Mistakes don't only happen once

Christmas with the Lodges

The next day, they were invited to Christmas dinner with Veronicas family. Veronica and her dad were on good terms again and she felt like it was finally like before he got arrested again. She dearly loved her dad and their arguments really broke her in some way. She was happy to have him back and even more happy to know they were on her side and would help her with the baby.

Archie was just happy his lover was happy. She finally seemed at peace and he loved seeing her smile so truthfully and hearing her laugh. Veronica was still lying in his arms, her head on his chest. He could feel her soft breathing against his skin. He stroke her hair softly, not waking her. She looked so peaceful.

Veronicas eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him, snuggling closer. He kept on stroking her hair, admiring her beautiful brown eyes gazing up at him.„I love you Ronnie, so much", he whispered, kissing her head.„I love you too Archiekins", she smiled, kissing him deeply. They laid in bed like this for a while until they decided it was time to get ready.

Veronica got dressed in a dark blue dress and dark blue velvet heels. Then she put on her pearls and curled her hair. Archie got dressed in black jeans and a light blue dress shirt.„Wow. You look just...wow", Archie stuttered.„You don't look too bad yourself ", Veronica smirked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

They drove over to the Pembrooke. During the car ride, Veronica suddenly spoke up:„You know, these past few days since the doctors appointment, I've been thinking about when I actually got pregnant."„Well, judging by the date it was four to five weeks ago. Wait...do you think the same I think?" Archie questioned.„The cabin", they stated in sync.

A month ago, they went to a Cabin owned by Veronicas parents. Maybe they forgot about protection...well most likely.„But weren't you on the pill?" Archie asked a little confused.„I should've told you, I ran out of pills a few weeks before that and forgot to get new ones", she told him.„I guess coincidences collided that night", he laughed.„Yeah...but I don't regret it", Veronica replied dreamy.„Me neither", he smiled and placed a hand on her thigh.

They arrived at the Pembrooke and were immediately greeted by Smithers.„Smithers, you're back", Veronica smiled and hugged him.„Merry Christmas Miss Veronica. And to you too Mister Andrews ", he said happily.„Did my parents tell you  about the news yet?" Veronica asked him.„No, I haven't really talked to them since I came back", the old men answered.„Well...we're gonna be parents ", Veronica announced happily.„Congratulations to you too. This child is gonna be really lucky", Smithers told her, obviously happy for the both of them.„Thanks Smithers", Archie said smiling.

They went upstairs and saw Hiram and Hermione already waiting for them.„Archie, Mija, how are you?" Hermione asked.„I'm fine mom, thanks for asking", Veronica answered, hugging her mom. Archie shook hands with Veronicas parents and Veronica hugged her dad.„When did Smithers come back?" Veronica questioned.„He arrived on Christmas Eve. I wanted to surprise you since you asked me so many times if I could get him back", Hiram explained.„ Thank you daddy", Veronica answered, kissing his cheek.

They had dinner together, Hermione had made a wonderful Christmas dinner. They talked about random stuff until Veronica was about to fall asleep on Archie's shoulder and they went to her bedroom. She crawled up on her bed and Archie pulled her close.„Do you think it's normal I'm so tired all the time?" Veronica asked a little concerned.„I'm sure that's nothing to worry about. There's a human being growing inside of you, that takes a lot of energy", Archie answered, kissing her head.

„The thought of that is still a little crazy", she stated.„You know it's gonna be visible in about 2 months", Archie smirked.„Don't even remind me of that. I don't wanna be thick", she whined.„You won't be thick, you'll be beautiful. You'll always be beautiful and you know that", Archie told her.„You're the cheesiest person I know Archie Andrews and I love you", she chuckled and kissed him lovingly. She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes while Archie was stroking her hair.

At some point, they both fell asleep. Veronica slept for about an hour until her eyes fluttered open. She wasn't feeling that well, her stomach was hurting and she just felt restless. She started shifting, trying to make herself comfortable. Archie woke up, feeling her shift in his arms.„Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, still a little sleepy.„My stomach hurts", she sighed tiredly.„Try to go back to sleep", he whispered, pulling her closer to his chest. Veronica closed her eyes, trying to ignore the pain.

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't go back to sleep. Archie couldn't sleep either since he could sense Veronica was feeling pretty bad.„Do you wanna watch a movie or something?" he asked, trying to distract her.„Hmmm", she murmured, burying her head in his chest. Archie turned on the tv on the wall opposite her bed, putting on some Netflix movie. He moved his hand around her waist, resting it on her stomach.

Veronica squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to escape the pain. She knew Archie tried his best but he couldn't really help her with this.„Archie, can you get me some pain killers?", she asked in a whiny voice.„Sure", he replied, getting up slowly. He went into the kitchen and to the drawer where the Lodges kept their medication. When he found the painkillers, he wondered about wether that could be bad for the baby so he decided to ask Hermione.„Um can Veronica take these?", he asked, holding up the package.„Sure, there's nothing to worry about. As far as I am concerned these don't affect the baby", Hermione reassured him.„Okay, thank you ", Archie replied and went back to Veronicas room.

He walked back into her room where she was still lying on her bed. He handed her a pill along with a glass of water and she gratefully swallowed it.„Let's hope this is gonna help", she sighed, getting into his arms again. Archie started playing the movie again and laid his head on hers. About an hour later, the pain was nearly gone and Archie could feel how Veronica slowly relaxed in his arms. They watched another movie until it was time for dinner. They had some simple dinner since nobody was that hungry.„Are you okay Mija?" Hiram asked his daughter.„Yes daddy, just sleepy", she smiled weakly. This day had been pretty exhausting for her.

Quickly after dinner, her and Archie went back to her room and she changed into one of his shirts. They were lying in bed, cuddling and holding each other close.„I seriously don't know if I can stand this for 8 more months", Veronica said.„I'll be with you all the time and you're one of the strongest people I know. We'll get through this, Ronnie", he reassured her, kissing her head. She closed her eyes and fell asleep while Archie made sure she was sleeping tightly until he went to dreamland himself.