Roxy doubted that she would get use to it. Devika was pretty much the only person who did it. She watched the other woman walk away. She didn't know what to think of the empath. They were as different as two people could be. Once the bubble that was supposed Devika was strong enough to do so the empath would move on with her life. There was no chance Devika would want to spend more time with her. Especially after the empath met her father.

Over the next couple of weeks the two of them did their own thing for the most part. Every morning Roxy went downstairs and worked. She almost came upstairs for lunch. Then she would go back downstairs and work until late in the evening. She ate with Devika each night. Some times they would talk but it was mostly small talk and nothing too personal or deep.

Over the next few weeks, Devika kept working on her blog and her bubble. She was getting stronger by the day. Part of her was still trying to get Roxy to open up, but it was hard. Maybe impossible. Maybe Roxy just didn't want to be friends at all. It would make sense. Devika was just an interruption dropped into her seemingly solitary life. Maybe she was wasting her time attempting to get to know the other woman.

After many emails back and forth and much friendly argument, Devika finally set up a time to visit her parents. She came downstairs in the morning, all smiles and humming to herself. She missed her parents dearly and was so happy to just think about seeing them again. Sure, they'd had a weekly video chat, but that was nothing compared to the real thing. To think she'd be able to hug her mother and father again.

Devika poked her head into the shop, Roxy already hard at work as usual. "Good morning Roxy!"

Roxy knew that Devika was talking to her family. She knew eventually she would have to met the empath family. She had mixed feelings. There was a good chance that they wouldn't like her. She wasn't the most likable person. Meeting Devika's family meant introducing the empath to hers. Her mother hadn't spoken to her since she was nine. It wasn't likely she would want to met the empath. She had spoken to her father as little as possible since she was sixteen but he had been demanding to met the empath since the day she found out that she was an anchor. As much as she wanted to avoid it she couldn't. She had to introduce Devika to someone.

"Morning Devika." Roxy greeted the other woman as she made her way into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. She went over her schedule for the day in her head. It wasn't an overly busy day but she had enough to fill the day. "What do you have going on today?" she expected the woman to tell her about her blog or video chatting with family. She had grown to general care about Devika. Which complicated an already complex situation. She was trying to keep it at casual friends but the more she got to know the empath the more attracted she was to the woman.

"Well- I have some news, but I wanted to run this by you first." Devika flashed a warm and cheery grin to Roxy. "My parents want us to come visit. I've told them everything, and they're excited to meet you! I've been getting so much better lately, and our connection is holding. So I wanted to ask - would you be okay with going to visit them sometime this week?" There was a light and eagerness in her eyes that hadn't been present in some time.

She was really hoping that Roxy would agree. While she wouldn't say they were 'close', at the very least they were approaching something like friendship. Roxy seemed less cold lately, and Devika could swear she caught the other woman smiling once. She couldn't remember exactly why, but the moment had set her heart pounding. But - that was to be kept to herself.

"It wouldn't be for long. Just long enough to eat dinner."

Roxy rose her eyebrow when Devika told her that her family was looking forward to meeting her. She seriously doubted that they cared who Devika's anchor was just that she had one. They only wanted to meet her because they had to in order to spend time with Devika. She would stay out of the way as much as possible. It wasn't like she was all that good at interacting. She knew very little about families.

"There's no need to limit it to dinner on my account. If you think you can handle a day I can make it work." Roxy assured Devika. She didn't want the empath to limit her time with her family because she thought it would bother her. She would deal with it. Devika's family isn't likely to want to say more than hello to here. She could do some work in the background while they reconnected.

Devika brightened, her smile showing dimples. "You mean it? If you're sure, I would love to spend the day with them." That was far more than she had hoped for. She figured the other woman would be too busy, or simply wouldn't want to. It would probably be a bit awkward for her, anyway. "You're amazing, Roxy. Thank you."

"I'll get with them later, so we can plan out the day. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." She wanted to hug Roxy, but wasn't sure if she'd accept it. Besides, it had been ages since she'd actually touched someone on purpose. It'd probably be awkward for them both.

"So, what's the plan for today?"

"Of course. Taking a day off isn't a big deal. You deserve at least a day. It's been years since you've seen them." Roxy answered. She knew Devika had been very close to her family at one point. It wouldn't be right to keep the other woman from them. In time the empath would be able to go on her own. But for now they had to be together so she would do what she could to allow Devika to spend time with her family. "We'll try to get together with as much as possible."

Roxy shrugged when Devika asked what the plan was. It was an odd question since she worked almost everyday. She didn't see the point in taking a day off. She preferred not to have too much time on her hands. The more time she had on her hands the more she thought about things she preferred not to think about so she did her best to stay busy."The sculpture is being picked up today. I'll probably start o new piece between jobs."

"Good. Let me know if you need help moving it when the time comes." She was curious as to what the next art piece would be. "Do you take other people's ideas into consideration when you're making these things? Or does it all have to come from you?" Who had bought the one in the garage, anyway? Where was it going? How many had Roxy sold? A dozen questions flitted through Devika's mind, and she asked none of them. Best not to dominate the conversation. Even if she was the one who usually did a lot of the talking.

She made herself something to eat while she talked. They were running low on some things, so she added them to a little notepad list next to the fridge.

"I should be fine but I'll let you know." Roxy assured Devika. She was sure she could handle it. She had been shipping pieces for years. She was an expert at moving things. Still it was nice to know that she had an extra set of hands if she needed it. "I have an Instagram and a website where people can make requests. What I make depends on what materials I have and my mood." Zed had set it up for her. He said she had nothing to lose by trying.

Roxy didn't mind Devika dominating their conversations. She had never been much of a talker. She was trying to talk more so that Devika didn't feel like she had to carry every conversation.

“You have an Instagram? I’ll have to look it up.” More insight into Roxy; something she didn’t expect. She imagined that Roxy wouldn’t like the internet. Devika figured she’d probably think it was too frivolous. But then again, you could be any one you wanted on the internet, and maybe that was helpful. It also was probably good business.

“When I start making some money aside from the government stipends, I’ll commission something from you. I’m not sure what, but I would like to have a piece for myself.”

"A friend set it up. He said if no one was interested I could stop posting." Roxy explained with a shrug. She really hadn't thought she would get more than one or two likes. Maybe a follower. But her stuff was fairly popular. She got orders regularly. She wasn't the best on the internet but she knew it was important to keep a business a float. She did the best she could to use every platform. She wanted to make sure that she did what she could to keep the garage successful.

"Decide what you want and we'll work it out." Roxy told her. She was willing to work things out with the empath. She wondered what might appeal to the other woman. She hoped Devika wouldn't wait too long to put in the request something. She was also nervous. She hadn't ever made something for someone she knew. "I'm going to head down. I'll see you later."

"Thanks, Roxy." Devika smiled a bit, then watched her go off. She would have to think of something really good for the other woman to build for her. A few trite ideas came to mind, like a flower or a butterfly, but she dismissed them. She wanted to have something from Roxy that would be a testament to her skill.

The day seemed to drag on for Devika. The garage was busy, but there wasn't much she could do to help besides greet customers and dig up parts for Roxy while she worked. But, finally they were closing up, and it was time to meet Devika's parents.

She put on some nice clothes and some bright makeup, and anxiously awaited their ride, mostly fidgeting and staring out the window for it. She was excited and some how nervous, though she had no clue why. These were her parents, who had been gentle and utterly supportive throughout her life. Maybe she was picking up nervousness from Roxy? Possibly.

The day went too fast for Roxy. The idea of meeting Devika's family terrified her. People rarely like her at the first meeting. She wasn't the type of person others felt comfortable with when first meeting. Her tiny size and tough attitude put people off. She didn't want to make a bad impression but she didn't know how to avoid it. She had to be herself. They had to get used to her. She was always going to be in Devika's life for the rest of it.

When the time came to met Devika's family came, Roxy closed up the shop and went upstairs. She took a shower to make herself presentable. She debated what to wear. She didn't have much. She wanted to make a good impression. Eventually she settled on a clean pair of black jeans and a black polo shirt. Casual but dressy. It would have to do. Shr took a deep breath and went back into the living room.

Devika smiled when Roxy came down. "You look nice. "Devika smiled when Roxy came down. "You look nice." Even if she wasn’t empathic, she could tell how nervous Roxy was. “Please don’t worry. My parents are harmless. I’m sure they’ll like you.”

Their Uber pulled up and honked, and Devika practically jumped out of her chair. “Finally!” She grabbed the noise canceling headphones for the ride, and headed for the door. She waiting for Roxy to lock up before they both got in. After giving the driver her parents’ address, they were gone.

After about half an hour, they came up to the better part of the city. The houses were larger, the streets were cleaner. Devika was looking out the window as this part of the city became more familiar to her. “Man, I can’t believe that candy shop is still there! I loved going there when I was little.” She continued to narrate this way, figuring Roxy could ignore her if she wanted to.

The drive didn’t take much longer. Soon they were pulling up in her parents’ driveway.

Devika exhaled and got out of the car, all smiles. This was the home she had grown up in. It wasn’t a mansion by any means, but it was quite large. It was painted a soft lavender and had a neatly manicured lawn and garden full of flowers. Both her parents were lawyers, and it showed. “Well, Roxy. Are you ready?”

Roxy hated every second of the drive. She wasn't a fan of enclosed spaces. Plus they were heading to spend the weekend with Devika's family. She wasn't looking forward to being the awkward wheel. No matter how nice they were to her, she wouldn't really belong. But it would be worth it. Devika deserved a chance to spend time with her family. It was clear they were close. They needed to rebuild the bond they had.

She noticed they were in a nice area. Not upscale but nice. Not that she would have thought of any less of Devika if she hadn't come from a nice area. No one could control where they were born. Part of her was eager to met Devika's family. It would be nice to learn more about the woman that she was living with. "I'm as ready as I can be." She didn't know if there was a way to be ready for something like this.

Devika nodded. “Good.” She went up and knocked on the door.

After a brief moment, the door was answered. Behind it was a short, slender woman with black hair and warm brown eyes. “Devika! My baby!” Devika’s mother enveloped her in a hug, without the slightest hint of delay.

“Mom!” Devika was taller than her mother, and had to crouch a bit to properly hug her. She was grinning ear to ear, and there was a subtle sense of warmness all around.

“And you must be Roxy. I’m Mara Jones. Welcome to our home.” She held a hand out for Roxy to shake. "Both of you, come in, come in!"

“Where’s Dad?” Devika was looking around. They started to move in and away from the door.

“In the study, he had some emergency casework.”

Devika shook her head. She’d heard that story before. “Daaaaad!” She called out loud. “Get your workaholic butt down here and greet your daughter!”

There was a sound of footsteps on stairs, then Devika’s father appeared. “There’s my girl!” He was much taller than his wife and daughter both, and had a neatly shaved bald head and glasses. He too, happily hugged Devika.

If Roxy was observant, she might notice that Devika didn’t look much like either of her parents.

Roxy studied the house as she got out of the car. She paid the Uber driver. She took a deep breath and wiped her hands on her jeans. She hoped the weekend wouldn't be as difficult as she was imaging. She wished she was better with people. It would make this whole thing easy but she couldn't change who she was.

She made her way but to the door by the time it opened. Roxy studied the woman who opened the door. She didn't seem much similarity between Devika and her mother. She didn't think much of it. She looked nothing like her mother. Her mother had blond hair and blue eyes. Not that it was likely that Devika would ever met the woman.

"Nice to met you Mrs. Jones." Roxy said as she took the woman's hand. She tried to relax but she was ready to be judged and dismissed. Either because of her sexuality, like her mother had done years ago, or because of her appearance, which had been done by people in the past.

Roxy followed Devika inside. She looked around partly out of curiosity and partly in an effort to understand the woman she was living with. She glanced at Devika hugging her father. Pain flashed through her. While her father hadn't ever been one for physical affection they had been close once. Or so she had thought. He had proven her wrong when Drake was born.

Devika didn’t feel the pain from Roxy, being too wrapped up in her own joy. She let her father go after some time, and turned to Roxy.

“Dad, this is Roxy. She’s my anchor, and a really cool person.”

“Roxy. Tim Jones here, nice to meet you.. I feel like I know you already from all Devika says about you.” He smiled at Roxy, and was joined by his wife.

“Dear, did you remember to get the steaks from the butcher shop? I’m sure Dev annd Roxy are hungry.”

“Steaks from the...” Tim cleared his throat and pushed up his glasses. “I thought you were getting them?” He was clearly nervous.

“Timothy.” Mara’s smile dropped. “Seriously? I told you yesterday.”

Timothy smiled sheepishly. “Where’s your evidence?”

Devika rolled her eyes, but in a fond way. It was clear this was a common occurrence around the house. “Roxy, if they start debating, we can go to the backyard or something.”

“Exhibit A, Mr. Jones, is on the fridge, in my handwriting. Also I emailed you, so don’t even think about saying ‘I was busy with work’.” Mara folded her arms and waited.

Tim laughed softly. “Damn. The prosecution rests, you got me. I completely forgot. The shop is probably closed by now, too. I guess dinner is on me, ladies. We can go anywhere you like.”

“Go?” A faint wave of nervousness washed over Devika. “I haven’t gone out in the longest time.” She hadn’t been expecting this. “...But I can handle it.” She looked to Roxy. “I promise I can handle it.”

“Any preferences?” Tim looked between the two of them for an answer.

"Nice to met you." Roxy replied. She didn't know how much of that was true but at least they seem open to her being around. She would take that. At least they hadn't rejected her. They seemed alright with her being her around Devika. How long that would last was still to be see.

She watched the older couple interact. She couldn't really remember her parents interact. They had to but it couldn't have been that often since she didn't remember any. She shrugged when Devika indicated that they could leave when her parents started to debate. "It doesn't bother me." She responded honestly.

"I'm not not picky. I'm fine with just about anything." Roxy assured them. She was open to whatever. This was their weekend. She was just here to help Devika deal with everyone's emotions. She wasn't really part of the concept.

"Well, Roxy's allergic to eggs, so the breakfast for dinner place that we like is out." Devika said musingly.

Tim nodded but didn't say anything, waiting for one of them to choose.

"Oh, I know. Roxy, have you ever been to a churrascaria? It's a place where they serve all different kinds of meat and sides. It's very casual and the portions are huge. Plus, everything is delicious. We have one in the neighborhood. That's where I want to go."

"That decides that, then." He nodded, then looked down at himself, still in his work suit. "I should change."

"You should change." Mara murmured, giving him a friendly swat as he passed by.

Devika groaned low and covered her face. "Could you guys attempt to be less twee in front of company? Please?" A minor trickle of embarrassment was coming from her.

"No!" Said both parents, nearly in unison.

Devika snickered faintly, shaking her head. "Roxy, I'm sorry that they're so..." She gestured in the air for a word and came up empty. "Them."