Unexpected Prom Date

(Just a short chapter today to break it up; the next chapter is the last one and it was better as a stand alone. :) )

Betty hustled her way to lunch, eager to see her boyfriend. But she was stopped by a familiar voice.

“Betty? Could we... talk?” Betty turned to see Veronica. She blinked a few times before nodding and sending a text to Jughead that she might be a minute. Veronica led her into a empty room for some privacy before starting to talk.

“I broke it off with Archie.” Veronica didn't look at Betty. She was looking out the window.

“I'm happy for you, Ronnie.” Betty smiled, a sort of sad one. “I really am. I think it's time we both moved on from this stupid triangle.”

“I agree. I'm... thinking about asking Reggie out.” Veronica shifted a bit, showing the awkward side she only showed those close to her. Betty knew it well.

“I think that'd be good for both of you. You and Reg are kind of made for each other.” They shared a little smile between them before Veronica got serious again.

“Listen, Betty. I wanted you to know that I'm sorry about what happened. And I wanted to be honest with you. I slept with Jughead a long time ago. He probably didn't tell you about that.” Veronica looked almost sad to be sharing this news with Betty. The Veronica Betty knew would feel almost victorious about getting there first. Perhaps she knew just how serious Betty was about Jughead.

“He told me. I know. You really hurt him, then.” Betty sat down on a desk and motioned for Veronica to do the same.

“He hurt me, really. I wasn't expecting him to be so... well... enchanting. His kiss nearly killed me, I swear. And he is good in bed, so good I...”

“I KNOW, RONNIE.” Betty stopped her before she got so jealous she snapped.

“Sorry... it's just. For a minute there, I fancied I actually liked him. I meant to do it just to be mean. You know that game we used to play. Still did play up until a few days ago. He was so good at everything he did, I started to actually feel for him. But then, after everything that happened, he had the nerve to say that he would always love you more.” Veronica shook her head.

“I'm sorry, Ronnie...” Betty said the words quietly with feeling.

“No need to be. I'm not proud of the way I treated him after that. He has every right to hate me. I know that.” She saw Betty's careful expression and chuckled. “Don't worry. I don't like him anymore. I've grown out of that. I just wanted you to know the truth. Before my actions make me seem a villain.”

“Oh, Ronnie. I could never stay angry with you. Besides, I know you don't mean to do things to hurt people.” Betty grabbed her best friend's hand. “I'm glad you came clean with me, though. It means a lot that you went out of your way.”

“It's because I really think you guys are good for each other. When they called you two as Prom Royals, I was spitting mad. But when I really thought about it, it made sense. You two looked perfect together, and Archie and me... well he spent all of his time thinking about you. So I just kind of fizzled out, and really thought about things. About you and me. About Archie. About Juggie. And in the end, I came to one conclusion.” She squeezed Betty's hand. “You are like a sister to me, and no matter what happens, no matter who we date, I don't want to lose you.”

“I feel the same way, Ron.” Betty teared up. Veronica started to tear up too.

“Oh, stop it Betty! You'll make me smear my mascara!” She wiped daintily at her eye with an index finger.

“I love you, Ronnie.” Betty leaned forward and gave her a big, teary hug.

“I love you too, Betty.” Ron hugged her back. They stayed like that for a minute before Betty got a text. She took a minute to read it.

“Hey, Jughead says that Reggie is going to join us for lunch. Why don't you come along?”

“And eat with you commoners?” Ron gave her a scandalized look before it melted into a smile. “I wouldn't miss it for the world.”

They both stood up, still holding hands like they did when they were kids.

“Let's go shopping this weekend, Betty.”

“Sure. I'll tell Jughead I have a date with my other important person.”