CARMEN, riverdale.

' worth '

🐍

   ONLY THIRTY minutes into the banquet, and Carmen was no longer comfortable. The dimmed lights and too expensive smell of food, as well as the maple, made her dizzy. Not to mention, Veronica's urgent text for her to come and accompany her and Betty to visit Ethel.  The young Murdock replied that she'd meet them there instead. At least her she and her father had danced, she knew how much her father was fond of dancing ever since she took him to the forest on his birthday.

"Dad, my ribs hurt, I think it was because of the few nights ago," Carmen whispered to her father. She wasn't exactly lying, and the room felt like it was suffocating her, as well as the slow, warm liquid seeping through her dress in a slow motion. "And I think my stitches on my side popped."

She watched his eyes widen slightly in alarm. It was because the stitches had popped the night before, but Carmen had only applied bandage, thinking it wouldn't bleed no more. Alas, it did.

"How long has it been hurting?" He asked her quietly.

"This morning? I forgot to take my meds."

"Fuck," He cursed silently and was already shedding his jacket to shield the bloodstain beginning to form on Carmen's deep ocean blue dress. He stood up from his seat, draping it over her shoulders to which she expertly pulled closer. "Mr. Blossom, I'm sorry to cut this short, but Carmen and I unfortunately have to take our leave now. I've found out on my own that she's fallen ill since this morning, and delayed treatment because she didn't want to disappoint and attend the banquet on your invitation."

"Robin, take all the time you both may need for her to recover safely. Clifford and I both wish for her fast recovery, now go," It was Penelope who answered.

"Go now, Robin. For whatever she may need, remember that you and her are welcome to Thornhill at any time." Clifford confirmed.

Robin nods his gratitude, hastily helping Carmen up from her seat and disrupting her conversation with Cheryl, who had a worried look on her face as she watched the father and daughter.

The fresh and cold air greets them as they made it outside the Lodge, heading straight for Robin's car. He turned on the heater on high as soon as the two of them were safely inside.

"Dad, could you drive me to the hospital? Ronnie wanted me to accompany her, please. With all that's happening right now, I don't want her to have to go through this alone. You were there for me when everything fell apart, and I want to be there for Ronnie." Carmen pleaded.

Robin sighed, relenting. "Fine, but let me stitch you back up and change into something that won't turn you in an ice popsicle."

🐍

   NOW HAVING worn a black sweater, her obsidian-colored jeans and brown ankle booties, partnered with a coat in a calming shade of wooden brown. Her hair was now worn down, with waves because of her updo a while ago, her father had reluctantly dropped her off at the front of the hospital.

There stood an awaiting Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, who held a bouquet of pristine flowers. Carmen smiles at them her jaw clenching when she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.

The three girls walked apprehensively towards the hallway, entering the section of the hospital where the Muggs had been situated.