Girls

8. Girl Friends (pt. 1)

****Maura's POV****

"So, uhm....I kinda wanted to ask you something. W-well, two things really....." Jane said, rubbing the back of her neck. We were leaving Human Anatomy and Physiology class, and Jane was walking me to my locker and then my car.

"What is it?" I asked her.

"Well, uhm....tonight is the big rival game, a-and us players usually give our away jerseys t-to our girlfriends since we play in the home jerseys....ah, uhm well n-not that I've ever had a g-girlfriend.....a-and not that I'm implying that y-you're my g-girlfriend....I-I mean, you're a girl a-and you're my friend b-but....you're not my girlfriend.....and, I-uhm.....I-I don't want to freak you ou-" Jane nervously stuttered, fidgeting with the strap of my book bag that she was carrying for me.

"Jay?" I softly said, placing my hand on her arm and interrupting her rambling.

"Y-yes?" she asked.

"If you're asking me to wear your jersey tonight, which I'm almost positive you are, then the answer is yes." I smiled, giggling at how cute Jane was.

"Really? You'll wear it?" Jane blushed.

"Yes, Jane." I giggled.

"Great!!" she exclaimed.

"So, what is the second thing you want to ask me?" I questioned.

"Well, my folks and I are heading to my uncle's spot for dinner after the game.....and, I would love for you to come with us." Jane smiled, slipping her arm around my shoulders.

"Would you, now?" I asked, a sly smile on my face.

"Mhmm. My ma is dying to meet the girl that helped me get a B on a science quiz. She wants to annoy the hell outta you like she does me and Liv." she smirked.

"Oh, I'm sure your mother isn't actually that annoying." I said, and Jane looked at me.

"Are you kidding me? 'Janie, you should wear a skirt to school', 'Janie, why do you insist on playing baseball? You need to do something girly, like cheer', 'Janie, when are you gonna get a boyfriend?', 'Janie, stop rough-housing with your brothers'....." Jane mocked her mother, her change in tone making me giggle.

"Well, I'm sure she does it out of love! I wish my mom was that warm and invested into whatever I'm doing." I told Jane, finding my smile fading as I spoke the second sentence.

"Aw, shit....I'm sorry, Maur." Jane softly said, moving in front of me and cupping my cheek.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I mean, it isn't your fault that I have emotionally neglectful parents." I nearly whispered, fighting the urge I had to cry.

"Ya know what? I'll tell you the same thing I told Olivia a while back....you got me, and if you got one Rizzoli then you got us all! I'll share my ma and pop with you, too, Maur." Jane told me, making me smile at how incredibly sweet she was.

"You're such a sweetheart, Jay." I smiled at her, placing my hand on top of her hand that rested on my cheek.

"Well, I-" Jane started.

"Oh, look! Jane Rizzoli's macking with Maura the Bore-a...." a female's voice interrupted. Jane and I both turned to see Katherine 'Kate' Graham and Deborah 'Debbie' Nichols, the school's mean girls, watching us and giggling....and I frowned as I realized they were teasing me and Jane.

"Don't call Maura that, Debbie!" Jane spat, unconsciously pulling me closer to her.

"Uh oh, Debbie. I think you struck a nerve with Jane!" Kate smirked.