I've Missed You | CHONI |

Chapter 5

Cheryl internally kicked herself, if Toni was half the person she was when they was teenagers this could get out of hand. 'Hey' Toni and Veronica were pulled out of their conversation by the blonde woman standing over their table. 'Can I help you?' Veronica asked. 'Not you, her' Hannah said pointing at Toni. 'Excuse me?' Toni looked up. 'I'm trying to enjoy a date with my girl and all we can feel is your eyes on us'. 'Well tell your 'girl' if she has a problem to tell me herself' Toni looked at Cheryl. 'You need to leave' the blonde stepped closer to Toni. 'Or what' Toni smirked.

Hannah grabbed Toni's arm. Toni lifted her head to look into the girls eyes. Toni Topaz never backed down, she feared no one. Toni stood up that fast her chair toppled over, she was inches away from the blondes face 'why don't you go back to your seat and drink your coffee before I do something you'll regret'. The blonde girl backed away and made her way back to Cheryl. Toni picked up her chair and tried to carry on her conversation with Veronica. 'Wow Topaz, always a serpent right?' Veronica smiled. Before Toni could reply, she watched Cheryl grab her bag and rush out off the cafe. Toni looked at Veronica. 'Go' Veronica smiles.

Toni went off after Cheryl for the second time in the last 12 hours. She couldn't see which direction the redhead went. She decided to follow her instincts and head towards the park. She searched everywhere, maybe she didn't know Cheryl anymore. She was about to reluctantly give up and call Veronica when she spotted Cheryl sat on a bench staring out towards the pond.

Toni sat next to Cheryl in silence, Cheryl didn't need to look up, after all these years she could still feel Toni's presence. 'I'm sorry about the argument with your girlfriend but she did start it' Toni breathed out. 'She's not my girlfriend' Cheryl shrugged. 'Really because i don't think she got the memo' Toni looked over to Cheryl. 'Well can you blame her, I'm a catch' Cheryl smirked at Toni. 'Damn right' Toni smiled. 'Well if that's all?' Cheryl said standing, she was being stubborn, she knew if she let her guard down to Toni even just a little, she could get hurt again.

'Actually I wondered if you'd like to grab lunch?' Toni asked hopeful. 'I'm sorry Toni but I can't do that' Cheryl frowned. 'Why not' Toni pushed, she had nothing to lose. 'Toni what exactly do you want from me?' Cheryl asked. Toni sighed 'I want you to forgive me, so eventually we can maybe become friends, you must have some questions?'. 'Say I do, I can't right now I need to go and check in at work'. 'Great I'd love to see what you do, lead the way' Toni got up, she didn't leave Cheryl much choice but to allow Toni to tag along.

'Wow you work here' Toni's mouth was wide. 'Actually I own it' Cheryl smirked stepping into the building. 'Follow me to my office' Cheryl said not looking at Toni. 'This art is amazing' Toni said studying every piece she walked past 'is it all by the same artist or do you have multiple artist working for you'. 'You shock me Toni, this is my business therefore this is my art' Cheryl said turning back to look at Toni momentarily. 'Wait you did all this?' Toni even more amazed. 'Correct' Cheryl said opening a door which Toni could only assume was her office.

Cheryl sat in her chair behind her desk gesturing for Toni to take the seat across from her. She looked around admiring what Cheryl had built for herself. 'So...' Cheryl said 'what are you doing in New York?'. 'I moved here with a boyfriend last year after travelling' Toni said wanting to be completely honest. 'Boyfriend?' Cheryl raised a brow. 'Well ex boyfriend' Toni shrugged 'for some reason it never seems to work out with the boys' she laughed. 'I'm not surprised, I thought you was a ladies woman' Cheryl eyed Toni. 'I used to be' Toni smiled sadly. 'Toni Topaz practically straight, I'm shocked' Cheryl smiled she didn't want the conversation getting too deep. 'That's not true' Toni paused 'I'm yet to find a girl as perfect for me as my last'. 'Toni' Cheryl whispered 'that was a long time ago, I'm sure you'll find the perfect person for you'. 'I already did and I blew it. Look Cher... Sorry Cheryl, after all these years I thought I'd gotten used to being without you, but seeing you again made me realise I still love you as much as I did when we was 17, I never got over you'.  The room felt heavy, Toni's last words lingering in the air.

Cheryl played with her hands not daring to even look at Toni after her confession. 'Cheryl please say something'. Cheryl had to make a decision on what she wanted to happen next, she could cut herself off like she had done for years or she could be honest with Toni and herself about how she feels. 'It wasn't easy for me you know' Cheryl looked up 'to walk away from you without ever turning back, I missed you every day, I mourned our relationship. There was so many nights I wanted to call you or just come home to you but I couldn't imagine facing you being with Winter. I was alone for a long time before I even contacted Veronica but when I eventually did she'd already left Riverdale. I thought about you often'. Tears were flowing for both girls but this conversation was needed. 'I still love you Toni, I always have even when I didn't want to'. Toni stood up and cautiously made her way around the desk to Cheryl, not wanting to overwhelm her.