Sorry for taking so long to update. I've had this written for a while but just forgot to post in between all my other bits. Let me know what you think and of course if you have any suggestions of things you may want to read in this series feel free to tell me. Enjoy =)
Memories of a life together: Part 9- A family Torn
Jane sighed as she looked at her watch and realised that there were a still a couple hours left in her work day. Of course she was grateful that there had been no new cases but it meant a slow day filled with nothing but paperwork and Korsak's constant laughter at some supposedly cute cat videos online. Although she could have easily teased her former partner about his love of animals, Jane had decided to just let him be. The detective was enjoying his last few days as a cop before he would finally hand over his badge and gun for good. While it was an excellent excuse to go out an celebrate a decorated career, it was also the end of an era and Jane was sure going to miss the presence of the man who had had her back ever since the beginning of her time in homicide. As she tried to ignore the slight melancholy that had come over her, she allowed a smile to appear on her face when her phone began to ring and a familiar name popped up on the caller's display.
"Hey, how are my two favourite girls?" Her wife was supposed to be enjoying a relaxing day off with their daughter but as soon as the detective heard the sniffles coming down the line she knew the day had not turned out as planned.
"Maura, what's wrong?"
"Jane are you able to come home soon? I really need you here."
"Yeah…I'll get the guys to cover for me and be there as soon as I can. What's going on?"
More tears could be heard as Maura try to compose herself enough to get the words out.
"It's my parents; I'll explain it all when you get here."
With that the call ended and Jane immediately stood moving to gather her jacket and keys as her partner and Korsak looked on in concern.
"Everything ok, Jane?"
"Not sure, Maura is upset. Something to do with her parents and she needs me home. Frost, cover for me if the lieutenant asks where I am."
She said nothing else as she quickly left the office and made her way out of the station to get home. On the drive there she kept going over the last time she had even seen her wife's parents, finally concluding that it was just over a year ago at a charity gala Maura had had been asked to attend. Few words had been spoken between them and the evening passed rather awkwardly as those gathered on their table no doubt noticed. Jane herself had been very glad when it was all over; Maura on the other hand spent the following days somewhat upset, a common occurrence whenever Jonathan and Elizabeth Isles were involved. Maura's interactions with her parents had been few and far between ever since she had gotten together with Jane. Highly disapproving of the relationship, they practically severed all ties with their daughter and usually only spoke when they crossed paths at some form of function and even that was only for appearances. Not even Jane and Maura's marriage or the birth of their grand-daughter enough to reconcile the relationship. There had been occasions when Jonathan contacted his only child to enquire about their well-being but that was as far as it went. Jane greatly expected that he wanted more involvement in his daughter's life but was being held back by his love and loyalty to his wife.
Although Maura was without doubt happy with the life they shared together, Jane also knew that part of her wife still wished that her parents were more involved. Knowing that she was the reason behind all the mess still made the detective to this day feel terrible. The only thing that made it better was Maura's continuous reassurance that she didn't regret the sacrifice she had made to be with her.
Finally arriving at home, Jane was quick to make her way inside where she found her wife curled on the sofa with Evelyn peacefully sleeping in her arms. It was evident that the woman had been crying and Jane didn't even pause to take off her coat as she made her way over to where her family was and settle herself in next to them.
Maura once again broke down in tears as soon as she felt the comforting arms of her wife wrap around her.
"It's ok sweetheart, I'm here when you're ready." Jane just held Maura close until she was unable to cry anymore. Evelyn oblivious to her mother's distress soundly continued to sleep and it was only once Maura had calmed down that she motioned for Jane to take their daughter and put her into her room, so as not to wake her.
The detective soon joined her wife back on the sofa and pulled Maura close before laying them both down.
"Tell me what happened."
"My mother came to see me earlier, said that I deserved to at least know in person that my father passed away yesterday evening following a heart attack. His funeral is in two days but our presence is not wanted."
"Oh Maura…" It wasn't long before more tears came and the M.E clung to the detective as she let them fall. Although Elizabeth Isles had just lost her husband, Jane wanted nothing more than to storm over there tell her what she thought of the other women. She knew from the moment they had met that she was disliked but to see how Maura was treated because of it was unjustifiable.
Jane couldn't help but let out a whistle as Maura led the way into the restaurant, now she understood why the other woman had insisted she wear her best work clothes today. 5 stars didn't seem to do the place justice as she took in the décor of the establishment; it was certainly not a place she had ever envisioned she would be dining at, even if it was only for lunch.
"Good afternoon ladies, how may I help you?" Maura noticing the detective was paying little attention to the server stepped up to speak.
"I believe you have a table of four booked for Isles."
"We certainly do Madam, right this way."
While awaiting the arrival of Maura's parents, the two of them settled as they tried to calm their nerves. Jane had already been made aware that the two elder Isles' were expecting to meet their daughter's new partner, what they did not know was that the partner in question was to be female. Maura had also been clear in telling her girlfriend that she no idea how her parents would react to the news.
"Tell me again why this couldn't wait until after we had finished work."
"My parents are leaving for Europe this evening but wanted to see me and my significant other who I had briefly mentioned before they left. Lunch was the only option and I preferred it to at least happen here rather than at the station or in the morgue."
The detective couldn't help but let out a little chuckle. "Well at least it would be a memorable meeting if it were to happen in the morgue."
Maura on the other hand was not so impressed "Jane! The fact that my parents are meeting my female lover for the first time should be memorable enough; I don't think we need to add a dead victim into the mix as well."
Jane had no time to come back with a reply as Maura abruptly stood to greet the two people heading in their direction. She quickly followed suit, not wanting to embarrass herself nor Maura by seeming impolite.
"Mother, Father it's lovely to see you." She moved to welcome them both with a quick hug; it was after that Elizabeth trained her eyes onto Jane who was standing there rather awkwardly.
"Maura who is this, I thought we were here to see you and your new partner?" Not phased by her mother's tone of voice, the medical examiner surged forward with her speech before she lost the courage to speak.
"That's exactly why you are here; I would like you to meet Detective Jane Rizzoli, my partner or more specifically my girlfriend as many would say. Jane these are my parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth Isles.'"
"It's nice to finally meet you both." Jane stepped forward to offer her hand but the elder woman was quick to dismiss it, instead choosing to ignore her and focus squarely on Maura.
"Do you mean to say that you are engaged in an improper lesbian relationship with this woman?"
The tone of the question was not missed and Maura wanted to make sure the situation remained calm and civilised.
"No I am engaged in a stable, caring relationship with someone I love, the fact that she happens to be a woman is of no importance in the matter. Now please why don't we all take a seat and take a moment to compose ourselves, I know this must be a shock for you both but I would very much like it if we could have a civilised lunch together."
Elizabeth seemed momentarily taken aback by her daughter's words but followed her husband's actions and decided to take a seat at the table. For the first time since their arrival Jonathan Isles spoke up as he finally addressed Jane.
"You must forgive our behaviour Detective but this has come as quite a surprise to me and Elizabeth. We had been expecting a rather handsome young man to be escorting our daughter and not a lovely lady instead."
A scoff came from his wife sitting beside him and Jane did her best to keep her anger in check. She felt Maura grab her hand under the table offering her reassurance and comfort, a gesture which helped to dissipate some of the irritation she felt. The next few minutes past in relative silence as they perused the menu and then ordered their food. It was Maura who tried to break the awkwardness as she spoke to her parents about their plans in Europe. Jane quietly sat there, only paying small attention to the conversation until she found herself confronted by 3 gazes.
"Sorry did you ask me a question?" Elizabeth was quick to fix her with a glare, seemingly unimpressed at having to repeat herself.
"I asked whether you had ever had the opportunity to visit any places in Europe and experience the diverse culture there." Jane discreetly took a gulp from her water glass as she prepared to answer the question.
"Unfortunately no, I was raised in a loving family but money was tight as I was growing up so our vacations only extended to visiting relatives in New York. But we didn't mind, as long as there was food on the table and laughter in the house we were happy."
"And what about your job, why would a woman like yourself want to get into such a grisly profession as being a homicide detective? I recall being appalled when Maura told us about her desire to become a medical examiner."
Jane was beginning to wish she had something a little stronger then water in her glass as she tried to deal with the scrutiny from Maura's mother.
"I was actually accepted into college but ultimately made the decision not to go, instead choosing to become a cop. Why Homicide? Well I like the fact that I can chase after the bad guys, put them away and keep the streets safe. As Maura had no doubt mentioned about her reasons for becoming a medical examiner, I also get to speak for the victim. I can at least bring their families some form of comfort and closure after having to suffer through such a tragedy."
At hearing her response, Jonathan Isles aimed a genuine smile at the detective. "You're reasons are very admirable if I say so myself Jane."
The group settled into an amicable silence as the food arrived and Maura took the opportunity to make sure her girlfriend was ok by giving her a quick kiss on her cheek. Jane smiled at the affection but Elizabeth was not so happy about the small display.
"Maura we taught you to act with the appropriate manners when out in public; this is not the time for such behaviour."
Maura was herself now beginning to find it difficult not to be angry at her mother's obvious lack of disrespect for both her and Jane's relationship.
"Tell me mother, would you be saying the same things if I was currently sat here with a man rather than Jane?"
"Maura that is not the issue, there are certain ways to behave when out in public and you are disregarding them."
Maura had grown tired of the elder women's ignorance and decided to be very blunt. She brought her and Jane's entwined hands up to the table so that they were visible to any of the other patrons who may have been looking in their direction. She then turned to look directly at her parents.
"I love you both but I also love Jane and while I'm not asking you for your permission or approval; I want you to accept it because it is what makes me happy. I won't hide our relationship to keep you or anybody else happy so don't force me to choose because I can guarantee you will not like my answer."
Jonathan Isles was trying to diffuse the situation between his wife and daughter.
"Maura it's not about making you choose, we care about you that all. And we just need time."
Elizabeth was undaunted and was quick to respond to her husband,
"It is not a question of whether she loves her; the simple fact is that it is morally wrong. So yes Maura needs to make a choice and a choice that is in the best interests of this family. She can't possibly think that someone like Ms Rizzoli is good enough to take care of her."
At that comment Jane was unable to hold back her anger.
"First of all it's Detective Rizzoli and secondly I love your daughter and I protect the ones I love. She is the most wonderful, beautiful and compassionate person I know and every day I wake up and ask myself how I ended up being so lucky to have her in my life. Whatever her reasons, she does love me and yes I may not have a lot of money and I may not be able to buy her all the things she deserves but I do know I would never intentionally do anything to hurt her. I will always do whatever I can to make sure she is happy and taken care of. You on the other hand…So far your actions have done nothing but convince me that you have no concern for your daughter's feelings at all. "
Elizabeth seemed to be surprised by the detective's outburst and was momentarily speechless. Maura had a few tears in her eyes after hearing Jane's words while Jonathan just remained silent. It wasn't long however before Elizabeth soon found her voice again.
"Maura are you going to let her speak to me like that?"
Upon hearing the detective defend her honour and take on her mother, Maura had never felt more loved. She defiantly pulled Jane towards her for a kiss before again turning to squarely look at her parents.
"I am in love with Jane; nothing is going to change that. Either you can accept it or not but it's your choice. That's all I have left to say on the matter."
"So be it, come Jonathan let's go. It's clear where we all stand on this matter."
"Wait a second Elizabeth…" The elder woman however didn't give her husband a chance as she immediately stood and walked out of the restaurant. With a look of sadness in his eyes, Jonathan issued a quick apology before turning to follow his wife.
Maura sat staring at the door her parents had walked out of and it wasn't until she felt Jane wrap her arm around her and pull her in close that the reality of the situation finally hit her. She at last gave into the tears after she had been guided out of the restaurant and into the car by Jane.
The detective said nothing on the matter, instead knowing that what Maura needed at that moment was to let it all out. All she could do was be there and comfort her love the best she could. She reached over and cupped Maura's face in her palm, gently brushing away the tears that were there before placing a tender kiss on her forehead.
"It will be ok Maura, I promise."
The two of them hadn't moved since Jane had laid them both down. Right there and then all Maura wanted was to feel the comfort and warmth that came from her wife's embrace.
"Maura I'm so sorry. Despite everything that has happened between you and your parents, your father knew you loved him. The same goes for your mother now and she'll realise it soon enough. I'm sure she would want you there at the funeral just give her a little time to get over the shock and to process everything, she will come to her senses."
"And if she doesn't?"
Jane tried to choose her words carefully, despite the anger she currently had towards Elizabeth Isles she was still Maura's mother and respected that, regardless of how she had treated her child over the last few years.
"Well you were his daughter Maura and that gives you the right to be there to mourn his loss. So whatever happens you will go to the funeral, grieve for your father and then come home. You will come home to me and Evie, your family and the life that you have built. It will all be here waiting for you and we'll be here to get you through."
And two days later, that's exactly what she found. When Maura walked into her home following the funeral, eyes puffy from crying, she immediately felt better upon having her daughter run into her arms, hugging her tight. Jane made her way over and soundly kissed her before taking hold of both her wife and daughter. In that moment Maura knew that as long as they had one another, it would be enough to deal with whatever trial and tribulations came their way.