There was a certain emptiness in the apartment as of late and she can't seem to recall when it started. It was long enough to make an impression but there was something about the emptiness and silence that was a comfort to her, as strange as it sounded.
She turned to the clock that read 11:09 PM
Another night, another missed supper. Tonight was different though. It was her 28th birthday and she had hoped it would spark up an interest in him. During the past two weeks, he had been working longer hours, taking work calls more frequently, their interactions were shorter and he was constantly late for dinner. She can't even remember that last time he'd touched her or even having the need for him. They had been together for almost 6 years but they were always all over each other and suddenly it becomes just giving and receiving a peck on the cheek that didn't last long enough to satisfy but neither of them were complaining.
And it wasn't all just his fault. She was fully aware that she had pulled back as well. She worked full time and whenever they did end up in bed together it was either too late or she was exhausted. Just the other night when he got home, late yet again, she got impatient and as soon as her hands reached to take off his jacket he quickly removed them with a simple "Not tonight Betty." response. That night she cried herself to sleep. It was the first time he had rejected her touch. Did he not want her anymore? All she wanted was to be close to him and he had turned her away.
So here she was on her third glass of wine, on one hand, her phone in the other thinking about how she got here. How did they get here? How did they let each other become that couple that ends up being more like roommates? It was as if there was a ghost in their apartment and she was the third wheel.
Ding.
V- I'm outside.
As always, Veronica was early.
Ding
V- You sure wanna do this?
Before she could reply the front door opened.
He placed his things down and gave Betty a short smile.
"Hey, I didn't think you'd be up"
"You're late."
He walked over the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Showing no signs that knew what today was.
"I know. I'm sorry Betty. My meetings ran late, I couldn't get out of them."
"Even tonight." It wasn't a question but that's how he took it.
"Betts, let's not okay? I'm tired and I have a long day tomorrow so whatever this is, can we not."
That pissed her off. He had the nerve to sound annoyed and even a little bored of this conversation. Why did it feel like she was unwelcome in her own space?
She picked up the glass and finished what was left. "No. Because whatever this is, can't wait."
Ding.
Of course, there it was. Another message from "work". Always came daily and he never puts that damn phone down. Even the moment of him looking at the screen was enough for her snap right now.
"Is that your mistress texting you? Letting you know what a great meeting it was"
His face shoots up. And finally, she gets a reaction outta him. A look of disgust on his face but that was better than the autopilot personality he's been having lately. He walked over to her but kept his distance.
"Is that what this is about? You think I'm cheating on you?"
It was a stretch she admits to herself. It wasn't in his character to cheat. But what was she suppose to think when it seems that they've grown so distant and he pushes her way when she shows interest in being close.
"With all these late meetings, the messages you get at night, and well you're definitely not screwing me"
He glances at the table at her drink. "You're drunk, I'm not doing this."
Maybe she was. Three glasses on an empty stomach can make anyone a little buzzed, but she wasn't a frequent drinker either. But that didn't make her thoughts untrue.
"I'm not and why wouldn't you? The Jones men do love their women."
Another step towards. He was close enough now that she can make out the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep.
"That's fucking enough Elizabeth!"
She gets up and stands close enough that she can feel him trying to control his anger.
"Yes, that's right! Get pissed. It's better than the zombie I've been sleeping in bed with."
She walks past him. It was clear that there wasn't going to be a resolution tonight and if she was honest with herself she didn't even know what outcome she wanted.
"What's wrong with you?"
He follows her to see her walking towards the door with a bag in her hand that he didn't even see was there when he had placed his work bag. He was so wrapped up in his own mind to know that she had a bag and placed it exactly where he always put his things when he came home. She was asking to be seen, to be acknowledged and he fucked up.
She was halfway through the door but she wanted him to know where all this was coming from.
"Do you have any idea what today was?" She let her guard down because she needed him to hear this.
He clearly heard how she spoke because his face was softer and all he did was shake his head. He was defeated. Watching her gather her things stung. He hated this part when they walk out. Ever since his mother walked out on him he swears he would never make someone stay. Betty was different. He would have done anything to make her stay. But knowing about his past and how much he was affected by his mother's abandonment, he knew that her leaving wasn't a spur of the moment decision and he needed to respect that.
"It's my birthday Jughead" Her voice was broken and that made eyes sting.
He hung his head. "Shit." He ran both hands through his hair.
"Happy Fucking birthday to me." She said with a forced smile and tears in her eyes.
She sees him place his hand in his pocket but doesn't stay long enough to see what he pulls out.
Once the elevator closes, she cries.
