Chapter 22- Baby Blooms
Two weeks after Alice's Cravings fest. Things started to slow down. Her and Fp said they didn't want anything too over the top. And what did Veronica, Betty and Cheryl do? They did the complete opposite. They wanted a low key gender reveal party. With maybe a 30 people or less. As her daughter and Veronica and Cheryl listed the party ideas. Alice wanted to put in her ear buds and escape. She didn't want to hear the ideas. She frankly didn't care. She wasn't the mom to be like all party hungry.
Alice looked over at her calendar in her office a thought came to mind. Betty and Veronica knew the gender. It was driving her crazy. It wasn't fair they knew before her. Her appointment was yesterday. The doctors predicted around October. She was excited beyond belief.
A knock on the door, stirred her away from thoughts. To her surprise it was Jughead. She wondered why he was there. "I figured you wanted to see Cheryl become of us. I borrowed Archie's truck. I can sneak you in." Jughead said as he led her through the back hallway their new house.
They quickly got into Archie's truck and drove to Sweetwater. The drive was short. Her and Jughead had created a bond that nobody understood. They knew it confused Fp and Betty. He pushed the door open and walked around to open the door for her. His dad always said treat them like a gentlemen. So that's what he was doing. He helped Alice out of the truck and they waddled to the hidden tree.
Cheryl couldn't believe it was the day. She had been preparing for days and even months. She was ready to show what she had. Instead of keeping a secret. She told Betty and Toni first. Betty told she was okay with it. Toni on the other hand was a little more hesitant about the idea. But Fp reassured her that Cheryl wasn't being exploited in anyway and it was perfectly safe. That made Toni much more secure. She didn't like that her girlfriend had to do the sexist tradition. But when it was brought to her attention that it was different. There was no Serpent dance. Then she felt a lot better about the idea.
Toni approached Cheryl just before she went on stage. She wanted to make sure Cheryl was for sure about this. She didn't want Cheryl to regret her decision. "Are you sure about this? Once you join. You'll have want to die for us." She asked as she voiced her concerns. Cheryl nodded her head and then kissed her softly before making way on stage.
First she had to recite the laws. That didn't seem hard. She had been already doing that for weeks. And she had them all memorized in the back of her brain. Once she recited all the laws. Her next task was the knife throwing. She grabbed the knife and gripped the handle as she swung in back and it hit right in the center. She didn't even miss the bullseye. She hit smack dab right on it. The crowd erupted with cheers and shouts as she threw all six knifes at the target. After she finished, She was allowed to fly some arrows. She grabbed her archery bow into her hands. She put the arrow on and extended her arm full length back and it speared into the bulleye. And that was the same for every one.
After she completed all the tasks it was time for the real one. Sweet Pea stood up in front and she had to go through a line of stings and pounds before she got to Sweet Pea. The pain was agonizing as she finished. She was in such pain. But it was worth it. She had a family and a family that finally accepts for her and what she is. "Cheryl!" Jughead cheered as she came on stage. He placed a red serpent jacket on her and she flipped her hair up as it fell just right back down. She looked around to see Toni clapping for her and that was what meant the world to her.
After the test was over Fp came to her and helped bring some hydrogen peroxide for her wounds. He felt bad for the pain that was caused. He didn't like seeing girls get hurt. It was almost stomach churning to think that could be his little girl. It was already hard enough for him to have his son be a serpent. But if his daughter did too? He wasn't sure how he would handle it. He was just looking forward to the gender reveal party later. He couldn't wait to find out what he was having.
Alice was impressed by Cheryl's ability. She heard from her daughter about her shooting Hal in the arm. And damn that girl had skills. She and Jug ate burgers behind the hidden tree. She could still see everything going on. But then Jughead had to go. She watched him head over to the stage. She felt her eyes blur as she watched Cheryl receive her jacket. And that look on Cheryl's face was enough to make her cry. Damn emotions she mentally cursed as she bit into the burger. She was starving and was turning out to be like Jughead. Not she minded. She and Jughead became very close over the past two weeks.
Fp was standing by the river and got a glimpse of someone. He couldn't believe who he saw. He started walking over to the tree and peaked behind. And that's when he saw Alice sneaking burgers and watching from behind. He cleared his throat and Alice looked up with a guilty expression on her face.
"I know. I know. I was supposed to be working. But Jughead took me out here to see Cheryl. Please don't be mad." She explained frantically as she stood up, brushing the grass off her legs.
Fp just stood there with a grin on his face. He was nowhere close to being mad. He was actually very happy she came. He started chuckling at the look on her face. "Alice. Shh! It's okay. I'm not mad. I'm actually very happy you came. I missed my Serpent Queen." He stated calmly as he cupped her cheek in his hands and drew her lips close.
All a sudden Alice felt like she was losing the battle. He was just too powerful. She finally gave into his lips and their lips collide. After a little too much fun, Alice was left breathing breathlessly as they stayed next to the hidden tree. Alice smirked as she watched Fp take a bite of Jughead's burger. She knew Jughead wouldn't be happy. "Ehm." Then they heard a cleared throat behind them.
They turned their heads around to face who was making the noise and there was Jughead arms crossed across this chest and an annoyed look on his face. Alice slowly stood up and calmed him. "Jug, I was going to yell at him. I promise." Jughead looked her in the eyes and sighed. He believed her.
"Well, I was coming over, cuz I saw my dad and Betty said that she's ready for you to come by for the party." He informed the couple as he took the burger back. He looked down and saw someone took a bite. "Dad! That's not fair! Get your own!" He complained as he walked away. Alice smirked at Jughead and then faced Fp with a look.
"Yeah! Get your own!" She teased as she followed Jughead to Archie's truck.
She left Fp there thinking to himself. What was he going to do with women? She was right she was a lot to handle. But he sure can handle her.
As They pulled up into the driveway, Alice glanced at the house and sighed as Jughead helped her out. She really appreciated him being there for her. Before heading inside she was met by Fp. He looked as nervous and excited as she was. Their hands joined together and they braced themselves for the surprise. Will they be having a girl or a boy? The timing was ticking like a clock. They were both anxious as they walked in the house. Their eyes went wide as they saw the Abundance of balloons hanging from the ceiling. As they continued their journey around baby wonderland. They saw little onesies with little baby cubs on them. Alice's eyes water from the explosion of happiness running through her body. She squeezed his hand as they headed into the backyard.
In the backyard, Betty was standing on front porch with a box. Fp and Alice both knew the gender of their baby was hidden in that box. Alice was half tempted to sneak a peak. But Fp caught the look and pulled her gently away from the box and seated them at the decorated table in the back. Hermonie and Fred came in through the back gate with two medium sized bags in their arms as they walked over to the table where the gifts and presents were lined up. They were lined up because Betty wanted them in order. Which Alice or Cheryl didn't care about.
Cheryl arrived short after in her new polished red Serpent jacket and knee high black combat boots as she pushed a stroller. Alice's eyes went wide when she saw the stroller. It was perfect. And then tears sprung from her eyes. Fp noticed and swiped the fallen tears from her eyes with his thumb and kissed her lightly as Cheryl approached them. Alice pulled herself together and blinked. Cheryl noticed the tears and instantly got worried.
"Is it the wrong color? I'm so sorry. I thought you would like purple. It's a lilac color." Cheryl sad with a worried look.
Alice noticed that she had given Cheryl the wrong idea. She slowly got out of FP's lap and over to Cheryl. "No, no. It's perfect, Cheryl. It's just I'm very emotional. My doctor said I will be like this until I give birth." She informed as tears rolled again. Cheryl sighed and wrapped her arms around her.
"Oh Yeah, Betty mentioned you might be like this. I'm glad you like your gift." She smiled as they hugged.
As the party kicked into action. Fp saw Fred come up to the microphone and smiled in Fp's direction. Fp knew that look when he saw him. What did he have planned. "Fp, is it true you were in a play once?" He asked as walked up to him. The crowd gasped as his face grew red. Oh he was going to get him back for that. He stood up and glared. "Yes. What's the point?" Fred's grin just grew as he played the video on the protector.
The video showed him practicing his lines. Fp sat back down in his seat and hid his face with his hands the best he could. Cheryl was actually impressed by Fp's talent. She didn't know he was in a musical. Alice giggled as she saw him sing. She knew he wasn't keen on singing. It was adorable.
When the torture was over. Everyone was gathered by the table after eating some lunch slash dinner. Sloppy joes and fries with a side of potato salad. Was there an option for a boy or a girl? Alice couldn't wait any longer. She needed to know. It was killing her not to know.
Betty came into the view carrying a cake. More importantly it was blue. Then she looked closer. Was that was she seeing? Fp looked to and a cheesy smile marked his face. It was in a shape of a Snake. He felt his eyes tearing up. He was having another boy. He couldn't be more happy. He wrapped his arms around her waist and felt the baby kick. His baby boy. Their son. Jughead grinned when he saw the impresses looks on their faces. He and the Serpents secretly had been planning that for months. It was the original idea. No matter what the gender. They knew since they were both Serpents at one time. His father still helped out when he was needed. They turned the cake around for everyone else to see and they shouted. "It's a boy!" They chanted as they grabbed a chair for Alice to sit.
Not everyone was happy. Jellybean wasn't liking the idea of having a another brother. Sure this time it would be a little one. But She wanted to have a little sister. Fp looked over at the frowning little girl and walked over to her. "What's the matter princess?" He asked as he looked her in the eyes to figure out what was bothering her.
A pout stayed in place and she crossed her arms. "I wanted a sister." She muttered as she looked down. He lowered his eyes and sighed. He knew Jellybean always wanted a sister. He remembered her yelling and throwing a tantrum when Jughead wouldn't let her dress him up in girly clothes. He did feel bad for his son. He once had to wear a Cinderella dress just to keep her from breaking his transformers.
"Princess." He began as he walked over to garden and sat them down on the bench. Her arms were still crossed and he could foresee an argument coming. "I'm sorry. But that's not how it works." He explained slowly as she rolled her eyes. Oh boy he knew the teenager years would be a blast.
Betty noticed the look on the little girl's face and snuck over to them. "What's going on, Jel?" She asked startling Fp a little. "Oh I'm sorry, Fp. I didn't mean to scare you." She apologized softly. He scoffed. No he wasn't scared.
"I was not." He scoffed as he avoided eye contact.
"Oh please. You jumped two feet in the air." She giggled. Jellybean giggled and stuck her tongue out. "It's true daddy." She joined in on the fun. She did really like Betty. She was the sister she never had. Fp rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at the two girls.
"Whatever I—" He was interrupted. "Fp! I want cake and your son won't let me." He heard Alice call for him. He wanted to yell at Jughead. "Jughead give her some." She chucked. "No your other son." Fp huffed as he left the girls and went over to Alice.
When he got there. He saw Sweet Pea and Fangs. "Fogarty! Sweet Pea. Give her cake!" He ordered, clicking his tongue.
Sweet Pea and Fangs put their hands up in surrender. "Jones. She was taking the whole cake." Fangs whined as he looked down with a sad frown. Oh boy. It was going to be a long Cravings period.
"Alice, the whole cake, Sweetie. You can't be that hungry. It's like you have —" He stopped mid-sentence when Alice glared at him and he gave in. He turned to the boys. "I'm sorry. I don't want to lose my manhood." Alice grinned at the boys.
Jughead heard the whole thing and knew that this was going to happen. So he made Betty ordered three just in case. He pulled Fangs and Sweet Pea along and showed them the cake. Fangs and Sweet Pea were happier. They finally had some sugar. Now it was just time to keep her occupied long enough not to realize that were two more cakes. He remember the look on the bakery's face when he told them that they needed three same exact cakes. It was priceless. He wished he got a picture.
Later it was time for presents. Alice sat down in her chair with her name written in cursive. She picked up a small box. She carefully tore the wrapping paper off the box and revealed the top off. It was a small black jacket. Her eyes welled up as she held the article of clothing in her hands. She flipped it on the back and saw it said "Little Snake." She cooed in happiness as she held it up proudly. Fp watched the jacket shine with the small embezzling and wiped a tear off his cheek. Alice looked over at him and smiled as she kissed his cheek.
Next she was handed a card. She opened the card and her smile grew wider. It was from Toni. And it was a sonic gift card. She stood up quickly and hugged her tightly before returning to the gifts. Go glanced down at the gift card and mentally groaned. Another trip to Centerville was up ahead. The rest of the presents went by smoothly. It didn't take them long to open all the gifts. Fp excused himself to the bathroom. Alice opened Betty's gift. A onesie with a penguin. And then she opened the bag. Hermonie smirked as she watched Alice's face. A bottle of red wine. She knew it was for after the baby. She couldn't be more thankful.
As Alice picked up the next gift. She looked down and saw one thing she never imagine. There he was on one knee asking for him to marry. Fp stayed on his knee as he watched her eyes water. Those tears he knew were happy tears.
He slowly opened his mouth and took a deep gaze.
" Alice, I've loved you longer than your love for bricks. Okay maybe I will be second place. But in my mind you will always be my first. I can't wish for you to spend the rest of our lives together. What do you say? Be my queen until we are no longer alive and even then be my queen as we race our bikes in the heaven streets?" He asked as his hands stood steady with the red box opened.
She threw her arms around him. "Yes. I'll be your forever queen. I'm here to stay." She squealed as he spun her around and then setting her back down on her feet. He slid the ring on her finger and cupped her cheeks.
The night just was beginning. Their journey was far from over. Fp and Alice knew their lives together were just getting set into their places. Jughead cheered as he held Betty in his arms. Betty couldn't stop smiling at the look on her mother's face. The look of happiness. Something Betty never saw on her mother. She wished she knew about the unfortunates of her mother's unhappy marriage. Polly was nuts and her father was a serial killer. Betty knew about the proposal for weeks. She and Jughead discussed that it was time for both their parents to finally be happy. Jughead was happy for his father. His mother was dead. She kidnapped him and held him in a car. And almost killed him. He knew crazy ran in the family. What caused her to act like that? He would never know. His father said it could've been a mental disorder. But that would forever be unknown. It was time to focus on the positives and reject the negatives. He was going to have a little brother. He was going to protect his little brother for the monsters outside. And he would do it at any costs.
Little did the family know. Another chaos was about to rip their lifes apart. And it wasn't just them who would be affected. Cheryl and Toni. Penny was in prison for attempted murder and Hiram was dead. There were other enemies still out to get them.