Fate can be Fatal

Part 30: A Weekend Away

After a long morning of packing and with Toni trying to drag Cheryl out of bed, the girls finally head to Veronicas to meet the others and head off. 

They make it there and leave the bags in the car, hoping they'll be able to drive there alone. The girls knock on the door and are greeting by a very excited Veronica. Heading inside the house they see Archie, Betty and Jughead sat in the kitchen,waiting for the late arrivals. 

"Sorry we're a bit late guys, somebody wouldn't get out of bed" says Toni, smiling at the gang. 

"It's fine, you're just on time" Veronica replies, walking past them and up to Archie, "well since we're all here lets head off... but Cheryl, Toni, do you guys mind driving up seperately, it's just our chaufeur isn't working today and---" 

"Veronica thats totally fine, we'll follow close behind" Toni says to her, trying to hide her happiness of not needing to make awkward sober conversation on the way there. Despite growing closer, Toni wasn't fully comfortable around her new friends yet. But was excited to find out more about them, these upcoming few days. 

The couples grab their bags and head out to the cars, Toni and Cheryl separate from the others and climb into Cheryls car, waiting for Veronica to get in front of them. 

The journey is lengthy and frustrating, due to Veronica missing around ten turns and Toni being an awful 'backseat' driver. Eventually the gang make it to the secluded lake house and take their bags upstairs. Cheryl and Toni throw themselves onto the bed, "Holy shit, this is comfortable" they say simultaneously. Laughing loudly enough for the two couples to hear them from their own bedrooms. 

A short while after, the six teenagers gather back downstairs and all take a seat on the sofa. Since it was a bit too early to start drinking, the girls head into the small village to do some shopping, leaving Jug and Archie to play around in the house and jump in the pool. 

The girls head out on a short walk, the path beside a calming stream. Though Betty and Veronica were funny and approachable and easy to talk to, Toni still felt uncomfortable about talking to them alone, especially Betty. On the way there, the young couple chat and hold hands whilst the close friends walk just ahead, taking detailed pictures along the way. 

Once they make it there, Cheryl and Veronica see a shop they both like from home and walk inside together, since it doesn't suit the other girls taste, they stay outside and are left alone.

"Should we get some fries?" Betty asks cautiously, pointing to a small hut. Toni happily agrees and once they order their snacks, making mediocre small talk to keep the situation less awkward, they take a seat by the lake. 

"This weekend should be good" says Betty in an attempt to talk to Toni, knowing full well from Jughead that she can be hard to break at first.

"Let's hope so" replies Toni.

"So..." she's stuck on things to say, "How are you and Cheryl doing? Like together" 

"I know what you mean, you don't need to sugar-coat it because we're both girls" Toni says back.

Once again Betty is stuck, not wanting to offend the intimidating serpent, "No--- that's not what I meant" 

Toni laughs, "I'm just messing with you" nudging Betty's arm slightly, "I just enjoy seeing peoples reactions when they think they're in shit" letting Betty breath a sigh of relief. 

"You're a tough one, look I know we've hung out a few times with the gang, all together, but we've never properly talked, and I want us all to have a good weekend" says Betty, hoping to get through to her friend.

"Me too; don't worry tonight drunk Toni will hopefully emerge, you'll learn more about me tonight" allowing the girls to start bantering for a few minutes before the other two come back.

"We could hear you laughing from all the way over there" Cheryl says, walking up behind Toni, playfully rubbing her hair. 

"Just, chatting, actually getting to know each other" replies Betty, turning to smile at Cheryl. Visually assuring her this weekend will be plain sailing.

"Well should we go back" Veronica begins, "Y'know in case the boys have ruined my parents lake house, plus that store was awful" with Cheryl nodding in agreement. The girls begin their walk home, back down the lake. This time all walking together, engaging in conversation. 

The clock on the beige wall of the lake house rings for 5pm. The girls make it back after a nice day trip, stopping for a bit before getting back to take in their scenery. To their pleasant surprise, the boys had begun making dinner. Something they actually enjoyed. Soon after, food is served on the large mahogany dining table. They all chat and talk about tonight's plans, and around an hour later, everyone is finished, doing their part in cleaning up the kitchen. 

"Ok guys, lets start the drinks" Veronica yells across the living room, pulling out two bottles of large rum and Betty grabbing glasses and soda from the cupboards. The gang rather around the smaller table in the middle of the couch and get themselves a drink. 

"Drinking games?" Toni questions, as Cheryl snuggles into her as she notices Veronica grab an empty bottle. 

"Toni, of course there's drinking games" Veronica says, "but first, everyone take a shot..."