Attention What If

Chapter 63

POV: Darleen

"Okay, so to recap, open communication is a number one priority. If any one of us gets uncomfortable with something, we have to communicate that." I pace back and forth in front of Skylar and Kenzie. "We've also decided on alternating days. One day with Skylar, One day with Kenzie, and One day where you two are together. All group activities must be planned and talked through, including bedtime activities. We have also agreed to assume we are all having sex with each other, even when the other person is not around. With that comes regular testing. Am I leaving anything out?" I stop pacing.

"Counseling." Kenzie adds.

"Ah, right, all 3 of us will continue to get counseling."

"I'm not moving back in." Skylar stands firm.

"Skylar," I pout.

"No, not until I think we are all ready. Besides, it might be good to have a separate space at first." She says. "It could help ease us into this."

"She has a point," Kenzie agrees.

"Fine," I sigh.

"Alright then, things are settled." Kenzie smiles.

"Um," Skylar clears her throat. "What about other partners?"

Both Kenzie and I look up at her, a heavy silence in the air.

"Ohhkay, guess that answers that." She laughs nervously.

"What other partners?" I can't keep my jealousy from taking over.

"Nothing, nothing." She quickly backs down.

"Are you seeing someone else?" Kenzie asks, also a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"No, no, I just... wanted to know if this was an open or closed relationship."

"Closed," Kenzie and I say in unison.

"Got it." She clips her words.

"Is this about Vida?" I push.

"No, no, it's nothing. Geez, you two look like you want to murder me." she forces a laugh.

Kenzie takes a calming breath.

I turn away from her to force myself to calm down.

It's hard to reel in these emotions. Despite all my work in therapy, I can't help being territorial, especially when it comes to Skylar.

"You guys, seriously, it's nothing." She assures us.

"Skylar, if you want another partner, if you want to be with Vida too, you need to communicate that to us." Kenzie points out.

"It's fine. I'm fine. Being in two relationships is hard enough, 3!? I don't even know if I can handle that."

I turn back to her and read her face.

She seems genuine, but I can tell she thought about it for a second. She and Vida together. Vida pushed me to end it with Skylar, instead, I looped her into my relationship with Kenzie. I bet Vida will be extra pissed when she finds out what I've done. She might not want to talk to Skylar ever again. I wonder how Skylar will react to that.

"Guys, really, it's fine," Skylar says again as we all stand around in silence.

"Okay," I back down, knowing this isn't settled.

I don't want to push her. If I push too hard, she might run again. We'll address the problem when it comes up, I guess.

"Okay," Kenzie echoes, looking at me in concern.