Hey everyone, sorry if this felt rushed... Half of it was. I'm sorry I was gone for a long while, I had some mental stuff going on as well as job problems. Enjoy this short filler chapter.
Chapter 73: Jellybean's Adventure!
Aria's POV
It was Saturday, a sunny and semi-warm day today, as I rang the doorbell of a familiar house. The door opened and was immediately greeted with a hug.
"Glad you could make it!" Jughead exclaimed happily.
Yes, I was at Jughead's house. This home was my third home, my second being Archie's at this point in my life. I smiled and hugged him back, happy to see him as well.
"Jughead, sweetie, you need to let Aria go." His mother, Mrs. Jones, said with a smile on her face.
He whined a little, but complied. I saw cute little Jellybean in her arms, who then noticed me and squealed before reaching towards me.
"Aiiaa. Aiiaa." She cried out happily, causing me to smile more. I went inside, reaching out and grabbing her before pulling her into a small hug.
"Hello little Jell-Bell." I say, using another nickname for her. She whined if anyone else called her that, but never with me. She hugged me, seemingly relaxed at this point.
"I'm sorry to call you out so early, but Mr. Jones is at work and Jughead and I have to go help Grandpa Jones today." Mrs. Jones explained to me with a smile.
"Oh, no worries. For Jellybean here, I'd drive miles to watch her." I say happily, but a glimmer of sadness sparked in my eyes for a moment.
Ever since the incident, I wasn't 'allowed' to babysit anyone anymore. It hurt so much, actually. I adored children, so not being able to babysit not only hurt my pockets, but my heart as well. I guess Mrs. Jones saw this because she told Jughead to wait outside a moment. Jughead complied, but not before kissing Jellybean's forehead then my cheek. Once alone, Mrs. Jones looked right at me.
"The parents' still don't trust you, do they?" She asked me softly. I frowned as I shook my head no.
"I don't blame them, though." I tell her. Honestly, I'd have a hard time trusting me, too.
"Well, if all goes well today, then I will try to convince the other parents again. After all, I trust you and Jughead still trusts you if he's still dating you. Plus, I'm sure Jellybean here would be panicking if you could still turn. Infants and animals are good at sensing danger at times." She tells me with a comforting smile.
I'm not sure about the infant part, but Jellybean was, and still is, very keen on people. She knew who she liked and who she didn't, even if she's still small.
"I suppose so." I say, still feeling down. Mrs. Jones placed her hand gently on my left shoulder, a gentle yet reassuring smile on her face.
I swear, this was something all good mothers were good at doing, this making children and teens feel comfort and safety.
"I promise I will get them to listen, even if I have to turn blue to do so. You are one of the most trustworthy people in this whole town, and one of the few I trust leaving Jellybean alone with for an entire day. I could barely trust Jughead to, and he's my own son." She tells me. This made me smile as I tried not to laugh at the last part.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jones. I promise, Jell-Bell's in good hands with me." I say to her, feeling confident in this.
"I know this, sweetie. Now, my number's on the fridge if you need to call me, there's food in the pantry and fridge, help yourself as usual here and you know where Jellybean's stuff is." She says to me.
I usually watch her for an hour or two, but this was going to be 8-10 hours. It was also a bit before 8 AM, very early for Jughead.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jones. I'm presuming the emergency numbers are in the drawer of the nightstand by the stairs?" I asked her, motioning behind here where an old fashion black phone laid, the kind with a spin style for dialing.
"Exactly. I also left you $25 in case you or Jellybean need anything." She tells me as she lets go of my shoulder. She then kisses Jellybean's forehead, causing the little one to giggle.
"And you, little Missy, be good for Aria." She says to her, causing Jellybean to nod yes.
I swear, this child was a genius. Then again, Jughead was one as well. Mrs. Jones smiled happily before leaving to her car, waving goodbye to us as Jughead had fallen asleep in the car. Once they left, I shut the door before looking down at the little angel in my arms.
"What should we do, Jell-Bell?" I asked her as she looked up at me with sparkling eyes and a smile.
This baby, at 6 months old, had me wrapped around her little finger and I think she knew it too. She made some sounds as she pointed to her right as best as she could. I looked to the left to see her play gate filled with toys.
"Oh, you wanna play?" I asked her. She laughed and clapped, her way of saying yes. I put her in the pin and off she crawled, she played with her toys as I set my bag down.
*Might as well do a bit of homework.* I thought as I pulled out my History textbook, notebook and a pen.
I would read a bit, look up and make sure she was alright, then read and write, rinse and repeat basically. This went on for two hours until I finished History, Science and Foreign Language studies. I went to pull out Math when Jellybean started crying. I sprung to her and picked her up.
"What's wrong, Jell-Bell?" I asked as I started comforting her. It took three seconds to understand it.
"Oh, changing time." I say as my face scrunched up a bit.
I had only changed her a small few times, but I would never get used to it. I quickly hurried to the upstairs where I did the whole process in her nursery. After all the ick, she was now all clean, in a clean diaper and giggling happily.
"Who's a happy baby?" I asked in a baby voice as I finished cleaning and sanitizing my hands.
She giggled happily as I re-dressed her in her pink onesie. It was a long sleeve one with 3 snowflakes on it and frills on the cuffs, but it had no legs on it. I put white pants on her, then white booties before picking her up. As I did, I heard a knock from the front door.
"Huh, I wonder who that could be?" I questioned as Jellybean gave a tiny shrug.
I swear, this child was a genius. I went downstairs as I heard another knock.
"Who is it?" I called out, not wanting to answer the door in case it was someone bad. Vinnie, for example.
"Aria, it's Reggie." I frantically heard. I was confused but decided to open the door.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him, still holding Jellybean.
"I went to your house, but you weren't there. I went to Archie's, but he said you were here." Reggie explained to me, seeming a bit frantic.
"Breathe Reg, what's wrong?" I asked him calmly. Was it an emergency?
"Please tell me you have notes from Science class." Reggie begged me.
Reggie and I had that class together, but no one else did. They had a different science class. I mean, Dilton and B.E. did, but at different times.
"What are you missing?" I asked him, feeling stupid for thinking it was serious.
"Just some of the middle. I really need it." Reggie begged me.
"Reg, you took notes. Why do you need mine?" I asked him.
Reggie looked around before pulling a notebook out from his backpack. He opened it and showed me. What I saw made me want to both aw and laugh. His niece, Amy, had doodled all over most of his notes with flowers, stick figures of them walking in the park, a random unicorn and other cute things. I was doing my best to hold it in, but Reggie saw the smile and pouted.
"Don't! Not. A. Word." He scolds me. I gulp down the laugh, took a breath, then moved aside.
"You can quickly copy my notes, but then you gotta leave." I tell him.
He was a bit shocked but thanked me heavily as he hurried to the living room. I set Jellybean in the play area, turned the TV on to Bear in the Big Blue House for her before sitting next to Reggie. I pulled my notes out from my bag, flipped through the pages until I found it, then handed it to him.
"Don't leave your stuff around for Amy to get to, alright?" I tell him.
"Thank you! You don't know how much of a lifesaver you are!" He tells me as he began copying my notes.
"Just behave, alright? One child is plenty for me right now." I tell him, but he either didn't hear me or ignored me as he focused on copying my notes.
I would check between Reggie and Jellybean to make sure both were good at times simplifying stuff for Reggie if he didn't understand something so he could have an easier time. Honestly, if Reggie was always like this, he'd be more tolerable and a better friend. It took him 20 minutes to finish everything.
"I can't thank you enough!" He exclaimed in joy.
"Reggie, don't exaggerate. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal." I tell him, taking back my notes and putting them away.
"Honestly, I'm just glad you've quit babysitting other kids, cause now I can ask for your help studying more." Reggie said as he put his notes away. I dropped my bag from what he said, causing him to look at me.
"I… I didn't quit." I tell him sadly before looking at him. It took him a moment before realizing what he said and what I meant.
"They still don't trust you?" Reggie asked me in shock. I only gave a simple nod before looking down.
"I can't blame them, not after what I did." I told him in sadness. All the looks, the bad feelings, the anxiety it's causing me is becoming too much.
*But I can't say that… Not to him.* I thought to myself.
"I mean, I get it. The only difference now is you've fixed things, you're working to earn the trust back, but their being stupid." Reggie suddenly said, causing me to look right at him in shock.
"Reggie, are you defending me? Like a friend would?" I asked him.
With how Reggie gets at times, I don't know if he's being genuine or being a womanizer and letting a woman hear what she wants.
"I mean it, as a friend I can't stand seeing you feel hurt anymore. I know, how 'bout I talk to my brother and sister-in-law about you watching Amy again? She adores you and you adore her. A Mantle's word can go a long way, ya know." Reggie offered to me.
"You mean it?" I asked him. I needed as much help as I could to earn trust back.
"Yeah, of course. We've all made mistakes, even I have, but we're all forgiven in the end. You're a forgiving person, always forgiving others, so why can't they take the time to forgive you this time?" Reggie questioned.
I couldn't help myself with what I did next, but I lunged and hugged him. I felt I was going to cry, but held it all in. He made a weird yelp from this, but I ignored it.
"Thank you, Reggie. I appreciate that so much. I wish you were like this a bit more, it's honestly the friend I need right now." I tell him as he slowly hugged back. He didn't say anything, but the hug ended quickly.
"If I did that, then the Mantle Charm won't work." He tells me jokingly, causing me to lightly smack his arm.
He them played hurt, causing me to laugh followed by his laughter. It honestly didn't feel real, but I knew it was. I think he knew how I felt, mostly because he's been in this kind of situation minus the turning into monster part. If anyone could understand me, it would be him.
I mean, Archie could, but people forgive him easily. Jughead could as well, but he's too relaxed and carefree to fully understand but still loves and supports me. Not even Betty and Veronica understand, nor the others. No, Reggie would be the closest person to understand me, right now.
"I do mean it, though. This real you, many girls would enjoy it. It's like Archie's attitude, but not his either. You'd be, naturally, second most popular. Just think on it, ok?" I asked him on it.
"Whatever you say." Reggie said sarcastically, but I saw his eyes get that look. The 'I'm thinking about it' look.
"Hey, I still have some Christmas shopping to do, why don't we go together?" He asked me.
See, it was now December time. I cheered at a few games so far, as well as working 2 nights a week for Pops, but thats it.
"I dunno, I gotta watch Jellybean." I say, using her as an excuse.
"It's fine, you can bundle her up and bring her with you. After all, fresh air is good for both of you." Reggie explained to me, making me shocked he was right. He saw the look and chuckled.
"I've watched Amy since she was born and helped out, so I know a thing or two." He confided in me.
"Reggie, there are days you surprise me. I think, minus the arrogance, you'd make a great dad… If you tell anyone I said this, I'll make you eat my fist." I warned him, but it didn't sound as intimidating as it usually did. I think he caught onto this, because he looked concerned.
"You feeling, ok?" He asked me, worry filled his voice.
"I'm fine." I lied to him; how could I tell him?
"Is it because you're not working much? Or is it because Veronica's father didn't hire you as an elf this year, but hired Archie as Santa?" He asked me, causing me to look down in sadness.
Both were true, but not being hired as an elf this year hurt the most. I didn't care if I got paid or not, I just wanted to work that job because it was fun.
"Listen, I don't want anything for Christmas, but why don't I buy the things you want to give to people and that be your gift?" Reggie asked me, causing me to look right at him. I saw, for a very rare instance, Reggie meant those words and was genuine!
"I couldn't, I'd feel-" I started, but Reggie put a finger on my lips to shush me.
"It's fine, Doll Face. You do a lot for everyone in this town, this is the least I could do besides being your friend and not flirting with you." He tells me with a fake arrogant smile, his eyes showing real happiness though. I moved his fingers and lightly laughed.
"I think being your friend is a curse, haha, but I'm happy still… And don't call me that." I say then lightly scold him, which made him smile a real smile.
"Just testing, but I don't think I can break that habit easily." He tells me, causing me to feel better.
"Ok, let me get stuff ready for Jellybean, then we can go. I can trust you to watch her for a couple minutes, right?" I asked him cautiously as I looked over at Jellybean, playing with a plush bunny I made her a long time ago.
"Of course!" He said eagerly, which made me smile. I turned and looked at her.
"If there is a scratch or anything on her because of you, I'll hurt you." I warn him, sounding more intimidating this time, before standing up and walking out to pack a small bag and set up the stroller for her.
Reggie's POV
As Aria left, I looked at Jellybean. She was cute, not as cute as Amy of course, but still cute.
*I hope Aria's doing alright.* I thought to myself, remembering how sad she was.
I kept telling Archie something was wrong with her, but he assured me she just needed time, space and support. From how she's looking though, she has me worried. She's lost some weight, but with long sleeved shirts and her jeans it's hard to notice, except with the crop tops. I could tell then, I can see when the sleeves hit her arms, but it surprises me Jughead hadn't noticed. He says she eats a lot, but I think she only does with him around. I know she says she's on a diet, but I think she's just about stopped eating.
The people around town are having a hard time trusting her, but at least the glares and dirty looks have stopped. They still whisper, but this will pass soon. Once another weird mystery effects the town, everything will blow over. It always does. Jellybean looked around, probably for Aria, until she spotted me.
"Hey there, Jellybean." I say to her. She huffed and looked away from me. Did she hate me? Already? New record: got a girl to hate me without using the Mantle Smile/Charm.
"Aw, come on. Already dislike me?" I asked her.
I was then hit in the face with a stuffed bear she had reached for. She grabbed the bear to hit me with instead of the bunny she had.
*Come to think of it, I think Aria made that for her.* I thought as I remember Jughead bragging about it.
"Don't throw your stuff, Forsythia." I tell her as I got up to grab her bear, but the moment I said her name, I lost balance and fell forward on my face with a thud. This caused Jellybean to laugh and clap at the sight.
"What happened?" I heard Aria call out to me.
"All good, I just lost balance and fell getting a toy, she's nowhere near me." I called out to her.
"Okay!" She called out as I got up.
"Huh, weird." I thought to myself, rubbing the cheek that took most of the blow as I looked at the bear, then to Jellybean, who held her bunny in her arms.
*Did… Did she… Naw, it was just a coincidence.* I thought to myself as I placed the bear back in her pin.
Her pin was a type or cage, like in Rugrats that took up 3-4 feet in a circle for her. I was told she's a crawler ever since she was 3 months old, though with finding out how smart Jughead, of all people, was one of the 4 smartest in our school, Aria, Betty and Dilton being the other three, it shouldn't surprise me. Though, to be fair, I thought Jughead was a fluke… Maybe not.
Aria's POV
After I got her stuff, as well as snacks and formula from the kitchen, I packer her stroller up before going to her with a jacket and shoes.
"Alright Jell-Bell, wanna go walkies and see Santa?" I asked her happily, causing her to look over at me and smile.
"Aiiiaaa!" She cried as she reached out for me, causing me to laugh.
"Why does she say that?" Reggie asked, curiosity getting to him.
"Because she can't say my name and that's the closest she can say to it." I tell him as I climbed into her pin. I put her shoes on first, then her coat before picking her up.
"Don't forget her hat and gloves" Reggie told me.
"Oh shoot, thanks. Can you get it from the closet, please?" I asked as I went over to her stroller.
"Sure thing." Reggie said as he went to the coat closet.
Mrs. Jones had set up a small dresser/nightstand with a few drawers to keep hats and gloves in for winter. Reggie picked out a white hat and pink cloves, powder pink, to match her winter coat as I put a semi-thin blanket on her legs.
"Thanks Reggie." I say as I took them.
"No problem, anything for you and Forsythia." He said as he went to open the door, but then tripped on the rug and hit the door. Jellybean giggled as I had put her hat down, gloves already on her at this point, to get to Reggie.
"Hey, you alright?" I asked him as I saw his cheek, that had been lightly pink, was against the door still, his face looked dazed.
"I'm fine." He said with a squished cheek before I helped him up.
"You sure, it's unusual you'd be this clumsy." I tell him, worried something was off.
"No, I'm fine. It's weird, though. This happened a second time I said her name." He tells me, rubbing his sore cheek.
"Oh, don't be silly. Now, I'm going to my car to put her in the back and such, could you fold the stroller up to set it?" I asked him as I put her hat on, buckled her in, then lifted the handle up to unlock it to lift and turn it into a carrier. I grabbed the bag from under, I had to test to see if it would fit or not, before placing the straps on my shoulder.
"Sure thing." He said happily.
He seemed off, but whatever. Help is always appreciated. I grabbed my keys, thankful I was wearing a black sweater with white snowflakes on it and black jeans for warmth, before heading to my car thanks to Reggie holding the door open for me.
Why can't he be like this more often?
I opened the back door, popped the trunk, then put the baby bag in the backseat floor before buckling Jellybean's seat down. After I did that, I triple checked it was secure before closing the door.
"All set when you are." I told Reggie just a few seconds before he closed the trunk.
"Ready, Doll." He says to me.
"Reggie." I lightly scold, but he only chuckled before we both got in the car.
As I was driving, Reggie tried Peek-A-Boo with Jellybean, who looked away with a huff. I saw it through the mirror and laughed.
"She really is a genius." I commented.
"Why's that?" Reggie asked, still trying to get her to laugh.
"Cause she knows not to like you." I say, a smug smile on my face.
"Hey.~" Reggie whined with a pout, causing him to give up and look forward. I only laughed.
"I'm only teasing. I'm sure, with time, she'll like you only a smidge, just like the rest of the gang." I tell him, still looking smug.
"Well thank you, that means a lo-" He started to say, then caught onto what I said. He went from happy, to mopey and irritated.
"Why do ya feel the need to do that?" He asked me in annoyance, which then made me laugh, hard.
"I'm sorry, but how could I not?" I asked through my laughter.
I guess it was infectious, cause Jellybean started laughing as well. Reggie pouted harder from this all the way to The Lodge Shopping Center. After setting things up the two of us went into the mall, while I pushed Jellybean in her stroller since she can't walk yet.
Reggie was being nice, something I felt was both nice and weird, but some of his comments would confirm he is him and not another robot. Archie was in the middle of the plaza, but more to the back instead of the front.
We got there and I was sad to see Veronica was an elf, looking annoyed at some of the kids. She wasn't perky, cheery or anything. She was flirty to 'Santa', but that's it. I felt pain but hid it as we went over.
"Hey, you two, mind if Jell-Bell gets a picture?" I asked sweetly, hiding the hurt I felt.
"Aw,~ sure thing!" Veronica said, taking Jellybean to put on Archie's lap.
Once there, Jellybean let out some giggles and claps in joy. Once Veronica, after a bit of difficulty, got the perfect picture I got my wallet out. Veronica came over and gave me the photo.
"No no, I'm not charging you. I can't do that to a friend." Veronica said sweetly to me. Everything felt off to me.
"You sure?" I questioned her, eying her suspiciously.
"I'm sure, trust me." She tells me before 'Santa' came over and handed me Jellybean.
"You've been extra good for many years; this is just a way to thank you." Archie said in a Santa tone, handing Jellybean a candy cane. I felt flustered, using my right hand to stroke my Elsa style braid, Jellybean in my left arm close to me. I could feel my fingers touch my fake silver and zirconium studded snowflake clips as I touched my braid.
"Thanks." I muttered, left hand lightly clutching the photo.
"Excuse me." I say softly, turning and rushing back to the stroller to strap Jellybean in.
She looked at me, giving me a quizzical look. It was as if she was asking if something was wrong. This child was smarter than most people, at least that's what it seemed.
"I'm okay, Jell-Bell." I whisper to her with a small smile.
I then placed the photo in her diaper bag, it was on the bottom of the stroller, as I tried to swallow down my sadness.
*Everything will get better soon… Right?* I thought to myself.
Veronica's POV
I was surprised to see Aria here, more-so with Reggie of all people. She was with sweet little Jellybean, Jughead's baby sister, which means she's babysitting.
*At least she's keeping busy.* I thought happily to myself. I've noticed she isn't chipper at cheer practice, not since the 'incident'. I've been worried, especially since she had stopped working at The Chock'litte Shoppe for a while. Honestly, the place hasn't been the same, but still enjoyable. She just seemed to make it more… Lively. I gave her the photo for free as a gift, knowing she might be low on cash, but she seemed very out of place. After she left, Archie-kins and I looked at Reggie.
"Are you trying to date my cousin again, Mantle?" Archie asked in a stern voice.
"What?! No! I've stopped that. I'm with her here because she needs to be outside." Reggie explained to him.
"Reggie, tell the truth." I say to him, having a hard time believing this.
"I mean it, she's not looking too well. Haven't you seen she's losing weight and paler?" Reggie whispered, point out her appearance.
*She did look a little thin, as well as more pale than usual...* I thought to myself.
"That's it?" Archie asked Reggie, eyebrow raised in suspicion. Reggie then sighed, showing defeat.
"Besides the fact she needs friends right now and she let me borrow her notes, I wanted to bring her here to Christmas shop. Look, I know, and you know, she's not working much. As a Christmas gift to her, I offered to buy everyone's gifts. Just don't tell her I told you." Reggie confessed. I was touched by his kindness, but then I felt sad.
*She'd be working as an elf again if Daddy wasn't so worried, she'd ruin business. I know she didn't mean it, we all do. This whole thing is just a lot for people to recover from, but they're almost there. More people just need to give a small step of trust towards her.* I thought sadly before I brightened up.
"I have an idea. Reggie, keep her busy, I'm going to talk to Daddy." I say before running off. I didn't like this job, anyhow. I knew Daddy was in the store today, so I hurried to where he was.
"Daddy!" I called out to him, causing him to look over towards me.
"Veronica, sweetheart, is everything alright? Did that Andrews boy do something wrong?" Daddy asked me with worry, a pinch of hate towards my Archie-kins.
"No Daddy, it's not Archie, it's his cousin Aria. She-" I started, but then he pulled me close.
"Is she here? Do you want security on her?" He asked, being protective.
"No, she's fine. I want her to have my job!" I nearly shouted. Daddy looked at me in shock before leading me to an employee room. He made sure we were alone before he gave me a stern look.
"Why do you want her to have your job?" He asked me, folding his arms in disappointment.
"Daddy, I hate this job. I hate it, hate it, hate it! The only good thing is being with Archie-kins, but I'm not happy at all. Aria's a good elf, heck a fantastic elf! You said so yourself!" I told him, crossing my arms and giving him the same look he's giving me.
"She's a monster." Daddy tells me.
"It wasn't her fault, you know this! A cure came late, she didn't know what she was doing until later, she's been sorry ever since. Daddy, she's normal now." I tell him, arms unfolded and moving as I explain.
"She's an Andrews, she's not normal." He insulted.
"How can you be like this? No one is really giving her a chance! I trust her, I know her, so why can't you?" I asked him.
"No one will come if she's here!" He raised his voice to me.
"She's shopping here now, no one is bothered with her! Everyone's just unsure how to get over this completely!" I raise my voice right back at him. I always get what I want, no matter what.
"Veronica, sweetheart, this is a business and-" He started but I put up my hand.
"How's business been with that Santa area, then?" I questioned him, knowing as well as him it isn't going well.
"That's not important-" He started, but then I cut him off.
"It is if you really want me to take over. Betty's helped me do my research, I understand somethings with this business. I want Aria hired instead of me. She's better with kids, as well as parents, she's good at photos and she's wonderful to be around! If you, someone important, can give her a job and show good will, especially because it's the season, then others will follow suit and trust her. Daddy, she's not doing well. She's locked herself up more often, she's depressed, she's pale and lost some weight from what I'm told and have seen. Daddy, she needs this, she needs something to help her recover. Please Daddy, not just for her, but for me?" I asked, batting my lashes sweetly.
He knew if I did this and he still says no, then a massive tantrum I shall throw. Daddy blink, trying to resist my puppy eyes, but he finally sighed.
"I suppose you win, Veronica. But, if sales deplete or the Santa Photo Station starts to plummet or even one valid complaint, then she's fired. Not only that, but damage control is your responsibility as Santa's Photo Station Manager." He then tells me, making me smile and hug him tightly.
"Oh, thank you Daddy!" I say happily, kissing his cheek before running off. I had to find Aria and tell her the good news! No more yucky green elf costume for me!
Aria's POV
I had gone back to the boys, pushing Jellybean along, but I noticed Veronica was gone. Archie claimed she went to the bathroom, so I shrugged. After a couple minutes, I reminded Reggie of the shopping. Now we were walking around a random aisle, I think it was clothing since there were many dresses in different colors standing out with women surrounding them.
"See anything interesting?" Reggie asked me.
"Not really, but sometimes is good to just walk and see, sometimes the best stuff will catch your eye immediately." I tell him, keeping an eye out for anything.
"Who are you starting with?" Reggie asked me casually, eying around as well.
"Not sure, but I'll know when I find it. Question, do I have a people limit?" I asked him, curios if there was one.
"Not really, you can get one gift to everyone on your list." He tells me, causing me to look at him but he was still looking around.
*That's too much, though. Unless I keep it in a certain price limit.* I thought as I decided to budget better than usual. After all, even though it's Reggie, I could never in good conscious take advantage of him. I spotted a sweater Betty would like, making a beeline for it. I was happy to see a small discount and the last one in her size.
"You think Betty will like it?" I asked Reggie, who had zipped over to me.
"For Betty? It's cute, so yes." He tells me, actually trying to think and imagine her in it as well as trying to be a good, thoughtful friend.
"I think so, too." I say as I look at a red sweater, not a button up but a nice winter one that had a tiny, cute satin bow on the center of the U-shaped collar. It looked handmade, so it was her style. I put it in the cart Reggie was pushing before we carried on. Jellybean was giggling a bit, hugging her bunny.
"Aw,~ you love that bunny, huh?" I asked her in a baby voice. She giggled more as she nodded yes. I then spotted a science book for Dilton.
"Could you watch her a minute?" I asked Reg.
"Sure thing." He tells me. I was now reaching for the book as I heard Reggie trying to make Jellybean laugh. She was silent, though.
*Poor Reggie, she really doesn't like him.* I thought to myself.
"Come on, one little smile Forsythia." I heard Reggie ask. Just as I grabbed the book on a high shelf with me on my tippy toes, I heard something fall behind me.
I turned and gasped. Reggie was now under a pile of books, one arm poking out and fingers twitching. I heard Jellybean laughing as I hurried over to help Reggie.
"Are you alright?" I asked him, worried he was hurt.
"I'm fine Doll Face, but I'm telling ya her name's cursed. Every time I say her name, something bad happens to me." He tells me. I mean, this time wasn't much of a coincidence.
"Maybe you bumped the shelf?" I questioned him, trying to be logical.
"Nope, no way." Reggie says to me, 100% confident.
"Well, we should clean up still." I say, beginning to place the books away after putting the book I'm getting in the cart. Reggie sighed but began helping me. After 5 minutes, the aisle was now clean. We nodded at how it looked before taking the cart/stroller off to another aisle.
"I will admit, it's weird, but it might be nothing." I assure Reggie. He only sighed but didn't bring it up again. We continued like this for a while, I'm checking off my list mentally and calculating the prices as well. Reggie was great help, which was nice.
"Reggie, I'm not letting you pay for your gift. I have some money, so I'll get it another time." I tell him as I saw him eying a few gadgets.
"Doll, it's okay, I don't need anything." He tells me, though I could tell he didn't really mean it. I looked around and saw eyes on me, making me feel self-conscious once more.
"Well, let's at least get Jellybean here a gift! I mean, she's your boyfriend's sister after all. It's very nice of you to watch her, by the way." Reggie said kinda loudly, causing me to look at him. He winked at me and pointed his eyes to the ladies that looked my way. I looked with my eyes and saw the older women looking away in shame/embarrassment.
"Thanks, Reggie." I say softly to him, a smile creeped onto my face.
"Let's keep moving, people like them deserve to be called out like that." He tells me as he quickly guided me to the toy aisle. Jellybean looked around as I felt my stomach tighten.
*Man, why do I feel sick?* I thought to myself.
"You okay? You look a little sick." Reggie asked me, then made the comment. Was he psychic now?
"Yeah, maybe a bit hungry, but I'm fine." I tell him, maybe it'll make him not question it.
"When was the last time you ate? I mean, you usually eat later after a snack, so this is odd for you to be hungry right now." Reggie tells me, causing me to get a creeped out look on my face.
"Whether you know it or not, you're a creature of habit. Most of what you do is predictable." Reggie pointed out, causing me to relax a bit.
"Oh, I guess I am. Well, I think I ate this morning? Yeah, yeah I did. I had a banana and a smoothie." I say as I lied about what I ate. I then heard Jellybean fuss, causing me to check on her. I picked her up and realized she needed a changing and to be fed.
"I'm sorry, Reg. I need to change her, so could you make a quick bottle for me? There's warm water in the thermos and it's 1 part formula, 2 parts water." I say as I grabbed the bag, took out the bottle parts and showed him the already measured out powder in a bag and such.
"Can do." He said before I hurried off to the bathroom, Jellybean was getting ready to start wailing any second. As soon as I got inside and lowered the changing table, Jellybean let out a siren type wail. I felt my ears hurting as I sanitized the area first.
"I know baby, I know. I'm hurrying." I say to her, trying to calm her before setting her down. I heard a couple stalls open as I undressed her.
"It's ok, you'll be clean and fed in no time." I tell her, then booped her nose.
Once I did that, she stopped and blinked a few times. Sometimes, she'd stopped for a moment, other times she wails once more. I quickly got her diaper off before she started her, not so loud this time, siren wails. I disposed of the diaper, cleaned her up, then powdered before a clean diaper. As soon as she's dressed, all tears stopped, siren wails turned to giggles and her red face was back to normal and smiles. I quickly washed my hands before picking her up, causing her to giggle more.
"Feel better, now?" I asked her. She nodded happily, clapping her hands as well as I picked up the bag. I saw two ladies in here, drying their hands as they gave me glances.
"I'm sorry she was loud, babies tend to be. Thank you for being patient with us. I don't get to babysit her often." I lightly rambled to them, feeling anxious.
"Oh, don't worry about it. You two are fine." The older one of the two said, possible in her 70's. The second one was in her 40's. I have seen them in town a few times, but that's it.
"It's nice to see teens babysitting the new generation." The lady in her 40's said before they left, smiles on their faces.
I blinked in surprise, was most of the stares I felt just in my head? The way they treated me felt nice, something I hadn't felt in a while. I shrugged, a smile on my face as I came out. Reggie was there, bottle ready for Jellybean. I grabbed the bottle before feeding her the formula. I know she needed more, but the bottle was first then the snacks. I then put her in the stroller, causing her to stop drinking a bit.
"Aaak." She cooed out.
"Ok, snack it is." I say with a smile, reaching into her back and pulled out a small baggie of cheerios.
"You understood her?" Reggie asked me.
"It's not difficult, not if you're around them enough. Wasn't it like that with you and Amy?" I questioned him, handing her the tiny opened baggie. No, it's not big enough for her to suffocate.
"Well, sure. I mean, I knew some things." He tells me, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. I giggled at this.
"Reggie, I wish you'd show more of this you. It's a wonderful side, it really is. You don't need to be arrogant to show off." I tell him with a smile. I think he's blushing, but I couldn't fully tell as he turned and looked away with a pout.
"No, I'm fine. Anyways, we should finish now that Forsythia's quiet." He tell me, but just before anything there was a thud.
I covered my mouth when I saw one of the plastic display nutcracker heads fell off and right onto Reggie's head, wearing it like a mask as he struggled to remove it. I rushed over and helped him out of it, causing him to gasp/sigh in relief.
"Okay, that was weird." I say to him, putting the head down on the floor.
"See?! Her name is cursed!" Reggie nearly yelled out.
"I think it could be, but only for you it seems. Maybe she dislikes you so~ much, her name makes bad things happen to you." I jokingly theorized.
"See! At least you agre-" He started then stopped when he saw my face, the 'I'm messing with you' face I tend to give.
"Why do ya feel the need to do this." Reggie said rather than asked, slumping his shoulders in defeat.
"Reggie, as weird as it is, I doubt that's the reason why." I explain to him, doing my best to assure him. Before saying more, Veronica bolted to us.
"There you are." She said, hunched over as she tried to catch her breath.
"Is something wrong? Is Archie okay?!" I panicked, wondering if he was hurt.
"No no, he's fine, everything's fine." Veronica panted out. I relaxed from her words.
"What's up?" Reggie asked her.
"Good news Aria, starting tomorrow you can work here!" She tells me in a joyful tone.
"I, um, wha?" I sputtered out.
"In truth, I hate this job. This green isn't my color at all! I convinced Daddy to give you the elf job back, but I'll be your boss." She tells me, causing my jaw to drop.
"Is that why you went to talk to your Dad?" Reggie asked her, causing me to look at him, mouth still open from shock.
"Well, yeah. She's better than me in this area, plus she looks cuter as an elf then me. It's a week trial, but it's a job. A job you enjoy!" Veronica tells me. After a few seconds I hug her tightly.
"Thank you, thank you so~ much!" I tell her, trying not to cry. I didn't want to ruin my smoky eye look over tears. She hugged me back.
"You're my friend, I'm going to help you when I can." She tells me before we let go. She was a great friend. She said bye to us before hurrying back to work, followed by the three of us continuing our shopping day.
"I'll pay you back." I told Reggie, but he shook his head no.
"Don't worry about it, I did say this was my gift to you." He tells me with a smile.
"I know, but I still feel bad." I tell him, feeling shy about it.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were falling for me." He tells me in a cocky tone.
"Moment ruined, Mantle. Moment ruined." I told him, causing him to laugh. We soon made it out the door and to my car.
"Thanks Reggie, I got everyone except yours, my Dad's, Veronica's and Archie's gift." I say to him as I buckled Jellybean's seat into my car.
"No problem, glad to help." He said as he shut my trunk. I got out of the back, but stopped for a minute.
*I feel dizzy.* I thought before falling on my butt.
"Hey! You okay?!" Reggie exclaimed in a slight panic, rushing over to me.
"Yeah, just slipped is all." I lied to him.
"Why don't I drive?" He tells me, helping me up off the ground.
"I'm fine." I try to tell him, but he shook his head no.
"Nope, not taking the chance." He tells me, guiding me to my passenger side. I wanted to protest, but I heard Jellybean in the back. I realized if I had been driving, I could've hurt her.
Or worse!
I sighed in defeat before Reggie got me all buckled to my seat. We were off in a minute, driving away from the plaza as I looked out the window.
"You didn't actually eat, did you?" Reggie asked me, causing me to stiffen up.
"You think I haven't noticed your weight loss? Veronica noticed it, too. You don't have to tell me what's going on, but at least tell me the truth. Did you eat?" He asked me, voice full of concern. I didn't want to answer him, I really didn't.
"I won't ask any questions, I won't pry, I just need to know if you ate today." He tells me in a calm voice.
"No, I didn't." I say to him, voice meek and quiet. I could feel him judging me, it felt awful.
"Okay, I know what to do." H tells me, turning the heat on for me.
I didn't understand until he stopped. He left the car running, but got out and went off somewhere. I didn't have much strength as I closed my eyes, trying to let the dizziness pass. Reggie was soon back, the smell of food hit my nose causing my eyes to open. He then handed me a bad and a large drink. I recognized it quickly from Pops' place.
"You should eat, I got you a milkshake to get your blood sugar up again. I'm sure that's why you fell." He tells me before driving off.
I looked in to see two double cheese burgers and an extra large fry bundle. The milkshake looked like chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles on it. I took three sips of the milkshake, then took two fries out to eat, then a sip of the milkshake once more before we arrived. Reggie got Jellybean out and in the house, most likely her play pin, then he helped me get in.
"Reggie, I'm fine." I tell him as he sits me down on the couch.
"I know I said no questions, no prying, but I need to know what's happening to you?" Reggie asked me in a serious tone, taking a seat right next to me and having me look right at him. I wanted to tell him the truth, I really did, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
"I was running late coming here, so I didn't eat breakfast. I was going to make a snack, but then you came over and then shopping, so I kinds just… Forgot." I tell him with a shrug. I hated lying, but the truth would've hurt more.
"Have you been skipping meals lately?" He asked me in a serious tone.
"Once a week if my last meal was too big, or I portion everything." I tell him, a lie of omission is what it's called.
"Just be careful, alright? You could get very sick if you do that, or worse." Reggie gently scolds/comforts me.
"I'm sorry, I'll be careful." I tell him with a smile, my heart hurting from what I told him. He looked at his watch and frowned.
"It's past 2pm already, I need to head out. Thanks again for the notes." He tells me with a smile.
"Sure thing, Reggie. Thanks, for everything." I tell him with a smile, a real one. Reggie left, locking the door behind him, before I sighed.
"I shouldn't let it go to waste." I thought before I took a bite of the burger.
Tears flowed from my eyes as I started devouring my food, bite by bite and sip by sip until there was nothing left. I dried my eyes, not fully caring about my make up right now, as my body and mind began to feel better.
*I wish I could've told him the truth.* I thought to myself, a sigh escaped my lips as I turned the TV on for Jellybean.
I cleaned up, did the basics for Jellybean, played with her a bit, made dinner for The Jones and soon enough they came home. Mrs. Jones and Jughead came inside, greeting me and Jellybean happily. Mrs. Jones was surprised to see an extra clean home and food on the table for them.
She invited me to stay, but I declined and explained I needed to get home. Jughead walked me to my car, to which I kissed him goodbye, before driving home. I went inside and my house was empty once more, making me sigh. I went tot he answering machine and checked the message we had.
"Hey Song Bird, it's Dad. Listen, it's taking a bit longer than I thought for this trip, but I'll be back home in two days. I put money in your account if you need it for an emergency, I love you." I heard before it beeped.
I deleted the message with a sigh before trudging up the stairs. Once I was inside, I just flopped on my bed.
*When can I feel normal again?* I thought before falling into a dreamless slumber.