Forever And Always

Chapter 16

Callie was downstairs with Vegas while her dad and the boys were upstairs. He then came down with Archie.

" Can I talk to you two outside?" their dad asked. They both went outside as their sat down and talked to them about their mom. " The goods news is that all those divorce papers and legal mumbo jumbo will be done. Should be behind us by the end up the week."

"Are you only going to see mom now because you and Hermione Lodge?" Archie asked.

"No, no," their dad denied. " I ended that. Being together, working together, not a good idea."

"Then why are you finalizing things now?"  Callie asked.

"Sometimes, you just gotta rip the Band-Aid off," their dad advised. He stood up while grabbing his bag.

" Or you can try and fix things," Callie suggested as the other two stood up.

" We're past that point, Callie," their dad sighed as he made his way down to the car.

" I spoke to Mom last week, she didn't mention any of this, dad," Archie argued.

"Your mom moved out two years ago," their dad reminded them. " She didn't tell you two because she wanted me to be the bearer of bad news."

"What if we came with you?" Callie suggested. 

" This is between me and your mom," their dad stated. " I'll check in." The two watched their dad drive away to finalize the divorce.

****

When they got to school, Callie hung by her locker not saying a word to anyone.

"Are you alright?" Reggie asked her.

"I am fine," Callie assured him as they started for class.

"You have been really distant," Reggie stated. "Are you cheating on me?"

" No," Callie immediately responded looking at him like he was insane. " It's just a bunch of stuff going on at home."

"Is this still about your mom?" Reggie asked.

"Dad left to finalize the divorce with mom, " Callie told him. 

"Are you going to be alright?" Reggie asked as he held her hand.

" I just need to get my mind off it," Callie assured him. " Are you busy after practice?"

"I am all yours," Reggie assured her.

******

Callie was sitting lunch, eating with Reggie, a few bulldogs, and a few vixens.

"He's back," Ginger stated. Callie looked up too Chuck Clayton, once again roaming the school.

"Don't do anything irrational," Reggie advised. They watched Chuck go sit next to Ethel.

" I won't," Callie said. " But I think Betty will." They watched Betty storm over to Chuck and Clayton.

"Oh god," Reggie breathed. " Look away, it makes it less awkward." They all looked away.

" I thought he was expelled," Midge stated.

" Nope," Callie denied. " He was suspended."

********

The next day Callie was at cheerleading when Cheryl told them to stop.

"You're late, Veronica," Cheryl said, everyone turned to Veronica walking. " We've already reviewed the new choreography for Homecoming. That means you'll be in the back where your presence will do the least amount of damage." 

"With you front and center, no doubt," Veronica snipped.

" But of course," Cheryl accepted. " I do have the maddest skills on this squad." Everyone looked at each other and then at Callie. They all knew Callie was a better cheerleader, but everyone was too scared to say anything. 

" And because you're a Blossom," Veronica stated. " We have to accept whatever you say as gospel truth."

" You're welcome to challenge me, Veronica," Cheryl offered. " But you'll lose." 

" We live in a democratic society, Cheryl," Veronica reminded her. " Let's let the vixens decide who's cherry on top."

" Challenge accepted," Cheryl confirmed.

"Great," Veronica smiled. Everyone back up and prepared for the cheer off. Cheryl snapped her fingers and Callie hit play for the song. Veronica was the first one to show off their moves, then Cheryl, then they danced and cheered together.

"All those for Cheryl?" Callie asked when the music stopped. Nobody raised their hands or made a sound.

"All those for Veronica?" Betty asked, everyone, cheered at the name and clapped.

"Never cross a Lodge," Veronica advised Cheryl. " Come on girls." Callie came home to a Happy Birthday sign on the wall and Archie breaking into the liquor cabinet. 

"What are you doing?" Callie asked.

" I plan on spicing up the party tonight," Archie answered. " Dad, called him, apparently things are so bad, he and mom decide to meet with the lawyers tomorrow instead of going to breakfast."

"Break out the liquor, " Callie agreed.

******

Later that night, Reggie was over with a couple others, as they helped set up for Jughead's surprise part. She got to meet Joaquin, who is Kevin's boyfriend.

"If it's a double feature does that mean I have enough time to go to the bathroom?" Ethel asked.

"I'd hold it, Ethel," Kevin advised. The door opened and they shouted surprise, turned out it was just Veronica.

"Do I look like Jughead to you?" Veronica asked angrily.

"Oh, Betty just texted me They're almost here," Kevin informed everyone. " You've met Joaquin, right?"

" I haven't had the pleasure," Veronica admitted. She then pulled Kevin to the side for a private talk.

"Guys, they're are really coming this time," Ethel announced. " Everybody hide."

"Ugh, I'm so over this," Veronica stated as they all hid. The door opens, the lights turned on, and everyone jumped out shouting surprise, Jughead looked shocked and a little bit angry at the same time.

"This is why we left the double feature," Jughead stated looking at Betty.

"Happy birthday, bro," Archie said as he gave Jughead a hug.  Everyone told him a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday Juggie," Callie told them as they hugged.

"Why are you here?" Jughead asked.

" I live here," Callie reminded him, then they pulled away from each other. " It would be odd if I didn't show up to a party, that was held at my own house."

"Um, has anyone seen Betty?" Jughead asked. Suddenly Betty came out of the kitchen and a candle singing happy birthday, as she approached Jughead. Callie and Reggie pulled to the side as Jughead blew out his candles. 

"Do you want to pull off at some point tonight?" Reggi asked.

"To make this night a bit more interesting," Callie said. " But not till after cake."

"Whatever you want strawberry," Reggie said as he kissed the top of her head. The doorbell rung, and before anyone could answer, Cheryl and a whole bunch others opened the door and walked in.

" Maybe we should stay," Callie suggested.

"This night is about to be intense," Reggie stated with a smile.