Letters From Another (Bughead)

Chapter Forty Four

A/n What up? Flashback chapter, hope y'all enjoy :)

6 years ago

(Betty pov)

I taste the pancakes I ate at pops. I smell Clorox and lavender air freshener. I can hear my breath, a dripping sink faucet, and buzzing from the light. I feel the cool tiles beneath me, the tag on the collar of my shirt, the bead of sweat dripping down my forehead, and the tightness of my jeans. I see the white cabinets, the glow from the small window that rests towards the top of the shower, the blue shower curtain, the singular light above my head, and Veronica.

"Are you ready B?"

"What if it's positive V? How is Jug going to react?"

"What about you Betty? How are you going to feel if it's positive?"

"I know I want this... but it's so soon. Jug agreed to wait and we've only been married for 5 months. He's already between here and New York. I don't know how we would do it. What if it's too much for him?"

"B! You are the strongest person I know and you may be worried over an upset stomach."

"Okay." I breathe out while wiping a tear from my cheek. As I begin flipping each test over, I feel my new reality taking shape right before my eyes. "They're positive V."

"And... How are you feeling about that?"

A warmth covers me in that moment and I know, "I'm really happy."

Veronica pulls me into her arms and we begin giggling. This is one of those moments, an instant you get to hold onto. A light in the dark to keep you pushing forward.

"I love you V. Thank you for being here" I say while tightening our hug.

"There's no other place I'd rather be."

Later that night

I'm pregnant. I'm pregnant and I have to tell Jughead when he gets home tonight. I've been in the same thought loop since Veronica left.

She assured me he would be happy too. Even though someday came quicker than either of us expected, we still want it. I want it.

I have been distanced from him recently. His work in New York has kept him busy and I've been working to keep The Register afloat. He's had some short stories that have gotten recognition but has yet to find a publisher he wants to work with for his novel.

I miss when I got to read all of the bits and pieces before they came together. We haven't done that in a long time, but I know he's still with me. We've made our promises to one another over and over. We're written in the stars, nothing can change that.

(Jughead POV)

I raise my emptied glass towards the bartender and hold up two fingers. Funny how a peace sign grants me a double. Sitting on this stool is the only thing that's brought me peace as of late.

I turn my head to my wrist... 8:21pm.

I'm supposed to be in Riverdale soon. The sinkhole I sometimes call home. Betty's got roots there so I manage the commute.

I turn the wedding band around my finger as my second drink is being poured.

Married, I'm married. These last five months have been a blur. I often lay awake at night wondering how I got here. A bar in the city, avoiding driving back to Betty. I love her, but I question my motives for marrying her at times. I think guilt played a large part. I knew I had to commit more of my time to New York or I was never going to succeed. I didn't feel like I could make the move and keep Betty without adding the rings.

I love Betty, but life could have been different. We're so young and I got what I asked for but I didn't think it would feel like this.

I feel a presence join me at the bar.

"Forsythe Jones?" an older man, perhaps 50s-60s looms over me.

"Who's asking?"

He stretches out his arm for a handshake which I return, "Samm Pansky, I've read your work. It's touching. I have a feeling there's more where that came from."

"What is it that you do Mr. Pansky."

"I'm a literary agent here in the city and I'm interested in working with you. I've been following you for a while, I was there for the authors showcase tonight and I'd like to buy you a drink."

"I can't say no to that." I respond with a grin plastered across my face.

___________________________________________

After hours of talking with Samm I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time. I have a path, a promising path.

"It's been a pleasure Jughead. You'll be hearing from my office within the week to schedule a meeting to go over the details. I'm really looking forward to us working together." He ends our conversation in the same way it started.  An extended arm and mild-mannered grin resting above his clean shaven chin. 

"I look forward to the call."

I feel it. I'm in one of those moments you never forget. The kind you bring with you as you make your way through this merciless existence.

I reach for my phone to check the time.

12:38am

6 missed texts from Betty

8 missed calls from Betty

I drag my hand over my face. I was supposed to be home 'around 9'.

She'll understand, this was important. This is going to change things for us, for me.

I text her "Hey Betts, sorry I missed your texts and calls, but I have big news. I'm going to stay in the city tonight but I'll see you tomorrow! Things are looking up <3"

I turn my phone off, drop money on the bar for my first drink and head back to my shared shoebox.

This was a good night.