now tell me, how did all my dreams turn to nightmares?

Chapter 1

"Please, Cher," Toni begged again. "If you don't play we'll forfeit."

Cheryl huffed and rolled her eyes, "And how is that my problem?"

Toni smiled a toothy grin and gave her best puppy dog eyes, "Because you love me?"

"I cheer for sports. I don't play them," she reminded her girlfriend.

"Please?"

"Believe it or not, mon amour, but I do not wish to cater to every lesbian stereotype."

"Right, babe, because you're such a stereotypical lesbian," the pinkette laughed.

Cheryl crossed her arms across her chest and huffed, "I own a flannel."

"That you stole from me!"

The redhead thought for a moment. She really did not want to play, but this was important to her girlfriend, who was important to her. "Fine," she caved. "What exactly will I have to do?"

"Seriously?" Toni's face lit up, "Nothing! You won't have to do a thing, babe. Just stand in the outfield so we have a complete team out there. Peaches is pitching, and that girl has a wicked curveball. It should be a no hitter. Thank you so much! I'll text the girls and let them know the game is still on."

Cheryl watched as Toni picked up her phone and began typing out a group text. She sighed, immediately regretting her decision.

It was already the second of two games, and Cheryl was bored out of her mind. The fourth inning had just started, and to the redhead's dismay there were still another three once it concluded.

Just as Toni had assured her, Cheryl hadn't needed to do a thing. She found herself standing in the outfield, her glove tucked under her elbow. Rather than attempt to fake interest in the game, she choose to spend the remaining time scrolling through her Instagram feed. There was no reason to start participating now when the ball had not come within 50 feet of her in the last hour and a half.

"And that's three!" Toni yelled from third base, causing Cheryl to close lock her phone and slide it into her back pocket.

The teams swapped places, and Chery followed Toni to the benches, taking the seat next to her.

"How much longer?"

Toni finished taking a drink from her water bottle and replaced the cap before rolling her eyes and turning to her girlfriend. "Just about another half hour, babe."

The redhead whined, "And then home?"

"The girls wanted to stop by the Wyrm for a drink after," Toni started to say before noticing the exhausted appearance of her girlfriend. "You know what, nevermind. They can celebrate our glorious victory without me."

"No, I promised not to monopolize all of your time. Compromise? One drink at the Wyrm, and then home?" Cheryl asked, attempting to find a middle ground. After their breakup the previous year the two had been making an effort to see things from the other's point of view. For Cheryl, that meant sharing, something the redhead found to be a constant struggle.

"Deal," the pinkette smiled. "One drink, and then home. And since you are being so amazing tonight how about I give you a massage after we shower? I'm sure your arms are sore from all that texting you are doing in the outfield."

"I can't help that I'm bored," she said exasperated. "It's not like the ball has come anywhere near me all night."

"I know, Cher. I'm just glad you're here." Toni leaned in and placed a kiss upon her girl's cheek. "I'll show you just how glad when we are home and cleaned up."