AN : Sorry its late. hopefully next chapter tomorrow. thank you again for following and favouriting this...its amazing to know there are people who actually want to read what I have to write...

''Would like to meet up for lunch?'', Maura asked tentatively. She had to tread cautiously, Jane was still a little on the edge with overwhelming emotion from when they had seen the house two days ago. They both were still waiting to hear from Mr Perkins about the price, and it seemed to be getting the better of Jane – bit by bit.

''Sure. If no one decides to end someone's life today I'm sure I'll be free'', Jane walked over to kiss Maura before leaving for work. The doctor was still in bed, in her pyjamas just like any other morning. On occasion she wondered when she had ceased to become a morning person. While in the process of contemplating what to do with her day, her phone rang.

''Hello'', she answered lazily without even looking at the caller id.

''Maura darling. Did I wake you?'', Constance had a weird habit of speaking to Maura as if they were on talking terms on a daily basis. Anyone hearing the conversation might have thought they spoke regularly. The last time in fact, that Maura had heard from her mother was a few months prior to Jane's incident.

''N-no'', she stuttered a little.

There was an awkward silence before Constance spoke again.

''I know you may probably soon be heading out to work, I was just wondering if you are free today?''

Silence.

She continued, ''I was in town and could spare some time for a meal at your convenience''

Maura was momentarily speechless. Her mother never called her; she was the one who often called when the lack of communication had dragged on for so long. She couldn't believe her mother was actually initiating quality time with her. Maura wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing.

''I am not going to work right now…..I have made plans for lunch, maybe I could meet with you this morning if that's ok'', she finally said.

''Marvellous. I will come over to your place then. I don't much care for the breakfast places in the vicinity'', Constance spoke with genuine enthusiasm. Maura was shocked to no end. Then she remembered….

''I…ah'', she didn't know how to phrase her current situation. ''I moved out mother. I am no longer in the Beacon Hill house''

''Is that so. Well you text me your new address then. It shouldn't be a problem''

Maura thought for a little while. Explaining that she was living with her girlfriend, in said girlfriends mothers home was such a long and complicated topic. She took the faster route. It was too early in the morning for that particular challenge.

''Sure. I will text it right away. What time should I expect you?''

''I will be heading out now actually. That way I can attend to other things I have to shift around''. Suddenly it sounded as if the visit was Maura's idea and Constance was being inconvenienced. Maura knew she'd never understand her mother no matter how much she tried. She was glad to have Angela fill in as a substitute mother. Granted the Italian woman was over the top most times, but at least she was existent in her life. Constance was more or less like a story. She mentioned her to Jane here and there where retelling accounts of her childhood. Maura had realized Jane disliked her mother, even though they had never met, so tried not to mention her frequently. It wasn't that much of an effort anyway; it wasn't as if there was much to say.

''Ok. See you soon then''. Maura hung up and sent the text with Angela's address to her mother. The day seemed exhausting before it had even began.

''Good morning Angela'', she smiled at the woman in front of her.

''Morning sweetheart. Did you sleep well?'', Angela smiled back. The elder woman loved Maura's company.

''I did….uhhhh''

''You seem fidgety Maura. What's wrong?'' Damn Angela and her eagle eye. Nip it in the bud Maura.

''My mother rang a few minutes ago. She is on her way over. I hope you don't mind. She won't be long'', Maura rambled.

''Don't be silly. You should have said all this time. Go and get dressed honey. I will make us a beautiful breakfast'', Angela was in helicopter mode and was already in the kitchen knocking pots and pans. Maura wasn't at all thrilled.

''You don't have to Angela.''

''I want to. Now get yourself presentable. It will be a pleasure getting to meet her. Its Constance right?''

''Yes'', Maura smiled. She wished she was nearly as enthusiastic as Angela was.

Maura brushed her teeth, pulled her hair into a ponytail, put on some sweatpants and one of Jane's BPD tees. She didn't want to wait with Angela; she knew the woman would elevate her nervous energy, so she went for the one task that soothed all – Jane.

You won't believe this – M

The reply came within seconds, Jane was good like that.

Coming from you, it's safe to say I will believe it –J

My mother is on her way here, and your mother is making breakfast – M

Oh God. I don't believe this – J

See, told you. It's scary Jane. Can you come home – M

Honey, I just got to work – J

Sorry baby. You know I would love to be there to….you know….be there…lol – J

That brought a huge smile to Maura's face. Before she could respond, Jane texted again.

I know you are smiling…..I love you Maura. And I will see you for lunch. Cavanagh is calling us for some stupid meeting. Do you want me to call you when I get out? – J

Please – M

Sure thing. Text me if things start getting out of hand. I don't like not being there – J

Ok, I think she's here. I love you – M

Love u 2 – J

That was so fast, oh my God, Maura muttered to herself walking out of her room.

Constance had actually been parked for a whole five minutes thoroughly convinced she was at the wrong place. In no way did the house fit the daughter she knew.

Her best bet was to walk in and find out. So here she was, standing by the door.

Angela rushed (forward as ever) to answer the door for their guest. When the door swung open Constance was relieved, she was sure it was the wrong house – it wasn't her daughter answering the door after all.

''My apologies, I must have the wrong house'', Constance said courteously.

''Of course not, you must Constance'', Angela engulfed the woman before she could so much as stretch a hand out. Maura saw this as she walked to the door and shook her head wishing to God her mother wouldn't say anything embarrassing. She scurried fast before Constance got a word in.

''Mother'', they exchanged the European 'two-kisses on the cheeks' greeting.

''Maura'', her mother took inventory of her and shot her a clear look of disdain.

''Please, come in'', Angela shooed the pair in.

''And you are….?'', she threw Angela a meaningful look.

''Angela, it's nice to finally meet Constance. I just finished making breakfast, do make yourself at home''. Maura didn't miss the disapproval written all over her mother's face. For one, she hated being referred to as just Constance by strangers – it was always Mrs Isles, or Constance Isles. And she didn't understand why Maura looked the way she did – cheap pants and a t-shirt. Then there was this loud woman taking command. And why the hell was her daughter living in such a low class place? She couldn't help herself.

''I'm sorry, Maura. Can you explain all of this to me?'', she said in French.

''Angela is Jane's mother…my….ummm, friend. She made breakfast. Won't you join us'', Maura made a point to respond in English. She didn't want Angela to feel inferior, and she also wanted her mother to know she didn't appreciate the behaviour she was portraying.

So the two took a seat at the table as Angela brought over plates, rolls, and all she had prepared for the meal. It was a rather peculiar situation. Constance had so much to ask, Maura didn't know what to say, and Angela knew little to nothing about Constance. She just realized Maura hadn't even told her she was dating Jane, and it was clear the pompous woman knew nothing about Maura's current situation.

Maura might have warned Angela about all of this, but she didn't know what to say really. It was just too overwhelming for her. She felt embarrassed about not having divulged all about her life to her mother, and she felt Angela might despise her. So she had locked herself up in her room texting Jane and waiting for Constance to arrive to deal with it as it went on.

''So Constance. You are visiting from France is it?'' Angela tried to break the tension.

''Yes. I will be leaving in a couple of days though'', she tried to be polite, but failed.

''Well it's lovely that you could come over. You have a very wonderful daughter. We all love her to bits'', Maura blushed a little. Jane certainly got the little bit of charm she has from her mother.

''I don't mean to be rude, but I don't believe we were properly introduced, who are you exactly?''

Angela wasn't too bothered by the crassness, or maybe she just chose to ignore it. ''I am Jane's mother, Maura's friend. They are living with me for a while till they get a place of their own''

Maura was silently eating her breakfast; she had no idea what to say. ''is that so.'', Constance looked at Maura for further clarification.

''Yes'', was all Maura said.

''What happened to your house in Beacon Hill?'', Constance probed.

''I sold it''

''Why?''

The tension was rising further and further.

''It's a long story mother'', Maura kept her gaze down.

''Is everything ok? I feel like there is a lot going on here. I don't mean to pry, but if you are having some problems you can tell me you know''

''I know mother, thank you''

Angela was the one now just watching.

''I will leave you two to catch up then'', she finally said standing up.

Maura looked like she wanted to crawl under a rock for eternity. ''No Angela, please stay'', she said as means of saving herself. She wasn't so sure why she was nervous and a little frightened about her mother all of a sudden. She normally never really cared.

''Its ok honey. I will be in my room if you need anything''

Honey. So they are on names of endearment terms now, Constance mused. Her initial thought had been that Angela was the house help, before Maura had labelled her 'Jane's mother'. Who is this Jane anyway?, she thought further.

''Please stay'', Maura pleaded with her eyes. Angela saw how helpless and frightened Maura looked. She wanted to help her, and made a decision on the spot.

''Would you give us a minute Constance?'', Angela tugged on Maura's arm.

In the kitchen, Angela began, ''is it ok if I have a word with her Maura?''

''Please''. The unspoken words were understood between the two.

Maura left the kitchen and headed for her room. Constance watched in confusion. ''is she alright?''

''A little. Constance…there is a lot that has been happening that I think you ought to know as a mother''

Constance didn't appreciate her judgemental tone one bit. ''and what might that be?''

''A lot has happened to Maura since you last spoke, and clearly she hasn't mentioned any of it to you'', Angela began softly.

''is she in some sort of trouble?'', Constance voice held a hint of concern, just a hint.

''The rough patch is over now. They are recovering from it pretty well, given the extreme circumstances''

''They?'', Constance caught.

''Yes, Jane and Maura''

''Again, I don't mean to be rude. Who is this Jane? She sure seems to play a huge part in Maura's life''

''She does. She is her best friend, and they are seeing each other''

Constance eyes widened.

''They are in a relationship?'', she asked in utter shock.

''Yes they are'', Angela still spoke gently. She knew from experience that it wasn't the easiest of news to hear.

Constance drew a deep breath in and sipped on her tea.

''Would you like me to start from the beginning? That way it may be less confusing. I am sure you have a tonne of questions''

''I would like that, yes''

So Angela began to relate the story of how Jane and Maura's friendship blossomed, before going on to tell her about what happened with Jane, and subsequently Maura. She paused a little to give Constance a chance to digest the fact that she had almost lost her daughter, and she didn't even know about it.

''How could all this have happened without my knowledge?'', Constance sobbed – with etiquette.

''If you had kept in touch, I'm sure you would have been aware''. Angela didn't want to sugar coat that aspect for the woman. She didn't believe in the type of motherhood Constance embraced.

She then went on with her story, relating events one at a time, trying not to leave anything out. It was a lot to take in on one sitting, but it wasn't the type of story you could chop of in half and finish on a later date.

''So yesterday they went to see a house they really loved but it costs a lot so they are still pondering what to do. You should have seen how excited they were. They are so wonderful together'', Angela was the one now sobbing.

''I feel so ashamed of myself. Missing all of this'', Constance said with actual regret this time.

''Sorry. That's all I can say. Because those two are the best. Anyone would be lucky to have them in their lives. I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am every morning when I wake up. They make each and every day worth it for me. All of my children. And Maura is one of them too''

Constance cried some more. All her short comings where being laid bare and reality struck her like hot iron. It was painful, she admitted. She was sure Maura would never forgive her. She didn't even know if she had it within her to beg forgiveness. It was just too much wrong for anyone to forgive. And then she remembered how Jane had called her begging to know where Maura was and she had brushed her off immediately and completely, never to even think of the event ever again till that moment.

''I'm sorry I can't tell you how you can ever gain her forgiveness. But Maura is kind, she may forgive you with time, but the damage is already done and she will never forget'', Angela reasoned.

Meanwhile, Maura had been a wreck. She was imagining all the thoughts going through her mother's mind as Angela told her all the events of the past year plus. She imagined her mother thought she was so pathetic, who wouldn't, she thought she was pathetic at times.

After a while Jane had called. And when Jane heard the hurt her girlfriend was going through, she told her she was taking a personal day and coming home at lunch time. Cavanagh granted her that with no complaint.

''I think I have an idea, will you come with me, please?'', when Constance had walked into Angela's home she have never thought she'd hear herself begging the woman, ever!

''Sure, but don't you want to speak with Maura first''

''No. let's leave. I will see her tomorrow I promise''

So the two women took their leave. Constance sent Maura a text when they were in the car.

Sorry to leave abruptly. Angela is accompanying me somewhere. I promise I will see you tomorrow. I would love to take you and Jane for dinner if it is alright with the both of you – C

Maura had to read the text about ten times before exiting the room to see if they had left for sure. They had. She couldn't believe it. Did it mean Constance accepted her and Jane together? What had she thought about what Angela had said? Had Angela not told her everything? Where were they going together anyway? She was glad Jane would be home in two hours tops, she needed the comfort of the brunette.

So to occupy time she cleaned up Angela's mess in the kitchen. Cleared the table. Then settled for an afternoon comedy. Jane sauntered in just as the second episode was finishing. Maura leapt up like a little girl to greet Jane. The calm that washed over her was immediate, and welcomed.

''You have been holding up on me Maura'', Jane smirked.

''How so?''

''I wouldn't have been opposed to being greeted like this every day when I got home'', Jane joked, and lifted Maura up with impressive ease taking her straight to their room.

''They aren't back yet?'', Jane asked, placing Maura on the bed tenderly.

''No. I have been stressing about where they went since they left. They didn't seem to be getting along Jane. I'm so worried''

''They'll be fine. If things were as bad they wouldn't have left together''

''True I suppose. I missed you even more today'', Maura let out a sigh.

''It was so awful at work also. Frost and Korsak were glad when I left. They said I was boring today''

They both laughed. Jane was propped on one elbow, tracing letters on Maura's stomach. ''I love you Jane'', it just came from nowhere. Maura even surprised herself. Then she went on, ''like really really love you. I feel like I took some kind of substance''

''Yes, it's called Janetone''. Maura creased her forehead, ''like acetone – Janetone''

Jane knew how to lighten the mood and the two shared a much needed laugh.

''I really really love you too Maura. I may have also overdosed on that Mauretone''

Maura smacked Jane's arm jokingly before they shared a loving kiss. It started to get heated and they both stopped themselves before things got too far. A lot was up in the air with their mothers on the run together, it just wasn't an appropriate time for sex.

By this time, Constance and Angela had left Mr Perkins office and were en route to the house that knocked their girls off their feet. Constance had done quick work of contacting the man to find out who Maura and Jane's real estate agent was – only to find it was him. It made it the more easier because Constance already knew the man. He actually told her he was planning on contacting Jane and Maura the next day because the owners had refused to bring the house down and he was trying to give them a day to reconsider.

Constance told him to contact them and she paid the whole amount in full to the owners. Mr Perkins signed off what he could, so did Constance, leaving the house virtually in Maura and Jane's ownership. The two just had to sign off the title in their names and all other necessary documents. When that was done, the mothers headed to go and see the house. They were slack jawed. It was breath-taking and it was no wonder the two had fallen in love with it. For some reason it just fit Maura and Jane perfectly. Angela could testify because she knew them both. Constance felt a pang of hurt in that moment, for not knowing Maura that well, and Jane at all.

After a look around, they were ready to leave. Constance put the forms for the sale in a folder, with a small letter for Maura inside. She instructed Angela to give the two, and then bid her farewell.

''Thank you so much for all you did for me today. And especially for being there for Maura''

''It's not hard Constance. Maura is so easy to fall in love with, she's so sweet'', Angela said sincerely.

''Thank you'' Constance said again. And Angela engulfed her in another bear hug. Constance wasn't used to these, but returned it as best as she could. Angela was dropped home and Constance took her leave.