The Lost Ones | Choni

22| Claire

Toni's POV

I held Cheryl's hand as we went up to my apartment, Veronica trailing behind us. We went inside and I led Cheryl to sit on the couch while I got her an ice pack for her bruised cheek.

"So you live here . . . alone?" Veronica asked quietly.

"Yeah. It was complicated at home with me being a sapphic Serpent in all." I spat out bitterly as we walked to Cheryl.

"I'm so sorry about this. I really didn't mean to bring that up. I swear I wouldn't do that on purpose because I knew how much Mr. Blossom hates the Serpents." She apologized sincerely.

"It's fine." I sighed. "I'm just upset because of what happened to Cheryl." I said as I sat down. "Here put this on your face, baby." I said softly to Cheryl as I rubbed her back.

"I'll leave you guys alone. But I am sorry." She said as she made her way to the door. "For everything."

"It's o-okay." Cheryl's voice cracked.

"Thanks for driving us here, drive back safely." I added.

"You're welcome. I'll let you guys know whats going on there or have Jason call." She said, and then left.

"She really does feel bad." Cheryl whispered.

"Yeah, I can see that. I'm glad she apologized." I said as moved her hair. It was quiet for a moment or two as we were both lost in thought. I just couldn't stop thinking about how Cheryl has a sister. I remember Jason mentioning Claire the first time I was over at her house, but I forgot about it.

What happened to her? It's not like I can ask right now, I need to help Cheryl and then when she's stable I'll ask.

"What can I do for you?" I asked gently.

"I don't know. Would it be okay if I took a bath? It may relax me." She asked quietly.

"Yeah, let's go." I smiled and helped her off the couch.

We walked into my bathroom and I told Cheryl to sit down while I drew her bath. She hopped up on the counter and then I sat on the floor and plugged the drain. I filled the bath and I checked the temperature and made sure she'd be comfortable once she was in the water. Once the bath was filled I went to were she was sitting and kissed her forehead.

"Your baths ready. Do you need anything else?" I asked.

"Umm, could you get the zipper on my dress and grab me something to wear?" She asked quietly.

"Yeah of course!"

Cheryl slid off the counter and turned so I could unzip her dress. I left so she could take her dress off and I could find her some pjs. When I came back into the bathroom she was wearing a red lacy bra with a matching thong, and on a normal day I'd be drooling over the sight, but my eyes were drawn to the large bruise on her side.

"Is something wrong?" She asked worryingly as she crossed her arms to cover herself a little.

"I just noticed that bruise." I said as I walked closer and I put my hand over it, gently running my hand along her now purple skin. "I'm so sorry, Cheryl." I said as my eyes welled up with tears and I rested my head on her shoulder as I hugged her.

"It's okay, Toni. It's not your fault." She said as she rubbed the top of my head.

"It kind of is. I'm the one who's a Serpent and I'm your girlfriend. Both of things got you in trouble and pissed your dad off." I cried lightly.

"I'm the one who came out though. I didn't think he'd hit me for being your girlfriend. He just doesn't like serpents and I'm sorry he reacted like that. This isn't your fault though, it's his." She explained gently.