"Very well." Devika said softly. She could tell Roxy was already irritated. And she was right - it wasn't really anyone's fault. It wasn't Roxy's fault that her parents sucked, and it wasn't Devika's fault that her parents were close. It was just a matter of circumstances.

"But know that I'd never actually leave you behind. You know me. I'll be an annoying pain in the ass forever." She grinned widely, and then exited the bathroom. Heading back to the table, she realized her parents were amid a lively debate with a harried looking server.

"If you consider the facts-"

"But you can't forget about the human factor, and-"

"Please. I just wanted to know if you needed more side dishes."

Devika gently tapped the server's shoulder. "We don't need any. Run now while they're distracted. Sorry about them." She sat back down as the server fled the table.

Roxy relaxed a little when Devika let it go. There wasn't anything anyone could change thing so they just to have a way to deal with it. She ran her fingers through her hair before following Devika out of the bathroom. She hung back as far as dared. She had to get passed this. It was stupid. It was a fact. One that she had dealt with before. It was just harder to ignore when she couldn't simply walk away.

"That sounded like an interesting conversation." Roxy said as she returned to her seat. She knew it wasn't the best idea considering that Devika just ended whatever that conversation had been but she figured it was better to direct everyone's attention to something else. The last thing she wanted was to draw attention to the fact she was feeling jealous and out of place. Maybe if she didn't focus o. It the feeling would go away.

Mara pouted very slightly as the server vanished. “Kids these days. Never want to hear about the philosophy of food shortage.”

“Mom, I don’t think anyone wants to hear about that.” Devika slid into the booth. “Especially not someone working minimum wage.”

“You see, Mara? That’s the human factor.” Tim cut in, grinning.

Mara started up again, eyes bright. “But the facts clearly indicate-”

“Guys.” Devika shook her head, but she was smiling. “Please, cut it out. I’d like to eat without a debate. We’re in public and we have a guest.” It looked like she was trying not to laugh, despite her words.

“Roxy, if you ever wonder where I get my stubborn side from, it’s from both of them.” She started in on a little more food.

Roxy raised her eyebrow when Devika shook her head. She was glad that the other woman wasn't embarrassed by her parents behavior. The waitress had clearly been overwhelmed by whatever her parents had been talking about. She couldn't understand what they had been talking to about. She wasn't smart enough to even pretend to follow the conversation.

"Don't worry about me. Just act like I'm not here." Roxy waved her hand as to dimiss the attention directed at her. This weekend wasn't about her."This weekend about the three of you reconnecting." It was clear they cared about each other. They deserved to spend as much time together as possible. She would have to talk to Devika about that. Maybe every other week or something. She would make it work. One of the benefits of working for herself was that she could be flexible.

Devika's parents shared an unreadable glance. Then Mara smiled at the both of them.

"The Jones family does not leave people out in the cold. We will be reconnecting, yes, but we're not going to be rude to you, ok?" With that said, she turned back to the table at large. "Who wants dessert?"

After dessert and more debate (this time about the ethical ramifications of plastic silverware), it seemed the meal was over. Everyone headed back toward the car, Timothy taking the lead this time.

"So, we've got the usual board games, some movies without awkward sex scenes, and some cards. Whatever you would like to do, Devika."

Devika thought about it a moment. "Board games sound like fun." And they usually had enough room for 4 people. "Roxy, do you play Scrabble?"

Roxy had no idea how to handle the comment. She hadn't expected to be included. There was no logical reason for them to include her. She wasn't like them. She didn't know how to be casual. It was better to keep some space between them. That way when they lost interest it wouldn't hurt as much. And she had no doubt that they would eventually everyone else had. "It isn't rude if I tell you it's alright. I don't really fit in."

Roxy hadn't really been pay attention to them talking. She figured they would do something to fill the last few hours of the day. She looked at Devika when she heard the other woman say her name. "I've never played it." Neither of her parents had been interested in those kind of things. Her mother had only been interested in beauty and status. Her father had only been interested in strength and business.

Devika grinned when she heard that Roxy had never played Scrabble. "It's so much fun! You have to know a lot of words, but it's great." She started to explain the rules as they headed back home.

"...and if you play all the tiles in your hand, that's called playing out and it's worth 50 points!" They were now pulling back up to the house, which was good because Devika had just finished the rules. "It'll probably make a lot more sense when we're actually playing."

"And if that doesn't work for you, we have other games." There was a warm cheery feeling emanating from her. She could have reined it in, but she wanted to spread the pleasantry.

Roxy was surprised and confused by Devika's reaction. She hadn't expected laughter. She wasn't sure if this a good thing or not. She hadn't been looking forward to explaining her complicated childhood but it seemed that the empath wasn't phased by the information. Maybe it wasn't as unusual as she thought. It seemed like something everyone but her had played a game of sort. She listened to the instructions. It seemed simple enough.

"I'm not the best speller but I'll try." She replied. She saw no reason not to at least try. It wasn't likely she would get another to try it. Games seemed to be mostly for families. She didn't have families and it wasn't likely she would have one in the future. She simply didn't have enough experience to risk trying to build a family of her own. She wouldn't do that to an innocent kid.

Devika grinned as Roxy said she'd try to play. "Good! I'll help you if you want. I will say now that we might lose, as my mother is the spelling queen of doom."

"I heard that!" Came a reply from the front seat.

"And it's true..." Devika shook her head.

They arrived, and got out of the car. Devika's parents headed inside, and Devika gave Roxy an emotional once over. She remembered the other woman didn't like cars, and they had ridden twice in a short amount of time.

"Just making sure you're okay after the car rides." She said with a smile, before heading in herself. Her father was already clearing off the living room table, and her mother was getting the game from the shelf where it sat among many others.

Roxy would be addressed as soon as she got into the house, by Devika's mother. "Come, sit! I heard Devika explain the rules, but if you have any questions, just ask." The board was arranged, tiles were passed out, and the game began.

Roxy shrugged. "I don't expect to win." She assured Devika as she took her seat. She watched as the others set up.the game. She picked up the instruction manual. The instructor seemed easy enough. She didn't know how well she would do. Spelling wasn't really her thing. It wasn't something that she used every day. Still she was sure that she would be able to do alright. This would give her some experience playing games.

She studied the letters that she had been given. She moved them around to try to build a word. She watched the others build their words. It was clear all of them were highly intelligent and very educated. She wasn't much competition for them. She was able to make a few small words. Luckily she wasn't very competitive. She knew she had no chance against them or anyone else.

"Words definitely aren't my thing." Roxy commented towards the end of the night. She couldn't say that she enjoyed the fame but it wasn't that bad. It wouldn't be at the top of her list of activities to do but it hadn't been so bad that she wouldn't be willing to do it again. It was a decent way to spend an evening. She was glad that Devika and her family really enjoyed the game.

Devika chucked softly, as she put the wooden tiles into a bag once the game was over. "It's not something you can play once and master, that's for sure. You did good. Although mom never pulls punches." Mara had gotten an early lead with the word 'exercise' and could not be caught. Now the night was nearly over. Their sleeping places - Devika's old room, and a spare guest room for Roxy - had been prepared.

"Well... I think I need some rest. It's been a long day." She needed to meditate and properly shake off the little vestiges of emotions that still clung. "I'll see you in the morning. If you need me, I'm just across the hall, ok?"

"I don't see myself ever mastering it. You have to be smart to win this game." Roxy commented as she stood up. She didn't consider herself smart. It wasn't that she thought she as stupid but she knew that her knowledge was limited. She moved away from the table.

"I'll be fine." She assured Devika. She had been on her own since she was sixteen. A couple nights out of her element wouldn't hurt her. She stood there awkwardly not sure if she should thank Devika's parents or not. She hadn't ever had a sleep over as a teenager. She didn't know what the rules were. "Good night." She didn't like not being confident. She would never be really fit in Devika's world.

"You're plenty smart, Roxy. There's different types of intelligence. I couldn't do what you can do with cars and bikes." There would not be much convincing her until she was more confident.

"Goodnight, Roxy. Sleep well." Devika went back to her own room, which was her childhood room that had been updated. The walls were a soft yellow color, and they'd upgraded her bed to a larger one, which was nice. Devika sunk into the soft sheets, and surrounded by familiar scents and sounds, was asleep very quickly.

The next day broke to the scent of eggs and bacon. Devika's father was actually a decent cook when he had time for it, and it seemed he was whipping up breakfast. Devika got up, did the usual morning routine, and tiptoed down the hall to check on Roxy.

Roxy shook her head. What she did didn't require intelligence. It was more about skill. Knowledge had little to do with it. She headed to the room that had been assigned for the night. She changed into a pair of loose shorts and a muscle shirt. She climbed into bed and closed her eyes. It took her hours to fall asleep and than she tossed and turned through out the night.

She woke up early but didn't leave the room right away. As far as she could tell no one else was up. Roxy got up when she heard the others start moving around. She took her time dressing. Even though Devika had been living with her for a few weeks, she wasn't used to interacting so much. Plus it was hard not to be jealous of how close they were.

When she felt she could delay as long as she could get away with without causing an uncomfortable scene, Roxy headed to the kitchen where the others were. "Morning." She greeted Devika.

"Good morning Roxy!" Devika said cheerily after clearing her mouth of breakfast. She looked bright eyed and bushy tailed, whatever that meant, and had slept like a child last night. That meant plenty of energy for her. She was good enough that she wasn't affecting others, but one could practically see the glimmer in her eyes.

"Good morning young lady." Tim said cheerfully. "Devika said you're somewhat like my wife, which means that the black coffee is on the pot over there. Take your time waking up, we're not in any hurry. There's still eggs and bacon if you would like."

Mara made a noncommittal noise from the dining room, her hands wrapped around a mug of black coffee.

"Morning." Roxy replied. She wasn't a morning person. Coffee would help but it would be awhile before she was in a social mood. Mostly because she wasn't used to dealing with anyone other than Devika this early. She nodded to Tim as she headed towards the coffee pot. She poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat at the table ignoring the food. She watched Tim. He was different from the men she had grown up with. Ir reminded her of just how different she and Devika was."What's on the agenda for today?"

Devika chuckled, knowing Roxy was not really up for socialization. It was interesting how similar she and her mother were in that regard.

"I don't know what we're going, actually." She said across the table to Roxy. "He won't tell me."

Tim hung up his apron and grinned, opening a small drawer in the kitchen. "Today, we are going to - drumroll please - Wacky World!"

He slapped a set of tickets on the kitchen table with all the enthusiasm of an old man with a winning domino hand. "Now, these are all day tickets, so we can arrive whenever you are ready. Roller coasters, twirly rides, Ferris wheels, popcorn, funnel cake, and the very dubious fried oreos. I can't wait! We haven't been since before Devika left!"

Mara poked her head in, still waking but smiling vaguely despite that. "Roxy, if you were wondering, this is where Devika gets her morning cheer from. I will never understand you two." She leaned up to kiss her husband's cheek and retreated back to the living room.

Devika was nearly in shock over the tickets. She knew Wacky World could get busy this time of year, and she wondered how well she would handle the crowds. Still, her father looked so pleased. She would hate to disappoint him. "Can't wait!"

Roxy picked up her cup of coffee. As she watched the exchange. It was interesting. She didn't have much knowledge of family dynamics. Hers had been strained at best. She wasn't looking forward to introducing Devika to them. She knew the other woman would enjoy the visits. Roxy wanted to get them out of the way as soon as possible. The sooner they got that out of the way the better.

"I've never to an amusement park." Roxy commented without thinking. She had no idea what to expect. She wasn't sure how good of an idea this was. It wasn't her place. She would do her best to stay as far from them as her ability would allow. She wanted Devika to reconnect with her parents. It was clear to her that the empath was close to her parents. While she didn't understand that closeness she would support it. "Sounds interesting."

"You'll love it!" Timothy said confidently. "There's so much to do! How do you do with G-forces? Or loads of liquid butter?"

"Dad."

"Or games of skill? There's this one with a little pellet shooter that I can never beat-"

"Daaaaad."

"Or even-"

Devika finally stood up and waved her hands in front of her father's face to get his attention. "Dad! Over here!"

Timothy blinked and pushed his glasses up. "Oh. Yes, sweetheart, what is it?"

"I think you might be overwhelming Roxy." She finally said. Roxy had never given her more than a few words in the morning, and she figured Roxy was trying to be pleasant for her sake, which was sweet. But she didn't want that patience to be tested. Her father could be a lot when he was excited about something.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Let me vacate while you have your coffee." He grinned and grabbed the tickets from the table.

Devika rolled her eyes as he left, but she didn't seem all that upset. "Sorry. I know he's... eager. Like he's younger than me, sometimes."

Roxy had never encountered so much energy. She had no idea how to handle it. She was a little overwhelmed. She looked at Devika who seemed unfazed by her father's actions. While she understood the empath's parents being happy and excited about being able to do things together, Roxy hadn't expected this. She knew lots of people enjoyed amusement parks. It even made sense that would be something a family would choose to do after being apart for awhile.

"It's alright." She assured Devika. She had no idea how she would do. She had never done any of the things he was asking about. "It sounds interesting." She finished her coffee. She was curious about the park. She was sure it would be an interesting experience. "I might be alright at the games." It depended on the type of skill needed. But she was willing to try.