Chapter 6:
God what the hell is this?. I feel numb. My head is spinning. As I try to put together the pieces of last night's events, I start to get up. My body was sweaty, covered by the light grey bed I turn to my right I can see the silhouette of the woman who shared my bed last night. Her dark hair spread on my pillow as I see her chest going up and down. What the hell happend?.
I wasn't able to ask myself any more questions, my throat was burning with what's coming next. I rushed towards the bathroom and empty my stomach. Damn Whiskey, sure it made me feel good but sometimes when taken in large amounts it would make me regret it the next day.
My naked body told me exactly what happend last night. He had sex with Veronica, but why would she agreed to something like that...unless...he forced her?. No. Archie Andrews was not a rapist. The warm water felt too good against his pounding head. He would usually go for a run but feeling like crap, running really was not an option.
He settled for some comftrouble joggers and a plain white t shirt. He was not the "t shirt" kind of guy, but all he wanted to do was escape the room were his wife was asleep, so he grabbed what he first saw and left the room. Everystep down to the first floor was painfull. He wanted to hear no noise as he approached the kitchen and was hit with the smell of coffe. Thank God for Carmen.
" ...you look like shit"
This actually put a smile on my face. Carmen was like a mother to me.
" I know, please can I have some coffe?"
" sure...any breakfast?"
"No thanks"
" any breakfast for Mrs. Andrews?"
Veronica Andrews, it actually had a nice ring to it.
" I don't know, I guess it depends on what mood she's in and by the hang over that I have...I can imagine she's gonna me pissed"
" Mrs. Andrews is very pretty"
" I know...I'll be in my office"
I really wasn't the one to work on Sundays, but I felt so embarrassed that hiding definetly was the way to go. The plans to expand the factory were now in place. It was something my father wanted to do, and It would provide plenty of jobs for the people of Riverdale.
I had to speak to Jughead so he could deposit the money that was given to us at the wedding, that money was going to be divided between the employes of the factory as a bonus. Money really was not an issue for us, so why keep something that can make a difference in someone else's life?.
" MORNING!"
"Damn it Jughead keep it down!"
"Hang over much?"
" what the hell are you doing here so early?"
" Just wanted to check on you..."
" Im fine"
" yeah well...you kind of look like shit"
" good morning Archie"
There she was. The lovely and sweet Betty Copper. How the hell did she ended up with Jughead its still a mystery but one thing was for sure...they really loved each other.
" morning Betty"
" hows Mrs. Andrews?"
" Not funny Jughead...listen I need you to go deposit the money Mr. Blossom gave me yesterday in the factory's account, use it to give the employees a bonus"
" and I am guessing you already spoke to to your wife about this?"
" what do you mean?"
" Archie, you are used to living alone but...not anymore man. Try to keep the peace, you should speak to her about this first"
" I don't need to speak to her about anything, the factory is mine anyways"
"Umm...no, half the factory is actually hers...you are married, get used to it."
" ill think about it..."
" Im gonna go say hi to Carmen, ill be back"
She kissed her boyfriend and exit the room.
" i don't know how can she stand you"
" shut up"
" Hows everything going?, Andrew's Real Estate?,"
" actually that's what I wanted to speak to you about"
" what's goin on"?
" The council from New York is coming in a few days, they want to sit down with the five families of Riverdale to discuss a deal. "
" what kind of deal?"
" they want to buy your place as head of the council, they need your connections, the protections that only the Andrews can provide"
" And why the hell do they want to do that?"
" they want all your real estate business, your properties and the company is growing in value, they get that company, they control Riverdale. simple as that"
" so what the hell do we do?"
" the Blossoms, the McCoys and the Kellers are willing to sell you out. However, I don't think that is in Lodge's best interest...remember that to vote someone out as head of the council, they need all votes...Hiram is not gonna vote against you, specially now that he knows you have his daughter. "
" so then that means...'
" exactly...it means war. Once they see they can't convince you, they will come for your head."
" I hate all of this Jughead"
" I know. But all we can do is try to solve this whole thing. I already told my dad, they are gonna be on the look out, between the serpents, your guys and Hiram's, it would be very difficult to get near you"
" I want atleast two guys with Veronica at all times"
" wow, you are starting...to sound like a concerned husband"
" shut the hell up"
So many things going thru my head. Last night was, to be honest...a very confusing yet exciting night. The idea of being married to a jack ass whas horrible, but the fact that she gave into temptation was even worse. She promised herself to be strong, to not let Archie Andrews break her...yet here she was, walking down the stairs still sore from last night's events.
To wake up and not see him there was painful, sure she didn't cared about him, but feeling alone after a night like that was pitiful. The best Idea she has had all morning was to avoid him at all costs. She didn't want to see him, not after what happend last night, it was too embarrassing.
She made her way to the kitchen were the middle age lady from last night was, chatting away with a young blond that she cannot remember.
" good morning"
" Morning Mrs. Andrews, coffe?"
" yes please..."
" hi...Im Betty Cooper"
The charismatic girl extender her hand and she took it. Her smile was genuine.
" Veronica Lod...Andrews"
Getting used to her new last name was tough. She always thought Lodge was the strong Last name that made people Shiver, not anymore.
" Im Jugheads girlfriend"
" Jughead?..."
" unmm...Archie's lawyer and best friend..tall, wears a ridiculous beanie?"
" yes, I believe I saw him at the wedding"
" Mrs. Andrews, would you like any breakfasts?"
" No thank you... So Betty what do you do?"
" I am Director of Human Resources for Andrews Tool's Factory"
" I see"
" Mr. Andrews started the company over 30 years ago, it started small and now it provides the citizens of Riverdale multiple job oportunities"
" I'm president of Lodge's Fundation, anything you need just let me know"
" good, there's a lot of people who need that around here"
" So...Sunday morning, what do the people of Riverdale usually do for fun?"
" Well...regular people like me, I usually take Jughead to brunch, he loves Pops Dinner...people sophisticated, rich and important like yourself...well that's a good question"
We both laught at her statement. Only been in Riverdale for three months has not given me the chance to make any friends, so actually having a conversation with someone my age was refreshing.
" I've never been to Pop's, mind if I join you and Jughead?"
" no, we don't mind at all...I mean if that's ok with Archie"
" Archie is my husband not my owner"
" I know, but you might want to tell him just in case, you and Archie are literally in every news paper in town...just to be safe, he can probably send someone with you."
I noticed the hint of concern on her voice. She was friendly yet shy and didn't want to get anybody in trouble
" fine...I'll talk to him"
My heart started to race as I hear his laugh. I wasn't ready to face him. Not after yesterday. But of course why think that fate would be in my side?.
" Good Morning Veronica...my name is Jughead"
" Nice to meet you"
I shook his hand with a friendly smile, trying to ignore the man who was next to him but his presence was so powerful that it was impossible not to take a quick peek at his brown orbs.
" Morning"
He managed to say, but in a slow quiet whisper.
" So...Betty tells me you Love Pop's Dinner"
" You have to try their cheese burger, its freaking awesome. "
" Good, then Im in...lets go"
I wanted to escape his stare, it was penetrating.I took a quick look at myself and decided that some skinny jeans and a plain baby blue shirt would have to do, she didn't want to go change all she wanted was to get out of that house.
" go where?"
" Im going with Betty and Jughead to Pop's"
" no you are not, I gave Andre and Vince the day off...you can't get out of this house unless there's someone with you"
" Ok first of all, yes I am married to you but I don't belong to you...theres a difference, and second of all, I am an independent woman who does not need a man telling her what to do"
" damn it!, why do you have to question every decision I make?"
" because sometimes you speak without thinking"
" are you calling me stupid?"
" Am I?"
" It sure as hell sounds like it"
" maybe I am"
" Woah guys...come on there's no meed to fight, come on we will all go."
" not with him".
" Listen to me damn it!, Im your God Damn Husband, start showing some respect. I told you, you are not going and that's final."
" How about you stop screaming like an animal And show ME some respect?"
" WOAH GUYS!, STOP!...Andre and Vince have the day off, Archie come with us."
Damn you and your stupid loyalty Jughead. Why on earth did you have to invite him?. All I wanted was to be away from him and now he will more than likely go and ruin the rest of my day.
" I don't know Jug...I have too much work to do"
" Archie, is Sunday...besides you two look like you need fresh air...lets go ill drive"
The drive to the diner was awkward. Atleast Betty decided that it was best for her to sit on the back seat with me while Archie sat right next to Jughead on the passangers seat. Every word, every breath, every sound that he makes, turns my insides. It makes me hate him even more. So it was going to be like this?, screaming and fighting with each other all the time? Then again why expect something else?.
Archie Andrews was like a time bomb, you never know when is he going to be sweet, caring...or just a total ass. And to think that last night I actually gave in and performed my dutties as a married woman, all of it for what?. Sure the sex was great, but after a night like that I expected a little bit more compassion from his part.
When we arrived, I noticed the vintage like design of the small place. It was cozy, yet full of energy. The booth was comftrouble enough.
" Alright guys, what can I get you all?"
" Four specialty cheese burges and four Pops famous milkshakes, all chocolate"
" No problem...oh and Archie?"
" yes?"
" thanks, if it wasn't for you, I would be in jail right now"
" its ok Sammy, just focus and stay in school alrigh?"
" I will,...four cheese burges and four chocolate milkshakes coming right up"