We Used To Be

Chapter 12

A/N: I’m starting this early but I reckon I’ll finish it the day of because I’m disorganised. Lol Cherrybomb is playing right now - fitting but not the mood I’m going for. I’m feeling really sad today. That’s where the sad scene came from, kinda out of nowhere. Yeah, I’m having a really hard day. This is an odd Chapter, I'm not sure about it.

The water was cold on Toni’s feet, sending shivers down her spine. Cheryl must have felt it as she gave her hand a little squeeze which Toni most appreciated. She was surprised that she hadn’t let go of her hand yet but she certainly wasn’t complaining. As they waded deeper, the water rose up their bodies until their feet pushed off the ground and the water sat just above their shoulders. 

“I look your height here,” Toni whispered, staring at Cheryl who’s mouth turned upward into a slight smile. 

“The only time you won’t look tiny,” she whispered back. This made Toni pout and turn her head away, only for Cheryl to softly turn her back to face her, her fingertips gently brushing across Toni’s cheek and resting just next to her lips. 

Toni didn’t know what was happening, but she wasn’t going to stop it. 

Before she could register what was going on Cheryl was leaning in and Toni didn’t stop to mirror her movements, lips meeting in a swirling sensational kiss. Spirits entwined in an everlasting, eternal bond, reunited one again in a pledge for love and companionship. There was nothing else in the world at that moment, they were on top of the world in a passionate circle of indestructible passion, worries eliminated in the perfection of the time. It only lasted around fifteen seconds before Toni pulled away, cheeks blushing furiously and lips tinted with Cheryl’s lipstick which was smeared a bit across her cheek. 

Despite the faultless instant, the minute afterwards was rather awkward. Toni’s mind was full of anxiety that came flooding in giant rushes and without speaking, they both started wading back out of the water. Cheryl had dropped her hand, Toni now grasping at water and air and nothing. 

God how could she have been so stupid? Of course Cheryl would never want to do this. Not again. 

They silently got dressed, Toni’s dry clothes desperately clinging onto her  wet body, kind of like how Toni was feeling. 

“Sorry,” Cheryl mumbled. 

“It’s ok,” Toni replied. Cheryl sat up from the stump she was sitting on and turned to leave but Toni couldn’t let her. Not again. She couldn’t just let her leave like last time so she took that leap. That leap of faith. “Cheryl, wait,” she said as she grabbed her hand. She almost expected her to swipe away, and continue but she stopped almost immediately, like she had been hoping she would say something. “Please, I’m sorry.” 

“Why are you sorry?” Cheryl said as she turned around to face Toni. Her eyes were sparkling, like they used to when she was upset. Toni didn’t know what to say so she just stayed quiet, hoping Cheryl would say something. “I was the one who kissed you. I should be the one apologising for even bringing you to this place.” 

“No, please don’t apologise. You did nothing wrong.” 

“Toni I made it.. wrong.” 

“It’s not wrong.”

“It’s not?” 

“No.. It was never wrong.” 

“Toni..”

“It was never wrong, just please Cheryl.” 

Cheryl bit her lip, her hand still in Toni’s. 

“God this is so stupid,” she said giggling a bit, making Toni’s mouth split into a slight smile that grew before they were both roaring with laughter.