Hello fellow readers! I am sorry for the wait but I have been extremely busy with class projects, essays, and exams that have been taking away my writing time! But I finally found time to get to this chapter and I am happy that I did. Alright anyway guys here's chapter 22!
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On a bright sunny day a young woman was attempting to read. She had loved reading and was fascinated by what she would find, but today she found herself unable to do so. It had been the third time that she had read over the same sentence. This made Maura loudly sigh as she closed the book in defeat. It had been a several days since her last encounter with Jane that had left them receiving the silent treatment from one another. Ten days actually, the blonde corrected herself. Since that night she had seen Jane's brother and almost sister-in-law apparently. She had tried not to approach them as she did not wish to upset Jane even more but they mostly kept to themselves anyways, probably trying to avoid the same thing. I hope someone will check on that baby the honey blonde thought as she stared off toward the lake. From what Maura could tell both Tommy and Lydia didn't seem to be the brightest bulbs in the bunch. Maura had carefully observed them from afar whenever she could, by trying to figure out the mystery of Jane's rage. Tommy had seemed to be nice enough to those he encountered. She had asked Melanie about him and she told her that he was nice but it had been a long time since the last time she saw him. Apparently he had been gone for some time now but Melanie refused to give me any more details. Hopefully she would eventually find out what had happened and find a way to help Jane.
Both women were angry and upset for what had occurred that night and the words exchanged. Maura tried to be patient and understanding with Jane, knowing whatever she was hiding was big. Maura knew Jane was not one to dramatize about serious things. She knew whatever Jane was keeping from her was awful. Even with this knowledge she could not help the feelings of loss and even anger. Anger more recently since Jane was even refusing eye contact with her friend. She is pushing me away because she doesn't trust me. This was the constant argument in Maura's head reassuring herself as she had the right to be angry with the harsh woman. She tried to be there for her, be a good friend and she was violently pushed away. Of course metaphorically speaking, Maura corrected herself as she knew Jane would never intentionally hurt her. This made Maura feel guilty for her hostile anger toward her friend. She's going through something. Something very traumatic and she wouldn't tell me about it. She refuses to let me in. The young Princess shook her head in confusion trying to figure out what to do. I can't lose her. I love her. This thought also came in reminding Maura of the sadness she also felt along with it. She was still trying to find a solution for her new found feelings for the brunette. Even though they weren't currently on speaking terms she was still fiercely in love with her. Why couldn't she just give me a chance; to trust that I could be there through her hardest struggles? The honey blonde hadn't seen her friend for a week and she missed seeing her, being in her presence. I miss her face; angular and strong, her cleft chin, pink lips, bright smile with the occasional dimples revealing themselves. Her smoky voice and hearty laugh. Her beautiful long, curly, raven hair cascading along her back, oh how I wish to run my fingers through them. Her dark brown eyes boring into me sending shivers down my spine. I wish to hear her sarcasm and wit along with the sweet words she only speaks to me. The parts of her deemed imperfect like the scar along her face showed her toughness, and her hands and the way she touches me even if they are marred with scarred tissue. It shows how tough she is yet gentle to the touch around me. Tears were sliding down her face like a downpour of rain in a storm. Maura was unable to hold back her emotions as she continued to think about Jane, her Jane. Her best friend, the one she loves. She tightly closed her eyes and choked back a sob. I just want her back. It took several minutes for the young woman to compose herself and wipe the remaining tears from her face. She slowly took a deep breath as calm begun to spread within her body.
"I need you Jane. I'm not giving up on you and I'm going to be there for you, always."
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The orange rays from the setting sun were cascading through the clerestory window. Melanie had been preparing for dinner as they were waiting for everyone. They were dinning outside but Maura was helping the older woman cook as their guests were waiting. She was bringing out the food when she saw the abundant of people who would be joining them. Sean, Casey, and Korsak had been talking in a group discussing about upcoming hunting trips with the warmer temperature that was coming. Alice was talking to Barry as he held her infant child while her other children were playing amongst themselves. This brought a light smile to the girl as she had truly enjoyed being around children. Recently she had babysat for Alice twice this week and it was a good way to distract her from her current obsessive thoughts. Maura tried to not think about her lanky friend but found it nearly impossible as she wanted nothing more than to have her near again. Maura tried to shake the thoughts that were clouding her mind with unhappy thoughts. When the food had finally been brought out everyone crowded together and began to eat. They had been eating and talked about many things. But Maura was not hearing any of it as her mind was elsewhere. She mostly stared at the children giggling at each other and the honey blonde could not help but smile. The evening passed by quickly as most people, particularly the men, were finishing their meals.
"I know what you mean Sean there are some nasty buggers out there in the forest that you don't want to touch you. Can easily catch something if you're not careful...Oh hey Jane." The older man spoke that broke Maura out of her state.
She quickly looked up the tall figure and noticed her features. She had on black trousers tucked in dark brown boots with a white tunic and her raven hair had been down flowing to the middle of her back. Maura looked closely and noticed something was different about her, something in her eyes. It lacked the usual sparkle it held, she looked paler compared to her usual olive skin tone, there was dark circles underneath her eyes revealing her lack of sleep and her body posture unnaturally slouched over. Everyone could feel the awkwardness as they looked at the woman. Everyone was not obvious to the change in behavior between Jane and herself, it's obvious they know we had a fight. Even with this knowledge, they did not press her for details or had tried to give her advice, which Maura truly appreciated. The honey blonde did not need a pep talk when it was Jane who was pushing her away. The archer looked at everyone and gave a slight smile, her eyes finally landed on Maura as their gaze held for several seconds. The young woman was surprised by this sudden act of bravery since the past few days she was unresponsive toward her.
"Hey Jane how about you sit down and I'll fix you a plate." Melanie's sweet voice said as she walked around to prepare a plate. Jane just looked at her and nodded her head.
"Thank you" she muttered as she took a seat in between Vince and Sean.
Vince then started up the conversation again trying to end the awkward silence that had overtaken them. Jane absent mindedly looked down at her food but played with it more rather than ate it. She looks miserable the honey blonde concluded as she could not help but stare. Alice had again returned outside with her children and their screams filled the air. Finn and Aileen ran to her as she engulfed them into a huge hug. A smile stretched upon her face as Maura's heart fluttered. She had missed the gorgeous smile that her friend had possessed. This was the happiest she had seen her since that night of the confrontation. She had started to play with them and Maura just continued to watch in awe as they woman she loved was starting to come out again.
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"Kids time to go!" Alice's voice yelled toward her two children. Both of them were currently climbing Jane like a tree trunk and giggling excitedly.
They turned and looked at their mother in horror. "But mom do we have to?!" they screamed synchronized together.
"Yes my little monsters. It's time to give Jane a break and it's your bed time."
The two turned to look at Jane with pouty lips and wide eyes. "No Janie don't let her take us!" Aileen yelled as she clung on to Jane tighter and hid her face into the Italian's neck.
"Ya we wanna keep playing!" Fin responded and grabbed her arm in defiance.
"Sorry guys but what mom says goes. It's ok well play again real soon." The brunette said convincingly.
The young girl pulled her head from the woman's neck and looked her in the eye. "You'll come over and play with us?"
"Yes of course." She said with a light smile.
"You'll bring Maura with you too?" she asked as she looked at the honey blonde.
Dark eyes found a pair of hazel and stared at her almost peering at her soul. Maura was afraid that she was looking at her so intently she would see the secret she had been hiding from her. Shockingly Jane gave a quick smile at her friend and looked at the little girl in her arms. "Yes, but only if you go with your mother. Right now!"
This caused both children to relinquish their hold on the lanky woman and quickly ran to their mother. Alice laughed loudly at the reaction of her children. "Thanks Jane. Kids say goodbye!"
"BYE EVERYONE! They shouted loudly as this caused the assembled people to crack up.
Maura turned to look back at her friend but found that Jane's brown orbs had been locked on her the whole time.
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"I think that is everything." Korsak spoke with a sigh.
Dinner had been finished and everyone aside from Alice, her children, and Casey helped in clean up. Frost nodded his head and went up to the Mrs. "Yes and I should be going. Thank you for a wonderful meal Melanie. See you guys later bye!" the man spoke and waved to his friends as he left. Sean had followed in suit leaving the four of them.
Jane approached Melanie, "Mel, thanks for the dinner it was great."
The red head shook her head. "Of course Jane anytime. You look skinnier have you been eating lately missy?"
Jane smirked, "I'm eating just fine thank you! But it was nice to have your cooking."
"Yes I know, well come back and you can have some more. You're more than welcome, you know that."
"Well thanks again. I'll see you later Korsak." She said as she looked at the man as he nodded. She quickly turned her head to the blonde and gave a quick nod in acknowledgment, "Princess. Goodnight everyone." She said quickly as she quickly turned and walked away.
Maura could not do anything but watch and stare at her friend's retreating form. Maura heavily sighed trying to figure out what to do.
"Go after her." A voice behind her spoke suddenly making Maura turn around quickly scaring the life out of her, but calmed when she saw it was Melanie. "Don't let this rift continue anymore Maura. I can't take the sight of you both being miserable. Go make it right with her." Maura turned and looked at the last of Jane and saw she was going toward the direction of the lake. The honey blonde thought over Melanie's words and could not help but agree with her. These words spoken filled the honey blonde with courage and confidence to go after her friend and before she knew it her legs were leading her in pursuit of Jane.
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It did not take long for the young Princess to reach her destination as she saw her friend's tall figure from the reflection of the moonlight staring across the water. Maura took in the other woman and just stood their staring. She had missed being this close to Jane as it was uncommon recently. Maura felt she had taken her previous time with Jane for granted but she was going to change that. She was not going to leave until she made things right with Jane.
"Jane."
The lanky girl quickly turned towards Maura surprise evident on her face of hearing Maura's whisper. But quickly the confused look turned into a hard, stony one that was common whenever she would see her. "Maura what are you doing here? It's too late to be out here at night."
"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself at night. I'll have you know that this wonderful woman is taking out her precious time to teach me how to defend myself."
The brunette had a slight smile form upon her face. She had been recently getting use to the blonde's use of jokes and sarcasm. It made her proud of her accomplishment in this area. "Maur what are you doing here?"
Maura looked down at her feet trying to formulate a response. She finally looked up. "You know why I'm here Jane. I'm here to fix us."
"We're fine Maur…."
"Jane Rizzoli we are not fine! You can barely look at me let alone attempt to have a conversation."
Rizzoli had a look of shock as the shorter woman was calling her out on her shit. Damn she's getting way too perceptive. Jane continually opened and closed her mouth.
"Jane I know since your brother returned you have been going through some things. Whatever happened in your past must be awful." She began her speech as her friend's eyes were darting everywhere trying to avoid her gaze. "Oh that day, when we fought, it was too much for you and so I let you walk out. I even gave you days to try to figure everything out but I can't do it anymore. I can't take not having my friend anymore. It has been so hard to not have you in my life. It hurts so bad Jane. But what hurts more is to see how much pain you are going through and how you refuse to let anyone in to help." As she was speaking she continued to walk closer to the nervous woman and was only a couple feet away. "Jane I want to help you. I cannot just stand aside and watch you make yourself fall apart. And I can't not have my friend; I refuse to live without you in my life!"
The taller woman began to have moisture in her eyes as Maura noticed she was finally getting to her. "Maur I can't tell you…you can't know.."
"Why not?! Why not Jane?! You're my best friend in the whole wide world! You have been there so much for me why can't I do the same?! Do you not trust me?!"
"NO Maura of course I trust you! I trust you more than anyone! I just can't…..if you knew….you'll think of me different…..so useless and weak…"
"Jane what are you talking about?! You are the strongest and most wonderful person I have ever met." She spoke heartfeltedly as she was close enough and grabbed Jane's hands and moved her face closer hers. "I love you so much Jane and nothing you tell me could ever change that."
This caused the other woman to choke back a sob and she closed her eyes tightly and tried to back away. "I can't Maur….."
"Yes you can Jane" she responded as she refused to let her friend run off again. "Jane what did your brother do that was so terrible?"
Jane opened her eyes and stared at the other woman exposing her pain. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing, but then again neither did I….."
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Two years ago:
It was a cold fall day for Ireland as the overspread of clouds hovered over them. It had been a murky, bleak day that was very common for this time of year and nobody thought anything of it. No one had any idea of the events that were going to take place today. The lanky brunette was treading her way from the Frost's home. The Frost household consisted of two members, Samuel and his son Barry. Apparently the mother had passed on when Barry was little and his older sister was married off to someone. The brunette started to reminiscence about the past events leading to her meeting Frost. Jane only just got to know Barry at the market a few days prior. She had been walking with her childhood friend Casey to get some supplies after dropping off Tommy at his friend's house. When they reached the marketplace she started to buy all the things her mother requested and Casey came along with her. Then when she was finished she looked up and saw a young boy, not much younger than herself in the hands of two guards as he was struggling from their grip. Everyone from the market was watching the confrontation unfold in front of them. Jane looked at her friend with a raised brow as he too questioned what was going on. They moved in closer trying to find out what was going on.
"Hey let me go! I didn't do anything!" the dark skinned boy yelled.
Then suddenly the figure of a grey-haired, blue eyed man walked toward the commotion. His face was contorted into something malicious and distrustful. Jane did not get a good vibe from him but finally recognizing him as the new Captain of the Guards, the notorious Charles Hoyt. The man circled around the younger boy like a predator about to eat his prey.
"Well according to Mr. Ardan Callaghan says different. He told us you stole some of his fruits and money."
"What?! He's lying!"
Hoyt reacted by grabbing the boy by the back of his neck and pulled his head toward him. "You will give no such lies about a respectable citizen of Ireland! Especially from a savage like you!" the older man screamed in his face.
Jane was watching all this before her eyes and could not help but shake her head. She saw the treatment of this boy and found it unfair. She had worked with dark boys like him and found to have no quarrel with them. She did not find them any different from herself but more similar than anything. People like him were hated because of where he came from and women like her because she was born not of the dominant gender. Jane never understood the people's ignorance and did not follow everyone's idea of who was superior and who was inferior. Jane personally knew Ardan as a compulsive liar that would hurt anybody to get what he wanted. She had experienced Ardan's lies when he lied about her brother stealing from him and attack him. She knew the bastard was lying because he had an agreement with Hoyt that left him safe from this newly appointed man in power. She watched as they led the boy into the stocks as they placed his head and hands into the designed area and closed the top locking him into place, as Hoyt approached with a thick whip within his grasps ready to use it.
"Well sonny it seems to be a nice day for a good flogging." He spoke with a smile on his face as he threw the rope behind him and crack it back over the young man. The boy cried out in pain from the impact and whimpered from the withdrawal of his back. A shiver rain down the girl's spine as she watched the torture continue on. She looked around and saw other's cowering in fear but none were going to do anything about the disturbing image happening before them. Then Jane looked and saw the face of Ardan's smiling gleefully. Jane had had enough of this and decided to do something about it. She looked to Casey as he continued to watch and looked at her with pain in his eyes.
"Cas I can't let this continue. I have to do something." She said as the man was going to respond but was stopped. "This isn't right. You and I both know that."
Casey sighed in response and nodded his head. "What do you need me to do?"
"Create a distraction when I need it. And have Colt waiting for me when I need to flee."
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Frost had been heavily breathing as his body shook from the last hit. A guard took over for Hoyt after the first few. There were so many lashes on him that even the guard doing the whipping had been breathing deeply. Frost was not sure how much longer he could last. Hoyt returned with a burning iron and he concluded they would use to brand him. He began to panic and closed his eyes tightly expecting the burning into his flesh to commence. Then he heard the swoosh of a flying object that stopped everyone in their tracks looking at the offending arrow in the stock above his hand. Lost in confusion they missed the hidden rebel with a blade that started fighting the guards. The figure was covered by a cloak but it did not stop their speed and agility from overpowering the men. They took out one soldier by hitting them with their sword on the head; the second was thrown over their shoulder. The stranger then grabbed the burning iron and swung it at the older man hitting him on the side of the head knocking him down. They turned around to face Frost and with a swing of the sword it collided with the metal lock busting it open. They lifted the top of the wooden contraption open and assisted with leading Frost into an alley. They finally reached a black horse and Frost mounting it as the stranger followed behind grabbed the reins and they treaded off into the forest.
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Jane continued her walk home as she remembered the look on Frost's face when he found out he was saved by a girl several days ago. She helped him to her home where her mother and she helped treat his wounds until he was well enough to be taken home. Frost was ever grateful for her and Jane knew that she started a great friendship with this boy. She continued her way on the dirt path to go home as her mother wanted to help teach her to properly cook. Her mother did not particularly like Jane's dangerous activities but was glad that she saved a helpless boy. The lanky brunette was annoyed of her mother's persistence in doing more 'girly' things but knew she should be there more for her mother especially since she raised her and her brothers alone when her good for nothing father left them. Jane saw her house in the distance and ran the rest of the way.
"Hey Ma I'm home!" She yelled into the house, "Let's get this cooking thing over with alrigh….."
When she turned her way into the kitchen she was placed into a suddenly halt from image before her. Her mother along with her brother was sitting on chairs facing her. The disturbing part was that they were tied down with ropes and gagged. Her mother had a look of relief that quickly turned into fear. Frankie, her younger brother of about 16 had an exhausted face as bruises were forming all over it. He must have tried to fight whoever did this off but failed. Before Jane could move she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hello Janie, welcome home." The eerie voice remarked.
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The lanky body again was thrown to the ground as pain shot up in her side. Hoyt and his guards had taken turns taking blows at her. She tried to fight back but since she was up against five grown men she didn't stand a chance. She tried to stand up once again feeling pain all over her body but was quickly knocked down by a backhanded slap by one of the guards.
"Alright boys I think that's enough for now." He replied smugly and kneeled in front of the bruised face brunette. "So Janie. You thought you could just parade right in and save the day for that coloured boy?"
Jane looked at him with anger but did not reply. How did he find out it was me?
"Well Jane if you're wondering, which I am sure you are let me tell you. I have sources that are my eyes and ears in your special town." He said as he continued to circle around her. "You see when I found out you were a woman I was shocked. A person with that strength and bravado to go against the royal guards, well I was very impressed." He spoke with an evil grin plastered on his face. "I was so moved by your bravery I thought I would tell your mother. But the thing is Janie, you made a fool out of me in the square. You must understand that you can't do that and simply get away with it. You must be punished. Hold her down boys." The other guards did as they were told with little resistance from an exhausted Jane.
Jane was looking at this delirious man and saw the evil glint in his eyes that was troubling. She knew she was in real danger and needed to find a way out. She saw one of the guards give Hoyt a weapon. He pulled it out of the sheath to reveal a narrow dagger that he twirled within his hands. "Now you have to be punished for your crime" And with that he lifted the dagger and pierced in through her right palm. A loud scream erupted from her lungs as she felt the worst pain in her life. She could feel how the blade went through her bone with ease. She was trying to breath in as much oxygen as possible as she saw the man grab the other knife and watched him impale it into her other hand. Again she cried out in pain as a throbbing pain was igniting within her palms and she continued to cry. She was shaking from the pain as she felt his cold fingers caress her face. She quickly tried to move away but the pain from her hands stopped her from moving.
"Shhhh dear child it's alright. Don't be frightened. I'm not going to kill you….yet."
Jane looked upon the man who would soon infest her nightmares though that was unbeknownst to her. His smile was crazed and made his face show off its skeleton like features and she saw the burn on the side of his face that she had done. He pulled out a small knife and put it on her face. "You're going to feel a little pinch." He replied as he dragged his blade across her cheek and she cried out again. His face was a face of true fear. He looked up at the men and nodded his head and they let go of her and dispersed. She laid there not sure of what to do but was frightened by her predicament; but the worst part was yet to come. The guards came back with a lit torch and passed it around to each other then they finally moved away from her toward the house. Finally Jane understood their intentions.
"NO!" She screeched at them but it was no use.
They put the torches on the house and immediately flames erupted and ran across the house in a furry. Jane tried to squirm from her confines but could not from the daggers pinning her to the ground. Then suddenly she heard the screams and cries from her mother. Jane was in complete heartache and helplessness as her mother and brother were trapped. "Please stop let them go! Do whatever you want to me but get them out! Please they're innocent!" she pleaded with the deranged man.
"Oh Janie I love it when you beg but sorry no can do. No one is innocent child you must learn that. And the wicked must pay from the flames of this world and the next." He spoke proudly. "But don't worry my dear, you and I will have so much fun. But I must discuss business with my men but I'll be back soon" he spoke quickly and moved toward the covered grassland followed by the other guards.
Jane looked toward the burning house and her body shook in absolute pain. She felt helpless for all she could do was watch the demise of her home and her family. She tried to look away and a figure caught her eye. She saw the dark hair and bushy brows from a mile away and recognized it as her other brother renewing her hope.
"Tommy! Tommy! Ma and Frankie are inside tied up! You need to get them out!" she yelled and Tommy still remained unresponsive. This confused the Italian girl from her brother's lack of reaction. "Tommy you have to hurry! Go help them!"Instead of what she had expected she saw her brother walk backwards and away from the commotion. Jane could not believe what was happening; their family was burning alive inside and her brother was going to nothing, nothing but run. "TOMMY! THEY'RE GONNA DIE IN THERE! TOMMY!" she roared as the young boy turned on his heels and sped off into the opposite direction, leaving behind his family for dead. "THOMAS YOU FUCKING COWARD! COME BACK!" but it was no use he was gone within a minute and her hope was destroyed as the house was falling in and the only noise was the burning wood and the quiet sobs racking the young girl's body.
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The honey blonde had her hand covering her mouth as the recount of Jane's tragedy filled the air. Maura looked upon the girl who had tears falling down her cheeks and a rack of sobs overtook her. The girl quickly reacted and pulled the older woman against her and held on tight. Maura did not image that something like this could have happened to her friend; at least she hoped she didn't. Now Maura now understood the reactions of with the arrival of her brother and the reluctance of telling her the truth. Oh my God, poor Jane. She lost her family to this madman. Now she saw how much Tommy's appearance affected her as he brought back the images of his betrayal.
"I….I blamed Tommy for our family's death….when we needed him…..he…he was a coward and ran. He did nothing….but maybe neither did I…..?" The broken woman spoke that caused Maura to quickly turn her head.
"Jane…How could you possibly….."
"I didn't try hard enough…to get free…"
"Jane you had been beaten and staked to the ground. Even if you did get free Hoyt wouldn't let you save them."
"I…..I just should've done better! I vowed that I would take care of my family after my Pop left…..and….and I failed them….." she started to drift off.
"No Jane…..please don't be too hard…."
"I haven't been! If I did what I should've done they'd still be here! And I'll never forgive myself…."
Maura was unsure of how to respond as Jane was in an unreasonable state of guilt. "How did you escape?"
Jane sniffled and breathed in some much needed oxygen. "Luckily Korsak was on his way to the house. He killed all the guards and stabbed Hoyt. He unpinned me and we ran to his house. The next day us and some others left town and went to settle off in the village." She said in a shaky voice.
Maura nodded her head and tried to think of something, anything to say to her best friend. Jane then moved away and sat on a tree stump and put her hands over her face. When seeing her friend she approached her and kneeled to the ground. She placed her hands on the sides of her arms and gently started to rub them. "Jane….I know you think this makes me think of you differently and yes it does." She spoke and Jane lifted her head quickly with fear in her eyes. Maura then placed one of her palms on the other girl's cheek causing Jane to close her eyes in response. "Now that I know what happened, I understand your past actions. But now every time I see you, when I look into you're eyes I see all the pain you're been in but also how much strength you had, to overcome such a tragedy and lose your family before your eyes. To go through all that and still survive." She continued as she caressed the woman's face for comfort. "It is absolutely incredible."
"No I couldn't even protect my family…I was sooo weak…." She tried to argue as she shook her head.
"Jane you are not weak. But you are human sweetie."
"I'm nothing."
"You mean everything to me Jane!" She slipped out as both set of eyes found each other. Maura hoped Jane understood what she meant by her statement. She wasn't sure she could hide her secret any longer. Jane understood what she meant but was in denial. She rose up and started to walk away. "No. No one could care about me."
"Jane please. I'm in love you!" This stopped Jane in her tracks. She turned around to see the young princess had covered her mouth in shock of what she had said and had fear in her eyes.
"Maura you can't….."
"But Jane I do!" She yelled in response and closed her eyes and shook her head. "I've fallen in love with you."
The brunette shook her head in retaliation. "No. You don't know everything…you couldn't possibly….."
"What are you talking about Jane? Even if I don't that still could never change my feelings for you."
"I haven't told you the truth about me. Something that I have been holding back."
"Jane….whatever it is just tell me…please. I promise it won't change anything."
The older woman went to respond but then quickly stopped herself. She crossed her arms and used her right hand to scratch at her neck and then touched the chain around her neck for when she was nervous. She took a deep breath and looked up at the other woman, then walked to her so she was about a foot away. She pulled out the chain from under her tunic and pulled it over her head and wrapped it around her hand. Then she placed the chain in Maura's hand and stepped back a few steps. Maura looked at Jane with a confused expression but then finally looked at the object in her hand. She saw a ring attached to the chain and moved it closer to her face. Then she saw a familiar pattern of lady bugs plastered around it. Maura's jaw dropped as she continued to study the ring making sure she was seeing what was right in front of her.
"How? Where did you get this?" she quietly whispered continually examining the trinket recognizing that is had once belonged to her. She must have found it. But I gave it to…..
"It was a cold day, mid-November. It was all over town what a glorious day it was….that the Princess would finally visit the town. I didn't think much of it at the time; I just continued my routine like normal. Then I was supposed to meet Tommy in the alley he liked to play at and I saw Ardan had Tommy bleeding on the ground and he had picked you up by your hair and I remember just losing it." She continued on not looking at the honey blonde.
Maura on the other hand was in shock. Oh my God. Now that she was putting two and two together as she remembered that girl from the day in town. She didn't realize until now. It was Jane.
"I saw nothing but red I couldn't even think straight, not even when he was beating me. The next thing I remember is a woman wiping my face. It was your mother and then I remember seeing you standing in front of me and… I knew right there you were different…special." Maura looked up at Jane's face and saw the innocent look in her eye. The same look from that day in town.
"That….that was you?" Maura asked quietly.
Jane nodded in response and Maura closed her eyes. She couldn't believe that she knew Jane when she was eight. And like usual she was saving me.
"The next time was at the castle, you're birthday party." She continued again gaining Maura's attention quickly. "Casey got his hands on an invitation and I just really wanted to see you again. Maur you looked so beautiful in that white dress, you made the room stop as well as my heart." The brunette said that made Maura's stomach flutter rapidly. "I had never seen anything so beautiful in all my life. I couldn't stop but stare at you the entire time, trying to give myself the courage to talk to you. I saw every man dance with you, even that idiot pretty boy who wouldn't leave you alone so I walked up to you. Do you remember?"
Maura's facial features had changed from Jane's secrets being revealed. Her eyes widened and mouth slightly agape. Luckily she was able to nod in agreement because she couldn't say otherwise.
"I finally got to dance with you that night. And I know that it's not scientifically correct, but you just felt so right in my arms. I never wanted to let go." She said with a shaky voice as pools of moisture were in her eyes but was able to hold them back. "I hated leaving but I really did have to go. But I waited until the toast and saw you walk toward my direction and I have to leave before you saw me."
Maura nodded violently remembering this part. "Yes….I….I thought I saw you on the balcony but when I got there….there was no one."
The lanky brunette nodded her head with a small smile on her face. "Yes I did. If I would've found out what happened with your mom Maur I would've stayed with you. I'm so sorry you had to go through that with the people who didn't understand you." She spoke softly expressing her sincerity that Maura knew so well. This memory caused Maura to shed a tear but she quickly wiped it away. "I tried to make up my departure by giving you that letter and flower in your room the day of the funeral."
Maura looked up shocked as she was not expecting this. "That…..that was you too?"
Jane looked a little uncomfortable and looked down at her feet but not before nodding her head. "Yes. It was also me you had bumped into in the hall." She replied then looked up at the other woman, "I just wanted to try to give you some type of comfort."
"That letter was beautiful." She stated automatically.
"Ya well it took forever to find the words…I just….I wanted you to know, that somewhere in the world, someone cared about you."
Tears were flowing down the honey blonde's face that was unstoppable. There was an abundant of emotions Maura was experiencing and the girl was not sure which was the most dominate. While she was trying to figure this out the brown eyed woman was beginning to think that her telling Maura everything was a big mistake and Maura would hate her for it. She looked down and kicked some pebbles in frustration. "I know this is a lot to take in. After the funeral I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I had fallen in love with the Princess of Ireland. I, a poor, peasant, woman fell for you. Who to me was untouchable. I didn't mean to but you're difficult to not love." She remarked trying to make the other woman smile. She sighed heavily instead. "Listen Maur…"
"Did we ever meet again after that?"
"No not until the day in the forest."
Maura nodded to this and looked at the brunette emotionless. "How did you find me in the forest? Did you follow me there?"
"No. I was out there looking for food and I heard noises. When I went to investigate I saw a woman in danger and killed the men there. I didn't know it was you until after I took care of them…I couldn't believe it was you. I think what brought us together that day was fate….or so I hope."
Maura remained quiet trying to examine everything being said. She was not sure how to react but had a million thoughts running around in her head. There was one question that was truly vital now. "Why? After we met in town why did you go to my party? To my mother's funeral? Why did you keep coming back to me?"
Jane sighed and then looked at her. "When that man was attacking my brother you didn't run away and hide, you stayed and defended him. Even when I came and you ran I just thought you had come to your senses and ran away for yourself. But you came back; you came back for nobodies when others in your class would care less. But you did, you cared. Then when I met you again, and talked to you at the ball, I knew you weren't like anyone else. You weren't what I was expecting but an amazing girl that was misjudged by society…..like me. You reaffirmed by belief that what I was feeling was real."
Maura finally found her voice again. "But that was then. It's been years since you had last talked to me. Surely your feelings changed."
"Well yes. When I saw you in the forest and recognized who you were I had different feelings, not changed exactly but unsure if they truly existed. If the girl I loved still existed and not fallen into how you were met to be."
"And now?"
"The months I have spent with you has changed. I created a strong friendship that I had never had before. But later on it became more than that. I would think about you all day until I could see you, dreams were that I was your lover and you were mine, wanting to hold your hand, kiss you, hold you in my arms at night until I fell asleep and wake up wrapped up in you." She continued on with a huge smile on your face. "I loved listening to you talk to me about anything and everything, showing me your intelligence. About history, literature, science, medicine and everything I could possibly think of. Teaching you how to fight and seeing how much heart and determination you put into it. Seeing you making new friends in the village and how happy you had become. I wanted to be the source of your laughter and the rock for your sadness. I just wanted you. I want you."
Maura had an avalanche of tears down her face. She had slightly swollen eyes, hair in disarray, and a nose red but she was still the most beautiful thing Jane had ever seen. Maura saw this look of absolute adoration that this wonderful woman had and it made her heart burst with happiness. Before she knew it she had ran up to the other woman until they were right next to each other and slightly grabbed the collar of her tunic and pulled it down leaving their faces only inches apart. Hazel eyes looked at brown for a moment then she slowly leaned in and connected their lips. It was complete and utter bliss. When the older woman's lips came in contact with hers and both women shivered. Jane placed her hands on her arms in response trying to hold on. Jane's lips were warm and soft that it seemed was almost unreal. The Princess increased pressure as they held on together, clinging for dear life. This kiss was more for contact than passion as they were both experiencing the incredible feelings exchanged. Maura then back her face away to look at the beauty before her and smiled. "I know everything now, and I love you even more than I ever imagined." Jane smiled at this and then quickly moved her face closer and captured her lips once again which was full of passion, almost desperation. They tilted their heads and continued on claiming one another. Jane placed her hand on Maura's cheek while the young woman pulled her closer by her collar. The brunette began to nibble on her bottom lip until she pulled it in between her own lips and brushed her tongue against it. Then Maura moved her tongue in response and it collided with Jane's. This act made both women moan in response and Maura happily gave herself to her lover, her goddess, her Jane. This continued on until air was necessary as they broke apart, both attaching their foreheads together and inhaled each other's breaths. Finally they slightly moved away from each other and had matching looks of pure bliss upon their faces. Jane grabbed Maura's chin using her thumb and index finger to get her to look at her. "Stay with me Princess." She quietly begged her.
Maura smiled in response and loved the way Jane was looking at her. "Bug, there's nowhere else I want to be."
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Finally! Wow this chapter is what everyone's been waiting for! See it didn't take too long! Only 22 chapters haha lol oh well this is real life. Anyway so secrets are revealed about Jane's family and everything that happened. She also told Maura the truth about everything which is exciting! I can't believe how long this chapter is but I thought revealing everything was the best! Besides I wanted them to kiss already! Ok thank you for continually reading my story and please leave reviews! I love it when I see them through my email and I get excited! Alright guys have a pleasant day and see you next time!
C. L. ~ 3