[center][color=teal][h2]Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey[/h2][/color][/center]

For the next hour, Jess braced herself for the arrival of other sketchy customers, but to her relief the next person who came in gave off much warmer, calmer emotions. Able to fake composure somewhat, or at least she hoped, she took the guy's details. Once he left, the empath pulled her phone from her pocket, staring at the black screen for a second before sighing and switching the device on. She couldn't put this off any longer.

The email was just as she'd expected, but her heart still sank as she read it. At least she could tell some of the truth - her mother wanted to know if Roxy was treating her well. Yes, the anchor was, despite that cold facade she put up. She was going to any lengths necessary to keep her safe.

Carefully considering the wording, Jess typed up a reply as she waited for the customer's return.

[i]Hi Mom,

Really, it's all good. Please don't worry, Roxy's just a little awkward around people she doesn't know, but since the day I got out, she's helped me so, so much. She's doing everything she can to make sure I'm ok. Trust me, things are going to be fine from now on.

Thanks for coming over yesterday, it was great to see you again!

Love, Jess[/i]

She sent the email, squirming at the lies she'd mixed in with the truth - and at a thought that occured to her. How would she avoid putting others in danger? How would she see family, or make friends, without dragging them into this mess?

The thought nagged at her from the back of her mind for the rest of the afternoon, even as she served customers and sorted through papers. It didn't help that, after a point, there wasn't much for her to do, meaning few distractions. Once it had gone seven, Roxy closed up the shop without a word. Jess didn't feel so much hurt as worried by the anchor's aloofness, now she knew some of the reason for it.

When Roxy finally spoke, it was to ask about dinner. [color=teal]"I'm ok with another soup,"[/color] Jess replied, still not exactly hungry, so it didn't really matter to her what she had. [color=teal]"And about earlier... About the way you stood up to that guy."[/color] She gave a hint of a smile. [color=teal]"Thanks."[/color]