Attention What If

Chapter 67

POV: Darleen

"So how'd it go?" I poke my head into Kenzie's room.

She came home about half an hour ago but has been keeping to herself. I wonder if things went badly. She seems upset. I didn't know how to approach her, though. How do you console one partner about issues with another partner?

This poly stuff is confusing.

I don't want to pick sides.

"Okay," she smiled at me.

Still, I felt uneasy. I could tell the smile didn't meet her eyes.

"Just okay?" I walk slowly into her room, sitting next to her on the bed.

"She liked the food I made."

"That's good." I try to sound cheery.

She stares off into space for a second, her fake smile falling.

"Hey, talk to me." I pull her into my arms.

"Do you think I'm disgusting?" she asks softly.

"No, why would I think that?" I raise a confused eyebrow.

"Don't you think it's weird for me to go after Skylar even though she dated Jade?"

"No. You can't control who you fall for. Plus, Skylar was your friend too growing up. It's only natural." I shrug.

"I wonder if my family will see it like that." She stares off into space.

"Is this about Jade? I told you, forget her. She's such a drama queen." I try to comfort her.

"Skylar doesn't kiss me..." she says.

I sigh.

I see the issue now.

She's insecure because she's worried Skylar won't be able to love her like she loves me, no, like she loves Jade.

"I can talk to her," I offer.

"No," she turns and cuddles up with me. "I don't want to force her. I want it to be natural."

"Just give her time. She'll come around. Remember? You said that to me once. Just give Skylar time to get used to you."

"Yeah..." she sighs.

"Can I be honest with you?" I turn my body to face her.

She looks up and meets my eyes.

"I was scared to come in here."

"Why?" she gives me a confused look.

"I don't know, all this poly stuff is new to me. I was scared you and Skylar had a fight or something, and I'd be forced to pick sides and play mediator. I don't know what I'd do in that situation."

"Emm," she hums, nodding her head in agreement.

"What would you do in that situation?" I ask.

"Well, if it were me," she turns more into me, cuddling up even closer. "I'd hear both sides, objectively if I could, and then be honest with who I think is right or wrong."

"What if both sides have a good argument?"

"Emm..."

"I'm scared of that day," I rest my head on top of hers.

"Who do you think will start the argument first?

"Skylar," I say without hesitation.

She giggles.