Not So Different After All

9: Thistlehell

Cheryl had started to dream about Toni.

It was bittersweet, in a way. It was bitter, because the night terrors she was having before, though unbearable, were the last pieces she had of Jason. And without those night terrors, she feared she would lose all memory of Jason.

But it was sweet, because, well. . . it was Toni Topaz. Cheryl replayed the kiss they shared over and over again in her mind for the hours following it. She kept licking her lips, desperate for a taste of the other girl again.

When Cheryl kissed Toni, it was like a firecracker had exploded inside her body. She had tasted mostly mint from the gum she was chewing, but also a hint of cigarette smoke. Cheryl usually would've found this repulsive, but because it was Toni, she found it attractive.

A week had passed since they kissed, and Cheryl was too scared to bring it up. She was scared that Toni would inform her she had changed her mind, and thought of losing Toni scared the shit out of her. But every night following their kiss, she had dreamt about Toni.

It was now Friday; one week and one day since their kiss (not that Cheryl was counting ), and she was met by Veronica as she walked into the school. Instinctively, she rolled her eyes. Veronica had started off nice to her, but ever since Veronica temporarily took over the Vixens, they weren't so buddy buddy anymore.

"Cheryl, you're looking lovely as usual," she said with a smile that made Cheryl want to vomit.

"You're looking as pernicious as usual.
So, what is it you want from me?" the red head retorted.

"I'm having a party tonight at a secluded mansion my parents own. It starts at 9, I would like it if you'd attend, and you can bring a guest too," the other girl said. Cheryl gave Veronica a once over as they stood in the middle of the hallway.

"You seem to be giving me a genuine invite. I'll be there," Cheryl replied flatly. The bell rang through the halls and Cheryl made her way to her history class with a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. The second she walked through the door she spotted Toni, and the butterfly feeling increased by 100.

She sat down next to Toni with a smile she couldn't wipe off. Toni had that affect on her that no one else had. On that Friday morning, Toni had no signs of abuse from her uncle, so Cheryl let out a sigh of relief.

"You good over there, Bombshell?" Toni chuckled, glancing at the girl opposite of her.

"Of course I'm good. But I do have an offer to propose for you," Cheryl responded.

"An offer? For me? I'm flattered," the serpent said.

"Veronica Lodge invited me to a party at her place tonight. I despise Veronica so typically I would've declined, but she said I could bring a guest. Would you be my plus one to her rendezvous tonight?" Cheryl asked. Toni let the question settle into her mind for a second before smiling slightly.

"I'm not Veronica's biggest fan either, but if you're gonna be there then I will gladly go," she replied.

"Great, pick me up at 9?" Cheryl asked and Toni nodded. Cheryl smiled because she felt positive about the evening to follow.

Cheryl learned the location of the party from Veronica later in the day, and soon enough it was her last period, which was her free period. She was sitting in the lounge, half-listening to whatever verbal diarrhea Kevin was throwing in her ear. Her phone buzzed against her thigh where she was resting it, and she picked it up to look at who had texted her.

Toni💕🐍
come outside

Toni💕🐍
not like actually outside the school but just come outside of the lounge