Chapter 36

"Veronica…I,"

Betty tried but Veronica had already hung up the phone. And maybe that was for the best anyway, Betty had no idea what she would have said. She pulled her phone down from her ear and dropped it onto the bed before collapsing into it herself. She let herself fall into the soft cushion and covered her eyes with her hands.

What had she done? How had she managed to screw everything up so badly?

Jughead walked down the familiar hallway after school. He could have gone home, he could have accepted Alice's offer for a lift, but he hadn't. He'd wanted to stay here a little longer. He headed for the music room where he rarely went anymore. He wasn't a very musical person but he could play a tune or two. He liked playing the piano well enough, but hadn't had a proper lesson since he was eight.

He entered the music room and was surprised to find there were people inside. He knew the music room was open to everyone but he hadn't expected there to be actually people. There were five of them, one at the piano, one on a guitar, another at a flute, a base and finally a vocalist. They were facing away from him, playing for their audience, the wall. They sounded well enough, but still only a high school band. They'd obviously only just started, the piano playing the introduction. He debated walking out again when he noticed Veronica. Or rather heard her when she sang the first line. He hadn't recognised her from behind and hadn't expected her to be here at all.

He was frozen to the spot for a second and admitted she sounded good but he didn't think he'd want to stay and watch. He stood in the doorway, debating it when Veronica looked over her shoulder, probably sensing his stare and noticed him. He nodded awkwardly and she didn't stop singing. She only inclined her head, telling him silently to stop standing around and just come in. He obeyed and stepped in, closing the door behind him silently. He walked behind the band but noticed them look between each other nervously. But he didn't say anything, he just walked passed and lent against the wall on the other side of the room. He wasn't in the 'audience' but watched them from the side.

He had no idea she did this, perform and practice with other people that weren't Archie and Josie. And she certainly didn't perform with this group.

Jughead listened as the music continued, unbroken by his presence. He enjoyed it a lot and loved how natural it felt, just a few people playing music, not trying to impress anyone or prove they were the best. They finished the song and Jughead clapped. He wasn't one for getting the attention of strangers but the song had sounded really good.

Veronica smiled at him before turning back to the band.
"Jughead, I want you to meet Vj on the guitar, Sammy on base, Alex on the flute and Lilly on piano."

They each in turn smiled or waved at him. He didn't know how to respond so he only nodded to them in turn. He'd seen most of them before, even if only in the hallway.

"Well, you guys were great."

Jughead said and meant it.

"Do you play anything?"

The girl on the guitar, Vj suddenly asked. she was only making friendly conversation and Jughead could have lied, could have said no, but he didn't want to. He'd come in to play, so he would play.

"Yeah, piano."

He said and they all, Veronica included looked at him in shock. Based on his jacket they'd all probably thought he could no nothing but throw knives or something. He didn't care to prove them wrong, he just wanted to play.

Lilly stood up from behind the piano and stepped away. He moved towards it and felt all the eyes in the room on him, on his jacket. He ignored them and didn't bother sitting, he just came up behind the familiar piano and set his fingers comfortably on the keys, just resting, not pushing into the piano just yet. He lent forward a little and pushed the first finger down. His others followed soon after and he launched into one of his all-time favourite songs. He started with simple chords, but as he remembered more and more of the piece his hands moved faster and more frequent, ticketing the keys to a beautiful tune. He played the first few seconds of the song and once he got comfortable and his finger stopped needed any urging he looked up to Veronica. She didn't understand at first and just kept looking at him shock and know confusion. He raised an eyebrow and her confusion finally fell away and she moved to the mike. She waited for the next line and began singing.

Nowhere to go and no place to call home.

He kept playing, not stumbling once and suddenly the guitar joined in. He looked over to her and she was grinning. He could tell she loved her music. She played flawlessly too and then the flute came in and seconds later they were all playing. Lilly pushed herself from off the wall and headed over to the other mike, joining Veronica. Jughead watched her movement from the corner of his eyes but otherwise kept his gaze to the piano. The two girls sang back to back as the music heightened and everyone was playing, grinning from ear to ear.

My only friend was the man in the moon

Their voices and the instruments melted together and Jughead kept playing. He sat and his fingers sprang over the piano.

And even sometimes he would go away, too

He remembered teaching himself it last year. All those nights here in school with nothing to do but break into the music room through the window and sit at the piano, the only thing that didn't need power. He'd used his phone and remembering the little piano lessons he'd had put the song together.

Then one night, as I closed my eyes

He closed his eyes and he was back to a year ago, sitting in the dark with only the light of his dying phone.

I saw a shadow flying high. He came to me with the sweetest smile. Told me he wanted to talk for awhile.
He said, "Peter Pan, that's what they call me,

But there was no Peter Pan, no Neverland. Just him in that room until Archie came, and Betty. Maybe… They were Peter Pan. Maybe Jellybean was.

I promise that you'll never be lonely, "

It was a promise no one could keep, but his friends had tried, they were trying. And that's what he wanted for Jellybean. He wanted to be her Peter Pan. To pull her away from the loneliness and bring her to Neverland. But he wasn't Peter Pan.

and ever since that day. I am a lost boy from Neverland

Lost. Lost. Lost. Was he lost? Were they all lost? Or were they in Neverland.
Usually hanging out with Peter Pan
And when we're bored we play in the woods. Always on the run from Captain Hook

Always running. That's what Jellybean did, always running. But she wouldn't anymore. She would stop and face Captain hook.
"Run, run, lost boy, " they say to me

The voices in her told her to. The horrible things pushed her too.
Away from all of reality

Away from all the pain and off to Neverland. But she never found it, she'd just keep running. Until she'd stop and fall down to earth

Neverland is home to lost boys like me

But he wasn't lost anymore.
And lost boys like me are free.

And she wasn't either.
Neverland is home to lost boys like me

Neither was Archie. He'd found his way.
And lost boys like me are free

And neither was Betty, she'd broken free.

And neither was Veronica, who'd found their own path.

They were all free and far away from Neverland.

But that was okay.

The song went on as the voices in Jughead's head grew louder until it all finally stopped and he was surrounded by silence. But he felt his hands couldn't leave the piano, so when all the instruments stopped, it was just him, blinking the keys to a near silent melody.

Neverland is home to lost boys like me.

And lost boys like me are free

He was pulled from his trance by a sudden noise. He hit the wrong key, the sound like a rock in a wave of music. He almost cringed. He looked up and found it wasn't an instrument, it was his phone, his ringtone. Everyone was checking their phones, including Veronica, who's bag was closest to his.

"Veronica, could you check if it's mine."

He asked, not wanting to get up, not wanting the moment to be over. Veronica nodded and pulled it out of the front pocket of his bag. She checked the caller Id before looking back to Jughead.

"It's Betty,"

"You can answer it."

He told her without thinking and turned back to the piano. If it was urgent Veronica would tell him, if not Betty would just call him back. But too late he realised his mistake. His head shot up to where Veronica now stood by the wall, his phone to her ear.

What if it was about the letter?

He panicked and cursed himself. He should have gotten up. But it was too late now. She wouldn't tell Veronica so he'd have to call Betty back as soon as possible.

Suddenly he felt very stupid for just sitting there playing the piano. He stood and made his way towards Veronica, but as she turned to him he knew he'd been right. Her face was cold and bitter.

"This isn't Jughead, it's Veronica."

She said and hung up. He couldn't believe she had hung up on Betty.

"Here,"
She said and handed over the phone, no doubt blaming him too. He was frozen to the spot as she picked up her bag and left, saying goodbye to her band members but ignoring him. He picked up his own bag and ran after her.

She moved faster than he excepted and she was already halfway down the hall by the time he left the music room.

"Veronica,"

He said and turned around abruptly.

"What?"

"Did Betty say anything…"

He asked but knew immediately it was the wrong thing to say. She glared at him.

"She said something about a letter. But she also said you and Sweet Pea, of all people, knew she wouldn't tell me about whatever was going on here."

"Veronica, Betty didn't want you to know so you wouldn't worry, so you didn't need to be involved and be pulled into this."

"Know about what? What would Betty possibly hide from me and Archie that she could tell Sweet Pea? How does she even know him?"

She asked in disgust and he approached her.

"What did she tell you?"

"She didn't mean to, but she told me about Archie giving her a new letter."

His eyes widened in shock, a new letter.

"And you hung up on her?"

He asked, wanting to know more. Veronica's face suddenly changed from angry to regretful. But she quickly covered it with anger.

"Jughead, what's going on? Why are we left out of this?"

She said angrily, but Jughead couldn't answer her question.

"I..I'm not sure. It's what she asked. Call her."

Jughead said and with those words he'd planned to leave, but it didn't feel right. Even if he had to call Betty back and find out what had happened he couldn't leave her like that.

"I'm sorry."

He said and turned around but she stopped him.
"Wait! The letters, what does it mean?"

She said and he shook his head, turning back to her with a sad expression.

"Talk to Betty, she'll tell you."

"Okay,"

She said, her voice near a whisper but before he could turn around and head home she spoke again.

"Just tell me, what does Alex have to do with it all?"

Jughead stared at her in shock and confusion.
"Alex?"

Now Veronica was confused as well.
"She said she got another letter from Archie, who was passing it on from Alex."

"WHAT?"

He asked, and she jumped in shock.

"What else did she say?"

Veronica stared at him in confusion but answered.

"Um, something about a demand. It's all so confusing, it doesn't make sense to me."

He didn't bother explaining and ran back to the music room. He barged into the door, slamming it open and ran inside. Every person in the room jumped in shock but he only had eyes for Alex. He marched towards him and the boy looked around in confusion and fear. He was already standing and now all the other musicians stood too. Jughead growled, his anger boiling. He took the last step towards Alex and snarled in his face.
"Did you give Archie a letter to pass on to Betty?"

He asked, a threatening promise of what he would do if it were true in his voice. Alex noticed it too and paled.

"Hey, leave him alone!"

Someone said from behind him, but he ignored her.
"Was I not supposed to?"

Alex squeaked and Jughead blinked in surprise, was this supposed to be the guy sending the letters? This guy was threatening Betty? The thought made his hand curl into a fist.

"Did you?"

Jughead repeated his question through gritted teeth and Alex nodded.
"Yeah, a guy in the hallway gave it to me and told me to hand it to Archie, gave me five bucks for it."

The sender was playing with them, sending letters through people instead of straight away so there was no way to catch him in the act.

"And who was that?"

"Um...I don't know his name, he was kind of direct about it. Tall, blonde, broad, on the football team I think."

Jughead could name 10 guys like that. He moved his hand in a circular movement, silently asking for more details.

"Uhhh." The guy stumbled over himself, desperately grasping for an answer.

"Well built, green eyed…uh. Oh, always has a bag of skittles!"

He cried out triumphantly, as if it was anything to be proud about.

"You mean William Cole?"

A female voice said from behind him. Jughead immediately dismissed Alex and turned to her. It was Sammy who had spoken.

"Who's that?"

Jughead said, searching his memory but coming up blank.

"Sorry, that's about all I know about him. He's in my French class but otherwise I don't know him."

She said apologetically and he thanked them both before turning around and heading out the door again. Everyone he passed to get there stayed out of his way, he was about to walk through when a voice stopped him.

"Oh, and Jughead. Don't threaten my brother."

Vj said and he didn't need to look over his shoulder to know she was glaring at him murderously. He ignored her and closed the door behind him and found Veronica out in the hall, sitting on the floor. He had to get to Betty, tell her everything, but Veronica looked so upset and miserable he couldn't leave her here. He dropped his bag against one of the lockers close to the one she was leaning against. She looked up at him with teary eyes but didn't say anything. So neither did he as he sat down beside her.

They each sat in silence, staring ahead, not really moving at all, just thinking. Jughead didn't want to ask, he just wanted Veronica to talk or if she didn't want to, to stay silent. Either way he'd sit here. But finally she did speak.

"She's not picking up,"

She said sadly and Jughead turned his head to face her.
"I'm sorry for that, but maybe now's not the best time anyway. Call her back later, or go see her."

He suggested and she nodded but didn't stand up.
"I wish…" She took a deep breath, "I just wish I hadn't hung up. That I'd just asked, had a normal conversation. I wish she had told me you know? I don't get why after everything; she's starting to keep secret's now."

She said sadly, looking down at her shoes stretched out before her.

"I think…" Jughead said, then debated whether he should share this. But Veronica turned to him hopefully so he continued, "Betty hates bringing people into her problems, she always has. She didn't want you with her burden, not knowing who and who not to trust. She kept a lot of things from me too. And this thing…It only happened yesterday."

Veronica nodded.

"Yeah, okay. I sometimes forget I've only known her for less than a year." She whispered, "You have a whole childhood on me."

She said with a smile, but he saw beneath it. There was something in her eyes he could never have imagined on her face. A feeling of being left out, being the one standing on the outside. He couldn't believe it. He always thought he was the one on the outside. How long had she been feeling like that?

"Yeah, maybe. But your friendship will last a lifetime, you'll see."

He said and her smile widened.

"I hope so too."

She said and pulled out her phone. He took that as his que to leave and pulled himself up from off the ground.

"Thanks Jug."

She said, her voice no more than a whisper. He smiled, happy to have been a help and picked up his bag. He had his back to her as he walked down the hall, wondering whether he'd been right about Veronica's and Betty's friendship.

He stepped out into the parking lot and headed for his bike.

What would happen after high school? He thought. Would they all split ways and never see each other again? Would that be possible after all they'd gone through. He hadn't talked to anyone about collage other than Betty and a few teachers. He hadn't even told his father. But he had every intention of going.

He remembered the conversation with Betty well. Neither of them had enjoyed talking about an inevitable end. He'd liked to think they were more than just a high school romance, and maybe it did go further than that, but at some point high school would end and that was undeniable. Would they end with it?

"Hey Jug, something on your mind?"

She'd asked him as they both lay on her bed atop the sheets, the bed still made. They'd just been talking, looking up to the ceiling when he'd suddenly gone silent.

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

Betty urged him patiently as he tried to drive the thought from his head. But it had taken root and wouldn't leave him alone.

"The future." He said and missed Betty's short intake of breath. This had taken place during the black hood murder spree and most of them were just hoping to survive the next day, the future forgotten about.

"Past Riverdale and high school. If we survive that is."

He said, only half joking. Betty had gone still beside him.

"Yeah, what about it?"

She asked casually, even as her heart stopped for the answer. Was she in the future he imagined? He sighed, annoyed with the truth.
"Collage,"

He said facing her. She faced him too and looked at him with sad eyes, the same thought in both their heads.

"And where do you want to go?"

"I don't know, I think I'll apply for a few and see which ones I get into."

Betty nodded,

"Yeah, I'll do that too."

She said around the lump in her throat, the same lump Jughead felt in his.

"And if…If we get the same acceptance letter, will we…"

He asked nervously but Betty smiled,

"Yeah."

She said but wasn't making any promises. They still had a few years to go before collage happened and there was no telling what schools they'd get into. The chances were low they'd both get into the same school that would be the best one for both of them.

They each tried not to dwell on that. Even now he shook of the thought and pushed it away for later.

Jughead got onto his bike and rode off the campus, coming out onto the road and making the short distance to Betty's house. He could have called her but he wanted to give Veronica a chance to talk to her and he thought she'd feel much better if he came in person. He drove up her drive way, leaning his bike against the postbox before jogging up to the door and ringing the bell before knocking urgently. To his surprise Alice opened.

"Jughead, hello."
She said pleasantly.

"Hello Mrs. Cooper, is Betty here?"

He asked, wondering why she hadn't opened the door as she usually Jughead looked round Alice, trying to see if he could see Betty inside.

"No she just left,"

Alice said apologetically before glancing disapprovingly at his bike, leaning against her postbox.

"She left?"

He asked in shock and Alice nodded in confusion. It didn't make any sense, after her conversation with Veronica why would she…

"Yeah just now. Why?"

Alice asked curiously but not worried, sensing his urgency.

He didn't know himself. She'd read the letter, did that have something to do with it? Would that explain why she would go? He should have called her…
"Do you have any idea where she went?"

Jughead asked Alice confused and she shrugged.

"No, she just said she would go for a walk. Archie had just come and knocked on the door earlier so I guess she must have gone with him."

He frowned, not understanding but it wasn't impossible either.

"Alright, thanks Alice."

He said and made to turn around before she said,

"Wait, Jughead, do you want me to pass on a message when she's back?"

She offered kindly and Jughead debated it.

"No, that's alright, just tell her I dropped by. I might call her later."

"Alright then, bye Jughead."

Jughead smiled and waved before walking away, he reached his bike when he paused. He remembered Veronica's words. She'd said something about a demand, in the letter. Was that where Betty had gone? Was Archie really with her? He continued getting onto his bike before he suddenly changed his mind, he had to check something first.

He jogged back up to the house, thinking he was probably being paranoid. He knocked quickly and Alice opened again. She looked at him confused but he spoke first.

"I'm sorry Alice, I will explain everything but please, I need to go to her room first."

Alice trusted him, he knew that and even though she had no idea what was going on she let him in and up the stairs,but only to follow right behind. He ran up the stairs, Alice still only just behind him and ran into Betty's room, the door still open. He didn't want to lay all her secrets open to her mother but felt like he had no other choice. He ran to her nightstand and pulled out the bottom draw.

It was filled off mundane stuff witch he all chucked out into the bed. Alice watched from the doorway in shock as he silently but effectively pulled out the cardboard inside the box, revealing another layer full of paper. He hated ruining her privacy like that but he chucked everything onto the bed and looked through it all quickly. They were all hand written letters, letters Betty wrote, apart from two.

He searched through all the letters, brushing them all aside until he found them. He grabbed the already crumpled up paper and his eyes flew over the page. He saw Alice come up beside him in the corner of his eye.

"Jughead, what are you doing, you shouldn't be…"

But he didn't stop. His heart beat twice as fast as it should be as he scanned it, but it was the old letter, the one he read at the hospital. He grabbed the other one he spotted and did the same. He read it twice, three times and still couldn't believe the words. He had completely gone still, completely stopped breathing. He didn't bother putting everything back and ran out the room, Alice hastily stepping out of the way to let him pass. But she didn't follow, she would look through the letters herself. But he couldn't care less now. He had to get to her.

Dear Betty,

I haven't heard from you yet Betty. A pity, what happened to Jellybean. But because of that I'll excuse you. But only this once. And you shouldn't have told Jughead, or Sweet Pea, it only makes it easier for me. Your time is running out. My first demand, meet me at the lake. Come alone. I'll know if you don't.

Fun hunting.