A/N No, I didn't drop off the face of the Earth but I have been working 60+ hour weeks the last couple months so I haven't had much time for anything other than sleep. I'm very sorry for the delay. I'm going to try and finish up the next chapter before tomorrow so you will have all the holiday chapters *cough* before the holidays are over. ;o)

Chapter 10

"Maybe it wasn't such a good idea."

"What wasn't?" Lisbon asked turning to Mrs. Brooks who was standing just behind her to her right.

"Leaving those two out there unattended." She nodded towards the two figures out on the ice.

"They're fine."

"If you consider moving slower than George when he wakes up in the morning fine then I guess they're alright."

Lisbon coughed, trying to mask the chuckle that erupted out of her. It was true. Jane and Emma were out on the ice. Jane was holding the little girls tiny hand with one arm all the while keeping a death grip on the side of the rink with the other.

"Who do you think will fall first?" The older woman asked.

"Emma seems to be getting the hang of it. Mr. wobbly-knees on the other hand…"

It was Mrs. Brooks turn to chuckle. "I can't believe that man has never been in ice skates before."

"Well, we do live in California. I don't think he's even been in snow before. The only reason I've had the pleasure is because I grew up in Chicago."

"Do you miss it?"

"The snow? Sometimes, around this time of the year especially. I don't necessarily miss Chicago though. I left that part of my life behind for a reason." Lisbon didn't divulge any more information and Mrs. Brooks didn't ask.

They watched as Jane paused near the infamous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Lisbon figured he probably needed a breather. Jain hoisted Emma up on the wooden railing in front of the tree and they both stared up at the lights.

It had been a busy day for all of them. The train had dropped the five of them off at Grand Central Station where they had lunch. They then walked to 5th Avenue to do a little shopping. Jane had offered to take Emma into FAO Schwartz so the ladies could do some shopping on their own. Coincidentally, Santa was present inside of the large toy store. They had waited in the long line so Emma could sit on the jolly man's lap. The girl had yet to divulge to the adults what she had asked for, for Christmas.

After shopping, they filed into the Radio City Music Hall for the Rockets' Christmas Spectacular. Emma was particularly impressed with the live nativity near the end of the show.

"How do they keep the animals from running away?" She had asked.

Lisbon had been ready to explain that the animals were well trained and probably practiced the show many times. Then Jane had to ruin it by telling her that the wise men were hiding animal treats in their robes to keep them close. With that being said, the show itself was fantastic. If anyone left not feeling at least some Christmas cheer, then they clearly were related to Mr Grinch or Scrooge.

They had eaten dinner at a somewhat fancy Italian restaurant. The food was satisfactory though the meal seemed rushed with Emma too excited for ice skating and the promised Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. She had squirmed in her seat all through dinner until Mr. Brooks asked for the check. Emma practically dragged them down the still busy streets, following the glow from the Christmas lights until they had finally arrived at the rink.

"Do you think we made the right choice?"

Lisbon turned around at the sound of Mrs. Brooks voice. "Hmm?"

"Bringing her here, away from everything she knew."

Lisbon understood that Abigail was talking about Emma. "She seems to be doing okay and it's not like you guys really had a choice. Your home is here." She was trying to reassure the woman.

Mrs. Brooks grew suddenly silent. It reminded Lisbon of Jane when he had something on his mind but kept it inside, a personal burden.

"What is it Abigail?" She talked gently, using the woman's first name.

"It's just hard. George and I aren't getting any younger. That little girl needs more than we can give her. Oh, we try our best but there's only so much we can do. Sometimes I wish…" She trailed off.

"You wish what?" Lisbon pressed knowing the woman needed to talk.

Abigail just shook her head. "Emma told me her last birthday was the best she ever had."

Lisbon was confused with the change in subject but only momentarily.

"Do you know what she asked for, more than anything else in the world?" Mrs. Brooks waited and when Lisbon shook her head, she continued. "She asked for a mom and a dad." Her voice cracked and a few tears slipped passed the otherwise strong woman's eyes.

Lisbon didn't know what to say or how to react. She had lost both her parents early in life but the need to raise her brother's somehow took over. She never had time to wish things were different. Going on instinct, she decided to just remain silent.

"I tried to explain to her that we would take care of her but she was adamant. It wasn't fair because the kids at school had grandparents and parents. When we told her we were moving, she said she didn't want to go. She said she wanted to stay with you and Patrick and didn't want to leave her friends at school." She paused a moment, taking in the sight of Jane and her granddaughter out on the ice.

Lisbon watched too, taking in everything that had been said.

"She hasn't settled in here very well. Maybe it's the culture shock but the only time she seems to be happy is when she's talking with you two. I just don't know what to do anymore."

"Give it time." Was all Lisbon said, placing a reassuring hand on Mrs. Brook's jacket.

"Things haven't been all that easy on our end either. You may have an angry little girl on your end but I have a despondent grown man pacing the attic of the CBI at night. Maybe we should share notes." Lisbon sighed. She didn't feel like she had the right to divulge Jane's past in most circumstances but this was Emma's grandmother after all.

Lisbon decided a little info may help Abigail feel more at ease. "As much as it kills Jane to have Emma so far away, deep down he thinks it's safer here, on the opposite side of the country."

"Safe from whom? Billy is dead."

Lisbon was expecting Abigail's confusion. "Not Billy."

"Then….who?"

"Jane was married. He had a little girl about Emma's age. Eight years ago, a serial killer, Red John, murdered his family."

"Oh dear." Mrs. Brooks put her hand to her mouth in shock.

"It's a long, horrible story but Jane blames himself and he doesn't let many people get close to him out of fear that he'll lose them." Lisbon chose to leave out the fact that Red John was still at large and that they had real reason to fear him targeting those close to Jane.

"That poor man."

"He's come a long way over the years but things are still difficult for him."

The conversation grew silent as both women pondered their not so different circumstances. The quiet was only broken when Mr. Brooks appeared behind them with a tray of steaming beverages.

"Hot cocoa anyone?"

Lisbon had to admit, the steaming hot chocolate sounded marvelous. "Smells perfect. I'll go gather the children." She smirked as she skated onto the ice towards Jane and Emma.

They were both on the move again, but only slightly quicker than a snail's pace so Lisbon caught up quickly.

"Would my two ice princesses be interested in some hot cocoa?" Lisbon asked.

Emma spun in excitement at the mention of chocolate, knocking Jane flat on his behind on the ice.

Lisbon chuckled and held out her hand to help him up.

"If I'm a princess, what does that make you then? A frog?" Jane asked with a smirk on his face. He was about to take her hand when she withdrew it.

"For that, you can stay down there mister. Come on Emma, we'll enjoy some hot chocolate before it gets cold."

"I'm sorry Lisbon. It was a joke." Jane was struggling just to make it on his knees.

Emma looked up at Lisbon who sighed, satisfied at watching the blond struggle a bit on the ice before she went to help him up. With a firm grasp under his elbow, they had Mr wobbily-knees back upright and the trio finally made their way off the ice.

TBC