Maybe one of the things Jean appreciated the most about Emma was the fact that for someone that put such stock in appearances on the surface, she never was absolutely genuine in her behaviors. Jean always knew where she stood, and that if she needed her help Emma would bite, claw and scratch to be there first for the shoulder she needed.
Needed quite badly, at the moment, actually.
As lovely as her new whatever-it-was with John was, Emma’s advice and support was as welcome as a teddy bear and a snuggie, neither of which she’d admit to owning in mixed company. Jean’s smile was genuine.
“The plague has passed, although I’d really appreciate the CDC picking the right viral strain next year. I’m not in a hurry for a repeat.”