Chapter Forty One

Maura's days are open for the foreseeable future given the school year is now over. As usual she spends her morning and early afternoon sitting with Gabby keeping her company. After visiting hours end she is on her way once again. Tomorrow Gabby gets to come home and her goal for the afternoon is to ensure the guest room downstairs is comfortable and ready for her stay. After that's done she spends her time checking and rechecking her own first aid supplies, which are in perfect order. As is to be expected.

In many ways her days, once the last of her teaching duties were completed, have been about taking care of Gabby and Jane. If she isn't with one or the other she keeps herself occupied with busy work. Odd jobs that aren't necessarily urgent, but that keep her from dwelling too long on the state of her love life. Maura Isles does not want to think about her love life, because while it is hyperbolic to suggest it resembles a nuclear wasteland fraught with ghosts of lovers past, it feels particularly apt.

She needs time to grieve and to figure out what she needs moving forward, but there doesn't appear to be any time. Naturally her inclination to get busy when time does present itself is not something she wants to think about either. Besides, how is she supposed to grieve the loss of the most significant romantic relationship of her life while having to stare into those tumultuous dark eyes day after day? How does she grieve when the drama that has encapsulated her former love leads to reminder after reminder of the woman she lost her to? Logically she is more than ready to move on; emotionally, not so much.

Though her reticence can most certainly be traced back to the fact a piece of her heart has long been with Gabby and that woman is like Jane in so many ways that it is painful. All the qualities she loves in Jane, she loves in Gabby, but the reminders are agonising. The two women are both wired the same, only Gabby has taken her chaotic energy to the next level. She is a walking timebomb of epic proportions. She is Jane shooting herself through her own body to stop Bobby, but on steroids. Jane will fall down, drink a little, or a lot, but she'll get back up. Gabby? Well, Maura isn't so sure if she falls, that she'll get back up. It's terrifying.

How on earth does Jane think she can move onto that? Jane's cheerleading for Gabby is tiresome too, because Maura doesn't even know if it is genuine or because Jane is trying to assuage her guilt for choosing Melissa. Is it genuine or Jane just saying what she thinks she wants to hear? She should have maintained that step back from Jane when she asked for time and space. She shouldn't have allowed Jane's drama to drag her back in. If Jane wants to drink her life away because she can't deal on her own, then she should have let her.

Allowing herself to be pulled back into Jane's orbit hasn't done any of them any good. Unfortunately now that she's here, there is no leaving. She cares too much. Just as she cares about Gabby. Too much. It is an absolutely terrible idea to bring her into her home right now, with everyone's feelings in a state of such flux, but she feels obligated to do so. Gabby won't take care of herself, at least not properly. So she can't in good conscience, with so much free time on her hands, not be there to make sure she recovers safely. The stubborn Australian and her death wish is just too darn important.

And isn't that the other problem she faces? She loves Gabby. Her heart, or a piece of it at least, has probably been with her since early after they first met. She is absolutely the woman she wants to move on with. She is the woman she wants to give her affection to given Jane's unavailability to receive said affection. But what if it ends badly? What if they have a fight, as couples sometimes do, and Gabby spirals out of control? There's zero fear Gabby would ever take her temper out on her, but what if she becomes reckless ? What if she walks into a dark alley looking to bring her fists to a knife fight? What if she has to do this all over again, or worse? What if she has to bury Gabby because they had a fight about something that means nothing in the grand scheme of things? What if she has to bury Gabby because for six weeks in a row, tired from work, Gabby forgets to take the trash out and Maura has to do it and it grates on her nerves and it turns into a hullabaloo about nothing?

So no, Maura Isles, really doesn't want to think about her love life at all. It is a dangerous spiral of misery that leads to the consumption of too much wine.

Speaking of which, she smiles politely and takes another mouthful from her glass before setting it back down on the dining table. She can see Jane is peering up earnestly from her dinner plate waiting for a response and it takes her a moment to filter back in all the words that were lost to her while her thoughts were spiralling. Finally she says, "I'm glad that Kelly decided to do the right thing."

"Yeah, I hear I should be thanking you. She said you went to see her and asked her to think about what she was doing. She said it helped her change her mind. So thanks, Maur. You're an amazing friend."

Friend.

Maura reaches for her glass and covers her sigh with more wine. She drains the last drops from her glass and silently curses because she can't really pour another drink without causing Jane to ask the kinds of questions she is not in the mood to answer.

Jane puts her fork down and narrows her eyes. She's doing the detective thing she does, causing Maura to quickly look down at her plate and stuff some salmon into her mouth. "Are you alright Maura?"

Broad question. Am I physically alright? Yes, yes I am. That'll do.

Maura finishes chewing, smiles and says, "I'm fine, thank you."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Thankfully Jane has enough on her mind that her detective instinct completely fails her and she goes back to talking about her day. Maura listens politely as she discusses the good, the bad and the awkward of her conversation with Kelly. Her attention to detail activates when Jane starts talking about her encounter with Rachael and her last distasteful goading comment.

"She really had my back, ya know? I would have completely lost it if she hadn't stepped in and pushed me away from the situation. Of course it helped to see her make Rachael stagger when her fist rocked her chin." Jane is wearing what can only be described as a shit eating grin as she relives Kelly's actions.

Maura bites back her inclination to scold Jane for taking such joy from the use of violence. Because in many ways, if someone with Rachael's track record wants to brag about having sexual relations with a thirteen year old girl against her will, then she had it coming. "I hope you stopped her from going too far."

Jane nods. "Well yeah, I calmed down pretty quick when I realised where we were and I pulled her off of her. I reckon she'd have killed her with her bare hands if I hadn't. She was rabid."

What's most surprising to Maura is that Kelly didn't have to drag Jane off of Rachael. It's pleasantly surprising. "I know that it can't have been easy for you to show restraint at any point during that encounter, let alone that moment. So I am very proud of you Jane."

Jane's smile is sweet and wide and she lifts her chin, almost as if she's preening. Maura shakes her head and puts some more of her dinner in her mouth, though this time her eyes remain on Jane while she chews.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

Perhaps Jane is paying attention after all. Still not in a place to really talk about it Maura smiles politely and nods.

"You know you can still talk to me right?" Jane asks, her eyes soft and searching. She's looking for answers. Naturally, she wants to fix something she can't fix. Only time can fix it.

"I am aware, thank you Jane." Maura placates once she has finished her mouthful. She then looks to redirect the conversation. "So what happened after Kelly lost her temper?"

"I got her the Hell out of there so she didn't make things worse and we went to the hospital." Jane explains casually, while eyeing the salad on her plate suspiciously. Almost reluctantly she stuffs the salad in her mouth then looks up, quickly chews and swallows and says, "I was so relieved to see Missy that I didn't even notice Kel slip out. I hope she's okay."

"Jane!" Maura admonishes, "You haven't checked on her at all? After everything she did for you today?"

Jane shrugs and says, "I came right here from the hospital. It didn't occur to me, which from the look on your face I'm realising is a bad thing." She sighs and puts her cutlery down. She motions over her shoulder and says, "I'll go do it right now if it will make you happy."

Maura counts to ten because she really doesn't want to roll her eyes at Jane. She sets her own cutlery down and pushes her chair back. She stands and says, "You stay here and finish your meal. I'm going to call her. I'll be right back."

Maura leaves Jane and her dumbfounded look in the dust as she heads for the living room for a modicum of privacy. She walks over to the window that overlooks her backyard and looks out at the swimming pool while she makes the call.

"Hey Maura," Kelly sounds stressed.

"Jane said you slipped out of the room without saying a word today. I just wanted to check up on you. Make sure you're okay."

"That's really kind of you, but I'm fine. Really."

"Stop by so I can see for myself? We're just finishing dinner and then I'm going to send her on her way."

There's nothing but the background noise of traffic for a few moments until Kelly finally responds, "Sure. I'll be there in half an hour."

"Wonderful, see you then." Maura ends the call and turns back around only to stop abruptly when she sees Jane standing in the doorway with her arms folded across her chest.

"So you're kicking me out then?" Jane queries with a huff.

She looks perturbed, but Maura quite frankly doesn't give a damn. "Kelly's heart is broken, Jane. As a person who understands how that feels…"

"Oh come on Maura, that's not fair." Jane says, stepping further into the room. "I'm not trying to be an ass to her alright? I'm not."

"You stole her wife Jane. It doesn't matter how nice you are about it." Maura responds curtly. "She needs a safe space and I'm more than happy to provide it."

"This isn't about her, is it?" Jane practically accuses, her eyes darken as they hone in on Maura's. "You've been acting weird all night. Distant and disinterested and now you're kicking me out for someone you don't even know that well."

Maura glowers at Jane, "My life doesn't revolve around you, Jane!"

Jane shakes her head. She looks exasperated. "Would you just talk to me?"

"I can't!" Maura snaps, "It hurts too much."

"Oh." The wind is so clearly knocked out of Jane's sails. She scratches at the back of her head and then motions back over her shoulder. "I'll, uh, I'll see myself out."

Her immediate instinct is to call out Jane's name and get her to stop, to smooth things over and tell her she's sorry. To say that she's just feeling under the weather. That's what being in Jane's orbit does to her, because she can't be Jane's best friend and hopelessly in love with her too. She simply can't. So until she can reconcile her heart and mind and move forward it is definitely better if she doesn't call out Jane's name. Definitely better, right?

"Jane, wait."

Maura witnesses the hesitation in Jane's stride, the straightening of her shoulders and holds her breath. Jane stops, starts to turn but shakes her head and keeps walking. Maura quickly follows after her into the foyer, "Jane please."

Jane stops with her hand on the door handle and Maura slides her hand along her back and onto her shoulder. They were in a very similar position recently, except Jane was falling to pieces fighting her feelings. Trying to run from it. Running doesn't help. It hasn't helped. Well, maybe it's helped Jane, she seems so much more centred since what was no doubt meant to amount to a goodbye kiss. Perhaps for Jane it really was that easy to let go. Maura sighs, wishing it was that easy for her heart to let go. Her mind is so beyond ready, but her conflicted heart is holding her back. It's why she keeps running after Jane despite knowing better.

"I'm sorry," Maura says softly. She doesn't even know why she's apologising, she didn't exactly say anything untruthful. Perhaps her delivery was a little harsh. Yes, that's why. She sighs and continues, "I shouldn't have been so hard on you."

Maura feels the rise and fall in Jane's shoulder as she breathes in and out deeply. Her hand slips as Jane turns and meets her worried gaze. "Don't apologise," Jane says a little hoarsely, an indicator of the emotion caught in her throat. "I shouldn't have questioned you like that. This is your home and you have every right to decide when people come and go."

While factually accurate, it feels so foreign hearing those words fall out of Jane's mouth. For the longest time, all the way back to Boston, her home has always been open to Jane. It still is in so many ways, but it's a cold realisation that claws its way along her spine indicating that boundaries are necessary now. It hurts her heart and she offers Jane a sad, but appreciative smile. "It is," she acknowledges.

Jane's eyes search hers and she sighs. "I guess I'm still getting used to this, ya know? I know it's my heart that's betrayed everything we were and I know that means things change. It's just…"

"Difficult?" Maura offers after Jane's voice trails out.

Jane tries to smile, but it falls flat. "Yeah," she says sadly.

It hits her like lightning, just staring up at Jane, precisely why her friend has been so pushy about Gabby. While there's undoubtedly many reasons including assuaging guilt, it's to help them get back to what was easy. Because it hasn't been easy for either of them walking over the eggshells of a broken romance. "This is why you keep pushing Gabby on me?"

Jane's eyebrows shoot up in confusion at first, but then her face softens and her lips pull back in a cheesy grin. "Well duh" she says waggling her eyebrows in earnest, "The best way to get over someone, is to get under someone else."

Maura purses her lips and tries not to laugh. One thing is for sure, being with Melissa has made Jane a little less uptight. As successful as she is at holding back her laughter, she can't hold back a smile. It's a smile that gives her hope that they will eventually be alright.

Jane rubs her hands along Maura's arms and says, "In all seriousness, I know that this isn't easy on you. I know I can't be your confidant in all of this. It wouldn't be fair to anyone, but you need someone and I know there's a part of you that's always loved her."

Maura's eyes grow wide at this. She searches Jane's eyes and she can see no lie. Her immediate desire is to say that, 'she's not you', but she bites back the impulse. It won't help. It's just astounding that in all of this, after all of the many emotional showdowns they've had that Jane never once used it as a weapon against her. She said many words in anger, but never did she rear up about her connection to Gabby, at least, not in that way.

Jane, apparently sensing the tension, grins and says, "I mean, I know she's not me. I'm pretty damn unique."

Maura shakes her head mirthfully and smiles, "One of a kind. No doubt."

Jane pulls her close and presses a kiss to her forehead. She then quietly says, "It's okay to let yourself love her, Maur. She will be a better woman to you than I ever was."

Maura remembers the intensity that burned in her chest when she realised she was falling the first time and knows that Jane isn't wrong. But so much has happened since she and Gabby first met and not a lot of it has been good. It has taken a toll and she's just not ready to take that leap. She smiles weakly and nods, "Perhaps in time."

Jane's smile is soft and understanding. "I think I understand your hesitance and I won't push it. But I promise you, that woman loves you. She knows she fucked up giving up like she did. In time you'll believe that too."

Maura doesn't even think about scolding Jane for her choice of language, because she isn't wrong. Sometimes being uncouth is necessary to be accurate, at least in this case it feels like it. She smiles softly. "Thank you, Jane."

Jane takes her by the hands and asks, "So are we okay?"

"We will be." Maura responds, feeling like she means it. It will take time and there may be steps forward followed by steps back, but there's something about their friendship that she never wants to lose. She'll figure it out, because she has to.

"Alright. Good. I'm gonna go, because you're right. Kel does need a safe space right now and I'm really not it." Jane gently squeezes her hands and adds, "It'll probably do you some good too."

Maura offers an appreciative smile and stands in the doorway as Jane sees herself out. "Goodnight Jane, drive safe."

Jane stops, looks back and hits Maura with one of her patented eye rolls. "I'm literally a minute away from home, Maura. I think I can navigate that drive without any issues."

"Still, let me know when you're home."

Jane bites back her laughter and nods, "Goodnight Maura."

"Are you alright?" Maura asks, ushering Kelly inside.

Kelly steps inside and waits for Maura to close the door so that she can think about her answer. She's thought a lot since she walked out of that hospital room. Thoughts about her heartache and her future now that Melissa is clearly not part of the equation have been prevalent. She has also spent time marvelling at how she found a way to be emotionally blindsided by the reality of Jane and Melissa, when she has known all along it was something that could happen. Something that would happen if there was ever a course of events that opened the door of possibility for them. Apparently knowledge doesn't always prepare a person for reality.

Realising that Maura is looking at her expectantly, Kelly sighs, gently shakes her head and is completely forthright. "I don't think I'm anywhere close to alright."

Maura looks deep in thought, Kelly isn't exactly sure if she heard her. If she did, her focus has already moved on as her eyes are honing in on her bruised hand. "And how is your hand? Did you ice it at all?"

"It's alright if I don't bend my fingers too much and yeah, of course I iced it."

Clearly not satisfied, Maura motions for her hand and asks, "May I?"

Kelly nods and extends her hand so that Maura can check and double check that there isn't a more serious injury to worry about. She flinches a little under the firmness of Maura's touch, which while skilled, doesn't feel that pleasant. "Easy does it," Kelly hisses.

Maura's eyes lift from her hand and immediately Kelly swallows nervously, feeling like she might be in a little danger. Thankfully Maura's hard stare softens into a more conscientious one and she says, "It appears you got lucky."

Kelly manages a weak smile and pulls her hand back. She motions towards the living room and says, "Mind if we sit? I've been on my feet all day."

"Oh yes, of course. Where are my manners? Did you want something to drink?"

There's a big part of her that would like nothing more than to sit back with a glass or two of wine and bitch and moan about her broken heart, but she won't do that. Not tonight. She's spent the better part of the day trapped in her own mind, wandering the city, not wanting to go back to the empty motel apartment alone.

Then Maura called and it was like being hit by a truck all over again. A simple act of kindness that left her floored after the day from Hell. It took her a moment to find the brain power to accept the invitation, but she did in part because she knew that Jane was here. She knew that meant that Maura was playing dutiful friend and on a selfish level, she really just needed to do something selfless; something that doesn't hurt her in the process. So now she's here not because Maura was worried about her wellbeing, but because she is worried about Maura's. It's high time somebody put her first.

"I'm good, thanks."

"Well, make yourself comfortable. I'll be right in." Maura says before disappearing down the hall.

Kelly watches her leave for a moment, wondering what it was Maura was thinking about when she looked up from her injured hand with such a dark, hard look on her face. Perhaps she'll get the chance to find out. Perhaps she won't. That will be entirely up to Maura.

Kelly makes herself comfortable on the couch and moments later is joined in the room by Maura and a very generous glass of red wine. Maura takes several delicate sips and then sets the glass down on a coaster on the coffee table before making herself comfortable in a nearby armchair.

"So I hear that you had an encounter with Rachael this afternoon." Maura says with an inquisitive raise of her eyebrow.

No doubt Jane gave Maura a complete rundown of the entire encounter, including all of her deep, dark feelings on the subject. Kelly forces a smile in an attempt to combat the irritation she feels at Jane's insensitivities. She wants her best friend and Maura delivers, without fail, every damn time. But what about Maura's needs? How on earth is she supposed to grieve the end of a significant relationship when all she does is run around after Jane and Gabby both? When does she get to breathe? For this reason Kelly waves off the question and says, "I don't want to talk about today."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume…"

Kelly's hand flies up and she firmly, but calmly says, "It's not that. I just think it's time that somebody put you first, Maura. What would you like to talk about or do tonight?"

It's apparent that Maura is both shocked and uncertain about the tables being flipped on her like that. It saddens Kelly. Maura is more than just a good hostess, or a good friend, or a good ex-fiancée, she's a good person. Person being the key word. She has wants and needs too and it's incredibly obvious that Maura hasn't been tending to those in a while. She's become collateral damage from the sordid lives her loved ones have been living.

"I… I don't know." Maura finally stammers out, her brows furrowing as she is clearly still thinking about the offer.

"It can be anything," Kelly encourages, "I can even leave if you want to be alone. Tell me what you need."

Maura leans forward and picks up her drink. She takes a long slow mouthful while her eyes study Kelly over the brim of the glass. She then sets the glass back down and offers a tentative smile, "Well I have been meaning to make time to watch this documentary, March of the Penguins. It's been around for years and I've heard great things about it."

Kelly can't help but smile back. No doubt Jane would be rolling her eyes groaning at the thought of watching it if she were here, but fortunately for Maura she has seen it before and didn't half mind it. "Oh, Morgan Freeman narrates that. You'll love it."

Maura's eyes grow wide in surprise. "You know it?"

"Oh absolutely. My mother is obsessed with Morgan Freeman. Watches everything he's in or narrates. She loves his voice." Kelly explains, already feeling better from witnessing Maura's eyes coming to life. This is what she needs tonight more than a shoulder to cry on. She needs to feel useful. "You know what, how about you queue it up and I'll put together a light snack for while we watch. I mean, if that's alright with you?"

Maura's nod is timid, but her smile dazzles and Kelly jumps right up and heads for the kitchen. She can't help but think that Jane's an absolute moron, but pays no real mind to the thought. Instead she takes a quick inventory of what's available and quickly puts together an assortment of cheese, crackers, and fruit. She finds the open bottle of wine and pours herself a glass with the knowledge that it's no fun to drink alone, especially when there's company over.

When she returns to the living room she notices that Maura has moved herself over to the couch. She sits the charcuterie board on the coffee table and her glass on a coaster and settles down at the other end. There's space between them, which she maintains so that Maura is comfortable and with a smile she says, "Ready when you are."

Within no time Kelly sinks further into the couch, glass of wine in hand, happily watching the journey of these penguins looking for a mate. Towards the middle of the documentary she sneaks a glance sideways and sees that Maura is completely captivated, no doubt tucking away all the different facts she's learning for a rainy day. She looks comfortable and relaxed and there's a whisper of a smile on her face. Kelly's left with a feeling of utter satisfaction because she did this by prioritising Maura. She smiles to herself and returns her attention to the television. Sometimes it really is rewarding putting others first.

"I don't want a cent." Kelly declares firmly.

It's seven in the morning and she's on the phone with her lawyers back home. She never knew it would be so difficult getting them to do her bidding. She finds herself listening to advice that is meaningless in this situation. "I don't care what my father wants. He's not your client, I am."

Kelly paces back and forth in the motel apartment as she listens to the excuses that come down to nothing more than wanting to be paid a part of the settlement. "David," she growls, "I'm not changing my mind. Write up the new papers and send them through the appropriate channels. No, there's nothing else. Goodbye, David."

Kelly ends the call, pockets her phone and walks over to the sliding glass door. She opens up and steps outside into the mild morning air. The sun's rays are already warm. It's going to be a stinking hot day, she has no doubt. She closes her eyes and tries to listen to the sounds around her. She hears early morning traffic, birds and the couple from two doors down who haven't stopped arguing since they checked in two nights ago. She sighs and heads back inside.

Kelly doesn't really know what to do with herself now. Melissa doesn't need her and while she could surely keep her company while Jane's working, it would only be awkward. It really isn't the time to try and salvage a friendship; if Melissa would even want to. She's only hanging around until the new divorce papers show up so she can sign them and get Melissa to sign them. Though that might depend on if the psychiatrist deems her fit to have control over her own life. Hopefully things will be looking up there soon.

She's already been for her morning run, showered and dressed. Breakfast is next on her agenda for the day, which mostly revolves around lounging around in the apartment. She thinks about last night and smiles, it was nice to get out of her head for a while. It absolutely sucked when the documentary ended and reality slammed straight back into her skull. She thanked Maura for the evening and made her exit, citing a need to get up early to call her lawyers. Maura wished her a good night and closed the door behind her. It felt strangely jarring, which Kelly puts down to the fact that for the first time in weeks she escaped thoughts of Melissa only to return right back to them the moment she stepped into the cool night air.

She'd give practically anything for the opportunity to escape the constant inundation of memories from a better time. Memories that look to trick her into thinking there's a chance and believing that she's giving up too soon. She knows the war was won by Jane before she even entered the fight, so all her brain is doing is prolonging the heartache. She supposes this is exactly what she gets for being a sucker for the emotionally unavailable women. Therapy to sort that issue of hers out may yet be her best bet.

Kelly stands at the kitchenette of the apartment and considers her options, quickly determining that she really doesn't like them. She remembers seeing a cafe a couple blocks away and decides that breakfast out might be a great way to get out of her mind for a while. A crisp walk and some hearty fresh food present a wonderful salve for her soul.

After grabbing her sunglasses and putting her room key into her pocket she slips out of the apartment and starts the short trek to the Crown Cafe. She barely makes it to the street before she hears her phone text notification.

She figures David has already called her father in an attempt to talk her out of her decision to not ask for a single dime of Melissa's money. It's entirely unprofessional, but he's technically the family lawyer and a clever one at that. He'd have found a way to get his message across loud and clear without actually saying anything that breaks confidentiality. She should have hired a lawyer who doesn't play golf with her father on the weekends.

She pulls the phone out of her pocket fully expecting some kind of tirade from her father, but is surprised, albeit pleasantly so, that it is a text from Maura asking her how the conversation with the lawyer went. A faint smile graces her face as she stands on the street corner staring at the message. She starts to tap out a reply, then hesitates, not sure what to say. It's a simple answer really: it went well, it's done. And yet she feels reluctant to be so clinical about it.

While she is staring at the message, trying to wrap her head around her hesitance, another message pops up on the screen.

Thank you for last night.

Kelly's smile broadens as she reads and re-reads the text. It's a simple little message, which is to be completely expected from a woman like Maura who is very well mannered. This she can answer. She quickly taps out a response.

You're welcome. It was the most relaxing night I've had in recent memory.

She stares at it a moment and instead of sending it she deletes it and calls Maura. She brings the phone to her ear and checks traffic before crossing the road and continuing to walk towards the cafe.

"Good morning, Kelly." Maura sounds mighty chipper.

Kelly's smile is huge at this point, not that she is the least bit cognisant that she's walking around looking like she belongs in a toothpaste commercial. "Good morning, Maura. I hope you don't mind that I decided to call."

"Not at all, I was just about to make some breakfast."

"I'm actually on my way to a local cafe for breakfast myself. Decided it was a better option than locking myself away in the apartment wallowing in my sorrow." Kelly explains as she turns onto High Street. She looks around and realising where she is she grins. "Actually you may know it since it's just down the road from you."

"Crown Cafe?" Maura asks.

"That's the one."

"Did you know the building that houses that cafe was once the Queen Victoria Hospital? It was a maternity hospital set up to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign in 1897. The original location was 195 St John Street. It was in 1935 that the hospital moved to the High Street location and in 1993 it closed, although the commemoration lives on with the Queen Victoria Maternity Unit at the Launceston General Hospital."

Kelly's laughter is soft when she acknowledges, "No, I was not aware. You really have taken to this place haven't you?"

"It feels like home."

Kelly sighs. She understands how Maura feels. Launceston is not as busy and bustling as Boston or Chicago. Not by a long shot. Population alone dictates that, but it's picturesque and welcoming. She would happily make this place her home if Melissa hadn't chosen Jane. Recognising that her thoughts are about to spiral to a dark place she asks, "Would you care to join me for breakfast?"

"That sounds delightful."

"Wonderful. Oh and hey, Maura, I just wanted to say thank you for last night too. It was nice getting out of my head for a while."

"You're very welcome. See you soon."

"Bye." Kelly sighs happily and ends the call, pocketing her phone once more. She makes her way to the cafe with a little extra pep in her step.

When she arrives at the cafe she sits by the window so that she can watch the traffic while she waits. She orders a coffee and briefly peruses the menu before she stares out the window. Thankfully the traffic lulls her into a relaxed trance allowing her to avoid thoughts of her soon to be ex-wife.

Her trance is broken, first by the waitress who brings over her coffee and then by Maura who greets her with a wave as she walks in. It's an entirely too adorable, semi awkward looking wave that brings joy to Kelly's face as she beckons her over.

"Hey," Kelly offers, her brain short circuiting a little from how damn stunning Maura looks. She looks like she walked right off the runway, and honestly, how does anybody walk in heels that high? Quickly realising she's staring, Kelly picks her jaw up off the floor, flashes a toothy smile and hurriedly adds, "Good morning."

Maura's smile is friendly, if not a little aware of the reaction she has caused. She greets Kelly warmly and catches the eye of the wait staff, who quickly return and greet her by name. It is apparent Maura is more than familiar with this cafe, it sounds like she's a regular customer based on the polite banter being shared. After ordering her drink Maura turns back to Kelly and peers at her expectantly.

"You got a hot date after we're done here, Maura?" Kelly asks mischievously, in part to acknowledge the form fitting dress that accentuates all the right curves and the fact she was absolutely caught staring when she walked in.

Maura blushes slightly at the compliment but waves Kelly off with a gentle flick of the wrist. "I wouldn't say that," she explains, "But I'm collecting Gabby and bringing her back home to stay while she recuperates further from her injuries."

A memory of Jane mentioning that Gabby nearly died flashes through Kelly's mind. If Gabby is only now getting out of the hospital, it must have been serious and if Maura is dressing like this to pick her up, well then, history might be repeating for more than one couple it seems. She doesn't know how to feel about it, mostly because her last memory of Gabby is one of a woman out of control and dangerous. She likes Maura, especially now that they're taking the time to be social. She doesn't like the thought of Maura putting herself in a position to be in any danger. Alexis was terrified for a reason.

A stab of pain shoots through Kelly's chest at the mere memory of Alexis and she averts her eyes from Maura, choosing instead to look out the window at the traffic. Guilt blooms in her chest out of nowhere as memories from that night pepper her mind. She called Maura to handle Gabby. She did that, why did she do that? She should have simply taken Alexis out of the house and left Gabby to stew in her own angry juices. God, her decision making has been abysmal for months.

In the back of her mind Kelly can hear Maura saying her name, but she doesn't snap out of her thoughts until she feels Maura's hand cover hers on the table. She looks back at Maura, whose eyebrows are raised inquisitively. She doesn't quite know how to formulate a response and her mind is now fixated on the simple act of comfort being offered. Why does she feel so comfort starved? Oh that's right, because her dearest friend stole her wife and since then she's had nothing but negativity in her ear from her parents about the whole situation. Comfort is such a foreign concept to her brain at this point that Maura's hand feels like a gift to be treasured.

"Are you okay?" Maura asks, "Where did you go just now?"

Kelly shakes off all of her distracting thoughts and removes her hand from Maura's by reaching for the menu and offers a weak smile, "It's nothing important. So you and Gabby huh? Are you two starting over romantically?"

She glances up from the menu she had buried herself in to avoid feeling awkward when Maura doesn't answer immediately. It becomes apparent from the look on Maura's face that her question may be a little more difficult to answer than she anticipated. "I'm sorry," Kelly says, offering a reassuring smile. "I didn't mean to pry. You don't have to answer that."

"Oh it's quite alright. It's just complicated."

Kelly can only begin to imagine. Between their history and the Jane of it all, not to mention Gabby's anger issues, there's a lot for any woman to unpack. "Is this a Jane thing or a Gabby thing making it complicated?"

"Both." Maura says with a sigh.

She doesn't sound exasperated, but she does sound sad and Kelly immediately wants to backtrack. She doesn't want their budding friendship to be built on sadness. "I'm sorry. I'm really putting my foot in it this morning apparently."

Maura smiles softly and laughs lightly. "You're perfectly fine, but perhaps for now we can move onto a lighter topic of discussion?"

"Like my impending divorce?" Kelly asks with a soft laugh of her own, despite it being far from a laughing matter. She just wants to diffuse any tension and clarify on where she stands at this time. "It took some arguing, but I finally got my lawyer to accept that I don't want a single cent. I really just want to move on from all of this."

Maura smiles warmly, but not before a clear look of shock flashes across her face. "I'm really glad to hear that."

Kelly smirks a little bit, "Why are you so surprised that I listened to you?"

"You'll have to forgive me," Maura says, positively glowing. "My experience is that I have to twist arms repeatedly before people heed my advice."

It briefly pops into Kelly's mind that Maura wouldn't have to ask her twice to do a damn thing, before she quickly shakes it off and nods her understanding. "To be fair, I haven't met any two people more hard headed than Gabby and Jane. It may say more about them than your advice."

"Mmm, I don't know. You yourself have some very stubborn traits." Maura points out with a very knowing look on her face.

Kelly chuckles, but deep down she feels this need to correct Maura on the observation. She maintains her smile and retorts, "I'm not stubborn Maura, I'm loyal."

Maura's face softens as she appears to be in deep thought, finally she acknowledges, "My apologies, you're quite right. You've been through more than most women would ever accept in your marriage and you have shown a propensity to look into the deeper root causes of the problematic behaviour, rather than just give up because of your pride. Melissa has no idea how fortunate she was to have you by her side. Even as you walk away from your marriage I suspect it is out of your loyalty to her. It's quite admirable."

Kelly has to look away, because between the softness in Maura's eyes and her delivery and the subject matter she feels like she might cry. Partially in sadness at the reminder of what she has lost, but also because she feels seen. She feels like Maura understands her intentions have all come from a good place. That in itself means so much to her, given she has struggled to find an ounce of understanding elsewhere on the topic. Even the little understanding Jane could bring herself to express felt like it came with the caveat of Jane's own loyalty to Melissa rearing its head. Her own desperation and desire to say and do whatever was necessary to see Melissa again. Maura actually sees it and it means everything.

Kelly blinks away several tears, looks back at Maura and offers a gentle thank you before refocusing on the menu. "So, what's good here?"

Maura sets Gabby's bag down on the bed in the downstairs spare room and turns to look at her best friend. She can't decide if Gabby is staring blankly because she likes what she sees, as admittedly a part of her couldn't help but dress up today, or if it is merely as a result of the incredibly high heels she is walking around with the dexterity generally afforded by tennis shoes. It is nice to feel attractive and she has first hand knowledge that Gabby happens to appreciate the particular cut of this dress and the way her legs look in extra high heels. Apparently, after this morning, so does Kelly, but that is a thought she chooses not to dwell on.

"I've moved you downstairs for the time being to better aid your recovery. The last thing you need is to be walking up and down the stairs right now." Maura explains in an attempt to snap Gabby out of the borderline stupor she's been in since she checked out of the hospital. She'd be worried about an adverse reaction to medication if she hadn't recognised how keenly Gabby's eyes followed her every movement.

"You'll have to forgive me," Gabby eventually husks out, "I know I've been staring at you like you're a tall glass of water on a hot summer day, but I suspect you've been liking the attention."

Maura's smile is lascivious in nature, she can't help it. Gabby's hair has grown out to the point it can be styled and she happens to find it much more attractive than the previous crew cut. Not to mention that while she has so many reservations about rekindling a romantic relationship, there is absolutely zero denying their sexual chemistry is off the charts. She shimmies her shoulders for full effect and admits, "Darling, that goes without saying."

Gabby's eyes wander from head to toe and back up again and she smirks, "Looking good Isles, looking good."

Maura's smile is genuinely warm when she says, "Thank you Gabby. As always you have free reign to come and go as you please, just remember to set the alarm should you be the last one out. I highly recommend you make the most of the swimming pool for some low impact rehab and if you need anything please let me know."

"I will," Gabby says, making an effort to change her focus by walking over to the bed and checking the firmness of the pillows. She winces a little as she is still tender and is still required to take pain medication, however she is trying to survive on the bare minimum, which only worries Maura, but it isn't her liver and Gabby has made it obvious she has concerns.

"Thank you Maura, seriously. You've been there for me through the toughest of times and I honestly don't know what I'd do without you."

There's something about the timidity with which Gabby speaks that makes Maura wish she had chosen to make eye contact. It doesn't make it any less heartfelt, but it would have been nice to be able to look into her eyes when she said such thoughtful things. "You're very welcome."

Maura gently pats Gabby's shoulder before turning and walking towards the exit of the room. She stops and turns back to Gabby and says, "By the way, I've invited Kelly for dinner tonight. I hope you don't mind."

Gabby turns and looks at her with an incredulous look. Maura isn't sure if it's because of lingering animosity between the two women or because even though Gabby's a guest she felt the need to smooth things over.

"It's your house Maura." Gabby says firmly, "I'll be on my best behaviour, so don't worry about that, alright?"

Maura nods. There's more she would like to ask of Gabby, but she is hesitant. She opens her mouth to speak but clamps it shut. She will let Gabby settle in first before ambushing her with her idea.

"Spit it out, Isles." Gabby's tone is jovial, but her eyes are searching for answers. She's clearly picking up on the hesitant energy in the room.

Maura twists the ring on her finger and says, "I was hoping that you might take some time to talk to Kelly about Alexis. I got the impression this morning that she's yet to process her death, which is understandable given she only found out very recently what happened."

Gabby rubs the back of her neck. It's apparent this is the last thing she wants and Maura is expecting her best friend to decline the request. Gabby surprises her, "She only just found out? Nobody thought to tell her?" Her face looks shattered for Kelly, which is both surprising and endearing at the same time. "I don't know how she'll feel about it given our last encounter, but yeah, sure Maura, I'll talk to her."

"Thank you." Maura is pleased because her goal is twofold. To help both Kelly and Gabby, because Gabby has hardly said a word about Alexis since she has been in the hospital and that worries her. If she keeps pushing it down it will only make things worse and she desperately needs Gabby to recapture that piece of herself that gives her the will to live. Their future is rather bleak if she doesn't.

Gabby bridges the distance between them and places both hands on her shoulders. Maura tries to smile under her intense stare, but it's difficult. Gabby smiles softly and says, "You know I'd do anything for you, right? You don't have to hesitate to ask me anything."

Gabby's right hand moves up to brush several loose strands of her fringe away from her face and Maura can't help but lean into her hand and close her eyes. She yearns for this level of tenderness. She half expects Gabby to kiss her, but she doesn't. She pulls her into her arms and holds her tightly, gently burying her face against her shoulder. Maura can't help but press several kisses into the back of her head. The smell of Gabby's shampoo invokes memories of a different, more erotic time and she feels a shot of arousal hit her core.

It takes all of her will power to gently retract from what she has no doubt is meant to merely be a comforting hold and step away. Now is not the time to be reconnecting sexually, no matter what her body insists. Maura smiles softly and says, "I'm going to change into something more comfortable. Then I'll make us some lunch."

Gabby's look is a soft one. She eventually nods and says, "Sounds great. Thanks Maura."

When Maura asked her to talk to Kelly, Gabby's first thought was not a very positive one. However, Maura has been like a rock to her during what has been without any doubt the worst time in her life. From leaving Melissa, to losing her temper violently and being whisked away from Alexis, to the aftermath of Alexis' death and funeral. Maura has been there. She's been rock solid. It hasn't been lost on Gabby that her brush with death, or perhaps more pertinently the manner with which it came about, has left Maura feeling apprehensive at best and terrified at worst. Despite that, Maura has been, well, quite frankly, Maura. She hasn't let it get the better of her and she has just been who she is; kind and conscientious. So she swallowed down her own reservations and agreed for Maura's sake.

Gabby didn't count on her own mind getting the better of her again. After a pleasant enough dinner it was time to step up and she faltered. Not deliberately, of course. Maura excused herself to clean up and Gabby took that as her queue to invite Kelly outside to sit by the pool to enjoy the view and have a yarn. Only the moment she and Kelly were alone her mind flashed back to the night that everything started tumbling down around her. Kelly had been there that night. In many ways it was the conversation they shared where they buried their hatchets regarding Melissa that started the spiral of shit she has been dealing with ever since.

Alexis overhearing her declaration that Melissa remains the love of her life was something that put everyone on edge and didn't help matters when she eventually returned from walking out of Melissa's life altogether. Would Alexis have been more understanding if that didn't happen first? Would her agitation levels have been more controllable? Would she have not thrown a punch that she pulled mere inches from her girlfriend's face? Would she have not subsequently fallen into bed with Maura and been reminded that she would do absolutely anything for her? Would she have instead been with Alexis the next night when he came and tortured her to death? Could she have stopped all of it from happening?

All of these questions slammed into her psyche dragging her under with the strength of a violent undertow. Barely able to keep her head above the dangerous emotional waters she found herself traversing, she hurriedly excused herself and locked herself away in the bathroom. The worried confusion on Maura's face as she rushed past her in the hall on the way there, only added to the swell of emotion she found herself drowning in.

Ten minutes later Gabby stands with both hands gripping the basin so tightly her knuckles are white. She stares at her reflection in the mirror and hates what she sees. There are so many cracks in her armour that she barely recognises herself. When did she become this broken down and weary? When did she start letting her emotions dictate her actions to this extreme? How much further does she have to fall?

A soft knock at the door draws her attention.

"I need a minute," Gabby calls out, not feeling in any state to converse, let alone about the death of her first love.

"You've been in there a while," Kelly says, concerned enough for Gabby to pick up on it, even in her current state of emotional discombobulation. "Maura's worried."

Gabby sighs and looks back at the mirror. She doesn't want to worry Maura, not given everything she has done and keeps doing for her. She really doesn't, and yet it is all she can do to breathe right now without bursting into tears. She stares at her reflection and snarls under her breath, "Put your big girl pants on and get out there. You will do this for her, do you understand?"

Gabby turns on the cold water tap and scoops some water up and bathes her face in it several times. After she's done she towels off the excess droplets and stares into the mirror again. She has to do this. She will do this. "Get your shit together," she mutters under her breath right before she straightens her shoulders and opens the door.

Kelly is leaning against the opposite wall with her arms crossed over her chest and Gabby's eyes immediately hone in on hers. It's hard to tell, but she's pretty certain there's a part of Kelly that loathes her existence and she quite honestly can't blame her. Not given everything that has come before.

"She's in the kitchen. You should let her know you're alright."

Gabby nods and walks a few feet down the hall where she ducks into the kitchen. Maura turns at the sound of her footsteps and immediately Gabby can read her distress, it absolutely guts her. Is this what she's caused? Has she brought an otherwise confident and assured woman to her knees emotionally?

"Maura, I…"

Her voice trails out and she simply stares. She realises she doesn't know what to say. She doesn't know how to fix this. This morning she chose to disable the part of her brain that kept her awe of Maura's beauty in check because she thought Maura's confidence had been flat. She thought that she could do with the ego boost of being ogled and she wasn't wrong. It was welcomed and it put an extra pep into Maura's step. Pep that she has so clearly eradicated with a simple retreat that was so easily read through that Maura is now staring at her like something is really wrong.

"Is it always going to be like this?" Gabby asks, a hollow empty feeling settling against her ribcage.

"Like what?" Maura asks, drying her hands on a dish towel.

"You, worrying about me."

"You are still recovering from major surgery, Gabrielle. Of course I'm going to worry. Are you alright? Are you experiencing stronger than normal pain?"

Oh.

Gabby lets out a sigh of relief. She absolutely read the look on Maura's face wrong, which given her current inner turmoil makes perfect sense. She forces a smile and says, "Yeah, it's hurting. I think I've overdone the activity today, but that's not why I needed a minute."

"Why did you need a minute?"

Maura is in her personal space at this point and while their relationship is very much a delicate dance around burgeoning feelings, it is plainly clear that some of the walls Maura had erected are starting to crumble. A lot sooner than she anticipated, that's for sure. Still, she dare not make a move. Maura needs to be the one to decide the ways with which their relationship progresses; whether it progresses.

Gabby remembers this afternoon and how Maura melted into her touch and she smiles softly. She reaches out and tucks some pesky loose strands of hair back behind Maura's ear. Her eyes shimmer with so many questions and such beauty. "You are so beautiful, Maura."

Maura's smile is appreciative, but her eyes are having none of it. "Thank you, but that's not an answer, Gabrielle."

That's twice now her entire given name has fallen from such tantalising lips. This time she sounds mad. Gabby looks over Maura's shoulder at the clock on the wall and nods slightly as she fortifies herself. She looks back at Maura and says, "I'll tell you later, you have my word."

Maura nods and steps away. It looks like several of the walls that had come down have been reconstructed in record time and it absolutely pains her heart, but Gabby suspects it is for the best. Neither of them are in any place to be thinking about romance right now. She half turns towards the door and motions with her hand in that direction, "I'm gonna go do what you asked of me now, okay?"

"Thank you."

"Anything for you," Gabby says before disappearing around the corner back into the hallway.

She finds Kelly in the foyer about to open the front door and she hesitates for half a step. If she doesn't say anything she can avoid an uncomfortable conversation, at least for tonight anyway. However, if she does that then Maura may be disappointed. Crud. "Where are you going?"

Kelly stops, turns and shrugs. With a soft shake of the head she explains, "I didn't want to intrude. Felt like you two needed to talk."

"We're fine." Gabby motions towards the living room, "Come sit. Let's talk."

Kelly's eyebrows shoot upwards impressively. "What do we have to talk about?"

"Alex." Gabby says solemnly. Her heart clenches just thinking about it and she knows this conversation is going to bury her neck deep in feelings she doesn't want to deal with, but she suspects that's a secondary goal for Maura by asking her to do this.

"Isn't really much to say." Kelly says guardedly.

Gabby takes a deep breath to help swallow down her agitation. She understands Kelly's hesitance, but damn it, Maura wants this to happen and she is intent on delivering. "Maura thinks it would be good if we talked about it."

Apparently that does the trick because after staring apprehensively for a moment Kelly reluctantly nods and walks straight past her into the living room.

After they've both settled in positions sitting as far from one another as possible Gabby attempts to break the ice. "I'm sorry that you weren't notified of her death sooner. I wasn't in any state to take care of myself, let alone think about anybody else."

Kelly is silent for a while, but Gabby watches different emotions flicker across her face and she can tell that there's a world of hurt she's experiencing. She can't imagine how she would feel if someone forgot to tell her that someone she cared about passed away, because it doesn't matter how brief the thing was between Kelly and Alexis, it was obvious that night that Kelly cared. That she does care. That she feels betrayed by this whole situation.

Finally after some time Kelly looks over at Gabby, her eyes shimmering and she asks, "Did she suffer?"

Gabby closes her eyes and memories flash across the back of her eyelids. She remembers the dread as she climbs the stairs three at a time, which only doubles as she sees the blood smeared on the kitchen island and then she rounds the island to be confronted by the sight of Alexis propped up clutching at her body trying to stem the tide. Her eyes snap open and her fingers dig into the arm of the chair she's sitting in. The truth is horrendous. She wants to lie and say that it was quick, but there's zero doubt in her mind that Kelly would see right through it. As it is, her hesitance to answer is as good as admitting the truth.

Recognising that Kelly understands, Gabby skips over the question and tries to make the both of them feel better by saying, "She wasn't alone. I was with her… I held her…" she blinks away tears and turns her head. She can't make eye contact. Her words, her truth, it feels so hollow. "I should have been there," she utters sadly.

"Don't do that to yourself." Kelly says quietly, "Don't play the what if game. It doesn't change anything. You still have to live with it."

"I guess you have a bit of an understanding of how that feels huh?" Gabby asks gently, thinking about what Kelly went through in nearly killing Melissa in an attempt to save her after walking in on a very similar crime scene.

"Yeah, I do."

Gabby thinks on it for a while because she knows she has given Kelly a hard time about accidentally shooting Melissa and with a little hindsight she realises that was so very insensitive and cruel. She fell to fucking pieces when she found Alexis like that, if she had to save someone else she would have been useless. The fact Kelly held it together long enough to try and stop the guy is damn commendable. "You did good," she admits quietly. "I never should have given you shit about it."

"Yeah well, if I were in your shoes at the time, I'd have probably given me shit too."

Gabby smirks a little at the common ground, but all amusement fades as the ache in her chest just keeps growing. She really doesn't want to be talking about any of this. It hurts so damn much. She grasps at a much safer topic. "I'm sorry she chose Jane."

"No, you're not." Kelly says knowingly, "We both know that Jane brings her peace and purpose. They belong together."

Gabby sighs. Guilty as charged. It's hard being nice and believable. "Well, it still sucks for you. For that I am sorry."

Kelly nods and takes a few beats to think. Finally she asks, "So what happened?"

Gabby rubs her face with her hands and shakes her head. "I'm not sure you want to know the details."

"I meant with you. Jane said you nearly died."

Gabby looks away and closes her eyes, her heart throbs heavily against her ribcage, or at least that's how it feels as she is inundated with a flood of emotion, primarily her grief and depression. She hasn't been right since Alexis died in her arms and she's sure it's the mental side of things more than the physical that had Maura offering her home for recuperation once she was discharged from the hospital. She's in pain, mostly due to her stubborn nature at pushing the limits between rounds of pain medication, but she could manage on her own at home. She absolutely could. Physically. Emotionally however? Well that's an entirely different kettle of fish now isn't it.

"Sorry, I'm not meaning to pry. Whatever it was, I'm glad you're okay." Kelly says looking contrite and sounding quite genuine.

Memories from that evening holding Alexis in her arms flood back and she grits her teeth. This is why Maura wants her talking to Kelly. She has to talk to someone and Kelly, well, she's a perfect mix of kind enough, but won't be around for long. She won't have to look her in the eyes afterwards. Maura knows her too damn well. She swallows down her pride and quietly states, "I lost all will to live after Alex died."

"Did you hurt yourself?" Kelly asks, wide eyed. Clearly astonished by the revelation.

Gabby grimaces. "No. I went looking for trouble. I found it."

Silence falls between them for a while. It appears to be their pattern. Gabby wonders if it is because it's difficult for Kelly to see her as a person to be cared about given their last encounter prior to tonight. She has been surprisingly gentle. Gabby isn't sure if positions were reversed if she would have had the same grace Kelly has shown thus far.

"Well that was stupid, wasn't it?"

Gabby laughs, then winces as it causes pain to flare up. Kelly's delivery was the perfect level of sass combined with a genuinely concerned look on her face. It's as if she couldn't decide whether to care or just dig her boots in while she had a free shot and for some reason it simply tickled Gabby's sense of humour.

After breathing her way through the pain she says, "Yeah, it was. It's amazing the level of perspective you get in that moment you lay there waiting to die."

"Well you're lucky you didn't. Lexi wouldn't have wanted that for you Gabby. She loved you."

Kelly's attempt at genuine kindness feels like an absolute slap to the face, but not because of anything she intended. There's zero doubt in Gabby's mind that Alexis loved her. There's just so much guilt because the love she felt was never going to bloom into what it once was. It's a hard realisation that she's been struggling with since she was in the hospital and it only adds to all the hurt she's feeling.

She can't exactly tell Kelly the truth of the last twenty four hours before Alexis died. It's not just her own character she'd be assassinating, it would be Maura's too and for whatever reason it's obvious that Maura is getting some kind of something from her budding friendship with Kelly. She won't take that away, but she doesn't want to be viewed as sympathetic, she doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy, especially Kelly's. So she says, "I'm honestly surprised you even agreed to be in my presence after the last time we were in the same room together."

Instantly Kelly's face darkens. It really is that easy to poke the beast, it seems. A part of Gabby feels more comfortable with Kelly looking ready to tear her limb from limb, but is disappointed when the dark clouds that rolled in quickly roll away and Kelly just shrugs. "You didn't hit her and I imagine that almost doing so hasn't helped your mental state at all. Probably contributed to your decision to go looking for trouble too, huh?"

She isn't wrong.

Gabby sighs and says with scary conviction, "I'll never forgive myself for that night. Or the next one."

Kelly's head cocks to the side like she's had a dawning realisation, but she doesn't say anything to give any indication of her thoughts. Instead she pats her knees and stands. "Forgive yourself, I know Lexi would want you to."

Gabby laughs sardonically. "Trust me, she ain't ever forgiving me for that night, but it was nice of you to say."

"You were with her when it mattered. I like to think that means a lot more than any of the crap that came before." Kelly stretches and motions towards the exit, "I think you should talk to Maura. She cares about you. She'll take care of all of those emotional wounds you're nursing if you'll simply let her."

Gabby manages half a smile, not because of what Kelly said, but because the fact she even said it explains perfectly why Melissa cares or cared, or who even knows any more, about her. She's perceptive and kind. "I'll think about it."

Kelly nods, "Alright, well I'm going to say goodnight to Maura. Goodnight Gabby."

Gabby stands, "Let me walk you out."

He lights a cigarette and rolls the window down to let the smoke out. He draws and inhales deeply before making smoke rings on exhalation. It took years for him to master the art. It's also taken years to reach this point where the answers he yearns for are right within reach. A little more patience and he'll have them.

His phone dings, it's a text message from an unknown number. He opens it and looks at the included photograph and the attached message.

Teach her a lesson. Leave her breathing… for now.

He grins, brings his phone up and uses the zoom on the camera to get a better look at the three women milling around the front gate talking. He has his target. Now, he gets to have some fun and this bitch, well this bitch has it coming.

A/N: I know it's been a lil while, sorry. Life, ya know? Be prepared that it might be a four to six week wait on the next chapter as well. Just depends on the free time I end up with. Busy with life atm. I'll do my best to update as soon as I can though. I appreciate y'all staying with me. Thanks for reading, and please, feel free to tell me how you're feeling!