I just know that it was late in the morning before Candace finally knocked on the door and woke me up. Everyone else was already gone, and Candace said she'd let me sleep longer but we had plans. I had leftover eggs that the others had eaten. Had to eat quick though to make the bus. Didn't even get to shower, we were out the door while I was still chewing and pulling my coat on.
Candace didn't pry, but she let me know she was there if I needed to talk. I was still processing, I am still processing. I need to know what my results are from Dr. Laurie I think before I'm prepared to say anything about it.
We stopped by the store as we'd planned and picked up some canned goods. Candace insisted on canned pears, we also grabbed some vegetables, some soups, and a chocolate bar. Well, three chocolate bars, but only one made it to the church.
We made it to the church easily enough, which was good because I was so lost in thought. But Candace remembered the way and did a fantastic job getting us there. She confirmed with me every step of the way, which was the only way I was paying attention, but she did it. I told her later that she'd done such a good job, she could probably start taking the buses on her own.
The church was not very busy. I wasn't sure what I'd expect, so I can't say I didn't expect that. But still, it seemed wrong that there were so few people there.
As we walked up to the church, I couldn't help but feel it was familiar like I'd been there before. As we entered I realized why. We were greeted by Father Adamson, who had done the memorial service for victims of the place crash back in September. He greeted himself and said he was pleased that we'd shown up after learning we were there for Jane Doe. He did notice me looking around at all the room and agreed with me that it was sad there weren't more people. But he did relate that the local congregation had brought together a lot of supplies beforehand, just that most of them weren't able to be here today.
I asked if it was possible to meet Jane, I was a little worried that we might not be able to do that. Father Adamson apologized that the news reports had misunderstood his offer, and he hadn't intended for people to meet her directly. But, as there were so few here, and Jane was here, he said he'd ask.
When he returned, he had with him an older looking lady that matched the pictures I had seen on TV. She looked more lively than her pictures had, which was good. But she had a quality about her that I instantly recognized in Candace. An innocence, naivety, that is different from that of a child. She looked between Candace and I as Father Adamson introduced us, then he said he'd just be "over there" if we needed him.
Jane and Candace both seemed to turn inward upon meeting. They both studied each other as though looking for something familiar. But they couldn't have been more different. Where Candace is tall and svelte, Jane was only taller than me and humble. Not large, not skinny, but healthy. Candace is dark of skin and hair, and I'm still not sure about how old she is. Jane on the other hand has just enough color to appear tan, and her hair is graying. I'd place her around mom's age.
When I couldn't take the silence anymore I introduced myself and Candace. Jane took our offered hands, but she seemed to hesitate before saying "Jane." We hesitated ourselves, and so Jane prompted us asking if we were there about a job. I said no, but when I tried to explain why we were there I found myself hesitating because I was about to talk about Candace's amnesia to someone. I think Candace realized it too, and so she finished what I was about to say.
Once they were talking, I gave them space. I didn't want to leave, I was too curious what they had to talk about, but I didn't want to be looming. So I mostly just listened. In truth, they didn't have a lot to say at first. But they seemed to finally accept each others presence in a way that I couldn't. I knew if they got together they'd have that connection. Then they started asking each other questions, confirming each others experiences. What's this, have you noticed that, what do you think about? They had a similar sense of humor about things, stuff I'd take for granted, but they saw in the light of lacking context.
While they talked Hal called. I rejected the call and immediately texted him to apologize. He was hoping we could get some lunch together, but I told him I was busy and couldn't. But I was looking forward to seeing him when he was done for the day. He accepted that.
I don't know how much longer we sat their while they talked, but at some point Father Adamson came by to remind Jane about something. Jane apologized that she had to leave, but she asked if there was any way to get a hold of us. Candace gave her her phone number, and Jane said she'd call as soon as she could. And that was it.
It was neat seeing them come together like that. It was almost like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time, but at the same time they were just discovering each other and themselves. I know for a bit Jane was asking about me a lot, and I was happy to be included. But I think once Jane learned that I didn't have amnesia, she lost interest.
In a way I'm jealous, or envious. But the only way I can understand them the same way would be for me to lose my memory, and I just can't imagine doing that. I can't imagine looking at mom and not knowing who she is even as she's telling me.
Anyway, our bus ride home was quiet. I was still ruminating on things, and now Candace was too. Though between the two of us we kept enough of a head to catch all our stops.
Hal was calling me before we reached the last stop. He was a little concerned about whatever had kept me busy, he thought I might be meeting my doctor again or something. As before I simply told him I couldn't talk about it. So I changed the subject and asked about plans for tonight. When he didn't have anything to suggest, I asked if we could go out.
I had forgotten that we still needed to clean up Candace's place after last night. But Candace insisted that it was alright and for me not to worry about it. Though once we got back to her place I was able to look around and found that she'd already done most of the work. I still feel like a heel, but at least I know I wasn't leaving the place a mess.
So Hal picked me up and we went to Annie's. It wasn't fancy, but it was familiar. Things were a little awkward since I didn't want to talk about last night, and couldn't talk about today. But we were able to get back on to more geeky subjects, like the new remake of The Crow with Jason Momoa. We're both a little worried with all the remakes going on. They haven't all been bad, but they hadn't all been good either.
Afterward we went back to Hal's place. I realized I hadn't showered all day, so we took care of that.
Now I'm home, and very relaxed, and very tired. So I'm going to go to bed.
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