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

As usual, Jess didn't know what to say. If she suddenly agreed with Roxy, it would make the anchor look even more like some kind of bully in her mother's eyes. If she kept refusing, it could start an argument, and make Roxy seem suspicious anyway. Thankfully - if all this encouragement could even be considered a good thing - her mom spoke first.

[color=aqua]"It's your choice at the end of the day,"[/color] she reminded them, [color=aqua]"but it's something I recommend. Jess, I know your dad and I have always taught you to stand on your own two feet, but there's no shame in accepting help if it'd truly do you good."[/color] The warmth of her tone couldn't hide her true feelings, at least not from Jess. The tightening grip of worry, the distrust that sharpened whenever she looked at Roxy, the way it seemed she tried to convince herself it was just a matter of stubbornness on her daughter's part.

[color=teal]"I know..."[/color] Jess glanced from her mom to the card, then back. [color=teal]"Well I guess it can't hurt, and thanks, though I'm sure it's all going to be ok."[/color]

It wasn't going to be ok. The watchers all around, listening in on the conversation, were proof of that.