Time for a little Rizzoli and Isles Thanksgiving! Just really wanted our girls to spend some holiday time together. I've got some big plans for the next chapter, but it might take me a few days to get it done!
Thanks so much to everyone who's reading! -J
Chapter 5- Thankful
"You must be nuts," Jane announced one Monday afternoon as she let herself into Maura's office, where the Medical Examiner was completing paperwork. "You must have completely lost your mind," she huffed, plopping down on the couch in the way that she knew drove Maura crazy.
"I have not," Maura replied, sounding scandalized. "I will have you know that all of my faculties are functioning perfectly, thank you very much."
In the weeks that had passed since the incident with Hoyt Jane and Maura had become even closer then they already were as they spent nearly all of their free time together and often found reasons to visit each other at work. Maura had never really known true friendship before, but the more time she spent with Jane, the more she realized that the brunette had easily become her closest friend.
"Well I don't believe that for a second," Jane scoffed. "Because you would have to be nuts to allow my mother to host Thanksgiving dinner at your house."
Giving Jane a stern look, Maura resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the Detective's dramatics. "Jane your mother lives in my guest house," she pointed out. "It's hardly big enough to host a proper dinner. She told me she plans on having you and Frankie as well as Korsak and Frost over, so of course I offered her the house," she shrugged. "It's called being considerate."
"Or crazy," Jane rolled her eyes, moving so she could lie down on the couch, missing the glare being directed her way. "I mean you and Amelia shouldn't be obligated to spend your holiday with my family. You've met my mother Maur, she's loud and invasive and my brother's no better," she continued. "Plus you know Korsak and Frost, the place is going to be an absolute zoo."
"Well that sounds fine to me," Maura shrugged, as Jane turned her head to face her. "It sure sounds better than the day I had planned. I think Amelia and I have spent enough Thanksgivings on our own," she said, her eyes falling to her desk, no longer able to meet Jane's gaze.
"You mean your parents never come for Thanksgiving?" Jane asked, moving to sit up, suddenly wishing she hadn't brought up the subject in the first place upon seeing the sadness on the honey-blonde's face. "You and Amelia really have to spend the holiday alone?"
"I told you my parents are out of the country," Maura shook her head. "They almost always are, especially during the holidays," she shrugged. "Amelia and I have always gotten along fine without them and we usually do quite well on our own but I just thought I would offer the house to your Mother since it seems like such an important day for her. Plus she was kind enough to include Amelia and I."
"I'm sorry Maur," Jane sighed, feeling like a jerk. "I didn't think. I'm sorry," she repeated. "No one should have to spend the holidays alone and it was really nice of you to offer Ma the house," she said, doing her best to make up for making Maura feel lousy. "And you know what, I think this will be my best Thanksgiving yet."
"Oh yeah?" Maura raised her eyebrow. "And why is that?"
"Because you and Mia will be there obviously," Jane replied with a grin, succeeding in making Maura smile. "I mean it will be nice to have an ally against all those boys and my Ma; they tend to gang up on me. And Mia being there will be an added bonus. It's impossible not to have fun with that kid around."
"Well Amelia will be thrilled to be spending the day with you," Maura smiled, knowing how much her daughter and Jane adored each other. "You are her best friend after all."
"I thought she made some new friends at school," Jane replied, slightly confused.
"Oh she has," Maura nodded happily, rather impressed by how far along her daughter had come at school with her peers. "She has made quite a few friends actually, but she insists that you are her very best friend," she said, unable to hold back her laughter at the look of pure delight on Jane's face. "She talks about you all the time."
"That's so sweet," Jane replied rather giddily, not caring that she was getting excited over the fact that a four-year-old considered her, her best friend. "I mean well you know how much I like Mia," she said, seeing Maura smile. "I'm really glad I get to spend Thanksgiving with my best friend," she then added, grinning at Maura. "Both of them."
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Thursday morning Amelia woke early, sitting up in her bed and listening for the sound of her mother throughout the house. Hearing nothing, the young blonde realized her mother must still be in bed; unsure of how early it really was, but unable to get back to sleep as she was simply too excited.
Maura had told her daughter about their Thanksgiving plans on the weekend, and every morning since then Amelia asked if it was Thanksgiving yet; excited about spending the day with Jane, her family as well as the Detectives that her Mother worked with. Maura had assured Amelia the night before that Thanksgiving would be the next day and the four-year-old was absolutely elated, barely able to sleep.
Knowing she wouldn't be going back to sleep, Amelia crawled out of bed, quietly making her way into the hallway and in the direction of her Mother's bedroom. Poking her head in the room the little blonde found her Mother still fast asleep, as she tip-toed closer to the bed.
"Mommy," Amelia whispered when she was standing next to the older blonde, her voice too quiet to rouse the sleeping Doctor. "Mommy," she repeated, stroking her mother's cheek with her little hand, Maura's eyes slowly opening, looking rather disoriented.
"Baby what are you doing up?" Maura asked groggily, turning to look at the clock on her bedside table. "It's early."
"But it's Thanksgiving Mommy," Amelia replied innocently, giving her mother her best smile. "Everybody's comin' over today!"
"Yes but not for quite a few hours," Maura laughed, reaching out and grabbing her daughter in order to lift her up onto the bed. "Everybody is probably still sleeping and you should be too," she said, pulling the little blonde close while running her fingers through her hair.
"I'm too excited to sleep Mommy," Amelia replied with a pout. "Janie's coming over and her brother! I never met her brother," she continued on excitedly. "Angela said she's gonna make lots of yummy food! It's gonna be so much fun Mommy!"
"I know it is," Maura chuckled; feeling rather excited herself since it had been many years since she had a Thanksgiving that involved other people. "I'm looking forward to today as well, but unfortunately we have to be patient because Jane and her family aren't going to be here for a while. So how about we try and get a bit more sleep," she suggested, knowing the four-year-old would crash hard in the afternoon if she didn't get a couple more hours of sleep.
"But I'm not tired anymore," Amelia said, playing with the buttons on her Mother's pajama top.
"Okay well if you can't sleep how about we just lay and snuggle for a while," Maura tried instead. "How does that sound?"
"I guess that's okay," Amelia replied, tucking her head under Maura's chin, the older Isles smiling as she rubbed her little girl's back. "What are you most excited about today Mommy?"
"Well," Maura took a moment to think about her answer, trying not to laugh at the question. "I'm excited to spend the day with everyone," she finally replied. "Thanksgiving is about being with family and friends so I'm very happy that we get to spend the holiday with our new friends. And I'm very excited to eat some of Angela's delicious cooking," she added, making Amelia giggle. "What about you? What are you most excited for?"
"To play with Janie," Amelia answered, not even having to think about it.
Laughing Maura ran her hand over Amelia's head. "You really like Jane huh?" She said, knowing the answer, but hoping that talking would make the little blonde tired.
"Janie is a lot of fun," Amelia nodded, wrapping her arm around Maura's middle. "She knows lots of games and she reads stories with funny voices and she likes to have dance parties," she listed all the things Jane had done with her since she had become a frequent visitor of the Isles household. "I like it when she comes over. Don't you Mommy? You're always happy when she's here."
"Yes I am," Maura agreed with a smile, continuing to rub Amelia's back as she could detect the sleepiness in her daughter's voice. "Jane has been very nice and we've become really good friends. I enjoy when she's over just as much as you do."
"Is Janie your best….friend…too?" Amelia asked between yawns, her eyes drifting shut.
"You know what honey I think she is," Maura replied, feeling Amelia's head falling against her arm. "Amelia?" She called softly, receiving no reply, Amelia now breathing deeply. "Sleep tight sweet girl," she kissed Amelia's head, hugging her daughter tight before closing her eyes and drifting off.
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Needing to start cooking, Angela had let herself into the main house rather early, doing her best to keep quiet since she had yet to see Maura or Amelia. It was about an hour later when the Mother-Daughter duo finally made their way downstairs, both dressed and ready for the day, Maura in a red dress with a black blazer and Amelia wearing a navy blue dress with white tights.
"Well don't you two look nice," Angela smiled as Amelia ran towards the kitchen, quickly climbing up on one of the stools, while Maura went to make herself a cup of coffee.
"Mommy said I should wear a dress," Amelia said, rolling her eyes towards the ceiling, Angela snorting out a laugh as Maura turned towards her daughter in shock.
"You love dresses!" Maura said, her hand on her hip.
"But you can't play in a dress Mom," Amelia replied, sounding like a teenager rather than her four-year-old self. "And Janie is gonna be here to play! I can't play in this!"
"Wow I think she's spending too much time with Jane," Angela mumbled to Maura. "She sounded just like her," she laughed before turning her attention back to Amelia. "Well I think you look very pretty Amelia. I'm sure Janie will think so too. And you'll be able to play. Don't worry."
Sighing Amelia rested her chin on her hand as Maura simply rolled her eyes before returning her attention to her coffee. "It smells great in here by the way Angela. Can I help you with anything?"
"Well you can peel some carrots if you like," Angela replied, knowing Maura was likely to keep offering to help until she allowed her to. "And what about you Amelia? I thought you were gonna help me today."
"Well what do I do?" Amelia asked, raising her head in interest.
"Bring your stool over here and come help me with the stuffing," Angela told her, Amelia immediately following her instructions. "And later I'm gonna teach you how to make my Grandma's gravy. It's a family secret so you're going to have to keep it to yourself okay?"
"Okay," Amelia nodded, her expression serious, as she allowed Angela to show her what to do.
Watching Angela and Amelia while peeling the carrots, Maura was overcome with happiness, loving how caring Angela was with her daughter; feeling like Amelia finally had a grandmother figure in her life. Eventually finishing with the carrots, Maura took to watching Angela and Amelia work, loving the interaction between the two.
It wasn't until the door opened over an hour later that Maura was broken out of the trance she had fallen into, Amelia gasping in excitement when Jane's voice called out from the foyer.
"Janie!" Amelia exclaimed before jumping off her stool and taking off towards the door, where Jane was knelt down waiting for Amelia with her arms wide open; the little blonde immediately running into them and being lifted up.
"Hey kiddo," Jane kissed the side of Amelia's head while Amelia wrapped her arms around Jane's neck and her legs around her middle. "Look at you looking all pretty in your dress. You helping my Ma?"
"We made stuffin," Amelia nodded before noticing the man standing behind Jane. "Who's that?" She asked quietly, ducking her head behind Jane's.
"That's my brother Frankie," Jane replied, tickling Amelia's side in an attempt to get her to look up. "Remember I told you he was coming. Frankie this is Mia."
"Hey there Mia," Frankie greeted with a grin, as Amelia played with Jane's necklace. "It's very nice to meet you. Janie here has told me lots about you. She said you're pretty great," he said, making the little girl smile. "She's pretty fond of you and your Ma."
"Where is your Ma anyways?" Jane asked, just as Maura came around the corner with a smile on her face. "Ah there she is. Frankie this is Maura, Maura this is my brother Frankie."
"It's nice to finally meet you Frankie," Maura said, reaching out to shake Frankie's hand. "Jane has told me so much about you."
"All good things I hope," Frankie joked. "And it's good to finally meet you too Maura. I mean it's about time considering we work in the same building."
"Yes well Jane said you're out on the street quite a bit," Maura replied. "But I'm glad we were all able to get together today. Please come on in and make yourself at home. I'm sure Frost and Korsak will be joining us soon."
"Janie will you play with me?" Amelia asked quietly, still acting shy, as she remained secured in Jane's arms.
"You bet I will," Jane was quick to reply. "Let me just say hi to my Ma first okay? You wanna meet me in the family room or are you coming with me?"
Tightening her hold around Jane's neck, Amelia smiled before replying, "I'm staying with you."
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It wasn't long before Korsak and Frost showed up, Korsak carrying a pie while Frost brought bouquets of flowers for both Angela and Maura (Jane wondering where her flowers were). Amelia had been shy at first, remaining attached to Jane's side until Jane started up a game of hide and go seek with Frost and Frankie, which ultimately got the four-year-old out of her shell as she ran around the house giggling, much to her mother's delight.
For her part Maura had helped Angela in the kitchen for a good portion of the afternoon before eventually joining Korsak in the family room, enjoying her time talking with the older man. When dinner was finally ready everyone sat down together, all praising Angela on the feast she created while immediately digging in.
"So Janie what are you thankful for this year?" Frankie asked as everyone was enjoying dessert, which consisted of both apple and pumpkin pie.
"Well I'm thankful for Ma's cooking," Jane replied with a grin, leaning back in her chair.
"Janie," her Mother gave her a warning look, Jane huffing, knowing there was no way she was getting out of her mother's favourite Thanksgiving tradition.
"Okay, okay," Jane relented. "I'm thankful to be here today with all of you," she said. "And I'm especially thankful that Maura and Mia were able to join us this year. You two have made a great addition to our little family here," she finished with a blush, not usually one to get sentimental. "What about you Korsak? What are you thankful for?"
"I'm thankful for good friends," Korsak replied, raising his glass. "And that I still get to do a job I love, with a team I can always rely on," he nodded towards Frost and Jane, both smiling in reply. "Angela?"
"I'm thankful for all of you," Angela said, smiling lovingly at the group. "Especially my kids, who have been incredibly good to me this last year. I'm also very grateful for Maura and Amelia for taking me in. We're happy to have you in the family," she said turning to the two blondes. "What about you Maura? What are you thankful for?"
"Oh. Well," Maura stumbled, feeling her cheeks beginning to redden, not having prepared for this little sharing period, looking to Jane who gave her an encouraging smile. "Well I'm thankful to all of you for including Amelia and I in your Thanksgiving. It's…you can't possibly understand just how much it means," she added, doing her best not to get emotional as she avoided Jane's gaze. "I don't think I've…we've ever had a family like this," she smiled, planning on asking Frost what he was thankful for before Amelia surprised her, jumping up and down in her seat beside her.
"Mommy I wanna go! Pick me Mommy," the little blonde exclaimed, making everyone at the table laugh.
"Okay Amelia, what are you thankful for honey?" Maura asked with a laugh.
"I'm thankful for you Mommy," Amelia replied, smiling her biggest smile as Maura ran a hand over her head. "And I'm thankful for all my new friends and my very best friend Janie," she said, turning towards the brunette who grinned happily. "This is the best Thanksgiving ever!"
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Though she felt utterly exhausted, Maura was grateful when dinner and cleanup was finished and everyone moved into the family room, all settling in to play cards, not quite ready to call it a night. Though she normally felt awkward in social gatherings like this, Maura was surprised by how comfortable she felt around Jane and her family, relaxing as she talked and laughed with everyone.
Amelia was loving having everyone around and had opened up quite a bit as she sat on Jane's lap, helping her play; answering questions thrown her way by Frost and Frankie who were enjoying joking around with the little girl.
"Looks like we're boring someone here," Frost pointed out a couple hours later, nodding towards Amelia who was leaning back against Jane's chest, her eyes beginning to fall shut.
"Oh my I didn't even notice the time," Maura said, looking at her watch. "It is way past bedtime," she said, placing her cards on the table before standing up. "Come on Amelia time for bed sweetie."
"I don't wanna," Amelia pouted, pushing back against Jane. "I wanna stay here."
"You know what kiddo we're all gonna go because it's our bedtime too, especially Korsak's," Jane told her, wanting to help Maura out. "So you should listen to your Ma okay. You'll see us another day."
"Can Janie tuck me in?" Amelia asked her mother, looking up with pleading eyes.
"Okay," Maura agreed with a laugh. "Why don't you say goodnight to everyone and then go get your pajamas on and then maybe Jane will come up and tuck you in if you ask really nicely."
Turning around on Jane's lap to face her, Amelia looked up at Jane with big hazel eyes that the Detective had no idea how to resist. "Janie will you tuck me in for bed?"
"I sure will," Jane smiled, tucking Amelia's hair behind her ear for her. "Say goodnight to everyone okay."
Nodding Amelia jumped off Jane's lap before making her way around the room, giving everyone a hug and saying goodnight. "Night Mommy." She said, when she made it to her mother.
"Goodnight sweet girl," Maura replied, bending down to kiss the little blonde and giving her a hug. "Sweet dreams."
"I'll be right up kiddo," Jane called as Amelia headed for the stairs. "You sure it's okay if I tuck her in Maur?" She turned towards the older Isles once Amelia was out of earshot. "You don't mind?"
"Not at all," Maura shook her head with a smile. "You go ahead, I'll be fine down here. I assume you're all going to stay?"
"I'm not leaving until we find a card game we can beat you at Maura," Frankie replied as the rest nodded their agreement.
"Alright, but don't start without me, I'll be right back" Jane said taking the stairs two at a time, heading for Amelia's room where she knocked on the door before poking her head inside, finding Amelia laying in bed looking ready to pass out. "Look at you, you look snug as a bug," Jane smiled as she made her way over to sit on the edge of the bed. "Did you have fun today sweetheart?"
"I had the most fun," Amelia nodded happily. "I love Thanksgiving!"
"Me too," Jane agreed, stroking her hand over Amelia's hair as the little blonde allowed her eyes to drift shut. "I'm glad I got to spend to it with you."
"Me too," Amelia smiled sleepily, her eyes still closed. "Can you come over tomorrow too?"
"I've gotta work tomorrow, but I will try to come over after," Jane replied, leaning over and playing a kiss on top of the four-year-old's head. "Sleep now kiddo."
"O…kay," Amelia nodded, her head falling back against her pillow. "Night Janie. Love you."
Feeling like her heart might burst out of her chest, Jane once again leant over the little blonde in order to kiss her head. "Love you too Mia. Sleep tight."