Penelope and Cassandra took their seats at the dining table, settling in with a warm air of familiarity. Cassandra gave Jessica a wave as she sat down.
"Hey, Jessica," she greeted casually.
Jessica responded with a friendly smile, her eyes softening. "Hey, Cassie."
But the moment her eyes shifted to Tasha, the air crackled. Cassandra's friendly demeanor vanished in an instant as she gave Tasha a sharp glare. Tasha, never one to back down, returned the look with equal intensity.
Jayden sat down with a sigh. "At least Cassie and Jessica seem to be on good terms." he thought.
Jacob arrived with practiced grace, serving up plates with a smile. Pancakes—again. This time, he dished out generous stacks for both Penelope and Cassandra.
Penelope smiled at him, elegant as ever. "Thank you."
Cassandra echoed her mother. "Thanks, Jake."
