you are the reason

chapter twelve _ distance

Veronica's POV

We rushed to Lucas and Jughead's room as soon as Maggie told us about his panic attack. As we went to the room, I saw Juggie, my Juggie, kneeling in front of Del's bassinet with a terrified look on his face, breathing heavily and keep saying "where's she ". He was so terrified that didn't even understood our presence in the room. I knew by "she " he meant Delphine and with no doubt I kneeled in front of his and put Del in his hands. I then embraced him with all my power. He was still breathing heavily although he knew Del was safe and when the panic attack seemed to be gone, he put his head on my shoulder and started sobbing. I patted on his back, trying to comfort him while others were still standing beside the door frame, just watching us.

"Shhhhh, it's Ok Jug, it's Ok. Look she's here, there's nothing to be worried about "

He kept sobbing and then I told everyone to leave the room. After that I helped him lie on the bed and put Del on his chest then.

"You ok now?" I asked, he nodded
"I'm so sorry Jug. I just missed her so much and couldn't wait until you wake up "

He was still silent and kept staring at the wall in front of him until he finally turned to face me; that's when I could see the tube coming out of his nose. I think I was so focused on calming him that I didn't see it.

"Ronnie, I woke up and didn't feel her breathing in my chest, that's where she slept. I thought maybe Lucas put her in the bassinet but when I saw the bassinet, it was empty. For the first time in my life I thought I lost her too. Ronnie, you know I'm not out of my mind, I can't just loose her " he said with tears running down his eyes

"I know Juggie, I know. She will never leave you ok?"
"I'm so messed up Ronnie. Where did I go wrong? Do you think I deserve everything that happens to me?"

"We're living in the cruel world Juggie, where bad things happen to good people and you're just one of the best people I've seen in my life "

"Your words are medicine to me and they always work, even in the worst situations. As you see, things are not really good here but at least I'm happy you support me "

"Jughead, are you sure coming here was a good choice? I mean you can we can send you to the hospital if you don't feel comfortable here "

"No I'm ok. It's something that has to be done and my friends here are so kind to me; Lucas stayed up all night when I was in pain last night and girls suggested to take care of Del. Actually I think coming here was the best choice "

"I'm happy to hear that. There's something else I should tell you. I'm going to be gone for a while. I have to go back to Riverdale; it's about my parents divorce and I have to be there too. I don't know how long we should stay there but I'll be back as soon as we're done because I can't be away from you two for a long time; you're my family "

"I'm gonna miss you too. When will you go?"
"Probably this weekend, after school is over "
"Ok,and I'll have time to get better. I don't want you to see me with this tube again, I feel uncomfortable when you look at it with your eyes wide open"

"Oh sorry, it's just something new to me"
"Yeah, I see the same way you and Delphine look at it " he chuckled

I put my arms around his small frame again and hugged him as tight as I could. I smelt his scent as I took a deep breath,knowing that soon I'm going to miss it. God I'm gonna miss him so much but deep down I know I'm going to do the right thing; I just wanted to save my family.
That night I stayed with Jughead, thanks to Maggie who gave me the permission. I was happy to be there for him when he started the second round of treatment and distracted him from the pain. We cuddled together with Delphine between us, just like the old times and when the sun appeared in the sky, I kissed both of them for the last time.