As Aaron made his way back to sit beside her, she gave him a reassuring smile, and began to focus on the reverend again. Once it became apparent that the ceremony was just about over, however, Cadence realized that the red-headed woman was gathering up her purse. She was certain Aaron had no idea what was going on--even though he always seemed to know everything; this situation had to be off of his radar. Cadence had to make a decision. As the reverend asked everyone to bow their heads one last time as he went to the Lord, the woman Cadence believed to be Amanda Keen stood and made her way to the nearest exit. With only a second's hesitation, Cadence bolted as well, hoping that if anyone noticed, they would think she was just overcome with emotion.
She lost track of her as soon as she was out of Christian's view, and since the red-head was closer to the back of the chapel, and therefore, the parking lot, she almost lost her completely. It wasn't until she heard the car start that Cadence realized where she was. She sprinted to the edge of the parking lot, grabbing the door of the Toyota Camry as the lady threw it into reverse. Cadence was strong enough to make the car jolt a bit, and even though she was glancing over her shoulder in preparation to back out, she noticed the lurch and turned back, shocked to see the brunette physically retaining her car.
Cadence banged on the window with her free hand, the one that wasn't tugging on the frame of the car near the top of the driver’s side door. There was certainly some hesitation before the woman rolled the window down just a crack. Cadence took advantage. "I'm so sorry to bother you, ma’am," she said over the sound of the engine, "but can I speak to you for just a moment?"
Again, there was some trepidation, but the driver slid the shifter into park, and rolled down the window just a fraction of an inch more. "I need to go," she said, clearly uncomfortable.
"I am so sorry to keep you," Cadence replied. "But, you're Amanda, aren't you?" she asked.
The expression on the woman's face confirmed Cadence's suspicion, though at first Cadence thought she might deny it. Eventually she said, "Look, I haven't seen or spoken to Elliott since 1997. I just came.... I don't know why I came."
"But you did," Cadence reminded her. "You did come. And," she took a deep breath, "it would have meant so much to him."
Amanda Keen nodded. "I've got to go," she repeated herself.
"Of course. I'm so sorry," Cadence said, letting go of the car. "Thank you," she said. Then, as Amanda started to roll up her window, she added, "He loved you, you know." If he hadn't had a chance to say it himself, she would say it for him.
Amanda looked skeptical. But she didn't address the statement. Instead, she reversed the window just a bit and said, "I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend," before rolling the window up and pulling out of the parking spot.
Cadence let her go. She wasn't sure if Elliott would be proud of her, or if he would want to throw something at her, but either way, she had done everything she could. Amanda would have some things to think about, perhaps, but at least she knew the truth. And hopefully, eventually, she would be able to handle it.
The sounds of other cars leaving the parking lot and footsteps on concrete made her realize the service was over. She turned to see Aaron a few steps away from her, his hands deep in the pockets of his black suit pants. She couldn't tell by his expression if he had any idea what was going on or not, but she was sure her sister must be worried sick.
"I'm sorry," she started. "I had to catch her."
"Amanda?" he asked as she stepped over, stopping in front of him.
"Yes. She came. Can you believe it?"
While he hadn't looked particularly confused before, he did now, and Cadence realized he had no idea why this was so important to her. He simply said, "I'm glad you were able to speak to her."
She opened her palms, indicating that she wanted his hands, which he gave to her, and looking him in the eyes, their piercing blueness finally back in all their splendor, she said, "He loved her. And he wouldn't tell her--for whatever reason. I think he didn't know how to balance his job with a relationship with a human, so he just let her go. It's horribly romantic and sad at the same time. But now she knows."
He stared at her for a moment, his expression flickering between skepticism, perplexity, and infatuation, before wrapping his arms around her, still standing in the parking lot, and saying, "Cadence, you see people much differently than I see them. Elliott was my best friend for decades, but I think you knew him more intimately than I ever did. You never cease to amaze me."
"Thank you," she smiled as he leaned in to kiss her, despite the passersby. Once he released her, she said, "I need to find Cass. She's probably wondering where I went."
"She's fine," he assured her, turning and taking her hand. "Walk with me."
Now it was Cadence's turn to be confused. "Where are we going?" she asked, letting him lead her.
"This way," he replied, not elucidating any information.
The compound had a series of connecting pathways that wound around the buildings and through much of the open spaces, sort of like a jogging path. He began to lead her in the general direction of one of the park-like areas, where there was a fountain and plenty of trees. It was rather hot outside but since neither of them reacted to the weather the same way that humans did, it made little difference, despite their black clothing, and she continued to walk along with him in silence, all the while wondering where they could possibly be going.
