The Investigation - Jeronica

Donnie Darko

As Veronica closes the door behind her she lets out a deep breath she didn't even know she was holding in. Her father's a monster, but still, he's her father. As hard as she tries she can't help the slight joy she feels in seeing him. For all she knew she could have never seen him again after he went to jail. These are the thoughts running through her mind as she reaches the start of the street. The sun is beginning to set and she looks up at the pink sky and clouds, wishing it was as peaceful as it seems. Her father asked her to be home for dinner but instead Veronica finds herself making her way to Pops.

The doorbell rings out and I watch as Veronica talks to Pop before making her way to a booth in front of mine. I can tell she doesn't see me so I close my computer and move over towards her. Normally I would be happy to hide from her, but not right now.

"Hey" I say, causing her to jump in surprise.
"Jughead! Should've known you'd be lurking here somewhere"
She looks up at me expectantly and whether she wishes this or not I take the seat in front of her.
"No fabulous cuisine tonight?" I mock
"Don't feel like it."

Silence hangs in the air between us.

"What's with the laptop?" she asks
"Writing a novel, actually just got a great idea for it. Might need some help." I say. She looks at me suspiciously for a second.
"I'm sure Betty would be handy," she suggests.
I lean forward in my chair. She does the same, clearly not wanting to back down from my challenge. Our faces are so close I can feel her breath against my lips.
"I think you could help" I whisper and she smirks at me in response before leaning back into her chair.
"Always looking to spend more time with me Jones." she says playfully. Usually I would scoff or roll my eyes at her in reply but I need her help.
"I want to know who's buying the bijou" I say and I can see her smile falter for a second.
"How am I supposed to know?" she asks.
"I saw the way you reacted when I mentioned the bijou so I did some digging. I heard about your father, what he did, who he hurt, and I know he's in jail but-"
"You're right, he is in jail" she says, clearly trying to act like I didn't just throw a bomb at her.
I go silent at her words, not sure what to say.
"I'm sorry Jughead, I can't help but I'm happy to put flyers up for the closing night."
I shake my head.
"That's not gonna help bring it back" I say angrily, slamming my fist against the table. I can't quite meet Veronica's eyes but I can tell she's looking at me with genuine sympathy, and it makes every inch of my body squirm with anger.

Veronica doesn't show it but every part of her is fighting herself at that moment. She doesn't know if her dads responsible for this but it definitely makes sense with his sudden arrival. But she finally gets her family back. Isn't that more important than a movie theatre enjoyed by one person. This conflict tugs on Veronica's heart but she made up her mind when she told me she couldn't help, so she sticks with her gut and lets me walk away.

The same weekend I find my way into the bijou, smiling at the old owner as I do. The popcorn in my hand brings me joy most things don't and I try to take everything in for the last time. The movie theatres are empty as always. I don't know why but I wanted to believe that maybe more people cared about this place. Sure it's old and only plays classics but it's got character.

The old movie starts to play and the big title comes up on screen: "Who framed roger rabbit." As the first scene starts to play out I feel a small smile find its way onto my face at the astonishingly bad graphics. The movie takes up all of my thoughts and I let myself be pulled into the story, probably more than I should as someone creeps up beside me.

"Is this seat taken," Veronica asks.
"Sheesh" I say in surprise, "way to make an entrance."
"I'll take that as a no." She slithers into the seat next to mine and the movie suddenly becomes a background character as Veronica takes center stage.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well I had to come see the theatre good enough even for Jugheads standards," she says sarcastically. I scoff at her words. I could have done without her annoying comments today.
"Plus no one likes to grieve alone"
I hold back a small smile and we look at each other for a while in a comfortable silence.
"This doesn't mean I like you," I say sharply.
She begins to laugh so I turn back to the screen.
"You only like food and murder mystery novels, so I think I'll survive Donnie Darko"