Chapter Text
I was pretty shaken up when I got back to Veronica’s house. When I told the gang what happened, they were just as horrified as I was. Thankfully, it didn't take long for Veronica to come home.
She found me in the kitchen with Maria and Paimon, “Hey, Fabi.”
“Hey.” I said weakly.
“I… I'm really sorry about the assembly. I wasn't expecting any of that. What Ms. Fleming did was… Heather is coming over, just so you know. It's just her.”
“Yeah. I just want her to be ok. And you don't have to apologize for anything, Veronica.”
“And how are you feeling?” Maria asked, “From what Fabi told us, it was really intense.”
“That's putting it lightly.” Veronica scoffed. She grabbed some oreos and milk from the fridge and pantry, “Ms. Fleming had a whole news crew like we were a fucking spectacle. I'm ok, though.” She sat down at the table with us, “I don't know why I said I killed–”
“You didn't kill them.” Maria said sternly, “That was J.D.”
“I'm sorry that I left without telling you.” I said, grabbing an oreo, “You were probably wondering where I was, huh?”
“A little.” Veronica admitted, “I don't blame you for leaving the shit show.”
Paimon grabbed a few cookies, “Paimon is just glad everyone is ok. She hopes the school doesn't do anything like that again.”
“You and me both, Tinker Bell.” Veronica said, lifting her glass of milk like she was giving a toast.
I ate my cookie and asked, “Hey, when Heather comes over, can we join you? I think we'd have fun together.”
“Hm. Yeah, why not? I think we could all use a break from life. No assemblies, no killing, no forgery… and no J.D.”
The four of us exchanged a smile, “Couldn't have said it better myself.” Maria said.
Our time with Heather McNamara was pretty fun. And I was right; everyone loved her. Mirabel, Manolo, Maria and I talked to her about her problems. She needed an ear lent to her. We didn't solve her problems, but we were having fun. It was comforting.
A few days later, I was going through the Sawyer movie collection when Veronica came into the living room, “I broke up with him.”
I looked up, putting the VHS on the floor, “What?”
“I broke up with J.D.” Veronica sat on the couch, “You guys were right. He's too fucked up in the head, and I can't fix him.”
“It's not your job to fix him.” I joined her on the couch, “But breaking up with him was the right thing to do. It was only a matter of time before he dragged you down to his level.”
“How do I know he didn't already?” Veronica snapped, which made my eyes widen, “I helped him get away with so much already. Heather, Kurt and Ram's blood is on my hands too, no matter how much I lie to myself. I… I don't know if I can be normal ever again.”
Veronica took a few deep breaths before sobbing, “I really fucked up. I should've done something sooner.”
“You're still a kid, Veronica.” I said, “We all mess up.”
“We don't all kill people.”
“Well, no. But you need to cut yourself some slack.” I took a deep breath, “Look, I can't tell you how to navigate this. I can't even imagine what you're going through. But I really think you should go to therapy. You don't have to say you were an accessory to murder, but it'll help.”
Veronica sniffed, “You know, a shrink actually sounds pretty nice. I might take you up on that.”
I put a comforting arm around her shoulder, “We're all just trying our best in life. Believe it or not, but a wise old woman like me doesn't have it figured out.”
Veronica chuckled, “Hey, half the adults I know are full of shit. You're not so full of shit.”
“Uh… thanks?”
“Can I ask you something, Fabi? How do you always know what to say?”
I shrugged, “I don't know, I just call it like I see it. I have ADHD, anxiety, and my family isn't exactly functional. I've had a social worker for most of my life and it's helped me. I'm no professional, but I know a thing or two about mental health.”
Veronica smiled, “Thanks, Fabi.”
A few days later, Veronica, Heather McNamara and I were playing croquet when Heather Duke showed up.
“Hey guys, missed you after eighth period.” She said.
“We were avoiding you.” Veronica said.
“What you did to me sucked.” Heather McNamara said.
“Yeah, you thought we'd just forget about what you did?” I asked, glaring at the green Heather.
Heather Duke rolled her eyes, “How very very. I need you both to sign this.” She held out a paper and a clipboard.
“What is that?” Veronica asked.
“It's a petition to have the governor declare a day of remembrance to honor the victims of suicide. I've gotten everyone to sign it, even the dweebs and losers.”
“Shouldn't more be done to prevent suicide?” I asked, “This doesn't sit right with me.”
While Heather McNamara signed the petition, Veronica refused, “I'm with Fabi, I'm not signing that.”
“Veronica, why are you and your nerd friend pulling my dick?” Heather Duke asked
“Nerd?” I repeated, but Heather ignored me.
“It was your boyfriend's idea.”
Veronica and I shared an uneasy glance, “You mean JD?” She asked.
Veronica tried to warn Heather Duke that J.D. was most likely up to no good and said it was best to throw the petition away. Heather refused, saying she'll just forge Veronica’s signature like she did with Martha, “She's in no shape to sign anything today.”
Veronica looked up in concern, “Why not?”
“It was on the radio. She took a belly flop off the Old Mill Bridge last night holding a suicide note.”
My heart stopped, “What?!”
“Oh my God, is she dead?” Veronica asked tearfully.
“Just some broken bones.” Heather Duke said, “Just another geek trying to imitate the popular people and failing miserably.”
How could anyone be so cruel?
Heather McNamara said goodbye and wished that Martha was ok, Heather Duke right behind her.
“Veronica…?” I asked.
“What have I done?” She asked herself.
The ghosts of Heather Chandler, Kurt, and Ram came back to haunt Veronica, taunting her for what happened.
Yo girl, keep it together
I knew you would come far
Now you're truly a Heather
Smell how gangsta’ you are
We ran straight to the hospital and saw Martha in a bed. We were relieved she was alive, but she shouldn't have felt like she needed to hurt herself for anything.
“Martha, I'm so sorry.” Veronica cried. I just put a hand on her shoulder in a weak attempt to comfort her.
The ghosts came back, their voices felt louder this time.
Yo girl, feel a bit punchy?
She's not looking so well
Still you've earned that red scrunchie
Come join Heather in hell
“Come on.” I said, grabbing Veronica’s hand, “Let’s go home.”
Big mistake. The moment we got home, Veronica’s parents were waiting for us.
“Where have you been?” Mr. Sawyer asked.
“We've been worried sick!” Mrs. Sawyer exclaimed, “Your friend JD stopped by, he told us everything.”
“‘Everything’?” Veronica repeated.
“Your depression? Your thoughts of suicide?” Mr. Sawyer asked, clearly fearful for his child.
“He even showed us your copy of Moby Dick!” Veronica’s mom handed her the book. I don't know why, but J.D. made Veronica seem suicidal.
“He's got your handwriting down cold.” Heather Chandler's ghost commented.
Veronica’s mom begged her to talk to them, but she refused, saying they wouldn't understand.
“Try me!” Mrs. Sawyer said, “I've experienced everything you're going through right now.”
The ghosts were saying that J.D. was getting close.
Guess who's right down the block?
Wait… the others!
I ran upstairs to look for everyone. Thankfully, they were all in the guest room. I locked the door behind me.
Guess who's climbing the stairs?
“Fabi?” Manolo asked, “Is everything ok?”
“Yeah, you don't look so good.” Mirabel said.
Guess who's picking your lock?
I turned to them, my back pressed against the door, “You need to listen to me very carefully.”
Time's up, go say your prayers!
I explained what happened to Martha and that J.D. was on his way.
There was a quick knock on the door, which made me jump, “Please tell me you're all in there?!” It was Veronica.
“Yes!” I called out.
“Don't leave until I tell you to, ok?” I heard her running down the hall.
Veronica's running on, running on fumes now
Veronica's totally fried
Veronica's gotta be trippin' on 'shrooms now
Thinking that she can hide
Veronica's done for, there's no doubt now
Notify next of kin
Veronica's trying to keep him out now
Too late!
He got in
I looked at everyone, “Don't make a sound.” I whispered. I hated how scared everyone looked as they nodded. We all huddled together for comfort.
I didn't want to say what was going on to protect the Turning Red girls. J.D. didn't have the students sign a petition. He had them sign a massive suicide note. He was planning on blowing up the school with a bomb.
It was agonizing waiting for him to leave.
Thankfully, Veronica softly knocked on the door. I slowly unlocked it, letting her in, “Are you guys ok?”
“Paimon can't say we are.” Paimon said, “We're honestly really scared.”
“Yeah, what did that creep want?” Miriam asked.
“Nothing good.” Veronica said. She turned to me, “We have to get to the school now. He's going to hurt everyone.”
I nodded, “Mei can get us there.” I looked at the panda girl, “If you're up for it?”
“If it's to stop J.D., yes.” Mei climbed out the window and poofed into a giant panda, “Hop on!”
Veronica looked down with wide eyes, “Did she just…?”
“We'll explain later.” I said.
Everyone climbed out the window one by one, landing on Mei’s back.
Veronica armed herself with her croquet mallet, ready to stop J.D. once and for all.
I wanted someone strong who could protect me
I let his anger fester and infect me
His solution is a lie
No one here deserves to die
Except for me and the monster I created
Yeah, Yeah!
Veronica jumped on Mei’s back and we made our way to the school.
Heads up, JD, I'm a dead girl walking
Can't hide from me
I'm your dead girl walking
We stopped in the front of the school where Veronica and I jumped off.
And there's your final bell
It's one more dance and then farewell
Cheek to cheek in hell with a dead girl walkin'!
“You guys stay here.” Veronica said, “I don't want to risk anyone else getting hurt.”
Before we could argue, Veronica ran towards the school. As much as I wanted to run after her, I knew this was for the best.
“Wait!” Paimon tried to go after her, “But we can help!”
“No.” I grabbed Paimon’s wrist, “Veronica can handle herself.” I could tell everyone was uneasy, “Don't worry. After this, it'll all be over.”
No one said anything. We all waited for something, anything to happen. After a while, there was a loud explosion, scaring all of us and holding onto each other.
“What was that?!” Abby asked, hugging Priya.
“Uh… Come on.” I said.
J.D. was dead…
We ran into the school to see everyone leaving the gym, confused and concerned about the explosion. The air smelled a little like smoke.
Veronica was leaning against the lockers covered in black dust.
“Veronica!” Maria exclaimed, rushing up to her, “Are you ok? What happened?”
“Where have you been?” Heather McNamara asked, scared for her friend, “People were saying you killed yourself!”
“You look like hell.” Heather Duke commented.
Veronica was unbothered by our questions, “I just got back.” She ripped the red scrunchie out of Heather Duke's hair and tied it in her own hair before kissing her cheek.
“Hey! What are you doing?”
Veronica walked to the center of the hall and addressed everyone.
Listen up folks
War is over
Brand new sheriff's come to town
We are done with acting evil
We will lay our weapons down
We're all damaged, we're all frightened
We're all freaks but that's alright
We'll endure it, we'll survive it
Martha, are you free tonight?
Martha, now in a wheelchair and a few casts, was confused. Veronica said that her date “stood her up”, and was wondering if they could have a movie night together. Something with a happy ending. Martha wasn't too sure, wondering if there were any happy endings.
Veronica: I can't promise no more Heathers
High school may not ever end
Still, I miss you
I'd be honored
If you'd let me be your friend
Martha: My friend…
Martha, Veronica: We can be seventeen
We can learn how to chill
If no one loves me now
Someday somebody will
Veronica reached out to Heather McNamara, who graciously accepted. I placed my hand on Martha’s shoulder, smiling warmly at her with the others gathered behind me.
We can be seventeen
Still time to make things right
One day we'll change the world
All: But let's kick back tonight
Thankfully, other students joined in. It seems like there's hope for Westerburg after all. Now I remembered why I love this story so much. There's a hopeful ending. It's insane, but there's hope. Hope that after all the insanity we go through in life, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Let's go be seventeen!
Take off our clothes and dance
Act like we're all still kids
'Cause this could be our final chance!
Always be seventeen
Celebrate you and I
Maybe we won't grow old
And maybe then we'll never die!
We'll make it beautiful!
Beautiful!
Veronica, Martha, Heather McNamara, the gang and I went back to the Sawyer house for a movie night. We needed it after an insane few weeks. We of course watched The Princess Bride, too.
“You're how old?!” Heather McNamara asked Manolo and Maria.
“Eighteen and nineteen.” Manolo chuckled, pointing to him and Maria.
“Wow.” Martha said, “I didn't know it was legal to get married so young. You didn't want to go to college first or get a job?”
Maria shrugged, “We've already known each other forever.” She cupped her husband's face as he blushed, “What can we say? We didn't want to wait.”
I had to cover my mouth to not squeal. They're too cute!
“Not for me.” Veronica said, “I'm not getting married until I'm at least twenty-five.”
“I hope I get married when I grow up.” Priya said, “And they better have fangs.”
“Oh, that's hot.” Miriam said, hi-fiving her friend. Abby and Mei laughed with their friends.
“I hope Mariano and Dolores get married one day.” Mirabel said, “It'd be a waste if it doesn't work out.”
I chuckled and looked at everyone with a warm smile, “This is nice, you know. Just being here. No insanity, no stress. Just this.”
After a few hours, Heather and Martha left for the night. The rest of us hung out in the living room for a while.
“Are you gonna tell anyone about what happened?” Mei asked, “About J.D.?”
Veronica shrugged, “I don't know. Maybe all this shit is gonna come out sooner or later. I hope it's later.”
“It's unfortunate what happened to him.” I said, “He just didn't get the proper help he needed.”
“You need to at least tell your parents that you're ok.” Mirabel said, “They sounded worried about you.” Veronica nodded sadly.
I sighed, “Oh, what the heck. Veronica, we need to tell you something.” Like the other worlds before, we told Veronica everything.
“So… what you're saying is none of this is real?” Veronica asked, her eyes wide.
“Of course this is all real.” I said, “Just… not where I'm from?” That didn't make things better…
“Ok… damn. That's… a lot for me to process right now.”
“Don't worry, it happened to all of us.” Paimon said, “Just take it in slowly.”
“And you got jumped by weird fuzzy things?”
“Yep.” I said, “And if my calculations are correct, the next portal should open up in…” A white portal showed up behind Veronica, “Right now.”
Veronica was shocked as we started to get pulled into the force of the portal, “Take me with you!”
“What?! Why?”
“I need to be away… from all of this! I need a break. For my mental health, you know?”
I shook my head with a smile, “Well, when you put it like that.”
It didn't take long before we were sucked into the portal. Hopefully the next world won't be so murderous.