By the time lunch rolls around, the chatter about Riverdale's it couple being back together pretty much died, everyone now informed of the most recent development in Veronica and Cheryl's love life. That didn't stop the people from staring any time they walked past though. Veronica could feel their eyes burning holes into the back of her head as they watched her make her way across the cafeteria sans Cheryl, who was running late.
"Ok so," Veronica begins as everyone takes their seat at their usual lunch table. She runs her hands over her thighs, smoothing out her skirt. "I think it's best, in order to avoid any more drama, to let you guys in on what's been going on at the Pembroke." She folds her hands and rest them on the table in front of her, every micro detail of her body language radiating of calm nerves. She's treating this like an important business meeting.
Jughead is the first to notice Veronica's quirks, he chooses to lighten the mood by poking fun. "We don't need to hear about you and Cheryl's sex life."
"Shut up." Veronica fires back, not interested in his games today. She actually has something serious to say, and she wants them to listen. Jug seems to understand where this conversation is going, given the information Cheryl shared with him this morning. He immediately backs down, nodding his apology.
"What are we shutting up about?" Cheryl quirks as she finally reaches the table, standing behind Veronica as she waits for her and Archie to split, making room for her to sit between them.
"Nothing! Of importance," Veronica assures as Cheryl sits down and takes a bite of a baby carrot. "but now that you're here, I was going to fill the others in on my father."
Cheryl looks at her girlfriend with a surprised, but sympathetic smile. "Oh yea, if you're comfortable with that." She takes Veronica's hand in her own under the table, giving her a supportive squeeze.
Veronica turns her attention back to the rest of the gang sitting at the table as she continues. "So, it's no secret my father has done some awful things," they all knew about her father's shady business dealings whether Veronica told them it not, word was around Riverdale, his reputation a hot topic in the small town gossip farms. "and to be honest will probably continue to do those things even now that he's coming home."
"Wait, he's getting out early?!" Archie exclaims, the only one at the table not privy to this information.
"Yep." Veronica answers, popping the p. But that's not the worst of it. My mother is forcing Cheryl to move out." She turns her attention back to Cheryl, a sad smile on her face. Cheryl learns forward and kisses her cheek before snuggling up in her side.
"Where are you going to go?" Betty questions. "I'd offer you stay in Polly's room, but given our family history, I don't think my mom would allow it." She frowns, genuinely feeling bad that their parents fucked up feud prevents them from being the proper family they really are.
Cheryl smiles sweetly at Betty, grateful for her concern. "No worries cousin Betty, I've actually decided to return to Thornhill." She speaks it into existence with as much confidence as she can muster, knowing full well that the girl next to her was about to explode with opposition.
"What?!" Veronica exclaims, pulling Cheryl by the shoulder, forcing her to look her in the face.
"Ronn, please," Cheryl places her hand on Veronicas thigh. "let's not get into this here." Her voice is soft and pleading. Her intention to tell her at lunch was in hopes that Veronica wouldn't go full nuclear in the company of their friends. Looks like she underestimated Veronica's need for self-preservation.
"No we're absolutely going to." Veronica boldly insists pulling away from Cheryl, not letting her touch try to calm her down. "I'm not letting you go back to that hell hole and to your demon of a mother."
"Babe, I can handle it. I'm so much stronger now than I was when I left." Cheryl pleads with her to relax.
"That may be true, but I'm still not letting you willingly subject yourself to her abuse."
"It's not like I really have a choice. Ronn, I have to face her eventually." Cheryl knows exactly what Veronica is gonna suggest next before the girl even opens her mouth to protest. Which is exactly why she countered this move this morning by having that one on one with Jughead.
"What about Jughead?" Veronica asks exasperatedly, she turns her attention to the boy in question, addressing him directly, pleading desperately. "You've got a spare room, could Cheryl stay with you?"
"Veronica!" Cheryl interjects, lightly swatting her upper arm in a scolding manner. "You can't just ask someone to take on a roommate like that," She grabs Veronica's should and physically turns her around to look her in the eyes. "plus, I already discussed that with him and it's not an option."
Confused, Veronica throws her hands up. "What do you mean it's not an option? He lives alone." She turns back to the boy across the table, silently demanding an explanation.
"Umm, my dad's coming home too?" It's a weak lie and they all know it. He and Cheryl didn't exactly practice what to say when this conversation happened. Now, Jughead is regretting that mistake. Normally he's pretty good at improvisation in situations like this, however the wrath of Veronica Lodge is enough to stunt his ability this time.
Cheryl lets out a disappointed sigh, laying her head in her hands. Betty and Archie stare at Jughead with increasing confusion. Jughead quietly yay's unconvincingly and smiles as if to show his excitement. Veronica, fed up starts pointing fingers. "What's going on here?"
"I-"
Jughead begins, promptly getting cut off by a disappointed Cheryl who shook her head asking him to stop. "It's ok Jug," She smiles at him sympathetically, she reminds herself to thank him later for trying. He's such a sweetheart. She turns her attention to her girlfriend. "I knew you would react like this, so I asked him to lie for me. I'm going back to Thornhill, and there's nothing you can say to change my mind." She's stern, metaphorically putting her foot down. This conversation is over.
Veronica ignores this however by adding, "I don't understand why you're doing this."
Cheryl sighs, "Look, all of you," she looks around the table addressing each one of her friends, directing them to listen. "I can't begin to express how much I owe you for not only saving my life but giving me something to live for." She finds Veronica's hand under the table and takes it in her own. "Before Sweetwater, I was all alone. No friends or family, I truly believed that no one cared about me, and that this town would be better off without me. But you guys, you proved me wrong." She looks at each of them sending warm smiles their way. "You showed me that kindness exists, and that good people will care, no matter how distant they may seem. You took me in, literally," She directs to Veronica who smiles in return, gently squeezing her hand. "and showered me with this warmth I haven't felt since Jason. You all have made me a happier, nicer, more loving, and stronger person. Just by showing me a little bit of love, one can only wonder the kind of heartbreak that could have been avoided had my parents done the same."
She pauses for a moment, taking a second to gather her thoughts. She examines the hand clasped in her own. "I'm not excusing the person I was before, or all the hurt I've put each of you through back then, but I hope you know that the person I am now regrets all the decisions she made. I love each and every one of you. You've made me strong enough to face my mother, because I know whatever happens, you'll all be here in the end."
Once again, she pauses, and the group watch her with melancholy eyes. Betty and Veronica both on the verge of tears, while Archie and Jughead look on with sad smiles. Cheryl turns fully to face her girlfriend. "We can discuss this further at home, but I don't want to argue anymore right now. I just want to enjoy my lunch with my friends, and my love, ok?"
Veronica nods in earnest, she caresses Cheryl's face looking longingly into her eyes. "Of course. I love you."
"I love you too!" Betty chimes I'm, tears in her eyes. They all laugh at this, the mood significantly lightening with each sound of laughter.
"Same." Archie offers, pulling Cheryl in for a side hug. Cheryl melts into his side laughing even louder, the tears in her eyes no longer full of sadness but instead of joy.
Everyone looks to the only person at the table yet to confirm their adoration for their newest friend, Jughead. "What?" He laughs. Betty gently elbows him in the rib to which he playfully "owws" she gives him a stern look, nodding her head in Cheryl's direction. Jughead pffts and grins, "Love you too Cher."
Everyone audibly awws and Jughead rolls his eyes hard before taking a large bite of his sandwich. Once the lovefest concludes, the happy atmosphere restored to the group, they go about lunch as usual, gossiping, playful bantering, and everyone pointing out how wildly inappropriate Veronica and Cheryl's PDA can get. Things may be changing, but some things will always remain the same.
A/N: Hey all! So it's been a minute since I've updated. I recently got a second job so I have been extra busy lately. I was able to finally figure out/draft the ending of this story, so if you haven't noticed there will be 59 chapters in total (as long as the writing process doesn't change that) I love this story so much, but all good things must come to an end eventually. I always said I would update until I found the natural conclusion, and I finally worked it out. With that being said there will be 3 more updates to this fic. I don't have a set update schedule but my goal is to have it finished by the end of the month. I appreciate all the love and support all of you have provided for the past 55, now 56 chapters. Let's keep the good vibes flowing and make these last ones amazing! I love you all! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, leave a review to let me know what you think!
