Shattered Smiles (A Choni Story)

Chapter 20

Toni's POV

"As long as you two are happy."
"We're happy, I'm pretty sure."
"That's reassuring."
"Har, har. I just- I just want things to go well. And not that I regret anything, because I regret nothing at all, but all our relationship has given her is trouble."
"Well, there's nothing stopping you two from being happy, now. It sounds like your the only one worried. And before you decide breaking my cousin's heart is the best thing, talk to her. Actually talk to her. Not briefly, not like it's a side convo, but sit down with her. Talk about the future, about what you want, about what she wants."
"I- there was literally no fucking need to go all therapist on me!" I yell at her, because great, now I actually feel compelled to do this.
"So," Sweet Pea clears his throat, "are we actually going to do something or are you two gonna talk about girls the whole time?"
"What? You wanna go scrub the floor? Be my guest." Betty pulls out a rag from her backpocket and throws it at him.
"Ugh," he scoffs and walks back to Veronica, where she's trying so hard to conceal her chuckle.
They both walk back to the barn together.
"Why do you have a rag?"
"Veronica gave it to me."
"Speaking of girls," I smirk, "you just need to get a cat and then you two will pretty much be wives."
"You are not one to lecture me about partners, Ms. Topaz."
"Ok. That's fair."
"So..."
"So?"
"What do you want with my cousin?" Betty asks and I'm confused.
"Hell does that mean?" I mutter, tucking my car keys away in my back pocket.
"I mean, everytime we talk about Cheryl, you're either complaining or love struck. What is is that you want with her?"
"I'm not complaining. I'm just worried about her. And I wouldn't say love struck, more like in awe," I look at Betty, smiling just a little bit she doesn't bother to return it.
"Hmph."
"What are you huffing about now, Cooper?"
"No reason."
"You always have a reason, it's part of your mother/therapist act."
"I'm just not understanding. You want a future with my cousin, right?"
"Yes."
"But you always get squeamish whenever someone up says the word "love" while referring to you guys."
"Give me a break, we've, like, just started dating," I roll my eyes at Betty's commentary.
"Yes, but it's Riverdale. You just become satisfied with your life then next thing you know, your happiness just got shipped to conversion therapy," she retorts.
"That was a little insensitive, don't you think?" I reply, blandly.
I mean, I kinda understand what Betty's getting at. I do love Cheryl, I do. Truly. Even if we've been together for a short time. But Betty didn't really have the right to crack her lame jokes after, like what, a week?
"I'm just saying."
"Yeah, and I'm just saying that your blowing this out of proportion, Cooper. I have the capability to tell Cheryl my feelings. And I'll do it when I'm ready! Cause right now, we're both not," I yell.
And, ugh, I yell. Why did I yell? I-I don't know. I was angry but I didn't want to yell. It's not like I planned to.l
"Ok," Betty side steps, "Just-just tell her your feelings. I think that's the best thing you can do with ever going on," Betty's still talking to me but she's looking away, towards the barn, "And you should do it soon. Because judging by the fact that Sweet Pea looks like he's about to cry, nothing good just happened."