NORBAC Chapter 6

By Simahoyo

Boston, Massachusetts

Evidently there had been quite a discussion about who would meet my plane. I go a text telling me to meet Jane at baggage claim, but both my parents were also there along with Angela and Suzie. Naturally it was a bit of a madhouse. Everyone hugged me, including Suzie and they were all talking at once. It was more insane than a Rizzoli family dinner.

Jane actually put her fingers in her mouth and whistled for quiet. "Okay, Maur, we divied up our time with you. Ma and I get tonight and tomorrow, and I take you into work so the guys and Suzie and everyone can spend time with you."

"Then, Darling, your Father and I get that evening and the next day until sunset–we saved the rest for Jack. Do you mind?"

I should have resented them making my plans for me, but I knew they missed me as much as I missed them.

"You obviously all wanted some time with me, so how can I complain?"

The conversational chowder kept up until I was deposited in Jane's car, along with Angela and my luggage, but only after another round of hugs and kisses. The sudden silence was palpable.

"A little much, aren't we?", asked Jane.

"I'm not used to it anymore. Tell me the news. Angela started right in. "Bass is fine and acts as if he misses you, although it is a little hard for me to tell. Your house is fine. Nothing is broken or stained because I kept up your rules about coasters and shoes on the sofa.

Jane rolled her eyes. "Tommy had to be reminded too."

"I found a new job–working at a Senior Center as Activities Coordinator. We do dancing and bingo. Local singers come in, and the most adorable 10 year old danced as Michael Jackson...I love it."

"It's impressive, Angela."

"Thank you."

"You won't believe who Governor Patrick got in for your replacement...", said Jane.

"Not Pike, I hope." The thought made my queasy.

"Have you ever met Dr, Vijay?" He worked in our morgue ages ago before he retired."

"I must have looked puzzled, but I honestly didn't recall his name. I shook my head.

"He's good. A very nice guy–smart. Getting a bit up there in age, but Yoshima helps him move the bodies, and he's an expert on insects. He said people used to call him, 'Bug.'"

"I'm relieved he is doing a good job. I was honestly afraid one of our two knuckleheads might take my place. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was illegal to allow people to elect their county coroner. You've seen the results."

"No kidding. How are you getting on with your new co-workers? Are they anything like us?"

"Although nobody is quite like you, they are a little workaholic–some have changes of clothes at work. They are completely dedicated to their work and Dr. Sandstrom would drive me insane if I let him. The man cannot get through a paragraph with anyone without swearing."

Angela clucked her tongue while Jane laughed.

"Serves you right for always being on my case about swearing."

"I'm caught between my own preferences and the fact that the man is my boss. What do you have planned for tonight?"

"Ma made dinner. I'll bet you missed those, huh?"

"Words cannot express how much. If I had to eat Bob's spaghetti one more time...the poor man only knows one recipe."

"Thank you, Maura. I made eggplant parmigiana. Lots of spinach salad, meatballs–and I know you like my meatballs..."

"I love your meatballs."

We arrived at my house and I was so happy to be home, I caught myself tearing up. Jane and Angela took in my baggage for me and put it in my bedroom.

My home was spotless. I noticed a few items out of place, but considering the amount of time I'd been away, I was pleased. Then there was a familiar thumping sound. I looked and Bass was walking as fast as he could toward me. Bob was right. I had really missed him."Bass, I'm so happy to see you." I walked closer, closing the distance, and Bass stopped, bobbed his head and pushed against my leg. I knelt down to pet him, talking in my most soothing voice.

"Ah, I knew you'd find each other right away." Jane was standing behind me. I looked up and smiled. "Actually, he found me. It's a good thing he can't speak, because he knows everything, and I mean everything, about me."

"I'm going to have to find a turtle whisperer and get the goods."

"Tortoise, and he won't tell."

"I'll bribe him with strawberries and arugula."

"Ah ha, so you learned about his second favorite food." I stood up. Angela was slipping into the kitchen, and when she opened the oven door, the smell was heavenly.

Jane and I talked, with frequent comments from Angela, as we set the table. That brought back so many memories...funny, sad, aggravating, warm and wonderful.

"You have no idea how much I missed you both." Suddenly I was in a three way hug–laughing.

We talked for hours, then I invited Jane to sleep over in my room so that whatever she wanted to keep from Angela could be shared. By the time we got to sleep, I was afraid I would make Jane late to work.

It was a real role reversal when Jane had to wake me up. Apparently, I had forgotten about the time difference. Which was odd considering the amount of flying I had been doing. Maybe it was just so nice to sleep in my own bed that I didn't want to leave it. Jane finally dragged me out, and pushed me to shower and dress while she boiled eggs and made toast.

"Did the people at NORBAC wear you out?", she teased.

"I don't know why I'm feeling so lazy this morning. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and checking in on my morgue."

"Ah ha! I knew that's what brought you back. It wasn't to see us–or me, your best friend–nope. It was to check on your morgue. So I take second place behind the dead people, huh?"

I laughed. Jane can always make me laugh. "No, Jane, you're first place, as always."

Jane suddenly turned serious. "I heard what you said when I showed you my engagement ring from Casey. 'What will I do without my best friend?' I didn't really get it until all these months with you gone. I wanted to ask you–was it because I might go away, or because you didn't really like Casey?"

I gulped. How could I answer that? "It was a selfish thing for me to say. I should have been happy for you. But it was partly that I would have missed you like my right arm. Even though we talk often–I do miss you. And, you know I can't lie. I didn't like the way he treated you. I'm sorry jane. I was being self-centered."

Jane put her hand on my wrist. "You are not selfish. You wanted me to be happy–and I wasn't happy all the way down deep–like you deserve. I'd gotten to know Jack a little better, and I like him because he makes you happy. And he's good to you. So, I'm not freaking out about that little ring he gave you–okay?"

We hugged.

TBC