Friends witn Benefits

Part 4.

Toni's mood was unimaginable. Her GPA was growing exponentially compared to the scores from her previous school. Yes, the people here were annoying, but the education was decent. The girl even had every chance of getting into some college on a scholarship, if she tried a little more. There were about a year and a half left until the end of school, which she was incredibly happy about. Also adding to the mood was what she did to Cheryl a few hours ago in the school toilet. This image of a flushed redhead will haunt her in her dreams for a long time, will help her when the girl is not around. But Toni hoped that there would be few such moments. It infuriated her, because such thoughts made her a soft slob who wanted Cheryl to be with her all the time, and not just physically, which was so different from everything she was used to. The girl obediently waited for the end of the training of the foxes, sitting in the stands at the stadium. The foxes were engaged far enough away that Cheryl did not notice her and was not distracted, but still not far enough so that Toni could not admire and be proud of the perfect body and the brilliant dancing of the redhead. She would definitely have started drooling if she hadn't noticed several football players, led by Reggie Mantle and Archie Andrews, getting close to her. Topaz immediately took up a defensive position, crossing her arms over her chest.
- Enjoying the view, Topaz?
- Is there a problem, Mantle? - Toni didn't like Andrews because he was Veronica's errand boy, but she just hated Reggie Mantle. She wanted to gnaw out his throat when he followed Cheryl with lustful glances and threw vulgar comments after her.
- The guys and I found out here that you're bothering our girls. - The guy shook his head, causing the cartilage on his neck to crack threateningly. But Toni wasn't the timid type. In the end, did these kids forget that she was from a gang in which no one talks, but immediately uses a knife?
- Interesting information, it's a pity that it's false. - Toni didn't want to get into trouble, anyway. There are literally ten minutes left until the end of the workout, and she will be able to pick up Cheryl so that they can safely get to the Pops, do their homework and chat. Then she will take her home, and she will give her a gorgeous kiss in the dark of the night. Wake up, you idiot. They obviously didn't come to chat, take off your rose-colored glasses!
- And you haven't got your eye on Cheryl at all? Come on, Topaz. She hates Southside scum like no one else in this school. Are you bullying her or what?
- Are you looking for a fight, you bastard? - It's none of your business whether I talk to Cheryl or not.
- Just the same mine. - The guy looked around, noticing that the bulldogs were protectively positioned behind him, forming a semicircle from prying eyes. Topaz was even surprised that Archie was also involved in this, but apparently he was their informant, a little puppy. Toni didn't have time to react, as strong palms fell on her neck.
- No Southside scum would dare touch our girls. Moreover, let's be honest, Blossom is an option for kings, not for you! Toni's eyes lit up with fury as her fist made contact with Mantle's jaw, causing him to recoil.
- Oh, you bitch. - The guy hissed, and Toni felt her cheek burning and blood coming out on her lip.
- This is a war!

Cheryl almost screamed at Midge when she stopped dead in her tracks, spoiling the last element of the dance. They didn't have much left, but when the girls made a mistake, they had to start over. And the longer they stretched out the rehearsal, the angrier Blossom became. They were just wasting precious time that she could spend with Toni.
- God, Klump, get your head out of your ass and remember a couple of simple movements.
- There. - the girl pointed her finger at the distant stands. Cheryl shifted her gaze abruptly, and her heart sank.
Several football players were separating Reggie Mantle and a girl who was the only one in this school with pink hair. The girls' voices blended into one background noise as Cheryl's blood pounded loudly in her ears. Did he hurt Toni? Oh, my God, Toni! Blossom didn't notice Veronica, who was reaching out to her to bring her out of her trance, when she took off from her seat and rushed to the far stands. It didn't take even a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Did they suspect something? Or did Archie react strangely to their conversation in the cafeteria? He had never seen them together before.
- Go away. - The girl ran up the steps, pushing Mark Campbell aside and making her way into the epicenter of events. Archie held his arms tightly around Reggie, whose nose was bleeding, and Greg held a writhing Topaz in his hands, which grunted and fought off him.
- Let her go. Walter stared at the angry cheerleader in fright, releasing Tony. The girl gently sank to her feet, immediately wrapping her arm around her waist and wincing. Blossom was terrified to see blood smeared on her lips and her reddened cheek.
- What's going on here? - Cheryl struggled to hold back the tears, but they were already glistening in her eyes. She couldn't believe that this feud had reached the point where four guys had come to deal with a fragile girl. And because of what? Because of you, you fool, don't you understand? All this is happening to Toni because of you!
- Just say she's forcing you somehow, and we'll deal with her and her whole gang. - Reggie jerked once more in Archie's grip, growling roughly. Andrews let him go, hoping he wouldn't rush at the little girl, but still keeping his eyes on him.
- Compels to what? - Cheryl wiped the wet trail off her cheek as the other girls ran up. Blossom has already faced the fact that Tony is injured several times in another fight with the nasty Southside gang, who tried to make life difficult for serpents, but she has not faced such cruelty from her classmates. What could they say about a dangerous gang when they themselves behaved like animals?
- Why are you talking to her? - It was Veronica's voice. God, Cheryl could have guessed that this ubiquitous bitch was behind all this. The redhead approached Toni, who was standing motionless to the side. She was trying to breathe, which she was only half able to do, apparently her ribs were injured. Cheryl gently put her hand on the waist of the pink-haired girl, which made her whimper, but snuggled closer to the girl.
- It's none of your business. - Cheryl growled. – If you broke her ribs, asshole, get ready for me to report you to Sheriff Keller. - Cheryl pointed at Reggie. Her anger knew no bounds. She wanted to hit him when she looked at Toni again, who looked so broken in her arms. This eternally brave and persistent girl winced in pain every time Cheryl pressed her a little closer to herself. She thought she could just take Toni and walk away with her, but the circle closed around them again.
- They're criminals, Cheryl! - Ronnie's voice was so condescending that Blossom wanted to punch her in the face.
- You are the only criminals here. Serpents went to this school only to get the education they deserve. Everything has been given to you on a platter since childhood, and how do you manage it beating a defenseless girl? Congratulations, Reg, you've become even more pathetic and disgusting in my eyes.
Toni moaned softly in her arms, and Cheryl decided to leave this place to take good care of her friend.
- Training is over!
- Wait. - Cher felt Andrews' rough fingers close around her elbow. - Just why, Cheryl? - Topaz stirred in protest, preparing to tear off Andrews' hand just because he touched the redhead, but Cheryl's answer startled everyone around. Her lungs were aching from lack of air, so she was practically wheezing. Tears were already falling freely down her cheeks, thanks for the persistent mascara. Blossom was disgusted by people who did not put her in anything, but still climbed into her life, masking it with care.
- Because I love her! - Blossom screamed, though it sounded more like the desperate cough of a dying man.
Taking advantage of everyone's confusion, Cheryl walked past the crowd, carefully leading Toni behind her.

----------------------------------------------

I think I'll post the next chapter tomorrow, and that's where I'll finish this little story.