Fp and Alice

Homecoming dinner

I felt bad about what happened the last time I saw him, and even worse that I sent Veronica and Archie to his trailer to look for anything. But I need to know if he's hiding something, because I can't risk him going to jail again.
"Mom, what time did you say they were coming again?"
"6"
"And what about dad, is he invited?"
"No he most certainly isn't"
I know Hal and I have gone through so much but I can't handle it at the moment. He's so arrogant sometimes and after what happened with Polly, I don't think I'll ever be able to look at him the same way.
*
I put the peach pie in the oven and set the alarm for a half hour, and made my way upstairs to start getting ready. I picked out a dress and decided to go with a bold red lipstick. It reminded me of back in the day, when FP used to take me to the white wyrm and we'd party until early in the morning. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered what a great time we used to have. I walked over to the closet and crouched down to get out a box. The box contained some old clothes and right at the bottom was my serpent jacket. I gazed at it. But those times were over. FP and I are different now. We both live separate lives and I'm ok with that. He's just an old friend coming over for dinner.
I finished getting ready and just as I was making my way downstairs the doorbell rang.
Shit, I hadn't thought about what I was going to say. I didn't want to be as icy as I was last time.
" I'll get it" I heard Betty call. I quickly made my way downstairs and went towards the front door, where Betty had just greeted jughead and his dad. Betty took jughead hand and lead him into the house leaving me and FP.
"Do come in" I said calmly
FP made his way in and I directed him towards the dining room.
"Dinner will be ready in a minute"
"Do you need any help?" He grazed my Arm as he hung up his jacket.
"No I'll be fine, don't worry" I smiled
"Well im that case" he replied brushing past me gently and smiling a little as he did.
He went and took a seat at the table and I hurried off into the kitchen. Oh god, I had to contain myself.
*
I finished serving up dinner and sat down. I took the seat next to FP at the end of the table.
"Super delicious, mrs c"
"Sure is Alice" I smiled a little and started asking FP and jughead some questions. I was just curious to know what he was up to these days.
We managed to have quite a civilised conversation until we were interrupted by the doorbell.
"I'll get it" Betty said before jumping up.
We weren't expecting anyone, and I couldn't imagine who would be calling so late. I didn't bother turning around when I heard Hal's voice. I just sighed and carried on eating. FP sniggered a little bit still got up and greeted him. There was one person FP couldn't stand and that was Hal. And in that moment i felt the exact same way.
Betty mumbled something about homecoming and how we should all be together and I gave in, allowing him to join us. I think I made it quite obvious that I wasn't happy to see him, because I suddenly felt a warm hand on mine. FP looked at me. I smirked and carried on eating. He knew exactly what was going through my mind.
I looked up, still a slight smile on my face, and looked around the table. As I got to Hal, he shot me a stare and proceeded to start a conversation with FP. He knew about my history with him and deliberately started talking about a topic I was not comfortable with. It got to the point of our homecoming. FP was getting annoyed and although I knew he was targeting Hal, I winced a little as I remembered the events of that night. I also knew he wouldn't deliberately say anything to hurt me but as he mentioned the argument, I stepped in.
"Shut up, FP"
"Happy to oblige if you are"
There was an awkward moment of silence, after which Betty chipped in
"This was such a nice idea, but I think it's time we get to the dance"
I couldn't agree more, I was furious with Hal and I couldn't put up with it anymore. Betty and jughead made their way out at which point I stormed of into the kitchen.
FP's pov:
I knew I had made a mistake bringing up our homecoming. Alice looked as if she could start crying at any moment.
Betty and jughead made their way out and Alice immediately stormed off. Crap. I looked over at Hal and he gave me and icy glare. He hesitated before getting up and walking into the kitchen. I didn't want to get in the middle of things but I was worried he would hurt Alice. In slowly got up and stood outside of the kitchen.
"What on earth were you thinking Alice?!"
"I wanted to be polite, Betty and jughead wanted us to meet" I heard Alice say quietly
"You know each other quite well already, I mean you dated for how many years!?"
"Hal.."
"No Alice, I'm not ok with this!"
"It was years ago and you need to get over this!"
"God damit Alice!"
At this point I decided to enter the kitchen. Alice Looked terrified and as Hal shouted at her again, the plate she was holding fell out her hands and on to the ground, shattering into pieces making her jump. She noticed me and her facial expression said it all. Hal lunged towards her and that's when I decided to step in. I yanked him away from her and punched him in the face.
I quickly went over to Alice and stood in front of her in case he tried to hurt her again. To my surprise Hal made his way out
"I'd watch my back if I were you" he said before leaving. I stayed standing there until I heard the front door slam, and that was when I turned around to Alice. She looked at me briefly before bursting into tears. I embraced her and we stood there for a good minute or two before she pulled away.
"Why did you do that FP?"
"Because I couldn't bear watching you get hurt again"
More tears filled her eyes and I pulled her into another hug.
"Come on" I said leading her out of the kitchen,
"Go and get cleaned up, and I'll get rid of the mess"
She looked at me before nodding and silently made her way upstairs. Although I longed to follow her, I decided to Stay put and clean up the mess.
*
Alice's pov:
I was still in shock but I decided to go upstairs and clean up a bit. Without saying anything I just made my way upstairs leaving him. I couldn't believe he had just protected me from my own husband. I started to think what would've happened if he hadn't been there sooner.
*
After I had finished cleaning myself up, I headed back downstairs. I walked into the kitchen to see FP clearing up the last of the shattered porcelain. I couldn't help but notice a cut on his hand.
"FP, what happened?" I asked worriedly
"I accidentally cut myself, but don't worry.. as long as you're ok?"
"I'm fine" he raised his eyebrows "come on, I'll clean that up" I said looking at his hand. I grabbed the first aid kit and reached for his hand.
"Alice, you really don't have t-"
I cut him off "it's the least I can do" I reply
He shrugged and let me clean his wound.
FP's pov:
She was so gentle and careful, and although it burned a bit, I didn't say anything. How could Hal treat her like he did. She was so innocent.
"There all done" she looked up and smiled.
I smiled back.
"Well we better get to the school, don't wanna be late"
"Right" Alice said before returning the box back inside the drawer and walking towards the front door. We both took our jackets and headed out.