You, Me & Love | Choni Story

Pt.1 to Pt.9

[Next Morning October, 18 1968]

Toni trudged wearily into the house as the clock struck 6:45. Exhaustion weighed heavy on her shoulders after a long, sleepless night. As she stepped inside, a peaceful silence seemed to hang in the air, just as Toni was about to settle down and not disturb Cheryl in their room.

Toni walked slowly over to the couch until she heard, Cheryl's gentle snores coming from the couch. She quietly tiptoed towards the couch, careful not to wake Cheryl.

Cheryl was sprawled out on the couch. Frowning, Toni moved closer and took a seat next to Cheryl's head. Staring at Cheryl's peaceful face, Toni's heart began to ache with the memory of their argument from the previous night.

Toni wondered how things had escalated so quickly, causing hurt to both of them. Regret washed over Toni as she watched Cheryl sleep, desperately wishing she could turn back time and undo the hurtful words. Toni smiled, admiring the peaceful expression on her wife's face.

Gently bending down, Toni pressed a tender kiss on Cheryl's forehead. Knowing how chilly it could get in the evenings, Toni noticed a blanket pushed carelessly onto the floor. With a soft touch, Toni reached down and picked up the abandoned blanket. As she unfurled it, she marveled at the softness against her fingers. Carefully, Toni tucked the blanket around Cheryl's sleeping form, making sure not to disturb her.

With Cheryl feeling snug, Toni made her way upstairs to wake Dale, for school. She lightly tapped on his bedroom door, whispering his name.

"Dale, it's time to wake up," Toni said softly.

As Dale stirred from his sleep, he noticed Toni standing there with a warm smile.

"Hi mom," Dale yawned, rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning, kid."

"Good morning," Dale said, with sleepiness.

Toni checked the clock in their hallway and sighed. "You have twenty minutes to get dressed."

"Mom," Dale groaned.

"Yes?" Toni replied, slightly amused.

"There's no school today," Dale said with a grin.

"Oh, I completely forgot it's Friday," Toni admitted, shaking her head. She looked at Dale and said, "Can you remind me to call your teachers later?"

"Yea, sure, Mom," Dale said, nodding. He then added with a smirk, "I'm going to go back to sleep now." Turning around, Toni closed his door, unable to hide her smile.

Toni walked downstairs, and as soon as she reached the bottom step, she saw Cheryl sitting on the couch, tears streaming down her face. She made her way towards her wife, moving slowly as not to startle her.

"Cheryl, are you okay?" Toni asked softly. Cheryl turned around, surprised to see Toni at home before her usual time. She quickly wiped her tears away and tried to compose herself.

"I'm perfectly fine, Toni. Do I look otherwise? And I thought you weren't coming home till after work," Cheryl replied, her tone defensive.

Toni sighed, feeling guilty for causing Cheryl distress. "I promised Daen that I would be home before he woke up. I even asked Misty for the day off."

Toni explained, concern still evident in her voice. "Cheryl, please, are you sure you're okay? You really don't look fine."

Cheryl turned away, avoiding Toni's gaze. "Look at me, Toni! After everything you've done, do you really think I can be fine? Don't ask dumb questions," Cheryl said, her voice trembling with anger and hurt.

Toni sat down next to Cheryl on the couch, trying to bridge the gap between them.

"You're really angry this morning," Toni observed gently, placing a comforting hand on Cheryl's face turning it towards her.

"So?" Cheryl said.

Toni took a deep breath, summoning her courage to express the depth of her feelings.

"So, you need to trust me. You're always worried about other women, but you forget that I love you. I married you, I had kids with you. That's what matters," Toni said.

Cheryl looked into Toni's eyes, her anger slowly wavering. She placed her own hand on top of Toni's and leaned in, their lips meeting in a loving and forgiving kiss.

"I love you too, TT," Cheryl whispered.

"Why are you so worried about other women?" Toni said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Cheryl looked down, her eyes filled with vulnerability. "Ever since I had the twins, I've felt this constant pressure to be perfect," she admitted softly.

Toni's face softened as she reached out to hold Cheryl's hand. "You just had our babies, Cheryl. I'm not going to change my mind about you in five months or ever," she reassured her.

Cheryl sighed, leaning into Toni's comfort. "I know, but seeing all these moms who've 'bounced back' so quickly makes me doubt myself. I feel like I should be doing more to get my pre-baby body back."

Toni gently tilted Cheryl's chin up, staring deeply into her eyes. "Cheryl, you are more than just your appearance. You are an incredible mother, and our babies adore you. Don't let societal pressures make you doubt your worth."

Cheryl nodded, a smile slowly forming on her face.

"I don't know, Toni. I don't like that you didn't tell me you have her number," Cheryl said

Toni shifted uncomfortably, her brown eyes avoiding Cheryl's penetrating gaze. "I didn't think you would mind, Cher. It's just a casual acquaintance, I assure you," she replied, attempting to explain once again.

"I'm going to get some air," Toni said, her voice filled with frustration as she got up from the couch and walked outside to the peaceful patio.

Cheryl watched Toni leave. Unsure of what else to do, Cheryl decided to distract herself by going into the kitchen to prepare a snack.

As she was rummaging through the pantry, she heard the sweet sound of Daen's voice calling out for Toni.

"Mama, mama!" Daen, came running down the stairs with excitement in his eyes. Cheryl couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.

"Hi, baby," Cheryl greeted her son, bending down to give him a tight hug, he didn't hug her.

Daen looked up at her with innocent eyes and asked, "Where's Mama? She promised she'll be back." Cheryl paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

Before she could answer, the sound of the side door opening interrupted their conversation. Toni walked in, her face flushed from the cool breeze outside. She had heard Daen's voice and couldn't resist coming back to see her little one.

"I thought I heard you, kid," Toni said, a hint of relief in her voice as she knelt down to Daen's level. Overwhelmed with joy.

Daen exclaimed, "Mama!" and ran towards Toni, who scooped him up into a warm embrace.

Toni stood up. Ran over and gave Cheryl a tight hug.

"Kid, can you go upstairs so I can talk to mommy? And when you come down, breakfast will be done," Toni gently requested.

"Okay, mama," Daen replied, quickly running back upstairs.

Toni made sure Daen was safely upstairs before saying.

"Cheryl, I love you. It's unexplainable, but I'm tired of constantly reassuring you that I'm not cheating. I love our suppose to be small, but large family, I want to spend my days with you for eternity," Toni confessed with a hint of weariness in her voice.

Cheryl met Toni's gaze with understanding and affection. "I understand, Toni. I feel the same way. Now, give me a kiss," she said, opening her arms wide.

Toni gracefully walked into Cheryl's embrace, with Cheryl's arms wrapped around Toni's neck, they shared a tender kiss.