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Once again in her home away from home, Anneliese is - for a change - not sitting playing on her violin while she waits, but instead pacing back and forth, a worried look on her face.
Chelle returns to the Spring Hollow, a worried look on her face. "Anneliese, are you okay?" she asks when she sees her fellow Spring.
Anneliese spins as she hears her name. "Chelle! It is good to see you. I could use some advice, if you are willing to give it?"
Chelle nods, gesturing to a nearby cottage. "Come on, let's go get comfy, okay?" She lets herself in. It's hers, after all. She sprawls on a luxurious chair, and then smiles to Anneliese. "Wherever you like."
Taking a seat opposite Chelle, Anneliese hesitates, chewing her lip before speaking. "Are you familiar with poly relationships? They were not a thing anybody spoke of in my time, if they even existed."
"Ah," Chelle says. "Michael and I are technically polyamorous, although we're not acting on it at the moment. Would you like some advice?" She smiles a little, comfortingly. "I'm kind of honored you brought this to me, really."
"Oh, yes, I heard about you and Michael being together now. Congratulations, by the way." Anneliese manages to return the smile, and it doesn't even look forced. "I would, yes."
"Well, thanks, but this isn't about me." Chelle leans forward. "What's the situation, Anneliese?"
"How do you avoid getting jealous of your partner's partners? Billie and I are dating now, but she has another partner as well."
Chelle mmms softly. "I get jealous as fuck sometimes. When that happens, I sit down with whoever--okay, let me use an example. Let's say Michael is dating someone named Sam and for whatever reason I'm jealous. It's not about them, though--Mikey and Sam. It's about my expectations and managing them. May I recommend a book or six?" she says, and forges forward anyway. "It's called the Jealousy Workbook and will help a lot." She peers at Annie. "I would sit down with Billie and say, 'hey, I'm really down with this polyamory thing, but I'm scared and jealous. Help reassure me.' That would help me a lot, were I in your shoes."
"I shall check it out, thank you for the recommendation. And the advice, too." Anneliese smiles at Chelle.
Chelle smiles back. "I'll help any time. It's rough, and scary, opening a relationship. I'm here to talk." Then she remembers something. "I want to talk to you anyway, so this works. The equinox is coming up. Are you free to bartend at Stardust that night or know anyone, preferably Lost, who can? Pay's good, and Ari's excited by the idea of holding the big Spring party in the mortal world this year when Mikey and I brought it up."
"I believe so? Let me check my calendar, one second." Anneliese pulls out her phone, checking her calendar app for when the Spring Equinox is and whether she's working that day. "You are in luck, I am free that night."
Chelle beams. "Thank you. That's wonderful. I'll get back with you for the relevant details. I think I have your number--let me confirm, please." And she pulls out her own cell phone, which is shaped oddly from being in the Hedge. Rattling off a number she has for Anneliese, she quirks a brow questioningly afterward.
"That is correct." She smiles at Chelle. "Always a pleasure to help a friend."
Chelle beams. "I'm glad you consider me a friend. I like you a lot, too. You're steadfast, and I like that in a Court known for flightiness." She grins crookedly.
"Oh, I can be flighty too, when the mood strikes." Anneliese returns the grin. "Did I ever tell you about how Billie and I actually met the first time?"
Chelle shakes her head, amusement on her face. She crosses her legs, and puts her elbow on her knee, fist under her chin. Story time! All she needs is an adult juice pouch.
Anneliese snickers at the pose, before launching into the story, making sure to play up how bad her initial attempt at flirting was.
Chelle listens, amused. "That's so cute," she declares at the end.
"Thank you, I think." Anneliese blushes slightly. "Luckily I was more put together later, but that was still an embarrassing moment in retrospect."
Chelle chuckles lightly. It's not mean, but it still might be pretty embarrassing! "I understand." She recounts how she met Michael which is less embarrassing, but still pretty silly, nonetheless.
"Well, at least I am not the only one who made a fool of themselves." She smiles. "What have you been up to since we last met, anyway?"
Chelle smiles. "Getting ready for the equinox, mostly. Talked to Ari today, but I'd already pre-booked some of the stuff involved." Proactive.
"Planning ahead is always a good idea." A nod, as Anneliese pauses to take a sip of water. "If you need me to help with anything in addition to bartending, please, feel free to ask."
Chelle nods. "I will." She smiles at Anneliese. "And if you ever need me, please, I'm only a call away."
"Of course." The smile gets returned.
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