Enlightened

Chapter Three: There's Always Hope

The two girls walked up to the restaurant arm in arm.  There were a few dirty looks as most of the people at the restaurant were older and more conservative.  Cheryl wasn't fazed as she'd dealt with stares all her life.  Toni on the other hand, wasn't used to the judgemental gazes.  She self consciously looked around at all those looking her way and slowly slipped her arm out from around Cheryl's.

Cheryl noticed the small gesture and was hurt.  She didn't say anything though, as she and Toni weren't really "together".  It still stung though.  Did Toni really not want to be seen with her? 

The red head dismissed the thought as they entered the doors of the new Italian restaurant.  Toni walked up to the host and they got their reservation sorted out.  Cheryl took a look around the restaurant.  It was an odd building as it was set to look more family oriented, not like a high end dining restaurant. 

First off, the whole place was checked.  The walls were small red and white checkers and the floor large black and white checkers.  It gave the place a "diner" feel.  Much like Pop's.  The Italian-ness came from the wooden fences with grapevines growing on them all over the walls.  Just like the vineyards of Italy.  The lighting had a yellowed tint as opposed to blue, making the room feel gentler and the lights were dimmed which made it a little more romantic than a family restaurant.  All of the waiters and waitresses wore white button up shirts with black pants.  Formal, cozier because of the lack of ties.

After a few minutes of the host shuffling through the log book, he found the reservation and had the waiter lead them to a table.  They sat down thanking the waiter before he walked off. 

For the first minute the two sat in an awkward silence.  Both wanting the other to speak, but not wanting to speak first. 

Toni finally spoke up.  "So Cheryl, I don't really know much about you.  Well other than your name and your insane organization skills.  Tell me a bit about yourself."  She earned a chuckle from the red head with her second comment.

"Uh well.  I'm 21 and once had a brother. I really like red, as shown by just about everything I wear."  She said gesturing to her outfit.  At this, Toni returned that chuckle she'd gotten out of Cheryl.  "Um, I really like cats and hope to own one someday and, oh I don't know, I like baseball."  Toni listened on intently as the red head explained a little about herself. 

The smile she'd had that morning at work hadn't left all day.  She didn't know why, but she couldn't stop thinking about the red headed girl.  Her angelic smile and cascading red hair were so appealing to her.  Nothing other than a platonic dinner could come out of this though.  That was her employee and, although there was no rule against it, she shouldn't have a romantic relationship with her.

"Okay your turn."  Cheryl said reaching out and putting her hands on top of Toni's.  The touch sent a jolt through both of them, like there had been a charge building up and that released a little bit of it.  After realizing what she'd just done Cheryl retracted her hands.

"I'm 23, and sadly have no family left.  I used to be a Southside Serpent, well I technically still am as they still exist and I have my tattoo, but I'm not an "active member" anymore.  I also like cats and had one when I was younger."  Toni explained.

"Wait.  You don't have any family?  Like not in the city or not at all?"  Cheryl asked leaning forward and resting her chin on her palm, propped up by her arm.

This position was just adorable to Toni.  The childlike qualities that Cheryl exhibited were endearing to the pink haired girl.  She realized the question she'd been asked and her smile instantly left.  "Um, my parents and brother died a few years ago.  I lived with my uncle for a while but he got abusive so I left and couch surfed for a while until I found my own place."  The ex-serpent said looking away.