𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚

Chapter 04.

Betty rushed down the stairs, her feet hitting the stairs heavily, making it clear to Veronica - who was outside the door waiting for it to be answered - that she was coming. Betty had to let out a breath when she reached the bottom of the staircase, she hadn't moved so fast downstairs in a while. Betty glanced towards the entrance to the garage where she knew her father was working on their baby blue car. Her father had allowed Veronica to stay around seem as he wasn't the one who had a major problem with the Lodges, her mother would be due back within the next hour, Betty could only imagine her mother's reaction.

"Hey. Sorry that took so long, come in." Betty greeted, worried her face might still be a little red from rushing. She'd had to clean up a little before Veronica had come around not wanting the girl to think of her as a slob. Veronica gave Betty her usual smile, giving Betty a once-over, then stepped in her eyes travelling around the home, she instantly felt the homely vibe.

Unlike her apartment which was barely filled with anything that could show a cosy home. Betty had told Veronica many times that she much preferred Veronica's apartment, but looking around Betty's home, she couldn't understand why she'd prefer hers.

"I brought some snacks, I thought we might as well have something sweet whilst we watch a movie," She replied, her eyes wandering back to Betty, her lips lifting into a smirk when she noticed Betty's bunny jumper. Betty followed her eyes to the image of the bunny in the centre of her jumper and frowned.

"Hey! It's soft okay. You like silk and sleek. I like big and comfy. No judging." Betty blushed, slightly embarrassed by her clothing but she quickly got over it when Veronica touched her arm, her face trained on Betty's letting out a lighthearted laugh, one calming to Betty.

"I'm not judging I think it's cute." Veronica winked, making the blonde feel like her heart was going to jump out of her chest. She couldn't count how many times Veronica had made her feel like that, Betty managed a smile, pushing down the blush she felt starting to rise. "So where's your dad? I want to thank him for letting me stay, I know your mum won't be as kind when she sees me."

"He's in the garage. Working on the car." Betty answered, taking the lead, gesturing Veronica to follow.

"Ah, why am I not surprised? And you're not down there helping him out?" Ronnie asked, lolling her head to the side, waiting for Betty's response. Betty glanced over her shoulder at Veronica who remained closely behind her.

"I usually would, but it's not everyday Veronica Lodge is in the Cooper household." Betty smiled playfully, taking a sharp turn and walking down a few steps and opened the door into the small garage. Veronica grinned at Betty's comment, knowing it was quite rare for Betty to make a witty comment.

Betty's father was exactly where Betty had said he was, he was leaned over fiddling with something in the engine, muttering words under his breath as he worked. Betty had noticed he was more agitated than usual and she could guess why. Her mum could be cold and cruel especially to her father, they argued more times than anyone she knew and that was saying something considering she knew Cheryl. Betty glanced nervously at Veronica, Ronnie knew the look and waited behind whilst Betty got her fathers attention. If she had to choose a favourite parent, she'd have to choose him. He might be short tempered, but she knew he had good intentions whereas her mother did things to spite people, wind them up to the point where they breakdown. She often did it to Betty, it was like her own personal hell.

"Dad?" Betty called loud enough so that he could hear, knowing he was much like her and probably lost in his thoughts. The man startled a little at the sudden voice and almost whacked his head on the bonnet, Betty winced. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"No, uh, it's fine Betty. Is there anything you need? Is your mother home early?" He questioned, still not noticing the still figure wandering the garage in the background, examining all his tools but not touching them. They could be covered in oil grease. Betty shook her head at him, she could see his regret of agreeing on Veronica staying cross his face. But he kept his word.

"No, she'll be back later. I just, I-I came to check how you're doing also to thank you...for you know, letting V stay around." Betty said softly, reaching over and grabbing the tool out of her dads hands and helping out, careful to avoid getting grease on her jumper. Her father settled helping beside her. Veronica stared at the pair as they worked alongside one another, making a sad smile stretch across her face it reminded her of her own dad. He used to spend weekends with her, teaching her to sing, dance, eat triple cheese burgers and teaching her to stand up to people. She'd be lying if she said she didn't miss him greatly.

Betty's father smiled at his daughter, bumping her shoulder. "It's no problem kid, I mean, your mum will kill me but Veronica seems like a good kid. She's there for you and her family allowed your sister to stay with them. I honestly see no reason why your mother dislikes them but when she hates someone, she hates someone." He answered, wiping his hands off on a rag and straightening his back, wincing at the sharp pain. Betty stood beside him, and beamed up at him. Betty wasn't one to hug her family, she preferred distance when it came to them but she held her dad.

"Thanks dad. I don't want mum getting mad at you and you having to sleep on the couch again...just tell her I ignored you when you said Veronica couldn't stay. Maybe she'll go easy on you."

"It's alright sweetheart, I can handle your mother. You just enjoy yourself, is Veronica already here?" He asked, Betty glanced over his shoulder Veronica stood with a sad expression behind him, although the moment she caught Betty watching her she painted a smile on her face.

"She's right behind you. She insisted on coming down here and thanking you," Betty told him, his eyes widened in surprise and turned to the smiling girl. He smiled back awkwardly, feeling bad he hadn't noticed her in the room before but when she held out a hand, he shook it gladly.

"It's a pleasure meeting you Mr Cooper. Thank you for letting me stay the night, it means a great deal." Veronica said, her expression relaxed, not concerned on first impressions. She knew Mr Cooper wasn't as bad as his wife. The man nodded, releasing her hand.

"Nice to finally meet you too. I'd say I've heard a lot about you but Betty's mother hates speaking of anyone other than us in this house I'm afraid. I uh, I wanted to thank you actually. Betty mentioned you sticking up for her at the cheer leading tryouts, we, uh...we know Betty gets a hard time from Cheryl and hearing that you stuck up for her. I think maybe even her mum was impressed. So thank you." Mr Cooper told her, he wasn't exactly used to thanking people but he had meant it, as snappy and strict he could be, he was happy Betty had someone like Veronica. Archie and Kevin had never stuck up for her, and they'd known since she was a child, yet the first day she meets Veronica, the girl sticks up for her like she's known her for years.

"Thank you sir, but it's...it's no problem, your daughter is amazing...she didn't deserve getting targeted by Cheryl but I've got it handled, I'm not a big fan of the Blossoms either. They seem to have it in for my family too." Veronica sighed, remembering Cheryl trying to screw up Veronica and her mother's relationship. She also remembered the girl mocking her family and that wasn't something Veronica took lightly.

"They have it in for every family in this town in my opinion." Mr Cooper muttered, understanding where the girl was coming from.