and compliment with an amusing story of how me randomly met. I just didn't make friends that way. But of all the people in my life, Consuela was my oldest and longest friend and acquaintance; she was far more than just an employee. I cared for her and she cared for me. Had it not been for Consuela, I might have been swallowed alive by my loneliness and despair. I owed her the respect of my attention and consideration of her opinion.
Consuela only chuckled and rolled her eyes.
"No need for thank you! I not let silly woman take Miss Jane's baby for silly reason. Besides, you would have told woman yourself what a fool she was...but you to busy crying and having much panic. You must be strong now! Jane have enough tears by herself, you crying only make things worse! I only do what is right but you be betta next time! Now go away, I tired and you having guest." Consuela shooed me from the guest room.
I closed the door softly and made my way down the hall to the noise of Albert and his assistant.
"YES! WORK that thang!" Albert said snapping his fingers and shaking his hips dramatically.
I turned the corner to see Jane parading up and down the living room in an all white three-piece pant suit with a pink shirt underneath. There was some kind of bouncy runway music playing through the theatre system and Jane and Albert and his assistant were having a little fashion show of their own. I stopped and smiled at Jane's goofy walk in that sexy suit as I leaned against the wall and enjoyed the display going on in front of me. Jane must have had a pleasant buzz going because that's the only way she'd agree to strut around the living room the way she was. Albert and his equally gay assistant were prancing around with their glasses of champagne and exclaiming loudly about Jane in the suit.
"Get it girl...walk fierce woman fierce! Look at those long legs...strut girl strut!" Albert's assistant, I think his name was Caleb said.
Caleb looked like something coughed up from the seventies in his high platform paten leather shoes, bright green pants, and a green oddly patterned button down shirt. He wore is hair in a bleach blond mohawk and was wearing more makeup than Albert. Caleb was the most fabulously dressed black man I'd ever met and twice as animated as Albert. Jane started laughing at Caleb doubling over and grasping her knees to keep her balance. I giggled along with her.
"Uh-Uhhh girlfriend keep on being sexy! Show us girl...show us how you work them hips!"
Jane tried to imitate Caleb's dramatic hip movements, she looked ridiculous but strangely sexy at the same time. I found myself giggling quietly in the corner.
"That's right girl twerk it...twerk it! Swirl them hips like you do when you're on top of the doctor late at night when she is making you scream like 'OHHH my GOD'!" Caleb said snapping his own fingers and rocking his hips obscenely making strange grunting noises as he did so.
Jane's face went the deepest of red. I think mine did too.
"Don't be shy girl you are GOR-geous! I know what you two get up to between them sheets! I bet the doctor brings out all the freaky in yo ass!" Albert said scooping FT in under his arm again and strutting around the room like it was he on a fashion runway.
"Albert stop saying that! We aren't getting up to anything between the sheets," Jane exclaimed nervously.
She looked very hot and uncomfortable all of a sudden. None of them had yet noticed me standing in the far corner of the room, but I was enjoying their exchange. Especially how much it seemed to make Jane squirm and blush. I thought about what Consuela said to me earlier. Jane looked like a school girl with a crush that was being teased by her buddies about it. Perhaps Consuela was right, I would have to be more considerate of Jane's feelings.
"Girl please don't try and tell me you ain't been up in that shit yet!" Caleb said fixing Jane with a pout of pursed painted lips with his hands on his hips.
Jane looked fit to be tied. Her jaw was opening and closing but no words were coming out.
"GIRL WHHHY!" Albert wailed circling Jane and looking her over.
"You got legs, hips, thighs...the cheeseburger and the fries, girl what is the problem? Why you ain't making the sexy with the doctor?" Albert exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
Franklin Thomas barked as if to add his two cents.
I took two steps back so I wouldn't be seen. I felt odd about eavesdropping on the conversation but I was curious about the answer.
"I don't...I don't think Maura wants to...you know...make the sexy with me!" Jane said bluntly.
I chorus of gay wails and exclamations filled the living room and echoed through the entire apartment.
"GIRRRL pa-LEASE! Dr. Isle's ain't got us over here dressing your ass up for nothing. She wants her baby to have something pretty to compliment all that sexy you got going on. And trust and believe she wants all that sexy to compliment her too girlfriend get the with PRO-gram!" Albert exclaimed circling Jane and sashaying his hips dramatically.
"Yes girl you is so gorgeous even I wanna fuck you honey!" Caleb said before he and Albert burst out into their over the top gay laughter.
I covered my mouth to keep my chuckles from being overheard. I wanted to hear Jane's response...I knew she must be blushing furiously but before I could hear Jane's answer Consuela's voice sounded behind me.
"What is happening with so much noise?" Consuela hissed hobbling down the hall awkwardly on a cane.
I turned and rolled my eyes.
"Good heavens Consuela you're supposed to be in bed resting," I hissed.
"I no need so much rest. It boring all alone, I come to see silly gay man dress up Miss Jane." Consuela said slyly with an evil grin on her face.
I had a feeling she secretly wanted to hurl teasing insults at Jane while she played dress up with Albert and Caleb. Consuela seemed to be amused by the two men and even more amused with teasing Jane. This was going to be a special treat for her.
"Don't torture Jane," I scolded Consuela.
It was hard enough getting Jane to agree to go to the fundraiser with me, and even more trouble getting her to agree to let me buy her something nice to wear. I didn't need Consuela adding her nonsense to the mix and messing up all my hard work.
"I no need lecture from you," Consuela said swatting at me with her cane.
I had to flatten myself against the wall to let her pass. I sighed heavily when Consuela shuffled around the corner and started cackling at the display in the living room.
"Look at Miss Jane in white." Consuela exclaimed loudly. "Dat funny cause you no angel," Consuela teased.
I heard Jane curse and Albert and Caleb's loud exclamations reverberated off the walls again. I rolled my eyes and steeled my nerves rounding the corner behind Consuela.
"Uhh Ohhh Miss Connie look at you girl. Come on in here and let me see that pretty face," Albert teased prancing over to Consuela.
Caleb followed fluttering around like a fairy.
"What is dat noise? Sound like cats screeching!" Consuela scoffed.
"That's music girlfriend," Albert said sipping from his champagne glass.
"Dat no music. It just noise!" Consuela countered grumpily.
"Come on Miss Connie you know you used to get down back in the day." Caleb said prancing around Consuela in a circle and gyrating his hips obscenely to the beat of the music.
"Yeah girl! Don't stop get it get it come on put Miss Connie in it!" Albert laughed as he waved his arms around wildly and danced to the music.
I couldn't stop myself from giggling. Consuela flushed furiously and swung at Caleb and Albert with her cane. Jane was laughing hysterically from her corner of the living room.
"Silly floating man making noise and bad music." Consuela hissed.
Both Albert and Caleb were dancing around Consuela's grumpy hunched body waving their arms and shaking their bottoms wildly as they dodged Consuela's random attempts to smack them with her cane. Franklin Thomas barked in Albert's arm and his tail wagged furiously in excitement.
"All right all right," I said finally. "Everyone leave Consuela alone. I want to see Jane try on all the clothes you two brought for her." I said guiding Consuela to the couch where we both sat.
Jane looked peevish and uncertain of herself.
"I dunno Maura...this is weird. I don't wanna put on a fashion show in your living room!" Jane blushed.
"GIRL pa-LEASE honey with that body you could put on a fashion show in Paris sweetheart!" Albert said hustling Jane to our bedroom to no doubt change her clothes.
Caleb disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of champagne handing one to myself and one to Consuela. Consuela drained half her glass in one great gulp. I looked over at her smiling.
"You shouldn't have alcohol with pain killers Consuela," I eyed my house maid curiously.
"Who you to tell me no after evil Diablo dog try and kill me many times!" Consuela raved pursing her lips.
"Consuela I'm a doctor," I insisted.
"You no my doctor. You doctor for da dead and I not be dead yet!"
"You might be soon if you keep mixing pills and alcohol!" I exclaimed.
"Oh you neva mind dat! I older than you I know what good for me! Besides, noisy music give me headache and so does Miss Jane and silly floating gay men!"
I rolled my eyes.
"Don't be offensive Consuela,"
"Who offended? I not offensive...not me...neva me I neva!" Consuela feigned innocence again.
I just rolled my eyes again. Jane and Albert returned. My jaw dropped and I almost lost a hold of my champagne glass. Jane was dressed in a long flowing deep purple gown with a slit all the way up the thigh to her hip that showed off her incredible long legs. The dress left her shoulders bare and hugged her slender form like a glove. Albert covered Jane's horrible bruise with makeup and her long dark curls fell over her olive toned shoulders. She was wearing tall black heels and walked with a grace I didn't even know she had. I was speechless, I was motionless, my mind flooded with thoughts about how much I wanted everyone to leave so I could see what was going on under that dress.
"Oh my goodness," I thought to myself.
Even Consuela didn't seem to have anything negative to say about the dress. She was as speechless was I was in that moment.
"You...you look like angel!" Consuela exclaimed.
Jane blushed from head to toe.
"Yes girl you are just gorgeous just gorgeous girl! Go on girl show the doctor what she's spending her hard-earned money on! Work that!" Caleb pranced around the couch exclaiming excitedly over Jane's beauty.
Albert was bustling about Jane fussing over the dress.
"This one is Vera Wang right off the runway in Milan. I had this mailed to me last week girl and it's the only one like it. Aint no body got this shit honey this is an original sewed by Miss Vera herself." Albert exclaimed proudly.
"How much is it?" Jane asked frowning slightly.
I felt a fight coming on. Albert looked at Jane like she'd said a curse word. I tried not to giggle.
"We'll take it Albert." I said running my eyes over Jane's body again.
I was feeling things in that moment that I hoped no one else could pick up on. I crossed my legs to try and keep the heat from escaping between them and exploding all over the couch. Jane's face turned into a pout.
"Maura...no way! I said you could buy me a dress but I didn't say you could spend a fortune. This is just..."
"...Jane it's yours! And it's beautiful just like you!" I smiled at her childish pouting face.
I couldn't explain what her little pout and that dress were doing to me. I felt some deep urge to drag her into the bedroom, slam her against the wall, hike that dress above her waist, and turn that little pout into screaming moans of ecstasy! But I was more or less frozen on the spot, and Jane was kind of prudish even though she'd never admit to it. I knew she'd never let me have her with a house full of people. Even still, I couldn't wait until everyone went home. There were so many things I wanted to do and say to Jane in private. And that dress was making me crazy!
"MAURA!" Jane protested.
"Uh Uh girl, don't even start pouting. You know you love being a princess. Come on let's try on the other stuff." Albert said scooting Jane back into the bedroom.
Caleb, Consuela, and I sat on the couch another hour and a half watching the fashion show unfold before us. I said little but my mind was in overdrive. I let Caleb, Albert and Consuela do the talking. I was busy imagining so many things in my mind's eye. Jane was gorgeous in everything; she was the epitome of beauty and sexiness. I laughed to myself when I thought of what Consuela said about Jane being jealous of Addison earlier. The very idea of it was just silly to me. Addison was very beautiful, but Jane had an inner beauty that drove me wild and an outer beauty that made my insides burn. I kept my legs crossed tightly, I could feel my underwear becoming more and more uncomfortably wet. I went through three glasses of champagne during the fashion show before Jane hopped up to me in her favorite worn out jeans and a white t shirt and snuggled next to me on the couch. I smiled at her through hazy heavy eyes laden with lust and hunger. I wondered if Jane could see how much I wanted her. Jane studied me for a moment and a sly little grin spread over her face. She leaned in and kissed me deeply. I kissed her hard, desperately, and hungrily. I wanted to rip off her clothes, get down on my knees, pull her long legs around either side of my face and...and soooo many other dirty things. But for the moment, I just enjoyed the heat of the kiss.
Albert and Caleb were exclaiming loudly and prancing around the living room as we kissed. I heard Consuela cursing and mumbling about 'love birds' and her sick stomach as she shuffled back down the hallway to the guest room. Jane finally broke from the kiss and grinned sheepishly biting her bottom lip and turning her head away from me.
"We'll take them all Albert. Send me a bill." I said never taking my eyes from Jane.
Jane's head shot around to look at me again incredulously.
"What Maura NO!" She protested.
I covered her lips with my finger.
"Stop, I don't want to hear it!" I said leaning in and kissing her again.
This time I wrapped my arms around her body and felt up everything I'd been imagining for over an hour. Jane didn't even try and stop me. She opened up to me completely and let my hands explore parts of her I'd never touched before. Jane's fingers wrapped in my hair and she moaned softly against my lips as her body squirmed under the assault of my probing hands. Franklin Thomas jumped on the back of the couch and started barking in my ear. I mindlessly pushed him away. Albert and Caleb left the apartment quickly with loud exclamations of encouragement.
"Yes ladies...get at it!" Albert said before the elevators closed and Jane and I were left alone...finally!