Consequences

Chapter 15

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Reggie," Veronica faked politeness when he slid in the seat beside her. That seat was usually empty, considering her label as a 'traitor'.

"Oh, my dear Veronica," Reggie started dramatically. "How could I even think about you being the traitor? I knew you were innocent from the start! However, to apologise, I'll give you the honor of going on a date with me."

"What do you say," Reggie continued shamelessly. "Pops at 7 tonight?"

"My dear Reggie," Veronica used a sickly sweet tone. "I think I'd rather keep my honor by not going on a date with you."

"Aw, c'mon babe, are you still mad at me?" Reggie put his arm around Veronica's shoulder.

Veronica flung his arm off. "Mantle, are you trying to get me to punch your other cheek too? Because it's working."

Reggie left her alone after that and Veronica listened to the teacher in peace.

————————————————————————

"Professor Flutesnoot is driving me crazy," Toni complained as she plopped down on their usual lunch table, which included Veronica, Toni and Cheryl as its members.

"Tell me about it," Cheryl rolled her eyes. "He gave us a ton of homework to do and its killing us. The only upside is that I'm paired with Toni."

Jughead sat down next to Veronica at the table. She was surprised to see him here, but she guessed that he was still mad at Sweet Pea after that incident.

"Oh good, you're here, I don't have to be the third wheel anymore," Veronica said in relief, scooting over.

"Yeah, we can go on double dates instead!" Toni suggested innocently.

Jughead paused mid-bite to glare at Toni. "Don't speak while you eat, because crap's falling out your mouth."

"Watch your mouth, Hobo," Cheryl put her hand over Toni's protectively.

"Speaking of dates," Reggie ever so smoothly slid in beside Veronica. "Remember its 7 at Pops tonight."

The other three at the table gaped open mouth at Reggie's shocking proposal.

"Oh, I remember," Veronica shoved Reggie away. "I also remember I told you I'd punch you in the face."

"Screw off Reggie," Cheryl savagely added. "The answer is a double cherry on top no."

————————————————————————

"You work at the White Wyrm?" Gladys curiously asked Veronica, who was serving drinks to Serpents at the counter.

"Yep," Veronica told her. "It's all in the contract."

"Contract?" Gladys was puzzled.

"You don't know?" Veronica was geniunely surprised at her obliviousness.

"No, Riverdale's news don't reach Toledo," Gladys said in regret.

Veronica promptly felt a little angry. The woman in front of her had willingly left Riverdale and cut herself off from her hometown and her family. She had abandoned her son throughout his teenage years. She smiled at Gladys politely, ending the conversation.

"Veronica, give me cold water," Jughead handed her his water bottle.

Veronica obliged. "Where you going?" She peered curiously at his Serpent 'work' attire. He was dressed in his signature Serpent jacket and combat boots.

"There's been a sighting of some Ghoulies near Sweetwater River," Jughead frowned. "We're going to go check."

Veronica returned his water bottle. "Stay safe, Torombolo."

Jughead's hand briefly brushed Veronica's when he took his water bottle. He nodded at Veronica's comment then all she could see was his black silhouette disappearing through the door.