11th January 1966, George and Jane, Wimpole St.

[harigeorgeson]

I knew it was a mistake, but I ended up on the doorstep of the Ashers' house unannounced with my collar pulled up and my sunglasses on, hoping no one would see me before Paul answered. It seemed like a better place to have a talk with him at least. Wouldn't be able to do anything there, with family all around and Jane herself hopefully. Wouldn't be

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[janey_asher]

I had just taken the cookies out of the oven, setting the tray on the stove. Mum and Dad had taken Clare out to buy a new set of earrings and Peter was out with Gordon, celebrating the new release of their single. So to pass the time while Paul was out as well, I decided to bake a batch of cookies. The house was filled with the delicious aroma of baked goods and as a knock came from the front door, I furrowed my eyebrows wondering who it could be.

Usually around this time of day it was a fan or two, asking for Paul which was something we had all been accustomed to. Taking off my apron and setting it to the table, I walked down the hallway and to the front door, peering out the side. There on the front step stood a gangly looking figure with the collar of his shirt turned up.

I opened up the front door, raising an eyebrow. "George?" I asked, stepping to the side to allow him through the door frame. "Paul isn't in right now..."

[harigeorgeson]

I walked past her, into the... incredibly homey, as always, place that Paul somehow lived. "Oh," I said, pulling off my shades. Didn't much like the idea of just going right back after taking the time to come see him. One of the problems of dropping in unexpectedly.

I furrowed my brow. "Any chance you know when he'll be back in?" I asked slowly, not wanting to sound as disappointed as I was.

[janey_asher]

I focused my eyes on the grandfather clock in the corner of the livingroom, wondering when Paul would be back. He only left a half hour earlier to Kenwood to see John but I didn't know whether to mention that to George or not.

"I can't be certain," I said, feeling bad for not knowing much more about it. "He could be out for a few more hours, for all I know."

I paused for a moment, wondering if he would like to go on his way or not. "I've just made a batch of cookies, if you'd like to stay and have a few. Or if you've got somewhere else to be..."

[harigeorgeson]

I chewed on the inside of my lip, considering. Staying for a while in case he came back could be a gesture in itself, but I didn't want it to be one Paul misread. If he didn't get back before I had to leave, he'd find out I was here and could jump to all sorts of conclusions before I had a chance to smooth it over.

I hated having to think like this--plotting out every move. But you had to with Paul. Just how Paul was.

Realizing how I must look to Jane as these thoughts went through my head, I forced a smile. "Got nowhere to be, if you wouldn't mind poor company."