It was a disgusting habit. An expensive one at that, but still, Toni found herself inhaling a long, smooth drag from the joint that settled between her fingers. Part of her blamed her tousled haired friend, SweetPea, for introducing her to the rather addictive drug. In a short exhale, the earthy substance began working its magic. The tension that clung to her body, finding its release. It wasn't something she found herself indulging in too often. But after the day she'd managed to get through, it was well deserved.
At this angle, from the top of a partially collapsing building the brunette had discovered a few years back, Riverdale seemed perfect. A beautifully hidden town waiting to be discovered. Freshly bloomed trees stretched across more land than Toni's eye could see, surrounding them like a safety blanket from the chaotic world outside.
Toni's eyes fluttered shut for a moment, allowing herself to take in the peaceful silence only the faint sound of bird calls accompanying her. Oh what she would give to have the freedom they held.
A heavy sigh left her body as she opened her eyes, returning to reality. With a flick of her wrist, what remained of her joint lay crushed beneath her boot. Toni turned on her heel away from the view she gazed upon every evening, heading towards a rusted ladder that was without question a safety hazard. It stopped broken halfway, rubble in a built up pile beneath her. It was safe enough, by now the thought of the whole building giving in was barely a passing thought.
As matte combat boots connected with the unstable debris, she balanced herself - knowing that knocking even one piece of concrete out of place, would destroy any chances of her gaining access to the roof again. A familiar sweet scent wove its way into her senses. It amazed her how maple syrup still lingered faintly in the air - especially since the building had been abandoned since the early 2000's. Yet for whatever reason, the scent was oddly comforting.
Toni made her way into what she'd always presumed had been an office. But instead of a boring old desk and chair, lay a litter of odd pillows and a couple of sleeping bags. Toni snatched up her backpack, settling into the small space that had tragically become her home.
The teenager foraged through her bag, knowing she'd left a turkey sandwich somewhere. A victorious smile graced her lips as she pulled out her lunch, her stomach practically roared in victory with her. The first bite feeling like heaven had erupted in her mouth, within three more bites. It was gone.
But the ache of hunger tugged her stomach once more. Half a sandwich hadn't cut it. The munchies from her joint coming to bite her in the ass. That was probably the worst thing about living on the streets, the pain that comes with the hunger. The dryness that crept silently into your mouth, gasping for water - anything that would soothe the dehydration quickly approaching.
Toni felt ashamed every time she was forced to stumble to the only two people she could rely on, SweetPea and Fangs. Of course, they'd never turn her away. They set a blanket and pillow on their couch for her during the brutal winter nights, offer her money and food whenever she decides to come by. They were her family. But she couldn't help but feel like a burden.
As darkness fell over the abandoned factory she called home, Tony settled herself into the sleeping bags she'd become accustomed to, trying to drift off into the peace that awaited her in her dreams.
[x]
Thankfully, River Valley unlocked their gym department as soon as the sun began to rise. It was the only place in Riverdale that had showers she'd be able to use without some pervert barging in. The sound of a short click echoed throughout the locker room as Toni switched off the shower. Fear seeped into her mind at the sound of approaching footsteps. No one was ever here so early, not even the coach who drunkenly stumbled in at nine.
Within seconds, a white towel was wrapped around her body. The last thing she needed was some boy announcing to the entire college that he'd seen her naked. Just because it was college, that didn't mean the men were mature.
But what her eyes discovered, was nothing she'd pictured. It wasn't some six foot something, square jawed, big headed jock. It just so happened to be the most beautiful woman she'd ever laid eyes upon. For a moment, Toni found herself flushed and at a loss for words.
"I thought I heard the showers. I should hope you're a student here..." The woman began slowly, her perfectly chocolate brown eyes cast upon the towel clinging to the brunette's body, before quickly returning to her face. "If not, I suggest you leave before I inform campus security."
A cold shiver ran over Toni's body as a now icy bead of water trickled down her spine. Irritation quickly replaced her shock, the girl moving swiftly around the woman who couldn't be much older than her.
"For your information, I am a student and don't you think you should knock before you simply wander in?" Was all Toni retorted as she gathered up her clothes, she could already feel those challenging eyes boring into her.
"I shouldn't have to explain myself to you, I heard a noise and I came to find out what it was." The woman spoke shortly, not indicating any signs that she was leaving. "End of story."
The short brunette rolled her eyes in annoyance, turning to face the intruder with a glare. "Well done, detective. You've found your culprit, can you leave now?"
"I'd like to see your student ID first."
Toni released a sharp hysterical laugh, wondering how someone so hot could be so infuriating. The reaction caused the redhead to glower, her arms folded as though she was scolding a child. With a mutter of distaste, Toni pushed an ID card into the woman's slender hands.
"That good enough for you?"
As the mysterious woman studied the card, Toni couldn't help but notice the way her fair complexion clashed perfectly with the flaming red colour of her hair. She found herself wondering whether the redhead was new, it wasn't like she'd seen her around before. Toni knew she'd remember bumping into someone like her.
"Antoinette Topaz." The quiet muster of her name pulled the brunette from her trail of thoughts. "Never heard that one before."
Toni felt the blood rush to her cheeks as she rubbed the nape of her neck. She silently cursed her mother for calling her such an unnecessary same.
"I prefer to be called Toni."
It appeared as though the woman had only just noticed Toni's lack of clothing, handing over the ID back before starting wordlessly towards the door. For whatever reason, the urge to continue their conversation washed over the brunette. But she shook it off - she'd been standing in a towel for so long that her body had dried itself. As she glanced at the time, her brown eyes widened, she had thirty minutes before her first class of the semester began.
As Toni hurried out of the locker room, fixing her backpack strap that had managed to get twisted, she collided with a familiar face. One she'd woken up to on more than several occasions. A yelp escaped the girl's lips, her gleaming blue eyes lighting up when she realised whose arms she'd managed to stumble in.
"Toni!" The dark haired woman smiled sweetly, "Fancy bumping into you."
Toni watched as Donna tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before her nervous eyes found the brunettes again. She offered her a smile, Donna happened to come from one of the richest families in Riverdale. The style she decided to dress in practically screamed 'my daddy's rich'.
"It's good to see you, D."
Donna fell in stride with Toni as they headed towards the cafeteria, it wasn't often they stumbled into one another. The blue eyed girl studied science, whereas Toni had chosen english, hoping one day something will come of her writing. Donna just so happened to be the girl everyone in River Valley desired. Whether that was to be her or to have her. There was no mistaking she was attractive - with her crystal eyes and black hair, and a figure that seemed to capture both men and women's attention.
It was hard to believe the raven haired girl was single. Especially since she could have whomever she wanted.
"How's your dad? Still being an asswipe?"
Donna stifled a laugh, "Of course. My mother swears she'll leave him, but we both know she wouldn't."
"As much as she hates to admit it, she's in love with that workaholic." Toni acknowledged, the first time she'd spent the night Toni finally got a peek into Donna's life. She didn't envy it.
Her father was scarcely around, always on business trips in one city to the next. Even when he was around, he remained tucked away in his office or criticising every choice Donna had ever made. Toni being one of them. Her mother on the other hand, was a human ray of sunshine. Why she remained married to a storm cloud like Donna's father, Toni would never know.
The girl beside her gave a sad smile, "One day she'll realise the real reason he goes on those trips."
Toni paused for a second, sympathy filling her eyes as she placed a comforting hand on Donna's forearm.
"You let those two work on their relationship, you just focus on your future. You think Einstein sat around worrying about his parents' relationship?"
Toni locked eyes with Donna as she smiled, noticing the same thing she always saw within them. Adoration. Toni dropped her gaze, knowing the lingering look was doing her no favours.
It was no secret that Donna had feelings for her, which only made Toni feel a wave of guilt each time she saw the longing look hidden behind those blue orbs. No strings attached; that had been the deal.
"Listen, Toni—"
"I've got to get to class." The brunette quickly cut in, knowing the words that were about to leave Donna's lips. She didn't miss the disheartened look that danced across Donna's expression at her words. But it was better than breaking her heart. "I'll catch you later."