Betty
Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.
I glanced down at my watch in my palm, starring as the second hand ticked by. I wondered if time ever felt so slow to anyone else or if it was just a personal thing.
Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.
I was expecting to hear my mother's voice, echoing around the walls as she reminded me that I was wasting time staring at a vintage watch rather than moving forward through the day. But instead I heard the sweet voice of my best friend from down the hall.
"Hey B, you wanna go get some pancakes?" I could hear her heels walking down the hall.
Sighing, I turned my gaze away from the watch, setting it down on the vanity. Though, I could still hear the soft ticking echoing in my ears. Throwing open the door I saw Veronica Lodge, clad in Pink sweats and a tee shirt and still managing to look like a model. Her face held a wide smile as she tilted her head to the side, trying to read my expressions.
"Sounds wonderful V," I threw on my best smile, as if I could force the ticking to escape my head. As if the smile wasn't difficult. Wasn't hard. Wasn't as if I was afraid if it got too big my body would split in two.
Veronica knew though. She always did.
We met in high school, when I was simply Betty Cooper, the girl-next-door. But she dragged me to cheer tryouts and kissed me on the very first day. She was fire, bright and vivid. She changed my life from the moment she said 'hello' and stuck out her manicured hand. She encouraged me to write articles and wear bright lipstick and go after the things I wanted.
"You okay, B?"
"Oh yeah," I nodded. "I just...can't believe it."
"That we're here at college?" Veronica smiled, linking her arm with mine. "That we have the cutest apartment on campus? That we have a hallway with several very very cute boys?"
I giggled, setting my head on her shoulder.
"All of it."
Veronica shot me a smile as she tossed open the door, eyes light and smile full.
"And the best way to celebrate is with a stack of chocolate pancakes and-"
"A milkshake," I finished, giggling.
"You and your ice cream," Veronica rolled her eyes as the door shut I could still hear the faint ticking.
Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.
Two stacks of pancakes later and Veronica's oh-so-unsubtle flirting with the waiter, we were out. Arms linked together as we made our way back to Riverdale College.
"B, this is going to be the best year yet," Veronica gave me a peppy grin as she bumped her hip with mine. "I'm a college cheerleader, you're a writer for the paper. Not to mention the fact that we are going to join some kickass soriety and kiss too many boys."
I shook my head. Veronica and her ever-constant need to be at a party. Up the white cement steps to Aquarius Dorms, Veronica gave me a smile.
"Speaking of parties," Veronica slowed down, her smile growing more impish as we inched towards the elevators. "Did I mention I got us invited to a party tonight?"
I groaned, my hands already sweating at the prospect of people.
"But V-"
"No buts," Veronica shook a finger at me, pulling me inside the elevator. She elbowed the third floor button as she placed her hands on my shoulders. "Look, I know last year was hard for you. You haven't been the same since and I hate seeing you like this B. Like a...shell."
"And you think partying is going to change that?" It came out sharp. "You think partying will really fix me?"
I saw a hurt expression cross over Veronica's eyes before the care came back, shining at full force.
"Betty-"
"I can't do this right now Veronica," the elevator opened as I shoved my way out of the tight little box. "I just want to stay at home and watch Gilmore Girls with you. I don't want to go to some stupid-"
I slammed, right into what felt like a wall and right to the ground.
"Betty!" Veronica's voice rang out as I sat, dazed, on the bright blue carpet.
"Oh my gosh," the voice was smooth as silk as a hand reached out towards me. "I am so sorry."
I looked up and saw a pair of brown eyes and bright red hair.