The Sun and Her Moon | CHONI |

Sixty Four

Toni had been physically sick this morning with worry, it was the day she had been dreading for so long, coming face to face with Lukas. Cheryl had been there for her every step of the way but she was terrified of not knowing how this was going to turn out, she hoped the judge would see Lukas for the vile man that he is. Tommy hadn't spoken a word all morning, he answered questions with a nod or shake of his head but that was all. 'Everything is going to be alright baby, if he speaks to you ignore him, hopefully you won't see him until you are in the courtroom' Cheryl said as she rubbed Toni's shoulder trying her best to comfort her girlfriend even though she knew nothing that she could say or do would make a difference. They had packed a few things the night before to keep Tommy entertained for the car ride even though they doubted that he'd bother with them, his little mind confused with everything that was happening and the fear of seeing his father again.

They got into the car in complete silence, Toni scared that if she spoke she'd be sick again or just burst into tears. Normally Tommy wouldn't need to go but because of the circumstances he may be asked questions about his mother and father without either of them there, he wouldn't have to go into the court room for the whole time though he would be able to stay with Cheryl in the waiting area. The drive seemed to take forever, the couple thought Tommy may fall asleep but he didn't, Cheryl sent a small smile to Toni every now and again taking her hand in hers whenever she could. Toni's stomach dropped when she saw the sigh for Centerville knowing that they were close and Lukas should already be inside. 'Okay Tommy' Toni said turning around to the little boy in the back of the car 'you're safe alright? If your father says anything mean just ignore him, he can't hurt us here'. Tommy just nodded and Cheryl and Toni were concerned that he still hadn't spoken a word. 'Okay I think this is the place' Cheryl said, the heavy air in the car was undeniable. Cheryl found a parking spot out of view just to make Toni feel that little bit safer. 'Okay' Toni breathed 'lets get this over with'.

They walked through the large doors with Tommy in the middle gripping on to each of their hands. Toni signed in and was send to a waiting room, when she stepped through the door the only other person in there apart from the security guard was the last person she wanted to see. Cheryl knew who he was straight away giving Tommy's hand a small squeeze before guiding her family over to the other side of the room. 'It's alright' the redhead whispered to the pair before sitting them down, they could all feel his eyes burning into them. Cheryl wasn't scared though, once she had taken her seat she glared at the scruffy looking man, he hadn't even made an effort in his appearance at all. His hair messy and dirty, his darker skin covered in cuts and he hadn't even bothered with a suit, he opted for dirty jeans and a worn out leather jacket instead. He sent Cheryl a wink before standing up causing her face to morph into pure disgust. Toni nor Tommy had really looked at him the whole time until he stood up and took a seat in front of them. 'No hug for your dad Tom?' he said looking at the small boy sat on Toni's lap, he shook his head and hid his face. 'You've poisoned his mind against me' Lukas said looking at Toni. 'You did that yourself' Toni said confidently, she didn't want him to think he had any power anymore. 'No you made me do the things I did, when are you going to realise that you both belong with me and come home' Lukas said possessively. 'Why don't you go back over there, you're not wanted here' Cheryl spoke up after already having enough of this man. 'You're feisty aren't you?' he smirked 'Toni maybe you can bring your friend along'. 'You're disgusting' Cheryl said as she put her hand on Toni's knee for comfort. 'Wait? You two? Wow she's hot Toni I'll give you that but you need me and you'll always be mine, you're just doing this to try and make me jealous'. This man was unbearable. 'Go away' Toni said trying to act unbothered even though there was a fire burning inside her stomach at the thought of Lukas' eyes on Cheryl.

'Tom, are you not going to say hello to your dad?' he tried again looking at the little boy huddled in his mothers arms 'I've missed you buddy'. His sickly sweet voice made Toni want to barf but somehow he got Tommy's attention. 'There he is, whatever your mom has told you buddy is lies, you need to come home and you need a dad to show you how to be a man'. Toni just let out a empty laugh as she shook her head at Lukas' idiotic words. Tommy just looked at his father for a moment before speaking for the first time today. 'I have a home with my mommies, you're not a nice daddy, you hurt me and Mommy' Tommy said as he tried to be brave. 'Mommies?' Lukas laughed harshly 'this woman isn't your mom'. Cheryl rolled her eyes as she bit her tongue, trying to ignore the sharp pain in her heart at the cruel mans words. 'Yes she is' Tommy actually raised his voice catching all the adults off guard 'she teaches me things, she reads to me before I go to bed and she loves me! She is my mommy because she does things that mommies do and I love her. I don't want you to be my daddy anymore though, you don't do any of those things, you only hurt us!'. Cheryl had to tried hard not to cry at the six year olds words, he defended her in front of the person he was most scared of and also he stood up for himself. Lukas didn't like hearing the truth though, he stood up in a rage kicking his chair back, Toni wrapped her arms around Tommy protectively out of habit but it didn't matter, Cheryl stood up at the same exact time as Lukas positioning herself in front of Toni and Tommy.

'Move away pathetic little man' Cheryl laughed at the way Lukas lashed out. She inched closer to his face not losing eye contact with him for a second 'you don't bother them anymore and you definitely do not scare me'. Toni's body stiffened as she watched the stand off between the pair, she was honestly terrified of his reaction. 'You bitch, you'll regret that' he growled low enough for the security guard not to hear. 'No actually, I don't think I will' Cheryl smiled sweetly 'you see, you have nothing, I...' she said taking another step forward 'have everything. A beautiful girlfriend, an amazing son, love. I have it all and they are with me willingly. So no, I don't have anything to regret but you do, you don't deserve them, you fucked your life up but you can't do the same to them, not anymore. You are weak' she let out a small laugh. Toni knew exactly what Cheryl was doing, she was baiting him by belittling him, she wanted a reaction. His face was red with anger as he pulled his arm back and punched her in the face causing her to fall to the floor. Toni jumped up quickly as Tommy cries echoed through the room. Just before the security guard came rushing over Cheryl looked at Lukas in the eyes and sent him a little wink as she wiped the blood from her face. Lukas shouted disgusting slurs at the redhead and Toni as he was dragged from the room by security.

'Are you crazy?' Toni hissed as she helped Cheryl from the floor. 'For you, Antoinette Topaz, always' she smiled, actually fully smiled. Toni was about to go into a full rant if it wasn't for two security running back into waiting room with a first aid kit. 'I'm so sorry Ma'am' the security guard apologised. 'You should be' Cheryl said as she back in her seat 'you're supposed to be protecting people in here'. The new security guard spoke up this time 'shall we call the police and a paramedic?'. 'No' Cheryl shook her head 'this court session needs dealing with, please make sure that happens'. When the security had left to pass on the message Tommy looked up at the redhead from his moms lap 'you protected us'. 'I told you I would' she booped his nose before looking sheepishly at Toni, she knew she was going to get a telling off later but for now they was interrupted. 'Can Ms Topaz follow me to the court room where your solicitor is awaiting you' a woman called from the door.

Toni looked nervously at Cheryl. 'Don't worry babe, you've got this' the redhead smiled into a kiss before Tommy crawled on to her lap as Toni stood up. Toni looked at the woman who was waiting to escort her as she took a breath and moved to follow her. The walked seem to take forever as Toni tried to calm her nerves but she knew what she was doing this for. She entered the court room, it was slightly bigger than she imagined and she felt so small. Toni quickly greeted Isabelle as she carefully looked over to Lukas. Isabelle didn't have chance to ask about what had happened in the waiting room because the judge was entering the room. They took their seats as soon as they were allowed, the judge ran through some formalities as he looked between Lukas and Toni, a disapproving look covering his face as he flips through the paper in front of him.