Jess was being as calm as she could as she sat next to Rachel and Vanessa, when she received Nathan's text. Nathan knew they were on their way. It was just a matter of passing the time until they actually arrived, and that made her nervous because she didn't know what to talk about. Fortunately Vanessa knew how to get the conversation started. 

[color=aqua]"You know you never did tell us your name. Have you decided on one yet?"[/color] 

[color=F08080]"Actually yes, I have. I'm planning on using Jessica Alice. Thanks again by the way for all the help you're giving me. Both of you. I don't know how much longer I would have been before making back without you two."[/color] 

[color=pink]"Well it's nice to meet you Jess, I'm Rachel and this is Vanessa. So do you have any hobbies or are you just like James."[/color]

[color=F08080]"Well I prefer to read a lot more, I don't mind chick flicks or Marvel movies, but for the most part I don't know. This is the first time I've been out as Jess. I... I..." [/color]

[color=Aqua]"Hey it's okay not to know what you like yet. You're more or less just getting started with your life." [/color]

[color=pink]"How about dating? Are you interested in anyone? What kind of people are you interested in?"[/color]

[color=F08080]"I haven't really thought much about dating. I planned on waiting until I had finished with everything, but I'm mostly interested in women. There's been a couple of guys but things wouldn't work out yet anyway. They always seem to be dating someone else." 'Especially the one I currently have a crush on.' "No reason to knowingly break my heart. But they should ideally be reasonably intelligent, well built is always a plus, and I would like for them to enjoy cuddling."[/color]

The air was calm around her as a light flush crossed her face as she realized what she had said. She was surprised how easily she shared something that just hours, days, a couple weeks ago would have been kept hidden. It was scary. Yet she also couldn't imagine it being any other way at the moment. She was actually happy for a change and not just forcing it like she did far too often than could possibly be healthy for her. Looking next to her Vanessa was smirking  and Rachel was grinning. [color=F08080]'If only she knew who I had feelings for she wouldn't be so happy.'[/color]

A short time later the bus arrived at the apartment building and the three girls stepped off the bus. Vanessa put a hand on Jessica's shoulder and Rachel put one around the small of her back. Even though she knew Nathan already knew, she was nervous. He just barely escaped an embarrassing situation a short time ago. And here she was bringing the three of them to his apartment when ultimately it was their fault, mostly her own, that caused it. 

After a second the began walking up the stairs and in short order found themselves outside the door to Nathan's apartment. Rachel knocked on the door and they waited to see what would happen.