My Hero || Choni fanfic

Chapter 15

*about a week later
Cheryl's POV:

"Claire..she's..shes not-" I choked on my own sobs as I tried speaking to Claire through the phone.

It had been a week since I had seen Toni. I couldn't eat, sleep, or even think straight. I was a complete mess. I didn't want to assume the worse but what else could I do? She's been missing for a whole WEEK. I had failed her just like I failed Ellie.

"Cheryl, I'm sure she's fine...maybe she just wanted to spend some time with her friends or family and take a break from everything else?" Claire suggested.

I shook my head no even though she couldn't see it.

"No..she would have at least informed me of it.." I cried even more. I couldn't stop the tears as they flowed like a river down my face.

"Cher..." Claire started but I quickly stopped her. I didn't want to hear anymore of her theories. They were they same ones she told me about Ellie and I didn't have the patience to listen to them again.

"Goodbye Claire, I'll see you tomorrow" I mumbled softly, hanging up before she could even respond.

I pulled my bed sheets completely over my body as I laid back down and let sleep take over.

Toni's POV:

I quietly walked downstairs, not wanting to wake up my family members. I jumped when I spotted my mom reading on the couch.

"Mom! Jeez you scared me.." I yelped.

"What're you doing up so late?" She chuckled.

"Couldn't sleep..." I wasn't lying. I genuinely couldn't. Those same nightmares appeared every night and I couldn't handle another one. I had planned on chugging down some coffee to keep me awake but clearly the universe has other plans.

"Hmm, want some melatonin? There should be some in that cabinet" She pointed to a cabinet above the sink.

"No thanks" I politely declined.

"Why not? Sleep's very important honey" My mom reminded.

"I know but..." I was hesitant. I didn't want to tell her the truth yet but what else was I supposed to say? I decided on telling her...she deserved to know everything. She is my mother after all.

"Okay mom, I have something you tell you...well a few things actually" I slowly moved to sit beside her. She nodded, signaling me to continue.

"It's a lot so um would you mind waiting until I'm finished to ask any questions?" I started to bite the inside of my cheek.

I could feel the nerves all over my body but took a few deep breaths to get rid of most of them, something that Cheryl had taught me to do. I smiled slightly at the memory of her. I really really missed her but I was still too scared to face her again. What if she's angry with me? What if she doesn't even want to see me again after that stunt I pulled?...I wouldn't blame her for that. She's honestly probably thrilled that I'm not taking up any space in her home anymore. What if my nightmares are just warnings?...That's what I'm mostly afraid of. My nightmares becoming my reality. Cheryl tricking me just like Steven did. But worse because Cheryl genuinely seems way more comforting and gentle than him. Her eyes are softer and warmer than his. Her soothing voice is hypnotizing, like a spell that could send anyone right to sleep if they were only slightly tired. Her gentle, comforting touch that could calm even my worse nerves. She's just perfect in every way.

I was slowly brought out of my trance by distant claps that came closer and louder as I fully snapped back into reality.

"Toni!" My mom whisper-yelled, still clapping in front of my face.

"Hm?" I hummed.

" I don't know what you were thinking about over there but it sure had you looking like a little lovestruck teenager by the end of it." She laughed. I replied with a nervous chuckle.

"So, what is that you wanted to tell me?" She questioned, a small yet comforting smile resting on her lips. I took another deep breath before explaining everything to her. Of course tears were shed, more from her than me.

"Baby...I am so sorry I couldn't protect you more.." She apologized, wiping her tears even thought it did nothing considering the tears were still falling.

"Mom, you couldn't have possibly known" I reassured.

"But I- I did...I had a feeling and didn't prevent the relationship" She spoke between sobs.

"Momma...you warned me and I just didn't listen. You did your part. You did all you could to protect me. None of this is your fault so please don't blame yourself. Please. " I begged, I didn't want her feeling guilty for any of this. She just nodded, still wiping her tears. I pulled her into a tight hug which she quickly accepted. We stayed hugging in silence for a while until she was finished crying. She pulled away, wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks.

"So...tell me more about this Cheryl woman" She slightly smirks. I chuckled.

"She's great, honestly. She's actually what I was thinking about a while ago..." I smiled.

"Ah, makes sense" My mom smiled back.

"So, tell me...why you aren't with her right now?" She tilted her head curiously.

"Uhm...nightmares." I gave her a short simple response.

"Nightmares?" The confused woman in front of me questioned.

"Well that's not all...I was hanging out with Jose, Pea, and Jug and everything was great until Pea started questioning me on Cheryl" I looked down at my hands, nervously fiddling with them. This isn't my favorite memory..

"What type of questions?" My mom sat up straight in front of me, even more interested now. I took a deep breath before responding.

"Just saying things like 'what if she hurts me like steven' and it just got me thinking even more. I had already been having similar thoughts to that but they only got stronger and soon turned into nightmares after Pea mentioned something about it..." I finished with tears in my eyes.

"Sweetheart, you can't go based off of what others tell you...and for sure not based off of what Steven did. I know it's going to take a really long time to get over it, and you might not get over it completely which is totally normal. Just don't let it hold you back in life. Based off of the way your eyes light up when you talk about her I'd say she's pretty great. Give her a chance, okay?" My mom consoled, taking both of my hands into hers. I silently nodded, taking her words into consideration.

Maybe I should go visit her tomorrow? I could apologize...make things right. I wouldn't blame her if she didn't accept it, but I just want to let her know.

"Will you take me to see her tomorrow?" I looked up to meet eyes with my mom's.

"Of course honey" She smiled.

I said my thanks before heading upstairs and successfully falling asleep, no nightmares in sight.

A/N: how do you guys think Cheryl's gonna react? 😶. As always, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Til next time 🙋🏽‍♀️.