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Chapter 19

The next two days passed by in a blur of stolen, tender moments between the two women and by the time Friday morning came, Jane Rizzoli was beside herself. She was 18 at last.

As she sleepily rolled over towards her alarm clock, she excitedly unlocked the many birthday messages that were pouring through her phone. Most were from the football team, friends from school, even one from Aunt Carla warning her to be good at her party later that day.

The brunette chuckled as she opened the collage of photos Tommy and Frankie had tagged her in. She supposed most of the photos were meant to be embarrassing, but Jane just saw herself growing up surrounded by a loving family. Then, she looked up and saw her current reflection in the mirror. The puppy fat had fallen away in the past two years which was evident in the way her jaw and cheekbones were chiselled and strong. Her eyebrows were now shaped beautifully (instead of the monobrow she had for a very long time, because really, who cares about eyebrows?) However, her trademark Rizzoli curls were still as wild as ever. Finally, Jane was where she wanted to be and who she wanted to be.

Clicking onto the last unread message, Jane's heart skipped a beat.

Maura

Good morning mi amor, the happiest of birthdays to you! I am so lucky to have you in my life and I cannot wait to spend the day (and night) with you tomorrow. See you soon my love, M xx

A smile grew rapidly across Jane's face, causing her dimples to grow more pronounced. Nothing and no one could take this feeling away from her. Not even the fact she had to get up and go to school on her birthday! Jane showered quickly and made sure she was wearing her best jeans (no holes) and her favourite Red Sox baseball shirt, that was fitted just right to show off her rock-hard biceps. The brunette took one final look in the mirror and nodded to herself, approving how her outfit seemed to fall into place. Now all she needed was tonight's outfit and tomorrow's clothes for Maura to look this good too.

Half an hour later, she descended the stairs and was immediately ambushed by her mother enveloping her into a colossal hug, clearly designed to squeeze every organ to mush.

"My baby is all grown up!" Angela fussed, taking a step back from her daughter and placing her hands on her cheeks, "Happy 18th birthday Janie."

"Thanks Ma," Jane mumbled, trying to get away from the blush rising on her cheeks.

"Happy Birthday Janie," her Pop beamed as she leant over to kiss his cheek from behind his newspaper, "are you excited for your party tonight?"

"Of course, I am! I've been looking forward to this for years, I can't believe I'm 18." She admitted, taking a seat next to her Pop at the table.

"My little girl is all grown up," Frank smiled and winked at his daughter, before returning to read about the Red Sox winning their latest game.

"Is everyone coming Jane?" Frankie asked, as he joined them at the breakfast table and began to help himself to the special chocolate chip birthday bunny pancakes Angela had made for everyone.

"Erm, yeah I think so. Everyone apart from that ass Joey Grant."

"Janie!" Angela gasped, as Frank only chuckled.

"What did that ass do to get the Jane Rizzoli against him?" Her Pop asked, still smiling.

"He…" ah shit they can't know the real reason "he was just being a real jerk and I didn't want to stand for it anymore." Technically true, Jane thought to herself.

"Really? I heard it's because he talked shit about that hot science teacher, and you got all caveman on him." Tommy interjected from the other side of the table. "I can't blame you Jane, she is smoking!" The youngest Rizzoli then turned to high-five Frankie, but his brother just raised his left eyebrow.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

"Which idiot told you that? You're like 8 years old Tommy." Jane batted back, avoiding the curious eye of Angela Rizzoli that she could feel was now boring into her brain for information. The matriarch moved closer and sat down on the right-hand side of her daughter.

"I AM NOT!" Tommy squeaked back, "I'm 14 Jane!"

"Oh yeah, you're so grown up squirt, stay away from rumours that don't concern you."

"You're getting very defensive about a fake story Janie." Angela muttered towards her daughter and Jane knew she was fighting a losing battle.

"I just don't like people accusing me of lying, especially on my birthday." Jane shrugged trying to play it cool, while taking another bite off her bunny.

"Well, I'm going into town this morning to get the last decorations for tonight," Angela announced to the table, in a very obvious attempt to shift the conversation away from Jane and Tommy.

"Keeping it simple like usual, Ang?" Frank chuckled from behind the newspaper and their three children joined in, knowing how much of a fuss the matriarch always made of birthdays.

"Ma, you always know how to make our parties really special." Frankie replied, earning him a loving pinch on the cheek from his mother.

"That's so gay Frankie." Tommy muttered from the far end of the table, but unfortunately for him, it wasn't quiet enough to bypass his sister's hearing.

Jane leapt from her seat and pulled Tommy to his feet by his shirt collar.

"Say that one more time." Jane dared her youngest brother, her chocolate brown eyes piercing his emerald green ones.

"Jane!" her parents admonished, "Put him down!"

"Didn't you hear what he said?" Jane snarled, not willing to back down just yet.

"I didn't mean anything by it, Jane!" Tommy whimpered, trying to get out of his sisters' grasp.

"Oh, so it's cool to go around saying stuff is 'gay'? Pardon me Tommy but I'm not a complete idiot homophobe. But wait, it's 'okay' because you didn't mean anything by it."

Jane let him go and turned around to pick up the rest of her pancake. Frankie, her Ma and Pop were just standing there in shock. Angela, however, had a knowing look on her face.

"Thank you for the breakfast Ma, I'll see you tonight."

As soon as she left the house, she was relieved to see Frost waiting for her at the bottom of the driveway in his white Mustang.

"Fuck me." Jane huffed as she slammed the heavy door shut behind her.

"Nah, you're not my type," Frost laughed, "it's your birthday Jane, what's got you so worked up before 9am?"

"My idiot youngest brother, being a jerk."

"Jane, Tommy has literally been nothing else his whole life, why's it bothering you now?" Frost replied simply, as he knew Tommy didn't have the greatest track record.

"He… Frankie said something really sweet to Ma, and Tommy called him 'gay' for it. If he uses that language Frost, how am I ever going to be able to come out to him? Have a girlfriend? Be with Maura?"

Frost pulled to a stop at a red light long enough to be able to turn to his best friend.

"Jane, I'm here for you. Your Ma and my mom are here for you and so will Frankie and all of your friends. If Tommy continues to be an asshole, then he'll be in the minority."

"Thanks man," Jane replied, a smile dancing on her lips for the first time the whole car journey. The brunette noticed they were nearly at the school gates and her eyes lit up even more at the thought of seeing Maura.

"Thought you'd cheer up being close to your lady."

"Shut up douchebag," Jane laughed as she playfully punched his arm. "now hurry up and park!"

"Patience is a virtue Jane."

"You sound just like Maura!"

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"Knock knock"

Jane leaned against the doorframe to the science lab and let out a low moan at the sight before her.

Maura Isles was standing there looking nothing less than a Greek goddess. Her silky, honey-blonde hair was curled loosely, falling delicately just below her shoulders. The colour contrasted beautifully with the royal blue blouse that fitted every inch of her perfectly. Further down her toned body, Maura's sleeves were turned back in neat folds and stopped just below her elbow with a sapphire button holding them in place. Jane's eyes continued to move down to the sinfully tight, knee-length white skirt that was piped with a royal blue stripe on each side. However, it was the way Maura was bending over into one of her cupboards, causing the material to strain against her toned ass, that had Jane's mouth watering. Finally, Jane took in the sapphire blue heels that enveloped the doctor's feet, giving her an extra 3 inches in height, as the brunette finally let out a whistle.

Hearing Jane's reaction, Maura turned to greet her girlfriend and was amused by the reaction her outfit was getting.

"Happy birthday mi amor," the honey-blonde whispered, looking around to check the coast was clear before kissing the brunette on the cheek.

However, Jane was quicker and turned so Maura's lips met her own.

"Jane! We can't-"

But Jane silenced her again in a heated kiss, pushing the doctor against the far wall, her tanned hands resting on the soft material at Maura's hips.

"I wanted an early birthday present." Jane moaned against Maura's lips and swiftly captured another kiss, her tongue darting inside the doctor's mouth, trailing the length of Maura's own tongue, before putting some distance between the two women. A smirk lingering on the football player's lips.

"You like the outfit then?" Maura smirked back breathlessly, swaying her hips as she walked past the brunette to sit at her desk.

"Maybe if you didn't get it from that kiss… I should definitely show you again what you do to me." Jane wiggled her eyebrows and leaned in over the desk that stood between them.

"We both know a second display would be pushing our luck." The doctor winked and held her hand up, pressing Jane's chest gently causing the football player to fall back slightly. The touch sent Jane's heart into a flutter and sparked an inferno elsewhere in her body.

"You know what that touch does to me." Jane growled so low the doctor almost missed her words.

"And you know you're going to show me tomorrow night… until then my love, you need to be a good girl." Maura gently cupped Jane's face and blew her a kiss, punctuated with another wink.

As if on cue, the morning bell rang through the corridors, signalling the two women needed to regain their composure and fast.

Jane took her seat and started scrolling through her phone as Maura turned to the wooden coat-stand in the corner of the room and pulled on her pristine white lab coat. The two women were still alone but they could now hear voices coming ever closer.

"You know, I think I might like that lab coat and heels combination…" Jane began to whisper and Maura gave her a warning stare, "especially when I get to bend you over-"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!" suddenly chorused through the classroom and the brunette almost fell off her chair, causing a laugh to escape the honey-blonde's lips.

"We're so excited for tonight Jane!"

"What time does the party start?"

"Is there going to be beer?"

"GUYS GUYS!" Jane had to shout above the crowd," remember it's a friends and family party, not an excuse to get rolling drunk okay? Just bring yourselves! There'll be great Italian food and drink, but anyone being an asshole will be removed by me and my 6ft cousins, capiche?" Jane finished in a thick Italian mobster accent which caused a laugh from everyone listening.

"And now that we've finalised details for Miss Rizzoli's party this evening," Maura's voice broke through the chatter as everyone took their seats, "good morning to you all… let's begin."

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The day couldn't have dragged any longer. Jane was sure she had been at school for 10 million years and it still wasn't even lunchtime. As the bell finally rang, she took her usual table with Frost and some of the other football guys when a mane of honey-blonde appeared in the corner of her eye. There she was, Maura Isles in all her glory, who looked even more stunning the second time around, buying the healthiest thing the school cafeteria had to offer (a chicken rainbow salad with dressing on the side and a bottle of water). What Jane didn't bank on however, was the amount of horny teenage eyes also lusting after the doctor; which unfortunately included staff members. Jane watched as Riley Cooper made her approach.

The brunette didn't realise she must have let out a low growl as Frost kicked her subtly under the table.

"You're staring and you just growled. Dude, she's yours. Stop it." He whispered matter-of-factly.

Knowing he was right, Jane turned away from the two women, who were just chatting in the queue, and tried to focus on her lunch. A few moments later, she felt a hand brush her shoulder. However, Jane was surprised when the familiar fire didn't accompany the touch.

"Happy birthday Jane." Riley whispered into the football player's ear, causing the hairs on the back of Jane's neck to stand up and not in a good way. The coach then threw Jane a wink as she walked off, attempting to sway her hips, but the caramel skinned woman lacked the subtle sexiness that embodied Maura Isles.

"She really needs to get laid." Jane whispered to Frost and caused him to choke on his water, "then maybe she'll leave me alone!"

*ding*

I will be very happy the day she stops trying to touch you! I hope you're having a lovely birthday so far, mi amor. M xx"

*ding*

I've got you, haven't I? Obviously, it's the best! I've just said to Frost she needs to get laid so she can get off my back!

*ding*

Now that you mention it… I have an idea.

*ding*

Maura! Tell me the plan!

*ding*

I will sweetheart, but in person will be better xx

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"So, do I get to hear this wonderful plan of yours?" Jane asked Maura, causing the older woman to jump with surprise.

Three hours later and the bell had just finished echoing in the hallways signalling the start of the weekend. Jane had just waved goodbye to her group of friends and promised Frost she would meet him by the car shortly. The brunette wanted to catch one last glimpse of her stunning girlfriend before her party.

"Hello Jane." Maura replied quite formally, causing Jane to raise her eyebrow, "shouldn't you be getting ready for your party tonight?"

"Well I wanted to-" but the brunette stopped at the look Maura was giving her.

"Wanted to what Miss Rizzoli?" the voice of Regina Mills asked gleefully from inside Maura's closet, where she had clearly been changing into a simple, yet sexy, halter-neck black dress with scarlet heels to match her lipstick. She was definitely not wearing that in fourth period.

"Oh, hi miss-er Mills." Jane stuttered, not knowing where to look. If she looked at Maura it would be rude when Miss Mills was talking to her. But, if she looked at Miss Mills, all she could see was…well, BOOBS.

"Why Jane, you seem quite nervous. Why ever could that be?" Regina replied with a smirk.

Is Miss Mills trying to flirt with me?

"I-er well you see, I –"

"Jane, I'll walk you out." Maura's voice seemed to snap through the fog that had clouded Jane's brain and she suddenly blushed. Ah fuck.

As they were out into the empty corridor, Jane felt a soft tap on her arm.

"You need to check I'm alone before saying anything, especially from the doorway of my classroom!" Maura whispered, trying to look angry but Jane could see right through it.

"Ow! This is abuse!" Jane whimpered playfully, causing Maura to tut at her.

"It is not. You love it when I'm in charge." Maura whispered leaning in as far as she dared, causing Jane's heart to beat faster.

"You think I'm your sub?" Jane dared to challenge back, closing even more of the gap and standing up to her full height. However, knowing full well Maura could ask her to jump and she'd ask how high?

"Oh darling, you always are." The honey-blonde practically purred into Jane's ear, "and I'm very upset with you that you lost your composure in front of Regina and couldn't take your eyes off her breasts."

"Maura… they were right there! It was indecent to be dressed like that. Plus, why was she even coming out of your cupboard in the first place?" Jane asked

The doctor chuckled at the word indecent falling from Jane's lips.

"I told her she needed a more revealing dress." Maura replied matter-of-factly.

"Oh, and why's that? To give your girlfriend a heart attack?"

"Don't be silly. She's helping us with the Riley problem."

"She's what?...Wait, SHE'S GAY, like for real? Was she just flirting with me?" Jane whispered in complete shock. Women that looked like Regina Mills usually weren't lesbians… saying that, women that looked like Maura usually weren't gay either…what were the odds?

"Bi actually, but that's beside the point. As you know, Regina and I are going out tonight, and she has invited Riley too. As for the flirting, she has said in the past you will turn out to be devastatingly attractive when you're older. I disagree however, I think you're devastatingly attractive right now." The doctor's eyes flicked over Jane's body and subtly licked her lips.

"How am I meant to feel that you're going out with two other queer women? I mean… I trust you of course I do. But Miss Mills looks like that… you know and Riley is… well, pervy."

Maura chuckled at her girlfriend's description of her two colleagues, but she couldn't fault them. She also couldn't believe Jane had also missed the point entirely.

"Mi amor, that's the point of the dress." Maura pointed out with a smirk and it was as though the penny finally dropped for Jane.

"OH! Yeah Riley won't stand a chance against that dress. You're kinda smart aren't you Isles?" Jane asked, leaning back against the wall with her hands slack in the back pockets of her black skinny jeans.

"Hmm, kinda." Maura mimicked and leaned in closer, wishing she could close the distance between them.

"Have an amazing night my love, tell me all about it when you can and I want at least one photo of your outfit." Maura smiled, wishing herself and Jane didn't have to hide their feelings.

"I will be thinking about you too, all night." Jane replied softly, her eyes full of longing for the honey-blonde standing in front of her. "However, I want at least 10 photos of your outfit as I'm sure it's going to be stunning and you need to text me when you get there, during the night and more importantly when you're home safely, okay?"

Jane's protectiveness made Maura's heart melt as the older woman reached out for the brunette's hand.

"I promise I will tell you everything. Enjoy every second of tonight Jane, you're only 18 once."

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Even though it was strange not having football practice after school, Jane and Frost (with Frankie and Tommy in the back of the car, with the earlier argument long forgotten) headed back to the Rizzoli household to let the fun begin! Barrelling through the front door, the three Rizzoli children and Frost all shouted various 'hellos' to Angela and Frank as they parted ways into separate bedrooms to get changed for the party. Jane and Frost got changed together listening to 'Jane's party playlist'. It wasn't weird of course, as they'd grown up together and seen everything many times before. Frost was laying against Jane's headboard scrolling through his phone in his now creased black shirt and beige chinos, when he heard Jane's phone start to buzz.

"Yo Jane, your phone's ringing." He called to Jane, who was trying to iron her sky-blue button up shirt in the hallway.

"Who is it?" Jane asked, not really paying attention, cursing under her breath at the one crease that just wouldn't straighten out.

"Your lady." Frost called back, a little louder than he meant to. It was only when a furious Jane made an appearance in the doorway along with a confused Frankie that he realised what he'd done.

"You got a girlfriend Jane?" Frankie asked, standing in the doorway, looking perplexed.

"No, no Frankie, er- Frost is just messing about. Right Frost?" The brunette insisted, looking at her friend for backup.

"Oh yeah Frankie, I-er, you know I like to wind Jane up." Frost shrugged, hastily turning back to his phone.

"Sure." The younger Rizzoli agreed, but the best friends knew they weren't convincing anyone.

Jane re-entered the room looking flustered, her shirt crumpled up in her hand.

"Oh fuck, I'd just got that damn crease out." She grumbled and headed back into the hallway, still not making eye contact with her best friend.

Downstairs, Frankie had started helping Angela put up the final balloons and banners as Tommy, Jane and Frost were still upstairs.

"You're quiet honey, what's wrong?" Angela asked her usually chatty oldest son.

"You know, don't you Ma?" he answered, turning to face his mother.

"Know what, sweetie?" his mother questioned, now worried about what her son knew.

"That Jane's seeing someone." Frankie stated.

"Yes, I believe she is." Angela confirmed, not knowing where Frankie was going with this.

"Why is she keeping it a secret? We don't care if she likes girls, we just want her to be happy." Tears were threatening to spill from Frankie's eyes. He had always thought he and Jane were close but hearing that she'd been keeping a secret had hurt him more than he thought.

Angela's eyebrows shot up at the fact Frankie had talked so openly about his sister liking girls, as he had never let on he knew anything before. However, Angela could see the love he held for his sister in his young eyes and her heart swelled at the caring young man before her.

"I know sweetie, but Tommy and your father don't know anything yet. It's up to us to support her and love her as best we can okay?"

"Yeah of course Ma, I just want her to trust me." Frankie replied honestly, all he'd ever wanted was to be a good brother.

"She does Frankie, it's obviously just a confusing time for your sister. She wants to be ready and certain before she tells anyone."

"Do you think this girl is coming tonight?" Frankie asked hopefully.

"I don't think so sweetie, Jane said she was spending the day with her tomorrow instead."

"Oh." Frankie nodded and turned back to the decorations he was hanging.

Angela held him closer and whispered, "I know, I wanted to meet her too."

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It was 8pm and the doorbell was ringing constantly as Jane's friends that were meant to turn up an hour ago were finally arriving. Jane, Frost, Frankie and Steve were playing non-alcoholic beer pong at the kitchen table against Jane's cousins, while the rest of the Rizzoli men had moved the TV into the conservatory out the back to try and watch the final half of the Red Sox game. Angela and Carla on the other hand were in the kitchen, a glass of wine in hand talking about the party.

"So Ang, you found out who the mysterious blonde is yet?" Carla asked, only slurring her words slightly.

Angela shot her a warning glare, before deciding it was far too loud for anyone to actually overhear their conversation.

"Sadly not. I know Jane's in love with her. I know she's older and has a good job, but Jane wants to take it slow before introducing us and to be honest I don't blame her. Who knows how Frank will react?"

"You don't even know the girl's name?" Carla asked incredulously, this wasn't the usual high detective level of Angel Rizzoli.

"Oh wait, I do know it. She's called Maura. Isn't that pretty?" Angela smiled, taking another sip of the pinot grigio she had in her hand.

"Maura? That's Irish isn't it? Sure she's not Irish mob Ang?" Carla laughed nervously, "Maybe that's why Jane is keeping her a secret."

"She is not and you should know better to even joke about that." Angela sighed and looked over to her daughter, who was laughing and having a great time with her friends.

"Look at her Carla, I don't want anything to disrupt her happiness."

"It won't Ang. We love her, her friends love her, apparently this girl loves her. It'll all be okay, just wait and see." Carla hugged Angela tightly, knowing the older woman needed it.

"Okay, before I lose all credibility, let's light the candles on the cake, shall we?"

The two women set about getting the chocolate fudge cake ready, as they sent one of Jane's older cousins to gather everyone together.

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"Isles, you've been on your phone all night! Come on, dance with me!" Regina smiled at her friend and pulled her by the arm to the dance floor. Maura obliged, putting her phone back in her handbag and followed Regina through the crowd.

"What time is Riley getting here?" Maura asked, knowing Regina had been texting her since they left school that day.

"I don't know, she said she was on her way 20 minutes ago, but I'm not waiting. I want to dance!"

Maura couldn't help but laugh at Regina's independence, as they began to dance without any inhibitions. During the night, many men and women tried their luck with the doctor and the Latina but to no avail. Regina wore her dress for one woman only and Maura's eyes and heart were dedicated to a stunning brunette who was celebrating her birthday on the other side of town.

After an hour of dancing, Maura decided to check her phone and unsurprisingly there were many texts and videos from her girlfriend.

I miss you.

How is your night? My party's okay, but it would be so much more special if you were here.

I just want to hold you, touch you and let people know you're mine and I'm yours.

Video 2:19

Maura clicked on the video and a smile lit up her face as she realised Frost must have taken the video of Jane blowing out her candles. As the video finished, Jane winked into the camera lens and it made the doctor blush. Then Maura noticed the text underneath.

Guess what I wished for?

Regaining her composure Maura noticed Riley walking into the bar. She wore wet-look black skinny jeans and a white fitted shirt that were paired with black strappy wedges. Her dark hair was gelled back away from her face, highlighted her cheekbones and bright eyes. Maura approved of the appearance, however it did nothing to ignite the fire within her that Jane did. She couldn't however say the same for Regina, who had pounced upon the caramel-skinned coach immediately.

I hope you wished for us to be together right now. Riley has arrived and by the looks of it they're going to be pre-occupied for the rest of the evening.

Maura sent a photo of the two women dancing very closely and laughed as she pictured Jane's reaction. It was only 9.30pm, so Maura decided to order herself another martini and made herself comfortable by the bar, keeping one eye on her two colleagues.

A couple of minutes later, her phone buzzed.

Incoming Jane 3

Hello mi amor, are you okay?

Hey beautiful, you just sounded sad so thought I'd make sure you're okay.

I'm okay sweetheart, the whole point of this evening was to get those two together. I just didn't plan on them doing it straight away and at the expense of me.

You're safe though right?

I am very safe mi amor, thank you. My martini and I are very comfortable at the bar.

Has anyone tried it on with you?

Maura chuckled at her girlfriend trying to keep her jealousy at bay.

A couple of people have approached yes… so I have thanked them for their interest but told them I am unavailable.

Good. You're my Maura.

I am yours darling, always.

Okay, well I better get back Maur, before people start looking for me. I can't wait to see you tomorrow.

I can't wait either darling, but I'm okay, focus on having a wonderful night with your friends and family. Still text me?

You know I will. Have a great night Maur, be safe – I love….

Jane… I want you to tell me in person. Especially for the first time.

Yeah, you're probably right… I'm sorry.

Never apologise for how you're feeling. I feel the same way. I just want to be holding you when we say it.

Okay beautiful, I miss you, I'll text you soon.

I miss you too, only twenty-four hours until you're in my arms.

Only 24 hours to go.

Who said Christmas miracles can't happen? Again apologies for the wait, I've been writing this chapter for a while and I just couldn't get it long enough... then I looked and it was nearly 5000 words! Thank you to all those still supporting this story and for the lovely reviews I still get coming through, it really does inspire me.

Have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate, be safe, be happy and Merry Rizzles Christmas! xx