Becoming Lodge

21

Veronica sat on the counter a glass of maple rum in her right hand the business weekly magazine in her left. "Woman of the year. Haha. I did it!! At 21 I did it! Happy birthday to me!" Veronica smiled holding up her glass to the air watching the clock switch over to 12:01 am. Announcing her birthday. Pretending to touch her glass to another. "I did it Archiekins.." she trailed off before unwanted tears began to slide down her face. "Not your girl..." Veronica said before she began to sob into the glass. More tears for Archie. How many more would she shed for the man who broke her heart?
Jughead stood silent in the doorway to the kitchen watching Veronica cry. Taking a deep breath, Jughead walked into the room and took the glass out of her hand. "I think you've had enough." Jughead finished the last of her drink in one shot. Climbing upon the counter to assess how much Veronica had to drink that evening.
"Poo.. I'm celebrating Jughead as should you.. it's 12:01 I'm 21." Veronica said wiping the tears from her face stifling her sobs. "Can I have my glass back please I have about a half of a bottle left calling my name." Veronica waved the bottle in his face the alcohol in her system showing at her jerky movements. Jughead shook his head. Shrugging Veronica tossed her head back drinking from the bottle. Grimacing when the liquor poured down her throat. When she came up for a breath Jughead pulled the bottle out of her hand.
"Reina... I said that's enough..." Jughead snapped tossing the bottle into the stainless steel sink. Hearing it break on contact. That's gonna be a mess Jughead thought momentarily before turning his attention back to Veronica. "Getting drunk isn't celebrating. You will regret this tomorrow..."
"Nah! Veronica Lodge can hold her liquor." Veronica stammered hearing the sloppiness in her words. Knowing Jughead was right. "I'll be fine..."
Jughead handed Veronica a bottle of water. "Drink this.. it will help." Veronica drank the water feeling it slosh around in her stomach. Probably not the best idea. Veronica thought before her stomach turned. Jughead noticed immediately and helped Veronica down off the counter leading her to her bathroom.
Veronica clutched the toilet desperately clinging to it. The alcohol burning her throat coming back up. Tears spilled down her cheeks while Veronica threw up. Jughead held her hair gently rubbing her back comfortingly. When Veronica finished she collapsed on the floor in exhaustion. Jughead brushed her hair back and wiped her face with a warm rag. Picking her up like a rag doll he laid her in her bed. "Stay with me Jug?" She asked pleadingly. Not wanting to be alone anymore.
Jughead picked up on her intentions immediately. "Veronica...no..you are drunk..I won't take advantage of that..." he said softly sadness on her face when she looked down.
"It's my birthday Jug... it's my 21st birthday.. I'm all alone.. I have numerous multimillion dollar businesses. Got a coveted award that people my age never get. I'm on top of my world.. and yet I'm alone.. no one wants me.. no one wants to be with me.." Veronica said sadly. "You don't even want me. What's wrong with me?" Veronica demanded tearfully. Jughead chuckled beside her not wanting to but the idiocy of the idea that no one wanted Veronica was ludicrous. Earning a sharp glare from Veronica. "Get out!!" Veronica yelled angry now hurt that he was making fun of her. Laughing at her heartache.
Jughead shook his head realizing his mistake. "That's not what I meant. I'm laughing at the idea YOU Veronica Lodge thinking no one wants you. Everyone wants you. Reggie Mantle calls everyday to tell you he loves you... you just don't let anyone in.." Jughead laughed again. "Everyday.. man you got that boy whipped.. and I thought And..." Jughead trailed off Veronica looking at him both of them knowing he was about to say Andrews.
"Whipped alright.. that's why he.." Veronica trailed off shaking at the memory. "...that sucks for him."
"Huh? What sucks for who?" Jughead asked confused.
"Reggie.. that's what I told him.. sucks for him.." Veronica said meeting Jughead's eyes seeing the confusion. "When he said he loved me I said..oh that sucks for you. I didn't mean to.. it just kinda slipped. I did thank him though." Veronica finished lamely. Jughead side eyed her. "What?"
"When Reggie said he loved you... Reina..you didn't really say that.. please tell me you didn't..." Jughead looked at Veronica who nodded confirming she in fact did. "Wow Reina that's harsh."
"I did say thank you." Veronica snapped firmly.. "The truth hurts... what did you expect me to say? Was I supposed to lie?" Veronica demanded angry again. The alcohol making her emotions race from one to the other. "That's ludicrous.. love is a stupid emotion. Love is a chemical imbalance Jughead. I've told you this before. I'm so sick of everyone making it such a big deal. I'm fine without it." Veronica snapped again laying her head down on the pillow. "Good night Jug. I'm tired."
Jughead nodded and kissed her forehand pushing her hair off her eyes. "Good night Reina.. happy birthday." Jughead turned to leave the room sadned by the tears glistening on her lashes. Veronica fighting back tears that threatened to spill at any moment.