Hey guys! Here is the next chapter! Thanks for all the reviews and for sticking with this story. I hope y'all have enjoyed it. Here is chapter 20! =)
1 week later…
I am on the way to Jane's house to help her pack. Even though there is not a lot of stuff left in the apartment, I knew Jane would not do it without my help, and the truck was coming today to take the rest of the furniture. Jane told her mom she would stay with a friend for the last week, so the trucks could take the stuff to their new place. When I made it to Jane's house, I saw her sitting outside playing with one of the little children outside. I think they were playing hopscotch or something I was not familiar with. I got out of my car, and I guessed Jane saw me because she got up from where she was kneeling down. I walked onto the sidewalk and trotted over to Jane. "Hey Jane," I said casually.
She embraced me and said, "Hey, I am so glad you are here. I don't know if I would be able to do it if you weren't here." The little girl that Jane was playing with came up to Jane and hugged around her legs because she was so short. "This little rascal is named Kirsten. I am watching her for her mom until she gets home from work." Jane picked the four-foot girl up. "Kirsten, say hello to Maura."
"It is very nice to meet you Kirsten." I said to her.
"Hi, I am Kirsten; this is Jane." She pointed back to Jane. "You are very pretty."
Jane looked up and laughed. "Yeah she is very pretty. We need to go up to my place for a little while to pack for my big trip."
"Okie dokie," She said as she ran toward to door of the apartment complex.
"Big Trip?" I asked.
"Maura, you know what I mean. I am basically all this little girl has. Her mother is constantly working, and her dad is nowhere to be seen. I drive her to school now, and I pick her up. If I had never met you, I would be coming back for her, but now I have two people to come home for." Jane, Kirsten, and I headed towards the stairwell.
"Hey Jane, race me up the stairs." Kirsten said.
Jane looked back at me, and I nodded yes. "Ok… ready…set… GO!" Jane shouted. Jane and the little girl dashed up the stairs. I finally made it up the stairs to the floor Jane's apartment was on. I saw Jane and Kirsten arguing about who won the race. Jane saw me and opened the door to the apartment. Kirsten ran inside and hopped onto the couch.
"Jane, can I watch Spongebob?" She asked.
"Sure, Maura and I will be in my bedroom packing my stuff. You know where all the drinks are if you want anything. You mom should get here around ten or so." She nodded, and I followed Jane into her bedroom.
"I think you would make a great mom, Jane." I said out of the blue.
"What makes you say that?" She asked starting to put her endless shelf of trophies and plaques in a box.
"You just seem like you get along with children well." Jane looked at me confused. "I mean, you look so happy with Kirsten. I don't think I have ever seen you so happy; it is kind of your composure and you expression."
"Oh… well she does make me happier, but so do you."
"What clothes are you taking for this week? I need to know what not to pack up." Jane picked through her drawers and put her clothes in one of the duffle bags. "So I can put the rest in the boxes?" I asked.
"Yeah," She said. I heard a sniffle come from her that she didn't want me to hear.
"Jane," I said. She turned around. Her eyes were puffy and red. "Don't cry baby; I know it must be hard, but you are the strongest person I know." I pulled her into a hug.
"I hate crying, you know that; it makes me feel week. I just have had so many good memories in this house."
"It's ok. I know how you feel. We can get through this together…"
"Jane c'mon, you are going to miss your flight." Jane came trudging down the stairs with her suitcase in her hand and a vacant expression on her face. "Let's go," I said grabbing her hand. She followed me down to the car. Once we pulled out of the driveway, Jane finally broke the silence.
"I'll be counting down the days until I can come back to you and Kirsten." Since Jane was leaving, Kirsten's mom asked me to watch her while she was gone, and how could I can no to her. Jane thought it was a great idea too. She grabbed my free hand intertwined it with mine.
"Don't worry, so will I, but I will be here with you on New Year's. I have something I need to take care of before I come that's why I won't be there sooner." I still haven't told Jane, but I got an offer from BCU to teach Biology. I have to meet with the Dean over the break to discuss my teachings and meeting with some of the other science teachers.
"Ok, I'll be waiting for you at the stroke of midnight." She kissed the top of my hand. "Last night was so great Maura. I had an amazing time with you and Kirsten." I took Jane and Kirsten to a Boston Red Socks game and ice cream afterwards not to mention that Jane caught a foul ball and the whole team signed it at the end of the game. "I will always remember it."
"I am glad you and her had fun." I pulled into the airport terminal. Slowly Jane got out of the car, and I did too. Jane pulled her bag out of the back and shut the trunk.
"Well… goodbye Maur," She said shakily. I pulled her into an embrace that I never wanted to end. When I pulled away, Jane cupped my face and pulled me into a kiss right there around everyone. The kiss was soft but sweet; it was a goodbye, for now, kiss. She pulled away and wiped one of the tears off my face. "I will always love you." She said looking deep into my eyes. Then she walked off into the airport occasionally looking back to see if I was there; I always was, and I always will be.
Let me know if you want me to do an epilouge or if you want me to make a sequal to this story. REVIEW! I will be starting on a new story soon, so PM me if you have any ideas.