Chapter 7
So…. I'm back to this story after a looooong absence, with my sincere apologies for the great people out there who took the time to read, review and follow this poor excuse of a story! This fic is not based on Riverdale; the show simply was not around when I started writing up this "Bughead" fanfic. As such, the characterisations come from the comics, this story inspired by one particular storyline centered around Jughead, which made him in my mind a much more developed, thoughtful and "deep" character, and suddenly my fav Archie Comics lead guy! Which story line? You'll find out in about 2 chapters if you choose to keep reading. J
I want it all and nothing less
I want it all, I want the best for you
I'm telling you the truth
Betty wipes heavy beads of sweat away from her brow, forcing her breath to slow down, calves burning from the recent exertion. She looks up at Coach Grappler, who nods at her approvingly. Betty just finished first of her group at the women's Track and Field qualifiers, with a comfortable lead to boot, guaranteeing her a spot in the final heat.
My training throughout the summer paid off!
Betty smiles happily, thinking of how this extracurricular activity would look great on her college applications, along with her editorship of the Blue and Gold school paper and Cheerleading. She scans the bustling bleachers for her friends. The sports coaches at Riverdale High had decided to combine the track team try-outs with the season's first football game, setting up a late summer sportsmanship festival of sorts which had attracted most of the student population and proud parents.
Midge and Ronnie are jumping up and down clapping madly, chanting "B-E-T-T-Y, B-E-T-T-Y!" Reggie and Archie are rather occupied with stealing glances under their Vixen cheerleading skirts, Moose looking on with a murderous glint.
Of course…
Her smile falters and shoulders slump, just slightly with this latest deception at her "boyfriend" obviously missing out on her athletic achievement, too busy ogling yet more non-Betty femmes.
Just then, she spots Juggie slamming his foot into Archie's, effectively bringing an embarrassed redhead's mind from the gutter and back towards the track and field. Archie, red-faced, waves at her, with an almost cartoonish cheerfulness she senses lacking in authenticity. She glances at Jughead, who winks mischievously and gives her a quick thumbs-up, his other hand balancing a corndog and pop drink.
"Ever my beanie-crowned savior…" Betty mutters to herself, returning his wink, a half-smile coating her pink glossed lips.
"My dear Betts, how I wished for years that one handsome Jughead Jones would pay attention to me as he does you…" Ethel had come up beside Betty to set up for the final heat. She was looking up at the bleachers and had caught the fleeting moment between her blond friend and lifelong unrequited crush.
Betty scoffs at that, incredulous. "What? How so?"
"Betty," Ethel sighs and looks at her shorter blond friend, a patient and compassionate smile tugging at her lips, "you know I have had a crush on Jughead since, well, forever." She starts, quietly, "And if there's one thing that's been a constant throughout the years, it's been his persistent efforts to protect you from Archie's inconsiderate actions, his taking your side time after time in your many fights with Archie, his supposed best friend, and how he's always gone out of his way to cheer you up whenever our lovable redheaded romantic disaster messes up, which is likeall the time?" Betty stares at her, wide-eyed, attempting to rationalise this unexpected revelation.
"Ethel, he's been one of my best friends since childhood. These things he does, this "looking after me", he does as any good friend would, as a brother would, I promise you there's nothing even remotely romantic between me and Jughead!" She protests loudly.
"My dear Bets, I'm not trying to be accusatory, believe me," Ethel covers Betty's hands, smiling sadly, "I only want the best for you and dear Juggie, I am simply telling it as I see it! If you want to keep your head in the sand, it's your thing, I can't stop you." She looks up at him, smirking, "In fact, he is probably just as deeply buried in the sands of denial as you are my dear Betty. But, if you'd only be willing to see things as this tall, beautiful brunette outside observer sees them to be," Ethel dramatically points to her chest, eyes sparkling with mischief, "you may come to be with someone who would actually put you front and center, contrary to one Archibald Andrews."
Betty is absolutely stunned. Head whirling with her friend's unexpected declarations, she takes a quick glance towards the bleachers, searching.
She catches Jughead looking at them, his expression somewhat quizzical. As soon as he notices her gaze, he quickly look away, taking a big gulp of his pop, suddenly extremely interested in Archie and Reggie's pre-game banter.
"LADIES, TAKE YOUR PLACES! ON YOUR MARK, GET SET…."
Still frazzled, Betty scrambles to takes her place on the starting line, glancing at her good friend and greatest competitor, tall, lean, athletic Ethel, who is staring intently at the finish line, a determined look, and perhaps, a hint of resignation straining her facial features.
"GO!"
Betty lunges forward, but she's distracted, can't seem to focus, Ethel-induced thoughts of Archie and Juggie twirling in her mind. Her start way off from her earlier race, she quickly finds herself in the back of the group, panic tightening up her throat, hampering her breathing.
Come on, focus Betts!
She gathers up all her pent up energy, increasing the tempo of her strides, catching up with and then passing a classmate, then two more. Feet hitting the ground powerfully, propelling the slim blond ever forward, she closes up with Ethel, although still some ways away with less and less time to catch up before the finish line. She grunts with pain and effort, needing to increase yet further her rhythm to make up for her smaller stature. She can see the finish line, she's almost there…
"AAAAAAND …. ETHEL MUGGS FOR THE WIN LADIES AND GENTS!"
Betty nearly crashes on the track, exhausted, the adrenaline rush which helped her catch up and nearly take first place now spent.
Ethel comes over to congratulate her blond friend. Betty, ever the gracious sportsman, gives her a big congratulatory hug. "If you hadn't distracted me right before the race, I would have left you in the dust, my dear friend!"
"I'm not so sure, shorty! But I am sorry about the timing, I had definitely not planned on bringing anything up… But that exchange between you two, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut any longer! But nonetheless, I'm glad, I see it's given you food for thought!" Ethel winks.
Ethel and Betty share a quick smile before the tall brunette is whisked up the podium by their team mates for a roaring celebration.
Betty, still lost in her thoughts, quickly makes her way to the locker room to change into her Vixens cheerleading uniform. Right before entering, she glances quickly towards the bleachers.
Archie, Reggie and the cheerleaders had already made their way towards the field.
She sees but an empty spot where Jughead had sat.
To be continued.