Bailey's Comet

Ch. 7 - New Beginnings

Sorry that it's taken me 4 months to update this. I've literally written 20-100 words here and there over the course of that time. I'm not sure why I haven't been able to write for this story, and I have no idea when I'll be updating next, but I appreciate those of you that have stuck around <3

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Over the next two days, Toni managed to sell most of her furniture on Facebook Marketplace and finished packing up the rest of their items. She was leaving the appliances to sell with the house; it just made sense. Once she got back to Riverdale, she and Sweet Pea would be going to the bank to talk to the loan officer. Her cousin had already called and set up the appointment.

Toni was glad that there weren't many items she was attached to. All she was going to be keeping was her bed, a dresser, and most of her son's belongings. She wanted this to be an easy transition for him, as he was so young.

Sweet Pea showed up bright and early on day three, and they were on the road heading to Riverdale by day five, giving Sweet Pea an entire day to rest and relax before getting back on the road.

At times the drive was stressful, especially through Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and St. Louis. Because they had Anthony with them, they took their time and stopped at a few tourist locations and got hotels along the way. Sweet Pea had suggested that Toni and her son fly back to Riverdale, but Toni hated the thought of her cousin driving across the country alone, for a second time.

The last leg of the journey was possibly the longest, but Anthony had been content in his car seat, watching shows on the tablet Toni had bought for the trip. They had driven for a total of eleven hours that day, including stops, and didn't stop again until they made it to Sweet Pea's house. It was just before midnight when they parked and exited the vehicle.

Sweet Pea carried in Anthony while Toni grabbed their bags and dragged herself into the house. Her cousin laid Anthony on the bed and took the couch. Everyone had immediately passed out that night.

—

Cheryl was excited for the day - Toni was coming back, and she would get to meet her adorable son. The brunette had called her a few days ago, shocked that she had let Sweet Pea borrow her truck and trailer, for their secret plan. They had also discussed the guardianship, and Cheryl had gone down to the courthouse with Betty and signed paperwork.

For the foreseeable future, Britta would be in Cheryl's care. They had already gone out and gotten Britta some new clothes, and she loved the boots and riding helmet that Cheryl had gotten her. Britta had been bubbling with excitement all morning, excited to show Toni her bedroom.

They had already finished feeding the horses and Cheryl had even hired a ranch hand that was turning out the horses and getting everyone settled. Britta was in the house washing up and eating lunch while Cheryl decided to take some time for herself, working on an old motorcycle in the shop.

—

"Are we almost there, Mommy?" Anthony asked from the backseat, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Almost, baby. Just a few more minutes." They had just turned onto the gravel road that led to the Blossom Family Ranch. Ever since Anthony had answered Cheryl's phone call, he had been excited to meet her.

They were currently in Toni's car, following Sweet Pea to the ranch. They had managed to fit it into the borrowed horse trailer, even if Toni had to climb through the sunroof to get out. That was definitely a first.

Jason greeted them as they pulled up, the redhead and Sweet Pea doing some sort of dude bro handshake. Toni waved in greeting before heading up to the front door, where she was greeted by Britta and a tight hug.