Let Me In (book 2 - follow on from Abandoned)

14

Jane's PoV

To say I've been distracted this last week would be an understatement, trying to juggle work, Maura, Steven and the bar is getting difficult. I just don't seem to be getting the balance right and I'm not getting any time to myself and it's really fucking my head up.

That's why I'm here now sat in my office at school at 5am on a Sunday morning surrounded by paper work grading, smelling like I've been out all night drinking and smoking when in reality I was working at the bar.

Maura and I had rescheduled our date to tonight because of what happened with Steven. He's been crashing on my couch all week, I don't mind he's a good kid but I just have no space. Finishing yet another cup of coffee I finish up my grading and complete two weeks of lesson plans at least then I only have to worry about my grading.

Finally I can have some time to myself letting myself into my music room flicking the lights on i find myself smiling at the instruments I haven't played for myself for a while and oh god have I missed it.

Settling myself down in front of the cello knowing that I need to find peace and relax I draw the bow back and begin to play Le Carnaval des Animux letting it fill me I keep playing falling from one piece of music to the next. The more I play the more I loose myself slipping to places I don't want to go in my mind. My hands hurt.

Maura's PoV

"What do you mean she never came in?" I ask shocked as Steven panics on the phone

"I mean I woke up and she's not here plus her bikes not outside! You don't think she's still at the bar do you?" He asks

"I hope not, not at 6am!" I snap unintentionally

"What time did you leave?"

"She told me to go home at half eleven, said she knew I was tired so I did" I sigh

"Well you have been Maura, I know how stressful it's been with the bar and school and well with me.." Steven quietly says

"Don't do that Steven, we have told you we will both help you and be here for you! Right I'll see you later I'm going to get dressed and head for the bar."

"See you later" he yawns cutting the call off

When I get to the bar and Jane's bike isn't there and the place is in darkness I sigh there's only one other place I can think she will be and that's the school. Low and behold when I pull onto the lot her bike is parked at the top end closest to the music department.

Frowning I park next to her bike and make my way into the school unlocking the door as she's locked it which is unusual for even Jane making me question exactly how long she's been here.

The silence of the corridors is broken by a chilling piece of music that is full of sorrow.

Now I understand why Jane is here, she hasn't had time to herself all week. She needs this release, standing there torn between if I should go to her or leave her to play. Most people would only hear someone playing a piece of music, yet all I can hear is the torment and pain that she's trapped by.

As I walk down her corridor the only light is coming from her music room I lean against the door frame taking her in as she continues to play with her eyes closed, the way her brow furrows as she concentrates trapped in her mind, the way her fingers gracefully move along the strings as her strong toned tanned arm moves the bow.

"I know you're there Maura." Jane's voice shakes as she speaks

"How?" I smile even though she still hasn't opened her eyes