See You Again - A Choni Story

Chapter 25

Toni's POV

I was dreading going to school. This Monday felt worse than any other Monday. And that was because Cheryl and Heather were probably a couple and I would have to walk into the Students Lounge to see them all over each other. I had avoided talking to Cheryl for the rest of the day after I left hers. I didn't want to know about her new girlfriend.

My phone buzzed suddenly. I looked and saw a text from Cheryl.

Cheryl: Hey TT. Fancy meeting me at our quiet spot when you get to school?

Great. She's probably gonna tell me about how Heather asked her out. Just what I need in the morning. Okay Toni. Just say no. Act like you're gonna study in the library or something. Make up some crappy story.

Toni: Sure. Everything okay?

The hell? Oh my god I'm such an idiot. I only had to say no to her...but I can't. I've never been able to say no to her. It's one of my weaknesses. That's how I ended up on the cheerleading squad. It's kind of fun though, not that I would tell her that. But now, because of my weakness, I've got to face her and see how happy she is about her and Heather.

Cheryl: Yeah. Never better. I'll see you soon :)

I spent the entire ride to school thinking about how Cheryl was gonna tell me, preparing myself for the heartache. I'm happy for her, but can't I just act like it's not a thing? I feel stupid. I basically pushed them closer together.

I walked to our quiet spot. Cheryl hadn't arrived, so I waited for her. How should I respond when she tells me she's madly in love with Heather? What do I say? Something kind and encouraging most likely. Just gotta keep my true feelings locked inside. That's easy. I can do that. I've done it most of my life. How hard can it be?

"Hey." I heard in a soft and gentle tone. It was Cheryl. She stood next to me, looking directly into my eyes. Man this is gonna hurt like a bitch.

"Hi." I said, avoiding making strong eye contact. "So what do you want to tell me?"

"Okay...so ummmm...First off...Did you really tell Heather she should ask me out? Heather said you did and I wanted to check." Cheryl explained.

"Oh yeah I did."

"Well she asked and I said no...kindly and politely, might I add." She's not with Heather. I'm kinda happy. Is that a bad thing? Probably a little but oh well. Maybe I still have a shot. Maybe I haven't missed my window.

"Why did you say no?" I asked Cheryl. Cheryl stepped closer. We were less than a meter apart.

"Because she's not who I want to be with. I like somebody else." Cheryl stepped even closer. We were almost touching. I could practically feel her hand brushing against mine.

"Who?" She looked at me and grabbed my hand, took a deep breath in and answered my question.

"You." Cheryl smiled widely, exhaling heavily. I felt my jaw drop. I felt shocked. I couldn't believe what she had said. Cheryl Blossom likes me...as more than a friend. I'm managing to contain my excitment...I think...maybe.

"And what are you gonna do about it, Cheryl?" I bit my lip, waiting for her answer.

"This." Her hand raised up and rested on my cheek. She grinned, a cheeky grin, and closed the gap to connect our lips. It was happening, what I had dreamt of for years was finally happening. And it felt amazing. The kiss was passionate. It was all I could have hoped for, and more. It was everything. She was everything. It lasted for a few minutes at least, but it felt like seconds. Time flies by when I'm with her. When she finally pulled away I gasped quietly, searching for air.