𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚

Chapter 18.

Betty waited patiently at the table, sat in the chair beside Polly, she knew Veronica wouldn't mind, she liked sitting across from her anyway so that she can play footsie with her most of the time accidentally injuring Betty's leg. Hermione brought out a tray of little bites, the pastries scent making her stomach rumble in longing, she hadn't realised how long it had been since she'd last ate.

Veronica was still nowhere to be seen, either on her way back or still with Archie, practising their performance for next week. Betty knew it was ridiculous but the thought of Archie and Veronica practising together made her stomach twist, she knew Veronica loved her dearly and the fact that she was jealous was pathetic because they'd both swore they'd never hurt her like that again and they hadn't. But she just couldn't help it, jealousy was one of her flaws.

"Thank you, Hermione." Betty smiled as Hermione placed a few treats on her plate, quickly vanishing into the kitchen and returning with a bowl full of spaghetti and meatballs.

"I wonder what's keeping Ronnie, she's never usually this late." Hermione worried, scooping out some food and carefully placing it on Polly's plate, smiling kindly at the girl as she thanked her. Betty shifted uncomfortably in her chair at Hermione's words, concerned about Veronica too. But just as she opened her mouth to talk, the three heard a key in the door and Veronica strode in letting out a heavy sigh, shaking off her jacket and hanging it up.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Archie wanted to do another couple of run throughs," Veronica told them, crossing the room and giving Betty a bright smile when her eyes landed on the vivid blue ones. Veronica leaned down to give her a quick peck on the lips and a tight squeeze. "Hey, B." Betty smiled fondly at her brunette as she took a seat across from her beside her mother.

"Hey." Betty replied shyly, still getting used to the public displays of affection, her cheeks flaming red. "How was practice?"

Veronica sucked in a breath, running a hand through her hair showing Betty that she was stressed. "Exhausting, Archie has me working my voice as hard as I can, it's non-stop. I get that his mother is coming into town but a girl needs a breather."

Betty dropped her fork at the sudden news, Archie hadn't told her about his mum she couldn't help but feel slightly hurt. "His mom is coming?"

Veronica had noticed the dark change in Betty's tone, glancing nervously around the table but the other two were letting them have a conversation of their own as they tucked happily into their food. "Um, yeah...well that's what Archie told me anyway...why?"

"Archie's mum only ever comes into town to screw up Archie's life. Confuse him if you may, she gives him an offer to come back home with her and he always considers it." Betty explained, trying to stress how much this visit is bad.

"But he's never went right? He's still here."

"Yeah, for now. But this year has been messy and there is no doubt she knows about the murder, it'll only push her harder to convince him to leave with her." Betty put her head in her hands, meaning to keep her voice quiet. "I really don't need this right now."

Veronica's exterior softened at Betty's quiet words, her eyes locking with Polly's who'd stopped eating concern filling her eyes as she looked at her little sister, seeing she was broken.

"Betts..." Polly began, placing her hand on her sisters back to comfort her. "What's going on?"

"Nothi--"

"Don't you dare say no or so help me I'll let Cheryl be the godmother." Polly threatened, "What happened?"

Betty lifted her head from her hands looking offended at Polly's words, she would be a way better godmother than Cheryl. Betty spared a glance at Veronica and Hermione but they were wearing the same expressions, clearly worried about the blonde. Betty focused back on Polly knowing she'd feel better saying these words to her sister.

"Mum flushed my pills down the toilet." It was only a few words but she could hear the little gasp from Veronica and the flare of anger in Polly's eyes and she could already sense Hermione's confusion.

"You...you take drugs?" Hermione said a little shocked, she'd never expected Betty to be someone who took drugs.

Betty shook her head lightly. "They're prescribed, I got some new ones this morning b-but I didn't try any, I just wanted a break from taking them. I know I need them."

"Betty you haven't taken one?" Polly frowned, angry at her mother but trying to remain calm for Betty and the twins sake. Betty shook her head. "You know that it builds up, do you know what that led to last time, Betty? You almost killed yourself."

The room fell silent at Polly's harsh words, Betty feeling sick to her stomach and she choked on a cry that let her mouth, tears suddenly rushing down her cheeks and Veronica was there the moment she saw Betty break, holding her securely to show her she was there.

"What the hell was mum thinking? If I wasn't ready to give birth I'd be over there and giving her a good slap across the face!" Polly growled in fury,  eyes drifting to Veronica who held a sobbing Betty. "Look Betts, I'm going to pop out to the drug store, they should still be open. You can't not take those pills...it'll drive you over the edge again."

Hermione was on her feet at the same time as Polly. "I'll come with you, we don't need a pregnant woman wandering around alone in this town."

The front door shut with a soft bang, bringing a cold draft into the room. Veronica still clung to Betty, gently standing and bringing the fragile girl with her, settling down on the couch and letting Betty snuggle up to her, curling her arms around Ronnie's middle. Betty sniffed quietly, Ronnie rubbing her back trying to soothe her.

"You'll be alright Betts, you always are. And if not, then I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here if you need me." Veronica hushed to the girl in her arms. Betty was much taller than Veronica but when Ronnie looked down at her now, she seemed so frail and small almost like a child who'd woken from a nightmare. "Right by your side." Veronica finished, soon feeling the soft even breathing coming from the girl led against her, knowing she'd fallen asleep her face still tear-stained, it broke Veronica's heart.