Cheryl kept her ear on the door as she heard Toni's voice loud and confident.

Hey, how are you guys doing? Hope you're doing okay? I'm... coping. Slept in a lot today.

I have 2 songs for 2 different parts of the story this time. hope that's okay.

guess I wont be sleeping till 4am lol.

Run Baby Run - The Rigs

"How the hell did you manage to come here? How dare you."

He laughed as he looked around the trailer. Raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Come on now Antoinette. This is my home you've taken ov-"

"This is not your fucking home anymore. Not since you decided to leave and join the fucking Ghoulies it isn't. Now I suggest you get on with it or that you leave before Sweet Pea and Fangs decide to arrive for movie night."

Cheryl was impressed at how smoothly she had managed to threaten and lie to her uncle. She could feel the worry grow inside her at the thought of something happening to Toni. And at the same time she felt fear closing in on her. Don't feel the same way for her as you did for heather. You'll be fucked Cheryl. She thought to herself.

"I just thought I'd pop in and visit my favourite niece. Any new friends I should know about?" he said in a low tone that ran chills down Cheryl's spine.

Toni scoffed. "Does it look like I have time to make new friends? I'm too busy trying to clean up the fucking mess you pieces of shits leave around town."

That's when Cheryl heard the sound she remembers so vividly. A loud slap of fist meeting face rang through the small area. She brought her hand up to her mouth as she sank to the floor slowly. Trying as hard as she could to drown out the noise, she put her head between her legs. Catching glimpses of him speak.

"Just because you're blood… who else would have taken care of you… dare speak to me like this…" and as quick as they had entered, Cheryl heard the door slam shut. She got back up running out of the room towards Toni who was staring at the small door defiantly, her hands balled into fists. A single tear forcing its way out of her.

And Cheryl had never felt such a strong sense of overprotection since Jason. She went to stand between Toni and the door, causing her to look up towards her. Cheryl stared down at her and brought her hands to take her fists and lead her to the sofa. She looked towards her small hands, softly stroking her thumb across them as Toni kept her eyes down.

"I'm so sorry." She spoke softly, her voice cracking. Cheryl looked up at her confused.

"Why the hell would you say that Toni?"

"Everything that happened today was because of me. I took you to the worm, I brought you here. I just ruin everything, everywhere I fucking go. You shouldn't be here. I'm so fucking sorry." She sniffed slightly, looking at the now blank television screen with tears in her eyes.

"Toni. Look at me." She reluctantly turned towards her to be met with Cheryl's passionate eyes staring into her. Convincing her to calm down. "I promise you this is not your fault. And I know you took me to the worm but it's not something you could have controlled. And I hope you know that I'm so fucking grateful. You've been nothing but sweet to me and for the first time since Jason's death, I've felt happy. Even if it was for a short amount of time you've given me more emotion and affection than anyone I've known so far."

And Cheryl meant what she said. A part of her deep down was telling her to stop and back away before she got too close. Worried that what had happened with Heather would eventually happen to her again. But she also knew that Toni was different. She had actually cared about how Cheryl felt and what she wanted. Something she hadn't felt from anyone in a long time.

Toni's cheek had begun to turn a deep shade of red. Cheryl walked towards the kitchen after saying how she felt and grabbed an ice pack that was already stored in her small freezer. She saw a small speaker on the table beside the television and connected her phone, turning the volume higher as she played a song.

4AM –Girl in Red

Walking back she silently turned Toni's face, placing a hand on her cheek to support her and placing the ice pack on it. Hissing slightly, her face relaxed in almost an instant as she closed her eyes, bringing her hand up to hold Cheryl's in it slightly. Cheryl felt how soft her hands were against hers and her stomach felt the same pain it felt before. It was something she couldn't even describe properly. As if her touch was both burning her and filling her with a sense of calm at the same time.

I'm thinking too much again

I can't sleep, its 4am

I got to be somewhere tomorrow

I don't wanna go out tomorrow

She had to go back home tomorrow. Cheryl felt her heart sink at the thought of it. But she knew that if she started thinking about it she wouldn't be able to cope. Just enjoy the moments you have right now Cheryl. Stop thinking.

She found herself staring at Toni. She looked at peace. She was staring back at her. And Cheryl could see her eyes filled with a sort of maturity she hadn't seen in anyone. As the ice pack melted, she slowly brought her hand down, Toni's still enclosing in hers.

I'm thinking too much again

How my life will end?

I have to leave tomorrow

I don't wanna leave tomorrow

"It's a nice song." Toni whispered.

Cheryl hummed in response. Getting up to put the ice pack away.

"Thank you Cheryl."

Cheryl smiled.

She walked into the kitchen and returned the ice pack. Turning around she saw Toni picking up the packet of cigarettes on the counter.

"Do you wanna maybe go somewhere? Just for a ride or something. I'm sorry I just wanna get away from here for a bit if that's okay?" she said sighing slightly.

"Of course Toni. Where did you want to go? I highly doubt the Southside will be safe." She said cautiously.

"I know… I mean we could just drive to the northside somewhere and sit there?"

And so they left. Still in their sweatpants with their hair out, enjoying how impulsive and carefree this decision was. Gliding down the road with the moon shining a light above them. Music blared in Cheryl's ears as she enjoyed the moment she was in.

Fuck my thoughts

I think too much

I think too much.

"Hey Toni why don't we stop at Pops, get a drink or two?" Cheryl spoke in her ear.

Toni nodded and turned towards the diner that was thankfully open after midnight.

They walked in giggling slightly as Cheryl almost tripped over the bike. Pops was reading the newspaper and smiled when he saw Cheryl walk through the door.

"Cheryl dear. How are you?" He bellowed as he stood up from his chair.

"I'm great. Why the hell are you awake? You should be asleep Pops this is not good for your health at all! Where's Chris?" She said, asking about the night worker.

"Oh he wasn't feeling too well. And don't you worry about me child I'm gonna be just fine. Now come on, what would you like?" He said moving across the counter.

"Well I'll have my usual shake, what about you Toni?" she said turning towards the girl who was smiling sweetly at the exchange she had just witnessed.

She turned towards Pops. "I'll have the same as her. Thank you so much."

He nodded, walking towards the station and began to mix up the ingredients for their milkshake.

"That was so sweet Cheryl." She said when she saw he was distracted.

"What was?" She said, confused.

"That you're worried about Pops sleep."

"He's kind of always been there for me. I used to come into the diner stressed out at 4am trying to study for a test and he'd come sit with me and let me recite it to him correcting me if I was wrong. And he always had a soft spot for Jason, ever since he'd held a fundraiser to help keep him open when he was in a bad way of sorts." She said smiling sadly.

Toni grabbed her hand, squeezing slightly. Cheryl immediately felt herself relax.

"On the house Cheryl. And for the lovely young lady too." He said, as he brought the milkshakes in a takeaway container.

Cheryl scoffed. "Nonsense Pops don't try and give it back." She said, giving him a fifty dollar note, thanking him and walking out of the door without taking the rest of the change.

Toni followed suit, and they soon found themselves speeding towards an area Cheryl had told her to pull into. They began walking silently, not needing any light to find their way as Cheryl seemed to know where they were going. And soon the trees gave way to a large ledge overlooking the city.

"Cheryl this is beautiful. How did you find this place?"

"Jason found it one day when we were walking around after school. It's the only place I haven't told anyone about. Not even Heather, well until you."

"Well, I'm glad you chose me to show this place to. And I really appreciate it Cheryl. Truly."

They sat at the edge, legs dangling as they took sips of their milkshake and drags of their cigarettes. Talking about everything they possibly could. Not realising the hours passing by.

Toni giggled slightly all of a sudden. Cheryl looked at her trying not to look amused.

"Look its 4am and we can't sleep like in the song." She said giggling some more.

"Someone sounds a little delirious and tired I must say." Cheryl started giggling with her. They decided to walk back, hands held together as they made their way to the motorbike.

And so they decided to head back to the Southside, yelling and laughing, speeding through the trees and roads, both girls had never felt so alive.