A House Divided

The following chapter is written in 3rd person POV

Once Viv found out that Stella and Cassie’s date didn’t end with the two of them being on the same page regarding their relationship, Viv called for an emergency meeting at her restaurant so that the whole thing could be resolved before their Grand Opening tonight.

Tanya and Maddy immediately went to Jay’s apartment to join her and Jay so that they can all go to Viv’s together. Becca informed Marybeth to have Cassie chauffeured to the restaurant so that they can continue preparations for tonight. Brooke, however, informed everyone that she would be unable to make it. Due to the vagueness of the ‘emergency’ in the message, Brooke felt like she had a bigger emergency on her hands to deal with.

It was Brooke’s unavailability that caused Cassie to tell the other group to go back to Jay’s apartment if they’ve already left, arguing that it would be best to address the situation if all the girlfriends were there. Arguing further that she and Stella could try and talk during the Grand Opening anyways. With Tanya and Maddy already joining Stella and Jay at their apartment, while Viv and Becca are already with Cassie at the restaurant, the two groups decide to hold their own separate group meetings to catch up those unfamiliar with the situation on their respective sides of the issue.

“Oh, sweetie… you did the right thing.” Tanya tells Stella, after she and Jay recount the story of last night to her and Maddy.

“Fuck.” Viv says in reaction, after hearing Cassie tell her and Becca what happened the previous night.

“Will the two of you be alright?” Tanya then asks.

“I don’t know. I hope so.” Cassie answers.

“This is our first fight that was big enough that she chose to get some space from me… and that’s what worries me.” Stella admits.

“Cassie, you should’ve gone home with her! You could’ve just stayed over with us if you needed some space for the night. Stella’s probably worried out of her mind that you’re angry with her because you chose to stay at Becca’s. Away from the apartment. Away from her.” Viv points out to Cassie.

“Don’t worry, Stella. I know it’s easier to think of the worst in these situations, but you and Cassie both probably needed the space to both mentally reset.” Maddy assures Stella. “Plus, Becca’s really good at calming you down in these situations. I know from experience.” Maddy adds.

“Enough.” Becca says commandingly, interrupting the mini argument Cassie and Viv are having stemming from Cassie’s choice to stay over at Becca’s home for the night. “Would you like my input?” Becca asks Cassie, to which Cassie nods in response, and Viv zips her lips to hear what Becca has to say too.

“It’s not that I think Stella’s overreacting!” Maddy says defensively towards Tanya’s remark to her comment. Maddy then continues to say, “I just think that Cassie probably feels embarrassed after last night and needed some time alone to herself. I mean, that’s what I needed when I embarrassed myself. I’m just saying…”

“...I would have done the same thing.” Becca assures Cassie, placing a hand over Cassie’s as a show of support. Cassie gives Becca an appreciative smile as she accepts Becca’s hand in hers. The two half-sisters then tighten their grip onto each other’s hands.

“Thanks, Mads. I needed to hear that.” Stella says, before separating from their hug. “I’ve been so worried about how badly she must think of me that I didn’t consider that her choice to get some space wasn’t about me at all.” Stella adds.

“I’m sorry if it seemed like I was blaming you for wanting space. As a victim of unrequited love myself, who just so conveniently started mending those burnt bridges very recently, I guess it was hypocritical of me to have berated you like that. I was just worried you pulled a ‘me’ and decided to run away from addressing it, you know?” Viv apologizes.

“Yeah, that was my initial worry too.” Stella says in agreement with Tanya. “I was afraid that we won’t ever go back to normal because she’d rather avoid me than just talk it out like we’d usually do.” Stella says.

“Avoiding her was never my intention. I didn’t even consider that the space I was getting was for my own sake. I just didn’t want to remind Stella so easily of what I **** her to do.” Cassie explains.

“I hate myself for hurting her.”

“Well, that is a road I would not advise treading.” Viv tells Cassie knowingly.

“I bet you’re both thinking that right now.” Tanya points out to Stella with a smirk.

“It would be more advisable to focus on the steps you wish to take, rather than foster this self-hatred further.” Becca advises.

“Speaking of possible steps to address this…” Stella says suggestively.

“I was wondering what you guys think about…” Cassie begins to ask Becca and Viv.

“You want me to use the app on Cassie!?” Jay shouts incredulously.

“Wait, what?” Viv asks in shock.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Jay vehemently denies Stella’s idea.

“It’s an interesting stratagem.” Becca says with a deeply contemplative look.

“It was just an idea!” Stella shouts back defensively.

“You believe that’s the reason why Stella’s apprehensive about pursuing a deeper relationship with you? She finds it unnatural to romantically love multiple people simultaneously?” Becca asks to confirm, with Cassie nodding in response.

“We have a magical app that can alter reality, why not use it!?” Stella argues.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be the voice of reason between you two, but don’t you guys think that’s a bit… ****?” Viv points out.

“Baby, I hope you understand what you’re asking for.” Jay says, having forcefully calmed himself down so that their discussion doesn’t continue into a shouting match.

“Normalized Polyamory could work.” Becca says, obviously weighing the possibilities in her mind. “If that is indeed what’s holding Stella back from seeing you in the same light as you do.” Becca voices out.

“I just want Cassie and I to go back to status quo quicker. Maybe there’s a trait in the app that could help us do that? That’s honestly all I want.” Stella explains.

“I get it. Trust me. I do. I don’t want you and Stella to go through what my relationship with Celeste and Hal went through before being able to even begin the process of fixing it. But that’s exactly it. We didn’t need magic to get to that point. I sure as hell am sure you and Stella don’t either.” Viv prefaces. “I’m just saying… maybe magic isn’t the solution to that kind of stuff.” Viv forewarns.

“I think what your father’s saying is that you and Cassie haven’t even had an opportunity to talk to each other yet.” Tanya says in support of Jay. “I’ve had that exact same line of thinking before, sweetie. I thought I needed a trait so that I can be a better parent to my girls. But, all I really needed was to reflect on what I was doing and talk to them.” Tanya adds.

“Even though I do agree with Vivian that it may be a bit premature to start considering magical means when more practical methods may suffice… I will assure you, this early on, if this suggestion ever comes to a vote — you’ll have mine.” Becca assures Cassie.

“I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t support Stella’s idea.” Maddy comments, getting a surprised but appreciative look from Stella. “The magic of the app, and how Jay chose to use it for my sake, has been nothing but good to me. Maybe it'll be good for Stella and Cassie’s relationship too.” Maddy adds.

“In the end though, these are just our thoughts. Vivian and I are not the ones you need to convince.” Becca points out.

“I’m not the one you need to convince, baby.” Jay informs Stella. “You know where I stand with this… and I thought you agreed with me already after our talk, but that being said — if there even is a trait that fits what you’re suggesting, I’m not going to buy that trait for Cassie without her knowing about it.” Jay adds.

“Jay’s done it before. He’s bought a trait for Maddy to help her family become closer without her knowing about it. Maybe the three of us could convince him to keep it a secret if he ever agrees?” Cassie suggests.

“Stella, I explained this before, but I didn’t just buy a trait for Maddy. I bought a trait for her family. Because I saw how closed-off they were to even listening to each other.” Jay explains.

“Are you telling me that you’d rather try and fix this with magic than to just talk to Stella?” Viv asks Cassie.

Just then, everyone’s phone’s either vibrate or ping that they have just received a message from Brooke in the group chat.

[Brooke]: Are you guys all together at the restaurant still?

[Becca]: The seven of us postponed it due to your unavailability.

[Tanya]: Maddy and I are with Stella and Jay at their apartment.

[Viv]: But Becca and I are here with Cassie at the restaurant.

[Brooke]: Well, ALL of you get your butts over to the restaurant then. I’M calling my own group meeting.

[Viv]: Ooh. Brooke’s taking control. Me likey.

[Tanya]: Not the time, V.

[Jay]: What happened, Brooke?

[Brooke]: It’ll be easier to explain in person.

[Brooke]: Just get over there.