Chapter 14

                                    

                                          
Cheryl spent the whole week in bed at Veronicas. Jason obviously asked about Cheryl but Veronica said she just needed some time to herself after the abuse from her parents. He had no idea what happened at Sweetwater River. Cheryl's friends had sent her messages of love and support and she finally felt ready to leave the house.
                          
Cheryl
Can we go somewhere to talk?
Read 10.30am
                          
Toni
Of course. Where and when? I've really missed you. 
Read 10.30am
                          
Cheryl 
In an hour and we can meet at Pops.
Read 10.32am
                          
Toni
Ok see you there
Read 10.32am
                          
Toni had a feeling Cheryl was going to cut her off, whatever they were. But if all Cheryl wanted to be was friends she would respect that. She began to get ready her heart in her throat.
                          
'Where are you going?' Veronica asks.
'I'm going to meet Toni, we need to talk' Cheryl looks at her friend.
'Oh, erm well good luck' Veronica says and with that Cheryl leaves for Pops.
                          
Cheryl is constantly on edge hoping her parents don't see her and try and drag her into the car, as far as she's concerned she no longer has parents, just a brother, her friends and Toni. She's never felt so free.
When she finally gets to Pops diner she sees Toni sat in a booth biting her nails, she looks nervous. Cheryl suddenly gets nervous, does Toni hate her now? She's barely spoken to her all week she wouldn't blame her after the way she's acted lately.
Cheryl sucks in a breath and opens the door, the familiar bell ringing. Tonis eyes lift up to see the redhead girl slowly approaching her table. Toni stands up nervous and unsure of how to greet the other girl, she decides on a awkward hug not wanting to make Cheryl too uncomfortable, she's already been through enough. Both girls sit across from each other unsure of where to even start.
'How have you been?' Toni asks cautiously.
'I'm feeling much better, my head seems to have cleared'. Cheryl replied 'how are you?'
'I'm ok, I'm just glad you're feeling a little better' Toni looked at Cheryl.
'I really like you Cheryl' Toni blurted out 'but I understand if I'm not what you want or it's not the right time, I totally get it'.
'Toni' Cheryl grabbed her hand 'I really like you too, I'm just not sure I'm good for you, I cause people pain wherever I go, I don't want to do that to you' she sighed 'And I'm afraid my deranged parents would try to hurt you'.
'Screw them Cheryl, maybe we could take it slow? How about a date tomorrow?' Toni said hopefully. 
'I'd love that' Cheryl smiled back.
They carried on holding hands over the table, chatting away. Cheryl finally felt happier than she had in a long time, not worried about what anyone would say or think. She knew Toni would always be there for her. The evening ended before either of the girls were ready to leave. 
'How about a ride' Toni smiles.
'On your bike? No way' Cheryl laughs.
'Come on, I'll be extra careful, promise' 
'Fine' Cheryl playfully rolls her eyes.
                          
As they approach the motorcycle Toni hands Cheryl a helmet. 'I'll climb on first and then you get on and hold on to me'. 
'Ok' Cheryl looks nervous.
Once the girls were on the bike Toni revved the engine 'hold on' she yells. Cheryl is only loosely holding on to Toni but as soon as the bike starts to move she wraps her arms around the other girl holding on for dear life. Toni smiles to herself not ever wanting Cheryl to let go.
After a few minutes Cheryl opens her eyes which she's had squeezed shut since the bike moved. She takes in what's happening, the wind in her face, she's got her arms around someone who truly cares for her, she feels at peace. She smiles to herself enjoying her time with Toni.
The journey ends sooner than either of the girls would have liked. Toni hopped off the bike first and offers Cheryl her hand to help her off. They both take off their helmets and Cheryl passes it back to Toni.
'Thanks for a lovely evening and the ride' Cheryl smiles.
'No problem, I'll see you tomorrow Cher' Toni says looking at her crush. Cheryl quickly leans over and places a kiss on Tonis cheek. 'Goodnight Toni' Cheryl quickly turns around and heads into Veronicas house without another word. Toni smiles, jumps back on her bike and makes her way home, a smile on her face the whole way.