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

[color=teal]"I think I'll go with..."[/color] Jess lowered the menu and looked up. Her attention fell on someone behind her mother, someone staring in their direction. He wouldn't harm them, the empath knew that, but that didn't stop his presence from being disconcerting. Shuddering, she averted her eyes.

[color=aqua]"Jess? What's the matter?"[/color] her mom asked before glancing over her shoulder. The man was no longer looking at them, blending in with the customers, but Jess' heart still sank. This acting normal thing wasn't exactly going great.

[color=teal]"Nothing. It's just, uh..."[/color] She struggled for an explanation. [color=teal]"The... painting. Over there. The one of the forest."[/color] She pointed at a picture of a woodland scene. [color=teal]"It brought back memories."[/color] Despite her mother's lingering doubt, Jess gave a faint smile. [color=teal]"But it's good to be back."[/color]

She turned to Roxy, who still pored over the menu, blocking everyone out. [color=teal]"Thank you."[/color] Although genuine, the words sounded empty even to her. A simple thank you was nowhere near enough repayment for the sacrifices the anchor had made.