I don't own Rizzoli and Isles, but I wish I did.
A/N: Thanks for all the favs, reviews, etc! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Sorry for any mistakes.
The opening and shutting of Jane's apartment door signaled that Maura had arrived. Jane's socked feet rested on the coffee table while she reviewed tapes of games played before the break. When the doctor approached the couch, Jane pressed pause and patted the seat next to her in invitation. Maura sat and gave the brunette a hello kiss before she removed her heels and settled back in her seat.
"How was lunch?" Jane tried judging Maura's expression to see if it went well.
Maura placed her stocking feet on the coffee table successfully avoiding the empty bowls of popcorn and half-finished bottles of Dr. Pepper.
"It went well." Maura considered her next words. "I spoke to Mother about Daniel."
"Yeah…?" Jane questioned the blonde and hoped that she wouldn't have to drag this out of her girlfriend.
"And well, how would you put it? She was pissed. At least in her own way she was."
Maura bit her bottom lip before continuing, "She would like to meet you."
"Oh." Jane was a little surprised by this.
Maura took Jane's hand and traced patterns on her palm with her finger.
"I'd like you to meet her because she is my mother, but then again I don't. She can be so judgmental and at times rude, and I don't want her to possibly treat you that way."
Jane pulled her hand away from Maura and tucked a stray lock behind the blonde's ear.
"Maura, people are rude to me all the time. We're teachers, remember?"
"You have a point," Maura said and reached over to grab her phone from where she placed it on the coffee table.
"What are you doing?" Jane stretched her neck over to look at Maura's screen. On it, she saw Maura's calendar pulled up.
"I told her that you and I are pretty much free," Maura started to say before interrupting.
Jane had a slightly perturbed look on her face, "Maura, we have the basketball championship on the 29th, 30th, and 31st."
There it was. Plain as day. The basketball tournament. No wonder Jane was watching all the tapes of the games. She was getting ready for the tournament. Most importantly, Boston East was hosting it this year, so she'd be tied up all those days running the event. How could she forget?
"Jane, I'm sorry. I don't know how I could forget." Maura said with downcast eyes.
The doctor looked so pitiful. "Maura, you've been so nervous about your mother visiting that I'm not surprised it slipped your mind. Maybe you could invite her to one of the days. This would give you the chance to show her where you work. It might be good for her to see what teaching really means to you. After all, I think the kids love you more than me now." Jane added a wink.
A bright smile spread across Maura's face; Jane knew she was successful in cheering up the blonde.
"The big question is whether I can convince her to come or not." Maura admitted truthfully.
"I'm sure you will. You can come early on one of the days, so we can give her a tour of the school. Afterwards, the two of you could go get brunch or something."
"That's a fantastic idea." Maura threw her arms around Jane's neck. "I love you. Thank you for being so understanding.
"No problem, Maur'. Now, if you want to make it up to me. Help me review these tapes."
"Happily." Maura grabbed a notepad from the coffee table, and together the two women prepared for the tournament.
R & I R & I R& I
"Mother, I cannot thank you enough for coming to school with me," Maura was genuinely surprised by how easily Constance acquiesced to Maura's suggestion of touring her school.
"Darling, I prefer to make my own judgments over the ones Daniel so dishonestly fed me. I was wrong to believe him when the two of you ended their relationship." Constance said as she adjusted the scarf around her neck as the two women entered the building.
Maura couldn't believe her ears. Did Constance actually admit that she was at fault? Maura felt like she was in the Twilight Zone.
Constance's behavior today was very atypical. A prime example was this morning when Maura had volunteered to pick Constance up from her hotel. Rather than hire a driver, the older woman accepted Maura's offer.
"Jane said that she would meet us in the lobby. She volunteered to be your tour guide because she knows the building far better than I do. Besides, she has a master key because she is a coach. Ah, there she is." Maura pointed to her girlfriend who was busy talking to whom Maura assumed was another coach.
The brunette went all out that day. Generally, coaches dress up for games, but Maura could tell that Jane had pulled out the big guns for today. Jane was dressed in her nicest black tailored suit. She wore a cerulean blue button down under her blazer, and she completed the outfit with black kitten heels. This only added to her already imposing 5'9 frame.
Jane saw the two women approaching and politely ended her conversation with the other coach.
"You must be Mrs. Isles," Jane extended her hand, "it is a pleasure to meet you." The brunette flashed her brightest smile.
"Please call me Constance." The older woman said warmly.
"Of course." Jane turned to the doctor and couldn't help the roughest of her voice when she addressed the blonde. "Hey Maura." Jane's eyes twinkled.
Remembering who was with them, Jane returned her attention to the older woman. "Constance thank you for being so flexible as to come out here today."
"I understand that you had prior commitments. I'm happy we worked this out before I have to return to Paris."
Jane saw Maura's face fall. Obviously, this was news to the doctor.
"Well, let's start our tour then." Jane tried to distract Maura from the bad news.
Numerous trophy cases lined the walls of the lobby. In addition to sports, other clubs and organizations' achievements were displayed. Constance walked over to the cases and peered closely at their contents.
For the first time since she arrived at Boston East, Maura took the time to actually look at the trophies and plaques held inside. One plaque simultaneously caught Maura and Constance's interest. It read, "Jane Rizzoli, Best All Around Athlete, 1997." Then another trophy next to it read, "Jane Rizzoli 400m State Champion." There were several similar trophies surrounding that one. They weren't all related to Jane's athletic abilities. Her other achievements included awards for Academic All American. Maura was incredibly impressed, and she planned on showing the brunette how impressed she was later.
"Jane is that you?" Maura couldn't hide the smile in her voice.
"Hmm, what? Jane's attention had been elsewhere."
"Is that you in the display case?" Maura pointed at a very young looking Jane Rizzoli.
The brunette peered closely into the case.
Damn it. I thought I had taken those out.. Ma must have snuck them back in one day.
"It appears so." Jane scratched the back of her neck slightly embarrassed by the scrutiny her high school self was under.
Maura beamed at her girlfriend, "Jane, I knew you played sports in high school, but I didn't know you're were that good."
"Yeah. That's how I managed to pay for college. I went to BCU on a full ride for basketball."
Jane hated telling people this. She never wanted to sound conceited.
"Well, Maura, it seems as though you are dating an extremely gifted athlete. I'm impressed." Constance remarked.
The brunette's cheeks burned bright red.
Clearing her throat to get Maura's attention, Jane addressed the blonde. "Maura, what would you like to show your mother first?
"I'm not sure. Mother, what would you like to see?" Maura deferred to her mother.
The older woman replied, "I'd like to see the places you frequent most Maura. Your classroom for instance."
"Of course, Mother. This way." Jane took Maura's cue and directed the two women down the hall towards the doctor's room.
Constance had never been inside a public school before, so she didn't really know what to expect.
Portraits of graduating senior classes since the school was built lined the halls. Flyers of events that had long since occurred hung from the corkboards. Student lockers looked as though they had recently been repainted but still showed their age. A few of the ceiling tiles had water spots, but for the most part the school was in decent shape. There were several parts of the building that needed updating, but overall it was a nice facility. As they walked towards the Science hallway, Jane regaled Constance with facts about the school. Jane told an impressive account of the founding and building of the school along with how Boston East adopted the bulldog as its mascot.
Jane only stopped talking when they reached Maura's classroom.
Jane removed her keys from her pocket to unlock the door. "Don't worry about your keys, Maur'. I've got it."
Maura walked into the middle of her classroom. "Mother, this is my room. What do you think?
Constance walked around the room observing the posters on the wall and the school equipment. She stopped at Maura's desk and was surprised by its appearance. The surface was neat but littered with all sorts of knick knacks that represented Boston East. A picture of Jane and Maura in front of the Washington Monument was front and center on her desk. Students from the Washington trip had twin copies of this picture framed as a thank you to the two women for chaperoning the trip. Constance had never seen Maura with a brighter smile than in that picture.
"It's lovely, darling. It seems as though you have created a very comfortable learning environment for your students. Well done."
"Jane you had mentioned that you attended BCU. What did you study while you were there?"
"In anticipation of a career as a detective, I double majored in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in Political Science."
I might as well give her the Cliffnotes version now to avoid more questions later.
"I served in law enforcement for several years. Eventually, I realized that being a cop wasn't what I wanted any more, so I changed careers and became a teacher. I know I made the right decision."
"Mother, Jane's Criminology class is one of the most popular classes in school. So many students want to take it that Guidance had to create three sections this year alone."
Constance was incredibly impressed, and her expression said as much.
Jane glanced at her watch, "We have a little bit more time before I have to leave for the tournament. Is there anywhere else you would like to go, Constance?" Jane didn't really expect Constance to want to see anything else, but she knew it would be polite to ask.
"Yes, I would like to see your art and music department." Jane and Maura shouldn't have been shocked since Constance was an artist, but the fact that she wanted to see more of the school that didn't pertain to Maura did surprise them.
"Um, of course." Jane was so relieved that Constance didn't want to see her room. It was a mess.
Thankfully for Jane, the Fine Arts department was close to the gym. She was afraid that she was cutting it close on time.
As Jane unlocked the door to the chorus room, her eyes naturally fell on the piano in the corner. A sad smile that didn't escape the notice of the older woman formed on the brunette's face.
"Did you enjoy the arts growing up?" Constance glanced at the piano, so Jane knew what she was referring to.
Jane slid her hands in her pockets to keep them from fidgeting. Maura bit her lip; she knew this was a sensitive subject for the brunette.
"Yes, I did. I played the piano for many years."
"You said, played. I take it you don't play anymore. May I be so forward as to ask why? You have the hands of a pianist, so don't even try and say it's because you don't have the time." Constance lightly laughed.
"Several years ago, my right wrist was injured. Many of the nerves and tendons were affected, and it makes it difficult to play."
"You said difficult not impossible, correct?" Constance probed.
"Mother, I really think that's…" Maura began, but Jane interrupted her, "Maur'."
"Of course, I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds," Constance quickly amended.
"Don't worry about it," Jane politely brushed it off.
The clock on the wall told Jane that she had ten minutes left before she had to be in the gym.
"Would you still like to see the art room?" Jane redirected the conversation.
Constance smiled and readjusted her purse on her arm. "Of course, if we have the time."
Jane unlocked the art room door to let the three women inside.
The couple let Constance peruse the room on her own, it wasn't long before they heard Constance's indignant voice from across the room.
"This is unacceptable!"
The lack of amenities and quality supplies in the art department shocked and angered Constance.
"These paint brushes should have been thrown away years ago! Does this classroom even have a kiln?" Constance was on a tear and nothing was going to stop her.
"How is the instructor supposed to teach her students if she doesn't have either enough or a variety of materials?"
The older woman rounded on the couple. "Maura, please give me the name of your principal and art teacher. I will take care of this immediately."
With that said, Constance left the room. Jane and Maura weren't quite sure what had just happened.
The couple quickly followed the artist out of the room.
"Mother, what is the matter?" Maura said cautiously to the older woman.
"Maura, I would like to make a sizeable donation to this school's fine arts department. It is in obvious need of funding."
"That's very generous of you," Maura couldn't help the smile that spread from ear to ear.
Jane glanced at her watch, she needed to be in the locker room with the girls now. The game was ready to start in thirty minutes.
"Well, Constance. It was a pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid I must go. Our girls are playing the first game today, so I need to get down there. You're welcome to come see the game if you like." Jane invited Constance to be polite. She didn't actually think she'd accept.
"Jane, that is a lovely idea. Let's go, Maura." Constance chirped.
Maura and Jane's mouths dropped open. Who was this woman, and what had she done with Constance Isles?
"Su-sure, Mother. This way." Maura led them in the direction of the gym.
R & I R & I R & I
All three women went to the locker room. Constance feared she was encroaching on the team's space; Maura explained that if the girls found out that she had come to a game and hadn't come to wish them luck, they'd be upset. This made Constance smile.
"Dr. Isles! Hey! Hey, guys! Dr. Isles is here! You come to wish us luck? Hey, who's with you?" A cacophony of teenage excitement surrounded Maura as soon as she entered the room.
Several of the girls ran over to give Maura a hug.
Maura grinned brightly at the team, "Hello girls! Yes, and I brought my mother." Maura turned her attention towards the older woman. "This is my mother, Constance Isles."
"Your mom? Guys, Dr. Isles brought her mom to cheer us on! That's so cool!" So many girls were talking that Maura couldn't be sure who was addressing her.
Although she felt completely out of her element, Constance greeted the happy teenagers. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet all of you." The teenagers all smiled back at her.
"I've never watched a basketball game before, so I'm glad yours will be my first."
"You've never seen a game? Ever? Guys, we've got to kick butt today. This is Mrs. Isles's first game!" Again, there was no distinguishing which girl was talking.
One of the girls closest to Constance assured the older woman. "Don't worry. It's going to be a good game. We're playing our biggest rival. We'll win this one for you."
Jane grinned as the scene unfolded. She loved watching her team get excited over seeing Maura. The brunette couldn't help but chuckle at how shocked Constance looked.
"Alright, we'll be up in the stands. Good luck, girls!" Maura and Constance turned to leave the locker room.
When Jane and Maura noticed that they no longer had the girls' attention, Maura leaned over to give Jane a quick peck on the cheek. "Go get 'em, Tiger," she winked and walked away from a smirking Jane Rizzoli.
R & I R & I R & I
As the women precariously climbed the bleachers, Maura tried to find a comfortable spot with a good vantage point.
If someone told Maura that her mother would be watching a high school basketball tournament with her that day, she would have laughed in his face. Today, was a strange day indeed.
"Mother, thank you for staying to watch the game. You made the team very happy."
Constance placed her purse down on the spot next to her. "It is no problem, Maura. I'm enjoying myself immensely."
"Well, I just want you to know that I appreciate you doing this today." Maura smiled softly.
"I know you are, darling, and I'm glad that we are."
For the next few minutes, Maura explained the basic rules of basketball to her mother.
"Jane is quite the coach, Mother. She led the team to the State Championship the past two years in a row. The kids all look up to her."
"It appears that they look up to you as well, dear," Constance remarked.
Maura blushed. She knew she was a favorite at Boston East, but she would never admit it. Jane usually did that for her.
"Well, I love working with them, Mother. People often assume that working with teenagers is a chore and that they're all awful. It's not true. At this point in their lives, they're becoming individuals. They're learning who they are and what they want in life. I'm happy that I get to play a part in helping them grow and develop into the adults they one day will be."
"Maura, I don't know what to say. I never expected this type of career for you, but I can see that you are flourishing. I am so sorry for thinking that this was all beneath you."
The doctor sniffled. "Thank you, Mother. That means a lot."
Constance continued, "Also, I'm sorry that I believed what Daniel had said about Jane. She is quite the woman." In a conspiratorial voice, Constance smirked, "Perhaps in more ways than one? No wonder Daniel was jealous. If I were gay and a younger woman, I'd definitely want to know her in the Biblical sense."
"Mother!" Maura nearly fell out of her seat.
"What? She's quite the specimen. I would love to get her in my studio."
Maura covered her ears. "I cannot hear you. La la la la."
Constance threw head back laughing. She had never seen her daughter so smitten.
"Alright, I'm through. Let's watch your girlfriend work." Constance showed her daughter mercy and turned her attention towards the game.
R & I R & I R & I
"Good game, Jane!" Maura ran over to hug her girlfriend.
"Yes, that was a wonderful display of athletic skill. Thank you for suggesting that we stay."
Constance congratulated the brunette for the win.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. The girls really appreciated that you came."
"Please send them my regards. Now would you mind if I spoke with you in private? Excuse us Maura." Constance gave Maura an apologetic smile.
Constance walked the two of them away from Maura.
"Jane, I mean no offense by this, but it appears as though the facilities are in need of updating."
The brunette knew that the school was sorely in need of a new gym floor and bleachers. Also, the locker rooms were looking pretty rough.
"You're right. Our booster clubs have been working hard to raise money for a new gym floor." Jane admitted.
"I have already planned to donate money to the fine arts department, but I would like to help with other parts of the building."
Constance could tell that Jane wasn't expecting this, so she continued, "This school is obviously a source of happiness for my daughter, and I only want that happiness to grow. Jane, please tell me what you think the school needs done, and I will foot the bill."
Jane didn't know what to think. "Well, um, I guess...um,"
Constance interrupted the flabbergasted teacher, "Tell you what. You think about it tonight and call me. I have to leave Boston tomorrow, so,"
This time it was Jane who interrupted, "You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Of course, I have business in Paris that I need to attend to." Constance didn't see the issue with her departure.
Jane frowned. "Maura was under the impression that you would be in town for at least a few more days."
"Oh, she'll understand." Constance waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
"No." Jane crossed her arms across her chest and drew herself up to her full height. "No, she'll say that she understands, but she doesn't. She has never understood why you believe your career is more important that she is."
Constance wasn't sure what to say. "She knows that I love her. Maura's never mentioned any of this." The older woman was getting defensive.
"You know as well as I do that Maura always puts others before herself. I'm not trying to argue or accuse; I just want you to understand that Maura craves a relationship with you. She wants to spend time with you. A couple of times a year for holidays or when it's convenient for you doesn't cut it, Constance. She loves you."
Jane's remarks deeply cut Constance.
"I love Maura. I know we haven't been together long, but I'm in love with her, and that means her happiness is my priority. I don't let people hurt Maura, so please make her happiness your priority, too." Jane's chocolate eyes flashed threateningly.
"I don't know what to say," Constance admitted. "What can I do to correct this?"
"Spend time with her. Call her. That's all she wants."
A thought occurred to the brunette. "Listen, our spring break is the last week of March. Why don't you come into town and spend several days with her? That would be a great start."
Constance gently laid her hand on Jane's arm. "Thank you, Jane. Thank you for loving her and standing up for her. I see that I was wrong."
The older woman stepped even closer to Jane, so only the brunette could hear her, "Also, thank you for protecting her from Daniel. Trust me when I say that he will pay for his mistake."
A look passed between the two women.
Maura approached the two women. "Is everything ok?"
"Of course it is. Why don't we return to the hotel? I need to pack for my flight tomorrow."
Maura looked crushed. "You're leaving tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid so, darling." Constance glanced at Jane.
Jane was right.
"I wanted to know if it would be alright for me to come stay with you the last week of March."
Maura looked puzzled, "Do you have a show nearby?"
"No, darling." Constance smiled warmly at her daughter before taking Maura's hand in her own.
"I'd like to spend some time with you."
"Really?!" Maura's face registered surprise and joy.
Maura's reaction made Constance's heart ache. Jane was right. How could she have ignored her daughter for so long.
"Yes, really." Constance squeezed her daughter's hand.
Constance turned back to Jane. "Jane it was truly a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for today. I can see why Maura loves you so much."
Jane blushed and smiled at Maura. "I'll call you when the last game is over." Jane stepped over and kissed Maura on the cheek.
"Constance, you have a safe trip. I'll make sure to call you."
"Why would Jane call you, Mother?" Maura asked.
"Well, dear. Your school will be receiving a generous donation from an anonymous donor in the very near future."
Maura smirked, "And who might this anonymous donor be?"
"The world may never know, darling."
Together the two women left the school with bright smiles on their faces.