Cheryl was sitting on the bed waiting for Toni to find her something to sleep in. Toni was so nervous and she didn't know what to say or do to make Cheryl feel good. Other girl knew that and was so angry wih herself for making Toni feel all these things.
''Toni, come here.''
She took a seat beside her and Cheryl took her hands.
''I need you to be normal…To act normal. I am not going to brake. It will take time for us to recover, but I need you not to treat me with kid's gloves.''
''What do you need?''
''I need to take a shower and wash away that place from me. I need you to touch me, kiss me, and be with me, like nothing happened. I can take it from other people…but not from you…I need you to stop walking on the egg shells around me.''
''Ok.''
She kissed Cheryl and went back to her closet. She got things Cheryl asked for and the other girl went to the bathroom. Toni took that time to check on everything. Windows were locked, front doors were locked, and everything was under control. She was on her way back to the room when she stopped. She turned to the bathroom and entered it. She could see shape of her girlfriend's body. Cheryl was washing her hair. It was a very split decision. Cheryl needed her to act normal…that was normal for them. She took off her clothes and dropped them on the floor. She could do this… She opened the shower door and got into it. In the tiles she saw Cheryl smirk.
''Took you long enough.''
''If you think that is long, you have no idea what are you in for.''
''Do pray show…''
And she did. Toni did what Cheryl asked her to do. She acted normal, she acted like nothing happened. She made love to her girlfriend and after that she went to the kitchen and made them tea. They cuddled up on the couch and watched sunrise.
''Babe…''
Toni missed hearing that word said in Chery's cuddly voice…or just being said by her.
''Yes?''
''What is the situation like at school?''
''What do you mean?''
''What do they know, or think they know?''
''Story is that you went to Europe, boarding school, you realized I was a mistake and now you are happy there.''
''Really?''
''Yes, I'm telling you what is going on there.''
''And what about people, did they believe it?''
''Some students and teachers did, some didn't care and some didn't but didn't want to raise trouble.''
''So, no one knows where I was.''
''No….''
''How did you?''
''Nana Rose. She called.''
''My nana?''
''As soon as she called, we organized to get you out of that place. I wouldn't be able to stand it to know you were at a place like that for one more minute. Every hour I knew where you were and we didn't do anything, felt so badly.''
'' Hey, it's ok. It all worked out.''
''It did. You are here…''
''I want to go to school.''
''Today?''
''Yes, today…''
''But…Can you?''
''Yes, I can. I can't stand being in closed space anymore. I can't be prisoner.''
Toni's face fell. Last thing she wanted was for Cheryl to feel imprisoned here.
''Ok. If that is really what you need…''
''I do… Now, let's see what I can fit in in your closet.''
''There could be few pairs of pants I didn't cut the legs off. If they fit, keep them. One are red and other are plaid.''
''Mmmm… Sounds like an easy decision.''
''Yes, it does.''
Toni went to the closet with Cheryl and gave her the pants. They fit her like a glove. She found black lacy shirt she could put on and favorite combat boots.
''We have to ride my bike.''
''Ok.''
Cheryl got ready and finally did her makeup. Toni remembered Cheryl had her spare makeup bag at the closet and now it came handy. She had her shade of everything. Toni's foundation and some other things would be too dark for her. When she was done with the bathroom, it was Toni's turn to shower and do her makeup. She was very fast and she got ready in less than fifteen minutes. She put on her favorite leather pants, boots, black shirt, one of her plaids and her serpent jacket. Since she didn't have much time for fixing the hair, she just made a messy bun.
''You ready babe?''
''Yes TT. Let's go.''
Bike ride was different this time. Now she was even more nervous than before. She had to face entire school, face gossip and everyone there. She was not sure what to do, should she tell them what happened or keep it a secret? At the parking loft they found Sweet Pea, Fangs and Jug. Jughead was surprised to see Cheryl.
''Wow! You are here?!''
''Yes, I am. I am back.''
''Oh, ok… So, Europe was not that much fun.''
Toni just rolled her eyes at him and Cheryl chooses to ignore him. Fangs came to her and hugged her.
''You look much better.''
''Thank you…''
''You are welcome…''
And then it happened. She saw looks people were giving her. She hated that. They were too curious but no one dared to come close to her and ask where she was and what was going on in her life. Sweet Pea put his arm around her shoulders.
''Are you ready to theorize school again? It was such a nice and quiet place without you Blossom…''
''You can bet your life I am.''
''Ok. Let's go and get them…''
He let go of her and she took Toni's hand.
''Let's go to the principal's office and see what will happen now.''
''Ok.''
They went there and the rest of the crew went to their classes. Principal was very surprised to see her and even more in shock when she told him where she was and what happened.
''Miss Blossom, I am sorry. I think it would be the best for you to talk to teachers and see with them for the make-up work. I will make sure to deal with the administrative part of your leave. I will talk to Keller and Mrs. McCoy to see how we should handle all this. Now, go to class. Her day was too long. She was happy to be in classes with Toni, because then she could relax and no think too much. At lunch they sat with their usual crew, plus Fangs and Sweets. Betty was very quiet, but staring at her all the time.
''What is it cousin Betty, why are you staring at me?''
''Is it true?''
''What?''
''What my mom told me?''
''I wouldn't know what she told you?''
''About the Sisters, gay conversion therapy and you being there all this time?''
Toni waited for Cheryl's answer. Under the table she took her hand and squeezed it. She showed the girl she is here and supporting any path she chooses.
''It is true. She saw our picture in the papers and she sent me there to fix me. It didn't work. Three weeks of beatings and all sorts of abuse didn't really help. I am still into girls…one girl to be precise and it's not going away. ''
She smiled and kissed Toni's cheek.
''Maybe she believed if she kept me there for a long time, Toni would give up and leave me. But she didn't understand that it's not that simple. Maybe the girl will leave, but feelings for girls will not. ''
Betty was confused.
''You think that Toni wants to break up with you?''
''No, but I think my mom believed she would get tired of waiting and move on to someone new and that I would be cured and normal then. She believed Toni was a problem…as she believed Heather was a problem…and every next girl would be a problem….until she gets that it's not them, it's me. I am the one in love with a girl. Some of them might love me back, some not…. But feelings are mine.''
''You liked girls before? Toni is not the first?''
''Cousin Betty, we already talked about all of this… Yes, knew I liked girls since…I don't know. I just always did. I was in love with Heather…NO, we were in love. My mom found us kissing on my bed. That is why she left. My mom paid her parents to leave and separate us.''
''Wow! I had no idea. I believed her parents moved for the job.''
''They did, but it was the job my mom helped them get. Someone owed her a favor and they were gone in less than four days. Everything packed and puff…nowhere to be seen.''
''Do you know where she is?''
''No, I haven't seen her for more than two years. I don't know where they went.''
''And what would you do if you saw her again?''
''I don't know. I stopped thinking about that long time ago. It has been two years and life happened.''
Toni got up and said she would be back in a minute. She came back with a cupcake and a single candle.
''Happy birthday babe…''
''Thank you…''
''Make a wish…''
''I don't need to… All I ever wished for I got in a small feisty package.''
''Hey, I am not that small…''
''I love you my tiny person…''
''I love you to…''
They kissed and again it got everybody's attention. Veronica was beaming.
''You guys are so cute.''
''No, we are not…''
''You are. Betty do you agree with me?''
''Honestly, I am still getting used to all this.''
''Well, thank you cousin. Without your blessing I don't know what I would have done….''
Toni smirked.
''That's not what I wanted to say. I wanted to say…I am not used seeing your gentle side.''
Veronica took her drink and smirked.
''The ice Queen is melting….oh, it's dripping…''
Toni chocked on her sandwich. Cheryl turned to her and pointed a finger.
''Topaz if you say a word I will kill you in your sleep.''
''I will not say anything. I will stick to my food.''
''You better… And get that smirk from your face…''
She kissed Cheryl.
''I have to go babe. See you at practice.''
''Ok…''
Veronica and Cheryl went to their lockers and took what they needed for the next class. Practice was a new challenge for Cheryl. She couldn't be in shorts. Everyone would see her bruises, and she couldn't be in the pants either. Luckily Toni was there to save the day. She came to Chery's locker and gave her her sweats.
''I had them stashed in my locker. You can use them today.''
''Ok…''
Veronica didn't change any of her routines, so it was not hard for her to get back into shape and follow the routines. Veronica promised that she will step down as a head of the Vixens since Cheryl was back. She got some looks from the Vixens and choose to address them.
'' Is there a problem?''
''Are you gay?''
''Is that important?''
''We share a locker room?''
''And?''
''We don't feel comfortable changing in front of someone like that.''
''I don't feel comfortable being surrounded by stupid people and bigots, but I live with that. You will survive too. And, now can we continue with the practice or there is something more you will cry about?''
None of the girls spoke after that. Cheryl took over practice and made them all work hard. She needed to put back broken pieces of her life and Vixens were big part of that idea. After practice, Toni came to her and took her to sit on the bleachers.
''Are you ok?''
''I don't know. I was so angry at them.''
''People will not be comfortable with any other label than straight. You know that?''
''I do, but we are doing this for so long and I didn't want those question asked. I do not sneak peeks when they change or shower. I never did that…''
Toni raised her eyebrow.
''You don't count. We are dating. ''
''And what about before?''
'' Fine! I did watch you. I like you… I wanted you even before I dared to say or do anything about it. And for the record, I know you watched me too.''
''I never hid that fact. I always loved to sneak a peek at Miss Bombshell.''
''And I love it too. You were my downfall Topaz. After years of hiding my love for girls, it was you who got me to admit it and be with you. I love you so much.''
''I love you too babe…''
They kissed and it got a little bit heated before Veronica interrupted them.
''Sorry to intrude, but Fangs is looking for Toni, he says it's important.''
''Oh, ok…''
She got up and went to find him. Cheryl got up to go to the locker room and change. It was finally empty and only she and Veronica were there. She could take a shower. Veronica had no idea about Chery's bruises and everything and she was in shock when she saw her back.
''Oh, my God!''
Cheryl took her towel and covered herself.
''What did they do to you?''
''I don't want to talk about it.''
At that moment Toni came back and saw very strange exchange between the girls. They were standing in their towels in a very tense silence.
''Is everything ok?''
''Have you seen her bruises?!''
Toni then remembered that no one saw it but her and she was sure Veronica was in shock and surprised by what she saw.
'' I have… I saw them in the exam room and this morning.''
''I am so sorry…''
Cheryl stood there very silent. She didn't want anyone's pity, especially not from Veronica.
''Babe, go and put on your undies. Fangs gave me some cream he uses for bruises and things. It could help.''
Cheryl nodded and went to change. Veronica took Toni's hand and stopped her from following Cheryl.
''You saw it and you didn't say anything?''
''What do you want me to say?''
''I just made fool out of myself.''
''Veronica, it's her personal choice to tell or not to tell…''
''I know…but…''
''But nothing. It was not my thing to tell. ''
''Did she tell you what happened?''
''No, but after some time in juvie, I don't need anyone to tell me how some of the bruises are made.''
''You were beaten up too?''
'' I was. Many times. Foster care, home, street… I know my wounds, scars and bruises by heart and I know that the ones inside never heal and you don't pick them. It's the life of the huge percentage of the kids in the foster care, gangs and we accept it… Welcome to the real life.''
Toni left Veronica and went to Cheryl. She was dressed in her undies and she got her hair up.
''He said it will do you good.''
''Ok…Let's try.''
Toni put the cream on her bruises and then she helped Cheryl change.
''What do you want to do now?''
''I want to see JJ.''
''Go to the graveyard?''
''He is actually buried behind Thornhill. Blossoms are buried there. I think that the first grave is from the 1889.''
''That estate is creepy even without graveyard.''
''I know. JJ and I loved to play there.''
''You are weird.''
''I know.''
Veronica came to them.
''You are not going alone. I will organize everyone and we will go with you.''
''Why?''
''Because of your mom. She might do something to you.''
Cheryl looked over at Toni. She sort of agreed with Veronica.
''Veronica is right. If you want to go, there should be more than two of us going there.''
''Ok.''
Veronica organized everyone and in less than an hour, ten people, including Mrs. McCoy and Keller were at the gate of the Blossom estate. Cheryl punched in the code and they entered. Few moments later, Penelope showed up at the door. She was taken back a bit by the two adults in the bunch of teens.
''What is this?''
''We are here to see JJ.''
''Cheryl…''
''Mommy, it's our birthday… I want to be with my brother.''
Penelope was taken back a bit. She forgot it was their birthday. She wanted to enter the house, but Mrs. McCoy called for her.
''Penelope, we must talk.''
They got into the house together with Mr. Keller and the rest of the kids went to visit Jason's grave. Archie was here for the first time, since his death. Betty was feeling weird that someone has graveyard behind their house. Cheryl looked around the estate and was very surprised to see that Thornhill was restored. Mansion was whole again. It took just three weeks to fix what she burned. She walked to the house and opened the door. It looked the same. House was empty, but everything was as it was. Cheryl climbed the stairs to her old room and she was amazed how everything was the same. House smelled like new paint, wood work and everything, but old ghosts still lived there. She entered old Jason's room and just watched the empty space, trying to remember where things were before. She tried to remember the smell of his room and that refresher she and Jason hated, but Penelope loved. She remembered how his sheets smelled of his new perfume and how she loved to take his sweatshirts and sleep in them. She remembered their pillow forts and all the things they did together. She also remembered the last night they spent together. It was the last time she felt safe in someone's arms, before she met Toni. She sat on the floor and started crying. Toni followed her to the house and she somehow managed to find her.
''Babe, are you ok?''
She was sobbing now. Toni took a seat beside her on the floor and held her.
''It's ok babe... Just let it out.''
''I miss him so much… I miss JJ so much Toni… ''
''I know. I know how you feel.''
Cheryl gave her a very sad smile. Yes, Toni knew… Toni knew so much about how she felt, because many of those feelings were things they shared.
''Let's go…''
They got out of the house and got to JJ's grave. Cheryl noticed some flowers there. The rest of their friends took a chance to honor her brother during her time in the house. Now they stood on the side, leaving her space to be alone with him and say what she has to say. She sat down in front of his stone and started telling him what happened since he was gone. She couldn't believe she was talking to a gravestone, but now nothing rational was on her mind. She missed her brother and this stone was all she had.
There was some tension when Penelope showed up. She had few roses in her hand and she placed them beside Cheryl. Everyone just stood there and waited for something, including Cheryl and her mother.