As I tried to staunch the bleeding I couldn't help but look back on the night that started all of this; that disaster of a night that led to me, one Betty Cooper, pressing my blood-soaked palm into my abdomen, trying to stop anymore life-giving fluids from leaving out the newest hole in my body.

(1 year ago)

I could hear Archie and Veronica performing just to my left, but I was outside of my body. I couldn't figure out why I was doing this. Why I was about to get on stage and perform the serpent dance for Jughead Jones…He didn't want this. I knew he didn't want me to be a part of this life. The life that I had always secretly dreamed of having.

Maybe that's why I walked out amidst all those Boo's.

Maybe that's why I decided to hit every, last bird with the boulder I was catapulting.

Just maybe…that's why I'd bought that previously abandoned trailer in Sunnyside Trailer park last week.

I was going to be me. Finally. After 17 long years of playing the perfect child, I was going to realize that dream I'd kept long hidden - Like my mother's box of mementos from her past life.

I'd found her Serpent jacket and all her old pictures years ago, when Polly and I still played up in the attic to hide from mom and dad's arguments. I couldn't remember what the fight was about that time, but it hardly mattered as we scoured through boxes, looking for something fun to play with.

The box I'd found didn't hold Polly's interest, but to me it was like a treasure chest, full of hidden jewels and a map to the best prize of all.

It teemed with pictures, ones of my mom and Mr. Jones, some of them with a whole slew of other people. On the back it had names like "Tallboy" and "Hogeye." It all sounded funny to my young brain but what I couldn't deny is that these people looked happy. Really happy. Like a real family…something I was afraid, even at the tender age of 7, I would never really have.

I could still remember how supple the leather felt under my small hands, how soft the silk lining was. I wanted one. I was determined that no matter what it took, I would have that. I would have something that branded me as family. As loved.

Whenever I was feeling upset, or I had played the part of stepford daughter for too long, or -heaven forbid- my parents were yet again fighting and neglecting their spawn, I would sneak up to the attic and wear my mother's old jacket. Bask in it smooth feel and the smells of her past, of my future.

As I came back to myself in the present I could feel all eyes on me.

"Children waiting for the day they feel good, happy birthday, happy birthda-a-ay"

I could feel the disgust and anger radiating from my mother's eyes…and Jughead's. I could feel the warm air of the bar caress my skin as my blouse fell to the ground. This song wasn't really my speed, I'd had something else picked out for my dance, but this was going to have to do for my debut.

"And I feel the way that every child should, sit and listen, sit and liste-e-en…"

I made eye contact with an older Serpent, he looked approving…as my eyes darted around the room, ALL the older serpents looked on with approval! Sure, there were some lust-filled eyes, especially from the younger serpents, but the majority all looked like they had been waiting for this. For the day Alice Cooper's daughter returned to the fold.

It was overwhelming. I had to look away and focus on Jughead. Focus on the disapproval radiating there. It was the only way I would get through this without a smile crossing my features, without giving away to everyone in this bar that this is exactly where I wanted to be. Let the Northsiders think for a little bit longer that I was only doing this to further my relationship. That I was some naïve girl looking for approval in the wrong places.

"Mad World."

Mr. Jones' clapping slowly started the rest. Though not resounding applause, I took what was offered. Including the jacket he wrapped around my shoulders.

"Good show, thanks Betty" he breathed, followed by a louder "let's give her a round of applause! Show her some of that Serpent hospitality we're known for!"

Now, I'm sure afterwards he gave a rousing speech, one that I'm a little bit sorry I missed, but my mother was herding me out of there faster than a vampire on speed.

She rounded on me the second we got into that parking lot, let me tell you.

"Elizabeth Cooper! How could you do that to me! I left that life behind for a reason and I will be DAMNED if you think you're just going to waltz in here and pick up where I left off!"

I could feel she was just getting warmed up so I figured it was best to keep my mouth shut and just let her little tirade run its course.

"How could you get practically NAKED in front of a room full of low-life, degenerate THUGS! If I hadn't of been here who KNOWS what could have happened! And doing this all for Forsyth Pendleton the Third? Are you out of your little hormone addled mind?!" she raged. "When I get you home young lady just you wait until I tell your father what you've been up to! You won't be out of our sight for MONTHS. Maybe I'll even home school-"

"You will do no such thing." I cut her off. This had gotten out of hand fast, and If I knew Alice Cooper she would follow through on those threats. "I will talk to you later, after you make the rounds and say your goodbyes, because I know how much you cling to your reputation. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to put my skirt back on and not stand outside talking to you in my underwear." I gave her a pointed look as the last word made it past my lips, hinting not so subtly that she'd brought me outside "practically naked."

With a huff and a glare she stalked off to the back entrance, shouldering past someone coming outside.

"Well, that seemed tense." He said as he walked up to me, offering my skirt and blouse while trying everything to keep his eyes averted

Jughead looked determined to not make any sort of contact with me and I just knew this conversation was going to be about as productive as my last.

"Thanks Jug, gimme a second to put these on," I said, smiling at him, hoping that the Betty Cooper he saw was the one he was so used to dealing with.

"Sure Betty. Look, about what happened back there…Why would you do that? Why would you get up there and debase yourself in front of a room full of strangers? I don't want you here anymore…If you stay here you'll probably get hurt and I can't let that happen-"

"That's not your decision to make!"

"Yeah, it is. It's got to stick this time Betts, just, go home. Go home and don't come back here ever again." He said, attempting to put authority into his voice. With his final words he turned around and didn't look back. Just walked straight to his bike and peeled out of the lot like I was yesterday's news.

I stood there for a while, shocked that he would speak to me like that, but not overly surprised by his decision. I'm not going to say it didn't hurt. It hurt like hell, but I knew my mother was about to walk back out that door and I didn't have the luxury of looking weak. I had to stand my ground and end one thing tonight on my own terms.

Thank you so much for reading my very first fanfiction!

I've been reading stories on this site since i was a teenager but never had the courage to post any of the stories circling through my own head, so any critiques or helpful hints are greatly appreciated.