The Yearly 365 Challenge

Prompt #170 (Dialogue) - "Take My Hand"

"I have always known that you hadn't fully forgiven me for going into the closet with Archie; at Cheryl's house party; Betty. But I never thought that you would take your revenge in quite this fashion." Veronica's eyes looked at Betty in a cold indifference. "But I should have realized that even a sweet; and meek person such as you can turn out to be a snake. A cold deadly snake."

Tears shined in Betty's blue green eyes. "You don't think that I don't regret my mistake. You don't think I can't forgive myself for not just hurting you; but also Juggie. Neither one of you deserved what I did."

Veronica breathed in deeply. "I have to give you credit through; at least you confessed to what you and Archie did." Her hands squeezed tightly against her arms. "Archie would never admit to sleeping with you in the bunker ... not when i went to confront him with it." Her anger against the ginger haired teen rose. "At least you value me as a person enough to tell me to my face that you willing cheated with Archie."

"Is there ever a way that we can ..." Betty broke off.

"You and I are fated to be best friends; Betty Cooper. There is no way that I'm going to fight fate." Veronica husked out. "I'm not going to hold this against you ... I'll be able to work past the hurt. I still fully trust you." Her lips thinned. "Like I said I fully expected you to pay me back for my betraying your trust back in the very beginning. Now that it has happened ... I no longer have to wait."

Betty's eyes lowered.

"How's Jughead taking this?" Veronica couldn't help but ask.

Betty tightened. "Not good. I broke his trust. Not only did I break his heart. I broke his trust." Her eyes lifted. "I destroyed not only our friendship and trust ... but I willing destroyed his relationship with Archie. I single handed managed to tear away his brother from him."

"You aren't the only one whom is guilty here; Betty." Jughead's rough voice spoke from the right of the two teenage girls. "Archie very willing slept with you also. He shares equal guilt for betraying not only me but Veronica."

Betty turned around to face the tall beanie wearing teen. "I'm so sorry Juggie." She husked out tears falling freely down her cheeks.

"What Veronica said to you goes for me also." Jughead spoke after a few moments of silence. "It's going to take time ... but I refuse to lose you or Archie from my life. I refuse to allow this unthinking and hurtful act to destroy what us three had in our friendship. I refuse to lose my family." His eyes shorn with unshed tears. "I'll take time ... and alot of effort ... but we can remain close as we have been."

Betty wrapped her arms across her waist as she tied to make herself as small as possible.

Veronica held out her hand; "Take my hand B."

Betty looked at the hand and then up into Veronica's eyes. She read the truth in the brunette's eyes; and slowly reached out to place her palm gently over Veronica's palm. She breathed in relief as Veronica covered the back of her hand with her fingers. She felt the warmth that had always been in Veronica's touch against her skin.

Veronica gently pulled Betty forward. Her eyes look deeply into the blue green ones. "I refuse to lose you B." She husked.