No one ever said that it would be this hard

Chapter 34

♾ Betty ♾

During the past few days, Jug and I barely talked but that was mostly because he was sick, basically just laying in bed and sleeping most of the time. So when he was downstairs today to join me for breakfast, I was a little bit surprised. He didn't eat much though, I wrote it off as him still being sick. He didn't look good either to be honest.

"How are you feeling today? Are you better?" I asked after breakfast. Jughead was doing the dishes, like he usually did even though I told him that I could do it but he refused, saying he wanted to and that he didn't have a problem with it. He just hummed, giving me a thumbs up.

"That's good, I'm glad. So... Veronica invited me to stay over for today. And I was thinking of saying yes. I wanted to ask you first though because I didn't know how you are holding up" and I didn't want to leave him alone if he really was still sick.

"I'm good, so, uhm go ahead, I guess"

"This is not because of you, yeah? It's just that Veronica and I haven't seen one another in a while, not to forget because of us, you know?"

"Yeah I know"

"So you agree?"

"Yes, sure. Go to Veronica. I'll be fine. Don't worry" I hesitated, though then nodded, getting out my phone to text Veronica and say that I would come later today.

Even though Jughead reassured me that it would be okay for me to go, I was still a bit worried, so I just texted Archie a quick message too.

Betty: Hey, in case you don't know, I'm staying at V's tonight. I'm a little worried about Jug, could you maybe just check up on him in a bit? Thanks in advance

I arrived at the Pembroke and walked in, having a short chat with Smithers before going in the elevator in order to drive up. In front of the front door, I knocked on it, hoping that Veronica would open it.

"B!" she greeted, pulling me in a hug. I chuckled, hugging her back. Though she pulled away to look me up and down "my, you look exhausted. Good day for a beauty salon, am I right?"

"Thanks but you don't have to, you know?"

"Oh, I sure do. You're under stress now, let's go"

❤️🖤❤️

"So, any updates on the babies?" Veronica asked and I hummed, getting out my phone to show her the picture of the latest ultrasound. She smiled.

"They're so big, B"

"I know, and they are healthy too"

"I'm glad to hear that" she reached me back my phone and I turned it off, tucking it back in my jeans pocket "how is it going aside from the babies though, with Jug?"

"I honestly don't know. He's still really distant. We're getting better though. While I was sick, he really took care of me. But... I don't know. He still doesn't tell me things. He doesn't tell me when something is wrong or when he's getting an anxiety attack — I mean, I notice things, you know? He can't possibly think that I just can't figure this out. And then he didn't even mention that he relapsed. God, Ronni, I... Some just looked so deep... I feel like all of this is my fault"

"Betty, none of this is your fault"

"But ever since our break up, he just..."

"Jughead was always on edge, you know that just as much as me. And you told me that he... uh... harmed himself before too, before you two were even dating. So this can't be your fault, okay?" I nodded hesitantly "it's more likely that he just bottled up everything and now he just lets it all out. And I mean, a break up can affect someone... But he will get on track again, Betty, don't worry. You know him. He's tough"

"I know... I'm just worried because he doesn't tell me when something is going on" I sighed "it would make things easier, you know?"

"Of course it would. But neither life, nor love nor children are easy, though I'm not really the person to talk to about that. I mean, all I worry about is school and making sure that Archie is not doing another stupid thing" I chuckled.

"Sounds so much easier"

"It really is most of the time"

I looked at my phone as it vibrated.

Jughead: Hey, Archie just left. I'm good, going to sleep now. Hope you have fun with Veronica. Goodnight

I smiled softly, texting him back.

Betty: We did. Hope you're okay too. Goodnight, Jug

Though I got no answer. He probably already fell asleep by then.

"He just texted that he's going to sleep now" I said and she nodded.

"Okay, that's good. Now, can we go to sleep too?" Veronica asked, leaning back in bed. I nodded, drinking the tea that she made for me.

"Yes, thank you for letting me stay here today. I know that Jug and I were busy recently but we're finally working things out again, so that took a lot of time. I'm sorry. I hope that we're probably going to have more time in the future again" she said, smiling softly and Veronica nodded.

"I'm just glad that we finally get to hang out again"

I soon fell asleep then.

The next morning, I still stayed for breakfast. Though I then headed home soon after because we had a baby appointment later in the day.

I opened the door with my key, quietly walking in. As I slipped out of my jacket, I already walked around the house, until I saw Jug sleeping on the couch. I smiled softly, just letting him sleep some more.