SURPRISE! I know it has been forever since I last posted but I got a new job that is insanely intense. I have been away at training for the last
two months and I still have another month left in phase 1. I have had zero time to do anything but study and train but this three day weekend has given
me just enough of a break to get something written. I probably only have a couple chapters of this story left but I promise it will get an ending...it just might
take some time. I hope you all remember this story and enjoy this chapter.
"Can I help you with something," Maura finally asked Frankie as he continued to tap his pencil against his history book?
"I don't wanna study anymore," Frankie whined closing his book.
"Have you even started to study," she asked knowing he really wasn't focused on studying.
"I have enough."
"Frankie you need to graduate and for that to happen you need to pass your final exams."
"It is so stupid though…I have passing grades all year which means I know this stuff and now they want to test us again one more time…why because they can?"
"Because it is part of the standards to receive a high school diploma. Come on finish those practice problems and then we can stop. I have some place I want to take you."
"Really? Where?"
"No, not until your done studying."
"Ugh come on Maura what if it's someplace stupid then I will have done these practice questions for no reason."
"You will have done them so you will be more prepared for your exam…now do them."
"So bossy," Frankie grumbled as he pulled out the practice sheet.
Maura couldn't help but chuckle as Frankie started his questions, he looked so much like he sister when she didn't want to do something. Maura got back to studying while Frankie muddled his way through his problems.
"There done…now where are we going?"
"Not so fast mister…let me see."
"Ugh come on I swear I did them all."
"I have no doubt you did. I am going to check the accuracy of the answers."
"Mauuuuuurrrraaaa."
"Francis sit down and stop whining. I swear your worse than trying to get Jane to eat something green."
Frankie made such a Rizzoli face but remained silent as Maura checked his work.
"So…"
"Pretty good," she said with a smile.
"Great so where to?"
Maura remained silent as she packed up her stuff.
"Maura come on where are we going?"
"Don't worry about it I am driving just get in the car," Maura said standing and heading out the door.
The two got in the car and headed to downtown Boston.
"I'm still not going to tell you where we are going," Maura said cutting off Frankie.
"That's not what I was going to ask."
"Ok, what were you going to ask?"
"Umm…where is Jane?"
"Nice save…but Jane is down at Police headquarters."
"What? Why?"
"She is getting a letter of recommendation from Vince. She is applying to an internship."
"Oh cool…I bet she gets it. Once Janie makes up her mind about something there is no backing her down."
"I know."
"Does it worry you…her wanting to be a cop?"
"I am proud of her."
"That doesn't answer the question."
"Of course, I will be worried about her. Being a cop is dangerous but also a very noble profession. I know this is her passion and I will support her in her journey."
"My sister hit the jackpot with you that's for damn sure," Frankie laughed.
"I like to think I did as well."
"You're crazy if you think the Rizzoli's are the jackpot."
"A mom that loves you unconditionally and a brother and sister that would do anything for each other…yeah I think the Rizzoli's are the jackpot."
Frankie knew Maura was right, the Rizzoli's had each other's backs no matter what. They had been through some rough, unthinkable times in recent months and came out the other end stronger and closer than ever.
"So where are we going," Frankie asked wanting to change the subject?
"Seriously Frankie ask again and I will turn this car around."
It only took another 10 minutes before Maura parked the car. Frankie looked around but still couldn't tell really where they were going.
"Are we here?"
"Yes."
"And where is that exactly?"
"Frankie I have been your friend since we were in diapers and have watched you go from a dorky little kid chasing his sister around to a young man I am proud to call my best friend."
"Aww Maur come on," Frankie mumbled trying to deflect the compliment.
"I am serious Frankie. I know school isn't really your thing but you worked hard this year while still fulfilling all your baseball demands. It has been impressive and next week is the draft…I know that has been your dream since you were in t-ball."
Frankie nodded his head taking a moment to realize how close his dreams were to becoming a reality.
"So as a graduation present and draft present we are going to Blank Label and I am buying you your first custom suit you can wear at the draft."
"What? Maura that's…"
"Exactly what you deserve. You're getting drafted to a professional team and you're going to look professional on your big night."
"Wow…thanks Maur…I don't know what to say."
"Just dedicate your first home run to me."
"My first home run goes to Jane but you will be my second I promise."
"It's a deal," Maura smiled.
Frankie was never a fan of shopping but getting a custom fit suit was something he had never done before. He knew this would probably be a regular thing for him from here on out, but this was his first time and he was glad Maura was with him. It took a couple hours but at the end of the day Frankie was the new owner of a crisp charcoal suit that he would rock the day all his dreams come true.
"Hey where have you guys been," Jane asked as they walked into the house?
"Janie I got a suit," Frankie said super excited.
"Umm cool," Jane said confused why he was so excited about a suit.
"Not just any suit Janie a custom fit Gorgio Armani suit. It is so fly Janie and so soft I am going to look styling next week."
Jane looked over to Maura with a smile on her face. Maura had come to her to ask about getting this for Frankie. Normally Jane was hesitant to extravagant gifts but didn't think twice about this. Maura and Frankie were like brother and sister and this was a huge night for Frankie. If Jane had the money to do so she would have gotten Frankie the same thing and was glad Maura wanted to do this for him. He was a simple kid from Boston about to hit the big time and he damn sure was going to look like he belonged.
"I can't wait to see you in it kid."
"I am picking it up next week before we head to New York. You're still good to come down on Friday, right?"
"Absolutely. Maura and I are going to head down when she gets done her test probably around lunch. We will meet you for dinner."
"Cool I am going to go call ma," Frankie said running back to his room.
Jane couldn't help but smile as Frankie's childlike excitement and really she couldn't blame him. He was getting draft next week and would be walking across stage in a suit that screamed success.
"Thank you for doing this for him," Jane said bringing Maura into a kiss.
"You don't have to thank me but I will take another kiss."
Jane smiled and leaned down to kiss Maura again.
"So I have Frankie all outfitted for next week what about you?"
"Ohhh no I have that taken care of we don't need to go shopping," Jane said putting a stop to that run-away freight train thinking.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am 100% certain I have everything taken care of for next weekend. How has studying been going?"
"Good I have just a little more calculus to finish off and I think I will have everything covered for the exams."
"I am pretty sure you have everything covered for your exams now if studying a little more will make you feel better, I will help you anyway I can…but I can't even spell calculus so I don't think I will be much help."
"You are very smart Jane Rizzoli and I don't ever want to hear otherwise," Maura said seriously, "besides I have online problems I can do that will grade themselves and show me corrections if I get a wrong answer. How was Vince?"
"Good…settling into Boston. I met his new partner, Cavanaugh, seems like they will be a good pair. I got my letter of recommendation and even met the Police Commissioner."
"Really? That's great Jane."
"Yeah, he happened to be in the office and Vince introduced us. I mean he knew about my case but he was happy to meet me and learn about my interest in law enforcement."
"When is the application due?"
"Friday, but I have everything I need. I was just hoping maybe you could look at my essay…make sure it is good enough."
"I am sure it is great. What is it about?"
"Just why I want to get into law enforcement."
"Ok, I can look at it right now if you want."
"That is good I want to send this off as soon as possible so it is off my plate before we go to New York."
Jane and Maura walked into the bedroom and Jane pulled up her essay on the computer.
"Here you can take your time," Jane said handing over the laptop, "I am going to discuss some things with Frankie."
"Ok Jane."
Jane let Maura be, honestly just not wanting to be in the room to see her reaction when she read the essay. Jane used her Hoyt experience to show how law enforcement officers changed her life. It would have been easy to treat her like a case file, but instead the amazing officers she encountered treated her like a human being that suffered a terrible tragedy. It was through the hard work and compassion of various LE officers, especially Vince Korsak, that got Jane through some of the darkest times of her life.
"Hey little brother," Jane said jumping on the bed next to him.
"Ugh way to be gentle there sis."
"Where is the fun in that? So how is ma?"
"Good, she is excited to come to New York. She is coming down on Saturday and is so excited because they are sending a car for her."
Jane couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"I just hope she doesn't try and take the hairdryer again."
"Yeah or clear out the mini bar every day."
Jane and Frankie both laughed thinking about the last time Angela came home from a trip and brought back almost everything that wasn't nailed down.
"She will have fun, especially since Aunt Carla and Uncle Stan are coming."
"I am not sure New York is ready for them."
"Are you good Friday night after dinner?"
"Yeah I have to meet with my agent and do a bunch of press things. I will be pretty busy, I hope you don't feel like I am just ditching you and Maura."
"No way, I actually wanted to get some time with Maura since Saturday is the draft and probably will be out celebrating most of the night."
"You having a special date night in the big city," Frankie joked making kissy faces at his sister.
"Shut up," Janie said shoving him.
"Hey don't damage the merchandise," Frankie laughed.
"Don't be such a dork. I do have some plans for Maura and I…we haven't been away since everything with Hoyt. She has been nothing but amazing and I just want to give her an amazing night."
"We don't have to meet for dinner…I can easily just meet up with my agent."
"No way…we are going to dinner. I am going to get us a carriage ride around the city and stop at this little place for dessert before bringing her back to the hotel. We haven't…"
Jane trailed off hoping her brother knew what she was talking about.
"You haven't," he asked shocked.
"Not all the way…things with Hoyt really got in the way but with all that behind us now I want to take the next step with Maura."
"I'm your brother so I don't really want to think about that but I know Maura loves you. You're my sister and she is my best friend…don't go fing this up I don't want to have to kick your ass."
"Ha I would like to see you try…but I am not going to hurt her. She is it for me Frankie."
"I am glad Janie."
The brother and sister shared a side hug before Jane heard her name being called. She headed out of her brothers' room and walked into he bedroom.
"Maura are you ok," Jane asked concerned seeing the tears in Maura's eyes?
"Jane that essay was heartbreakingly beautiful. It tells the perfect story of how a terrible situation was made better through amazing law enforcement officers, family and your own inner strength. I have no doubt this essay will get you that internship."
Jane looked down at her feet unused to the praise.
"Thanks for looking at it."
"Thank you for showing it to me. I know you were working hard on it and truly Jane I have never read more touching words."
"Come on Maur you have read some of the most famous authors in the world."
"Yes and their works stand on their own but your words touched my soul Jane and I am a better person have read it. I love you."
"Love you more," Jane smiled giving her a kiss and tickling her side to ease the heaviness of the room.
Maura broke out into laughter and it was music to Jane's ears. Finally, things were starting to look bright and she was excited for what the future held.