What I Like About You

16. Greenlight

16.

Toni's POV
2 hours earlier
Ashton called me a bitch. I didn't really mind; I mean sometimes I can be. But then he said that's why guys always cheat on me... He's my brother and my best friend, how could he? He's supposed to build me up not tear me down. I just kept running down the street. You know for someone who hates running as much as I do, I sure am running a lot. I guess I noticed I wasn't breathing enough so I stopped running. I heard someone behind me. It's either Ash, Dizzy or Luke. "I was hoping you'd stop soon." He said. I saw Luke standing over me as I was catching my breath. "Why did you run after me?", "Someone had to. I think Dizzy would have but she's already been in trouble today. I was worried that we wouldn't see you for awhile.", "Of course of you would've. It's my home too but I just can't be there right now.", "That's cool. We can just walk." I nodded and he smiled at me. I looked down at the ground and blushed. We walked around a little until we stopped at a park with a playground and a pond. It was a really nice night out. I felt Luke grab my hand and lead me over to the swings. How did he know I love swings? I sat down and Luke pushed me for a while before sitting down in the swing next to mine. It was silent for a while. I don't think we have been left alone before this. It was nice though. Sure it was a little awkward but it wasn't horrible. It was silent for too long. I jumped off the swing and grabbed Luke's hand leading us to the pond. We laid down and looked up at the stars. It was perfect. If we were dating.

I could hear the crickets and the sound of the water ripples. Luke sighed before turning to me. "I'm sorry. For everything. For cheating, for moving on, for breaking your heart. But I'm not sorry for what I'm about to do." I look over at him and lift my eyebrows. "What are you abo..." I didn't finish that sentence before Luke placed his lips on mine. It caught me off guard like the first one. It was the most random yet perfect time. The first kiss left me breathless but this one seemed to bring me back to life. Like I've been missing a piece of me for SO long and now that he's here, kissing me, I found it again. We went on as long as Ash and Dizzy usually go to. It was amazing. We finally parted and I whispered, "Wow.", "Yeah." I stood up and looked at the pond. I just did the one thing I hated. I cheated on Alex. But you know what? I didn't care nor felt guilty. I looked at him and said, "I missed you so fucking much.", "Me too." I came closer to the pond and he followed me. We looked into the pond and I kissed him again. Only, I didn't count on Luke leaning too close into the pond. We both screamed and we fell in the mushy, gooey but blue pond. I laughed at him and said, "Only with you that these things happen.", "Hey, I'm full of surprises." I shook my head and splashed him. He look so mad. I swam away but he caught up to me and we played in that pond for 10 minutes. Then, we noticed we started to see people coming and we didn't want them to think we were homeless or something. So we walked some more. I called Alex and told him it wasn't going to work. He seemed alright with the breakup. He knew it was because of Luke. But he was happy for us. We'll still keep in touch though because I have a plan. We grabbed some ice cream and I asked him, "How should we tell everyone?", "I don't know. Maybe we can make it seem like it's no big deal.", "That'll totally mess with their heads. I like it."

Present Time
Ash and I went into the kitchen while Dizzy was grilling Luke. Knowing Dizzy, she'll be smart enough to figure it out. The other boys may not be able to catch on so quickly but Dizzy will make it obvious. "I wanted to tell you that I'm so, so, so sorry about what I said to you. You're my sister and you're right, you know Dizzy more than I do. You're not a bitch, I just got pissed off because you guys took Dizzy out when she was sick and I felt like I should be taking care of her because Lord knows, she been taking care of me. But that's no excuse, you're my best friend and my baby sister and I shouldn't be putting you down like that. The last thing you needed to here was that. I'm really sorry and I hope you can forgive me." That was the most heartfelt apology I've ever gotten from him. And I've gotten a lot. We used to argue a lot as kids. I hugged him tight, to let him know that I did forgive him and that he's still my best friend. "Of course I forgive you, bro. I know you didn't mean all that but it did hurt. Just promise me you can't call me a bitch unless I really am acting like one." He chuckled and said, "Agreed." We both smiled and hugged once again. I heard a squeal and I saw Dizzy jumping up and down. For someone as sick as her, she's sure feeling a lot better. "I fucking called It! I called it guys!" She ran into the kitchen and hugged me. I laughed and hugged her back. Then, she went into the cabinet and got out one of the best wines we had in our house. "Dizzy, what are you doing?" I asked. "Celebrating.", "Celebrating what Dizzy?" Ash asked. "Uh, hello? Luke and Toni, together once again?" He looked at her then back at me. Mikey and Cal joined us in the kitchen. "Wait, is that why you took so long? And why you're both soaked? Because you were on a date with Luke? What about Alex?", "It wasn't meant to be with Alex. Alex understood that when I broke up with him.", "So, just so we're clear... you're dating Luke now?" Mikey asked. The cork popped out of the wine bottle and Dizzy said, "Yes, which is why we're drinking.", "Not you." Ash said. "No, babe, I want to drink with the grownups.", "Well, you're going to have to drink tea like all the rest of the sick little kids.", "Oh my god, you're no fun when I'm sick!", "I know. Now, go back upstairs and wait for me to bring you your tea.", "Can't I just stay down here and toast to them? Please?" He sighed and looked at her. She smiled widely and kissed his cheek. "One toast.", "One toast, then you're staying with me when you bring my tea.", "What if I need to write with Calum?", "I don't need ya, go play nurse with your sick girlfriend. Mikey and I got this." She smiled smugly and poured the drinks. We all raised a glass and Dizzy started. "A toast... to my best friend Toni and my best mate Luke. Take care of her Hemmings, Lord knows she's a handful." We all chuckled. Ash gave Luke a big brother look that says, 'Don't fuck up this time. I know where you live.' We all clicked our cups and drank. Except Dizzy, Mikey drank her cup.