Just One Week
Tuesday


"So Jane, how was the museum with your friend?"

Jane, who had just taken a bite of her toast, began to cough violently at the sudden question. "O-Oh God," she choked out with tears falling down her face. She quickly grabbed her cup of water and drank it until the piece of toast continued on its journey then asked, "Can you give a girl some warning, Ma?"

Her mother laughed in response and then replied, "I promise to give you a warning next time I ask something so innocuous."

Jane gave her mother a withered glance only for a small grin to appear on her face at the memory of her date with Maura. "It was fantastic," Jane told her mother after a moment of thought. "Maura and I went to the museum, saw some dino bones and some diamonds, I defended her honor against a perv and then went out to lunch at a swanky place," Jane explained happily.

"I'm glad you had a good time. When Frankie told me where you went after I returned from getting some air, I was admittedly concerned," Her mother told her. "But thankfully, you came home last night and that eased my worries but please make sure to check in with me if you find yourself leaving the hotel for a long time, okay?"

Jane nodded.

"Alright, enough of that," Frankie declared as he finished his scrambled eggs. "You said you defended Maura's honor against a pervert? How'd you manage that?"

"Just some punk kid touching her butt," Jane answered with a satisfied smirk formed on her face. "He was so smug about it too. Made it all the easier to beat him down in front of his friends. He won't be making that mistake again."

"Jeez, and here I thought you were a guard dog when Casey was around," Frankie joked.

Jane frowned at the mention of her ex-boyfriend.

For a while, Jane had really hoped that the two of them would make it. Sure, things were pretty hot and cold with him. On some days, he wanted to be with her, and the next, he was in a rush to throw her away.

Heck, when she found out about him leaving for the army, she was literally the last person to find out. Being abandoned like a kitten in a soggy wet box was something that still deeply ate away at her inside, even if she realized after he left that Casey wasn't good for her.

He didn't want the girl that wanted to be a cop or someone that could speak her mind. He wanted someone calm, and obedient. He didn't want the rough and tumble-person that she was. He wanted someone like a lotus blossom, soft and pale.

Everything that she wasn't….

Casey was always going to be a sore subject to her, but she knew what Frankie was trying to say.l IN her pursuit to be with and keep Casey, she was a rabid dog to the myriad of girls that tried to take him away from her, and the few he did pursue while being with her, but the situation with Maura was different.

Maura had been assaulted by some creep, which activated her "Guard Dog" tendencies.

But Frankie must have seen something to make him draw that comparison regardless, but it terrified her to know what he saw. Not because she feared it, but because of what it could mean for her and Maura.

"Anyways, so what are we doing today?" Jane asked, hoping to quickly change the subject.

"I was thinking we could go around the city to see what it has to offer and later tonight, there is a cute restaurant and karaoke place called Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke. It is just down the street from the hotel. If you two want, we can go there later tonight," Their mother offered.

Jane grimaced.

As much as she loved music, she despised singing. Not so much because she could not sing but there was not a song that could match her low, slightly raspy voice. It was all high-pitched and annoying. 'But maybe Maura would like it…' a voice in her head said to her.

"That does sound fun. I am supposed to hang out with Maura. Can I ask her if she can join us?" Jane asked.

"Wow, introducing her to Ma already? This must be serious," Frankie joked only for their mother to smack him on top of his head with a spoon again, which caused a whine of pain. "Okay, okay, no more jokes," he mumbled.

"That would be lovely Jane," Their mother answered with a smile. "They are reservation based so I will set it up for 7:30 P.M. tonight. It'll be under "Rizzoli" okay?"

"Awesome! I will go ask her right after breakfast. Thanks, Ma!" Jane ecstatically replied.


It was the first time in a long time that Maura had slept in.

In a normal situation, she would have been vexed at herself for wasting the better part of a day but after a date with Jane yesterday, she felt she deserved to splurge a little in the sleep department.

Maura could not stop the smile that came on her face at the thought of Jane. They had gone on a date and what a date it was. She had such a wonderful time with the Boston native that she could not wait to see what would occur today.

She had to tell her mother of her wonderful time.

Maura stepped out of bed and walked to her mother's room; she could hear loud fumbling behind it. Concerned, she knocked on the door and asked, "Mother, are you okay?"

Why she didn't expect the door to be cracked instead of fully closed so when she knocked, the door opened. There were a lot of things that Maura wanted to discuss with her mother regarding her "Date" with Jane when she woke up that morning but instead, she was treated with a sight she would not forget anytime soon.

What lied behind that door was her mother and the woman she had met at the front desk when she and her mother arrived, in bed, naked as the day they were born.

Maura's face burned with embarrassment as she shut the door swiftly. "O-Oh my," Maura stammered out, flustered at the brief but searing sight she had just seen. She heard a lot of fumbling come from behind the door and seconds later, Kimberly came out.

From the haphazard way, Kimberly's button-down shirt was thrown on, the reddened cheeks, and the disheveled appearance of the woman, Maura could tell the woman was embarrassed at being seen in such a compromising position and needed to escape as fast as possible.

"Oh! Good morning Maura. So nice to see you. I must be going, however. Have a good day," Kimberly hurriedly explained as she rushed out of the suite. Maura opened the door to see her mother in the closet, who had just finished putting on a shirt, pause and look at Maura with alarm.

"Um…Mother," Maura began.

"Ah, good morning sweetie," Her mother said calmly but Maura could see the flustered expression as clear as day on her mother's face. "I see you have awoken earlier than expected."

"Was there a time I should have woken up?" Maura questioned.

"I suppose not," Her mother sighed. "Maura, honey. I'm sure you are confused about what you saw just moments ago and-"

"It is obvious you and Kimberly had a sexual tryst," Maura stated. "But I was unaware that you were…um…."

"Into the same sex?" Her mother asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes," Maura replied.

Her mother let out another sigh and said, "Honey, this conversation will not be an easy one and I will need some time to think on what I wish to say."

"Just answer one question please Mother," Maura requested. "Did Father know?"

"He had knowledge of my attraction to the same sex, but it never came into play during our marriage," Her mother sincerely answered.

Maura nodded and said, "I do apologize for interrupting something that was so private Mother."

"There is no need. I should have shut the door fully," Her mother said with a mirthless grin.

There was a knock at the door. "I shall go get it, Mother but I would like to discuss this further at a later time," Maura told her. With a nod from her mother, Maura walked to the door and cracked it, only to smile in delight at the sight of Jane.

"Hey, Maur! Glad to see you're awake," Jane cheerfully greeted.

Maura tilted her head and asked "Maur?"

"Oh, sorry, I came up with that just now as a nickname. Do you…like it?" Jane shyly questioned. Maura was touched. She had never had a nickname before from anyone, not even her parents.

"I-I do," Maura replied as she brushed a hair from her face.

"Great! W-Well hey, you have any plans later tonight?" Jane asked.

"I do not. Do you have something planned?" Maura asked her.

"Well, my Ma wants to take me and Frankie around the city but tonight, we're supposed to go to Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke and Ma said I could invite you so um…You want to go?" Jane asked.

"Karaoke sounds lovely!" Maura exclaimed. "Oh, but your Mother and Brother are going, right? Do you think I should ask my mother to come along?"

"I think that would be a good idea," Jane said. "Give our folks a chance to be old people together, right?"

Maura giggled and said, "One moment while I ask her."

With a nod from Jane, Maura walked back to her mother's room and saw that the door was closed. She gave it two knocks and then asked, "Mother, my friend Jane, the one I went to the museum with yesterday, is going to Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke tonight and asked for me to come. I wanted to know if you would be willing to come with me as Jane's mother and brother will be there."

Her mother was silent behind the door before she answered, "I am free this evening so I would love to come along with you and meet this Jane and her family."

"Wonderful! Thank you, Mother," Maura exclaimed happily. She rushed back to Jane and announced, "She would be delighted to come."

"That's great. So um, we will be leaving right away but Ma is setting up the reservation for 7:30 tonight under our last name Rizzoli so just say you are with us, okay?" Jane asked.

"I will," Maura replied.

"Great. I mean this date will be more public but I'm excited," Jane joked.

"I'm sure we'll get a chance to ourselves as we did yesterday," Maura said.

"I sure hope so…I really had a blast yesterday when it was the two of us," Jane admitted.

"I did too," Maura told her.

The two gazed at one another before they laughed, albeit nervously. "Well, that's good to know. I-I'll see you tonight then," Jane said as her cheeks reddened.

"Until tonight Jane," Maura replied, her cheeks also reddening.

Jane nodded and turned away for a moment before she took a sharp breath and leaned forward to kiss Maura's cheek, which surprised Maura and caused her entire face to redden. "That's for yesterday, Maur," Jane whispered before she ran off.

As Maura watched Jane run off, she felt as if she would melt in delight.


Night had fallen on New York as Jane and part of her family entered the Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke restaurant. The place was deceptively large with two floors. With wood panel flooring, steel walls, and a steel ceiling.

From what Jane could see, the walls on the second floor were lined up with record player discs, old radios, and steel doors which she assumed led to the Karaoke rooms, and in the middle was a large turntable set up.

On the first floor to the right, there were dozens of old record player discs that spanned across the entire wall but on two plaques separated from one another were a turntable that had been broken down piece by piece.

To the left of the room was the bar where several adults sat, drinking what Jane assumed were alcoholic drinks, and finally, in the center of the room were dozens of tables. There were small circular tables for 2-4 people, medium square tables for 4-6 people, and large tables that could fit 8-10 people, all made with dark cherry wood with matching wooden chairs.

"Man, this place is packed," Frankie noted beside Jane, who nodded. As much as she enjoyed looking at the aesthetic of the place, she wanted to sit down, eat and talk to Maura when she arrived after the long day of being a tourist with her brother and mother.

The Maître d' of the restaurant walked over and introduced herself with "Welcome to the Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke. My name is Cherry. You guys have a reservation?"

"We do. It is for Rizzoli," Her mother said with a smile.

"Ah perfect! The other two members of your party have already arrived. We already have your table set up with menus. Follow me," Cherry said.

"Wow, it just hit 7:30…They must have shown up a little early," Frankie murmured to Jane, who nodded with a smile. The Maître d' led them to a table where Maura sat, already looking through a menu.

Jane could not stop the smile from forming on her face she noticed Maura look from her menu to her and give her a large smile. "And here is your table. The waiter will be here to take your order shortly," Cherry said before she departed to her duties.

"Jane, I'm so happy you came," Maura said as she hugged Jane the second the Maître d' left.

Jane returned the hug and felt Maura place a tiny kiss on her cheek, which caused Jane's face to redden at the sudden contact. "Y-yeah, you guys are very early," Jane greeted, very aware of her mother and brother's gaze on her.

"We beat you here by ten minutes. Mother wanted to get situated," Maura said. "Oh! Before I forget, Hi Frankie."

"Hey Maura," Frankie said with a salute. "Jane was itching to get here. She was complaining the entire time while we were doing the touring thing."

"Frankie…" Jane warned.

She did not whine that much….

Maura giggled as Jane's mother introduced, "Wow, you guys are very prompt. I'm Angela Rizzoli, mother two these two rug rats."

"It is wonderful to meet you, Angela," Maura greeted as she shook hands with her mother. "Jane has been a wonderful friend since we met, and she has told me a lot about you."

"Hopefully, good things," Her mother replied before she looked around. "Where is your mother?"

"She went to the restroom. She will be out momentarily," Maura explained.

They didn't have to wait long because moments later, a woman Jane did not recognize walked up to the table and said "Forgive me for the long absence Maura. It took me some…time…"

Jane watched as an odd look appeared on the woman's face before she looked at her mother, whose expression seemed to change at a speed that Jane couldn't catch until it settled on neutral. "Hello, my name is Angela Rizzoli."

"….My name is Constance Isles," Constance introduced as she held out a hand to her mother. Jane could feel the jovial air of the bar vanish as it suddenly became tense when the two women shook hands.

"Constance…That is a nice name," Her mother said.

"The pleasure is mine, truly," Constance replied.

Jane noticed the distant tone in both voices but before she could comment on this to Maura, Her mother shook her head and said, "And this is one of my sons, Frankie Rizzoli and this is my daughter, Jane Rizzoli."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Frankie," Constance greeted as she shook Frankie's hand.

"Likewise?" Frankie questioned as he shot Jane a confused look.

Constance turned to her and said, "And you must be Jane. Maura spoke very highly of you after you departed today."

"Good things I hoped," Jane said with a smile.

Constance nodded and confirmed, "A lot of good things. Well, now that we are all here, let us enjoy this night."

"Yeah, we should," Angela agreed.


"Guys…You two noticing this or is it just me?"

Jane and Maura turned back to look at Frankie before he motioned ahead to see Constance and Angela, in the middle of what looked to be a staring contest at their table.

The three teens had moved away from their table to do a group huddle near the karaoke stage and despite the distance between the stage and their seats, Jane was fully aware that both women were unhappy.

"They must know each other…That's the only way we can explain this," Maura whispered to both her and Frankie.

"But how? I don't think Ma ever mentioned Constance before," Jane said with a cross of her arms, her inquisitive eyes locked on her mother's face. "Then again…Ma's pretty tight-lipped when it comes to friendships."

'Should I spy?" Frankie asked Jane. "I think they're talking right now…"

Jane looked up from the huddle to see the two women conversing. She looked back at Frankie and gave an indecisive sway of the head before she finally nodded. Frankie nodded and quietly separated from Maura and Jane.

"The sooner this mystery is solved, the better," Jane told her friend before she grinned. "So…While Frankie does that, why don't we do some karaoke?"

"I sure am! I wonder what song selections they have," Maura said.

"Let's go and see," Jane said. The two marched over to the stage and looked at the music selection. "They have some good selections," Jane noted.

"Quite a few. Why don't we both choose three songs and then do a duet?" Maura suggested.

"I like it. I think I like it," Jane murmured with a grin. "But let's add something a little sweeter to it. How about a contest?"

"I'm listening," Maura said.

Jane grinned and explained, "Out of the three songs, we should find the ones that fit us the best with the selection they have. "

"And what will I get when I win?" Maura teased.

"Hm…We'll find out that answer when I win," Jane countered, which caused Maura to giggle.

"I like your style, Ms. Rizzoli. I agree to your terms," Maura said, accepting the honey blonde's challenge. "But what should we do about the duet?"

"How about we leave it to Frankie?" Jane asked. "He may choose something humiliating for us to sing but you know what? Karaoke is supposed to be fun so I won't mind it."

Maura smiled and said, "That is a marvelous idea. Why don't you go first while I discuss our plans with Frankie."

"Done and done," Jane replied. "I even know the perfect song to start with."


Jane rubbed her hands together as she glanced out at the crowd. Slowly, the first song she had chosen began to play and after a few seconds of standing there, she stepped forward to the microphone and sang.

"It's just a ball of dust underneath my feet
It rolls around the sun, it doesn't mean that much to me
Take a chance on the edge of life just like all the rest
I look inside and dig it out 'cause there's no points for second best"

Jane could see that most of the patrons began to turn their heads toward the stage and grew a little nervous until she glanced at Maura.

"There's a raging fire in my heart tonight
Growin' higher and higher in my soul!
There's a raging fire in the sky tonight
I wanna ride on the silver dove far until the night"

Jane can't allow herself to lose steam so early in this game.

She had to push through it.

"'Til I make you take me on your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky
Take me on your mighty wings
Take me on your mighty wings tonight

Jane saw that Maura's eyes were enraptured by her. Jane felt a blush appear on her face but she felt confidence swell in her chest.

"With just a little luck, a little cold blue steel
I cut the night like a razer blade
'Til I feel the way I wanna feel
There's a raging fire in my heart tonight
Growin' higher and higher in my soul!
There's a raging fire in the sky tonight
I wanna ride on the silver dove far until the night"

Jane could see the crowd grooving along as she paused in between the instrumental but she wasn't too focused on them.

Who she was focused on was Maura, whose large smile bolstered her confidence even more.

"Oh, I wanna make you take me on your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky"

She didn't know why but Maura's gentle eyes continued to embolden her confidence, push her past her comforts to finish out the song.

"Take me on out on your mighty wings
Take me on your mighty wings tonight
On your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky!"


The song died down and there was applause from the audience but the one person she was ecstatic to see enjoy her little song was Maura. Maura got on stage and chirped, "You sing very well. If being a police officer doesn't work out, I think you could get a career in singing."

Jane blushed a bit at her praise and playfully asked, "Trying to butter me up?"

"I have no need to butter you up, Jane," Maura teased. Jane then noticed a small twinkle in Maura's eyes and suddenly, she realized that she may be in trouble. "But I am trying to soften the blow for my victory."

"Oh, who knew we had a trash talker here," Jane grinned.

"So, that song was very much filled with bravado. It sounds like something a police officer or a fighter pilot would sing," Maura commented.

"More fighter pilot than cop but heck, this is the song that made me imagine being either one," Jane explained.

"It suits you," Maura told her with a soft smile, which made Jane flush. "Now, I believe it's my turn."

"Good luck," Jane said as she leaped down from the stage and sat down in the chair Maura had sat in previously.

Maura took a deep breath and shut her eyes.


For a moment, Maura felt self-conscious standing on the stage. While she knew her singing voice was good, per the constant praise her singing coach and music teacher would give her, she was still unsure.

And yet, Jane watched her with an encouraging smile.

"Heart don't fail me now
Courage, don't desert me
Don't turn back now that we're here
People always say life is full of choices
No one ever mentions fear.
Or how a road can seem so long
How the world can seem so vast
Courage, see me through
Heart, I'm trusting you
On this journey to the past."

Almost immediately, Maura could see the thunderstruck expression on Jane's face and Maura flushed at such a look.

"Somewhere down this road
I know someone's waiting
Years of dreams just can't be wrong, no
Arms will open wide
I'll be safe and wanted
Finally home where I belong.
"Well starting here my life begins
Starting now I'm learning fast
Courage, see me through
Heart, I'm trusting you
On this journey to the past."

Maura took a subtle breath as the crowd watched her, joining Jane who looked utterly enraptured by her voice.

"Heart don't fail me now, no
Courage, don't desert me
Home, love, family
There was once a time I must've had them too
Home, love, family
I will never be complete until I find you.
Hey.
One step at a time
One hope, then another
Who knows where this road may go?
Oh, back to who I was
Onto find my future
Things my heart still needs to know "

Maura watched as Jane looked up at her with a broad smile as she neared the end of the song.

Just one last push.

"Yes, let this be a sign
Let this road be mine
Let it lead me to my past.
Courage, see me through
Heart, I'm trusting you
To bring me home
At last!
At last, ooh!"

The song continued for a moment as Maura caught her breath, the crowd cheering but as she looked at the cheering Jane, she found herself not caring about the crowd.

What she found herself caring about was the girl with deep brown eyes, whose smile slowly dropped as something between them shifted. Without thinking, Maura tenderly sang:

"Courage, see me through
Oh, Heart, I'm trusting you…."


The crowd continued to cheer once the song ended and Maura watched as Jane's face looked taken aback and admittedly, her as well. She thought from the name of the song that it was supposed to be something akin to friendship but after she sang those lines, she was wrong.

So why did it feel so good to sing them?

Jane stepped onto the stage and softly said, "That was pretty good, Anatasia."

Maura flushed and replied, "I'm glad you think so. Those are my general feelings on my biological family but even if I never find them, I'm happy knowing about who I am, and not what I was."

"A good way to put it," Jane said. "Now, I believe it's my turn, yeah?"

Maura nodded but as she stepped off the stage, she could feel Jane's eyes on her, watching her every movement.


Constance and Angela sat at the dinner table in silence while the songs their daughters sang lingered in the air. Angela dared not look at the woman in front of her, lest the pain, the betrayal, and the hurt fill her heart.

"It's been a long time, Ange….You look good…" Constance whispered.

Angela felt her heart lurch in her chest at the softness and hesitance of Constance's words. "As do you," Angela curtly replied, struggling to keep her feelings at bay.

Angela noticed Constance's shoulders slumped in response to her curt reply. "Ange, I know that—"

"It's Angela," Angela corrected.

"Angela…." Constance whispered.

Agenal let her heart flutter.

Despite all these years, Constance still said her name the same way. Astonishment, with a hint of something in the middle, and ending it with a hopeful finish. "You shouldn't be here," Angela whispered.

"And where else should I be?" Constance asked her.

"Anywhere else…." Angela replied. "Anywhere but here."

Anywhere but with her.

"Angela, Please," Constance implored as she reached over to touch her hand, only for Angela to pull it back.

"No, you can't do this. You can't just come back into my life after you left it. After you freed yourself of me," Angela whispered, trying to keep her voice at bay but failing as it quivered.

"Is that what you think? That I left to free myself of you?" Constance asked.

"We're not having this discussion. We are here so our daughters can have fun. That's all. After that, you can do what you did back then and walk away," Angela told her with a firm tone.

Constance hummed and gave a subtle nod. "Very well…." She whispered.


Jane stared at Maura as the girl took her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. Those last words the honey-blonde sang had shifted something in her heart. Something Jane was not expecting but she didn't know what that meant.

But while her first song had been all about what she wanted to be, Maura's was how she felt and how she wanted to trust her heart.

Well, there was only one song that Jane could do.

"Whenever you feel your world is crashin' down on you
Whenever you don't know where to turn or what to do
Don't look too far, you've got the guide
To find your way, let your heart decide."

"True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And show the world what you believe in
Open your eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
Then you've got all you need to make it through."

The crowd immediately began to cheer for the song, while Maura seemed surprised by her choice of song, Jane noted that she was smiling.

"Someone you know is on your side can set you free
I can do that for you if you believe in me
Why second-guess what feels so right
Just trust your heart, and you'll see the light!"

"True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And show the world what you believe in
Open your eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
Then you've got all you need to make it through.
You know it's true
It'll see you through!"

Jane wasn't paying attention due to being deep into the song, but the second verse caught up and she had to thank the lights above her to hide her blush. She forgot about that verse.

But maybe….Maybe that was a good thing.

Yeah, it had to be a good thing.

"True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And show the world what you believe in
Open your eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
Then you've got all you need to make it through!"

"When things are gettin' crazy
And you don't know where to start
Keep on believin', baby
Just be true to your heart
When all the world around you
It seems to fall apart
Keep on believin', baby
Just be true to your heart!"


The crowd cheered as Maura watched Jane leap down from the stage and approach her with a small, bashful smile. She held out the microphone to her and Maura took it from her. "Thank you, Mulan. You've given me much to think about, Jane."

"Well, I hoped it worked," Jane replied with a wide grin. "Because it's true. You should trust in your heart more." Jane emphasized this by placing the side of her left fist against Maura's chest, right above her heart.

Maura walked up the steps to the stage and searched for a particular song. Once she did, she turned to Jane and felt herself flush.

Trust in her heart.

That's what Jane's song was telling her, right? Then perhaps she should….


Jane didn't know what song Maura had chosen but from the slow melody of it, she could feel the air change.

Something was different. But what?

Jane turned her eyes to the stage and watched as Maura stood in the middle of the stage and sang:

"I know that when you look at me
There's so much that you just don't see
But if you would only take the time
I know in my heart you'd find
Oh, a girl who's scared sometimes
Who isn't always strong
Can't you see the hurt in me?
I feel so all alone."

"I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm?
I wanna run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away?"

Jane felt her heart stop when Maura sang those words.

What?

"Each day, each day I play the role
Of someone always in control
But at night, I come home and turn the key
There's nobody there, no one cares for me
Oh, what's the sense
Of trying hard to find your dreams
Without someone to share it with?
Tell me, what does it mean?"

"I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm?
I wanna run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away?
Run away."

Jane felt breathless as the instrumental of the song began, giving Maura a chance to breathe. Did Maura actually feel these things for her or was it just a song she liked?

She didn't know and was afraid to find out, truthfully.

But a part of her wanted it to be true.

She wanted Maura to want her as much as the song she chose did….

"I need you here
I need you here to wipe away my tears
To kiss away my fears, no
If you only knew
How much
I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm?
I'll run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay…."

Jane watched as Maura paused and they locked as the melody began to die down.

"Or will you run away?"

The crowd cheered as Maura took a small bow but Jane's mind raced with the infinte thoughts that ran through her mind.

She hoped there was a good song that could combat something like that….


Jane was silent when Maura stepped off the stage and approached her. "Your turn," Maura whispered as she held out the microphone to her.

Quietly, Jane took the microphone, their fingers briefly touching. Finally, once Jane held the microphone in her hands, she whispered, "I think you should concede Maura,"

"I mean, we've sung two songs already. We still have one more…" Maura drifted off when she stared into Jane's eyes. There was an emotion in her friend's eyes that gave her pause. She didn't know why but the look made her pulse race to a near uncontrollable level.

"I won't concede," she finally spoke.

"Very well…Though I wonder what you'll do after this…" Jane whispered to her and then walked up the steps and onto the stage.


Maura watched Jane curiously as the other girl stood there but she didn't stand for long because Jane sat down and crossed her legs right at the front of the stage, her eyes locked on hers.

"I am thinkin' of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you
Then, my heart just won't let me be right
'Cause I've drowned in you and I won't pull through
Without you by my side."

"I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight."

Maura felt her face flush but she could not take her eyes off her Jane's. They were so mesmerizing that she almost felt that she was in a trance. It was then Maura caught the words that Jane was singing and gasped.

Oh….

"Baby, can you feel me?
Imaginin' I'm lookin' in your eyes
I can see you clearly
Vividly emblazoned in my mind
And yet, you're so far, like a distant star
I'm wishing on tonight."

Jane shot her a faint grin and continued to sing and Maura had a good idea that Jane knew what she was feeling at this moment in time.

"I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight…."

Maura felt her face heat up to near unbearable levels as she saw the look in Jane's eyes but this time, she understood what was in there. Acceptance, fear, adoration, and longing. They were so intense that it took her breath away.

"I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight…."

Maura wanted nothing more than to reach across and hold the girl before her as Jane finished the song by singing:

"Give my all for your love
Tonight…."


The song finished and the crowd cheered once again as Jane moved off the stage and stood in front of Maura. "So….Do you concede?" Jane whispered.

"Yes," Maura whispered.

"I guess there won't be a need for a duet huh?" Jane realized.

"After that? No…. Maura softly replied

"I warned you…" Jane whispered back. "So what do I win?"

Maura couldn't help but let out a shuddered breath at the smoldering gaze Jane had given her but before she could respond, Frankie came over and said, "Hey guys, you'll never guess what I overheard!"

And with that, the moment had dissipated and the two girls looked away from each other with deep blushes on their faces. "Let's get something to eat," Jane quickly stammered.

"Y-Yes. Food is good," Maura added as she quickly departed, leaving a woefully confused Frankie in their wake.

"Wait, I thought there was going to be a duet!" Frankie called after them as he followed the pair.


Jane was exhausted.

It was a long day at the office and all she wanted to do was get home.

After she filed away her police report, she got into her fairly nice-looking car and drove twenty minutes to her modest looking home where two children were playing on the yard. The moment Jane got out of the car, the two kids looked up and Jane felt her soul ignite at the bright smiles on their faces.

"Ma!" The two yelled as a smiling Jane knelt down with her arms open for the two excited kids who tackled her into the grass. Jane looked up to see happy hazel eyes staring down at her.

"Hello my little brats," Jane said warmly as she leaned up and pecked each child on the forehead. "You guys enjoy keeping Mommy company today?"

"Darn right," The small boy said with a grin.

"Without pranks?" Jane questioned with a raised eyebrow.

The boy looked slightly guilty but still had the crooked grin that Jane often had. "Maybe…" he replied.

"Well I was a good kid today," The girl said with smile on her face.

Jane snorted and stood up and hoisted one child under her right arm and the other on her left shoulder, much to the children's amusement, and carried them both to the door where she tapped it with her left foot.

After a few seconds of waiting, the door opened and warm eyes were the first thing Jane saw, followed the door opening to reveal and older Maura, her honey-blond hair falling down her shoulders, her dimples pronounced due to her wide smile.

"Welcome home my paramour," she whispered.

"Grazie amore mio," Jane replied before she leaned down and placed a tender kiss on the woman's lips while the children gagged, which caused both women to laugh against each other's lips before they resumed sharing the tender affection for one another.


Jane's eyes snapped open as she panted.

She leaned up off the bed and stared out of the window into the night sky and caught her reflection.

Before this trip, she was a girl missing her best friend and her ex-boyfriend but now, as she stared at herself in the window, she realized that while she looked the same, she felt different.

And it was thanks to Maura.

It was obvious what was occurring.

She had felt this feeling before with Casey but it never felt like this. It never reached the point where she was having dreams about him.

Sure, she enjoyed his presence. He was funny and charming and Jane did miss him but it paled in comparison to Maura.

Funny.

Compassionate.

Smart.

Beautiful

Warm.

And these were just the base words. There was so much more to her than that. But what could she do? It was Wednesday…There were only three days left until she had to leave….

Damn her feelings…Why did she let them flourish like this?

She had to stop this.

She had to-

"Ange, please just talk to me."

Jane paused.

That voice…

That was Maura's mom!

What was she doing here?

"I don't want to speak to you. Not after what happened."

And she was talking to her mom…

Jane slid out of bed and crept against the wall, close enough so could hear them talk.


Constance rubbed her right bicep with a hurt expression on her face as she stared at Angela's angered face.

"Look, just give me a few minutes to explain and then I'll go, I promise," Constance told her.

"Seventeen years ago, Constance Isles, I would have listened to you then but after this long? I'd rather never see you again," Angela replied with narrowed eyes. "And I told you earlier tonight. Do not call me that, you lost the right when you left me all those years ago."

Constance could see the anger and hurt in Angela's eyes and guilt and it caused guilt to run rampant through her.

Constance lowered her head shamefully and said, "You're right…I'm sorry Angela. You have every right to be mad. I was a heartless idiot that day and you didn't deserve that…I'll go…I'm sorry to bother you."

Constance went to turn away but it was then she felt Angela grasp her wrist, which caused her to look back at her. "Come inside…" Angela said. "Five minutes to explain yourself…"

Constance nodded and allowed Angela to pull her inside where they sat down on the couch. "Now talk," Angela told her with a firm voice.

"O-Okay…" Constance said.

It took a lot for Angela to get angry but she had forgotten how scary Angela could get when she was mad.

And it was something Constance had earned.

"Okay…I need to preface this with something…" Constance said. "It was something that I hid away all of my life up until I left for France to continue the rest of college…I am a Lesbian…"

Angela nodded slowly.

Constance didn't know how to accept that.

That…was so much more…simpler than expected.

"I knew about this since high school. Remember that week when I was gone?" Constance asked.

"Yeah, I just thought you were sick," Angela said.

"No, my parents took me to conversion camp. It didn't work but it worked in making me hate them for the rest of their lives," Constance replied bitterly, her right fist balled up but she then felt Angela's hand take hers and she relaxed.

"Oh, Constance…Why didn't you tell me?" Angela asked softly.

"I didn't want to risk our friendship at the time," Constance replied, her voice just as soft. "You were the only friend I had and if I lost you, I wouldn't know what I would do…And I didn't once I left…"

Angela remained silent, which allowed Constance to continue.

"You were my best friend. You knew me inside and out. You were my better half but…Somewhere down the line, that feeling of friendship changed, and I…I fell in love with you," Constance told her, which made Angela gasp in surprise.

"At the time, I was terrified because you had just met Frank and he seemed like a great guy. I didn't want my feelings to get in the way so I became distant. I did everything I could to not drown in the jealousy I felt…And that day, when you told me that you were pregnant with Jane, I knew I couldn't stay…I just wish you didn't ask me to be the best woman at your wedding…"

"Oh, Connie…" Angela sadly murmured as Constance looked down, tears building in her eyes.

"I knew that leaving the way I did would hurt you but I was hurt at least I knew Frank would take care of you," Constance said as she looked down, tears falling down her face. "But it hurt so bad to be separated from you...I'm so sorry…."

Slowly, her head was tilted up to stare at Angela's tearful eyes.

"You're so stupid," Angela told before she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Constance's forehead. Constance's eyes widened in shock but before she could do anything, Angela pulled away.

"Ange?" Constance questioned.

"That was for the pain you had to go through," Angela told her. "All this time, I thought you left because you hated me, or t-that you realized that your parents were right in being friends with a poor girl…But I see that it's only caused you pain…"

Angela let out a tearful laugh. "When you didn't show up at my wedding, I was angry at you but when I realized you were completely gone, my heart shattered. I-I couldn't breathe, I couldn't do anything because my better half was gone. I didn't realize it until Frank and I got into a screaming match that somewhere, somehow, I had fallen in love with you and took you leaving to realize that…."

Constance felt something shatter in her at those words. For decades, all Constance wanted to hear was those words from the girl who had taken her heart but to hear them now, those words were true…But so much had changed.

"In hindsight, it made sense. I always compared him to you. Even after you were gone and I guess that was the catalyst for his change. When I married Frank, he was a good man once but after you left and we got into that argument, he changed. He became a liar and a cheater and a heavy gambler…The kids don't know it but he's made it clear that he wants a divorce but wants to wait until they're grown. And all I could think after years this was that I wish I dared to realize what my heart always felt…"

Constance wiped the tears away from Angela's face and slowly, her lips pressed against Angela's in a soft, bittersweet kiss. She felt Angela return her affections and place a gentle hand on her left cheek before the pair slowly pulled away only to rest their foreheads against each other and breathing.

"I've wanted that for so long," Angela told her as she placed another soft kiss on Constance's lips. "Why did we wait so long? We could have had this…We could've been a family…But now we're not and our daughters…They…"

"I know," Constance replied. "Hearing them last night…They are in love with one another…"

Angela let out a small laugh. "Rizzoli and Isles…Still finding our way to one another…"

The pair softly laughed.

"But it won't last," Angela sadly said. "Eventually, We'll have to go back to Boston…And you…"

"Will go back to France," Constance softly confirmed. "But I can't…I can't leave you knowing all that I know. Not only about our daughters but about you…What do I do with this?"

"I don't know…" Angela softly replied as she took her hands. "But what I do know is that I missed you and I don't want to waste the amount of time we have together…While we are still together…"

"Angela…What are you saying?" Constance asked.

"Stay…We don't have to do anything…I'm afraid that time has passed and I don't want to rob our daughters of this. I just want to know you again," Angela answered with a faint smile.

"Then stay I shall do…" Constance replied with a smile.

The first real smile she's had in a long, long time.


Jane silently slunk away and walked back to her bed in absolute shock.

She did not expect all of that.

Her father had done and done a lot of terrible things.

Her mom was in love with Maura's mom.

It sounded sad to her that they never got the chance they deserved but she wouldn't be here if they did…

"I don't me and Maura to be that way…I don't want us to do the whole "What if" thing…But three days…" Jane thought before she shook her head.

So what if they had three days?

She would show Maura in the next three days that they belonged together without a shadow of a doubt.

She would not make the same mistake Constance and her mother had…