#fenixtj

"Ok, do you want a -different- way out?" she asks patiently.

"I'm going to hell anyway" She mutters

"Not really an answer." Jessica points out with direct patiences that might make her mother proud.

"My mother found out I .. that I like girls"

"And that was a problem for her." a statement without judgement or shock.

"She says it's a sin, she says I'm going to hell. She..." A frown and she touches her cheek "She says she's going to 'fix' me"

"Do you want to be fixed? Do you feel like you're broken?"

"no" She wraps her arms about her "I .. I don't know. But I donn't want to go to some camp, not that mother can afford it"

"Ok. I think this is something you can handle with a little help. I have a couple of ideas how but .... can we talk about this over a cold drink?" It -is- warm.

A sheepish look at the rope still up there, "I guess so. What's your name again?"

"I didn't give it. Jessica." she offers her hand, but no Glamour.

She takes the big woman's hand, "Sorry, Jessica. You shouldn't have to deal with a stranger's shitt"

"Not a problem. Just a moment." Jessica bends and quickly scoops up the Chimera and tucks her in a pocket or bag or something. "Cold drinks. Come on." She leads the way "So... I'm thinking of two ways. The first is a friend of mine. She'd be a super good guide for you, or know someone who would be. And then another friend of mine helps people find safe homes if they can't stay with family."

"You want me to run away?" She pondes "I thouht about it, but never had a place to go." She follows her

"You have now. But, no. I don't want you to run away. That doesn't work either. I think taking a moment and making some space for yourself to figure out what you really want and how you want to proceed with your family isn't a bad idea."

"Not running away, but a break."

"Who is your friend?" Cautious but going alon with it

"Which one?" Jess pauses at a street stand; a rolling cooler pushed by an abuelo. She buys two glass bottled cokes, ice cold.

"Either"

"How about both?" She takes a drink "The first is a woman named Nancy. She's open and honest and pretty straightforward. If you have questions about your, um, sexuality or where to go to find the people of your tribe, as it were, she'll know."

"The other friend.... have you heard of [The group that Father V runs]?"

"They're Catholic.." She says "If I wanted another sermon..." A shake of her head "I know what the church thinks. They migh be nicer than my mom, but..."

Of course Father V would help her even if he didn't agree with her. Boggan, and a ggood man, but the girl seems skitish

Jess chuckles. "They don't ask questions, or make judgements. I know this for a fact. They will shelter, clothe, and feed you as you need and help you get on your feet. Up to you, though. Both my friends are available to you."

"I think I'd like to meett this nancy"

"Let me see if I can reach her." Jess takes out a phone and carefully texts, squinting.

Not hard to do. Nancy has become quite the social butterfly in both mortal and fae circles and keeps her phone handy. More than that, she remains in charity work

And soon a text back TEXT: Hi Jess, what's up?

TXT: Can be there in 20 minnutes, maybe 15? That okay?

"Sure, thanks."

Jess pockets the phone. "She's on the way. Hungry? We have a little time."

"Sure... I guess"

Jess nods and they find a nearby tamale vendor or similar and order a few.

She eats in companionably silence; not stand-offish, but not pushing either.

Isabeau looks nervous, like anyone here might rat her out to her mother, but she eats

"Isabeau...." Jess sees the nerves "Until you're ready to make a move, I won't let anyone push you."

A breath slower deeper "Okay. Thank you"

"Thank you." soberly "For our trust."

At that point, Nancy comes in

"Hey, Jessica." A nod to the girl "Hey, I'm Nancy"

"Nancy, this is Isabeau. She's had a rough time just recently. Realized some stuff about herself and her mother isn't supportive at the moment. Want a coke or tamale?"

"Sure" She takes a seat to join them "Parents who arenn't supportive is not alien to me" Nancy is easy going and charismatic "Isabeau, I know it's hard to trust, but if you ask, I promise I'll keep this secret between you, me and Jess"

Iseabeu whispers "I like girls. I.. mom says i'm going to hell. She wants to get me fixed"

Jessica meets Nancy's eyes.

Nancy , to her credit, keeps her anger at this new fact quelled, then she says, "Look, Isabeau? I know some folks,, who are all about consent... " Stressing that "Who can share their own challenges they faced. Tijuana is a big city, not all of it safe, you konw that, but there are places in it where LGBT+ have havens"

"Why would you help me?" Isabeau says surprised , cautious

Jess twists slightly, fumbling to peer into her bag (where Odd-zia is, although Isabeau doesn't know that).

"Because" Nancy looks over at Jessica just a sec then back "One time, a nice lady helped me deal with coming to grips with MY true nature"

Odd-zia fills the bag, and happy tears are in the strange creatture's eyes