There's No Place Like Home

Chapter Four

"Hey, can we talk?" Toni asks, walking up to Veronica.

"Yeah, about what?" Veronica said.

Shifting, Toni runs a hand through her hair. "Cheryl's birthday is coming up."

"Yeah." Veronica said.

"I was wondering if we can have a party at the Pembrooke? Just us and close friends." Toni says after a moment.

"That can be arranged." Veronica said.

Toni instantly smiles. "That would be amazing."

Veronica smiled back.

"Hey guys, what are you talking about?" Betty asks, walking up to them.

"Cheryl's birthday." Toni said.

Betty nods her head. "What do you need?"

"Food, maybe from Pop's." Toni said.

"Jug and I are on it. When are we doing the party?" Betty asks, looking around to make sure nobody is listening in.

"Cheryl's birthday." Toni said.

Betty instantly shakes her head. "Not a good idea, she won't be up for celebrating that day."

"Why not?" Toni asked.

"Twins remember, her and Jason shared a birthday. Now he's gone." Betty responds with a shrug.

"Oh." Toni said. "Maybe the Saturday after then."

Veronica shakes her head. "Let's do it this week."

"Isn't that a little short notice." Toni said.

"No, I can get everything taken care of. Just tell me what all you want there." Veronica responds with a shrug.

"Umm." Toni went quiet as she thought.

Veronica smiles softly. "Get me a list by lunch."

Toni nodded. "Okay."

"We should get to the lounge, the others are probably waiting." Betty says, noticing a flash of red hair down the hall.

"Yeah." Toni said.

****

Cheryl was sitting on the couch in the lounge, her arms crossed over her chest.

Toni sat down beside her.

Shifting, Cheryl faces away from her.

"Cheryl?" Toni asked.

The redhead doesn't respond, her arms still crossed over her chest.

Toni frowned. "What's wrong?"

"What were you talking about in the hall?" Cheryl mumbles, still not looking at her.

"Nothing important." Toni said.

Nodding her head, Cheryl gets up and grabs her bag. "I'm going to class."

"Cheryl?" Toni asked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I have class." Cheryl responds before walking off.

"Cheryl." Toni called.

Veronica shakes her head. "Leave her alone."

"Why?" Toni asked.

Shifting, Veronica sighs. "She needs space to figure things out."

"Figure out what? What did I do?" Toni asked.

"Nothing, she's just worried about something." Betty explains from Jughead's lap.