Chapter 52~ Think Before You Act
Kevin was outside the building, when he spotted a bunch of police cars. He instantly knew his dad got his call. Tom exited his car and made his way to his son. He wasn't sure if he should scold or hug his son. Kevin watched as two others pulled. Alice was in the back of the squad car with tears running down her face. Fp was trying to keep himself from getting hysterical. He just watched his son get sliced up and heard the guns. He had no idea what happened after that. He shut the laptop after he saw Hal get shot. He couldn't handle anymore. He was overwhelmed with the pain he just witnessed. Alice reached for the door handle with her shaky hand. She was drained after being tortured. Finding out Hal was the Black Hood stung like a bitch. She couldn't believe she was married to such a monster. He totured his own daughter. Fp noticed that Alice's was shaking and grabbed her hand interweaving them together as he made his other hand open the door. She relaxed a little knowing that she wasn't alone. As they stood up the feeling of pure anger burned into their blood streams. Fp watched as he made his way into the building. He sprinted his way to his son once he laid his eyes on him. Jughead felt his eyes getting heavier as he stared up at the ceiling. Fp fought the tears that were burning in the back of his eyes. He watched as his son squirmed in pain. He saw scars that really starting to fade on his shoulder. It looked identical to Alice's. Alice raced over to her daughter who was visibly shaken. Betty was now feeling the after effects of the adrenaline kicking in.
"Betty shh it's okay, he's gone. You're free." Alice soothed her daughter as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. Betty didn't feel okay. She just didn't know what even happened. One minute she was saving Jughead next her father and Penelope were dead.
"Mom... I'm sorry i didn't listen. I just couldn't wait for Juggie to be found. He could of died if we didn't find him." Betty apologized as tears continued to roll down her cheeks as she rocked herself sliently. Alice didn't care at this point. All she cared about that her daughter was safe and sound.
"Betty that's not important. What's important is that your now safe." She stated as she held her close. Fp looked at his son with pity. Jughead knew his father was hovering over at him.
"Dad." His voice cracks as tears rolled down his cheeks. His father hated showing sign of weakness. He couldn't stop the tears. He was just like his father. "I'm sorry. I s-hould of known." He stutters as his eyes feel heavier. Fp listened to his son words. He hated seeing his son so vulnerable and exposed. He wish he was the one with the gun instead of Betty.
"Jug, it's okay I forgive you. If I was you. I would of assumed the same exact thing. All that matters is that we get you to hospital." He informs with his eyes ache with threatening tears.
Jughead was put on a stretcher and placed into the ambulance. Fp watched as the ambulance doors were forced shut. All the strength was removed and Fp fell to his knees on the pavement. Fred who was standing next to Tom walked over to Fp. He knelt down next to Fp and rubbed his shoulder. He had seen the obstacles that Fp had to go through to get where he's now. Alice led Betty out of the haunting room. Betty saw the flashing blue and red lights as she made her way outside. She spotted Fp crying into his hands on his knees. Archie reunited with his father. Betty still felt the trigger in her hands. As she watched her father being placed into a body bag she felt like a chapter of her life had been finally been sealed. Veronica hugged her parents tightly as she ran towards them. Toni and Cheryl were met by Toni's worried filled grandfather's eyes. Toni knew she terrified her grandfather. She didn't mean to.
Jughead was sitting in the ambulance looking around the tight quarters. He still felt the agonizing pain from when he was stabbed repeatedly in the stomach. Jughead didn't remember much. He could recall Betty pulling the trigger and the bullet hurled into Hal's stomach. Then Toni helped him out of the ropes. He did remember seeing her bloodshot eyes. He knew that Toni rarely cried and this of must been her breaking point. He remembered the look of anger and betrayal on Hal's face. He shivered when he blinked his eyes trying to block the memory from his mind. He felt the ambulance jerk forward. He noticed that they weren't moving. The door opened and he was pulled out of the ambulance. The last thing he remembered before he was sedated was the blurry image of doctors in blue surgical scrubs standing over him.
Alice, Betty and Fp sat in the waiting room. Betty's thoughts were like she was frozen in her head. The words think before you act kept playing in her head. Alice's head was in a similar state of mind. She was trying to comprehend how Hal became such a monster. She couldn't believe she was once married to that psycho. She was beyond aesthetic he was dead. She wished she was the one who pulled the trigger. She would of left her mark on him. For every bit of unnecessary pain she had to go through and witness. She wanted to make him suffer like he made her suffer. Fp hadn't moved a muscle since he slouched his way into the waiting room chair. He felt like every possible part of his body was ripped to shreds. It felt like his heart started to wear thin. Almost like paper thin. On the other side of the waiting room sat Archie, Veronica, Toni, Sweet Pea, Kevin staring down at their shoes in a daze. As patient's family members cried for their loss of their loved ones. Fp could almost feel their pain. He remember his last time in this exact room. His was just hit by a car. He was told that his son might have loss of memory. It was kind of ironic how he was sitting in this room, he thought was he bit the inside of his cheeks. He saw two blue scrubbed surgeons approach him. He sat up in his chair, straighting his back. Betty who was being comforted by her mother felt the presense as she sat up. Alice felt her daughter move out of her arms and she looked up to see the surgeons approaching them. She felt her heart speed up as the surgeons got closer and closer.
"Mr Jones." The blonde surgeon called out as he made his way over to his patient's family members. Fp lifted his head higher and was barely able to say the words.
"Yes this is Jones." He barely able to state as his throat closed up. The blonde nodded his head and sat next to him. "Is my son okay?" He asked as his heart throbbed. He watched as the blonde took a breath and stood with a serious expression on his face. Alice felt her lungs filling with air as she waited patiently for the surgeon to answer his question.
"He has a long road to recovery. The blade pierced his lung. During surgery his lung collapsed and we had to place a traech. We were able to stop the bleeding but he lost a huge amount of blood. We also had to do a blood transfusion. That's when you replace the blood that was already lost." He explained as his face stayed remorseful. Fp listened to the complex words that were coming out of the Blonde's mouth. He felt like his world was trampled on. Betty instantly had tears down her cheeks. She tried so hard to keep her eyes from glossing up, but it was all too much.
"Is he going to make it. Cause doctor I can't live without my Juggie. He's the guy I want to marry and possible have kids with someday. He can't leave his family behind. He just can't. So I'm asking you. No I'm begging you. Actually I demand you to make damn sure he's going to make it." She yelled as tears ran down her face. She kept pointing her finger angrily at the doctor. Alice wrapped her arms around her daughter. She couldn't stand watching her daughter breaking down.
"I just found out my father. My own father had been toturing me for months. He shot one of my best friend's dad. He told me that I was the weakest. I was easy to take down. He went after my friends. Caused Archie took fall off and start the red circle. He beat the shit out of my mother and kidnapped her. He told me that he and Clifford had this plan. But Dad wasn't liking his partner in crime. Clifford wanted to killed my father after he found out the 20 year affair he had been having with his wife. He killed Clifford and made it look like he hung himself. He went after my friends by Blackmailing them. He was the one who knew Jughead got drunk. He was the one who deliberately ran him over and leaving for the dead. He did all this to get back at Fp for being in love with my mother. So I would fucking love for one thing not to be fucked alright!" Betty yelled as she had tears running down her cheeks and soaking her mother's shirt.
The whole waiting room's eyes darted toward the commotion. Betty sneered and told them to mind their own fucking business. Alice was taken back by her daughter's outburst. She also knew her daughter just witnessed the worst thing in her whole life. Fp's blood was sizzling in anger. Betty's confession really took a toll on the room. The two surgeons were stunned, they gave Fp a consoling smile and headed into the O.R. Hal was the one who hit his son. His demand was finally answered. Too bad that he couldn't send Hal one last punch. It was probably for best that Hal Cooper was rotting in hell, where he belongs. He hoped that the two sickening blossoms were enjoying each other's hoe bagging desires in hell.
When Betty got home, she raced to her room, slamming the door hard. She couldn't stop feeling the dirty trigger in her hands. It was almost like it was still attached to her. She walked over to her bed, throwing her blanket over her and closing her eyes. Everytime she tried closing her eyes. All she saw was the images burning their way back into her mind. No matter how hard she tried the painful flashbacks never stopped. Alice was in her room. She could hear her daughter's cries through the walls. Her heart ached. She hated seeing her daughter upset. She wished she could take away the pain and betrayal. But unfortunately she didn't have the ability to take away pain. If she did. She would have used it a long time ago.
Fp was still staring at his son who was lying lifelessly in the bed next to him. He was told that his son was going to be in the ICU for a while and nobody was allowed to stay. He was angered but also understood the doctors were just looking out for his son. He pulled himself out of the chair and made his way to the truck. Once in the truck, he slammed his hands repeatedly into the steering wheel. Each punch was stronger and more forceful then the others. He wished he could find his damn way to hell, grab Hal by his neck and strangle the life out of him. He screamed fuck at the top of his lungs as he pulled the shift and drove down the long wanding road. It seemed like the world hated him. Every decision he made caused more harm then done.
Once Cheryl got back to the Andrews house. She made a decision to move in with Toni. She knew it was a little early. But Cheryl knew that it was her time was over. She made her way downstairs with her suite cases in her hands. Archie noticed the suite cases and hugged her. Fred noticed her smile and smiled back. She kindly told Mr Andrews that it was her time to go. She watched his face and he nodded his head. She knew that it was an understanding nod. Cheryl walked out the door, turning her head slightly, raised her hand, blowing a kiss as a thank you and closed the door behind her.
Veronica was in her room, when she heard yelling coming from her parent's room. She got out of her bed and curiously opened the door. In the distance she could hear her father's commands.
"Hal Cooper was a distraction. Not saying his crimes weren't helping us hide our doings. But now our plan is soon to be released." Her father snipped violently. Veronica knew her parents were evil. But using Hal's crimes as a prize made her stomach dropped to the floor. Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother's laugh.
"Hiram are you listening to yourself? You just said that Hal's crimes were good. Did you think of what he did to the Jones family? That's what I thought. What if he decided to go against us? What if he would of hurt our girl, Hiram?" Her mother wailed angrily. Veronica decided she need to get closer. She pulled her phone out, searching for the camera and pressed record. She moved toward the commotion.
As she got the closest she could get. She got a video confession. Maybe something she wasn't expecting.
"Heromine, I have a confession." He took a deep breath and Veronica zoomed closer to his face not missing the words that were escaping his mouth. Her mother shifted her legs and stood still.
"What could you possible done now!" She hissed and Hiram slapped her across the face.
"Don't raise your voice at me! Ever!" He threatened as hemomine's eyes gloss up with thick tears. Veronica had tears forming in her eyes as well. She was disgusted by her father.
"Now I will tell you. I may have helped Hal shoot Fred." He confessed. Hermoine's face went white.
"Why?" She gasped out. Hiram rolled his eyes and got dangerously close.
"I know about you fucking him! You bitch! You were only suppose to partner with him not fuck him!" He hissed as anger layed his throat. Her eyes glossed as she watched her mother and father confess.
"I'm sorry, Hiarm. Him and I have history. It was a mistake. And his son is dating our daughter. You can't let them find out." She said with tears in her eyes.
"Monie, I won't hurt our repetition. Besides our plans to own riverdale are in place. We just have to wait until 5 tomorrow. This time we won't have the Jones ruining our plans. We will be tearing down every bit of the old riverdale and naming it Lodge Industries. Then we condemn Sweetwater, tear down the maples. Oh don't you smell it baby." He explained with an evil smirk.
Veronica heard her parents leave the hall and into their room. She got all she needed. She was going to bring down her parents. They weren't going to destroy anymore families. She was perfectly aware she would be kicked out immediately of her family, and their wealth. But Veronica also knew the difference between right and wrong. This was just extremely wrong. She made her way to her room. With the video tucked safely into a file locked under a code. A code she only knew. She closed her eyes in peace. She was happy that she finally had enough leverage to take her parents down. But this time once for all.
Alice was in her room she heard her daughter's cries die down. Her eyes couldn't shut. Her mind was on hot wire. She pulled the covers off and quietly opened her door trying not to wake anybody. She tip toed downstairs and made her way to the kitchen. She was just about to sit down, when a quiet but sharp knock rattled on her door. She pulled herself out of the sitting position and walked toward the front door. She opened the door, her eyes soften as she helped Fp into her home. She noticed his bloodshot eyes. As she led him to the couch, she intertwined their fingers together. Fp still felt the anger within him. Alice was having hard time not tearing up.
"Fp, Are you okay?" She asked as she gripped his hand gently. Fp felt his eyes failing to stop the tears. "Baby, shh. Tell me what's going on. Why are your hands bruised?" She asked with concern as she eyed him in the dark living room. The room was not lit up by moonlight.
"I didn't want to be at the trailer. I just couldn't be there. It just reminds me the reason he's in the hospital in the first place." He explains as tears coated his cheeks. She just stayed slient. She knows that he needs to release what's he's holding. "I couldn't stay at the hospital. So I decided not to go to the wrym and get drunk. I came here. Why are you up anyway?" He asked, noticing it was two in the morning. She sighed and rubbed her eyes.
"I couldn't sleep. Betty hasn't stopped crying since we left the hospital. When we got home. She ran into her room. She didn't come out. Hearing her cry just broke my heart. Just before I came down stairs, she stopped crying. Chic's in his room. I heard him talking to something. I don't know maybe to guy upstairs. I'm not religious but the sisters are. I came down here to get some wine. That usually knocks me out. Then I remembered I'm pregnant." She stated leaning into his chest. Fp almost found it funny how she said it.
"Maybe we can head up to your room. Hey I'm not in the mood for that. I mean sleep. Geez your very horny lately." He chuckled as he lifted her up. Alice rolled her eyes and let him carry her to bed.
She felt safe in his arms. He felt comforted in hers. It was like a balancing beam. They balanced each other out. She wrapped her legs around his and felt her eyes slowly drifting off. He laid his head on the pillow, curling up next to her. The dark room was shut out of his mind. He finally felt like he could sleep. He haven't been sleeping much and now he would be able to sleep knowing his son wasn't in any danger.
Fp was sound asleep with Alice's head on his chest. There was loud ear pircing screams coming from Betty's room. Alice and him shot out of bed and raced to her. He honestly didn't know if someone tried hurting her. From the outside of the room, he saw Betty wrestling violently in her bed, shifting back and forth. He also saw Alice waking Betty up.
"Hey hey, betty it's okay you okay. Its just me and Fp. He's not here. He can't hurt you." She spoke softly as Betty grabs onto her. Betty started calming down, still hysterical.
"M-om t--hat gun. I still feel it under my fingers. Everytime I try to shut my eyes. All I see the gun and Jughead crying. Even if I can block out the images. I st-ill hear the gun firing or his words." Betty cried as her words were drowned out by her cries.
The chilling words went down Fp's spine. He could just hear a gun firing as well. He knew Betty was experincing PTSD. That poor girl had gone through so much and it was only her spohomore year. Sometimes he still has flashbacks to when he was in the army. But now his nightmares were filled with images of Jason Blossmon. He still couldn't get those images out of his mind.
"Betty, its just me. I would never hurt you." He said calmly and then turned toward Alice. "Maybe I could have a heart to heart with her." He asked as he looked her in the eyes. Alice nodded her head and exited the room. He sat on the bed trying not to sit on her feet. Betty stopped crying and looked up to him.
"How are you suppose to help me? I'm damaged. Just like he said. I'm weak." She said weakly as she looked him in the eyes. This made Fp's heart break. He hated her talking like this.
"No, your not Betty. Those words were meant to make you feel that way. Don't listen to his words. Your strong. Do you want know something, Kid?" He said with a smile. She nodded her head as tears slid from her eyes onto her cheeks. " When you called me demanding me to come to Jughead's party and then showed up at the construction site. Gee kid you remind me of your mother. I could never win an agruement if she was the one I was arguing with." He chuckled at the memory. She felt a smile and she giggled.
"Really you were scared of me? wow that's one I haven't heard before." She giggled as he pulled her in for a hug."Thank you, Fp. I wish I could turn back time. I know my mom has been hurting for years. She even told me that she cheated on you. I was angry when she first told me." She then lowered her voice. " When you asking her. Don't look shocked. I heard about the ring you tossed in Sweetwater. Jughead doesn't know how to stop spilling stuff. Come on I want to help. And I can ask V and Cheryl to help too. Please." She pleaded happily as her smile brightened. Fp couldn't help but chuckle at her. She looked so happy. He hadn't seen her this happy in awhile.
"I don't know, Betty. I still haven't told my daughter about the twins. What am I going to do if they are both girls? Nothing against girls. But they are a lot of work." He groaned as a overwhemling chuckle broke through. He could see Betty roll her eyes.
"None taken. I'm sorry about disobeying you guys. Do you ever have dreams? scary ones?" She asked in a small voice. He thought about the times.
"All the time, Betty. Do you want to talk about it? I'm all ears. Plus I'm pretty sure your mom passed out." He chuckled as she rolled her eyes.
"I guess..." She sighed as she took a deep breath. She hadn't told anybody ever. Not even her mother. "It started after he was shot. Archie called me in hysterics. He drove his dad to hospital without a lience. Then I was almost shot. I saved Archie. We thought it was our janitor. The dream flashed all the way to my moms attack. I could actually see him beating her. It was horrorfying. I tried screaming for him to stop. But then H-e shot me and watched as Juggie broke down crying into your arms. You even were crying, Fp. Mom couldn't take the pain and she killed herself right in front of the twins. You broke down and screamed and threw things. Jughead tried calming you down. After our furnurals you and Jughead were in your truck and it flipped. Hal came back to life and killed all of Riverdale. You tired escaping but he grabbed his gun and bang you were g-one." She explained as tears raced down her cheeks.
Fp was completely out of words. Instead of talking he pulled her close to him and she buried her face into his chest. She couldn't stop the tears. Fp hated watching or hearing her cry. After she stopped crying, he tried to move but quickly realized she had fallen asleep on him. He didn't want to wake her. He knew she hadn't been sleeping. He turned his head and saw her clock read 4 in the morning. He gave up on trying to slip out. He closed his eyes. Alice woke up at 10 and realized Fp didn't come back to bed. She slowly tiptoed down the hall and peeked her head into Betty's room. She smiled to herself when she saw Fp laying next to Betty. Betty had her face buried in his chest. It must of been a hard night, Alice thought to herself.
Fp opened his eyes, He looked over to see Alice just smiling. Alice noticed him return the smile.
" Morning, Babe. It was a long night. I missed you." She said as she kissed his cheek. Fp smiled as he turned to see Betty still sleeping.
" Morning, Allie. It was long Al." He yawned still very exhusted. She smirked and softened her smile.
" I heard the words you said to her. Your going to be a great Daddy. Don't you guys?" She whispered to her stomach. She reached for his hand and the babies responded by kicking. He smiled and felt his grin getting wider.
"I guess they think so too." He repiled with a soft chuckle.
It was now the afternoon of March 29th. Jughead had been nearly left for the dead last night. Jughead flickered his eyes open, he saw his dad staring proudly at him with tears glossing his eyes. Next to him was Betty who had this unbelievably happy expression on her lips. Fp couldn't believe Jughead was right there in front of him. He wasn't religious, but last night he prayed in the hospital church area. He didn't think his son was coming back to him. His injuries were so extensive most of his doctors didn't think he would actually be able to move his leg. His leg was shattered. Fp didn't even want to know how it happened. He rather not know the purpose it happened. Alice couldn't help wrapping her arms around the fragile boy. She felt her eyes welling up.
"Jug, I'm so unbelievably happy you are here. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. If anything happened to you. I'm so so sorry for what trauma you were caused." She said in a low whisper. Jughead could hear the pain in her voice.
"Mrs A don't worry. I'm okay. I'm just very sore." He stated as he looked her truthfully in the eyes. Alice felt his true pain as he tried to lessen the pain he was feeling. Fp watched as Alice hugged his son.
"Jug, I bet your hungry." He said with a chuckle. He received a short snort and felt his son rolling his eyes at him. Jughead rolled his eyes and groaned.
"I'm always hungry. Don't you know me at all." He joked as he sat up in his bed reaching for the tray. Fp, Alice and Betty all started laughing. It was the first time in quite sometime since they felt any laughter. Betty took out her phone from her back pocket, she texted the gang. Archie, Kev, Cheryl, V and Toni had been texting her non-stop since they arrived. She heard from Archie who responded right away.
Arch- Juggie's Okay. I'm so relieved. To be honest I haven't been able to sleep since we left the hospital last night.
Betty sighed as her eyes traced the italics typing. Last night for her was nearly impossible to sleep. She woke up in middle night screaming. She remembered her mother racing into her room, with Fp just behind the door. It didn't bother her. She knew that Fp didn't want to be at the trailer either.
Betty- I haven't been able to sleep. At least not without waking up screaming bloody murder.
Arch- me too, Betts. Sadly, I haven't been able to forget that happened. I don't think I will be able to.
Betty- Me either, Arch. Are you guys coming today?
Arch- Of course. We coming around 4pm. Is that okay with you?
Betty- Yeah that is okay. See you guys at 4pm.
She put her phone back in her pocket, still smiling at the goof chowing down his burger, Fp had snuck in from Pop's. Alice walked over to Fp, leaning into his muscular chest. He wrapped his around her waist, hugging her close.
Veronica spent the night in her room, thinking about how she was going to expose her parents. She just had the right plan. But the question was how was she going to pull this off? She honestly didn't know how yet? She opened her bedroom door, making her way to the front door. She knew as soon as she released the footage. There was no going back. What was done was done. She took the keys from the counter, heading to her car and driving to the sheriff's office. She effortlessly strutted into his office. Tom noticed the raven-haired from a few feet away. He was confused, but he didn't push it.
"Veronica what brings you here?" He questioned as he took his glasses off his face and placed them on his desk. Veronica just kept her distance. She looked him in the eyes and breathed out.
"Mr Keller, I have something to show you. And I'm afraid it will bring trouble." She explained as she reached for her phone, handing him it and watched closely.
Tom grabbed her phone and stared at the screen. As the words were said, his mind instantly knew that Riverdale needed his help. He noticed two figures in the far left back corner of the screen. He instantly knew it was Hermione and Hiarm Lodge. Veronica watched as his eyes widened. She could tell that he was writing a warrant. At that moment she knew that her life would never be the same. Her family would disown her. She was aware of the consequences she would have to face. But she also knew her parents plans were devious and heart-gutting. They had no intention of restoring Riverdale. They're only intention was to burn it to the ground. Tom and Veronica exchanged looks, he grabbed his sherif deportee hat and She followed him to the squad car.
Short ride later, Tom and Veronica exited the car and knocked on the door. The door opened, her father and mother stared at Veronica in disbelief as Sheriff Keller handcuffed their hands behind their backs. She had never seen her mother's eyes burn her with so much hatred. As her mother was carried away she heard three evil words before the door was shut. "Officially Disowned, Veronica!" Her mother hissed as the door shut. Paparazzi showed up taking pictures and closing the camera on her face.
Jughead was watching law and Order when a emergency hotline flashed on Tv. He turned to look at his father and then looked at Betty and Alice's confused expressions. Fp instantly recognized it was the Penbrooke. In the video showed Veronica making her way to the camera. Instantly the reporters came at her with microphones. "I'm sorry for my parents. They had a devious plan to destroy Riverdale. I couldn't have that happening here. My parents have caused so much pain and suffering for one life time. They wanted to take over Riverdale High. And condemn Sweetwater River." Veronica announced as gasps arouse through the crowds. Alice looked at the tv in complete shock. A Lodge was sticking up herself. Then screen flashed the video. Fp watched as the video played.
"Heromine, I have a confession." He took a deep breath and The camera zoomed closer to his face not missing the words that were escaping his mouth. Hermonine shifted her legs and stood still.
"What could you possible done now!" She hissed and Hiram slapped her across the face.
"Don't raise your voice at me! Ever!" He threatened as hemomine's eyes gloss up with thick tears.
"Now I will tell you. I may have helped Hal shoot Fred." He confessed. Hermoine's face went white.
"Why?" She gasped out. Hiram rolled his eyes and got dangerously close.
"I know about you fucking him! You bitch! You were only suppose to partner with him not fuck him!" He hissed as anger layed his throat. Her eyes glossed.
"I'm sorry, Hiarm. Him and I have history. It was a mistake. And his son is dating our daughter. You can't let them find out." She said with tears in her eyes.
"Monie, I won't hurt our repetition. Besides our plans to own riverdale are in place. We just have to wait until 5 tomorrow. This time we won't have the Jones ruining our plans. We will be tearing down every bit of the old riverdale and naming it Lodge Industries. Then we condemn Sweetwater, tear down the maples. Oh don't you smell it baby." He explained with an evil smirk.
Anger filled the hospital room. Alice couldn't believe her ex-best friend only came back to destroy the town. She never really trusted her since she got back. She always seemed shady, she was proud of herself with sticking with her instincts. Betty was proud of her best friend. She knew that the old Veronica would still pop up at times, but deep down Veronica had a heart and she was putting it to use. The screen still had her face on it.
"I also want to say that the devastation that my parents caused. And how my father helped Hal Cooper shoot Fred." Veronica voice starts breaking as tears stream down her cheeks. "I can't believe how heartless, senseless he is. I really thought he changed, honestly I did. And I would like to say that this town will now be free. No more madness, devastation and no more Black Hood. I just received the best news. My friend Jughead Jones is awake. He won't be in pain. We will finally feel safe. Thank you for listening to me." She explained as she got out of the screen and wiped her eyes.
Jughead heard the words. He could feel her voice shattering. He could tell that she was in true pain. He was pretty sure that she lost her family's respect. Fp felt his heart break a little. He wasn't a fan of the Lodges. But Veronica didn't deserve to be treated that way. He knew that people always attacked her for who her father was. It honestly ticked him off. Betty heard loud claps of heels on the floor. They turned their heads to be faced with Veronica who had bloodshot eyes. She instantly wrapped her arms around her best friend. She knew V needed her support. Alice and Fp watched as B and V sat down on the couch, tears streamed down their heartshaped faces, and the Lodge Raven-haired eyes burned Alice's heart. Veronica was the first to utter a single hushed word since she walked in.
"What am I supposed to do now? I have no family support system whatsoever. I tarnished my family name and My parents disowned me." She cried with a croaked hushed whisper as tears slid down her cheeks. Betty held her best friend closer, she honestly didn't have an answer right now. She hated watching V cry, it broke her heart.
"V, I don't know. But we will get you through this.Cause were B V." She stated softly as she wiped V's tears away from her cheeks. V felt a small smile curl their way onto her lips. She loved how caring B was. She always felt she could count on her.
"What did I do to deserve a best friend like you, B? Sometimes I feel like I take you forgranted. I used to be such a bitch before this town changed me. I didn't want to be that Veronica. I wanted have true caring friends like you, Kev, Cher and even Jug." She giggled as she recieved a glare from Jughead. "Yes even you Jug. Do you wanna know who's it was to save you?" She glanced to Jughead who was staring at her with a confused expression written on his face.
Jughead nodded his head. He was curious. Alice and Fp honestly wanted to know and how did they pull it off. Betty knew it was actually Cheryl's idea, but it was V's plan. Alice noticed Betty was quiet after Veronica said that. Of course it didn't surprize her at all. She knew how much her daughter cared for her friends and the southside. "It was Cheryl's idea to save you. I know she seems like a the worst human on earth. But she had gone through so much. She was almost Nick's object. I still can't beilve I was friends with that sicko. Anyway it was mine plan. Toni thought we were nuts. She actually seemed terffied. I mean anybody would." Veronica explained as she felt Betty's hand on her shoulder. Jughead was shocked but he knew Veronica and Cheryl were actually caring human beans.
"Thank you, guys. I don't know what I would of done with you guys saving me." He thanked as he eyed everyone in the room. He could sense Betty was trying not to think about what happened. FP tried not to imagine what happened. He seen enough to know it was triggering. His mind couldn't shut off. Early this morning he was awoken to Betty screaming bloody murder. He just hoped that he could be happy. He called Jellybean telling her about the twins. She just laughed and told him to invite her to the wedding. It seemed like everyone was wanting him to marry right now.
Later that night, Alice and Betty returned home. Fp was still thinking about Betty's offer. Jughead noticed his dad really stuck in his thoughts. He whisled and his dad looked up to him.
" Dad what's got you so zoned out?" He asked as a chuckle left his lips. Fp looked up at his son and smiled. He took a slow deep breath.
"Jug, would you be okay with me marrying Alice? I know its really werid amd unexpected. But Jug, I haven't been able to stop thinking about her." He told his son as he felt his son's eyes boring into him. Jughead was stunned, he also knew that this could very well be the possibilty.
"Dad, I knew this was going to happen. I had a vison for our family to be back together. But things never come to plan. Also I like Alice." He responded softly as the tiredness in his voice crept through. Fp knew it had been a long day. A lot of confessions had took part, including his own.
"I don't know what I would do without you, Jug. I was too scared, I thought I was going to lose you. I told Jellybean about the twins and she sounded happy. I even talked to your mom, Jug. She actually congradulated me." He informed Jughead, who had his eyes widened. "Yeah I know. I was shocked as well. Your mom isn't the person to be nice. Just to let you know. I really did love your mother. I just still had strong feelings for Alice. When I found out she married Hal when I was deployed in the Army. I was crushed. Wow I have never said that out loud before. That felt good." He softly admitted as his son's eyes downcasted.
Meanwhile at the Smith's, Betty was lounging around on the sofa in their living room. Veronica was on the left of Betty. She couldn't believe they took under their wings. She knew that they were under a lot of stress. Especially with finding out that Hal cooper was the Black Hood. She still felt the chills down her spine every damn time she would think about it. Alice was in the kitchen making pasta when she dropped the pot on the floor, she screamed and the girls raced into the kitchen. Betty pushed through the room, seeing her mother's face look ghostly white. Veronica saw the pasta noodles scattered across the kitchen floor, sauce on the white cabinets.
"Mom, are you okay?" Betty asked as she was still catching her breath. She still felt jumpy since she found Jughead that night. The horrendous images were still drilled in her head. She wanted so desperately for them to disappear. Alice was still staring at the floor. She couldn't stop seeing the blood everytime she closed her eyes.
"I-I'm not sure, Betts. Its just everytime I close my eyes or when something drops, all I can think about is that night. I know, I know I wasn't there. But I still watched it. I dealt with Fp's breakdowns all on top of me trying to balance my own struggles. On numerous occasions I felt like I was barely handling my own issues. I just want all this pain to stop." She confessed as her shaky hands wrapped around her daughter. Betty and Veronica just wrap their arms around her and let her cry. Alice felt a jolt in her stomach. The babies were kicking hard. She couldn't help but smile through the tears. Betty and Veronica feel the kicks against their bodies touching her. Their smiles grew big as the dark and gloomy thoughts disappeared into the darkness. Alice pulled out of the hug and grabbed her phone. She dialed the number she knew like the back of her hand. She heard the rings and then he picked up. She could hear the cheer in his voice.
"Alice, it's good to hear your voice." Fp said into the phone while grinning at his son who was devouring seven burgers. Jughead just stuffed his face with more burgers. He didn't care what people thought. He just loved food. Alice was happy to hear his voice and could also tell that he was grinning.
"The babies are kicking." She said in awe as she looked at the baby books Fp had given her a couple months back. Fp felt his smile widen. Hearing the babies were healthy brought joy to his ears. Jughead had stopped eating his food and looked over to his dad. He could tell that he was hearing really good news.
"They are kicking. Wow that's great, Allie. I'm just here watching Jughead devour all the burgers that Pop brought back from Pop's." Fp stated with the happiest tone he had ever been. Jughead rolled his eyes and Fp rolled his eyes back. Alice smiled and laughed.
"He loves those burgers." She giggled excitedly as her smile stayed bright on her face. Betty and Veronica watched as her face grew more happy as she talked. Fp could hear the true happiness in her voice. He hadn't heard her be happy in quite sometime.
"Yes he does. Jug will be coming home in a few days. But for now. I need you to not stress. It's not good for the babies. Okay?" He told her as the concern he held inside reached its maximum. Jughead looked over and saw his dad's eyes lower to the ground. He could hear and see his worriedness show. Alice sighed and stared at her belly. She knew he was completely right and she hated it.
"I will try." She said in a soft tone. Fp still kept his smile. He knew she was still going through the aftershock. He still felt like he was still watching. He still couldn't believe his son was right in front of him eating like a horse.
"Goodnight, Babe." He whisked a sweet tone. He paused and smile again. "And tell the babies that daddy loves them too." He grinned as he felt his son's eyes roll and his face turn into disgust. Alice smiled and felt his love consume her.
"You don't love me? I feel so offended." She fake cried as she tried her best not to giggle. Fp rolled his eyes. He knew she knew that he loved her more anything.
"Of course, I love you, Allie. I have loved you since we met..." he paused and whispered sexually. "Or the woods." He slipped out and his grin grew bigger and bigger as he could feel her blushing. Alice felt her face go instantly red at the mention of his words. Damn he really knew how to make her feel like a teenager all over again.
"I can't believe you said that. You better hope you were alone and your lucky that Betty is up in her room with Veronica." She playfully hissed as her face turned back to it's normal color. Jughead could the words in the room with Veronica and instantly remembered the one time Betty said that only ones hadn't kissed was him and Archie.
"Betty and Veronica kissed." He butted in evilly knowing he would pay for this someday. Fp's eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock. Alice on the other line couldn't believe what she was hearing either.
"Jug, what?" Fp stuttered out still amazed by his son's confession. Alice was still confused herself. Jughead smiled to himself before answering.
"Betty and Veronica kissed at cheer tryouts. I guess Cheryl was being a stuck up witch and wouldn't let Betty join. It seemed like Veronica's idea from what Betty told me." He laughed as his lungs burned from laughing so hard. Fp couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. Alice on the other hand was not amused. She made her way to the stairs and yelled.
"Betty, Veronica come down, here!" She called up the stairs. Fp and Jughead stopped laughing and retreated to the quietness. Betty and Veronica came down stairs and looked her suspiciously.
"Mom, what is it?" Betty asked as her hands rubbed her scalp. Jughead knew he was going to pay for this. Veronica was confused but just stayed quiet. Fp just listened intently to the phone call. This was the most interesting thing he had heard all week.
"Is it true that you and Veronica kissed?" Alice questioned in a serious tone. Betty and Veronica's jaws dropped to the floor. How did she even possibly know about that? Fp eyed his son who was staring at the floor.
"W-hat h-ow did you know that?" Betty and Veronica both stuttered out as they were in disbelief. Alice rolled her eyes and laughed a little at their scared expressions.
"Jughead told me." She laughed. Fp watched as his son's face paled and couldn't help but feel bad for him. Betty and Veronica both glanced at each other and facepalmed their faces. All they knew was that Jughead was deadmeat. And Betty knew exactly how to get back him. At that moment Jughead knew he was dead. Betty was going to have him. And it would be a painful guilt trip.
