Cheryl stood up and looked at her mother not knowing what is going on.
''So, I see you are taking over the Blossom estate and getting emancipated?''
''You forced me to do this mother.''
''Ok… Then there is just one thing to do.''
She took a small knife out of her pocket. People watching became very uncomfortable. She took her daughter's hand and made a small cut. Toni wanted to help Cheryl and get her away from her mother, but Mrs. McCoy stopped her.
''This is some weird Blossom thing. I remember it from the time Clifford's dad died and he became head of the family.''
Toni couldn't believe what she was hearing. She turned to Cheryl and Penelope and continued watching. Cut gathered some blood that was about to drip then she turned Chery's palm and let it bleed on her brother's grave stone. She put small white handkerchief on the cut and put a red ruby ring on Chery's finger.
''Good luck Cheryl… I hope you are happy now. But, just know this is not the end.''
Penelope put her suitcase in the car and drove away. Toni came to her girlfriend's side and checked on her cut. It will take some time to heal.
''You must think we are some crazy family.''
'' I don't think you are crazy, I know you are.''
That made her laugh.
''What does this all mean?''
''It means that all of the Blossom estates are mine and my mom has some money she saved. And it also means we have a home Topaz…''
''What?''
''Thornhill…''
Toni just looked at that house and then at Cheryl. She really hated the estate and all the establishments there. If it was up to her, that place would be somehow annihilated. She really didn't feel comfortable. It was too creepy for her.
''Let's furnish it and move in.''
''You are crazy.''
''Why?"
''Just us in such a huge house?''
''Well, there is plenty of time for more members of the family.''
''Come on. Let's get you that thing cleaned.''
They went to Thistle house and went to Chery's room. It remained the same as she left it. All of her things were there, including her phone. She plugged it to get charged and Toni went to the bathroom to find something to clean and bandage Chery's hand. Toni found what she wanted and took a seat in the bed next to Cheryl.
''Babe, give me your hand…''
Cheryl removed the handkerchief from her palm and Toni cleaned and bandaged her cut.
''I can't believe she did it. She cut you.''
''She had to… That is some weird ritual Blossoms have. I have no idea where it came from.''
''But why make you bleed on Jason's grave?''
''Because he was supposed to be daddy's heir. And I come as his successor, so I must bleed on who was before me.''
''That is sic.''
''That's us… The Blossom family.''
''Sounds fun.''
''Oh, it's not.''
''Are there some more crazy traditions?''
''Oh, as many as you like.''
''I am afraid even to ask about them.''
''Babe, do you think we could stay here tonight?''
Toni knew the answer should be yes, but she was so freaked out by this house. She knew how much it meant to Cheryl, so she just nodded and let her girlfriends have the time in the house. She could understand she missed it or just wanted to be at the place that was familiar to her. But, she also knew that her girlfriend was battling some serious ghosts at this estate.
Toni wanted to do something for Cheryl to celebrate her birthday. She arranged with FP to make small party for her at the Wyrm and she had help from Veronica, Betty and Kevin to make it all perfect. That Saturday Toni told Cheryl she is taking her somewhere special and she had no idea about the party. She took Chery's car keys and gave her scarf to put over her eyes.
''This is kinky.''
''It might be, but it's for you not to have your surprise spoiled.''
She helped out of the car and led her to the bar. Hey got in and she took off her blindfold. Cheryl couldn't believe what was going on. Their friends were there, Wyrm was full of red balloons, Vixens were there and she was surprised that Toni and everyone else took so much effort to make this for her. She had so much fun. She danced with her friends and some of Toni's Serpents changed their mind about her and became very friendly. Some even made an effort to get to know her. They realized how much she meant to Toni, so they did that to show support to Toni. Some of them still didn't really like the Blossom part of her, but that was something she couldn't change. At one point FP climbed the stage and the music was off.
''I want to take this chance to wish Cheryl all the best and happy birthday. You had hell of a week and I wish to you to never live through something that bad ever again. You said few days ago that you don't have family and I am here to tell you that is not true. We are your family and that girl holding your hand is you family…So, in the name of the Serpents, I am asking you will you officially join our family?''
Out of the big bow he pulled out red Serpent jacked and offered it to Cheryl. She was in shock. She kept looking at Toni with eyes full of tears.
''You knew about this?''
''Maybe…''
''I love you…''
She kissed her and climbed to the stage. FP helped her with putting the jacket on and he hugged her. Fangs and Sweet Pea started teasing her by shouting for speech. Soon others joined. She had no idea what to say.
''I want to thank you all and tell you that I am much honored that you want me to be part of this. I want to thank all of you for this party and this amazing time I am having here… But I want to thank Veronica, Toni, Kevin and the boys who helped my escape and all that came after that. Without you I would have celebrated this birthday locked somewhere.''
She turned to Toni and smiled.
''Beside all of you, there is one more person I really have to say thank you for everything and that is my amazing girlfriend Toni. I wouldn't be here if there was not for her. I am not just talking about the SOQM, I am talking about everything. She was so patient and amazing with me and I can't thank her enough for all that love and support. You, Toni Topaz are the best thing that happened to me and I love you to death. And because of you, I will proudly accept this jacket and being part of the Serpents you call your family. I am honored to be part of your family. I love you so much.''
She got of stage and Toni pulled her into a very heated kiss. People were whistling and clapping around them, but they ignored it. Cheryl couldn't wait for them to come home and just be alone. She really wanted Toni to know how much she loves her and appreciates what she does for her. In her life, she never had so much love and attention and she was incredibly happy. Her wounds were still fresh, and she had nightmares, but her life was good because she had Toni to stand by her. She also had her list of things she had to do to be good and safe again. She and Toni came back to the Thistle house a bit after midnight. Toni was really tired and couldn't wait to shower and hit the bed. She needed her sleep and was very happy that she had day off tomorrow. She could spend entire day with Cheryl just doing…whatever they wanted. She wanted just to be cuddled up to her girlfriend and make love to her to make up for all the time they spent apart. They got ready for bed and Toni got under covers first. Cheryl came later and got a small paper out of her desk.
''Babe, is everything ok?''
''Yes, in a way.''
''Ok? What is going on?"
''You know I love you Toni?''
''I do… What is going on? Tell me Cheryl…''
''This is my list. I made it when I was…there… It's sort of my bucket list.''
She gave Toni the paper and she started reading. Pretty much it was all about how to get Penelope out of the way and keep herself safe. Some things were about the Maple syrup factory and there were few things about her too.
''You made a bucket list?''
''Yes, that's what kept me going. I need to do these first twenty things… The rest is just a plus.''
''Ok…''
''If this is too extreme for you, you can leave. I will not hold it against you Toni. This is my battle; you don't have to be part of it if you don't want to. But I have to do this. I have to protect myself and us.''
''Ok….''
''Ok?''
''I am in… And do I get to pick what part of the bucket list we start from?''
Cheryl smiled and sat on the bed.
''Pick the thing from the list and let's do that.''
Toni pointed at number seventeen and Cheryl smirked.
''I had no idea you would pick that.''
''Really?''
''Yes, I never expected you would.''
''Baby, are you sure...?''
''Yes, I am sure.''
''Looks like we have small road trip ahead of us.''
''When?''
''Monday? Tomorrow is also fine with me if you want.''
''Really?''
''Any time is good time is good time for me babe.''
Toni kissed her and smiled at her.
''Do you have someone who you can trust?''
''Fangs and Sweet Pea?''
''Call them to join us.''
Toni picked up her phone and called the boys who said yes. They are always up for trouble. In the morning, they packed their overnight bags and went to pick the boys up. Two of them couldn't believe what were they doing, but secretly found it pretty much fun. Veronica tried to reach them, but Cheryl just told her that they are out of town and would be back on Monday. They didn't want anyone to know where they were and what they were doing. After the rescue from the SOQM, Cheryl felt like too many people were involved in her life. This, sort of, alone time with Toni was what they needed. Boys were independent and smart enough to give them space to be alone and enjoy their time together. Also, they were always there if the girls waned to hang out or do something together. Monday came too soon and they had to come back home. In next few days, Cheryl spent every day after school at home learning about the business and trying to figure out how to keep it clean and drug free. She called Veronica to visit her and told her she has every intention of cutting ties to her dad. Veronica was with Cheryl on that. She was also very angry and disappointed at her dad, so she supported anyone who wanted to take him down. She somehow got him to give her Pop's, but now there was another property he had his eye on, Wyrm. He really wanted Serpents out and he was doing everything to get entire south side for himself.
''I don't have money to get the Wyrm, but I know he really wants it.''
Toni was very angry.
''What? But that's our bar!''
''I know Toni, but it's on the part of the land where he wants to build apartments. He doesn't have money now, he is looking for investors, so that might wait for a few days.''
''How much are we talking about?''
Veronica mentioned the figure and Cheryl smirked at her.
''Babe, I'm going to step out with Veronica. See you soon.''
Cheryl took her bag and kissed Toni before leaving. She and Veronica were going shopping, bar shopping to be more precise. Cheryl didn't let Veronica come with her, but instead of her, she got Kevin to come. She threatened him with heavy body harm if she mentioned this to anyone. Kevin knew better than to say a word. He knew she would keep her promise. It took her less than fifteen minutes to get the bar and she was proud of herself. She came home and had dinner with Toni. Toni made them Mack and cheese and was not in a good mood.
''What's up babe?''
''I can't believe Wyrm will come to their hands! I hate that men and his crew. They will ruin the south side.''
''Babe, it will all turn out ok.'
''HOW?!''
She didn't want to snap at Cheryl.
''I'm sorry babe…''
''No, it's ok. I get it…But I know it will turn out for the best.''
Toni wanted to believe Cheryl, but couldn't. To her, it was a very dark moment. They grew up in that bar and now it will be in Hiram's hands. In next two days, Serpents learned that someone bought the Wyrm and they had to leave it. FP and the rest tried to find out who got it, but it was clear to them that it was Hiram. Hiram on the other side was very angry someone beat him to that buy. It was Toni's birthday and it was supposed to be the last night of Serpents in the Wyrm. It was a bit bitter sweet. They prepared music, decorations and all , but there was something in the air that didn't let them be happy. She got a lot of nice presents and was pulled from side to side to be with her guests. At one point of the evening, Cheryl was on stage.
''I want to thank you all for coming. I am very happy to see you and even more happy to see that you are having fun. I want to wish Toni a very happy birthday and tell her that I love her very, very much. I want to thank her for being with me when I was at my lowest and for being the wind beneath my wings. Babe, thanks to you I feel like there is nothing I can't do and I wish to tell you that you are my life. I love you so much and I am so grateful for you and all that you do for me. Loving me is not easy, but you make it feel so easy, so smooth and make me feel worth of all those emotions you show and feel. I have a present for you and I want you to come up here.''
Toni was a bit nervous. She had no idea what Cheryl got her. She got onto the stage and Cheryl gave her an envelope. She was very confused by this. She opened it and was in complete shock. Those were papers of the Wyrme IN HER NAME. Cheryl Blossom got her a bar.
''Are you serious?''
''Yes!''
''You kept it a secret?!''
''I wanted to wait for things to be official and didn't want to jinx anything.''
Toni turned to her fellow Serpents and smiled.
''We are not going anywhere. New owner of the bar is standing in front of you.''
They were a bit confused.
''Cheryl got me the Wyrm. It's still ours.''
They all felt relived. Cheryl turned to Toni and kissed her.
''Thank you baby. I would never imagine something like that.''
''I know… Babe, you are a bar owner now.''
''Yes, I am.''
''Congrats my love.''
''I have the best person as a partner.''
''No, I do. I love you so much babe.''
''I love you too. This is insane. It's really mine?''
''Yes, it is.'''
''Wow!''
Cheryl heard that some of the Serpents lost their jobs in business Hiram bought.
''Before we continue with the party, I have something to say. I heard that some of you lost the job. FP said that Serpents are family and there for one another. I want to help you, if you let me. For now, all I can offer is the job at the Maple syrup factory, if you want it. It might not be a lot of money, but you get healthcare and all the benefits. I want to run the legal thing and keep it very clean. If you are interested, we can arrange something. I want to expend things, but for now, this is all I can offer.''
Serpents were very surprised by the offer she made them and with the fact that she got Toni a bar. She really got all of them a bar, but in Toni's name. She could have gotten it for herself, but she actually gave it to the Serpents. They knew she didn't see herself as a Serpent yet, and many others didn't see her as well, so the gesture of giving it to a blood Serpent was huge. With Pop's, Veronica's Speak easy in the making, Wym and Blossom business, they could help Serpents who were out of job. Now they had another problem. They needed to find place to live for some of the Serpents who didn't have time to find and that's when Cheryl stepped in again.
''I have empty barn that has been fixed to be small apartment. Someone can stay with us and soon I will furnish Thornhill, so someone can move into Thistle house too until you find place to stay.''
''You would let Serpents live in your mansion?''
''I have Serpent living and sleeping with me, so I sort of know the drill. Do you have intention to abuse my hospitality and put Toni in a position to be ashamed of you? If not, I have no reason to fear any of you in my house.''
Two families moved in with Cheryl and Toni into the house and one was in the barn. Toni was very touched and proud of her girlfriend. One of the families that moved in the Thistle house, Cheryl employed to help around the house. Wife was nurse that was fired, so she took care of Nana Blossom and husband was in charge of the house and all the things around it. They were in their forties so they really enjoyed working there. They had what they needed. They work, food and didn't have to pay for anything.
Few days after getting the Wyrm, she received the visit from Penny Peabody. Penny wanted Ghoulies to sell drugs in the Wyrm. Toni said no and told them to get out of the bar and never come back. Ghoulies were angry; because Hiram promised them Wyrm as a place they could make Jingle Jangle and distribute it. Now, Toni owning the bar and it still being Serpent territory spoiled their planes. They had to figure out what to do. Penny was not stupid. She knew that Cheryl was behind the thing with the bar. Toni and the Serpents would never be able to get it. It came from the Blossom money, so now she focused on Cheryl. She was a mystery to Penny. She had no idea how to approach the girl. Penelope was not helpful at all with her comments and advices about the girl. Penny discovered that actually bar belonged to Cheryl, but Toni had right to use it for life or something like that. She realized that Topaz girl doesn't really have any power in the game. She was just a front for Cheryl owning the business. She set up the meeting with Cheryl and was very surprised how that girl was smart and capable. Blossom girl did her homework. She tried to threaten her in many ways, but she didn't even flinch. That made Penny very mad. She didn't understand how it is possible that this girl doesn't fear her or Ghoulies. Something was off with the Blossom girl. Penny tried all the nice ways to convince Cheryl to work with them. She realized it's not working so, she had to figure out how to convince her.
''Miss Blossom, you should think twice about your choice.''
''I am sure… I don't want anything to do with you…and don't want you near my bar.''
''Is that your final answer?''
''Yes, it is.''
Penny left with a plan to kidnap Toni and use that to make Cheryl give the Wyrm to them. She sent some of the Ghulies to follow Toni and get her when she is alone. She was on the way to the Wyrm and they waited for one part of the road that goes through the woods and they took her there. FP called Cheryl later that day to check where Toni is since she didn't show up at the bar. Cheryl knew right away that Penny has something to do with this.
''Penny…''
''What?''
''She took her.''
''How do you know?''
''I know… She came to see me. She wants the bar.''
''What do we do?''
''Nothing. I will handle it.''
''Cheryl , you know the rules. No Serpent is left behind.''
''Fine… We will handle it together.''
Cheryl hired private security and made sure to give them directions where to find Ghoulies. She prepared her archery set. And went to find Ghoulies. Serpents were there first, but they were outnumbered. FP wondered where Cheryl was and then he got his answer. She showed up with armed men who were pretty heavily armed compared to Ghoulies. Their knives , chains, baseball bets were nothing compared to their guns.
Penny realized she lost.
''Let Toni go.''
''All this for her?''
''Yes, she is my family…''
''Ha! Family? She is just a Serpent girl… You turned your back on your family…. Your kicked your mother out. She is a Blossom and you turned on her…''
Cheryl got her knife out and cut the cord off her hands.
''My mother deserved what happened to her. She was never a real parent to me cutting all the contact with her is good for me. But Toni is another thing. She is my family…''
She took Toni's hand and looked at Penny with a smirk….
''When you see my mommy, tell her that there is new Mrs. Blossom in town. Let me introduce you to Mrs. Antoinette Blossom…''
