Bughead ~ A Simple Life Someday 💟

Chapter 12 ~ In Hospital

Archie's POV: 2 days later:
I was so so soooo glad that Max was OK, sort of anyway... I really really like her. I think if this incident has taught me anything it's that life's way too short, take any chance you get. I knew that I needed to speak to her, I just didn't know how to. I thought it would be best if I waited until she was fully recovered. Otherwise, she might not actually mean what she's saying.
Unfortunately, Cheryl still hadn't woken up and tomorrow she was being transferred to Riverdale General hospital, so we could all see her on a daily basis, instead of having to travel an hour to see her. The doctors had said that there's a very slight improvement on Cheryl being able to breathe on her own, but she still isn't stable enough to be taken off of the life support just yet. Jughead, Toni and Betty haven't left the hospital during visiting hours, terrified somethings going to happen to Cheryl or Max. I mean, I get it - we're all petrified that something is going to happen, but I can tell Max is getting frustrated with being treated like she can't take care of herself... Everyone knows she can, especially after the performance she gave at the mall - the only reason she was knocked out was because she heard Toni screaming, not because she's a poor fighter.
Max's POV:
This was getting ridiculous, Jug, Betts and TT will not leave mine or C's side. I get it, I was in hospital, in a coma and C still is but seriously, I need some personal space. I don't need a body guard 24/7 I can take care of myself. I had told the 3 of them this countless amount of times, but they refused to listen to it. I needed to speak to dad... Alone, maybe he'd be able to make them listen. I asked dad to come and see me and when he came, I asked Betts, TT and Jug to leave us to talk for a bit. Reluctantly, the three of them walked out, to the food hall.
"Dad, I really really need your help." I said.
"OK, sweetheart... What is it?" he said, confused.
"Well, B, TT and Jughead are refusing to leave my side because clearly I'm unable to protect and take care of myself... I don't need a bodyguard, or in this case 3!" I explained as he nodded. "So, I was wondering if you could talk to them and get them to back off a little bit, just so I have a slight amount of personal space." I continued. Dad came over and hugged me softly, careful not to hurt me.
"Of course, princess. Don't worry, I'll talk some sense into them."
"Thanks, Daddy." I said, as he smiled. Dad then walked outside and went to speak to TT, Jug and Betts. When they came back in, the 3 of them were staring at the floor, looking very sheepish.
"We're sorry, Maxy." Toni said quietly as Jug and B nodded. "We only wanted to keep you safe." she continued. I sighed.
"That's OK. I know you all were only trying to look after me. I'm a big girl you know. I can protect myself. I just got frightened at the mall because TT shouted because C had been knocked unconscious. I'm not blaming you Toni, don't think it's your fault now. I know how you work. " I said as the 3 of them chuckled.
" Can you girls help me start packing mine and C's things, we're leaving tomorrow after all. " I said and the girls nodded. "Sorry, Jug. But you know this is a girls only job. " I explained as he chuckled and nodded. Betty quickly went and kissed his cheek goodbye. I was shocked - when did that happen? Betty, Jug and Toni saw my face and chuckled.
" Don't worry, we'll catch you up to speed on everything that you missed. " Betty said, grinning. I shrugged and nodded... This would be interesting. About half an hour later, Betty had explained about how Archie asked her out on a date, about her and Jug's argument, about why they had been so awkward around each other and what had happened while I was at the mall and in hospital. Before I could say anything, she quickly said "Oh yeah... Guess what Sweets did."
"What?" I asked confused.
"He kissed V... And she kissed him back." she squealed as I squealed with her.
"Oh and me and Jug and V and Sweets went on a double date 2 nights ago and Jug officially asked me to be his girlfriend." I squealed. "And Sweets asked Veronica to be his girlfriend officially too." Betty continued excitedly. I clapped happily.
"Oh, I'm so happy for the 4 of you." I cried, pulling Betty into a hug. "Now you, TT. you just gotta tell her..." I said, pointing over at C. "As soon as she's back at home." I commanded and Toni nodded.
"Wait... You like C?" Betty said happily as TT nodded "That's so soo great... Don't tell anyone I told you this, especially Cheryl but... She really really likes you too." B explained. Toni's face lit up as her smile formed from ear to ear. "See," I said "Now you definitely have to ask her out." TT nodded and said "Yes, mother." as we all rolled over laughing. After we packed, I was able to be discharged and Cheryl was getting transferred just as I left. When me, TT, Jug, Betty,  Sweets,  Alice and Dad all arrived back at home (after dropping Archie, Veronica, Fangs and Kev at their houses) we unpacked and waited for a call to say that C was in Riverdale General Hospital.
Once I was sat on the sofa, I began thinking. I need to talk to Archie, I want to tell him that I like like him but I just don't know how. I knew I needed to speak to TT, B and V as they were the best people to help with this sort of thing. I just needed to find the right time to speak to them, preferably when someone important to us all isn't in hospital on life support, barely holding on.
3 days later :
Thankfully, we had got the call to say C was stable in the hospital, and now we were just waiting for a phone call about C waking up or any problems that occur and I was on bed rest, with the exception of going over to B and Sweets House everyday to only sit on their sofa and the hospital. V, Archie, Kev and Fangs kept visiting me everyday before we all went to the hospital to see C. Today, Ronnie, Fangs, Kevin and Arch had just arrived to see how I was doing before we drove over to the hospital... when suddenly...
Ring ring...
Alice rushed over to the phone and answered it, her hands shaking.
"Hello..." she said with a trembling voice and fearful eyes.
Little did we all know, this phone call would change all of our lives and it could possibly be... Forever!