Jane took me out on our first date last night and I have to say it was the best first date I've ever been on. She's so thoughtful to have thought of all the details that would make me smile; it was great to sit there next to her and admire the night sky. I taught her a bit more about constellations as the night progressed, with her hanging on to my every word. It's a bit different, to have someone actually listen to the facts that come out of my mouth instead of just having them go over their head... it's a good different. I feel like I'm actually being listened to instead of being ignored. Once the park patrons around us were gone, we were able to engage in a bit of a make out session. It felt great, yet also like we were two teenagers who were about to get in a whole lot of trouble. I guess the thrill of possibly being caught just added to the intensity of it. We've promised one another to take it slow, and neither one of us is ready to go all the way and have sex quite yet. I for one, am grateful that she isn't pushing me into anything I don't want to do, and that we can go at our own pace. I know that when that day comes it will be because we both want it, and it will make it that much more special for both of us…

Physical therapy begins in a couple of days and Jane has already taken the morning off so she can accompany me. I told her that it really wasn't necessary, but I was grateful in the end. I know it isn't going to be an easy road to recovery and it will be easier I think, to have her there and support me along the way.

What is making her and I both nervous beyond belief is that tomorrow is Sunday night dinner. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, if it wasn't for the fact that Jane decided to use said dinner to come out to her family and tell them about our relationship. I don't know the Rizzoli's all that well yet, but something tells me that she has nothing to worry about. They seem like a wonderful, loving family… I hope that something like sexuality doesn't impede them from being as close as they are; it would break Jane's heart if she were to be rejected by her family. Regardless of what happens, I've told her time and again that I'll be with her no matter what, and this is something we will go through together…


"Jane, you need to stop pacing around. Everything is going to be fine, you'll see!" Maura just kept watching Jane going back and forth from one end of the bedroom to the other.

"You don't know that Maur. I don't know it! I mean, you know my ma's good side, but you haven't seen her bad one… and she's very religious… I've known her my whole life and I don't know how she's going to react. What if she rejects me? What if she disowns me?! Oh God… the woman drives me insane most of the time but I love her and I need her in my life Maur!"

Maura stood in front of a pacing Jane and she came to an abrupt halt. Maura put her hands on Jane's shoulders, trying to emphasize what she was about to say. "So we don't know how your mother is going to react, ok? But Jane, this is something you have to do, and I'll be with you every step of the way. We can't continue hiding our relationship from the people you love, they'll have to know about it eventually. If you want to wait a little longer, then we can wait… but you'll have to do it eventually. I'd prefer it be sooner rather than later, but honestly, the decision is yours. Even if your mother were to react negatively to the situation, I'm sure she'd come around. She's your mother, and she loves you. She will understand, I'm sure of it. You and your brothers are her world Jane. Even if it were to take a while, she'll come around, I just know it."

Jane relaxed under Maura's hold. "I'm just so nervous… I never thought I would have to do something like this… I mean, I've known that I'm not straight… I just never thought I'd actually have to come out to my family… I never thought I could meet a person who would be worth it for me to go through this… then you came along."

Maura had unshed tears in her eyes. "I love you." She kissed Jane. "So much. I wish I could put myself in your place and do this for you. But trust me Jane, whatever happens, I'll always be here for you. You're my world, you're my life." She leaned in and gave Jane a strong hug, trying to transmit courage and love. "What do you want to do? Do you want to wait? Or do you want to do this tonight?"

Jane thought about it for a second. "I'll do it tonight, get it over with."

Maura smiled. "It's like ripping off the bandage in one tug, right?"

"Ripping of the band-aid in one pull, yes" Replied Jane laughing lightly. "We have to get you more up to date on those, love."

"Hey, I'm learning!"

"Yes Maur, you are. Come on, let's get this show over and done with."

"Wait." Maura stated. Jane turned around, a questioning look on her face. Maura reached up and kissed Jane softly. "For luck."

Jane smiled. "Thanks Maur. Let's do this."

Both women made their way down the stairs and into the kitchen. They worked together, getting the necessary items and ingredients to start dinner with. Angela would be arriving any minute since she was the one that usually took care of the cooking duties; they just thought they'd get a head start. Before they knew it, there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Maura said. "Just try to relax. Everything is going to be ok, you'll see." She quickly washed her hands and dried them on the apron as she headed to the front door. "Angela, good evening! Please, come in." She hugged the Rizzoli matriarch as she made her way into the house.

"Thank you Maura, always so polite. Is Jane here yet?"

"Yes, she's in the kitchen. We thought you could use a hand in getting dinner started."

"Thank you, that's very nice of you both."

They made their way into the kitchen, with Maura helping Angela with a bag of groceries the older woman had brought with her. "Hi Jane, you're here early… that's quite the surprise!"

"Hey ma. I know, I just thought you could use some help."

"Of course, you know I love it when you help me cook."

"Actually, I kinda wanted to talk to you about something before you started dinner. Maura will work on what we have so far… do you mind going into the living room with me?"

"Sure, Janie. It sounds serious… is everything alright?"

"Yes ma, everything is fine, great actually. C'mon, let's go into the living room."

The two made their way into the spacious living room, with Jane following behind her mother. She took a seat next to Angela and began her revelation… or tried at least. A minute went by and there was still nothing.

"Jane? What's going on? Why aren't you saying anything?" Angela asked, worried.

"I just don't know where to start, ma."

"At the beginning…"

Jane rolled her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I've been seeing someone."

This made Angela jump up and down immediately. "Oh Jane! I'm so happy for you sweetheart! I knew you'd finally be able to meet someone!"

"Ma, I'm not done."

"Sorry."

"I met someone a few months ago. It was strange at first, because I didn't know what I was feeling; I've never felt like this towards anyone before. As time passed and we spent more and more time together, I realized that I'd fallen in love. I'm in love, ma."

"Jane, but this is wonderful news! I don't understand why you had to be so secretive about it…"

"Well," Jane took a deep breath again. "the reason why I needed to have a talk with you and why this is so 'private' is because of the person I'm seeing… it's a woman, ma.. it's –"

"Jane!" All color drained from both women's faces. "How could you?! It's an abomination! It's a straight ticket to hell! Why would you do this?!"

Jane had tears in her eyes instantly. "Ma, please, let me explain. She's such a wonderful person… and I couldn't do anything about how I feel. She feels the same way about me too… I couldn't help but love her."

"She could be the most amazing woman in the world; it's still a sin, Jane… an unforgiveable sin. I never thought I'd say this about any of my children, especially you, but I'm ashamed of you. I need to go, I can't stay here…"

"Ma, please! Let me explain!"

"No! I've heard enough, Jane. Nothing you could say is going to change the fact that my daughter is seeing another woman… and doing God knows what else." Angela rose from her seat and headed towards the kitchen to grab her purse leaving a crying Jane behind.

Maura hadn't meant to pry, but the conversation had gotten so loud that she had heard bits and pieces coming from the other room. Her heart broke for her girlfriend, and she instantly wished she could do something to take away Jane's pain. She was taken out of her reverie when Angela spoke to her.

"Did you know about this?" Angela asked the blonde.

"Yes." Maura replied.

"How could you not? You're her best friend. I can't believe this is happening."

"Angela, I know it may not be my place, but I love Jane and I'm sure that whatever she told you wasn't easy for her to say. Please, try to hear her out."

"I just can't, Maura. This hurts too much." Angela replied as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"If you are unable to listen to Jane now, perhaps you and I can talk? Please? I think this is all a huge misunderstanding, and I hope that it can get straightened out."

"Alright."

"Let me tell Jane we're leaving and then I'll drive you home. You're in no condition to drive like this."

Maura stepped into the living room and instantly embraced her crying girlfriend.

"She didn't even let me explain!" Jane cried.

"I know, sweetheart, I know. I'm so sorry, Jane. I truly believed things would be better than this."

"I knew it… my ma is too religious… her religion has always come first."

"The last thing I want to do is leave you alone, Jane. I want to be here to comfort you, to help with your pain in any way I can. Your mother has agreed to talk to me… maybe I can make this better. I want to try to make this better for you… for us."

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Maura. You heard how she reacted."

"Your mother knows I can't lie. I'll just speak to her from the heart, and try to explain the situation. Don't you think it's worth a shot? Let me talk to her, and then I'll come right back to you, I promise."

"I hope you have better luck than I had." Jane replied.

"I still don't want to leave you alone." Maura stated, hugging her girlfriend once again.

"I'll be ok, Maur. Just go talk to ma, then come back."

"I won't be long. I love you." Maura whispered.

"I love you too Maur." Jane replied. She saw as her girlfriend rose from her seat and headed towards the kitchen again. Seconds later, she heard the front door shut, and wished with her whole heart that Maura's talk with Angela would go better than hers.


The longest chapter to date! So Angela didn't take the news very well... do you think Maura will have better luck? Any ideas on what she'll tell Angela? I'd love to read your thoughts!=)