Becoming Lodge

Telling archie

  Veronica stood on the doorstep of the Andrews home at four am two coffees in her hand. Knocking once the door swung open. Archie Andrews stood before Veronica taking her breath away. Archie rubbed his eyes tiredly yawing holding the door open. "Hey.." Veronica said softly walking into the house her hand brushing against his chest when she passed by. Immediately waking Archie up the sleep gone from him,
"Ronnie.." he whispered. "What's going on?" Veronica handed him a cup of coffee wordlessly her eyes appearing lost. Veronica paused and met Archie's eyes immediately forgetting why she was there. Archie grabbed her hand pulling her into him before he kissed her passionately on the lips. Feeling her melt into him just like she always did.
Smiling into his kiss she pulled away startling him. Veronica sat on the couch motioning him to join her. Archie sipped his coffee watching her face trying to read what was in her thoughts and expressions. Archie knew Veronica had changed , but he also still knew that she was struggling. with what she wanted to tell him. "I'm here.. talk.. tell me. What happened? Archie ran his hands through his thick red hair.
"So before I launch into this I need you to hear me to really hear me. You have to remain calm and help me figure out the best way to help Camila. But it's going to make you really angry. And it's hard for me to tell anyone let alone you." Veronica gently grabbed his hand feeling herself relax. "Promise me Archie that you won't do anything rash or wreckless. You will keep your head until we figure out a game plan." Veronica watched Archie swallow hard. Knowing deep down that this conversation was going to be something hard to hear. Just how hard and how much it would upset him Archie had no idea. He nodded his head not trusting his voice. "So about two years ago.. Cheryl and Toni came to New York for the weekend so we could discuss business. Cheryl had never been to any of the New York night clubs. Camila was about seven maybe eight months old at the time.." Veronica swallowed knowing this could go two ways with Archie. "So we went out and partied hard just trying to escape the world. Unfortunately I ended up leaving with Nick St. Clair. I blame the alcohol and drugs..but..he.. uhm..he took advantage of the situation and it got really bad. If Jughead hadn't shown up when he did..I am not sure of the outcome. Jughead saved me from Nick.."
"What did he do to you?" Archie growled anger evident in his voice. "How bad did he hurt you?"
"That's over with.." Veronica interjected quickly. Her eyes puddling at the memories of the night Nick assaulted her. Memories that were making Veronica feel like she couldn't breathe. Archie noticed her breath hitch. The way she trembled silently beside him. The un shed tears glistening in her eyes. Angrily Archie unconsciously began to ball and un ball his fists feeling his anger at the situation. "But in regards to Camila.. Archie Nick is angry at me still from what happened in high school and that night.. he threatened our daughter. He threatened to take her to make her his if he can't have me. Archie please you have to help me. We have to protect our baby. Please Archie I can't live without her. She's my everything..please." Veronica cried out. Panic and hysteria lacing her words.
"We should have put him in a body bag years ago Ronnie. I will murder him for what he did to you. I will! I promise you we will keep Camila safe. She will always be safe with me." Archie glowered his eyes darkening dangerously. Veronica had seen Archie lose his temper before and knew the consequences to it. Archie was at times a lose cannon which he couldn't be now or the three of them would be in more danger.
"Archiekins.." Archie looked up startled by the nickname feeling a goofy smile on his lips. His anger having subsided upon the name he wanted to hear for years. Veronica grabbed his face to look at him. She placed her other hand gently on his chest. "I need your help, but you need to keep your head straight. No crazy circles, no running off half cocked. Our daughter needs us to protect her. Promise me you will stay calm. Please Archie promise me." Veronica begged.
"I promise Ronnie." He said softly but even to his own ears he didn't believe them. The words sounding like a broken promise. "Come here. You need to relax. You're safe here it's ok. Nothing will happen to you here with me." He said gently pulling her into his arms feeling her relax against his chest. Her breathing calming immediately. Veronica released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Just relax. Everything will be ok, it's always ok when it's us."