Chapter 10 - Undo The Bruising
In the remaining hours, Alice was still freaking out. She's pregnant. She didn't even think it was possible at her age. Her daughter was getting suspicious. She had been taking trips to the bathroom every morning for two weeks. How could she not known? It still was a shock to her.
Betty was awoken by the gross sound of puking coming from their bathroom. Her and her mom were the only ones home. Chic wasn't there anymore. He was dead. She strolled over to the door, the nausea smell reeked. She knocked softly, pressing her ear to the door. She could hear her mom flushing the toilet, she instantly stepped away from the door as soon as she saw it was opening. Her eyes met with her mother's puffy eyes. She looked exhausted.
"Mom, are you okay? You have been feeling like this for weeks." She stopped in the middle of her statement. The signs were all adding up. Mood swings, nausea, loss of appetite. "Are you pregnant?" Her voice shook a little sudden that she even had to ask this question. Alice felt the window let the air in, she proceeded to close the window before turning her attention by to her daughter.
"Of course not. Elizabeth, why do you get these absorbed questions?" She lied right through her teeth. She couldn't believe she just lied. Why didn't she just tell the truth? Betty eyed her mother in suspicion. She knew something was going on. Was her mother cheating on Fp? Is that why she didn't say anything. She knew her mom was pregnant. There was no way denying that.
"Mom, Okay. I was just wondering. I better get going. I'm meeting V , Cheryl and Toni to go pick Jug up." She turned back to her mother. "Are you sure your okay?" Her voice creaked in worry. Alice shook her head.
"Yes, I'm fine. Go have fun." She faked a smile before the smile faster then she could keep up with it. Her daughter kissed her forehead and left the house.
Alice let out a huge sigh. This was going be a long day. She decided to visit a friend. It had been years since she had actually talk her. They had a huge falling out. As she got into her car, smiling as she placed her hand gently on her stomach. It had been so long since she had this feeling. She had it with all her children. This one she was going to keep. It maybe awkward. But this was going to happen.
Fp spent all night, listening to his son's quiet snores. It helped him feel better. His son wasn't screaming. That's all that mattered to him. The door opened, causing Fp to jolt out of his day dream. His son was out of the bed, smiling as he greeted Betty, Veronica and Cheryl. He didn't see Archie. He found it kind of strange.
"Hey, Jug ready to go?" Betty's voice stated with a hint of exhaustion. He tried to ignore the plead his mind was telling him.
"Burgers." That's all Jughead said before rubbing his stomach, laughter filled their lungs.
Meanwhile Archie was heading deep into southside. Sweet Pea told him to prepare for the rumble in two nights. He was nervous, anxious. Was he doing the right thing? All he knew was that he wanted Penny and the Ghoulies to pay. His feet gazed the cold black roads as he turned the corner with his bike. Squeezing the bike triggers tightly to a stop. He glanced up at the red circle he spray painted ignorance. He physical wanted to cringe as he squinted his eyes burning the image away the best he could possible could.
"Red?" He turned to face Sweet Pea, he rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn't seeing stuff. "You did do that, Red. Regretting coming on our turf?" His voice iced with cold annoyance.
Archie rolled his shoulders back, feeling the intense eyes burning into his back. He knew he was in the wrong. He was just on avenges for his father. He was still incensed about what happened. He was still very anger with Hal Cooper. He wished he had the courage to tell him to go hell. For causing damage to his life and his best friend. Who was torturing herself by reading those nasty comments about her. He lifted his head slightly, lowering his eyes to the ground.
"Yes, Sweet Pea." He sighed. "I was so angry trying to find out who tried killing my father. I know I shouldn't of started this—" He was caught off by a soft chuckle from Sweet Pea's mouth.
"I get it , Red. You wanted vengeance for your father." He nodded his head knowing his voice was heard. "Are you sure your ready to fight to death? For your best friend? It's a lot to ask for you, Red." Archie nodded his head again.
"Let's get working. I want them to pay." His teeth gridded tightly together. They were going to pay. Even if he lost his life. He would make sure they were going to hell.
"We start the battle in two nights. Don't tell anybody. Not even Fp knows we're going to war. He knows we're livid. That's all he knows. And don't tell Jones either." Sweet Pea's voice ranged, he knew that this was going to be back breaking.
"See you first thing tonight. I won't say a word." Archie said softly turning his back and heading back to the Northside.
Sighing as he turned the corner into the Northside. Was he going to regret this deal? It wasn't like he didn't want to live. He did. But this life wasn't the one he imagined. Would Fp be angry with him? He had made the older man pretty livid with him. He took Hiram's side over Jug's. Fp had ever right be angry with him. Then he remembered something. Jug was getting out today. He quickly rode his bike down the long narrow paved roads as he made his way to Pop's. He knew that's the first place Jug would want to go to. And it wasn't a surprise either. Jughead and food. What better combination then that? There wasn't one. Jughead and his burgers can't even complete for his love for Betty.
At the diner, Jughead ordered his usual, still felt raw from his recent surgery. He looked at his newly stitched skin, he could see the sutures that were so tiny he could only see a few little lines. Betty watched as Jughead devoured the whole burger in less than 10 minutes. She grinned in amusement as he ate another shake. Veronica smiled along with Toni and Cheryl tried her best not to laugh at Jughead. She grew to like him. He became one of her family members. He wasn't blood related to her. But since Betty was her cousin, she had to learn how to treat them nicer then she had been in the past. Fp hadn't seen his boy eat that food since the hungry strike. That he promised he wouldn't tilted on him. His son was known for eating. He could even enter him in an eating competition and he could probably eat all them out of the waters. Figuredly speaking. In literal terms. He would beat their ass at eating.
"Easy Jug. Don't choke." He said sternly, still being protective of his son. After what happened. He had a hard time letting his son out of his sight. Jughead rolled his eyes back, mentally telling him to screw off. He swallowed his last bite of his food.
"I won't, Dad. Don't worry about me. I'm fine." He stated softly turning his attention back to his girl. Who was staring at her phone in disinterest. "Betts, you okay?" She just shrugged her shoulders.
"Yeah I'm fine." Earning looks of interest from V, Cheryl and Fp. She felt their eyes burning into her with worry. She tried her best to ignore the looks. "Fine I'm not okay. Can you guys stop looking at me like I saw a puppy die! I get my father murder all those people! Just stop looking at me like I'm a broken doll, for god-sake!" She snapped digging her nails into her palms underneath the table.
Silence went through the quiet diner. She was struggling with the ability with life. How was she suppose to move on from a tragedy like this? It wasn't like it was going to disappear into the bitterness of the world. It was going to stay in haunting her every move. Like her father intended her to become him. Maybe that was her destiny. Cheryl was the first to make a sound since the outburst. She knew what it was like to finally come undone. Her father tore her life apart without even thinking twice.
She reached for Betty's hand gently trying not provoke anymore damage to her that hasn't been already done. "Cousin, I'm here for you. You wanna talk outside for a little bit?" She offered her, Betty looked up. She could feel the poor cooper girl breaking. She saw Betty nod her head, taking her hand and they left the diner.
Veronica saw something light up on Betty's phone. She carefully lifted the screen revealing pictures. She was only curious. Taking the phone in her hands, swiping through the camera roll. She spotted something that caught her eye. Caleb. She had heard the name before. She clicked on the name. It was a conversation between this Caleb and Ms Smith. Oh shit, Veronica muttered, causing Toni and Jughead to look over. Jughead saw the message and instantly felt bad for his dad. "Fuck." His Dad looked over at the foul words.
"What is it Jug?" Fp asked trying not to overthink the words his son just said.
"Uh, Nothing." His son muttered in response. Fp didn't accept that as a response. He went to reach for the phone, Jug snatched it away. He didn't want his dad to see it. This was going to break him down. He didn't want his father to break. Fp was getting frustrated.
"Jug, give it!" He snapped, his mind full of frustration. As the phone was reluctantly handed to him. He eyed the screen, he felt his heart pulse rapidly. No she wouldn't. He didn't want to think these words right in front of him. He heard soft mumbles, "Mr Jones I wouldn't read that." He knew it was Veronica.
Cheating on a test was one thing. Cheating on a person was another. He never thought he would become one that was cheated on. He read the message over and over again. None of it made any sense to him. She wouldn't. She couldn't of. He kept repeating in his head.
Caleb- I missed you. I hope to see you soon.
Fp felt tears burning at the brim of his eyes. She wouldn't. He clenched his jaw tightly as he prepared himself for the betrayal about to come. Jughead saw his father holding back his tears. He read the text message burning with anger. He thought that his life was better.
Alice- I missed you so much. I love you so much. I can't wait to see you. This baby will need to you.
Wait what, he had must of read it wrong. She's pregnant? This was all confusing him. He didn't want to read it anymore. He didn't want to believe she cheated on him. He thought he was her love of her life. Then a sound of the bell rang into his ears, he wiped his eyes that we remaining in the bitter burning. "Speaking of the witch" Toni grumbled underneath her breath. Jughead swatted at her leg, she rolled her eyes.
"Fp, what's wrong?" Her soft voice was enough to shake off the pain he just read. He ignored her question, shoving the phone into her hands. She took the phone reading the words and gasped. How did he get this? "Fp you got this all wrong. I neve-" She was caught off by his loud anger filled hiss.
"Really I got this all wrong?!" He snapped, staring her dead in the eyes. "From what I see you lied to me. You fucking little bitch!" He seethed snatching his jacket and throwing it over his shoulder. The burning in her eyes when he called her a bitch. She didn't cheat. How could he say those words so effortlessly?
Jughead witnessed the unshed tears in his father's eyes as he threw on his jacket. "Dad, let's go." Alice saw that they were leaving. She had to clear the air.
"Wait! Please let me explain. I was going to tell you." He laughed painfully at her words. She wasn't going to tell him. She was just going to let him find years later.
"Oh just like you never told me about my son. The one you had without telling me!" She felt the tears release. Her heart scarred from the mention of her dead son. How could he even say that? He had no right to say that.
"How dare you accuse me?! Hal made me do that! I wanted to tell you." She yelled face turning angry red. "Oh asshole I'm not cheating that was my brother you little fuck!" Her words strung him back into reality. Caleb. Fuck he had fucked up.
Alice?" He softened his tone, causing her to face him. "Your pregnant?" She nodded her head. "Oh Allie, I'm sorry. I just read this off Betty's phone-" He was cut off by a voice.
"You read my phone? Oh Fp I'm sorry. I can't believe she was cheating." Betty glared at her mother, earning a soft motion over by Jughead.
"Betty, it was a misunderstanding." Her eyes widened. She just assumed her mom was cheating. And now she felt bad.
"Oh... I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause all this." She sighed turning back to her mom and Fp, who were still shook. "Mom why didn't you just tell me after I asked you this morning? I know the signs of pregnancies." She watched as her mom bit her lip.
"Betty, I was scared. I know you didn't react the best to me and Fp. And how things ended up here." Alice said awkwardly.
"I would of been okay with it. I stared I was angry when I looked at your phone. I thought you were cheating on Fp. I took pictures as proof." Betty smiled softly. "I'm going to be a big sister. I'm going admit this is weird. But this is riverdale." She giggled, Jughead on the other hand was still unsure what to think.
Fp shifted his eyes to glance at his son's obvious unsureness. He knew his son wasn't completely, entirely okay with the situation. They were all alone now. Pop Tate closed the doors after the fight broke out. Jughead fought the urge not to run. He reacted horrible last night. This time his father was breaking. Fp slowly started to approach his son, feeling the after effects of the news. He was going to be a father once again. This time he wasn't going to be a fuck up. He was going to make it right for him and Jug. He really loves Alice. He's afraid of getting hurt. Even though she said she wasn't leaving. He always had the thought in the back of his mind on what happened years back. They were only seniors in high school. The memory was still fresh in his mind.
~ 1992 April~
Spring was blooming, sky glistened as if it was just a regular day. Nobody knew what was to come. Alice and Fp were soon to become just Alice and Fp.
Fp had gotten a weird phone call telling him to meet her outside the football field. He never thought any of it. Maybe he should have. He briskly walked over to her feeling the spring air lighten the tension. Soon that feeling disappeared.
"Listen, you said we need to talk." His voice softly whisked in the air. He watched as her shoulders dropped lower.
He felt chills as she opened her mouth, it felt like something was off. Why was she being so odd? Did he do anything to bother her? Was she mad? He honestly didn't know what was about to come. She blew out a breath, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Fp, I think I need some time to myself." Her words stirred him.
"Alice, I don't understand. What do you mean some time to yourself? Are you breaking up with me?" He wanted to beat himself up for even asking. He watched her silently nod her head, his heart broke in secret.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I- I need some time. I'm focusing on graduation next year and I need to get ready for collage. You know how I have been really wanting to have a career in journalism. Please understand that it's just that I need time and I will be back when I'm ready." He nodded along trying not fall apart. He had to be strong for himself. He couldn't fall apart now. Not with her in front of him.
"Yeah, Yeah. I get it. Do what you got to do." He fakes the courage. He was slowly maturely shattering into pieces.
"I'm glad you understand." Her soft voice mashed into his ears.
Her lips soft touching his cheek, slowly withdrawing and disappearing all in one utter moment. He wasn't aware that in a couple months she would dancing down the Hall with Hal fucking precious Cooper and it was all lies to save him from the undeniable pain. Yet none of the lies shield his shattered heart from the wreckage that the new couple caused him.
Fp hadn't thought of that horrible day in years. How was he suppose to heal after that? Somehow he did. He had no clue how or when he was able to be healed.
"Jug?" No response. He tried again. "Jughead, please don't shut me out." He begged, trying to get his son to realize the whole story. He never told his son on what really happened between him and Alice. This was the last thing he wanted to cause. Jughead moved his head slightly.
"What am I suppose to say, Dad?" He said trying to keep himself from exploding. Was he suppose to be happy about this? He didn't feel like it. This was going ruin his plans for life. He wanted to marry Betty, be a father to her children, become a successful writer. "It's not like this was something I'm looking forward to. Instead of fixing your life. You ended up causing more wreckage to happen, Dad." The words were raw, pleading. Fp knew his son was pained. He had fucked up a lot more times then he did good.
"Jug, this wasn't something I planned either. But I can't just leave her hanging. She needs me. More then ever now." He sighed, staring down at his now cleaned plate. "I know your still not okay with me and Alice being together. But I can't put my feelings aside anymore, Jug. I have been doing it too long. And this won't effect you and Betty. I wil—" He was caught off by his son scoffing.
"This won't affect me and Betty?! Are you even listening to the words your saying?! This will affect us. We were fine with you guys dating. But now a baby or even getting married."
"Woah wait who said anything about getting married?! Jug, that won't happen for at least for awhile." He tried to reason with his son.
His son rolled his eyes back. Jughead wasn't stupid he knew his dad wanted to marry Alice. He had seen how he looked at her. Unlike his mother, he showed Alice everything. Made her feel like she was everything. It wasn't like he blamed his dad for loving Alice. She was more like a mother too him, then his own mother. He also knew that Alice deserved someone who treated her like she was a queen.
"Dad, I'm not blind. I know you want her. Even if you want to marry her." He then sighed. "I would be I guess okay with it. As long as it doesn't affect me and Betty's relationship." Fp stared at his son in shock. He hadn't seen such a turn around in like ever. His son was known for being stubborn
"Jug, wow. I'm very shocked your okay with this." Still blown away, he started getting up. Jughead responding by doing the same.
"I'm surprised myself." He chuckled as he embraced the hug.
Alice was outside Pop's crying into his hands. She heard the fighting that was caused by her. Why did she have to fuck things up? She shouldn't of came to his trailer. This wouldn't have to deal with the problem. She didn't regret their night, touching or his love. She loved him more than she loved being an journalist. In the words she would put it. She loved him so much. It caused her pain not having him. She suffered so long without him.
"Mom, why are you crying? Everything is fine." Someone said softly as they wrapped their arms around her. She turned to her, her daughters smile was so sweet, she couldn't help but smile.
"Hi sweetie, let's go back inside. I bet Jughead is eating a second course." She chuckled softly as she stood holding her hand to her stomach.
Cheryl watched the two embraces from both sides of the diners. Jughead and Fp were chowing down on another set of burgers, mostly Jughead. She spotted Archie talking to someone. She moved closer to the door, quietly sneaking behind the near by trash bin. She heard pulsing, it was her own heart. From behind she heard a conversation that concerned her.
"Red, we are going to battle at dawn." She held in her gasp. Archie Andrews was going into a battle. She had to tell someone. But she knew Serpents never let other stand alone.
"I thought you said it was in two nights?" "It was Andrews. But Penny she's striking to hurt one of our own. And this time she wants Alice. And Fp has no idea." Fuck this was getting complicated.
"Oh crap, Alice why?"
"She was a Serpent back in her day. And now that she's pregnant. She's in danger."
"Wait she's pregnant?"
"Yes Andrews. Doesn't your buddy tell you anything?"
"Yes he does for a fact, Sweet Pea. Why are you still mocking me and Jug's friendship?"
"Oh nothing, Jones. He's not my problem."
"You said we were fine now. What changed?" Archie heard a chuckle rang out.
"I can't fully trust you. After fangs. I just can't." Sweet Pea's voice broke as he talked about his friend.
"Pea?" Everyone turned to the voice. Cheryl could see the complete shock on his face.
"Fangs? What your not dead?" Sweet Pea nearly shouted.
"No, the new Sheriff lied. Now that Hiram's dead. The authorities quickly figured out the plan and arrested him. Now the real threat is Penny and The Ghoulies. Geez, Pea you went crazy on our school." Fangs chuckled, earning a slap on the back, causing him to shout. "Fuck, Pea! That hurt!" He hissed.
"Sorry, Fangs." Cheryl had broke out of the hiding. She wanted her revenge.
"Here, Here, Your cherriot has arrived." Cheryl butted in as she clicked her heels in the dark. Sweet Pea, Fangs and Archie jumped a few feet back.
"Geez, Blossom. Why don't you give a warning would you." Sweet Pea hissed, heart pounding in his chest. Cheryl didn't even feel bad for the guy.
"Oh Sweet Pea. I heard your lovely discussion. Are you just going to war without backup? Cause if you are that's setting you up for failure." She sassed evilly. She felt like her old self again. Archie wasn't surprised by the words coming out of her mouth. The old mockery. He wasn't sure if he missed it. In his surprise he was fighting back his laughter. Sweet Pea snarled his teeth.
"Yes we are going to war." He snapped back, snarling his teeth. She rolled her eyes. He wasn't aware she was soon joining them. He turned toward Archie, Archie was confused why he was staring at him. Sweet Pea threw his arm around Archie's neck. "Red here is going to help." Cheryl stared at Archie like a deer seeing headlights. She was a little stunned. Archie Andrews, a north sider was going to be in a war. A war that could lead him to possible death, more likely would end in death. She didn't want to see her other favorite redhead get hurt.
"Archie, do you think this is wise?" Her tone was soft, almost like she was hurt. Archie hadn't seen this side of Cheryl in awhile.
"It might not be, Cheryl. But I want them to die." He lowers his voice, darken his eyes as he says die. She hadn't seen this side of Archie. This Archie Andrews wanted death. "I know that you don't think I'm doing the right thing. But they hurt Jug. And I won't let them go without being held accountable."He seized as he avoid her eyes. Cheryl fought the hurt. She didn't want to seem like it affected her, but it secretly it did.
"Okay Fine Archiekins. Go get hurt. See if I care." She threw up her arms in frustration, feeling her heart break. She did care. She cared a lot. Archie he could see the pain in her eyes as she stormed away.
Veronica rushed home after her mother sent her a nerve racking text. The whole ride home she felt her stomach knot into two. When she made it home, she called throughout the house. There was no answer as she raced up the stairs, trying not to trip as the paranoia tricked her brain. "Mom?!" She shouted again, still receiving no answer back. She ran into the foyer, opening her eyes to a scene. "Mom, what happened?!" She nearly shouted as she placed her hands over her chest, protecting her heart from the panic racing through her body.
"Mija, we need to leave now." Her mom's voice was calm, almost too calm.
Veronica stared at the foyer floor, eyes burning into the perfectly polished hardwood floors, blood splattered across the brown hardwood. "I'm not leaving until you tell me. So what happened? Did daddy's mobsters come?" Concern shattered the fearless women.
She watched as her mother's brown eyes faded into the dark. She had no clue what happened. Her mom wasn't telling her. All she knew is that it was time to leave. "We have to leave Riverdale." Her eyes pained as the words exited her mouth. Veronica's eyes widened.
"No, no, I'm not leaving my friends. Betty needs me. Chery, Toni, Jug and especially Archiekins. I can't leave. Life's not matched together yet." She stomped her foot into the ground. She wasn't leaving.
She had never seen the pure terror on her mother's eyes as she told her no. "Veronica, it's not safe. I found out there was more to your father's plan." Her voice sent chills down her back.
"What plans, mom. Tell me, I can't be left in the dark." She pleads as her eyes softened as she saw tears forming in her mother's eyes.
"Ronnie, um... your father had this plan to blow up Riverdale. We have to leave now. I'm sorry. If we do-"
"We will all be dead." She caught off her mom. She knew that her father was evil. But this. This was something else.
"Ronnie, I'm sorry." Her mother takes her into her arms, rubbing her arm soothingly. "I wish I would of known. If I did. I would of reported him way earlier then I had." She had tears in her eyes, Veronica was losing her life. Yet again. It was being snatched away from her, like it was a stick and she was suppose to chase it.
"Can I at least say goodbye?" Her mom's eyes stared down. "Mom, please, I never got to tell my friends goodbye last time." She saw her mother nod her head, tears rolled down both Lodge women's cheeks.
"You remember, when you fought me. You didn't want to come here. You were screaming at me, telling I was the worst and—"
"I was like small towns suck and I hate you. Who knew I would miss this place." She weakly failed to wipe the burning tears away from her cheeks.
"I'm going to make a call." Her mother's Latina skin faded away. "Quickly pack, we don't have much time. I was able to stop the bomb, but I can't go to prison for murder, Ronnie. I j-ust can't." Her cries broke Veronica's heart.
Jughead was now in the trailer, staring down at the old photographs of his childhood or what childhood he had. He had to grow up quickly. Having a father as drunk. Really caused a lot of growing up to happen. Fp stared at his son, he was in the kitchen, fighting the occasional urge to nurse to the bottle. He knew he couldn't go back down that path.
As Veronica's mother drove down the forbidden roads, the Southside. She hadn't remembered a time she had seen her mother drive down the road connecting the southside and Northside together. The wars between The North and Southside were still in ongoing chaos.
Two soft knuckle taps on the Jones door, Veronica stood proud on the old creeky staircase with her mother's soft arms hooked on to her's. She wasn't afraid of the Southside not one bit. She saw the door slowly open, the dark was lit up by the lights shining on the trailer.
"Moniy, Veronica what brings you to this side of the tracks?" She heard the older Serpent king joke. Fp was staring at the two Lodges wondering why in the hell would Hermonie Lodge or should he say Hermonie Rose standing on his steps. He spotted the wetness on their cheeks and instantly felt worried. "Moniy, what's wrong? Wanna come in and talk." His voice was trying to sound genuine. He was actually caring. He didn't mean to sound fake.
Jughead heard chatter coming from outside the trailer, curiously rose up from the couch, walking to the door. Eyes were shocked who he saw. "Veronica, Mrs Lodge? What are you doing here?" Veronica looked up meeting his eyes. He was taken back by the rawness in her eyes. "Ronnie, are you okay?" She heard the concern in his tone.
"No, I'm not. Jug, I'm saying goodbye." Those words caused his full attention.
"Wait your leaving? Why? I thought you liked it here." Her heart broke as she heard his voice starting to crack. Fp was shocked by the news.
"Is this true, Moniy? You're leaving? On such short notice. Is there anything your not telling me?" Hermonie stared down at her shoes, knowing he would ask that. She shook her head. He was her best friend for god sake.
"No, just a new job. I was offered a new job in North Dakota." She tried to make the lie believable. Fp had a hard time believing that was true.
"Moni, I have known you for nearly 40 years. I can tell when your lying. Are you in trouble?" He was concerned, bemused. Jughead was still trying to comprehend his friend was leaving. Why so soon?
Veronica saw the way Jughead's eyes looked at her. "Wait?" He just shook his head.
"It's your father. That's why your leaving. One of his plans are in affect. Am I right?" She could of cursed. How the fuck did he know these things. "I read your brain. I know how do I know these things. Sometimes I wonder on my own." He joked, with an hint of seriousness in his voice. This time Her mom opened her mouth; she knew it was time.
"Fp, he was going to bomb Riverdale." She watched as both Jones men's eyes widened almost as if they watched a love one die. "I stopped him. The guy he sent to blow up the town. I ki-lled him. It was self defense I swear on it. It's not safe here for me and Veronica. That's why we have to leave." Shock was quickly lifted from their eyes.
"Oh my god." Fp sighed as he threw his arms around her mother.
"Veronica, don't go." Veronica saw the hurt in his eyes. "Your like a sister to me. Please don't leave." She had tears racing down her cheeks again.
"J-ug I have to. I'm sorry." She said as she walked away.
"No wait. What if we have the Serpents protect you." Jughead nearly shouted in the darkness. The Latinas turned to face them, shock and relief in their faces.
"You would do that? After everything my husband has done?" Hermonie was nearly in tears, feeling she about to collapse.
"Even after what Hiram Lodge has done. I won't hold grudges against you guys. It wasn't your fault." Fp was a little taken by at the change of heart. His son was really the best son he could ask for. Even though his son was stubborn, naive. He loved him for who he was.
"Okay. We will stay." The oldest Latina said as she collapsed into Fp's arms. He wrapped his arms for support to keep her stable.
"Why don't you rest here? We will find you a place to stay." Fp ushered them inside, closing the door behind them.
Sometimes you just need a friend. In this cases it was more like a family being brought back from the shambles of wreckage.
Sometimes a friend was not enough. Betty was struggling to keep herself together. All she wanted to do was disappear. The haunting memories burned into her brain. She couldn't close her eyes long enough for the pain to fade away. Nothing was helping. She felt numb. Almost like she was already dead.
Standing in her room, a thought popped into her mind shattering her previous thought was having. Adderall. That was the answer. It would make it all go away. All she had to do was take the pills and hope. No make sure that it would work. She walked over to her desk, pulling out a sheet of white lined loose leaf paper from her left drawer. She gripped the pen, pink perfect as the image she had to be once be. Soon that wouldn't be her problem. She started listing the reasons why.
Tears drenching down her cheeks as she neatly set the pink pen down, wiping her little droplets off the sheet. The now opened pill bottle, pouring a handful into her scarred crescent shaped nail marks into her palms from hours before. The numbness running through her cold frozen body. She knew there was much easier way to do this. She could go to the river, jump off the bridge into the the river. But she didn't want the physical damage to her body. She wanted to reminded of the girl she was not the Suicidal girl leaving in the perfect girl's image.
She knew as soon she popped the pills into her mouth, the pain would soon fade way. The violence would still be there. North and Southside war would still be coming on. She would miss her life. The one where she met V, Kev and most of all Jughead. Jughead Jones was her world. She hated that her life was turning into the Romeo and Juliet story. And instead of their ending. It was the same exact way, script to reality. She slowly tossed the pills into her mouth, swallowing the numb. She knew it would be a matter of seconds before it would kick in. Her memories would still remain with her, her soul would come with her. But her body. That would be left. She hated the fact she was going to cause pain for her mother and everyone. She missed her old life. Way before the Jason Blossom, Black Hood and the Ghoulies snagged her life away. She felt her eyes slowly getting blurry, the remaining tears remained on her face. The cold affects cleansing the pain started fading away the worst memories. She was going to miss her mom so much. Her mom she hoped that the baby would be okay. Veronica she hoped that her best friend wouldn't be lost without her. Jughead she was going to miss him, the way he loved her. His touch, the way he made her feel everything as if it was just them in this world. Most of all, she was going to miss Pop's with everybody. Not the times where they stayed with the haunting feelings. She still would feel haunted by the shady guy's blood on her floor. Her last thoughts were peaceful as she fell to the floor, feeling the fading into another world. She felt free, no more pain, Guilt. It was all over.