Fate can be Fatal

Part 37: Shocked

"Seriously leave" yells Toni, comforting Cheryls head.

Without a word, or hesitation, Penelope Blossom walks into the modernised house and plants herself onto the couch. Cheryl manages to regain her consciousness as Toni helps her to a seat. 

Cheryl uses her girlfriend as a rest, her head still weary but by now she was used to unexpected circumstances. "Mother? I take it you were released this morning" she begins, shaking but Toni sees and grips it tightly. 

"Of course dear, now, to the real reason I'm here---" but is swiftly cut off by a defensive Toni, eyeing Penelope threateningly. "Isn't it still against the law to be here?"

"Enough of you. You've done enough" Penelope crossly says to Toni, her eyes becoming narrower by the second. "Anyway, this house - seems different. Modern, exactly how you asked for it as child. None the less, this house is not yours. It never will be. I'll be taking it back" 

"Over my dead body" Cheryl replies sternly. 

"Is that a challenge?" her mother sarcastically jokes. 

Toni jumps up to her defensive, "I suggest you leave. Now. Befor----"

"Before what, you're merely a child" and edges closer to Toni, at eye level. "A useless child. Cheryl has always gotten bored easily. You'll be next on her list to go" attempting to bring her down.

Cheryl meets them at eye level, staring daggers at her own mother, "How. Dare. You! I'm not some stupid child. Neither is Toni. We're 17, and more than capable of making our own decisions. She's sticking around, for as long as she'll put up with me. The next person on my list is you mother, and that's starting from now. I have this house, it's mine - ours. You're gone, you'll never get your beloved Thistlehouse back, just like your reputation" Cheryl carries on until her mother aggressively snaps.

She plants a rough slap upon Cheryls left cheek, making a loud smack on her skin and enraging Toni. She grabs Penelope by the forearm and back of the neck, ordering her to the door. She pushes her up against it, "come here again, get anyone here again. Touch her again. I swear to God, I'll kill you. And don't you worry. I'm not kidding" before pushing Penelope out of the front door and slamming it behind her. Locking it for safe measure. 

Toni rushes up to Cheryl, "babe? you ok?" asking endearingly. 

She nods softly, "I know its only 5. But can we just sleep? I'm exhausted, and if I stay up any longer, I'm going to go do something I gravely regret" 

Toni walks Cheryl upstairs, praying her mother won't dare to do anything more. 

Laying in bed, Toni speaks "Cheryl. Your mother. Will she ever let it go? Like our relationship. The house. The control?" 

"She's always been difficult, always. I remember - as a child, I would go to friends houses. Before anyone disliked me. I'd stay the night and walk home the next morning. One time, I came back and she just yelled. For no reason. Just yelled about how I disrespected the whole family. Disgraced them. Upset them. I realised she never actually thought I did something wrong. She just wanted to drill fear into me. In whatever way. From then on I wouldn't dare cross her. Even now... she scares me" and turns to face Toni. 

She takes Cheryls hand, struggling to find words she eventually says "Cheryl. Your mother is awful. Purely awful. But you're the complete opposite. You're the most amazing person I've ever met. And for however long this carries on for, I'll be there every step of the way..."