White Rose

Chapter 22: Teresa's POV

A/N: Wow I hit 2.03K reads overnight! I am so grateful for everyone's acceptance of both me and my stories. It's amazing!

~*~

I heard my phone start to ring and looked at the clock, 7:00 AM. I try and reach for my phone but fail miserably as Jane tightens his grip around my waist.

"Janeee." I mumbled and struggle to reach for my phone. He loosens his grip just slightly and I am able to reach my phone, "Agent Lisbon."

"Lisbon, good morning. How are things?" I'm greeted by Abbott's deep voice.

"As good as they're gonna get." I answer honestly, "Any news?"

"We have a lead but I can't share that with you. Tommy seems to be recovering well, but it's a slow process." Jane starts to tickle my back and I try my hardest not to laugh, "We are still looking for James. There hasn't been any sign of him yet." I let out a sigh, "We've located Stan and his family and have moved them into protective custody."

"Thank you Sir. Please, keep me updated."

"I'll do my best Teresa. Get some rest."

"Yes Sir." I hang up.

"Jane staahp!" I exclaim and burst into a fit of giggles as he continues to tickle me, "That was Abbott!"

"I know." He replies casually, "Just trying to calm you down."

"Thanks." I say when he finally stops tickling me.

"It's nothing." he smiles and brushes a strand of hair away from my face, "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"

My cheeks feel like they're burning and I look away from him, "Are you sure about this? About us?" I don't even know what I'm saying right now. The words just come out.

"I love you." He states seriously, placing a hand on my cheek, "I want us to be happy. If you're not happy with me then so be it. I'm happy with you."

"I love you too." I reply happily and kiss him, capturing his lips with mine, "But this is so difficult for me and Annie." I blush, "I mean I guess it's difficult for you too. I'm sorry I didn't even think about that."

"It's alright Teresa." I love how my name rolled off of his tongue.

"Thank you Patrick." I kiss him again, "We should go wake up Annie."

"I'll do it!" Jane exclaims happily.

"You sure?"

"Please, let me." Jane says and rises from the bed, kissing my forehead before he runs out.

~*~*~

This was amazing, whatever it was. My whole world was crashing down around me, and he could still make me smile and laugh. It was a happiness I hadn't felt, well ever, really. But Tommy was still in the hospital and James was still missing. The boys were my everything, the reason I became who I am. If I didn't have to take care of them I never would have become an agent. I felt a warm tear start to fall down my cheek. I angrily wiped it away but doing so only aided more to fall. Before I knew it I was sobbing and gasping for air.

"Teresa?" Jane asked concerned, walking cautiously back into the bedroom.

"I'm okay." I managed to choke out, my voice breaking, "How's Annie?"

"She's fine." He offers a sad smile and sits down next to me on the bed, "But how about you?"

I keep crying and gasping for air and I feel his warm hand start to run up and down my back, "I'm okay."

"Teresa it's okay." He kisses the crown of my head and pulls me into his arms. I bury my face in his chest and keep crying, he keeps running his hand up and down my back.

"I'm strong." I cry out. He was never supposed to see me like this.

"Yes you are love. You're the strongest person I know. We're gonna get through this okay?" I look up and see nothing but care and concern in his heaven blue orbs, "It's okay to cry."

"I'm scared Jane." No matter how hard I try I can't stop crying.

"I know love, I'm scared too. It's alright I'm right here. It's okay. Just breathe. Deep breaths. In and out, okay?"

I nod and bite my lip, breathing the way Jane told me to, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright to cry Teresa." His hand continued to run the length of my back and he presses his cheek against mine, "It's okay to let your walls down."

"But what if I can't build them back up?"