Keep fighting for me

New opportunities

JUGHEAD'S POV

(Two months later)

The morning light filtered softly through the blinds, casting golden streaks across the kitchen floor. I as always at this time of the morning stood at the stove, mechanically , the stiring the eggs in the pan ,the rhythmic sizzle blending with the low hum of the old refrigerator.

I looked over at Juliet,she was sitting behind me in kitchen table, her legs swinging and her hands excitedly clapping on the wood, waiting for her breakfast. Betty always used to think she got the love for food from me,well...the old me at least.Only the way her bright eyes followed my every move,was enough to keep me going.

Jug-Almost ready, kiddo.Just two minutes( i said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes)

Juliet giggled, her small hands still tapping the table.

J-No,i want Popcorn, popcorn, popcorn(she chanted, her voice light and carefree. )

Jug-No baby,it's not time for popcorn now. What have we said,in the morning we have to eat a nutritionally balanced breakfast to give you strength and make you a big girl,remember?

J-okay(she said kind of disappointed and I smiled back at her)

As i scooped the veggie omelet into her plate,my phone buzzed on the counter. I dont know why but suddenly my breath hitched, the moment crashing into reality. I slowly wiped my sweaty hands on my  shirt, glancing at the screen. Since the whole thing with Alice and....Fp every phone call has made me panic ,my heart racing, the familiar feeling of panic rising in his chest.

Unknown number.

My mind spun through the possibilities,what if its them? Is this another threat about Juliet?

No. I steadied myself. I had to answer,this could be the call. The call. With trembling fingers, i swiped to answer.

Jug-Hello? (I said with a cracked voice, despite my effort to sound composed.)

There was a slight pause, and then a friendly, professional voice on the other end.

?- Mr. Jones? This is David from Haven Publishing. I wanted to discuss your recent submission.

Suddenly my entire body tensed, then relaxed all at once when I heard his name. My grip on the phone tightened. This was it.

Jug-Yes.Uh, yes, I’m here( i replied,my voice barely above a whisper, my heart thudding in my ears.)

?-Mr Jones,im happy to inform you that we loved your manuscript and  we'd like to offer you the position of the Full-time writer in our company. Are you available for a quick chat?

The world seemed to slow around me. My eyes darted to Juliet, who was staring at me, wide-eyed, her breakfast forgotten in front of her. A writer? They wanted me to....

Jug-oh my God (i croaked, my breath catching.)

Jug-I mean, yes, I’m available.You don’t know how much I need this job.(I said and my voice broke, the weight of my desperation laid bare.I haven't been working for so long that...I desperately needed this job and finally, it was what i loved and what i dreamed of)

Jug-I’ll work as hard as I can Mr. David, day and night, whatever it takes.

D-We’ve seen your work, Mr. Jones and the job is already yours as long as you want it. We believe in your talent. We just need to finalize a few details. Can you come by the office later today?(he said,his voice calm)

Jug-Of course,I'll be there(i said,my throat tight, barely able to believe what he was hearing.)

The call ended, and for a moment,i stood frozen, staring at the phone. My hands were literally trembling, and i felt something in my chest,something that felt like hope, a small light breaking through the suffocating darkness that had consumed me for so long.