Chapter 6

Angela and Hope sat up for a majority of the evening talking about old times and just catching up on the things that had happened to them during the years they were separated. Both had dreamed of this moment for as long as they could remember, but reality was a cruel reminder. So much time had passed and although the love was still there, they realized that they could never truly reclaim what was lost. The only way they could make sure their beautiful love lived on was through Jane and Maura.

Angela handed Hope a cup of tea and sat down beside her. She simply smiled at her and sighed heavily.

"What's the matter?" Hope asked as she took a quick sip of the tea.

"Nothing at all is wrong. I'm just taken aback by how everything happened so fast, you know."

Hope nodded. "But they seemed to have taken it pretty well."

"I'd say so. I walked in on them in the kitchen earlier." Angela laughed.

"Oh, doing what?"

Angela frowned at her, "Misbehaving of course."

They laughed. "Well, that's a good thing."

"Jane asked me some pretty personal questions when Maura left the room."

"Like what?"

Angela chuckled and rose from her seat. She went to the kitchen quickly and returned with a bowl of grapes. She ate them quietly while Hope waited for her to tell her.

"Well?" Hope prodded her for an answer.

"She asked me who usually initiated when we were intimate."

Hope laughed out loud. "Wow, she's very direct."

"She is a detective, you know."

Hope nodded, "What did you tell her?"

Angela shrugged and winked, "I told her that I did."

Hope's mouth dropped open and she shook her head. "I can't believe you lied to her."

"I didn't lie; I just… stretched the truth."

"You've always liked to take credit where the credit was clearly mine." Hope raised her eyebrow and sipped her tea.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. We both know that I was evidently the more dominant one in our relationship. You were just more outspoken."

"Outspoken, huh?"

"Well," Hope giggled a bit, "A better word would be mouthy."

They both burst into laughter. "Okay, okay, you're right." Angela said. "It's probably the same way with them. Maybe not."

"Regardless, I'm happy to see them together."

Angela nodded, "Yeah, me too. They have so much energy and passion between them. Before they even started showing signs of love, you could just tell. Jane lit up whenever Maura walked into the room."

"Aww, that's so sweet."

Angela sighed and took Hope's hand. "Has too much time passed for us to try again?"

Hope stared at her for a few moments, silently sizing her up. "It's possible that it has. I mean, we've both lived full lives already."

"And?"

"I don't know, Ang." Hope looked down at their hands and then back up at her, "40 years have passed, and we are old now."

Angela's eyes widened, "Who's old? I'm not. Speak for yourself."

This solicited a gentle laugh from Hope. "Let me correct myself, please." She took a deep breath, and smiled at her, "I'm not young like I used to be."

"Neither am I."

"And I've had 2 children…"

"And I've had 3… So what?" Angela interjected.

Hope shook her head, "Are you going to allow me to finish?"

"Oh!" Angela zipped her lip and nodded, "Sorry."

"I'm very confident in my looks, but I'm not sure you will be content with an older wrinklier me."

Angela stared at her for a minute. "I can't believe you just said that."

"I'm serious."

"If my memory serves me correct, we are the same age right? We both are older and wrinklier. Does it affect how you view me?"

Hope shook her head negatively, "Of course not."

"Then why would you think that it would affect my view?"

Hope sighed heavily, "I'm sorry, Ang." Hope caressed her face. "This is so overwhelming. I never thought it would ever be possible to be sitting here with you like this again." Tears filled her eyes. "I just can't believe it!"

"I know, but we can't sit here and worry about the what ifs. I'm not saying that we try to relive the life we used to have, all I'm asking for is for you to try to make new memories with me."

"Okay."

"I mean it, Hope. It's time to put away the science brain, and start living with your heart. Don't you remember what it was like to feel every moment instead of thinking about everything?"

Hope nodded, "I do remember."

"It felt great right?"

"Yes."

"We've lived our lives. We're nearly in retirement stage."

"Oh wow, don't remind me!" She chuckled.

"If intimacy with me makes you uncomfortable, then just be my best friend again. I need that in my life. I need you."

Hope hugged her tightly, "It's not intimacy with you that frightens me a bit. It's the fact that I was never with another woman after you… Never. I wouldn't know what to do anymore."

Angela giggled lightly. "I'm willing to bet, when the moment is right, it'll all come back to you."

Hope gazed into Angela's eyes and they took a moment to exchange silent words transmitted through their eyes. Hope sighed and smiled.

"You are so right about that, Ang."

Angela pressed her face against Hope's and sighed, "So how about we stop worrying about aging so much, and let's just…Live?"

Hope smiled and nodded, "I think I can do that."

Angela giggled and hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy to have my best friend back."

"Me too, Ang. Thank you so much."

They sat in silence for a moment, hugging each other tightly. The memories of old times flooded back to them.

"You still feel the same," Hope whispered to her.

"I'd hope so. Maybe a little more squishy, but still the same ole me."

Hope laughed and kissed her softly on the cheek, "I've missed this so much, I've missed you."

Angela caressed her face and nodded. "Well, I'm here now, and I don't plan on going anywhere,: Angela said rising from her seat. She held out her hand to Hope.

"Where are we going?"

Angela shrugged, "I'm going to watch the tube in my room, and I'd like for you to come with me." She waited for Hope to take her hand.

Hope wasted no time grabbing her hand. "Do you remember how we would stay up for hours at your parents' house, watching those late night horror movies?"

"How could I forget?"

"I'm so glad you had that cousin who knew how to steal paid broadcasting from your neighbors."

"Me too. We were so bad!"

Hope laughed, "We certainly were, but that's what made us so good."

They walked hand and hand to Angela's bed room. "Don't get any ideas, Dr. Martin." Angela teased.

"Ideas? What ideas could I possibly conceive while we are lounging on your bed watching TV?" She winked at her.

"I'm willing to bet," Angela said moving closer to her, "You will be the first one to fall asleep tonight."

Hope nodded, "Is that right, Ang? Well I'm willing to bet that you will be the one."

"Since both of us think the other will fall asleep, how about we make sure we don't?"

"Oh really, by doing what?" Hope asked.

Angela smiled, "How about we take a stroll down memory lane?" She didn't have to say anything more. Hope got the point.

Hope blushed and nodded, "I think that's the best idea I've heard all year," she said as she closed the door slowly behind them.

Christmas Day, Dr. Isles' Residence

Tommy and Lydia were the last to arrive for the party. But that was okay. Since it was a smaller setting than that of the Dirty Robber's party, everyone was just casually lounging around. Angela had gone to change into a more festive dress, leaving Hope and the girls entertaining guests. Frankie had brought a new girlfriend and introduced her to the family. She was very sweet and friendly and as sharp as a tack!

Something funny had happened. When Frankie introduced his new love interest to Jane and Maura, he introduced Maura as Jane's "girl." It surprised them both, but they said nothing about it. Was it truly that obvious that they were a couple now? It would definitely make things easier for them, to say the least.

Maura had gone off into the kitchen to make some more of those sausage and cheese balls that Jane and Tommy had requested. She was gone for a minute before Hope decided to go and lend her a hand. As Hope entered the kitchen, Maura looked up and smiled at her mother.

"Hi." Her smile was bright and inviting.

"Hi there, I came to help you," Hope said softly.

"Oh, okay!" Maura said looking around. She pointed to the cookie sheet laying over on the counter by the fridge, "Could you hand that cookie sheet to me?"

Hope nodded and grabbed the sheet, placing it lightly in front of Maura. Hope watched her perform the task with such expertise and care. She couldn't help but be proud of this wonderfully made offspring of hers.

After Maura had placed the sausage balls in several rows and columns, she looked up at her mother and smiled.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Maura placed the meal into the oven and washed her hands. Afterward, she leaned back against the island and watched her mother watching her.

"Is everything okay?"

Hope nodded. "Yes, I was just admiring my beautiful daughter."

Maura smiled, "Aww, Hope. Thank you."

Hope walked over and stood beside her, mimicking her leaning position. "So how are things with Jane?"

Maura sighed contently, "They really couldn't be better. I mean, of course things could be better, but they are really good right now."

Hope nodded, "That's great. Jane loves you a lot."

"And I love her just as much."

"I know you do."

Maura felt her body tingling just thinking about Jane. She knew that Jane was close and probably thinking about the same things that she was thinking of. She shoved those thoughts into the back of her mind. Those very naughty thoughts would need to wait until later, when everyone else had left.

"How are things with you and Angela?"

Hope smiled and sighed. "Things are good. We have been revisiting our friendship and memories a lot lately. It helps to build a stronger and newer one."

"That's great!"

"I do love her very much." Hope said solemnly.

Maura nodded and touched her on the arm, "I know you do… Is there something wrong?" She asked, sensing that her mother wanted to talk about something more.

Hope simply stared at the floor and then she sighed. "Years ago, we had our whole lives ahead of us. But now," she shook her head, "I'm not sure what I have to offer her. There's no time!"

"Aww," Maura said, "You have your love and your time to offer her." She stepped in front of her, "Do whatever you two dreamed of doing when you were younger."

Hope gazed at Maura as her eyes glazed over with memories. She smiled as tears filled her eyes, "We used to dream about traveling, but she never thought her family could afford to send her places. So whenever we had some extra funds, we'd go places."

"How sweet."

"The only place we really went was to Niagara Falls. But I had to steal my father's car while my parents were in Florida to make that happen."

Maura's mouth dropped open, "You stole your father's car?"

Hope nodded, "I would do anything for her. I got in so much trouble, but it was worth it…" She sighed, "The smile on her face when she stepped up the rail and saw the Falls," she swiped a single tear, "That was so worth getting grounded for the entire summer."

Maura was amazed. Hope took risks for the one she loved. "You're amazing!"

"Even though I was grounded, I still found a way to see her and she found a way to see me." She started fumbling with a utensil on the island. "After the whole car stealing incident, Angela's cousin dropped her off at my house. We made love that night for the first time. It was magical, something that I'd never experienced before in my entire life. We were so young. We really shouldn't have been doing anything but we were drawn to each other."

Maura felt herself getting choked up thinking about the feelings between the two young lovers.

"I know what you can do." Maura said softly.

"What's that?"

"Travel the world with her."

Hope stood there for a minute, apparently running the idea through her head, and the slowly a smile crossed her face. "I don't know why I didn't think of that!"

Maura shrugged, "You were over thinking the situation. You're not elderly. You are not even 60 yet! You still have a lot of energy still in you."

Hope nodded and chuckled. "Yes, I believe you may be right."

"I know I'm right. I'm sure you've already made love to her, haven't you?" Maura raised her eyebrow and smiled.

"Yes, I have. And it was better than when we were teens. I couldn't believe it."

Maura chuckled, "Wow that is incredible."

"Travelling, huh?"

"Yes. Sit down and write a list of all the places you want to travel before you're say, sixty nine. And then check them off one by one. Life is too short."

Hope nodded, "You are so right." She caressed Maura on the face and kissed her on the forehead, "I think I'll do that with her tonight. Thank you!" She turned and walked into the living room with the rest of the company.

After the appetizers were done, Maura brought them out to Jane and the rest. Jane quickly came to her side and put her arm around her. "I missed you." She whispered in her ear, "You were gone too long."

Maura smiled. She loved being loved so much. "You wanted more of those sausage balls, didn't you?"

"I guess I did." She leaned in closer. "God, I want to make love to you so bad," she whispered to her.

"You'll get your chance… Later."

"You promise?"

Maura nodded and gave her one hell of a dose of eye sex, "Yes, I promise." Maura noticed that Jane was staring at her lips. "You should just do it already," she cooed.

Jane's eyes darted to hers. "What about our friends?"

"I'm sure they already know, but it if makes you feel uncomfortable then—"

Jane cut her off with a tender kiss. Their lips met and locked for a few moments, before they disengaged. There they did it. Their first public display of affection in front of their friends and family.

There were no gasps, no crazy looks, and definitely no heart attacks. They looked around and no one was really paying attention to them. Frankie was looking on with a smile and Lydia was blushing, but everyone else was just enjoying their time together. Tommy had T.J. bouncing on his lap, while popping back the sausage balls. He had glanced up and winked at them, while smiling like a goofy kid.

Jane was surprised, but very satisfied. She had worried that her brothers would take it hard. After all, both of them had tried to get with Maura and failed miserably, but it was just fine. She smiled and looked at Maura.

"Merry Christmas, baby," Jane whispered to her as she kissed her lightly on the top of the head.

Maura closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment of pure satisfaction, "Merry Christmas, my love." Her emotions were on overload as she fought back the tears.

Hope watched on at the two of them and began to wonder where Angela had gone. Around about the same time that she began to wonder, the front door opened slowly, and in walked Angela dressed in a beautiful red evening dress, fitting to her form perfectly. It seemed like everyone in the room stopped and turned to look at her.

Jane's mouth dropped open as well as Frankie and Tommy's, but Angela wasn't dressing for them. She had put on this dress solely for Hope. She closed the door behind her and crossed the room. Hope couldn't believe her eyes. When Angela came into the room she lit it up like a runway. She met her halfway and greeted her with a hug.

"Oh my goodness, Ang…" She said turning her around to check out her whole outfit, "You look dazzling."

Angela chuckled and smiled, "Well, thank you. You're too kind."

Hope swallowed hard. There was no doubt that Angela had caused something to stir inside of her. "No, oh my god… You're so beautiful."

Angela nodded, "Thank you. I wanted to dress nicely for you."

Hope was the more emotional of the two. She brought her hand up to her mouth and held it back. Her eyes betrayed her though. Tears glistened in her eyes as she beheld her beautiful friend. She had been controlling herself for the sake of Angela's family, but she couldn't take it any longer. She reached out and pulled her into her embrace, and hugged her tightly.

"You're like fine wine," she whispered into her ear. "You've gotten better with age." Hope pulled away and smiled at her. In Hope's eyes, Angela saw a renewed love that she never thought was possible. She had never imagined that anyone could ever look at her the way Hope was looking at her at this moment.

Jane and Maura came over and put their arms around their mothers. Today was a great day. Two set of lovers, two generations of love, together in the same place, occupying the same space and time. If fate brought these four together, then somebody needed to give fate a fucking high five, because this was amazing! Jane and Maura thought their love was unmatched, until they witnessed their mothers' love.

And just think; this happy ending couldn't have ever happened if it weren't for Maura and her secret admirer.

[End]

Note: Thank you for reading. I enjoyed writing. I plan to write more, so add me to your watch list, and be alerted when I post new stories! Thanks!