As Maura snapped the lid back on the container that formerly held her salad, Jane crumbled up the remains of her lunch and tossed them into the trashcan across the room. Jane was rewarded with a soft rustle of the plastic as she made the intended shot.
"Alright, Doctor, you ready?" Jane stood up and reached for her keys that she had deposited on Maura's desk earlier.
"Yes, allow me to retrieve my purse." Maura responded enthusiastically and opened her desk drawer to pull out her purse.
"OK, let's head out. Do you mind if I drive?"
"No, I don't mind Jane. After all, you're the one who knows where we're going," Maura teased the brunette.
"Oh, right." Jane blushed.
Once they reached Jane's Jeep, Jane walked over to the passenger side to open the door for Maura.
"Thank you," Maura said as she looked up at Jane.
Jane smiled. "No problem."
Maura looked around at the interior of Jane's Jeep. With the exception of a few empty water bottles in the backseat, it was very clean. A rosary hung from the rearview mirror along with medals of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Sebastian.
"Let me guess," Maura said as she fingered the medals, "St. Michael for law enforcement and St. Sebastian for sports."
Maura's knowledge surprised and pleased Jane.
"Very astute of you, Doctor." Jane raised an eyebrow.
"Also, don't forget..." Jane broke off and turned in her seat to fully face the doctor.
"Every good Catholic loves Mary," Jane gave the woman a wink and pulled out the Miraculous Medal that she wore under her shirt.
Maura took the small silver medal in her palm to get a closer look. When she flipped it over, she saw writing. Maura moved even closer to see it better.
At this point, Jane was trying to remain completely still, but the sweet smell of the woman's perfume was making it difficult to breathe evenly.
"I am a Catholic. Call a priest," Maura read aloud and looked up at Jane quizzically.
Jane pulled away softly and laughed, "Hey, one can never be too careful."
Isn't that the truth? Jane sighed internally.
Maura leaned back across the console and settled in her seat with a laugh.
"Very true, Jane. Ready to go?" Maura was thrilled that it was just the two of them going. She relished the opportunity to spend more time alone with the long-legged brunette.
"Yep, it should take about ten minutes to get there, so we'll have plenty of time to make to the teacher supply store if you're still interested."
Maura's eyes lit up. "Yes! I'm looking forward to it."
Rather than blast her stereo like she always did, Jane decided to keep the volume really low while the doctor was in the car. She didn't want to do anything that would make it difficult for the brunette to make conversation with the honey blonde. Throughout the entire drive, Jane couldn't help but glance over at the doctor and feel so content in that moment.
A short while later, Jane pulled into the large parking lot of the office supply store. Together the women weaved through each aisle with Jane pushing the cart and Maura clearing the shelves.
"Hold up, Maura." Jane stopped the cart in front of an aisle that had cleaning supplies and the like.
Jane brushed past Maura and reached out her arm to grab several boxes of band aids in all different sizes.
Maura gave Jane a puzzled look. "Why band aids, Jane?"
"You'd be surprised by the number of kids who'll try to cut class with the excuse of needing a band aid from the nurse." Jane rolled her eyes at the thought.
"Trust me on this one," Jane smirked.
"If you say so, Jane." Maura let out a laugh and nodded at Jane to drop all the boxes into the cart.
In the checkout line, there were an assortment of random objects like boxes of scented highlighters in every color of the rainbow and one pound bags of Gummy Bears and Swedish Fish. Jane couldn't help herself and snatched a bag of Reese's Pieces and threw them into the cart.
"What? The kids love them." Jane defended with arms akimbo.
"By kids, you mean you, right?" Maura teased.
"I am a child at heart." Jane stuck her tongue out at the doctor.
Maura chuckled shaking her head at Jane's antics and started to unload the cart.
"Hey. Show your teacher ID. Places like this often give teachers pretty good discounts so make sure you keep your receipt. That's the only way you'll get reimbursed."
"Reimbursed?" Maura wrinkled her brow in confusion.
"Yeah, it's only one hundred bucks for the entire year. I mostly use mine to buy extra notebooks and supplies for the kids who can't afford them. I just feel bad for the art and elementary school teachers. They often spend a lot of their own money to cover the costs of the materials they need."
"That's terrible!" Maura was shocked.
Maura made a mental note to make a large contribution to the local elementary schools. Coming from an affluent background and high paying job, Maura didn't really need her teacher salary. Now she knew what to do with it.
Jane gathered up their bags and walked across the hot asphalt to Jane's old Jeep. Like before, Jane opened the door for Maura.
Jane read the time on the dash and said aloud, "It looks like we've still got time for the teacher supply store; Jane turned into a small strip mall that will filled with a variety of shops. The one they were looking for was nestled in the corner.
"Ok, word of warning." Jane stopped Maura from entering.
"This place can be a tad overwhelming, and you may have to dig through a lot of elementary school stuff to actually find something you can use."
Jane was right. It was overwhelming. Eventually, Maura found a section of the store that focused primarily on science. Thumbing through the posters in a rack, Maura finally found a few she could use. Jane juggled the posters and a few other science-y items for Maura without even being asked.
Both women hurried to Jane's Jeep to make it back to school before their lunch break was over. Maura cringed a little at the speed Jane passed other cars and turned corners. In the future, Maura decided that she'd try to be driver.
Hopefully, there will be a future. Maura mused.
The duo made it back to school with little time to spare. This slightly frazzled Maura because she hated being late for anything, but Jane assured her that they were fine. Jane again insisted on carrying Maura's purchases all the way to her classroom when Maura tried to take them.
"No, no. I've got them." Jane held the bags up and shook them to show Maura she was fine holding them.
Maura felt butterflies settle in her stomach as Jane flashed her a roguish grin. Reaching the room, Jane asked Maura where she'd like the bags to go.
"Over on that lab table would be fine." Maura pointed at the table in front of Jane.
Thump! Jane dropped the heavy bags on the table and checked her watch.
"Well, I better run." Jane announced.
"Oh, you do?" Maura frowned at Jane's abrupt decision to leave. She had hoped to spend more time with her that afternoon.
Jane didn't want to hang out too much and too soon out of fear that she'd come off as smothering the good doctor. At the sad look on the Maura's face, Jane reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.
"Would you like to exchange numbers? That way if you have any questions or anything, you can get hold of me." Jane tried to school her features to look cool and casual.
Maura was thrilled, but she also attempted to reign in her excitement, but she couldn't hide the giddiness in her voice. "Of course!"
"Here." Jane tapped a few screens. "Hand me yours, and I'll put in mine."
Passing over her own phone, "You do the same to mine."
After passing back each other's phones, Jane said, "Ok, if you need help hanging your posters, I come help you tomorrow. That is, if you don't mind waiting that long." Jane amended.
"Yes, I would like some help." Maura was pleased. More time with Jane!
"In the meantime, figure out where you want to put them and get them laminated! If you don't, they won't make it a year." Jane warned.
"Ok, see ya!" Jane gave Maura a small wave.
Jane had already turned to leave but stopped at the sound of her name.
"You need something, Maur'?" Jane redirected her attention towards the beautiful honey blonde.
"I just wanted to say that I had a good time today and thank you for your help."
Maura gave Jane a shy but dazzling smile.
"It was fun for me, too," Jane replied with an equally bright smile.
With that, Jane left the room.
R&I – R&I – R&I
Maura had just finished an invigorating yoga session before hopping into the shower. The hot spray warmed her body as it wet her hair. She began making her mental checklist for the day as she shampooed her hair. Today was the last day that teachers had before the holiday weekend and the students' first day back. She felt really pleased about the progress she had made and for the moment wasn't too stressed. Her syllabus was ready, copies were made, and her gradebook was set up. She had yet to finish decorating her classroom; Maura realized that the hardest part about starting a new year was getting her room together. Everything else had just fell into place.
Maura was so grateful for Jane. She made a great mentor. As she thought this, old insecurities started to creep in. Was Jane just helping Maura because she was her mentor or because she felt sorry for her? It wouldn't be the first time that people pretended to like her.
No, Maura decided. Jane was a genuine person who really did want to be friends. Friends. The thought excited her. Finished with washing her body, Maura turned off the water and stepped out of the shower.
After finishing her daily routine, Maura stepped into her closet. She slid garment after garment along the rack until she stopped at a soft blue sundress. Maura paired the dress with light tan leather sandals to complete the look.
Hopefully, Jane will like this.
Maura smiled to herself and left her room.
R&I-R&I-R&I
Maura decided to be proactive that morning and find Jane. The problem was that Maura had no clue where Jane's classroom was, so she took her phone from her purse and tapped out a message.
M: Good morning, Jane. How are you today? I would like to come see you, but I am not sure where your classroom is located. If it is possible, may I come to visit?
Jane snorted at how formal and proper Maura's text was. Did this woman even know how to be impolite?
J: Hey, Maura. I'm good. Why don't you meet me in the front office? It's be easier for me to show you where my room is.
M: Wonderful. I will see you in five minutes.
J: BTW, bring your posters, so that we can laminate them.
M: Of course. BTW?
J: By the Way :P
M: :)
Maura scooped up her bundle of posters and walked down the long halls to meet Jane in the office. When Maura entered, she saw Jane perched on the corner of her mother's desk. The charismatic woman was chatting with the two secretaries about the upcoming school year. All three heads turned to greet the beautiful doctor.
Angela looked at the doctor and her attire.
"Janie, it wouldn't hurt for you to dress up every once in a while like Dr. Isles. Look how gorgeous she is!"
"Ma! Maura would look gorgeous even if she was wearing a paper bag!" Jane blurted without thinking.
"Thank you, Jane." Maura blushed a deep scarlet.
"Umm, yeah, you're welcome." Jane scratched the back of her neck.
Both women looked at each other with embarrassed expressions.
Angela observed the interaction between the two and decided to stir the pot.
"By the way, Jane. Have you told Maura about the unofficial faculty cook out this Saturday? You know, that one that's adults only." Angela stage whispered.
"Not yet, Ma. I had planned to later today, but you beat me to it," Jane was irritated that her mother had beat her to it. She had wanted to surprise Maura with the invitation.
Angela turned to Maura, "You see, we have a separate party for the grownups because most folks like to have their family BBQs on Labor Day. Korsak and some of us old timers hold our celebration on Saturday for the younger faculty and any of their single friends." Angela looked pointedly at Jane.
"That reminds me, Jane." Leaning back in her chair, Angela addressed her wary daughter, "Patrick Cornell plans on going. He's been asking about you lately. Said he'd like to take you out." Angela was evil and knew exactly what she was doing.
Go in for the kill, Angela.
"Oh, and Kellie Thomas is chomping at the bit to get you alone again. Considering that I'm your mother, she may have shared a bit too much about your date." She nudged Jane with her elbow. "But I was young once, too, and it sounds like the two of you had a really good time," Angela smirked.
Your move, Janie.
Jane wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. Actually, she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her mother whole.
She glanced at Maura who appeared to be very interested in something on the floor. "Umm, Maura. I apologize for my mother. She doesn't understand the meaning of the word filter." Jane leveled her best glare at her mother.
Maura was hopeful. Apparently, Jane was attracted to women.
Jane cleared her throat and tried to muster one shred of dignity. "Maura, would you like to go to the barbeque on Saturday?"
"As a matter of a fact, I would, Jane."
Angela couldn't tell whose smile was bigger, Maura's or Jane's.