That day, Jane left Maura at home alone because she had to go to work. This was not before setting Maura up somewhere she would be comfortable and have access to things, she was a practical woman after all. They both were, in their own ways.
Hopping around trying to put on one of boots, Jane is holding Maura's hand gently as she guides her to the lounge room. "Okay, so, you've got three bottles of water, a couple of blankets in case you get cold, a bin in case you need to throw up, television and access to some light reading. Although I will say that none of those books were light." Jane's word were quick as she attempted to get out the door on time and also not feel guilty about leaving her friend.
"I'm fine, Jane. Really. And this is so lovely, but you're going to be late." Maura smiles kindly. It seems that her shower has allowed her to relax a little.
"Are you sure?" Jane says, quite upset that she has to go.
Maura nod once before letting her eyes linger upon her friend's for a while. "Now go!" She laughs. Maura began to reason with herself as she watched Jane leave. She wasn't telling a complete lie. She really was feeling a bit better after a hearty breakfast and a shower. That being said, she certainly couldn't let her friend's generous efforts to comfort and accommodate her go to waste either. So, she decided to take in some of the morning news as she sat down near the mountain of cushions that had been placed on the lounge for her.
••••
Hey, how're you?
A bit better, thank you. How are you? Anything interesting on at work today?
More interesting than a pizza from Fabio's?
They do make good pizza, but what does that have to do with your mood or work?
It doesn't. I just thought you might like some lunch. C:
Too tired to go right now.
I thought you might be. That's why I got them to deliver it.
What?
Your pizza will arrive in 20, ma'am.
Well, thank you Jane. That's very sweet of you. But you know I only like one kind from them.
Yep. And that is the one that they're making. I hear they make the same foods more than once sometimes.
Ha. Ha.
Oh no! I'm in my pyjamas!
Don't worry, just put on a dressing gown or something.
For a few minutes Jane doesn't receive a reply.
Thank you, Jane. I mean it.
••••
Jane tried to finish as much paperwork as she could before going to visit Maura that afternoon. She had told herself that she would leave at five on the dot, but ended up leaving at 5:15pm. She felt awful, but sometimes life just got in the way. She did make sure to send a text though.
On my way!
Opening the door at Maura's place, she was quick to call out, "Maura!" She didn't get an answer. "Maura?" She said more quietly. Walking into the lounge room, she saw Maura asleep on the lounge.
A stifled moan came from Maura's direction as she heard Jane enter and began to wake.
"Hey Maur'," she said bending to her level. "How're you feeling?"
Maura mumbled as she said, "Thank you."
"Hm? For what?" Jane said, quite puzzled.
"Today, when the delivery man came he said 'Do you want to hear a pizza joke? Nah, it's probably too cheesy.'… I cried."
"What?" Jane said, upsetted by the thought. "I was trying to make you laugh."
"It was very sweet," she paused. "I have just been so tired, I guess I didn't quite know how to feel." She said, unsure of even herself.
"Oh, sweetie," she said reaching out a hard to rest it on Maura's arm.
Maura just looked down, embarrassed about how she has been feeling.
"Come on, let's take you to bed so you can rest and I will make you some dinner."
Jane got Maura comfortable and made sure she was warm before heading for the kitchen.
"Jane," Maura tugged.
Jane turned back quickly and said, "Yeah, hun?"
"Would you mind staying with me for a while?"
"Sure, Maur'" She said with a quiet smile. And so, she took off her boots without making a sound and lay down on the other side of the bed.
Thank you for reading. I hope you're enjoying it so far.
Feeling unwell seems to be an unending feeling right now, so you may even get another chapter or two.
Hope you're all happy and well.
Feedback is much appreciated.