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

Jess hadn't expected an anchor as a counsellor, but that was a much-needed stroke of luck. An empath would surely pick up on things that couldn't be ignored, especially considering Roxy's difficulty hiding emotions. Plus, when she thought about it, it made sense - people like Laura could put struggling empaths like her at ease, and relate to other anchors. From what Jess had read, the troubles of anchors were often overlooked, simply because they weren't the isolated ones.

She nodded, backing up Roxy's brief and to-the-point statement, and listened to Laura's calming tone. [color=teal]"Nobody's to blame,"[/color] she replied, recalling her mother's tireless efforts to get her matched. [color=teal]"But yeah... It's certainly different. Familiar yet different, if that makes sense."[/color] A weak smile accompanied her words.

[color=teal]"We're starting to connect better,"[/color] she continued, [color=teal]"but, well, it's the first time in five years I've interacted with anyone face to face, and Roxy lived alone too until we were matched up."[/color] At once, she regretted that last part. Yes it was inevitable if any progress was to happen, but would Roxy take it as an insult, or be at a loss for an explanation? It wasn't as if she could mention why she kept a safe distance - or that it had turned out no amount of distance was safe enough.

Catching herself chewing the inside of her lip, Jess stopped and spoke up again. [color=teal]"This connection we're beginning to build... What's the best way to work on it?"[/color]