Jane Rizzoli
"Mommy?" A small voice called out in the back of my mind, but my eyelids seemed too heavy to open up.
"Shh, Mommy's still sleeping."
"When's she gonna be awake?"
"Soon, sweetheart."
I felt my lips curling into a slight smile before I slowly managed to open my eyes, smiling brightly when I saw Maura sitting next to my bed with Isa in her lap, the girl resting comfortably, her short legs dangling on either side of Maura's legs.
"Look," Maura whispered in Isa's ear. "I think she heard you!"
Isa gasped as she saw my eyes open. "Mommy!" She leaped forward but Maura stopped her, wrapping her arms firmly around the girl's waist.
"Careful, honey."
"Oh." Isa slumped back down but I opened my arms for the little girl.
"Careful hug?" I whispered.
Isa smiled happily and climbed on the bed with help from Maura, carefully reaching down to wrap her short arms around my neck, her curly dark hair tickling my skin.
"I'm okay, love," I whispered. "You don't have to be worried anymore." I heard soft sniffles coming from my little girl and smiled sadly. A girl her age shouldn't feel these kinds of emotions. "I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry I let the bad guy get to me."
"Did you get the bad guy in the end, Mommy?" Isa asked quietly, her voice muffled by the sheets and my hair.
"Yeah, we did."
Isa nodded. "Good."
I gently pulled my daughter close but hissed when I moved my leg and felt the amount of pain that shot from my upper leg up to my hip. Isa immediately pulled back, looking guilty.
"Not your fault, baby," I said softly, my brow still furrowed in pain. "Painkillers are wearing off."
"I'm calling a nurse." Maura pushed the button on the side of the bed.
I just hummed, slowly adjusting my leg under the blankets as I watched Isa sliding off the bed and standing in between Maura's legs, the blonde's arms wrapping around her stomach. She smiled at me, "How did you sleep?"
"Good. Like I've been in a coma." I smirked, turning my head towards my dear friend and daughter.
Maura frowned and averted her gaze towards the nurse walking in with painkillers and something to eat. The painkillers worked like a charm and I spent the rest of the day in a comfortable haze.
Ma came by which brought a bright smile to Isa's face as she played peacefully while my brothers and colleagues stopped by later that day.
After a restless night without my young one, I was allowed to go home. Maura insisted I'd use a wheelchair and I protested for a few minutes before allowing her to help me into the car. I was incredibly happy to be back home.
I settled on the couch, Maura bringing my leg up with a few pillows before hurrying off to get a cup of coffee ready. "Maur," I stopped her, "You don't have to stay here and play nurse. I'll be fine. Ma's here—"
