#fenixtj

"Yeah." Glum.

"Have you told him...I bet you've told him how you have a fief to run, and things would be more efficient if he'd heed you a bit more or at least work WITH you... but have you..." A deep breath "Sis, have you told your man yet how it HURTS you when he won't listen at all ? How it makes you miserable? Have.. have you shared your feelings about it rather than just try to appeal to reason?"

She shrugs and looks away guiltily.

"If you go at him with logic, he will simply say that he disagrees with your thesis or what bloody ever. if you tell him the truth about your heart, that it hurts... that's not manipualtion, sis, taht's you.. being vulnerable and admitting it. And maybe he realizes he's doing you more harm than he is good. But you have to admit it."

"Not sure being vulnerable is a good idea...."

"I think that's what love is sometimes, finding that one person you can trust to know the most fragile inner part of yourself and letting him in, give him the power to shatter you as no one else could... and then... you find he doesn't . That he shores you up. Makes you stronger than you ever knew you could be. Mom.. on samhain... dad would rip someone's throat out with his teeth if they came for her. That's one time when sh'es not...at her best. And dad has so many issues he should run a magazine shop- most about daughters I suspect, but mom is the one he can turn to and.. well, you get what 'm saying here?"

"Yeah." Leadenly.

"Trust me. I'm not looking forward to telling Bancroft that I am mad crazy about him, really turned on and touched both by how he fought for me, and STILL Not going with him to live in HIbernia anymore than you are to the idea of talking to Duff and letting him know he's hurting you, but I think both have to be done." A glance, "First one to get her heart shattered from either has the right to call the other up for help?"

"Yeah, sure. Of course."

A hug "Welll, I've given my opinion. And..dont' worry, I won't tell a soul about the Duff situation. I wouldn't betray your trust. Just.. I think you should try telling him how you feel and not how you rule and... it might work better." And a sigh "And you're right too. Love isn't about fair, and I'm not a prize no matter how amazing the deed."

blushing herself.

"See you later. I .. I should head home."

"You want an escort?" She hugs her sister back.

"Nah. I'm good. " Assurances. "If you want, I'll text you when I get home to let you know i made it safe. Love you sis"

"Thanks. Love you too."

And with that, her sister says good bye, and is on her way. Leaving Jessica with news of a plan that Diego hopes to twhwart with crazed pooka, and with advice on taking a chance with ... opening her heart and being vulnerable.

Always trust family visits to leave a trail of something in their wake.

Jessica retreats to her room, to think.

(end scene)