Two weeks...that's how long Alice has been home. No that is how long her body has been home. Her mind, spirit, and soul is gone. Her mental health has completely deteriorated. she sits on the couch, the kitchen window, or her bedroom. She keeps her self clean. Changes her outfit everyday. FP Jones...the person who, with the help of Betty, helped rescue Alice. He stays with the Cooper/Smith woman after Alice was home.
Jughead helped Betty all he could, but he could never truly understand what she went through.
FP on the other hand new what it felt like for an important person to be scared of you or for them to leave you when they love you. He would talk with Betty everyday after dinner. Let her sob into his arms while Alice was upstairs doing her nightly routine. Betty also helped FP. Through the loss of his son, loving someone he couldn't...at least not anymore.
He told Betty everything. His view of high school, The summer affair, and the bitter break up. She excepted it...everything. She was a shoulder he could cry on if he needed a breather moment.
FP and Betty created a routine. One of them would lay with Alice at least an hour a night, usually more. They would tell jokes, talk about the past, and anything they thought could bring her back...or at least to speak a word. Tonight was FP's night. He took most nights since Betty would end up in tears. FP would too...just silently.
"What should I try tonight Ali?" He had got into the habit of calling her that. She never Rejected it, so he kept saying it. "I think I have some jokes lined up." He chuckled trying to ease the mood. "You know without stupid people we would have no one to laugh at. Take time to appreciate a stupid person..." He looked over at her, lying against the cold sheets, no covers over, gazing at the ceiling as if she was looking at a million stars.
"This is the part where you would call me stupid." He smirked and nudged her arm. The only movement made was his push. "I think you will get a kick out of this one. It's a watermelon and a cantaloupe...lets run away and get married, the watermelon says. "And the cantaloupe says...I'm sorry I cant-aloupe." FP busted out with laughter trying to bring out the slightest smile onto Alice's lips...nothing.
"Ok lets try some old stories. How about the time you, Fred, Hermione, and I went to sweet water river and barbequed all day. Fred's parents were so worried we were going to burn the trees down." He chuckled thinking back to that day.
"That night we stayed out by the water with our tiny blankets, just the two of us. We kept warm by hugging all night, never letting go. I think when I woke up the next morning you were even on top of me." He sighed as a tear ran down his cheek. His Alice was gone.
"Ok that's it! Alice Susanna Smith, you better sit up and get your ass out of bed. I am tired of sitting in this room and talking to...to the damn wall. What do you need? Do you need me to dance, spin in circles till I'm dizzy and fall, Do I need to hug you so tight I'm afraid I'm going to suffocate you!"
FP stood at the edge of the bed yelling, sobbing, using every last breath he could to get her to speak. But yet again...nothing. She laid there, no tears, no smile, just a emotionless face.
"When you fell I was here...I still am and I will always be. I just want you to know I love you...if you can even hear me." FP scoffed trying not to break down again.
With that he shuffled out of the room, not able to take an actual step. He laid on his bed. His head running through the amazing times he spent with her. In high school, last summer, even when they were both married to other people. Alice kept him alive, in person, mind, even spirit. He was not about to let some hippie ruin his life...their life.
~~
Later that night like every night Alice stayed awake crying when she knew everyone was asleep. she would walk the house completely to make sure they were safe.
She got home and was not going to have her family taken away again. She checked each room, carefully and quietly. betty's room first. tears dripped down her face as she looks at the sleeping girl. Her baby girl that never gave up. She kisses her cheek even gives Jughead a kiss on that mop of hair he has.
she has just as much to thank him for. He was there for betty when she couldn't be.
Next was FP's room. He slept in Polly's old room even though she would rather him stay with her...hold her close and kiss her goodnight. She would actually be able to sleep in his arms. Just like at the river. She felt safe with him. And she listens. She truly does. To every word Betty and FP have said.
They run though her mind constantly. She peaks the door open to make sure he is asleep. Slowly lets herself kiss him...just a tiny bit.
She talks to him in a whisper. Tells him she loves him to, that she wanted to laugh, but couldn't. She leaves one last kiss before she breaks down. slowly slides down her closed door. silently crying...It's nothing new. She has done this since the first night she arrived home. She is trying to adjust. Getting closer and closer every night. Praying one day she will smile, will be home again...mind, body, and spirit.
