Maybe It Was Fate

by JLCM09

Sometimes you can feel the moment when your life changes; something happens and you feel a shift. Maura Isles didn't believe in fate; not really, and yet the day she and her daughter met Jane Rizzoli she couldn't help feeling like somehow her life had changed. She wasn't really sure what she felt that day and yet she couldn't help thinking that maybe, just maybe it was fate.

7. Surviving the Holidays

Now originally I had no intention of writing a Christmas Chapter, but after Thanksgiving quite a few of you mentioned Christmas so I decided to go for it! I then got an idea and I sort of went for it, and apparently it turned out a lot longer than I expected. I really hope you'll enjoy it! Next two chapters are all planned out in my head and I really can't wait to write them!

Thanks so much for reading! -J

Chapter 7- Surviving the Holidays

Having learned her lesson from Thanksgiving, Jane knew not to assume that Maura had big plans when Christmas came along. Understanding that Maura's parents were not the type of parents to drop what they were doing in order to spend the holidays with their daughter and granddaughter, the Detective decided to include the blonde duo in her own plans; excited by the prospect of creating a truly magical Christmas for Amelia. With thoughts of Santa Claus, tree decorating and presents in her head Jane prepared herself for the best Christmas she has since she was a kid herself; grateful for the fact that Cavanaugh had given the team the day off granted no emergency came up.

"All right what's the deal? Does Mia believe in Santa Claus or what?" Jane asked one night after work, driving Maura home. "Because I know she's four, but she's also smarter than I am so I wasn't really sure what to assume."

"She believes to a point I guess," Maura shrugged. "I mean she's skeptical. She has a hard time believing things that she can't see, but she's still excited by the prospect of Christmas and getting presents. And she did write a letter to Santa Claus this year. Why do you ask?"

"Well if I'm spending Christmas with you guys I need to know how to act," Jane replied like it was the simplest explanation in the world, missing the surprised look on Maura's face. "I've got big plans though. One Christmas with me and Mia won't be skeptical at all! I'm going to make a believer out of her yet, don't you worry."

"You're spending Christmas with us?" Maura turned towards Jane, seeming not to have heard anything else the brunette said.

"Well yeah I was planning on it," Jane said, briefly taking her eyes off the road to look at Maura. "Do you not want me to spend Christmas with you?"

"Oh no, no, of course I do," Maura quickly assured her. "I just thought…well I thought you'd be spending the Holidays with your family. I didn't think…I…"

"Well I assume my Ma and Frankie will spend the day with us as well," Jane interrupted, seeing that the blonde was struggling. "If that's okay with you of course," she added. "I was just hoping that I could spend Christmas Eve with you and Mia though. I mean Christmas is way more fun when you're a kid and I was just really excited about getting to make it fun for Mia. If you and Mia have your own traditions though I totally don't have to come. You don't have to feel obligated to say yes."

"Jane we'd love to have you for Christmas," Maura replied, giving the brunette a reassuring smile. "For Christmas Eve as well. Amelia will be thrilled when we tell her and it will be nice to have your family there as well. We had such a great time at Thanksgiving so I'm sure whatever you have planned will be wonderful."

"Great," Jane grinned, pulling in to Maura's driveway. "You know I think I found the perfect gift for Mia. I'm really excited to give it to her."

"I'm sure she'll love whatever you give her," Maura smiled, undoing her seatbelt. "Are you coming in? Angela text me; she made chicken and spaghetti. I'm sure there's a lot."

With a big smile on her face, Jane turned the car off before undoing her seatbelt. "That sounds perfect," she said before following Maura out of the car and towards the house, secretly elated to get to spend even more time with the Isles'.

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When Maura agreed to spend Christmas with Jane she had no idea what she had actually agreed to, because for Jane, Christmas was not just a single day, but rather a week-long event, which consisted of a rather strict schedule. Jane had informed Maura that they would spend their nights after work preparing for Christmas with activities such as baking cookies, wrapping presents and decorating the tree and lucky for the two friends things at work seemed to be working to their favour, as they solved their open case 2 days before Christmas eve.

"All right Mia the key to decorating the tree is balance," Jane told the little blonde who was listening carefully, giving her full attention to Jane. "You wanna make sure you don't put all the ornaments in the same spot, you gotta spread them out. You think you can do that?"

"I can do it," Amelia nodded enthusiastically as Jane handed her the first ornament for their tree, which Jane had already strung lights on.

"You know I had no idea you were so serious about Christmas," Maura said as she made her way into the room, handing Jane a beer as she sipped a glass of wine. "I don't think Amelia and I have ever had a Christmas quite like this. You seem to have everything planned right to the minute."

"Oh…welll…I just wanted it to be special," Jane shrugged. "I mean my family always made a big deal about everything when we were kids, but it's been a while since I've gotten to celebrate this way. I like getting to make memories like this for the kid," she said, helping Mia fill out the top of the tree as Maura joined them. "What was Christmas like for you when you were a kid?"

"Very formal," Maura replied, placing a red ball on the tree. "If both my parents were in the same country they would host an extravagant dinner for all their friends," she explained. "And then there were years when one or both of them were away for work…" she paused. "I do have a very fond memory of a Christmas I spent with one of my Nannies and her family. She had quite a few grandchildren and it had been quite fun."

Feeling her heart break at the thought of a young Maura spending Christmases with her Nannies and people that worked for her parents, Jane couldn't help but also feel angry, not understanding how her parents could treat their daughter that way. "I'm sorry Maur," she eventually sighed, not really knowing what to say, but understanding that Maura wouldn't expect anything. "You know I don't know your parents but I really don't get them. How could they treat a kid like that? How could they not want to spend every minute with you, and how could they not want to be in their granddaughter's life?" She added, lowering her voice so Amelia wouldn't hear. "I mean when's the last time they even contacted you?"

"I email my father regularly and my mother called me….two weeks ago," Maura bit her lip, avoiding Jane's gaze. "I know that probably sounds awful. And I know that it's not right," Maura sighed. "But it's…well it's all I've ever known. It really doesn't bother me."

"Well it bothers me," Jane huffed, knowing it was best if she just dropped the subject, not wanting to upset Maura. "Hey Bug look at this it's your very first Christmas ornament," she said, turning towards Amelia with a Christmas ball that said 'Baby's first Christmas' on it. "This one's really special. Where do you think we should put it?" She asked just as the doorbell rang.

"I'll get that," Maura said, smiling at the interaction, heading towards the front door with no idea who would be visiting; opening up the door to find the last person she expected standing on the other side making her gasp. "Mother."

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"What is she doing here? What is…how…she…" Maura stuttered, pacing her bedroom as Jane stood by watching helplessly, not knowing what to do. "She didn't even call! She just showed up. Why would she do that? She never does that. What do you think she wants? I don't…what do I…"

"Maur…Maura…breathe," Jane directed, stepping in front of the blonde to halt her pacing as she placed her hands on Maura's shoulders, making sure she was looking her right in the eyes. "Hey look listen to me okay," she said slowly. "You need to calm down; you're gonna have a panic attack or something, just breathe alright. It's okay," she soothed, watching as Maura's breathing calmed down, their eyes still locked on each other's. "You're Ma's here, and I really don't know why but we can find out. We just need to go and ask her, which we should probably do soon considering we left Mia out there with her," she said, glancing at the door as if she could see Amelia and Constance Isles through it.

"I just…I don't know if…I…" Maura continued to struggle to find the right words, obviously flustered.

"I know," Jane nodded in understanding, knowing that Maura was more bothered by her mother's treatment of her than she ever let on. "Look I get it okay. But you can do this," she assured her. "She's your Mother Maur. You just gotta go out there and talk to her. It'll be okay."

"Okay," Maura nodded robotically, taking a deep breath as Jane finally released her hold on her shoulders. "I can do this," she repeated. "You'll stay though right?"

"I'll be right with you," Jane nodded, smiling as she gave Maura's hand a reassuring squeeze before following the honey-blonde out of her bedroom and back towards the family room where her Mother and Daughter sat together, both looking rather uncomfortable.

"Oh are you finished hiding now?" Constance asked, standing from her spot on the couch as Maura and Jane returned. "You know it's not polite to leave your guests waiting Maura."

"I'm sorry Mother," Maura replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "I wasn't hiding though, I just needed to speak with Jane for a moment," she said, having introduced her Mother to her friend before bolting for her bedroom. "You know I'm surprised to see you here. You didn't call."

"Since when do I have to call?" Constance replied. "It's the holidays after all; can't a Mother visit her daughter and granddaughter at Christmas?" She asked. "I mean it has been quite a while since I've seen Amelia. She's grown."

"Yes well it has been a year," Maura replied, taking a seat beside her daughter, appreciating the fact that Jane took the chair closest to her.

"Well she looks just like you," Constance said, smiling at the little blonde who had shifted closer to her Mother, looking rather nervous. "Are you looking forward to Christmas Amelia?"

Nodding, Amelia moved to grab Maura's hand, playing with her fingers anxiously. "Janie is stayin' for Christmas," she added quietly.

"Oh how nice," Constance smiled politely. "You know I didn't realize you were seeing anyone Maura. You didn't mention anyone on our last call."

"Oh Jane and I aren't…." Maura began. "We're just friends," she clarified, refusing to meet the brunette's eyes.

"Oh well...it's nice that you've made such a good friend since you've moved here then," Constance replied, though the look on her face seemed skeptical. "I didn't realize that you would have plans for Christmas. I hope my presence isn't disrupting anything."

"Oh of course not mother," Maura was quick to assure the older woman. "You're more than welcome to join us for Christmas. It will just be the three of us and Jane's mother and brother. We'd be happy to have you."

"Yeah my Ma's doing the cooking and she always makes a ton of food, so the more the merrier really," Jane added, seeing how much her mother's presence really meant to Maura. "I'm sure Mia would love it too. Right Mia?"

"Yes," Amelia nodded shyly. "You should come Grandma," she added.

"Well I am only in the city for a few days, and I have quite a bit going on," Constance replied, Maura's shoulder's immediately falling in disappointment. "However I think spending time with family on Christmas sounds wonderful," she added with a small smile, watching as Maura looked immediately delighted; though the blonde did her best to hide it.

"Thank you Mother," Maura replied, happy that the older Isles was making time to see her granddaughter for a change, though she also felt rather nervous at the prospect. "We'll be happy to have you."

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Later that night after Jane had read Amelia a story (as per Amelia's request), and Jane and Maura had tucked the little blonde in; the pair made their way downstairs, wordlessly heading into the family room where they both plopped down onto the couch, letting out sighs of relief. Though Constance hadn't stayed long, insisting that she needed to check in to her room at the Ritz, her visit seemed to have exhausted Maura, who always felt like she needed to impress her mother whenever she was around.

"So you wanna talk about it?" Jane eventually asked, sensing that Maura needed to talk. "I mean I know you said your relationship with your parents is complicated but your Mom seems to have made you a bit tense."

"I'm not tense I'm just…" Maura began to argue, stopping when she noticed the look of disbelief on Jane's face. "Okay maybe I'm a little tense," she sighed. "I don't know what it is but my Mother just…she just makes me so…anxious," she continued, looking sad. "It's difficult to explain."

"Well why don't you give it a shot?" Jane replied, reaching out and giving Maura's hand a squeeze. "It might help. And I promise I'll listen."

Doing her best to smile, Maura took a deep breath, realizing that Jane was right about her needing to talk to someone.

"You know I never realized it when I was a kid, but looking back on my childhood, there was a lot of benign neglect," Maura explained sadly. "I know my parents loved me but they just…it was like they didn't know how to connect with me. I went away to boarding school when I was ten…I think I sent away for the brochure myself," she said, Jane chuckling softly, though her eyes were sad, thinking of a young Maura, growing up on her own. "My relationship with my parents has never been great, and I think I've just spent so much time trying to please them….trying to get their attention that I just…they make me so anxious. It's like I become this person who has no idea who I am. I don't know how to be myself around them. I don't know how to be the daughter that they want."

"Aw come on Maur," Jane said, once again reaching out and placing a comforting hand on Maura's leg. "How can you even say you're not the daughter your parents want? Look at you. You're the Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you're a fantastic Mother to the smartest four year old I have ever met, which I'm positive came from you and you've made an amazing life for yourself. What part of that wouldn't your parents be proud of?" She asked, looking up to find hazel eyes shining with tears. "You have everything to be proud of Maur. Don't let your parents make you doubt that."

"Thank you Jane," Maura replied emotionally, placing her hand over the one sitting on her knee and giving it a squeeze. "Oh goodness look at me. I'm a mess," she tried to laugh off, wiping away a tear, which managed to escape.

"Don't be ridiculous," Jane replied, waving the honey-blonde off. "You look gorgeous, as always."

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Christmas Eve, Jane was practically buzzing with excitement as Amelia followed her every move; the pair preparing a note for Santa with milk and cookies before curling up together in bed with Maura where Jane read 'The Night Before Christmas'. Once Amelia was asleep, Jane had been happy to help Maura lay out presents under the tree; the pair staying up late into the night talking by the fire before retiring to their separate bedrooms for the night.

Jane had been first to rise the next morning, sneaking down the hall towards Maura's room where the blonde was still fast asleep much to the Detective's disappointment. Unable to force herself to go back to sleep, Jane let herself into Maura's room, quietly tip-toeing towards the bed.

"Maura…Pssst…Maur," Jane whispered, leaning over her sleeping friend. "Maur…"

"Jane?" Maura peaked open an eye, finding the brunette leaning over her rather closely. "What's wrong? What time is it?"

"It's Christmas," Jane replied with a goofy grin, not wanting to note the time as it was rather early and she knew Maura would want Amelia to get some more sleep. "It's Christmas," she repeated. "You gotta get up."

"Jane you are acting like a child," Maura rolled her eyes, though she still sat up, groaning as she noticed the time on her bedside clock. "Really Jane? It's barely 7."

"I know but I'm excited," Jane replied, sounding childish. "Come on you gotta get up. Can I wake Mia? Please Maur? Come on!"

"Alright, alright," Maura agreed as she dragged herself out of her bed. "Go get her up while I go to the bathroom, but if she's grumpy this afternoon you're the one who has to deal with her," she called, not quite sure if Jane even heard her as the Detective was already halfway to Amelia's room.

Though the four-year-old had been asleep when Jane entered her room, Amelia was wide-awake as soon as Jane shook her; the little blonde catching the older woman's excitement. And though she had been rather tired, Maura found herself feeling much more awake as soon as she and Jane escorted Amelia down the stairs where she had immediately squealed in delight at the sight of all the present under the tree.

With her Mother's permission, Amelia had dove right in, opening up box after box finding herself with new clothes, dolls, a science kit that she asked for and several books that she was particularly thrilled about, including a few Curious George ones that Jane had forced Maura to buy.

"Mommy can I give Janie her present now?" Amelia asked after she had opened her last gift, looking rather excited.

"Of course," Maura nodded, watching as Amelia ran to grab the present she had helped her mother wrap from under the tree, bringing it to Jane and placing it on her lap.

"Merry Christmas Janie!" Amelia beamed, sitting down beside the brunette, watching her excitedly.

"Thanks Cutie," Jane smiled, ruffling her hair before pulling open the wrapping paper, revealing a framed picture which Amelia had obviously drawn herself. "Oh wow look at this," she exclaimed. "Aw Mia thank you! It's beautiful."

"It's you and me and Mommy," Amelia explained, pointing to the three people in the picture, all who were drawn with big smiles on their faces. "Mommy said you would like it."

"I love it!" Jane replied with a big grin. "And I bet it's going to look great on my desk at work. Thank you so much," she repeated, wrapping her arms around the little blonde who looked rather proud of herself. "And you know I've got something for you too," she said when she pulled away. "And for your Mom as well," she added, moving to grab the presents she had placed under the tree the night before.

"I have something for you as well," Maura said, grabbing an envelope with Jane's name on it, handing it to the brunette as Jane gave her a bag.

"Let's let the munchkin open hers first," Jane suggested, the pair sitting down as Jane handed Amelia a small box. "There you go Bug. Open it up."

With a big smile on her face, Amelia opened up the box gasping as she revealed a silver necklace with a heart pendant. "Look Mommy! What does it say?" She asked, looking thrilled.

"It say 'Friends'," Maura replied with a smile. "It's beautiful," she said, taking the necklace out of the box before moving to put it around Amelia's neck for her.

"That's not all look," Jane said, pulling an identical necklace out from under her t-shirt. "See mine's the same, except it says 'best'," she explained, watching as Amelia's hazel eyes practically lit up. "So together they make 'best friends', because we're best friends."

"I love it!" Amelia exclaimed, jumping into the brunette's arms and throwing her own little arms around her neck. "Thank you Janie!"

"You're welcome sweetie," Jane smiled, placing a kiss on the side of the four-year-old's head. "I'm glad you like it," she said, turning Amelia around so she could sit on her lap. "Now let's watch your Mom open up her present," she said, nodding towards Maura who peered into her bag, moving the tissue paper out of the way, eventually breaking out into a grin as she saw what was inside. "Now I know it's not much, but well when I saw how the picture turned out I just wanted you to have it and…"

"It's perfect Jane thank you," Maura interrupted, pulling out a framed black and white photograph of herself, Jane and Amelia at Thanksgiving, all three laughing at something outside the frame; not looking at the camera. "I love it," she smiled, getting up and placing it in the middle of the mantle before turning back towards the Detective who was fiddling with the envelope in her hands, Amelia still sitting on her lap. "You should open that."

Nodding, Jane flipped the envelope over, pulling open the flap and sliding out a card inside. Not knowing what to expect, the brunette's jaw dropped when she opened the card and realized just what her friend had gotten her. "You…are you…are you kidding me? This is…it's…"

"Season tickets for the Red Sox," Maura finished for the obviously flustered Detective. "There're three seats there, and apparently they're relatively good. I thought you could take your brother and Frost with you most of the time, and well you've been talking about wanting Amelia and I to go with you so I just thought….Do you like it?"

"Like it? Maura I love it!" Jane exclaimed, lifting Amelia off her lap, practically jumping off the couch and throwing her arms around Maura. "This is…I can't believe you…wow! Thank you!" She finally managed to get out, making Maura laugh. "It's way too much."

"It's not," Maura quickly shook her head as she pulled away. "You've been so amazing to me and Amelia and I just wanted to get you something that you would really enjoy to say thank you," she explained. "Your friendship has just meant so much…to both of us."

"Well it means a lot to me too," Jane grinned, giving the honey-blonde one more hug before pulling away. "Thank you so much! This is amazing…seriously…best Christmas ever!"

Laughing, Maura watched as Jane scooped Amelia up into her arms, dancing around and singing a Christmas carol as the little blonde giggled uncontrollably. Looking back at the picture that Jane had given her, Maura couldn't help thinking that Jane was right; this really was going to be the best Christmas ever.

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Christmas morning could not have been more perfect in Maura's opinion, loving every moment with Jane and Amelia and eventually Angela who had joined them for breakfast as well as to give Amelia a present of her own. Frankie showed up in the early afternoon, a grin on his face indicating he had not spent his morning alone like his Mother thought he did.

Maura was beyond happy, and yet a familiar anxiousness filled her stomach as she watched time pass wondering if her Mother was really going to show up. Though the older Isles was in Boston, she had not contacted Maura since the night she had stopped by, and the Medical Examiner was beginning to think she wasn't going to bother to stop by to see her granddaughter on Christmas at all.

Sensing her friend's distress, Jane did her best to distract Maura, using Amelia, who was practically bouncing off the walls after consuming far too much sugar. Though she wouldn't normally allow Amelia to act as crazy as she was, Maura couldn't help but laugh along with the Rizzoli's as the little blonde danced around the family room, the new CD Frankie bought her playing rather loudly.

When the doorbell rang 10 minutes later though, Maura practically jumped from her seat, quickly moving to turn the music down making Amelia groan in protest as she straightened out her dress before heading to open the door.

"Merry Christmas Mother," Maura greeted with her best smile as she opened the door to reveal Constance standing on the other side with a large gift box in her arms. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Merry Christmas Darling," Constance smiled as Maura moved aside to let her in, the older Isles immediately taking in the family room, which was still a mess of Amelia's new toys; Maura's cheeks instantly reddening in embarrassment. "Well it looks like someone's had a good Christmas. Hello Amelia," she called, the little blonde waving as she continued to prance around the room.

"Here Mother let me take that for you," Maura gestured to the box, taking it from Constance's arms. "There's a couple people I'd like you to meet," she said, heading into the family room. "Mother this is Angela and Frankie Rizzoli. Jane's Mother and Brother. This is my Mother Constance Isles."

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Angela greeted, standing up in order to shake Constance's hand. "Maura has told us so much about you. We're so glad you could join us for dinner."

"Well actually it turns out I won't be able to stay for dinner, I have a flight back to London in a couple hours," she said, glancing at the clock and missing Maura's shoulder's slumping in disappointment, a gesture which Jane didn't miss. "I just wanted to come by and bring Amelia's gift."

"You're flying back today?" Maura asked, trying and failing to disguise the disappointment in her voice. "Why can't you leave tomorrow? I mean I thought you were staying until tomorrow."

"I was but it turns out I have a rather important meeting tomorrow, first thing," Constance replied, moving and sitting in one of the armchairs. "So obviously I must leave today. Amelia darling stop that dancing and come here and see your Grandmother," she then said, turning towards the little blonde who immediately froze in place, looking from Maura to Jane, unsure of what to do.

"Come on Amelia, your Grandmother came to see you," Maura waved her mini-me over, her heart sinking as she watched the youngest Isles nervously make her way over, standing beside Maura and wrapping her arm around her leg.

"This is from me and your Grandfather," Constance told Amelia, moving the box in front of the little girl. "Would you like to open it?"

Looking up at her mother, Maura nodded encouragingly. "Okay," Amelia eventually replied, taking a small step away from her Mother and pulling back the wrapping paper, gasping as she revealed a rather large dollhouse. "Wow. Look Mommy."

"Oh that's very nice," Maura smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "What do you say to your Grandmother sweetheart?"

"Thank you," Amelia replied, kneeling down to get a better look at the picture on the box. "Mommy can this go in my room?"

"Of course," Maura nodded.

"Yeah we can put it together later tonight," Jane volunteered, sitting down on the floor beside the four-year-old, feeling the need to be closer to the two blondes, sensing Maura's sadness.

"You know your Mother used to have a dollhouse just like this," Constance told Amelia, who only seemed to be half-listening. "Do you remember it Maura?"

"Yes I believe you left it for me on my sixth birthday, the year you and Father were in Spain," Maura replied rather bitterly.

"Yes well if I remember correctly you really loved it," Constance said, ignoring her daughter's tone.

"Frankie why don't you help me in the kitchen, I need to check on the turkey," Angela quickly suggested, grabbing her son's hand and forcefully pulling him out of the room to give the Isles women a bit of privacy; Jane remaining behind in order to support her friend and keep and eye on Amelia.

"You know I was really looking forward to you staying for dinner," Maura told her mother quietly. "I don't understand why you couldn't reschedule your meeting for another time. Don't you want to spend some time with your Granddaughter? Amelia hardly ever sees you."

"Maura please, you know I can't simply reschedule these things," Constance was quick to brush her daughter off. "And I'm seeing my Granddaughter now aren't I. I told you I would come by and here I am," she said. "And Amelia loves her dollhouse. Don't you Dear?"

"It's very nice," Amelia nodded innocently, unaware of her Mother's upset.

"See she's happy," Constance said, as Maura silently seethed, hating that her parents were buying off her daughter the same way they used to buy her off when she was a child. "I have something for you as well of course. It's being sent from Paris. You should have it in a few days."

"Wonderful," Maura replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, biting her tongue so as not to say something she would regret in front of her daughter. "Will you at least be able to stay a little while longer?"

"I'm afraid not," Constance shook her head, checking her watch before standing from her seat. "I really must be going Dear. But we'll talk soon," she said. "Merry Christmas Amelia, Jane," she said, gesturing to the pair on the floor before turning back towards Maura. "Merry Christmas Darling. We'll speak soon."

"Of course," Maura nodded, blinking back tears as she silently walked her mother to the door, hearing Jane following close behind; the brunette placing a hand on her back as soon as the door shut behind the eldest Isles.

"You okay?" Jane asked quietly, knowing the answer, but asking anyways.

"Oh well…of course," Maura nodded, though her eyes still shone with tears. "I just…I'll be right back," she said before making a beeline for the stairs, obviously needing a moment to compose herself.

"Ma, I'll be right back. Frankie watch Mia," Jane called as soon as Maura was out of sight, heading out the front door, hoping Constance hadn't left the driveway yet.

Though it was freezing, Jane ran out without a coat, calling for Constance, who rolled down the window to her car when the brunette approached.

"Did you need something Jane?" Constance asked sounding rather annoyed.

"Yeah I do actually," Jane replied sternly. "I need to know what you're doing to your daughter," she snapped. "You show up here out of nowhere and get her all excited about spending a holiday with you and then you show up here for twenty minutes and leave? Didn't you see what it was doing to her?"

"Excuse me, who do you think…."

"Don't you know that all Maura wants is to make you proud?" Jane continued, not allowing the older woman to interrupt. "Can't you see that all she wants is your approval; to be the daughter you want and yet you don't even care! And what about Amelia? Don't you even want to know your Granddaughter? Those two are absolutely amazing and you don't even know it because you don't know anything about them, because you don't even care enough to try and get to know them," she continued, feeling her anger increasing with every second. "I don't understand you at all. I don't get how you can just walk away like this."

"I told Maura I have a very important meeting in the morning," Constance replied. "She understands that."

"Only because she's used to it," Jane rolled her eyes. "And if you truly believe that she isn't the least bit disappointed right now than you really are blind."

"You know it's a relief to see that Maura has finally grown out of her inability to lie," Constance said, eyeing the brunette in a way that made her slightly uncomfortable, as she didn't understand the change of topic.

"What are you talking about?" Jane scoffed. "Maura can't lie. She passes out or gets hives or whatever."

"Well then she must really believe that you and her are just friends," Constance said, surprising Jane.

"We are just friends," Jane clarified, though she could feel her cheeks flaring despite the cold. "I don't know what you're talking about. Maura's my best friend. That's it."

"Well then it seems like I'm not the only one who's blind," Constance replied raising an eyebrow in challenge. "Now if you don't mind I really must be going. Goodbye Detective."