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

The meal went by without further event, but even as Jess tried to reconnect with her mom, she couldn't ignore that odd sense of detachment. Part of it she knew to be from Roxy, who stayed out of the conversation, but some was in all likelihood her own. There was so much she couldn't let on, not even to those closest to her. For all intents and purposes, she and Roxy lived in a different world to the woman in front of them.

[color=aqua]"Well,"[/color] her mom said once she'd paid, [color=aqua]"seems like that was just what you needed."[/color] Again, trying to convince herself. [color=aqua]"Both of you ready to head back?"[/color]

Jess nodded. [color=teal]"Yeah, and thanks."[/color] Even though the watchers weren't planning to do any harm - at least not directly, not yet - the sooner she and Roxy were out of their scrutiny, the better.