Chapter 1: The Moon's Blessing

Brief Introduction: This story is a fan fiction for Betty and Veronica comic books, but you do not need to know of them to read this story! Essentially, Betty and Veronica both like this one guy, Archie, and are always fighting over him. Veronica is extremely rich and glamorous. Betty is more of the "girl next door" type. She's sweet, generous, smart, athletic, cute, and a good cook. Unfortunately, Archie often breaks his dates with Betty for dates with Veronica. Everyone but Betty can see that Archie uses the poor girl! But that's all about to change...

Setting down my steaming mug of cocoa, I slowly walked over to the telescope and put my eye to the lense. I gently moved the black cylinder towards Orion's belt until I saw the first star of his belt. Moving the telescope by tiny increments, I sought out my treasure amidst the darkness. Yes! Orion's nebula came into focus and the overwhelming emotion of amazement hit me like a punch in the stomach, just like it always does. Bright, glittery swirls of white made up this deep space location, and the nebula looked like a curtain of clouds enshrouding something unbelievable mysterious and magnificent. As always, my sense of security on planet Earth fell through the floor. Who's in that nebula? Who else is out there? Are we humans special? Who's out there like me? This last query brought me back to reality.

The past few months had been especially rough for me. I pushed the telescope from its perfect angle and encircled my hand around comforting cocoa. I still can remember that windy September day. Archie and I were sitting at the stools at Pop Tate's sipping our vanilla milkshakes when Veronica Lodge sauntered up, looking dazzling in a yellow miniskirt and low cut striped shirt. Archie and I were planning to see a movie that evening together, but Veronica, as usual, upset our plans.

"Want to go see the new thriller, I Swear I Never Lied, Archiekins?" asked Veronica in her sickeningly sweet voice. She gave me a sidelong glance that clearly said he's my date tonight.

"Well," began Archie, "Betty and I..." Veronica quickly cut in.

"But I asked you on Friday! We haven't gone to a movie in forever!" murmured Veronica, as she batted her goopy eyelashes.

"You could get an Academy Award for that act," I muttered, sucking up the last of my creamy milkshake.

"Sure, buttercup," stuttered Archie, "How about next week, Bets?"

That was when something inside of me snapped. I totally lost it. This thing inside of me had been stretching; each date Archie broke, each time he ran while I was talking to greet Veronica stretched that thing a little farther. And it had snapped. I was sick of being the back-up girl and the one that was always ditched.

"Archie," I said in menacing tones, "You said that last week, and the week before that, so why don't you just stop trying to be nice. I'm SICK of being stood up! He's all yours Veronica, he's all yours!"

I stormed out of the restaurant, attracting stares from all the teens in there. I knew what they were all thinking, but I didn't care. Betty Cooper? What happened to her? She lost it! She was so sweet! I jumped into my baby blue Honda and roared home, tears blurring my vision and stinging my cheeks.

When I got home that day, I had a good long cry and packed away all of Archie's signed pictures. They were probably copies anyways, sent to all the girls in our class. After a soothing bath, I consulted the expert on problems such as my own: my mom.

We had a long discussion and I realized that my mom had seen the way Archie had treated me and knew that I would be hurt someday, it would only be a matter of time. We talked about why he wasn't right for me and what I need in a boyfriend. By the time I went to bed, it was midnight and I was feeling more relaxed.

That had been then, and this was now. I had avoided Archie completely, but was sure of how to handle Veronica. She had tried to keep Archie and me apart! But ultimately, it was Archie who chose to stand me up. Then again, she had selfishly tricked Archie many times into skipping our dates, so that sly little fox was to blame as well. I decided to seek out a new crowd with the astronomy club and I'm pleased to say that I flourished there. I got my own telescope and enjoyed the company of the animated and intellectual girls. Boys, however, just didn't interest me anymore. I had been to hurt by Archie. Whenever I saw Archie in the halls, it was uncomfortable. I would think I saw a glimpse of remorse or regret in his eyes, something that said I'm sorry, I miss you. But then it would pass and be replaced by the usual love and lust for Veronica. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to get out of Riverdale for college. Most of the teens would go to Riverdale Community College or University California Los Angeles. I would not be going with them, no matter what.

Amazingly, the perfect solution arose in November. Miss Grundy pulled me aside after class, a number of brochures in her hands.

"Have you considered going to an international college, Betty?" asked Miss Grundy.

"No," I said, "That's so far and my parents wouldn't be able to afford it."

"Well, you're an excellent student, so you could probably get a scholarship. I think you should consider it." She handed me the bright brochures, and they felt like tickets to the moon.

"Thank you," I whispered, knowing that I was not going to be in America next fall.

Right now, that's what I'm holding. The brochure for the college that grabbed my attention the most. Is this where I really want to go? Is this what I want to do? I looked up at stars, trying to connect the points of light into an answer. Why not? I need to get far, far away from Riverdale and Archie and Veronica. If I'm going to become a successful, happy person, I need to get away from my high school trauma and drama. I know that's what I need to do. I walked up to the screen door and turned back once more, just in time to see the moon rise over the ridge and spread its soft glow upon the land. Its presence reassured me; my decision was solid and good. Its round face was smiling upon me.

Okay, that's chapter 1 and I'm not sure if it is good at ALL. Please review! Take thirty seconds to review my story. If it stinks, say so, because it's kind of lame! Please no flamers, though. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING!!