Hello everyone
Anyone still there?
I know it's been a while but I guess I was avoiding writing the final chapter of this story. This is my baby.
See you down there!
Chapter Text
She looked beautiful.
He was writer, so his vocabulary should be more elaborated than that, but no words could describe how the love of his life looked tonight.
Her white dress made her eyes shine the purest shade of green he have ever saw. Her hair, loose and in waves, sometimes would cover her smile but he could still hear her laugh, dancing with her favorite partner. At least that was what she used to say to him.
If he was an insecure guy, he would feel jealous, but Pedro wasn't much competition to him. And he was so much better dancer than Jughead could ever be.
Jughead sat straight on his uncomfortable chair, watching Betty and Pedro making ridiculous moves on the dance floor, not giving a damn if anyone was paying attention to them.
Life was finally good to Jughead. His father was dead and his mother had apparently forgot about him. But on the other hand, his sister was finally in the same city as him – only for a few months since JB was planning to move to California for good but wanted to spend some time with her big brother before starting her own life away from him. He had a best friend, or a second and better sister, like Veronica always point it out. And the love of his life was right there, waiting for the dance he promised four hours earlier, before leaving their place.
He hated dancing. But he could make a sacrifice for Betty.
After that rainy day, the one they finally talked about their feelings and had their first kiss in almost eight years, Jughead finally understood what people say about the right moment.
A month after them spending the night together, Cheryl started to drop some hints about wanting to have her apartment for the newlywed couple, and how important it was for her and Toni to have the place only for themselves.
Betty got the message but it was not like she could find an affordable apartment in NY so fast that didn't seemed like someone got murdered on it. So Jughead offered his place, she could stay with him as long as she wanted, or until she found a place for herself.
Betty agreed and promised she wouldn't stay longer than three or four weeks, and they would split the rent, bills and she would be responsible for all the meals. He rolled his eyes with her conditions, considering none of them were sacrifices to him, and even though Jughead learned how to cook, his food, on its best day, was tolerable.
Three weeks turned into four months, when a colleague from work told Betty about some place with cheap rent and decent accommodations closer to the subway. For Jughead, it was ridiculous that his girlfriend still wanted to move out after all four months living together, so he gathered some courage and asked her after dinner on Thursday night.
"Would you please quit this search of yours and just move in with me? For good?"
She said yes. Of course she said yes. Living together worked like a charm for them, since it was not their first rodeo. Their schedules matched, or more like Jughead adapted his routine to fit with hers, but it still worked. Betty cooked, Jughead washed the dishes. Laundry was his responsibility while keeping the house cleaned was hers. She would go out in the morning for work, while he stayed at home writing, books or doing some freelance gigs that would appear. At Mondays, they would have dinner at Veronica's and the rest of the week would be theirs, except when Pedro wanted to stay over at their place – Betty would make his favorite dish, mac and cheese, then her famous hot chocolate, that he would drink while watching a movie with them or discussing some children's book with Jughead.
Their life was great. More than great, he would say. Even when they fight over stupid things like Jughead not wanting to wash the dishes or leaving his socks on the living room, or more important things, like he wanted to give up writing after a writer's block and Betty was considering a job opportunity in San Francisco. It was life, but it was their life. And it was good, especially on nights like this, when he can watch the girl of his dreams dancing in a white dress with a little boy. It was easy to picture how their life was going to be in the future, and he loved the scenario inside his head.
Tonight, it was Cheryl's and Toni's anniversary, three years since they said yes on a Mexican beach. He was Toni's best man while Betty was Cheryl's maid of honor, and of course he took advantage of the situation telling stupid jokes on their way to their hotel room that night.
It was a beautiful ceremony and their marriage had been stronger than ever, which is why Cheryl wanted to celebrate with a Fire and Ice party, with guests wearing white or red just like the red head ordered them to. His suit was white, courtesy of Veronica since she thought red was not his color, and Betty's dress was white as well so they would match.
His thoughts are interrupted by his raven haired friend sitting next to him.
"You look lost" she starts getting settled "Didn't you get the memo? This is a party, you should have a smile on your face" she sings ironic.
"You know parties are not my scene. Besides, someone stole my partner" he tilts his head to the dance floor.
"You sound like a needy dog right now. Do you want belly rugs or a treat? I'm sure Cheryl keeps some inside her bag for her Chihuahua"
"Very funny. Maybe I should take advantage of the situation and kidnap your son. I'm sure that with Betty's cooking skills and my collection of books, Pedro will forget about you in a blink of an eye" He speaks smug and she narrow her eyes at him.
Veronica knows how empty his threats are but it's not like it is an impossible situation. Not inside her head at least. But in reality, such danger doesn't exists, Pedro's little heart is filled with love for his mama.
Their relationship at the beginning was not an easy one. Pedro was a shy little boy, barely speaking fifty words a day after he moved in, all of them in Spanish, and Veronica, the most confident person Jughead ever known, turned in to the most insecure one, second guessing every step she took, afraid of doing the wrong thing and desperately trying to earn Pedro's love. Jughead used to say it would be comic if it wasn't tragic.
The harder Veronica tried, more Pedro would crawl back in to his shell, denying every attempt, too scared to let someone walk in to his heart. It came to a point where Veronica called Jughead in the middle of a Sunday night, crying.
"I don't get it, Jughead" she whines, sniffing "I'm trying, I swear I am. And I don't know what I'm doing wrong, why he doesn't get close to me"
And that was the moment Jughead decided to intervene. As the independent woman she was, Veronica asked to be alone during adaption process, said it would be easier and quicker if she could do it on her own. Jughead and Betty respected her decision, making only occasional visits to the new family, but Jughead decided to try a new approach.
He was aware of how Veronica could be, how great and scaring her love could be for the boy, who reminded him of a younger Jughead, who would certainly find Veronica's affections a little overwhelming. So Jughead would make time in his routine to stop by at Veronica's, right after Pedro's school, he would bring some of his books from his childhood, and they would read together. They used to spend the afternoon, sitting on the floor against the single bed, just reading in silence, and then, with a crappy Spanish, Jughead would make him some questions about the book, whether he liked the characters or the story, and slowly Pedro would open up to him. On those days, Betty used to show up for dinner at Veronica's, trying to cook some recipes the boy used to eat with his biological parents, and while eating, Jughead encouraged Pedro to tell Veronica about what they were reading and what he liked most. Through books, Jughead realized, he could see a whole new person coming to life.
His strategy worked, and along with therapy, for both Veronica and Pedro, the brunette noticed she had to slow down a bit if she wanted to get Pedro out of his shell. Not showering him with gifts, like her parents did it with her while growing up, but with baby steps, earning his trust with small actions and getting to know the person he was.
A few months later, without any of them realizing, Pedro dropped his Spanish and started to speak with them in English. It was a Friday night, in the middle of dinner when Jughead noticed and nodded to Veronica, who took some seconds to understand what he meant with the nodding. And when she did, Jughead rolled his eyes to her crushing Pedro with her arms, proud of his achievements. He thought Veronica would scare him away, but Pedro only laughed, getting used to her need of hugging him whenever she could.
On Christmas, six months after that episode, Pedro asked how he should call her. They were still on their pajamas, on Pembroke, sipping some hot chocolate after opening all the presents under the tree.
"You can call me Veronica, just like you're doing right now" she soothed him, while sending Betty a text, asking what time she was supposed to be at Alice's. "Just like you do with uncle Jug or aunt Betty"
They were in Riverdale for the holidays, and after hearing about the new Lodge member in the family, Alice invited Veronica and Pedro to spend Christmas with them. It was a huge celebration that year, with JB, Cheryl and Toni too, and Pedro got along with Polly's twins, much to Veronica dismay, since she didn't have a nice experience with them the first time. But hearing Pedro's laughter and his bright eyes when he knew Santa was stopping by – Polly's new boyfriend since Jughead couldn't be convinced- , made her accept the invitation.
"Yes, but they are my uncles" Pedro whines while staring at the teddy bear, dressed in a leather jacket and sunglasses JB got him.
Veronica puts down her phone, sliding closer to him on the floor, their new Christmas tree on front of them.
"What do you want to call me, Pedro?" She asks soflty, noticing the little boy distress.
"I was just wondering... You're like my mama, right?" Veronica nods, caressing his black hair "So maybe, I could call you like that? Mama, or mom, I guess" he questions still not looking up and Veronica's eyes water at the same time.
Sniffing and controling her tears, she nods, kissing his head and hugging him tight.
They arrive on time at Alice's and when Jughead listens Pedro's new name for Veronica, he arches his brows to her, who just shrugs, hugging his arm and laying her head on his shoulder.
"I got the best present I could ever get, and it didn't came from a store. I never thought this would be possible" she sniffs, wiping her wet cheeks with the back of her hand, careful not to smudge her make up "This is the best Christmas of my life"
"He's getting so big" Veronica sighs "Can you believe the other day I picked him up from school, I went for a hug and he dodged my hug?"
Jughead laughs and Veronica crosses her arms, pouting. "It's not funny. He's not even ten and I already have to deal with a teenager at home"
"Something tells me you were even worst than him when you were his age" he guesses and she huffs.
"I was an angel"
"Somehow I doubt that"
"You doubt everything I say, Forsythe. If I say the sky is blue, I bet you would say it's pink. You say these kind of things just to piss me off"
Jughead sends her a smug smile. "You should be in a better mood. Me and Betty spent our entire night playing monopoly with your son, so you should be laughing right now. By the way, how was your date?" he asks in a suggestive tone and Veronica huffs.
"It was not a date"
"It was a date. Come on, Veronica, I'm not that oblivious to the world around me" he pleads in a condescending tone making her sigh.
"It's been years since Reggie and I had a conversation. I think the last time we talked was when we finished school"
Jughead frowns. "I saw him leaving your apartment after your NYE party years ago"
"That was years ago and we didn't do much talking that night"
"Gross"
"Anyway" she dismisses his grimace with her hand "We talked, a lot, and he's very mature now. A new man, I would say"
"And that's why you went out for dinner with him? To check his maturity level?" he asks skeptical.
"Basically" she laughs "I can see he's still interested in me, and I admit his feelings are reciprocated. But I have a son now, Jug, I have to put him first, which means being sure Reggie is a good influence on him or if Pedro is ready to have a new person in his life or if Reggie is ready to act like a paternal figure to him"
"Reggie as a step dad... could you have imagined this years ago?" he muses and Veronica snorts.
"Absolutely not"
"And? What are your thoughts on the matter?"
She shrugs. "I don't know yet. I casually slipped Pedro's name a few times to check his reaction and I was impressed when he asked me to talk more about how he was and what he liked to do. And he actually grimaced when I told him Pedro loved reading" Jughead doesn't hold his proud smile. He and Pedro share an intense love for books, a fact that turned him in to Pedro's second favorite person in the world, much to Veronica's annoyance, since she desired to be the only sun in his little world.
"The boy has good taste" he sings smug.
She continues ignoring him. "And Reggie got really excited when I mentioned Pedro's new love for basketball"
Jughead's smile falls and Veronica laughs, noticing his enthusiasm was gone. "Don't worry" she pats his hand "Even if Reggie becomes a constant presence in his life and they start bonding over sports, you will never lose your place in his life. Pedro adores you and he will still keep calling you twice a week to ask for book recommendations, which will probably force me to look for a bigger apartment because the one I'm living right now looks like a library right now. No need to be jealous"
"I'm not worried or jealous" he crosses his arms, choosing to stare at the party in front of him.
"Oh yeah, I can see that. I bet even Betty can notice you pouting like a little kid from the dance floor " Veronica chuckles while Jughead snorts. "And besides, Pedro is not my only concern"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, Jughead, that I can't conceive on my own. Which means, if Reggie wants to have biological children in the future, he has to know we can't do it with the traditional methods"
Jughead hums, careful with his words. "Did you ask him his thoughts about it?"
"Of course I didn't, that was only our first date"
"So it was a date, after all" he arches his brows in a playful way.
"Don't push it, Jughead. I mean it" she pushes her finger against his chest. "That conversation is due by our fourth date, after I'm sure he won't be running to the hills when I ask him about kids or tell him about my almost cancer. And if he's okay with everything, then, I have to think how can I make his little brain understand the whole picture. Which reminds me I have to ask you something, how do you feel about not having sex with Betty for nine months?"
Jughead frowns. "Why do I have to live in celibacy for nine months?"
"Because if I want a biological child, I need a surrogate. And you're aware of my trust issues, so I was wondering if Betty could do it. The eggs would be mine and the sperm would be Reggie's if we did get married eventually, so don't worry, I'm not thinking about asking for your donation. I imagine that my genes mixed with yours would make a pretty kid but with a terrible personality" she contemplates and Jughead chokes with his own saliva "So, no sex for nine months is it okay with you? Because I don't want your dick anywhere close to my child"
"Oh my God, Veronica" Jughead exclaims when he can feel the air back to his lungs. "Please, tell me you're not serious" he begs.
The idea of spending nine months without sex isn't too appealing for him but it's not unbearable. And he knows his girlfriend and her selfless heart, he knows if Veronica asked, Betty would do it in a heartbeat. But the whole picture, Betty pregnant of Veronica's and
Reggie's baby is all too much for his brain at the moment. Or Veronica talking about his dick.
Veronica takes a few seconds to respond, having the time of her life torturing him. Then, she laughs out loud, and Jughead can breath again.
"Relax, Forsythe. I wouldn't dream of interrupting your honeymoon phase with Betty, even though she would be the perfect candidate to carry my child" she sighs "Sorry, I just had to mess with you. But I already asked Toni and she's up for it. They live in the same building as me and she's trying to convince Cheryl to start their family since she doesn't want kids, and Toni thinks it's a good plan to win her over. She will give me her answer next week"
"Don't do this again" he pleads "I don't think I can handle so much emotion in my life this week"
"Oh, by the way, here's your package" she says taking a small blue box out of her red purse.
Jughead takes it from her hand discretly, side eyeing Betty on the dance floor, careful that she wasn't paying attention to them. "Did you double checked to see if the size was right?"
"Yes. I tried on Tiffany's and I borrowed her the ring she's wearing today just to be sure. We are the same size so you're good"
Ten years ago, Jughead would never have imagined he would be the kind of guy that buys at Tiffany's, but now he is. Not that he spends his time browsing at the blue store like Veronica does, but he needed something special. No, not him. Betty. Betty needed something special.
Three days from today they will complete three years since they decided to give their love a second chance. Three years since that rainy day, where they kissed for the first time, on his worn couch, and vowed to never let each other go again.
When he first told Veronica his plans, the brunette wanted to go wild. A huge party and a ring with a diamond so big you could see it miles away. Needless to say how mad she got when he shut down her plans, he already had everything figured it out.
A month ago, while Betty was at work, he and Veronica went to Tiffany's, where he purchased a beautiful diamond ring, yes, but it was very delicate, with small emeralds around it. Veronica agreed with his choice and he never felt more grateful in his life than he felt that day. Growing up with little, he dreamed of having money, not too much like Veronica or Cheryl, but enough to give good things for those he loved. And now, thanks to his successful career, with 4 best seller books, and writing his fifth one, he could do finally do that for Betty.
With the ring in hands, he had to plan how he was going to do it. Betty had to work the day he planned to propose, but he already called her boss, a nice lady who agreed to let Betty go at her lunch break after hearing his plans.
They would take a stroll at the park, if the weather was nice, then to lunch at the same diner, the one that remined them of Pop's, and the one he took her to talk about an article he wrote. Then, they would go home, maybe watch a movie or just cuddle at the couch. They will order a pizza, and for dessert, brownies with ice cream, a recipe he's been practicing since last month, just to be perfect. And on the plate, next to the brownie, the blue box Veronica just gave him.
When he gives Betty her plate, right after, he will get down on one knee and say the speech he had on his phone and had Veronica on tears when he asked her to read it and tell him if it was good.
He could aim for a more romantic proposal, but he just felt his plans sounded perfect for them.
His hands would go cold with thought of proposing to her, but not because he was scared she was going to say no, but because he couldn't wait to make Betty his wife.
Jughead admires the blue box one more time before putting inside his trousers pocket, tapping twice with his hand to make sure it was safe from prying eyes.
"Thank you" he says grateful to Veronica "For helping me pick the ring and for picking it up today. Betty would suspect something was amiss if I disappeared today"
"Not a problem" she winks "Just remember to send me a picture of her wearing the ring after you propose and name your first born child after me"
He laughs. "What if we have a boy?"
"I don't care, Forsythe. It's not my problem" her attention is robed by the sound of Pedro's laughter, which brings a smile to her face "I'll go dance with my son while he still wants to be seen with me and I'll release Betty to be with you for a few minutes before Pedro steals her again"
He watches Veronica stands up quickly, hugging Pedro from behind, giving Betty a chance to rest her feet.
The blonde plops down at the same place Veronica was seating seconds ago, with a happy sigh, or at least he thinks so.
"You look tired, Cooper" he mentions dragging his chair closer to hers, enjoying the little space to put his hand on her thigh.
"I am tired" she agrees chuckling, taking a sip of Veronica's flute full of champagne, the one the brunette left on the table. "I know I complained about getting all dressed up and coming to this party because I just wanted to have some sleep but I think I was in need of a good exercise like dancing. And Pedro just provided me that"
"Hey" he chimes "Now I'm offended. So you think what we did this morning was not enough exercise for you?"
Betty leans in to leave a small kiss on his lips. "Of course it was, no need to be jealous"
He snorts. "This is the second time today someone says I'm jealous of a child"
"Let me guess, Veronica?" he nods and she laughs. "So I'm assuming she told you about Reggie" he nods again and she pats his hand "Don't worry, I don't think Pedro will forget about you any time soon. You're his favorite person, after Veronica, of course"
"You mean I was his second favorite person, I'm starting to think I got replaced and the person who stabbed me in the back is seating right next to me" he jokes and she pushes his shoulder playfully with a light smile on her face.
She turns her body to watch Cheryl and Toni dancing, and gets distracted by a huff from Jughead.
"What?" She inquiries, and when she follows his eyes, she's the one to snorts. "Let them be" she demands looking at a very in love JB, kissing Sweet Pea at the bar.
"I can't. He saw her as a child. He used to make fun of her pigtails. And now he has his tongue inside of her throat. That's just disgusting and wrong in so many ways"
"You saw me as kid too. And do I need to remind you of where your tongue was this morning?"
"Please do, Cooper" he pleads with his eyes closed and she slaps his chest.
"Stop, pervert" he laughs, opening his eyes to stare at her green ones. "This is probably not going to last, she leaves to California in a few weeks and he already told JB he won't follow her. Just let them have fun"
As much as Sweet Pea wanted, he couldn't leave Riverdale, or his bike shop or White Wyrm, which was thriving ever since Jughead left the administration of the bar on his hands. For now, Riverdale was still his world, and he was happy to see JB everytime she came to visit Alice.
Their relationship wasn't a serious one and they were both happy the way it was for now. But in the future, with more thought, nothing would stop him of leaving everything behind to follow JB in California.
"As long as they don't have too much fun in my apartment and I have to hear it again..."
"They won't" Betty reassures him "I talked to Jelly yesterday and she promised it was a one time thing and they were too drunk to go to his friend's place, ours were closer. They were being responsible and she was mortified"
Jughead snorts, throwing his head backwards. "JB? Mortified? You must be talking about another girl because that is not my sister"
"Okay, she wasn't" she agrees chuckling "But the promise part is true and she still remembers your old Serpent days and how skillful you are with a knife. Sweet Pea too. I made sure of it"
Jughead hums happily. "That's my girl" Betty knew him well. And he was too young to be dealing with this.
He was lucky to have JB in his life. But even luckier to have Betty too, especially with her and his sister in good terms.
Their relationship is still a working one, but much better than it was years ago. It took Jughead a real and serious conversation with JB, and so many homemade cookies and brownies from Betty, but JB finally stopped screaming at the blonde and treating her like the most horrible person in the world.
And with a little help from Veronica finally did the trick.
After a year of trying, JB asked Betty for a talk and apologized for all the things she said. At least for those it weren't entirely true, according to JB. And Betty, just wanting, needing for their feud to be over, accepted her apologies while saying sorry too for what happened in the past. Jughead got home with ice cream right after, and just by walking in to his living room, he felt things were finally at peace.
Jughead enjoys the not so hot summer air of the evening, while listening Betty humming the song it was playing.
There are a lot of people dancing, having fun, but he was content to just sit by his girlfriend while listening to her voice.
In the corner of his eye, he sees a too excited JB dragging a reluctant Sweet Pea to the dance floor, and chuckles at the scene of his sister trying to teach her boyfriend, or not, some Tik Tok dance moves.
"She looks happy, don't you think?" he asks rhetorically to Betty, who stops humming to admire the happy couple.
"She is happy, Jug"
"Good. That was what dad wanted for her. What I wanted for her"
At that, Betty leans closer to him, putting her hand now on his thigh, mirroring his movement from before.
"Are you happy, Jughead?" She asks softly, with her hands drawing imaginary circles on his leg.
He uses the opportunity to shift his body to hers, getting even closer. "Are you happy, Betty?"
"I asked you first"
"And I'm asking you now. And you know my answer is totally related to yours. So, are you happy, Betty?"
The corner of her lips turns slyly upwards, then her face gets serious. "I have a nice job, the one I imagined for myself when I was younger. I'm close to my family and it is finally a good and normal family. I have my friends around me and I have you. The one I thought it had gotten away. Of course I am happy, Jughead. I can't actually describe a scenario you're in that I'm not happy"
"Good. Then I'm happy too"
"You know, I just made this emotional speech and I was kind of hoping you would do the same. Maybe throw an 'I love you' somewhere along the way" she says ironically and he laughs, just thinking of how well she knew him.
Yes, he wanted to get very romantic with her. The timing was perfect. But he was saving it all up for the perfect moment. In a few days and involved a beautiful diamond ring with those cheesy words he was preparing himself to say it to her without having a stroke while doing it.
"What can I say? I can't think straight when you're with me" He jokes while she rolls her eyes. "But I was serious. I am happy. In a way I never thought I could be years ago" he admits with a warm feeling on his chest. It was true. Life has never been better with him.
He intertwines their hands, trying to picture the ring he chose on her finger, distracted by the vision in his head. But Betty clearing her throat brings him back to reality.
"FP was right" she says in a voice so low he thinks it was just his imagination talking.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I said... I said you father was right"
Jughead frowns. "I don't get it. Right about what?"
Betty sighs, using her free hand to cover his. "You never wondered why FP wrote a letter to each person he loved right before he died?"
His frowns gets deeper. "I did, but I never dwelled too much in it. My father was strange and he had his own ways to do things"
"On that part, we can agree to disagree. I always thought he had some kind of wisdom inside of him, and only showed it to the privileged ones" she rants "But that was not what I meant" she closes her eyes for a few seconds, and reminisces "Two months before he died, I remember waking up on the middle of the night after a nightmare. I went to the kitchen to drink some water and maybe distract myself, and when I got to the living room, FP was there. He was sitting on the couch, looking pensive and I sat next to him. He asked why I was there and I told him I had a bad dream, he told me he did too, and I don't know why, but I mentioned the dream was about you"
Jughead frowns. "About me?"
Betty nods, pressing her lips. "In my dream, I tried to talk to you but it was like we were speaking two different languages to each other. And the harder I tried, the further you would walk away from me. And I told FP. He didn't say a word after that and I offered to make him a hot chocolate, the one I had already decided to make for myself. We drank in silence and went back to our rooms. Then, weeks later, he dies"
"And what that night has anything to do with him writing to me?"
"Weeks later, when Sierra gave us our letters, I found out the answer to your question" she mutters, her mind focused on years ago "FP... He wrote that in that night, his nightmare was also about you. And his dream was basically the same as mine, and he got scared. Said he never felt something like that before, it felt like a sign, and he thought you were lost. FP didn't want that for you, and for some reason, he was scared that if he didn't have enough time, or something happened to him, you would be lost forever. You and the rest of us, the people he loved. So he wrote the letters, and if something did happen to him, he would've said his goodbyes and finally be at peace with it"
"Oh my God" he mumbles, leaning his back on the chair.
"Yeah, I know. It was like he knew, that is why I still think he was very wise. His will was ready for a year before that, I guess, but he made all the arrangements with Sierra after that night, including the letters and giving you the White Wyrm. That was something he decided somewhere along those months. That is why I knew where to find you later that day, FP predicted you would be at the bar. And he was right, about everything, including his strategies and leave you the White Wyrm. He was sure it was the right decision to help you find happiness"
That makes him leave his stupor. "Did he ever tell you why he did it? I never fully understood why he would leave the bar to me"
"He did, in my letter. I didn't say anything back when everything happened but yes, I know why"
"And?" he demands feeling anxious.
"Why don't you read the letter he wrote for me? I think his explanation will be better than mine" Betty suggests, not really comfortable with her own explanation.
"Are you kidding me? I've spent years of my life trying to guess the motivation behind his decision to leave me the bar even though I hated that town. I thought I would never know the why but now that you tell me you do know the reason, you want me to wait until we get home to find out? No, no, no, Betty, you're telling me right now" he demands.
"Who says we have to get home for you to read? I took photos of it years ago, I have it in my phone" she replies searching for the device inside her little white purse.
"Are you saying you had this on your phone this entire time? Unbelievable, Cooper" he shakes his head as a reprimands.
She pushes her phone over the desk, next to his hand. "I missed him so much in the beginning... it was like losing a father all over again. So I took a picture, so I could carry his last words to me everywhere I went. But I planned to show it to you someday, and I guess today is the day" she shrugs while he stares at her iPhone like it was going to murder him. "I'm thirsty, I'm going to get us something to drink and maybe some cake. Why don't you read it while I'm gone? And when we get home I can give you his letter. And try not to sob so much, we're still at a party and Cheryl will be pissed if you ruin her night again"
"I did apologize about that" He did. Jughead apologized to Cheryl several times after he and Pedro knocked down her wedding cake the night she and Toni exchanged their vows, while running around the room.
Pedro's adoption papers were still being concluded and he was already living with Veronica. His adaption process was a complicated one, especially on the first month, and in that night, while everyone was happy and celebrating Cheryl's and Toni's union, Pedro looked a little sour and moody, not comfortable being around so many strangers. So Jughead sat next to him, they talked and the older thought a little game of tag would do the younger one good.
It did. But Cheryl's wedding cake had to suffer the consequences.
"You did" Betty agrees getting up "But we both know she didn't forgive you, so don't push it tonight. I'll leave you to it" she taps his shoulder, walking to the bar.
Jughead uses a few seconds to stare at the black screen, and with a deep breath, he unlocks Betty's iPhone, going to straight to the gallery. When he finds the photo he wants, recognizing FP's handwriting, his heart starts beating faster and Jughead suddenly feels the urge to throw up.
These are his father's last words.
And he's not sure he's ready to read it.
But his need to know what his father had to say to Betty was bigger than any heart attack he might have now.
Yeah, it was still too soon.
He selects the photo and zooms it, swallowing hard.
Hey Betty
I'm sorry if this seems a little confusing for you, but this is my first time doing something like this. And yours, is the first of a series of letters I'm writing for my loved ones. The reason? Well...
I don't know if you recall a night, when we both had bad dreams about Jug. I woke up first, then, you joined me in the living room. You told me about your nightmare, and I only mentioned mine to you. I didn't tell you the specifics because they were not pretty.
In my dream, I felt this pain in my chest, so unbearable that I couldn't speak. Everyone was around me, everyone I loved, except Jughead. And I remember thinking that my dying wish was to see him again, not only next to me, but happy too. Even in my dreams, I knew he was unhappy with his life.
I woke up scared, and with a sadness inside my heart, so big even your hot chocolate couldn't make it go away. I just had this feeling that if something happened to me... I just wanted my family safe and happy, it was all a guy like me could desire at the end of his life.
So I called Sierra, and she's finalizing my will. I never imagined I would ever have things to leave for my family, but now look at that, hum? And I thought about writing letters, take a page of Jughead's book, so if something does happen to me... at least you know what I wanted to say to all of you. I don't think I can spend eternity saving it all up. I would have to turn into a ghost so I could say my piece. Thought this way is easier. And if I don't die, then I will have to write this again in a few weeks or months, and if I'm being optimistic, years, but for some reason, I don't think I'll be that lucky.
For my goodbye letter, I wanted to say a few things to you, so hold tight because things will get emotional now.
I love you, Betty, I truly do. You're like a daughter to me, and don't ever mention this to JB, but I consider you one of my children.
I know JB never understood why I never felt angry towards you when shit hit the fan years ago. I'm sure Jughead didn't do either. And if my guess is right, you too.
The truth is, you remind me so much of Alice when she was younger, in so many ways. Especially when Jughead ran out of the house, leaving you in that beautiful prom dress you were wearing, looking so broken, just like your mom on her prom night... You and your mother have the same expression when you cry, and seeing it took me back to a time where Alice was broken too, and I wished I could've saved her, but didn't. I didn't want to make the same mistake again, judging a teenage girl for a bad decision. I was older and, hopefully, wiser. So instead of anger, I chose love, and it was never hard to love you, Betty Cooper. You got that from your mother too.
I tried to be there for you as much as I could, I know what is like to grow up without a father, you didn't have to know it too. I tried to be the paternal figure I thought you needed it. I hope I did succeed in that part.
And as a father, I noticed things other people didn't. Like the fact you never forgave yourself for what happened seven years ago, and that needs to change, Betty. You were young and you made a mistake, and you will probably do a lot more in your life if you're lucky enough. So forgive yourself and let the past go. No one can live with a burden that big, with such weight on your back.
I know you still love my boy, I can see it in your eyes when I speak of him. And just so you know, you don't need his permission to practice forgiveness. If he does it in the future, it's his problem, but what you do now, it's your problem.
Now talking about Jughead, that is the tricky part. While I was going through stuff with Sierra, I had this thought in my head, if one thing had been different, would everything be different today? And the answer is: I don't know. But what I do know is that things can't stay the same. And if the universe won't play along, I'll just have to do my part.
I'm leaving Jughead the White Wyrm.
I know what you're thinking. He left Riverdale years ago and probably won't return ever again. He hates this town, almost as much as I thought I hated too when I was his age. But he's wrong, and as his father, it's my duty to guide him to the right direction, even if it is from my grave.
You know when we get so lost in life we have to go back to basics? Well, that is what I'm doing with him. That is what happened to you. He may sell the bar, even though that is not my wish and I intend to make it clear for him on his letter, but even if he does, Jughead will have to find his origins again. And I hope you will be there for him when it happens.
Despite of what you think, he doesn't hate you, I don't think he's capable of that with you. And I know you two were meant to be together, so yes, this is also my plan to help you two. Call me cupid or whatever, I just hope you have time in your life to make my son see things clearly in his life.
If I know my kid, he won't understand why I did this, probably because he doesn't know about the bar. He will think I'm trapping him to Riverdale – which is exactly what I'm doing right now – but he will calm down eventually and you can help him with the process. Veronica too. That girl is a Jones in her heart and she knows him well. And relax, she will be on your side even without her realizing.
And when Sierra tells him the news, go after him, don't leave Jughead alone. My guess is he will want to disappear, or go straight to the source of his pain, if you know what I mean.
Enough about my son. No matter where I am right now, I'll be probably rooting for you guys to get together, I think he's the 1 for you, but even if that doesn't happen, I still want you to be happy. I'm all about 'women doesn't need a man to feel fulfilled', which is true, you don't need Jughead or any one, to be the amazing Betty Cooper I know you are.
I'm aware of your love for Riverdale, but don't get too comfortable, okay? Go out there, New York or Australia, anywhere, Betty. Just don't let this town or your mother trap you in here. I heard you talking to Polly about being scared of applying for a job in NY. Don't be. Be brave and embrace the Smith-Jones I know you have in your heart.
Be happy. Eat as much carbs as you can, just ignore Alice. She would be much happier if she'd listen to my advice and eaten more donuts.
I'm not gonna rush you to anything, so while you decide what you want to do, I'll leave you that car I bought and we're restoring together. I hope it will be finished by the time you have to read this letter, but if it's not, then I'll be guiding you from where I am now so you can finish it by yourself. I guess that we'll be enough distraction for you, but if it's not, I'm sure Alice and your nephews can help you with that.
I think my work here is done. I still have other letters to write and as my almost child, I'm having some difficulty to let you go. But know that I'm not concerned about you, you're smart and your intuition will be a better guide than me. So listen to it. And stay closer to your mother, at least for now, she will need your help.
Live an amazing life, Betty Cooper. Wherever I am now, I'm proud of you.
Love, FP.
"I, I, I persist and resist the temptation to ask you
If one thing had been different
Would everything be different today?"
So, it's finally over.
And FP just quoted Taylor Swift because I just needed him to say the words that inspired me to write this story.
I'm about to get a little emotional but I can't help it.
This is the first story I've written in a long time, and the first I wrote in a language that wasn't mine.
I challenged myself with every chapter, and now, with more than 130K words, I can only feel proud of myself, even though I don't consider this work perfect. But I did it, and I'm just happy about it.
I tried to write the best ending for the characters we love so much, and even though I'm not watching Riverdale anymore, I'm glad with the way things happened here.
For those who left a comment, and I made sure to answer every single one of them, or subscribed, thank you ❤️ You have my forever gratitude since you showed some consideration for my work, and now that I'm on the other side, I know that writing a story that long is not easy.
And now, I say my goodbyes.
Tell me your thoughts about it, this is your last chance to comment on this story.
And if you're reading this in the future, don't forget to leave your a comment telling me what do you think.
See you on my next work ❤️