The Yearly 365 Challenge

Prompt #21 (AU) Single Parent!AU

"Hello Fred." Veronica tiredly spoke as soon as her father in law opened the front door.

"Veroncia?" Fred eyes widen his eyes lowered to meet the sad eyes of the little ginger haired girl next to the young woman. He knelt down onto one knee; "Come and give granddad a hug won't you?" He held out his arms for his granddaughter to step into them.

She just remained at her mother's side. Her disappointed and scared eyes staring into his own.

"I tied to keep the truth from her. But when Archie left the way he did." Veroncia stopped. She wouldn't allow her deep and raw anger against Archie to wash over her daughter's soul. Her father did quite enough job on that. Now she had to repaire the damage.

Fred's arms lowered to his side. "I'm so sorry that Archie ..." He shook his head. He tiredly stood to his feet. "Do you want to come in?" He was very unsure on what Veronica will allow now that Archie has abandoned her and their daughter.

Veronica tearfully said. "We would love to come inside. This is home after all." She stepped forward gently guiding her small daughter into her grandfather's home.

"Daddy won't come here for quite a while." Elizabeth's soft lost voice spoke as she stepped into her grandfather's house at her mother's side.

Fred sadly sighed as he followed the two lost souls into his home. Closing the door gently behind him. "I was Betty was home ... but she and Jughead are still in England."

Veroncia tightly nodded. "B said that she and Jughead are taking the red eye ... they will be arriving around midnight. They promised to ..." She bit her lip.

"Hope you don't mind late vistors grandpop." Elizabeth looked up into her grandfather's eyes.

Fred smiled. "I don't mind sweetheart." He lead the way into the living room; and watched as mother and daughter took a seat on the couch.

"Daddy gave up all rights to me." Elizabeth shrugged. "So he is no longer 'Daddy' to me. I can't call him Archie ..." she turned her eyes to her mother's. "What do I call him now mommy?"

"Dad." Veronica spoke in a calm voice. "Just simply call him Dad. It's still his right after all."

"I'm tired mommy. Can I go to sleep now?" Elizabeth tiredly asked as she leaned into her mother.

Veronica gathered her daughter in her arms. Placing a kiss on her beloved's forehead. "Yes darling you go to bed now."

"The guest room is all ready for you two." Fred nodded his head. He knew that there would be no staying in Archie's room for these two ever again.

Veronica stood to her feet with her daughter in her arms. "Thanks Fred." She spoke in a low tearful voice. "When B and Jughead arrive ... please tell them that I will talk to them tomorrow."

"Of course." Fred had stood to his feet. "I'm happy that you still consider this a safe place to be Veronica."

"This will always be home for Elizabeth and I." Veronica tearfully nodded. She turned and started towards the hallway.