Oops, I Did It Again – Chapter 37
Jane, Maura, Constance and Arthur spent the next two days visiting museums and going to the movies. Constance even managed to squeeze them into an art exhibit. Jane was hoping to avoid those but she figured one would be okay. They were trying to do things that they all liked. Occasionally, only two of them might like the event, or three, rarely all four, except for the movies.
Jane found it hard to believe that Arthur and Constance had never been to a movie theater. Because of Arthur's love for African culture and history they decided to see 'The Woman King.' Constance and Maura had both been to Africa with him and had studied African culture and history. Jane was the only one who was not versed in African culture and history. She just thought it would be an excellent action flick. She didn't watch movies for their historical value.
Jane found it quite weird that Maura had actually hung African tribal masks in her office at the precinct, but after discussing how much they had studied about Africa over the years, it now made sense to Jane.
Jane had to have popcorn and soda during the movie, any movie actually. She tried convincing the other three that it is a well-known tradition. They didn't fall for it, but she was still able to stop at the concession stand and purchase popcorn and soda for herself. She also purchased some M&Ms to put in her popcorn. She didn't add M&Ms at home when she was watching a movie, only when she went to the movie theater.
She tried telling them that they should sit in the front row as it made it feel like you were actually in the movie. They didn't buy that either. Maura didn't want to sit that close so they sat about five rows up. Arthur and Constance sat in the top row so they could see the entire screen easily.
As they watched the movie, Maura reached over and stuck her hand into Jane's popcorn container and helped herself to some popcorn after saying she didn't want any earlier. Jane saw how this worked, Maura had done this before. She almost always steals her fries when they go to the Dirty Robber. She always says she doesn't want any but she eats them from Jane's plate. She also helped herself to some of Jane's soda. Jane didn't argue, as she thought it was cute. She didn't mind sharing with Maura. If her brothers did that though she would hit them and make sure they couldn't get any popcorn.
Constance thought it was adorable how Jane made silly faces at Maura for stealing some of her popcorn and soda. She almost missed the faces but the lighting in the movie changed and the room lit up and she could see Jane's face plain as day. She tapped Arthur on the arm to look at Jane and Maura, he smiled and then immediately went back to watching the movie. He was very interested in the movie.
They had all enjoyed the movie and talked about it on the way home. They talked about how some of the movie was true, the Agojie was an all-female warrior group that protected the kingdom of Dahomey and how some of the movie was just dramatized. It was Sunday and they would be going over to the Rizzoli's for dinner in a few hours. When they got back home Maura, Constance and Arthur continued to discuss the movie and the accuracies or lack of accuracy of the movie. Jane enjoyed the intellectual rant from the three of them and she had enjoyed the movie for the action/fighting scenes.
Their discussion continued until it was time to leave for dinner. Since the movie had ended Constance was also asking Jane questions about her parents and why her father didn't approve of her relationship with Maura. Jane was impressed with Constance's ability to participate in two totally different conversations at the same time. She was wondering what Constance might have up her sleeve. Angela Rizzoli had no idea what was about to arrive at her house. She was no match for Constance Isles.
At 5 PM, Jane, Maura, Constance and Arthur arrived at the Rizzoli's. Jane introduced her parents to Constance and Arthur. "Ma, Pop this is Constance and Arthur Isles, Maura's parents. Constance and Arthur these are my parents, Angela and Frank Rizzoli." Angela reached out to hug Constance. Constance was surprised as she wasn't a hugger. Angela squeezed Constance hard and Constance just stood there until the hug was over.
"I hope you like lasagna and garlic bread." Angela told everyone. Jane and Maura moved her parents into the living room where Frankie and Tommy were watching tv.
"Frankie and Tommy this is Maura's parents, Arthur and Constance Isles." The boys rose and extended their hands to shake with the Isles. "Constance and Arthur, these two delinquents are my younger brothers, Frankie and Tommy." They all shook hands and then sat down in the living room. The tv was on ESPN so they could watch a taped Red Sox game.
"Is this the Red Sox that Jane is always talking about?" Constance asked. She had been researching the Red Sox since meeting Jane.
"Yeah." Tommy replied. "Do you like the Red Sox?"
Constance answered, "I was telling Jane, I have never seen a game before. She took me to the batting cages the other day and that was so much fun. She said we have to go to a game. We, Arthur and myself, are looking forward to that."
"Oh man, I can't believe Janie took you to the batting cages. I think you are going to love the experience of attending a Red Sox game. I guess that means you probably have never had a Fenway Frank." Frankie said as he joined in the conversation.
"No, I haven't." Arthur said and Constance agreed with him.
"We are looking forward to experiencing the game with Jane. She brings such a different perspective to things for us. I had never had a cheeseburger before she took me to that place, I think she said it was called The Dirty Robber." Constance added.
"Oh man, she is really sharing her favorite things with you. I'm surprised she hasn't taken you to shoot her handgun. I hope she doesn't scare you away." Frankie told them.
"Actually, we are looking at doing that next week." Constance added.
Maura stepped to the kitchen to see if Angela needed any assistance. "Angela, would you like me to help with anything?" Frank left the kitchen once Maura arrived.
"No dear, I have it under control. Go enjoy your visit." Just as Angela said that Jane arrived in the kitchen and wrapped Maura up in her arms. Maura leaned back into Jane as Jane kissed her on the neck. Maura just closed her eyes and soaked in the warmth from Jane.
Angela turned around and saw the display of affection and smiled. She loved to see her daughter so happy. She just worried about Frank and his reaction. He still was not approving of Jane's relationship with Maura.
"Maura, I should have asked you if lasagna would be okay for your parents." Angela stated and broke the girls out of their dreamy state.
Maura upon hearing her name opened her eyes remembering where she was and said, "They should be fine with lasagna, Angela, but thank you for asking." Jane had stopped her kissing siege on Maura's neck at the sound of her mother's voice. She forgot they had said they wouldn't kiss at her parent's house. Frank wasn't in the kitchen so they were fine.
Jane and Maura set the table after noticing that Frankie and Tommy had not accomplished that task yet. They wanted to do something to help. A loud noise came from the living room as the Red Sox scored a run. Constance and Arthur were surprised at how enthusiastic Frank, Frankie and Tommy were, screaming at the tv. "Do you always scream at your tv?" Constance asked.
"Yes, we love our Red Sox. So, when is Janie taking you to a game?" Tommy asked.
"One day this next week. We only have one more week in Boston and then we go home." Arthur replied.
"Where do you live?" Frankie asked as he didn't remember Jane saying where Maura's parents lived.
"Paris." Constance quickly replied. She loved Paris. "We spend time in New York and Boston during the year, but Paris is our primary residence."
"That must be interesting living in a foreign country and being able to travel. I have never been out of the United States." Frankie explained.
"It is, unfortunately it also means that we don't spend as much time with Maura as we should. We will be making some changes soon so that we are visiting with her more frequently." Constance informed them.
"What do you mean, are you going to be spending more time in Boston?" Tommy asked.
"Yes." Arthur replied. "We have missed so much of her life and we need to be closer so we can see her more often. We like Jane and feel that she is good for Maura. Maura seems so happy."
"They are good for each other. My sister is so happy also. I didn't know she liked women but Maura is perfect for her. Janie hasn't had the best track record with relationships. Maura understands her and her love for her job. Some of the guys she tried to date always wanted her to quit her job after they had been together for a few months and that is not right. Janie is a great homicide detective and if they don't understand that then they do not belong with my sister." Frankie told Constance and Arthur.
"So, do you have a problem with my daughter dating Jane?" Constance asked Frankie.
"No way. I get it, I see how happy they are." Frankie stated.
Frank had been sitting there the whole time and didn't say a word. He was just getting ready to say something when Angela stepped in the living room and let them know that dinner was ready. Everybody got up and went into the dining room. Constance and Arthur followed and Angela informed them of where they could sit.
Frank sat at the head of the table with Angela at the other end. Arthur and Tommy sat beside him. Maura sat next to Tommy with Jane right beside her. Constance sat next to Arthur with Frankie on her other side.
Angela was trying to make sure that Frank was not sitting next to Frankie after the comment he just made prior to coming into the dining room. She wasn't sure what Frank would do or say and she didn't want anything to happen during dinner.
Conversation was light during dinner. The majority of the conversation was about the activities the Jane and Maura were participating in with Maura's parents. Towards the end of dinner, Constance mentioned how great it was that Jane took her to the batting cages and then for a burger at The Dirty Robber. Angela, "Janie, really out of all the things to do with Constance, you took her to a batting cage."
"Angela, please don't reprimand Jane. I asked her what she liked to do and I suggested the batting cage. It sounded like fun. Besides if Maura can do that then why can't I."
"I didn't know that Jane took Maura to the batting cages. Maura and you are more proper than hitting balls at the batting cages. She should have taken you to a play or ballet and do a museum."
"Oh, please Angela, we are just like you. I like to try new things. I enjoyed when we went miniature golfing also. It was fun. This morning we went to the movies. I am having a great time getting to know Jane. I can see why my daughter likes her so much." Constance shared.
Frank shook his head slightly before he said, "Janie, you should treat her like a lady and do lady like things with Maura and her mother. Is that why you like women, because you like to do things that guys typically do?"
"Pop, what kinda comment is that. I never liked women until I met Maura. She gets me. She gets me more than any guy I have ever dated. I'm not sure I liked your comment. Maura is a beautiful, smart, caring woman and she makes me happy." Jane told her father.
"She is a woman and you should be with a guy." Frank said. Frankie and Tommy got up and left the table. They didn't want to be any part of this conversation. They thought that their father was warming up to Jane and Maura being in a relationship.
"Frank, that is enough. We have company." Angela told her husband.
"No Angela, it is not enough. Their relationship is a sin. It is against everything she has been taught. I don't agree with her and I think this woman is a bad influence on her. She just said she didn't like women until she met her." Frank said in a raised voice and never said Maura's name, he just referred to her as 'her' or 'this woman.'
Constance rose and started walking towards Frank. Arthur reached over and stopped her from advancing on Frank. He knew his wife and he knew she wasn't going to take any crap from this man. He's not sure what Constance would have done if she would have reached Frank. He didn't want to take a chance. She ended up putting her hands on his shoulders as she stood behind him and glared at Frank.
She said, "Frank, my daughter, Maura, is a fine upstanding intelligent woman. She is loving and kind and she loves your daughter with all of her heart. Your daughter, Jane, is also a fine upstanding intelligent woman and she loves Maura with all of her heart. My husband and I are happy that they found each other and we totally support their relationship." Constance told Frank. "They work well as a team and have the highest closure rate in the state. They are happy. Any parent should wish that their children would find a person that makes them happy.
Frank glared at Constance and said, "I'm not going to sit here and listen to this bullshit. As far as I am concerned the two of you can take your daughter and leave my house. Maybe then my daughter will go back to her normal self."
"Sir, I beg to differ with you and think I deserve to have my say. I politely listened to what you termed 'bullshit.' There is nothing wrong with your daughter. Jane is her version of normal. Who are we to judge her happiness? Love is love and people should have a right to love who they love."
"Well lady, we will just have to agree to disagree." With that Frank got up and pushed his plate to the middle of the table making a mess of the leftovers that were still on the table. He huffed as he went upstairs to his room. Jane's head was leaning on Maura's shoulder as Maura comforted her. They were both upset by what Frank had said.
Angela profusely apologized for her husband's behavior. "I am so sorry, Constance and Arthur. I thought he was starting to see that it is okay for Jane and Maura to be in a relationship." Angela said as she got up to check on Jane and Maura who had made their way out to the living room. Frankie and Tommy who had gone to their rooms when their father started with his negative rant came back downstairs after their father went upstairs.
After a few minutes when Jane and Maura settled down, Jane said, "Ma, we are leaving. Thank you for dinner. We will not be coming back here until he changes his mind about our relationship. I love Maura and I am not going to change the way I spend my life to please him." Jane got up and took Maura's hand and walked over to Constance and Arthur and said "Let's go home."
Angela hugged her daughter and then Maura. She said good night to Constance and Arthur and handed Jane a small container with some fresh cannolis in it.