Meeting Casey: Family, Friends, and a Fight

This episode introduces Casey Cohen and catches us all up on her history with Erica. There’s nothing more important than friends and family, and these scenes really highlight that importance in my life.

People always say some of the most fun is had when it’s unexpected… well, I certainly would not have predicted where my first night out with Casey ended up, but it was honestly the most fun I’ve had in a long time. We arrived at Hudson Terrace on the prowl for single men. In fact, we were having so much fun that we didn’t even realize it was gay night until someone told us. Then of course, we looked around, and it couldn’t be more obvious. I mean we were the only girls in the club -- guess that should have been our first clue. Once we realized, though, it didn’t stop our fun one bit. Gay night parties just might be my new jam!

Chanel doesn’t throw around the term “best friend” with just anyone, so I trusted that Casey was someone to get to know even before I met her. Our friendship has grown ever since, and it’s so obvious to me that Casey would never hold a grudge over something trivial. Being a total “girl's girl,” I don’t really care what the details of the situation are -- you don’t steal boyfriends.   

Friendships and good girlfriends aren’t something to take for granted. Hearing Erica tell Joey about the prom dress situation got me really sad. I feel like most girls, including me, can sympathize with how Casey must have felt! I’m not sure how Erica actually feels now but she came across like she was bragging. I’m having a hard time understanding the smirk on Joey’s face as Erica is telling her this. I swear all I keep saying is, “What is with the smirk?” I almost feel like it fed fuel to the fire. “Supposedly” Joey has no hard feelings about Erica sleeping with her boyfriend. I say supposedly because she’s saying it with that same smirk and goes on to tell Erica that she took his “v-card.” What is the point of bringing it up if there are no hard feelings?? Joey doesn’t want to mess up their flow of the start of their friendship. Please tell me that I’m not the only one confused. Their relationship started out with Erica sleeping with Joey’s boyfriend... how is that even a foundation for a friendship? It’s understandable and makes sense if Joey was upset about this situation (which her face clearly reveals), but don’t pretend you’re cool with it because you want a friend. This whole thing just screams fake to me.  

I’m sure Erica would agree that she doesn’t need or want a fake friend. What a good friend Joey is by saying that Erica’s reputation is the same today as it was in high school… that she is the girl you can’t leave alone with your boyfriend. That’s shady.

Watching Casey talk to her mom about the real reason she has held onto this pain for 10 years made my heart sink. I know how fortunate I am to have such a close-knit family with parents who love and support each other. I can’t imagine what she’s been through, but it makes so much sense to me why she’s carried the pain of this incident with her for so long. You may not be able to choose your family, but you can absolutely choose your friends and my family would love to be there for her in any way we can. I just wanted to hold her hand. 

A few side notes before I get to the big drama of the weekend. I wish I would have had some kind of warning about our conversation on the bus! OMG -- no wonder my face got so red! It’s not like I’m some kind of prude; I just think some things are private and sex is one of them. And, yes, I’m a princess, but I was totally joking on the phone with my mom. I’ve never had a butler. My mom and dad just make everything better! 

Since all of the Shabbat stuff is new for me, I asked a ton of questions. I was definitely a little nervous that I was going to mess up, and the last thing I would ever want to do is offend Chanel’s traditions. I know Joey was joking about the things I was grateful for when I was praying. The way I see it is, materialistic things only complement me. They don’t define me. I was actually thanking God for all of my amazing blessings and the family he has given me. I was also praying for health and happiness for everyone there. With the health issues I’ve had, including having a stroke, I’ve learned that everything could be taken away in an instant.  As a result, I’ve become even more grateful for each and every day. It really puts everything into perspective for me, including the drama that unfolded at the table.  I admire how Casey handled herself and I don’t want her to feel like she ruined dinner, because she didn’t. I think it was brave and admirable of her to come to the Hamptons in the first place, knowing that Erica would be there. It’s human nature to reach a breaking point. Bottled emotions erupt. I wish Erica could have just admitted she was wrong and apologized. It’s really sad that she can’t see the real issue and feel bad for the pain that she has added to an already upsetting and tough situation. I really hope that Casey can get the all the thing she needs to off her chest. I think Erica needs to hear Casey’s pain in order for her to realize that this situation isn’t about the actual 10-year time span. I will always feel protective over my friends and this situation magnifies how important it is to hold on to true girlfriends and not get caught up with the rest. 

I can’t wait for next week’s episode. I’ll keep you updated here and follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ashleewhite23! LIKE my fan page too.