"Thank you for coming."

"Of course, dear. If you need anything..."

"I will be fine."

Shake hands. Say thank you again. Repeat.

Funerals were more draining, not because of the open coffin or the urn sitting there to remind you that someone has died, but the empty promises from people you barely know. Of course, at least Jack had some leeway to be despondent, as it was Jane's mother laying in the casket. Jack knew some about the woman, had some brief interactions, but Jack was biased as Jane never said that they were dating to her mother.

She should be bitter at the woman, but it was too hard.

Being angry at the dead was something Jack figured she excelled at, but to be angry at the dead woman at the funeral was hard. It was easier to be angry at the asshole who showed up only because she was dead and there was chance they'd be in the will.

The bastards.

The worst part had to be the fact that Jane had to stand at the entrance of the church and shake hands with them. Repeat the process and not necessarily be able to grieve.

Jack decided that her funeral would involve more fun and swearing.

"Thanks for coming."

Jack also hoped that Jane would be able to still smile after all this. Sure, she was smiling now, but Jack knew it was fake. The kind you put on for strangers to make them feel comfortable enough to ignore your pain.

The line finally ended and Jane and Jack stood at the entrance of the church in silence for a long time. Jane just left her hand in the air after the last funeral goer, as if she knew she'd have to go downstairs to where they were all waiting and eating and whatever it was you do at funerals, and she'd have to do it all again.

Or maybe it wasn't at all real for Jane yet.

"Hey, we've got people waiting downstairs for you," Jack said gruffly.

"I... don't think I want to go." Jane replied, her voice betraying just how hurt she really was.

Jack was silent, unable to say anything in response.

"I don't know anyone down there." Jane said, slowly lowering her hand.

"The people from homeroom are down there."

"I don't-" Jane said, stopping her own sentence short.

"Then let's ditch. I mean, we can just go now, right?"

"I'm the host."

"Fuck 'em. Let's go mourn the old broad on our own, because let's face it, the assholes down there don't give a shit anyway."

Jane smiled at Jack suggestion.