You, Me & Love | Choni Story

Pt.10

October 19, 1968

The sun shone brightly overhead, offering a warm and welcoming. As they strolled along, the children's curious eyes spotted a whimsical toy shop that beckoned them inside.

"Mummy, can we go in here?" Daen's little voice piped up.

A wide smile played on Cheryl's lips as she lovingly regarded her little ones. "A toy shop? Of course we can" she exclaimed. Guiding the baby stroller with care, Cheryl rolled it inside the store.

All the kids started to run around the store. Amongst the chaos, Cheryl accidentally bumped into Betty, both of them smiling at the unexpected encounter.

"Oh, hi Betty," Cheryl greeted cheerfully.

"Oh my, hi Cheryl," Betty replied, her eyes drawn to the stroller. "Are these the twins? They're so cute."

"Thank you. Sorry, Toni and I haven't let anyone see them. They were having health issues," Cheryl explained.

Betty's concern was evident as she asked, "Oh, are they okay?"

"They're fine now, actually. The kids are having a sleepover on Halloween, would your kids like to come?" Cheryl invited warmly.

"Yeah, they'll come. I have to pick the kids up from practice, so talk to you later," Betty accepted gratefully.

"Yes, of course. Talk to you later," Cheryl bid her farewell with a smile. Betty waved and walked out of the toy shop, her mind already planning for an exciting Halloween sleepover with Cheryl's children. As betty left her son called her out.

"Mommy, I want this one," Daen said, his tiny finger pointing towards the shiny train toy on the shelf.

Cheryl, turned her attention to him. "Let me see, a train," she asked, examining the toy with a smile.

"Mhm," Daen nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement grabbing it off the shelf.

"Are you sure?" Cheryl questioned, wanting to be certain of his choice.

"Yep," Daen replied firmly.

"Well, me and momma will come back and get this later, okay?" Cheryl reassured him, hoping to ease his disappointment.

"Okay, mommy," Daen sighed, his frown slowly fading away.

"I promise we'll come back," Cheryl added, wanting to ensure he understood.

"Okay," he said, obediently placing the toy back on the shelf. With reluctant steps, he turned to join his mother, who beckoned him onward.

"Come on, kids, let's go," Cheryl called out, her other children gathering around her. 

Together, they made their way out of the store, leaving behind the coveted train. As they exited, Dale, the oldest of Cheryl's children, gallantly took the stroller from his mother and offered to push it.

"Mommy, I'm hungry," Dale said with a pout on his face.

"When are you not, baby?" Cheryl replied, gently rubbing Dale's hair as she held Grace's hand. 

Dale chuckled, appreciating his mom's witty response.

"I know the perfect place where we can eat," Cheryl exclaimed excitedly. "Let's go to Pops Chock'lit Shoppe."

"What's that?" Daen asked, rocking back and forth on his heels.

"It's the best food place you'll ever eat at," Cheryl said with a big smile. "They have the most delicious milkshakes, burgers, and fries. You're going to love it!"