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

Jess hadn't expected much of a reply, but Roxy's near-silence didn't exactly ease the awkwardness of the situation. Once she'd ordered a ham and mushroom calzone pizza, she waited, keeping her head bowed so as not to look at the watchers.

[color=aqua]"You sure you're alright there? I thought you'd tuck right in,"[/color] her mom asked, gesturing towards the bowl of complementary olives the waitress had left.

[color=teal]"Mom, it's fine,"[/color] Jess replied, sticking a toothpick into an olive, pretending to be hungrier than she was. [color=teal]"I'd just rather not eat too much before the main course."[/color] As she looked up at her mom, she couldn't help noticing how the restaurant's light emphasised the sunkenness of her cheeks, the dark circles under her eyes showing through makeup. It didn't take empathic senses to know she and Roxy weren't the only ones under strain. No way would she give her mother anything more to deal with.

[color=aqua]"If you say so..."[/color] The unconvinced reply made Jess cringe. [color=aqua]"Which brings me to something the two of you might be interested in."[/color]

Jess' stomach clenched like a stress ball as her mother reached into her bag and placed a business card on the table. [color=teal]"Oh, Mom..."[/color]

Her mom leaned in, lowering her voice as she spoke. [color=aqua]"I know things can sometimes be... difficult between an empath and an anchor when they first meet. There's a great deal for both to adapt to, and I've been doing some research on the issue you've been having.[/color] Her gaze switched to Roxy. [color=aqua]"The crack in your shield, as you put it. So, I thought this counselling service might be something to consider. They're one of the best around for helping newly matched people."[/color]

Jess stared blankly at the card, heart sinking as her mind raced for a response. [color=teal]"Thanks, but... It's all ok,"[/color] she finally answered. [color=teal]"We just need time to get used to this, that's all."[/color]

This was nothing even the best professionals could fix. This was nothing either of them could talk about to anyone. Yet by refusing, had she cast Roxy in a less than favourable light?