Inspiration hit me hard for this next chapter while I was at work on Mother's Day, just took some time to write it. It's going to be interesting to say the least to me anyways. Let's hope that you enjoy it.
Kent was driving Constance to where she was telling him to go, insisting that she knew the way to the rehabilitation center. He felt like she was taking him the long way, he huffed as they sat at the red light, this is what he gets for trying to be nice. Constance looked over at Kent.
"You know Kent, you're a very nice gentleman."
"Erm, thanks Constance. I'd like to think so."
"I hate to say it but you're very different than Jane."
Kent gave the woman a confused look. "Well I would hope so considering I'm not even related to her and not completely sure what you're getting at."
"I just mean, here you are helping me out of your own kindness and Jane wouldn't even give me a chance. I mean even before this drug incident she never cared for me, I could tell."
"Jane's definitely a tough woman I'll give her that, and no offense... I mean, none towards you but Jane always has her reasons for liking or not liking someone. If you keep hurting Maura, well we both know Jane doesn't appreciate that," he spoke before driving once the light changed. "I care a great deal for Maura too, but I'm always nice to people, hence me going out of my way to drive you back to rehab."
"Wanting to impress Maura's mother you mean."
"No, why would I want to impress my boss' mother? I'm just trying to be polite."
"To be honest Kent darling, I always had a feeling Jane liked my daughter, and I've tried to not have a problem with it, but it sort of bugs me. I never told anyone this but I dreamed of Maura getting married to a man and having kids a natural way not what her and Jane have done... the whole IVF thing I just don't get. Honestly I've been avoiding Maura because I'm not so approving of how things are turning out for her. I try to act like I'm on board just so I don't upset her more than I know I have in life, but it's hard to go along with it as time goes on and it's not like I can tell her that without her getting upset, not to mention Jane would probably lose her mind if I even told her how I truly felt."
"Maybe that's why you have this drug issue, having this problem with Maura's way of life, as you probably would put it, is causing you to have this addiction because this is something you feel like you have control over. You probably think this is easier than being honest with your own daughter." Kent offered his advice, as he could finally see the sign for the rehab center. "Maybe this going back to rehab will help you find other ways of coping with something you're finding it hard to do without continuing this bad habit with the drugs."
"You may have a point there dear," Constance nodded as they got to the parking lot. "You know you would have been a pretty great husband for Maura. It's a shame she couldn't have been single when you came into her life, you're both smart and not so intense, such a perfect pair you two would make."
Kent listened to Maura's mother talk and sighed, "One could only hope, but Maura's happy and that's all that matters."
"I guess so, just look out for her alright, make sure she doesn't get hurt."
"Will do Constance. Did you need help going inside?"
Constance shook her head, "No, but thanks so very much for the ride and the company... it was nice having someone to talk to." She smiled as she got out of the car. Kent made sure the woman made it safely inside before heading back to his place, Constance's words on his mind, he gave his head a shake.
He knew it was never going to happen so why did he allow himself to have these feelings still. "It's pointless, I know it is, so why can't I move on," he spoke out loud into the empty car, groaning, he needed help.
Maura woke up the next morning after not getting much sleep the previous night. She shifted slightly and noticed that Jane was not in the bed beside her. The blowout between her and her mother was pretty huge, Maura hated how she couldn't even recognize her mother anymore. She just hoped that rehab will help fix whatever issues her mother had.
She heard a clattering noise downstairs which made her jolt up from her bed, wrapping her robe around her and heading downstairs. She seen the kids in the kitchen, both frowning and what looked like some sort of batter on their clothes.
Jane shook her head, helping the kids with the mess before she noticed Maura's presence. "Go on kids, go change your clothes."
"But Jane we want to help still." Todd frowned.
"It's okay you two, you can still help after I clean up this mess."
"Okay," they both said in unison before heading upstairs, greeting Maura first.
Maura looked at her wife, "So what happened?"
"We were attempting to make you breakfast, both kids wanted to stir the waffle batter and as you can tell, it didn't go so well." Jane put the bowl into the sink.
"Why did you decide to make me breakfast?"
"Figured after what happened last night you could use some cheering up. Plus you kept tossing and turning, I knew you weren't having a very peaceful sleep."
"How could I with what happened. I don't even recognize her anymore Jane."
"I know sweetie, she's definitely different, I noticed that when we recently went out for something to eat. She seemed odd."
"Maybe I was wrong this whole time and she does have a problem between you and I..."
Jane wrapped an arm around Maura's shoulder, "Maybe there is something she's not telling us. She always seemed hesitant since the beginning."
"Everyone had been so accepting of us, maybe we missed the signs that Constance isn't okay with us."
"Well we both know I never really liked her."
"I'm sorry for giving you a hard time about how you've been around my mother, you really do have the best observation skills."
"It comes with the whole Jane Rizzoli dynamic. Plus I hate my woman getting hurt, so I have to be extra aware of my surroundings," Jane leaned down to give Maura a kiss just when she heard footsteps coming down. They pulled away from each other, and looked at the twins who were both smiling.
"If you wanted to be alone all you had to do was ask," Todd said. "We can go upstairs if you'd like."
"No kids, it's fine, plus if we don't finish making breakfast soon Maura's going to starve, and that's not what we want, right?"
"Nope, plus she might get dizzy again," Kate added and Maura sighed.
"It hasn't happened in a while you know. I think I'm over that. Now I'll go sit down until breakfast is ready," Maura told the little girl.
"Okay," the twins both ended up grinning and starting a new batch of waffle batter.
"Strawberries and whipped cream can go on top right?" Todd asked and Jane shook her head.
"How about just strawberries, I don't think any of us need the sugar this early in the morning."
"It's only six o'clock."
"Exactly and six o'clock is very early and sugary treats aren't always so good for adults, or even little 5 year olds," Jane told them, Maura couldn't help but smile at their conversation. There was no doubt in Maura's mind that they could handle two five year olds and two babies when the time came. Even though saying that did sound a bit overwhelming to her at the moment, but Jane had always been good around kids, a natural even.
Maura sat on the couch about to doze off in her thoughts when Kate came over to her, poking her arm. "Maura, breakfast is ready. Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine sweetie," Maura opened her eyes.
"Okay, good," Kate smiled, grabbing her by the arm walking her to the dining room.
"This looks great you three," Maura smiled as the others sat down to join her.
Breakfast went over well and it absolutely warmed her heart. Soon Jane and Maura were getting ready for their jobs after Tommy and Frost picked up the twins to spend the day with them.
"If that Davies guy gives you any problems today let me know and I'll take care of it," Maura told Jane as they walked to their cars.
"Same goes for Kent, even though I officially think he's pretty harmless." Jane gave her wife a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Maura kissed her back.
"I love you more."
"I don't think that's humanly possible Jane, neither of us loves the other more, we have an equal amount of love for each other."
Jane playfully rolled her eyes, "Just get to work," she chuckled before getting into her car. Maura just stood at hers for a moment until Jane waved before she got into her own. Maura sighed to herself before driving to work.
Korsak had to go to the Dirty Robber to handle inventory much to his dismay, he really hated doing inventory, Angela stayed home with Julian who had recently started teething. Angela was exhausted, she was up all night trying to take care of him, Korsak ended up sleeping on the couch and they tried rotating shifts of who stayed up with Julian and who could sleep, or try to sleep anyways.
Angela wish that she had another set of hands to help Julian as of now. She was more than tired and all of her children were too busy to help, so she called reinforcements, someone she knew Korsak would hate helping but she needed some rest and she trusted that the man knew what he was doing.
Julian was fussing in the playpen when there was a knock on the door, Angela went to go answer it and Ron had two cups of coffee in his hand. "Good morning Angela, I brought some coffee for you, thought you might need some."
"I had some this morning, and it's not helped even in the slightest. Rather not have any now since I plan to get some rest. Are you sure you had nothing else better to do today than to help me with my child."
"I work third shift tonight so that won't be a problem."
"You sure you'll have the energy to stay awake during your shift?"
"Don't you worry about a thing Angela, I'm used to the hours. You go get some rest and I'll be in here with the little guy."
"I really appreciate this Ron, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't need the help, make yourself at home alright? I'm going to keep my door cracked just a little bit, if anything goes wrong..."
"I'm a doctor and a grandparent, I'm sure I have a handle on it. You just relax Angela, alright?"
Angela eyed the man and nodded before heading into her bedroom. Ron went to go hold Julian, which caused the baby to squirm even more.
"Woah there buddy, you're a little excited there, aren't ya. Those teeth of yours got you down? Your mother seems to be very tired, giving her a hard time. I'm sure she'll get some sleep and be more energized. Until then it's you and me pal. I hope that you don't mind my company. Your mother is very good people. I'll do anything I can to make sure that she's alright, so don't you worry about a thing," Ron spoke and eventually Julian calmed down and was staring blankly at the man. "You think I have a shot?" he asked, turning his head towards Angela's bedroom where the door was cracked like she said it would be. "You know what Julian I think I might've lost my mind."
Maura arrived at her office, she was not expecting to see Susie there, sitting on the couch. "Good morning, Susie."
"Morning Maura, I hope I didn't startle you," she glanced up at her friend looking a bit distraught which concerned her.
"No just wasn't expecting anyone to be here, are you alright?" Maura asked sitting down next to the woman.
"Well I could be better. I mean things are going well between me and Frankie which is always a good thing, but I lost it and I can't tell him."
"Lost what? Susie, you weren't... were you?"
Susie shook her head, "Oh goodness no Maura, Frankie and I are being careful in that department. I just, I was helping Kent with fixing the exhaust fan in the lab and when things were fixed I noticed that my ring was missing. I lost the engagement ring Maura, you realize how much that cost Frankie? He wants to go out for lunch but he'll notice that I don't have my ring. Kent is trying to look for it. He told me I should come in here to take a deep breath and calm down. I'm freaking out Maura, I never lost or misplaced anything before and this is one of the most important things I own. It shows that I'm actually in a stable relationship, that I am honestly really happy. I know it's silly to get over a lost item, but it's important and I feel kind of lost without it."
Maura listened to Susie explain and she wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Hey it's going to be alright Susie, I promise. I can't tell you how many times I ended up throwing my ring away by accident after I finish an autopsy and threw my gloves away in the trash, I did have to resize it though. I started to just keep it in my desk while I was working just in case."
"Thanks for the little anecdote Maura," Susie sighed. "But this doesn't necessarily help fix the current problem. I should probably go back to searching for it with Kent."
"I'm sure it'll show up Susie," Maura shrugged, just as she heard Kent come in her office.
"Susie, I found it," Kent smiled a little out of breath since he ran here. "You know how you had to go up to put the exhaust fan cover on because of my slight fear of heights, well when the fan was on I heard a noise and I knew what it was," he took the item out of his pocket, handing it to Susie who frown turned into a smile as she slid the ring back into her finger.
Susie got up to give Kent a hug, kissing his cheek, "Thank you so much, I... you don't know how much I appreciate your efforts. You really are a superhero, you know that?"
"Well I do what I can," he grinned. "No need to fret when I'm around. I'm always here to save the day."
"You truly are the best," she smiled going to leave the room before turning to Kent. "Just don't let that get to your head, alright?" Susie lightly warned before going back to the lab.
Maura got up from the couch and went to her desk, "So Kent, I hope all was well when I was off yesterday."
"I um yeah... I did an autopsy and did the paperwork before I took an extended lunch to go with Tommy for moral support of him getting his tattoo... but I didn't leave until everything was done, scout's honor."
"I did happen to notice that my desk had been organized again, you know you're good at keeping things clean and organized, some people who take over my office for a bit tend to pile up paperwork leaving this huge mess."
"Well what can I say Maura, I definitely hate the clutter and I didn't want to ruin your office," Kent shrugged. "So there's some science that needs to be done of the cannabis nature."
"Okay, I really hope that it pertains to a case."
"It does... you and I are going to test the stuff."
"And how does one test..." Maura stopped herself. "I'm sure you're going to show me."
"Yeah, but it's in a controlled environment so nothing to worry about. Just waiting on the evidence to come and we can get started. Until then, I wanted to talk to you about something else. Something odd that happened last night."
"Okay?"
"Concerning Constance..." he started causing Maura to frown.
"What about her?" Maura really didn't care to discuss her mother right now.
"She came to the Dirty Robber and she was pretty upset. She told us what happened and I was trying to be a decent guy and well things were said and she said she didn't want to tell you, but it could explain why she's handling drugs. And well I think you should know..."
"Honestly Kent, I'd rather not discuss it, I am sorry if she bothered you with anything, but as Jane would say, I don't give a rat's ass."
"She doesn't approve of you and Jane's relationship... she's trying to cope with it all she said."
Maura stood up, "What did I say Kent? I said I don't want to hear about it."
"But Maura, she needs help."
"Well then she'll get whatever help she needs in rehab, to cope with whatever. I'm done trying to please her, now if you don't mind, I have some work to do," Maura spoke in a bitter tone sort of startling Kent as she walked past him. "Just let me know when the marijuana gets here."
Kent frowned, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. He really thought she needed to discuss it but he wouldn't force her. He didn't need Maura getting more mad at him.
Jane was in the middle of her morning class of trainees when her cell phone vibrated in her pocket, which it never did because everyone knew her work hours. She stopped mid sentence causing to twelve kids to stare at her confused and Cameron Davies gave her a look, silently asking if she was okay. She mouthed for him to come here which he did.
"Can you continue for a moment? I need to see who is calling me right now, it might be important."
"Sure thing Jane," Cameron nodded turning his attention to the class as Jane went to go step outside in the hallway. She pulled the phone out of her pocket, it was Maura sending her a message that she needed to talk to her.
Jane ran her fingers through her hair and dialed Maura's number, her wife picked up on the first ring. "Maura, why did you contact me? Is everything alright, you're not feeling dizzy are you?"
"No Jane, I'm not dizzy or anything. I wasn't aware that you started training yet. I can call you back," Maura sounded upset so Jane leaned against the wall in the corridor.
"What's wrong babe?"
"It's about Constance, she didn't go straight to rehab after she left our place, she went to the Dirty Robber. She had a little talk with Kent apparently she does have a problem with you and I being together and thinks that is the reason for her wanting drugs."
Jane sighed, Maura being upset made since, "Honey, I'm very sorry to hear that. We can discuss it when I get home if you'd like, but I should get back to work."
"Yes of course. I'm sorry for interrupting something that's important to you."
"Hey now Maura, I'm not upset with you, promise. Just take care of yourself today and distract yourself from thinking of Constance and her problems. And just be sure you eat, alright?"
"I'll remember to eat, promise. I'll see you at home then."
"Or maybe I can come by your office when I'm done and we can talk there if you need to do paperwork and things."
"Just text me when you're done with work and I'll see where I'm at."
"Alright Maura, and I really am sorry about her."
"You and me both," she sighed sounding defeated. "Now go mold those young minds," she responded before hanging up.
Jane sighed, putting the phone back in her pocket. And of course Constance seems to be making a mess of Maura's emotions again which Jane absolutely hated. She hated the way Constance made Maura feel like shit.
Angela had woken up from her nap two hours later, she was honestly surprised of how refreshed she felt. Best sleep she recalls having in weeks and it wasn't even for a long time.
She went out into the living room, chuckling as Ron was passed out and Julian was just staring at him through the play pen.
"Looks like your babysitter decided to take a nap as well, thanks for being quiet for a bit Julian," Angela picked her son up, focusing her attention on Ron who shifted quietly before opening his eyes.
"Oh hey Angela, I guess I was tired, I hope Julian didn't wake you up."
"No he was fine, apparently he didn't keep you up."
"I must've been more tired than I believed to be, hardly finished my coffee."
"Well I thank you for your assistance Ron, I feel very refreshed after my short nap."
"That's a good thing then, the whole reason I'm here right?"
"Of course, what other reason would there be?" Angela shrugged, putting Julian back down in the play pen.
"I'm happy to do it anytime you need help or anything at all. I'm hear for you whenever you need," he rubbed at his chin. "I guess I'm done here."
"Yeah, come on I'll walk you out," Angela spoke warmly towards the man as they went to the front door, Ron put his shoes on. "I wish you and Hope would have worked out. You're a great guy and deserve someone like her."
"I think I'm going to be alright. Some things happen for a reason, and I've been dealing with the outcome pretty well. You take care of yourself, alright Angela. And remember I'm always a call away."
"And so am I, if you ever need to talk, that's what friends are for."
Ron nodded. "Yes friends, we need all we can get these days in companionship."
"You surely said it. You enjoy that third shift you're doing tonight."
"Thanks, always thinking of me," he grinned widely at her before doing something he immediately regretted. He leaned down feeling like there was a moment, he was about to kiss Angela and she stepped back, resting her hand on his chest. The look she gave him made him flinch slightly, especially the emotionless tone in her voice.
"You should go."
Ron sighed. "Yeah of course, that was stupid of me, you have Korsak and I was being an idiot. I'll see you around Ange."
"Goodbye Ron," she closed the door behind him once he left. Angela groaned. "Vince was right, I really need to trust his instincts better." She went to grab Julian from the play pen and placed him on her lap when she sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry your mother is a such fool there Julian."
Soon the shipment of evidence of marijuana came into the lab and Kent was fixing the controlled environment. Everything was set up before Maura came into the room.
"So, what's the point of this?" Maura asked, putting on some gloves.
"There were some THC level inconsistencies and I'm testing the marijuana from the crime scene to what was found in John Doe's system. Luckily Susie and I fixed the exhaust fan this morning. Everything should be in order," Kent told her. "I wanted to apologize for earlier, I didn't mean to upset you."
"It's not you Kent, I promise. It's just not a topic I really want to be discussing. So let's light it up."
Kent chuckled. "Yeah, I think that's what potheads usually say. I wouldn't exactly know," he shrugged, starting things up by lighting up the marijuana.
"I hope you're doing this right Kent," Maura warned.
"I'm positive that I am Maura, don't worry about it so much. I'm in control here at the moment."
"It is your case after all, not mine. I should trust you to not screw it up."
"And have you mad at me? I'd rather not, Frankie was telling me of this death glare you give off sometimes and I don't really want to see it." Kent watched the evidence and could tell something went wrong.
"Kent, did you properly fix that exhaust fan this morning?"
"Of course I did Maura..." he stopped, thinking for a moment. "Wait now I'm not too sure..."
"It doesn't seem like it to me," Maura can smell the change in the air of the room. "Too bad for your controlled environment," she rolled her eyes. "You finish your experiment and I'm going to go outside. Job well done Kent." She went to go leave the room when he grabbed her lightly by the arm.
"You sure you want to expose more of the lab to the marijuana?" he asked.
Maura sighed. "Kent, I'm sure it's going to be fine just we need more air circulation, alright? And I'll call a mechanic to fix the fan properly."
"You're upset with me, aren't you?"
"Kent, now is not the time for this conversation, I'm going outside alright," Maura decided before leaving Kent alone in the room. She groaned, rubbing her temples before going to sit down on the floor. Kent took notice and finished everything before going outside to join her.
"Hey Maura, are you alright?" he asked with a laugh, the marijuana affecting him more than he thought it would.
"Glad you find this so amusing Kent," Maura glanced up at the man, laughing.
"Okay, I see you did get too much exposure. But seriously are you having those dizzy spells again."
Maura closed her eyes, "They haven't happened in a while but I can definitely feel the effect between not eating yet and being exposed to your idiocy."
"Here I thought maryjane was supposed to be helpful to things like that."
"Well those THC levels seem pretty high if you ask me," she shook her head.
"High like you and I?" Kent laughed and Maura gave him a shove.
"Now's not the time for your jokes."
"I think I'm pretty funny."
"You might be the only one." Maura responded but she couldn't keep a straight face.
"Nah I can see a smile on your face, it's very nice to see you so relaxed. Maybe you should get high more often."
"I never got high before until now, you're a pretty bad influence there Kent. Science my behind, you did this on purpose."
"I beg to differ Maura, why would I intentionally put the fan backwards?"
"I don't know, you tell me, you're the one enjoying me relaxed, you're the one who wanted to show off your science skills, well lack thereof."
Kent shook his head, "Don't blame me Maura."
"Why shouldn't I?" Maura asked, keeping her eyes on his, until she had to blink, groaning. "I don't like this feeling Kent," she went to go lay on the floor.
"Hey Maura, don't lay down, come here," he tried to pull her up by the arm. "You're looking a little pale, are you alright?"
Maura closed her eyes, "I'm fine Kent, just let me lay here," she muttered, he patted her cheek gently.
"Hey, Maura, stay with me here." He got up from the floor, picking her up in his arms to go place her on the couch in her office. "Should I call Jane?" he asked as she mumbled.
"No, don't want to worry her or bother her again today. Just let me lay here."
"I'm worried here Maura," Kent kept his hand on her cheek. "You have to be alright okay? If this is an effect to the marijuana Jane is going to kill me."
"Jane wouldn't kill you Kent, but you might want to stop caring about me so much. You're making me think things that I don't want to be thinking."
"What are you talking about Maura?"
"You're making me think you have feelings for me just because of how much you care about me. I'm not yours to care about alright, and I'd prefer it if you just stopped."
"I just, I can't help it Maura, I know I'm an idiot for having these feelings, but I mean come on, it's you we're talking about, smart and beautiful you. And before you say it's just the drugs talking, your mother thinks that I'd be a good man for you."
"Well my mother has no idea what she's talking about, I don't need a man I have a wonderful wife and that's all I need," she muttered.
"I know Maura, trust me I know this, you think I want these feelings for you? I don't but when I'm around you there's just something good I feel, something I crave to have, what I want to have..." he sighed. Maura didn't respond and Kent frowned. "You have to admit you feel something here, between you and I."
"And you're out of your mind."
"Am I though?" he asked and she nodded. "Because I don't think that I am." Kent felt bold in this moment, his heart racing. The moment his lips were about to touch hers, she had opened her eyes, sitting up on the couch, jaw clenched, and anger in her eyes, slapping him hard across the face.
"What the hell do you think you're doing Kent? Get out."
Kent rubbed his cheek, "Shit Maura."
"Now Kent. Get out now!" she shouted at the man, giving him a shove. Kent nodded before rushing out of the room, closing the door behind him. She let her face fall into her hands. Her hand was numb from how hard she slapped him, and she still felt dizzy. Maura groaned, grabbing her phone from her desk just enough time to send out a message to Jane before things went completely dark.
Uh oh Maura's going through some stuff, I have been waiting for the perfect moment to write Maura slapping the shit out of Kent for attempting to kiss her after the marijuana situation. Kent is definitely an idiot, just like Ron too, don't hit on or attempt to kiss your married friends boys smh they'll learn their lesson, that's for sure. Aftermath to this chapter will be intriguing. Rizzles had their cute moment with the twins and with their cute convo about loving each other more (or the same) as Maura put it. They are such cuties. The nerve of Constance, not approving of our ladies and getting deep into it with the drugs. Sorry for the appearance of the drama llama boys and girls. Let's hope Maura bae is going to be okay. Will be glad to hear your thoughts on this.