"Perhaps," Abby conceded, biting her lower lip, her gaze moving down to the table for a moment. She looked back up at Rena's words, her cheeks flushing. "I would appreciate it." She didn't quite know what else to say without potentially sounding patronizing or condescending, which wasn't something she intended by any means.
"Yes, they are." Abby smiled softly, glancing up as Bridget entered the dining room, chattering away happily to another girl about her age on her way to find a cup of water. She watched them for a moment, then looked back to Rena. Despite everything, she still couldn't help but wonder if Rena had ever felt something more than friendship for Thomas- if perhaps that was why she hadn't taken well to Abby's arrival. Rena had certainly stepped in as a mother-figure to Bridget. But she said nothing of that and picked up her tea for another sip. "It wasn't easy, and I didn't know if I would succeed, but it was certainly worth it."