I don't own any of these characters. Just wanted to play in their sandbox.

Hope you enjoy.

Last Day of 8th Grade

"Don't worry Betts, it's not like I'm gonna forget you during summer" Jughead assures her.

"Of course you aren't. Cause we are going to hang out every day" she responds looking at him with big doe eyes. Jughead always felt a flutter when he saw that look.

"Well, I don't know about every day, Betty" Archie joined in, "my dad said we were gonna take a trip to the mountains next week."

"Oh, I see" she replied a little down, "but at least I'll still have you, right Juggie?"

"Yea, sure. I'm not doing anything"
He wasn't really paying attention as he remembered the snacks he'd saved from lunch and was now indulging. He looked up to see a brilliant smile on Betty's face.

"Good" she said joyfully. "We should get home before our parents worry."

"Only your parents worry Betts."

"Yeah, my dad is probably sleeping still, or drunk. And my mom is probably busy with Jellybean. I'm in no rush."

"Well I am" countered the blonde. "I don't want to give my mom any excuses to not let go with you guys to the drive-in tomorrow."

For years now, they followed tradition of going to the Twilight on the first night of summer vacation. Jughead smiled at the thought. He always looked forward to that night. It was always the sole definitive plan he had for the summer. A night of classic movies and junk food with his best friends. What more could he ask for?

They walked to the Andrews/Cooper neighborhood while discussing the plans for the following night. They agreed that they would meet up 15 minutes before the final showing around 10:30. Once they were standing outside Betty's house Archie bid them farewell. He had come home to change and had to meet his dad at the construction company. Then it was just Jughead and Betty left alone. He'd known Archie all his life, and they'd been 4 when Betty moved in next door. The three had grown up together but he always had a feeling that Archie was the glue that held his relationship with Betty. Without his red hair friend, there wouldn't be a Juggie and Betts, so he always felt odd when it was just the two of them. He adjusted his hat. It was something he did when nervous.

"Well, I should get going" he sheepishly said after a good 2 minutes of uncomfortable silence. As he turned to leave her arm reached for his shoulder.

"Wait, Juggie" she spoke softly. He turned to face her and noticed she wouldn't meet his eyes. Damn. Why was this always so awkward? He knew why though. For a while now, he had these feelings for Betty that he couldn't describe. Being around her had become his favorite part of the day. But he would never tell her that.

"I hope this summer is the best one yet" her words snapped him back to reality.

"Hey, don't worry, I'm sure it's gonna be great." He assured her putting on the most confident smile he was capable of.

"I don't know, Juggie. I'm afraid things are going to change between us"

"Betty, nothing's gonna change. We'll have a kickass summer and then we'll be in high school together. It'll be fine."

"It's just," she took a step closer to him, "a part of me wants some things to change."

As she said this, she took his head in her hands and brought her lips to his. It was a short kiss but held so much meaning for the both. She released him and took a few steps back. Her face flushed, and her eyes stuck to the floor. Jughead just stood there unable to make words or move. He was stunned.

"I'll see you tomorrow night, Jughead" she finally said as she hurried up the steps to her house.

Jughead's eyes followed her all the way and it wasn't until she was safely inside that his body remembered how to function. He released the breath he'd been holding since he felt Betty's soft hands on his skin. He stood in front of her house a while longer still trying to process what had happened. He felt a warmth course through his body and found himself smiling like an idiot. A moment later he composed himself and set on his way home, unaware of the icy grey eyes that had witnessed everything.

Betty barely acknowledge her mother as she hurried upstairs to her room. Once inside she threw herself on the bed and buried her face in a pillow. She brought hands to her chest as an attempt to stop her heart from beating out of her chest. Her mind going through a thousand things a second but all eventually settling on one beanie wearing boy. Betty feared those thoughts. She was so scared of things between then changing. He was her best friend and she was terrified of losing that, but she knew she couldn't keep hiding the way she felt. She had kept it to herself for months now and it was just making it harder and harder being around him.

She had finally done something about it. And she couldn't believe she found the courage to do it. She thought back to the moment their lips met. He didn't really respond to her actions. She prayed that it was out of shock and not because he was upset. How would he act tomorrow? Jughead isn't a jerk. He'll probably be honest with her and that scared her. In what world could Juggie see her as more than a friend? Would they even be friends if Archie wasn't in the middle? She was freaking out about the answer, but it was too late now. All she could do was wait to see what would happen tomorrow night.

There was a light knock before the door swung open and her mother came into view.

"Elizabeth, how was school dear?" The Cooper matriarch asked a little too casually.

"It was good, mom. Mr. Erikson informed us on some prep-course that will be available during the summer and I'm thinking about signing up for a couple."

"Oh, that sounds like a great idea, Betty, but unfortunately you won't be able to."

"And why is that?" She questioned, afraid of what her mother was planning for her.

"I just got off the phone with Clara, you remember her right honey?" Betty did. Her mother had met Clara at one of the "Woman of Journalism retreats" a few years back. Betty nodded for her mother to continue talking.

"Well, she had the brilliant idea of you going up to Salem and working with her for the summer."

Betty was shocked. This plan sounded interesting and she bet the experience would be fantastic.

"Wow! That would actually be great." She smiled at her mother.

"I thought you might agree. So, get packing your bus leaves tomorrow morning."

"Wait what?" That caught her off guard. "Tomorrow? What? Why so soon?"

"Betty, Salem is a lot bigger than Riverdale. There's always things going on. The faster you get over there the more you'll experience. Why wait?"

"It's just... I had plans to go to the drive-in with Archie and Jughead tomorrow night." She said in low spirit.

"Oh please, Betty" her mother scoffed. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. The drive-in and those ruffians will be here when you come back. Now get packing." Her mother was out of the room before Betty could reply.

Betty sighed loudly as she laid back in bed. Dreadfully she took her phone out. It was times like these that she wished Jug had a phone. That and the thought of talking to him all through the day. She searched for her redheaded friend.

*Hey, some stuff came up and I won't be able to hang out tomorrow. In fact, I may not see you guys all summer. * - Betty

His reply came within seconds.

*everything alright? * - Archie

*yea don't worry, just found out I won't be in town. Leaving early tomorrow. Please explain to Jughead :( * - Betty

*oh that sucks. And ye I'll let him know. Where u going? * - Archie

*Salem. Gonna work for a journalist who is friends with my mom* - Betty

*oh sounds cool. Keep in touch and send pics. Later Betty. Have fun* - Archie

After bidding him farewell Betty figured there was nothing left to do but start packing. It really was unfortunate that she wouldn't be able to spend summer with her friends. With Jughead. Perhaps she'd be able to talk to him some later. It might make things easier not being face to face. Specially if he rejected her.

This summer might just be her undoing.

Archie woke up around noon. Taking full advantage that school was out, he had stayed up till all hours of the night playing video games and hanging with Vegas. He focused on listening for any noise outside his room. Once he deduced he was home alone he step out and headed for the kitchen. He wasn't actively avoiding his parents. He just much rather preferred not running into the 2 of them at the same time.

The last couple of months had been rough in the Andrews household. Fred and Mary had been constantly arguing and bickering. If Archie was also in the room, he'd be expected to side with one of his parents. That made things uncomfortable, so he had tried his best to stay away when they were in a mood.

Archie fixed himself something to eat while he thought about the events from the night before. His parents had gotten into it again. And this argument was particularly ghastly. His parents yelling at each other wasn't out of the norm, but last night was different. His mother's calm manner of speaking and his father's hopeless expression sent shivers down his spine.

After his meal, Archie got in the shower and proceeded to get ready for the day. He had to run by the school to pick up a schedule for football practice. From there he'd probably hang out with Reggie and Moose for a bit. He also planned to drop by the construction company to get a feel of how things were between his parents. His dad was a lot easier to talk to than his mom. Capping the day off by catching a movie with his best friend. The thought reminded him that Betty had left early that morning. She said she'd been gone most of the summer. She would surely be missed.

His day had gone as he expected. The only thing that threw him off was how his father had behaved during his visit. He had done his best to appear normal, but Archie could tell it was a facade. Something was wrong, and he would understand when he walked into his home. He saw his mother waiting for him in the living room, suitcases at her side.

"Mom?" He knew what was happening but didn't want to believe it. "What's going on?"

"Archie." Her voice broke at his name. "I just want you to know that none of this is your fault"

"What are you talking about? What's with the cases?" He was starting to panic.

"Honey, your dad and I... we're gonna be taking a break for some time. I'm gonna go stay with your uncle in Chicago for the summer."

"What?"

"And I'd really like it if you came with me. At least for a couple of days."

"What do you mean you're leaving? Are you coming back?"

"Honey, I can't answer that because I don't know." Tears were now streaming down her cheeks and Archie felt an ache in his chest.

"Mom, I can't go with you. My life is in Riverdale. My friends and school are all here. I start football soon."

"I think you should go with your mother, son." His father entered from the kitchen. "Don't worry, I'll explain things to the coach and its forever."

"Dad..."

"You need some time with your mother, Archie. It will be good for you to talk things out."

Archie thought about it. His parents were separating, and it broke his heart, but it was somewhat relieving. He knew things weren't good and that this would probably be the best for everyone. Hell, maybe this break would help them patch things. If the worst came to shove, Archie knew that he would chose to stay with his father in Riverdale. That thought made him realize that he should take this chance to be with his mom.

"Alright" he said almost in a whisper. "When are you leaving?"

"Tonight. Bus leaves at 9." She put on a smile even with her sad eyes. "What do you say honey?"

"I'll go pack. I'll go with you mom."

Archie went up the stairs and didn't let any tears fall until he was alone and out of sight. He drearily packed a suitcase while his mind was completely void of anything.

The day had been a rough one. His parents had been arguing about something or other since early in the morning. Things had gone downhill fast since his father lost his job at Andrews Construction. His dad had taken off to the bar around mid-day. Jughead had decided to take Jellybean out for some ice cream and a walk just to get her out of the house an away from the fighting. Someone had to shield her. His sister was his confidant. He told her everything. She had made a huge deal about Betty kissing him. She had always teased him about her, but he knew all she wanted was for him to be happy.

They returned in time for him to get ready for the drive-in tonight. He'd be lying in he said he hadn't been thinking about what happened with Betty. She'd been on his mind all day. That kiss made him lightheaded and he loved it. Love. Was he in love with Betty? Surely not. She was his best friend. There were feelings that he couldn't describe, but they couldn't be love. Right?

Finally, night time came. He felt like an idiot. He had dressed in his best jeans and a button up. He didn't know why he was so nervous. It was just hanging out with his friends and catching a movie. No big deal. He peeked in on Jellybean one last time to ensure she didn't need anything and found her sound asleep. It was late for her. Then he made his way to the Twilight.

He reached the drive-in and went to their usual meet up spot. He knew he was about 15 minutes early, so he went to the concession stand and got a drink before resuming his waiting.

Minutes passed, and he wished he had a phone or at least a watch to see what time it was. His found his answer when he heard the movie starting up behind him. It was at least 10:45. He wondered if maybe Betty and Archie had been waiting for him already in the viewing area. He made his way through the cars. There wasn't a lot of people there. He couldn't find the Cooper's station wagon or Fred's truck. He wondered where they were. He figured he should just wait a bit more and see if they showed.

Time flew by and credits were rolling on the screen. Jughead was still alone. Feeling disappointed and somewhat worried he made his way Pop's. In his mind, the most logical explanation was that Betty's parents had kept her from coming. He couldn't think of something that would keep Archie.

"Hey Pop" he called to the man as he entered his establishment. " Have Archie or Betty been through?"

"Well, I haven't seen Betty, but Archie was here earlier with Reggie and some other boys" The elderly man replied. He meant earlier in the afternoon but Jughead didn't catch that.

"Oh. Alright." He felt somewhat betrayed, but he'd talk it out with his friend tomorrow. He walked back out of the diner and figured he should head home. It was well past 1 in the morning. He wasn't looking forward to explaining his night to Jellybean. She had told him she wanted all details regarding what happened with Betty.

As he crossed the tracks he had an uneasy feeling surround him. The night was suspiciously quiet. He picked up his pace. He decided to cut across Fox Forest Park. A decision he would soon regret.

As he made his way through the woods he noticed 3 people standing around a fire. They were probably a couple years older than him. He didn't recognize them, but he wasn't very well versed with Southside residents since he had gone to school on the Northside all his life. He slowed his pace to avoid making sounds and getting unwanted attention. It was futile as one of them turned his head and caught him. When he turned to tell his friends Jughead took off. His survival instinct told him run and he listened.

He was running as fast as he could. He saw the streetlights and was thankful he was almost out. Then he felt something take out his legs and he came crashing hard into the ground.

A/N: Thank you for taking the time to read this. Appreciate any reviews or comments you may have.