Meant To Be

Chapter 18

A Thanksgiving to remember.

18.

One month. 31 Days. 730 Hours. 43800 minutes. There has been No more incidents since that night. No calls, or threats of any kind. The repairs in Michael's room have been completed a week ago, yet he doesn't seem to be wanting to go back to sleeping there and Veronica for what I can tell does not want to let him go either.

Things you could say are going back to normal around the house. My mother was getting used to her home again, Veronica is working from home,the terrace has become her workplace of preference and Michael is being his usual self. Running around, playing, annoyingly walking into my office while I work and asking questions about every possible thing.

The weather has gotten way colder. Perhaps it is because the End of Nobember was here. Thanksgiving . Jughead had this awful Idea of me hosting the damn dinner, I've never been good at any of that stuff, but when Veronica heard it from Betty it was too late and she was perhaps exited about it?

So here I was. Standing tall at the head of the table, all eyes on me. Betty looking nice in her pink dress. Jughead wearing his stupid beanie. My in-laws were here too. Hiram with his stupid smirk and Veronica's mom next to him. Obedient always. Unlike my wife.

Next to me the most beautiful woman in the world stood. Her signature pearls right in place, her make up impeccable. Her father's smile on her face. Next to her was the Kid. His hair all over the place. I believe a haircut is due. Veronica thought it would look cute for him to dress up like me. I think is actually annoying.

He looked too serious. But she insisted it was a day to be presentable. Hiram has only gotten on my nerves since he got here. Bringing up comments like " how is my grandson?" Or " Andrews, when are you going to give this kid your last name?". Jughead would only laugh at that and even though I've been wanting to reply, a sturdy look from Veronica was keeping me in place. For Now.

Carmen and my mother were also here. My mother more absent than ever. The turkey smelled delicios and this only brings back memories. When it was only my dad, my mother and I.Just The three of us.

I was expected to do the honors of welcoming every body and thanking God for the food. But when all eyes are on you, it is kind of difficult.

" Archie?"

Veronica's eyes were expectant, and I just wanted to walk away. The served glass of whiskey on the table looked too tempting, maybe I'll have ten of those tonight. 

" yeah...umm, thanks for coming.And thank you for all this food and stuff."

" well, thank you Archie and V for inviting us over. Everything looks very good. So, a toast, to family and friends"

Thank you Betty freaking Cooper. My saviour. I grabbed the glass of whiskey already served and drank it in one big gulp. My father used to carve the turkey, and for once I wanted the honor of following his old traditions.

"Hmmm good"

Michael's expressions were indeed hilarious. He was stuffing his mouth with food without taking a breath, causing laughs all around the table. I tend to be an observer. Everybody looked...pleased?. Random talking took place and for the first time tonight I felt a bit calm.

Veronica's smile was genuine as she raises the glass of red wine to her perfect matte painted lips. I only smiled sideways letting her know that at least for tonight...I was gonna try not to fight.After all, I had one thing I was for sure thankful for. I was thankful we were still alive.

Her expression changed to a surprise when all of a sudden, without Knowing I was doing it, I grabbed her hand into mine. And it was warm like I remember it. Funny how we have shared a bed together yet I've only grabbed her hand maybe only twice?.