First Day Back

I don't own Rizzoli and Isles, but I wish I did.

Driving up to the mismatched buildings of Boston East High School, Maura pulled her car into a spot labeled staff. Maura didn't know what to expect from her new job since she had been hired over the phone at the last minute. Apparently, the school was in serious need of a science teacher who could teach AP Anatomy and AP Biology. Maura was in serious need of a change, so she took the job.

Shouldering her purse and tote bag, Maura followed the steady stream of teachers who were filtering through the front doors. Around her was a cacophony of greetings, laughs, and occasional grumbles as teachers saw friends whom they hadn't talked to all summer. Unsure of where to go, Maura navigated her way through the throng of teachers to a room labeled, "Front Office." Pulling open the heavy wooden door, Maura stepped into the warm room. As she looked around, Maura could see old photographs of graduated classes from as early as the 1920s and memorabilia from the school's different sports and clubs adorning the walls. Behind a large wooden check-in desk was a buzz of activity.

Teachers were darting back and forth through small hallways that branched off from the main office and led to rooms where only faculty members were permitted. The secretaries at the main desk were busy answering phones and most likely sending emails to the staff reminding them of the numerous meetings planned for the week.

Politely clearing her throat, Maura caught the attention of one of the busy secretaries. A woman with a kind face sporting a shirt that read Boston East Bulldogs smiled. "Hi, honey. How can I help ya?"

"Hello, I'm Dr. Maura Isles, the new science teacher. I'm not quite sure where to go."

"Hi, I'm Angela!" the secretary chirped. "Everyone is meeting in the cafeteria at 8:30. The PTSA provided breakfast this year, so make sure you get there before it's cleared out." The secretary then looked around and added in a conspiratorial voice, "The coaches tend to load up and forget to leave food for the others, so you should hurry."

"Duly noted," Maura chuckled. "Well, could you please tell what direction the cafeteria is then?" Maura shifted on her feet as she adjusted the bag on her shoulder.

"Sure, it's…" Angela broke off as she caught sight of a dark-haired woman who was about to dart around the corner. "Janie! Get over here!" she shouted and waved her hand at the woman.

The dark-haired woman stopped at the sound of her name and redirected her footsteps towards the secretary. She stopped next to Angela's desk. "Ma, I'm busy. What do you need?" the woman groused.

"Don't Ma, me, young lady! It wouldn't hurt you to be a little less grumpy. You'll never meet anyone with that attitude," Angela reprimanded as she shook a disapproving finger at her daughter.

Jane placed her hands on her hips and huffed, "Fine. Again, what do ya need, Ma?"

Angela turned her kind eyes towards Maura and with a twinkle in her eye addressed her daughter, "Could you show," Angela paused, "I'm sorry, what was your name again?" she asked apologetically.

"Dr. Maura Isles, but please call me Maura." Maura hoped she had schooled her features to come off as casual yet professional. She really wanted to make a good first impression.

"Maura," Angela began again, "to the cafeteria for breakfast and the faculty meeting?"

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Jane replied, "Sure, Ma." Then quickly cutting her eyes over to the woman and back to her mother, she quietly added in an embarrassed whisper which Maura almost missed, "And don't call me Janie. We've talked about this!"

Angela ignored her daughter's admonishment and turned back to the doctor. "It was nice to meet you, Maura. Let know if you ever need any help. I apologize in advance for my daughter," Angela smirked.

Jane turned her full attention towards the doctor for the first time and was taken aback by the woman before her.

Damn, she is gorgeous!

Jane couldn't help but admire the doctor's appearance. Maura had soft honey blonde hair that was impeccably styled. Her face had sharp, elegant features with dark lashes that framed her rich hazel eyes. She was wearing cream colored four inch Jimmy Choo heels with an elegant A-line burgundy dress by Ralph Lauren. Granted, Jane would have had no clue who the designers were if you asked her, but she could appreciate the doctor's style.

Who wears fancy clothes on the first day? She's just going to get them dirty working in her classroom? Obviously, this woman has never taught high school before.

Maura sized up the woman before her as well. She had a tall, slender, and fit frame. Her obviously unruly dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but this only accentuated her high cheek bones. Maura admired her natural olive skin, dazzling white smile, and warm brown eyes. However, she was surprised by the brunette's attire. Jane was sporting red athletic shorts and a black t-shirt that read, "Boston East Bulldogs Got Bite!"

She's breathtaking. I wonder what she would look like in a dress or, better yet, a suit.

At this point, Jane realized she was staring. "Hi, I'm Jane Rizzoli. If you haven't already figured out, I teach here and that woman, "she hitched her thumb over at Angela, "is unfortunately my mother."

"Hey!" Angela indignantly interjected.

Ignoring her mother, Jane extended her hand to the doctor.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Maura Isles." Maura blushed and took the proffered hand.

Jane noticed the blush creeping up to the doctor's cheeks and was slightly puzzled by the woman's reaction.

The two stood there holding hands for a little longer than necessary until a throat cleared behind them. The noise snapped the two women out of their reverie, and Jane caught the smirk on her mother's face.

"Ok, let's go," Jane gave her mother a pointed look and then directed Maura towards the door. Before Maura could reach the handle, Jane was already opening it for her. Without thinking, Jane lightly placed her hand on the small of Maura's back and moved her out into the lobby.

Secretly pleased by the small gesture, Maura smiled, "Thank you."

"No problem. C'mon, follow me." Jane motioned towards the hall on their right.

As they walked, the faint murmur of the faculty's voices grew louder. Never one for awkward silences, Jane turned to Maura flashing her a bright smile and asked, "So, what brings you to Boston East?"

Maura appreciated Jane's friendliness, but she tended to be a little shy when talking to new people in casual conversations. "Well, I just needed a change from my previous situation," Maura responded.

Jane could tell that Maura was leaving a lot unsaid, but she didn't push it since she didn't know the woman very well.

"Sooo," Jane drawled, "I'm guessing that the Doctor in your title means you did something in medicine or higher Ed. I sure hope that's the case because we could really use someone worth their salt teaching our AP Bio and Anatomy classes."

"That's very astute of you, Ms. Rizzoli. I do have a background in medicine, and t hose are the courses I will be teaching." Maura couldn't help but smile at the gregarious woman.

Afraid that she came off as insulting another department, Jane backpedalled saying, "I mean don't get me wrong. We have a stellar science department, but those classes' scores and numbers have really been suffering under Mr. Pike."

Maura gave Jane a puzzled expression, so Jane continued, "You see. He is NOT a favorite teacher around here. He's incredibly incompetent, arrogant, and doesn't get along with students OR teachers."

Decidedly pleased by the recent turn of events, Jane gave a devilish grin.

"I bet Pike's going to love that a young and attractive…umm…I mean a young and highly qualified teacher will be taking over his beloved Anatomy class." Jane flushed bright red and scratched the back of her neck at her slip up.

Maura caught Jane's slip but mercifully didn't address it.

"I'm certain that he will be very professional with the transition," Maura stated although she wasn't quite sure that was going to be the case.

Jane snorted, "I hope you're right, Dr. Isles."

Then without missing a beat, Jane added, "If he decides to be an ass and gives you any trouble, let me know. I'll take care of him."

Maura was surprised by the sincere look in Jane's eyes, and thanked her for the offer.

The pair stopped at the entrance of the cafeteria, and Maura politely said, "Thank you for escorting me, Ms. Rizzoli. I truly appreciate it."

"Please, Dr. Isles. Call me, Jane," she added softly.

"Only if you call me Maura," the doctor replied looking into Jane's warm brown eyes.

Tearing her gaze away from the doctor, Jane glanced at her watch and mentally cursed herself.

"Shoot, I've gotta run. The principals wanted to talk with the coaches before the meeting starts. I'll catch up with you later. Have a great first day!"

"You, too," Maura waved.

Maura watched as the brunette dashed off in the direction of the main office hollering greetings at all those who past her. Allowing a small smile to form on her lips, Maura felt hopeful about her decision to come to Boston East.

"OK, Maura. Here goes nothing." With that, Maura stepped into the bustling cafeteria.