Babysitters Club

The following chapter is written in 3rd Person POV, following Cassie.

“Soy... demasiado... vieja... para... esta... mierda.” Tanya says, slurring her words as Brooke supports her walking down the busy commercial street back to the Gold Room. Tanya’s not the only victim of tonight’s festivities, as Cassie’s supporting Stella, while Sofia’s supporting Nelly.

“That’s what happens when you three try to out drink each other.” Cassie replies, chuckling at the sad state of the three women.

“I wasn’t… *hic*... trying to… *hic*... outdrink them. I was just stealing your drinks because I love you.” Stella drunkenly tells Cassie, who’s hunching her back to help support Stella walk, so Cassie’s face is right near Stella’s. Cassie can’t help but blush when she hears Stella drunkenly say ‘I love you’, but she’s also confused as to what Stella means.

“What?” Cassie asks her with a chuckle.

“I love you… and I don’t want you to… *hic*... drink your stress away again like what you tried to do last night, or what I tried to do on our first night out. I’m not good at taking care of you. You almost got into a fight when you were drunk.” Stella tries to drunkenly explain, making Cassie blush with her concern. “~But, you are great at taking care of me. So I thought… *hic*... maybe you could take care of me tonight. *hic*” Stella says, before forcing a big sloppy kiss on Cassie’s cheek, only prevented from continuing by one of Stella’s hiccups.

“That… doesn’t make… ~any~... sense.” Nelly cuts Stella off, in obvious drunkenness.

“Si vomitas sobre mí, te mato.” Sofia tells her sister, as how Nelly struggled to say a normal sentence worries her.

“No~, Antonella’s a Rrrrr-amirez. Hígados de acero. We don’t puke.” Tanya says proudly, rolling her ‘R’s and even pounding her chest to emphasize her point.

“Shouldn’t you be pounding your liver then, and not your chest?” Sofia jokes, and Tanya motions her arm to start pounding at her abdomen when Brooke stops her from doing so.

“I thought you were the smart one between you two.” Brooke says in reprimand, as Sofia forgot to take into account her mother’s drunkenness with her remark — both for how amenable she is currently, and how pounding her abdomen might actually cause her to puke.

“Ha-Ha. Idiota.” Nelly teases her sister, before doing a snorting laugh.

“Don’t talk to your sister like that.” Tanya says in reprimand to Nelly.

“Lo siento, mama.” Nelly apologizes out of instinct.

“Aww~, baby. It’s okay. I still love you.” Tanya says sweetly, albeit still very drunkenly, to her daughter. The two of them then try to break away from their respective supporters, before Brooke and Sofia hold them back from doing so.

“Okay~, you two. We’re almost at the Gold Room. Do your mother-daughter thing once we’re there.” Brooke tells the two drunk ladies, who both comedically outstretch their arms to each other as Brooke and Sofia hold them back, before laughing at themselves. Brooke and Sofia let them tire themselves out from laughing, and the mother and daughter pair start to become groggy and less responsive.

“Sorry about the dumb suggestion, by the way.” Sofia apologizes to Brooke. “I’ve just never seen both of them this drunk before.” Sofia adds.

“Oh, I have.” Brooke replies with a chuckle. “For your mother, I mean.” Brooke clarifies. “Tonight’s not even that bad, considering she didn’t make out with two girls like the last time I saw her like this.” Brooke tells Sofia, who reacts in shock at the information.

“The night’s still young.” Tanya manages to chime in, in her drunken stupor, getting Sofia to react in disgust; making Cassie and Brooke laugh even harder than their initial reaction to Tanya’s comment.

“Well you six look like you’ve had a fun night.” Viv comments, as soon as she sees the half of the group helping the other half walk into the Gold Room.

“These three decided to try and outdrink each other for some reason, and we were left to be the responsible half.” Cassie informs the people in the booth. Jay and Viv were joined by two other women that Cassie can only assume were the two ‘club sluts’ that Viv mentioned.

Jay’s party stands up from the booth, to allow Brooke and Sofia to rest Tanya and Nelly on the seats. Tanya and Nelly seem to have similar ideas, and both lie down on their sides on the seats, effectively preventing anybody else from sitting down inside the booth.

“We should’ve seen that coming.” Brooke says in disappointment of herself, while Erica and Riley laugh it off as they’re the only ones in the Gold Room anyway.

Jay greets Brooke with a kiss, before offering to help support Stella, so Cassie can free herself from half-carrying her best friend.

“She really needs to give you a chance to get equally drunk when you two go out together.” Jay jokes to Cassie, getting her to chuckle after the two greet each other with a kiss.

“I had my turn last night, and I’m more than happy to take care of Stella.” Cassie replies, getting a sweet kiss on her forehead from Jay.

“I’m glad you’re there for her.” Jay tells Cassie sweetly, before he tells Brooke and Sofia the same.

“They’re mi familia. Of course I’ll take care of them.” Sofia replies.

“That applies to us too.” Cassie chimes in, getting a chuckle out of Jay, as he thinks of his girlfriends as a family now as well.

“How about you guys? How was the date?” Brooke asks Jay and Viv, but also glances at the two girls with them.

“Oh! We haven’t introduced you. Brooke, Cassie, Sofia, this is Riley and Erica.” Viv introduces the brownish blonde as Riley, and the pure brunette as Erica. Getting all the girls to greet each other ‘hellos’.

“How’d you guys meet?” Sofia asks, as she remembers that Viv and Jay were supposed to be on a date; and she wasn’t told that there’d be others going with them.

“Oh, um~, we were the only customers here… and uh~...” Jay tries to explain, suspiciously pausing during his attempt to answer a basic question.

“I’m a former student of Mr. Craig’s when he was a substitute teacher for our high school. It was such a coincidence that we met up here after all these years that we all decided to hang out.” Riley jumps in to explain. Cassie thinks that either Riley’s a great liar, or there might actually be some truth to that explanation.

“So that’s why you look fami-llyyurrrr… *burp*” Stella comments, her eyes obviously looking at Riley through beer goggles. “You’re that classmate Paige mentioned that wanted to fuck my dad. What a coinkidink…” Stella says, before laughing like the drunkard she is. Cassie realizes that her question is unintentionally answered by Stella.

“Up top.” Stella then offers Riley a high-five, which Riley politely gives her to not leave her hanging.

“Es una borracha muy habladora, ¿eh?” Sofia asks.

“Only with hard drinks. She’s more pukey with beer.” Cassie answers.

“Is that true though?” Sofia asks Riley. “You wanted to fuck my mom’s boyfriend?” Sofia asks bluntly.

“I wouldn’t say it like that!” Riley replies defensively.

“How would you say it then?” Sofia asks, not even hiding what she’s insinuating.

“I had a crush on him back in high school, yeah; but I wouldn’t… I mean…” Riley starts to explain, before being unable to continue the lie.

“Hey~, I’m just curious. I thought that’s why you four decided to hang out. Maybe you wanted to shoot your shot after all those years.” Sofia admits, and Jay seems to realize that it actually wouldn’t bother her if Jay did pursue something like what she suggested, as Normalized Polyamory is in effect for him.

“Is that true, babe? Do you want to shoot your shot now?” Erica teasingly asks Riley.

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you two were dating! I’m sorry for even suggesting it.” Sofia says in reaction.

“Yeah, it was more of a double date than just ‘hanging out’ when we decided to group up.” Viv clarifies, and Sofia nods that she understands the situation now, and goes back to profusely apologizing to Erica in particular.

“You can relax. No offense taken.” Erica assures Sofia.

“So… uh~... what’s the plan now? Sofia asks, trying to change the subject as quickly as possible.

“Well, we can all go if you guys are ready; but we can also wait out these two to sober up a bit.” Jay suggests.

“I personally vote option two. The night’s still young, and it’s a holiday tomorrow. Let’s all get to know each other. The food here’s great for a post-drinking food crawl too.” Erica suggests, and since it was Erica to suggest it, Sofia immediately agrees with her. Riley and Viv do too, so however Jay, Cassie, and Brooke vote; they know it wouldn’t matter.

“Hey Sam!” Riley then shouts to the bartender.

“Yes, Ms. Vanderhoff?” Sam asks from the bar.

“Can we get some nachos and a pizza margherita?” Riley asks Sam.

“Right away, madame.” He replies, before making the order over a phone.

“Shall we all grab a table?”

The group stayed in the Gold Room for another couple of hours while Nelly, Tanya, and Stella all took power naps to help them sober up a bit. Viv and Jay explained to Sofia that the Gold Room was connected to a secret club via the red door she thought was the restroom, as there were other people entering the pub only to go directly to the Red Rum. Thankfully, Sofia wasn’t that interested in checking the Red Rum out, or there would be a lot more to explain to her.

Viv was able to update Cassie and Brooke about what happened at the Red Rum when the three of them excused themselves to go to the restroom after Sofia went with Erica and Riley. Viv said that the ‘mission’ was successful, and that Jay has finally bought the ‘Family Comes First’ trait, as well as the ‘Supportive Parents’ trait for Cassie, but hasn’t bought it yet for Becca as per Becca’s wishes.

Cassie couldn’t believe it. It only took them a couple of days to possibly solve this issue with Mr. Hoffman. She’s seen how strong the magic of Jay’s app works, so Cassie can’t help but feel some assurance that everything will work out fine if Mr. Hoffman still decides to make a move even after all the traits Jay bought just to address it. Cassie even tried to call Becca and update her so they could breathe that sigh of relief together, but it went straight to voicemail, so she messaged her about it instead.

Hearing this news finally allowed Cassie to truly feel… normal again… for the first time since meeting Mr. Hoffman back at the gala. Cassie actually allowed herself to not worry about her family situation for a moment, and just enjoy everyone’s company without agenda.

The revelation that her mom knew who her father was, her admission of such and revealing who he actually was, and how disappointing and heartbreaking it was for her to know that she had actually been better off not knowing about her biological father — all of that, admittedly, came at her much too quickly, that she doesn’t know what to feel. Dealing with those emotions has been a constant thing she had to suppress for the past couple of days.

Cassie knew she was just burying these emotions away. Thinking of ways to help ‘solve’ the problem, and doing whatever she could to get the magical plan to work out as quickly as possible. She even finally admitted to Stella she had feelings for her as well, and even **** their date last night despite Stella’s better judgment… just so that her mind won’t stay idle for too long, and having to possibly truly think and address her emotions regarding these turn of events with her biological father.

“Hey.” Jay whispers next to Cassie to snap her out of her trance. “You want to get some air outside?” Jay asks her, to which Cassie immediately agrees. The two exit the Gold Room and immediately appreciate the refreshing breeze that hits them, that only accentuates the beauty of the warm summer night.

“Hey.” Cassie greets Jay. “Viv updated Brooke and I about our progress with the plan. Is there anything else we need to know?” She then asks, as she’s sure that this conversation is somewhat related to the app, if he finds it necessary to talk about it in private.

“No. Viv told me what she told you, and that’s pretty much it.” Jay tells her, confusing Cassie.

“Oh. Okay. What’s this about then?” Cassie asks.

“I can’t just catch up with my girlfriend now?” Jay asks her, not in a teasing manner, as he has a concerned look on his face.

“What do you mean? You know everything that’s up with me.” Cassie asks back.

“Exactly.” He says, getting closer to her. “That’s why I know this talk, and this hug, is long overdue.” Jay tells her. “Come here, baby.” Jay says, offering her a hug like he mentioned.

Cassie doesn’t know what’s happening with her. All she knows is that she’s smiling because she’s incredibly happy, but that there are also tears suddenly streaming down her cheeks. As Jay sees her tears, he doesn’t wait for her to accept the hug anymore, and wraps his arms around her, allowing Cassie to cry on his chest.

“I don’t know why I’m crying.” Cassie admits, chuckling and sobbing at the same time.

“I do.” Jay tells her, returning the chuckle, and keeping the mood light. “It’s okay, baby. You can let yourself breathe now.” Jay tells her, as he rubs her back with his hand, and she can’t help but feel good from his touch.

“How do you know?” Cassie asks, her voice muffled with her mouth pressed against Jay’s chest.

“Because you’re my daughter.” Jay tells her, and Cassie’s tears begin to flow much more freely.

Author's Note: The insinuated relationship between Erica and Riley is only to get Sofia off their backs and not reveal what it is they actually did in the Red Rum. Erica and Riley are not a couple.