The Investigation - Jeronica

Help

My alarm wakes me up to the eerily quiet changerooms, usually filled with shirtless guys running around and laughing. As much as I feel like letting myself lay here I pull myself up and get ready for school.

After grabbing my books for English - my first class - I make my way to the student lounge. I let myself take a seat next to Betty and relax before class.
"Hey" I say
"Hey," she replies
"So how are you and Archie," I ask, "I know it's only been a few days but knowing you guys you have to have worked it out."
"Well apart from me being hopelessly in love with him and him head over heels for V, it's great," she says sarcastically
"I'm sure his feelings for Veronica are temporary and then he'll see the catch you are." She gives a sweet but defeated smile back in response. She then turns towards Kevin and indulges herself in whatever gossip he has whilst I let myself slump further into my chair. I watch Veronica stroll into the room but instead of joining Betty she stands in front of me.
"Jughead I need to talk," she says quietly, just so I can hear. "Alone"
"Great" I think to myself, "what better way to start the day then having to talk to Veronica."

She paces the classroom nervously. I look around at the empty room, scared of what she'll say if I look at her. I've never seen her act like this. Eventually she turns to me and stops.
"Why didn't you tell me you were sleeping at the bijou," she says abruptly and I can feel my face turn red.
"How-do you know"
"I went to find you last night," she says. I'm confused for a second and then shock washes over me.
"In the southside?!"
"Where else" she says sarcastically
"And your parents didn't mind?"
"Obviously I snuck out."
"You didn't happen to meet my dad did you?" I ask cautiously and I can tell she sees I'm nervous but she just shakes her head.
"This isn't about that, Where are you staying now?"
"That's none of your business"
"Jug," she says softly. I tense up as she places her hand on my shoulder. She realises and quickly pulls away.
"Jughead" she corrects herself, "I won't judge. I already think the worst of you."
I scoff and look away angrily.
"It's none of your business" I say again. She isn't fazed.
"I can't help you Jughead. Even if I wanted to my dad won't let me but please talk to someone, Archie will help"
"It's bad enough that you know, I don't need more pity," I sigh out
"Just promise me," she pleads. I look away.
"Is that all" I say as I go to stand up.
"No" she says, pushing me back down in my chair.
"I lied. About my dad. I said he was in jail but he's in Riverdale."
"What?!"
"I was gonna tell you but I just got my family back and I didn't want to deal with your usual smugness."
"Your dads gonna buy Riverdale, my home!" I shout
"I know that, don't you think I know that! God" she says, "Your so frustrating"
"Well I could say the same-"
"Shut Up" she yells. "I want you to help me stop him"
I'm about to shout back my comeback when I realise what she said.
"Why?"
"I don't know," she cries, "I mean I'm not a monster"
"I meant why do you need me"
"God, are you in or not" she asks impatiently.
I chuckle, "I really get under your skin don't I princess."
Veronica, lost for words, shakes her head and begins to walk away.
I pull her back by the hand.
"I'm in"
"Good"
I look at her for a while longer before she walks away again. I follow close behind.
"Oh and Toni wanted me to say hi for her. She sounds like she misses you."
We step into the now busy hallway.
"Toni?!" I ask.
"Yeah. Meet me at Pops tomorrow" Veronica says, "breakfasts on me." And before I can reply she's lost in a sea of people. I turn around and head to class, shaking my head whilst a smirk plays on my lips.