"I'm glad to hear it," she replied, stepping into the restaurant. Naea's stomach growled mightily at the scent of garlic, basil and oregano--such a big noise for such a small woman. Oh, but it was delightful! "I think once we've been out and about and away from parents, we want to make sure that we can keep our independence and keep it well. Even when things go wrong, we want to show everyone--ourselves especially--that we're strong enough to go forward."
She paused for a moment while the 'Shiny, Happy Hostess' ((ooc: As sung to the tune of 'Shiny, Happy People' by REM)) led them to a table booth for two. "But you know," she slid into the booth easily. "it's really nice to be able to have someone to lean on when things do get rough, even though we don't want to admit it." Naea hadn't really had that in the last five years, save the court and occasionally her Aunt Mary, her mother's sister. Most of the family had shunned her for accusing her father of molestation ("What's wrong with you, Linnaea?! He would never do such a thing! You're nothing but a selfish whore!").
She smiled across the table to her handsome lunch date and ordered a water with lime instead of lemon.