Vanessa stopped behind Josh, a step down from him. She look up the couple of inches toward him, much more used to being eye level with him at her tall height of six feet. She had one hand lightly on the banister, trying to keep herself steady as she took in his words. At least he was opening up about some of this in person. He tended to avoid her at all costs.
"I've told you, that wasn't what was supposed to happen. I couldn't stand up against them. Once they did start using force, I tried helping. I know apologies are useless, but then an explanation is all I can offer." She grasped at the air with her other hand, feeling useless and uncertain. She glanced down, then back up. "I don't want things I say to get your trust back. I know actions are louder than words and all that. All I ask, I beg, is a chance to prove myself."