All my friends have gone to find
Another place to let their hearts collide
Just promise me, you'll always be a friend
Cause you are the only one
7 » betty cooper
Wiping my eyes from exhaustion at the sound of footsteps, my vision blurs but I could still make out a red blob. "Archie?"
After last night, I'm very shocked to see him here considering it was Reggie who I took home with me. And then I feel a sudden touch at the side of my belly and there I see the classic Mantle smirk.
"Morning, Betty. Who were you going on— Andrews! What the hell?" Reggie immediately hovers the blanket over his shirtless chest.
Archie continues to stand there speechless, and he's giving me a disappointed glare before he walks out. Some part of me wants to go after him, but I don't even understand why he's here to begin with. So I stay put next to Reggie.
"Reg, what did you think of last night?"
Honestly, the reason I'm asking is because I don't know what to feel. Reggie was acting really sweet yesterday, making sure I was occupied and having fun all through the night. And with Jughead leaving me in the dust, I admit, it felt good to be loved and appreciated for once.
He caresses my cheek, his warm hands radiating heat to my face, "I think you're beautiful, Betty. I really do like you."
Breathing regularly, I lean my face into his palm, and I kiss him ever so gently on the mouth. I could feel him smile as our lips meet, and just about as my hands reach his sharp jaw, he pulls away.
"You're not with Andrews, though, right? I saw the photo last night, and I don't really care unless there's actually meaning behind it."
Oh, yeah, Cheryl sent the infamous and scandalous images of Archie and I kissing underneath the mistletoe. To everyone in the school. Plus Jughead. Sometimes I wish Archie hadn't interrupted me so I could have stick a shoe up Cheryl's ass. But he did, with a kiss, and now everyone must hate the both of us for being "cheaters". Except for Reggie, whom I'm glad wasn't ashamed for being around me last night, even if the entire school believes I'm a whore that took my best friend's boyfriend.
"I don't like Archie, not like that anymore. We're just friends, Cheryl just manipulated us yesterday."
Reggie nods in understanding, moving over me to get off the bed. He slides on his shirt, and once he's out the door, I put on the same sweatshirt from yesterday and follow him, only to find Archie sitting lonely at the dining table.
"About time," Archie mumbles, wearing the same face of annoyance as he sees the two of us.
Reggie sits across from him, and I decide to make breakfast for the three of us while they discuss things. Men things or football things, or basically, things I simply wouldn't understand.
Everything seems just as peaceful as I want it to be, until I hear a loud slap to the face. Looking away from the eggs frying in the pan, I witness Archie now standing up, holding Reggie in a chokehold.
Instantly my feet jog towards the two of them, and I shout, "Arch! Let go of him!"
He's mumbling something and Reggie listens to him, clearly frightened. Once Archie manages to maintain eyesight with me, his hold softens, releasing his grip on Reggie and he quickly goes on to apologize.
"Betty, gosh I'm sorry."
"I think you should be apologizing to Reggie," I sigh, leading my eyes towards him.
"Yes, yeah of course. Sorry, Reggie."
Archie looks down, clearly ashamed of his actions. Reggie nods politely, continuing with, "I didn't rape her. We didn't even sleep together."
"What, Archie? Did you think—" I begin, but the smell of burnt eggs just fills the air and I swiftly run to the kitchen, followed by Archie.
"I-I can help," He quickly offers, turning off the stove as I pick up the spatula. I offer him a warm, though blatantly exhausted smile.
We toss the black scrambled eggs into the trash can, and I exasperate longingly. A minute later, with all three of us staring at one another restlessly, I chime, "Pop's sound good for you guys?"
All of us nod in unison, and even though we're dressed in yesterday's clothing nobody's really going to notice.
Wow, Betty, new year and this is how you want to project yourself, huh? Alongside two men— just great. My hair isn't even brushed.
At Pop's, we all order our breakfast, and it's quite silent for awhile. I could talk to Archie, or I could talk to Reggie, or they could talk to each other. But it's never easy for us all to speak in an all-around conversation.
Archie finally breaks the imploding silence. "I'm really sorry for earlier, I just, I heard you two next door, I assumed Betty was drunk, and this morning I thought maybe you took advantage of her."
"Arch, he's not like that. Reggie didn't pressure me to have sex," I say in a very hushed whisper, trying my best not to gain the attention of people around us.
Reggie adds, "Yeah, I respect women, even if you don't believe me. It's Betty."
He throws his arm around my shoulder, causing me to shutter out a light chuckle. We smile patiently as Archie adapts to seeing how we'd look together.
"As long as you make her happy," smiles Archie, but it quickly fades the moment Reggie stares out the window.
Reggie mirrors his acceptance, offering his frenemy a fair handshake. I smile thinking about the peace they've made today, although I know their ongoing rivalry will continue to persist regardless.
Indulging into the food the waiter serves us, we're distracted for minutes. As I'm eating my food at a normal pace, Archie chokes down some french fries as Reggie slurps to the bottom of his milkshake. Boys will be boys. They have much more an appetite than me right now.
Swallowing the final bite of his sandwich, Reggie covers his mouth and slightly burps. "Excuse me. I think I've gotta get going now, I'll text you, Betty."
Dropping a fifty dollar bill, he moves forward and plants a quick peck on my mouth, and I smile watching him exit the diner. Then I realize how peculiar a fifty dollar is, it's so strange to me. I get Reggie comes from a wealthy family, but even Veronica manages her finances with a card. It's all lost to me.
As soon as he's out of sight, Archie turns to me and throws out loads of comments. "Betty, I'm so sorry. I didn't think Cheryl would've used that against us, but I should've known she was up to something. I'll talk to Ronnie and Jughead and tell them it was my fault, I promise."
"Archie," I sigh, relentlessly, "I don't blame you for anything. I take full responsibility for those kisses, too. They weren't exactly one-sided. We'll talk to them together."
"I just don't know how we could convince them to meet us in the first place," He contemplates deeply, but his stress soon becomes worry.
I try to think of ways, but I'm sure Jughead's going to ignore me, although Veronica might answer my calls, just full of anger.
"Do you think you'd be able to convince Jughead to meet at Pop's later?"
Archie waivers, stalling an answer and he lays his elbows down on the table. "About that... we sorta kinda gotta in a physical altercation last night."
"What?!" My eyes widen automatically, and guilt plasters all over Archie's face. I try to ease my shock and disappointment, but it's hard to hide emotions with your best friend. He basically can read me like a children's book.
Archie grumbles. "He stormed through Reggie's door completely furious last night. This anger he had, it seemed like he wanted to hurt you, whether it be verbally or emotionally. I wasn't going to let him do that, and well, one thing led to another, and I punched him and he rolled off the porch. I don't know if he'll ever forgive me. He's Jughead Jones, he's angry with me and probably you too."
Sighing reluctantly, I take a long, deep breath before continuing to speak with Archie. He looks back at me nervously, moving away his eye contact full of regret.
On impulse, I reach for his hand to comfort him. "Don't feel so bad, Arch. He fought back. At least we have each other."
His red hair bounces forward as he smiles, his hand beginning to grasp on my own before I quickly take it back. I pray he didn't notice my resistance but the embarrassed look on his face says otherwise. We've always been able to rely on one another and comfort each other whether it be by physical contact or through late night texting. But it doesn't feel so smart to do it now.
Suddenly, the bell at the door rings, boots rhythmically tapping along the hard floor. Archie and I turn our heads, both gasping in fear as we see a badass, dark-haired girl walking confidently though the door. We stare at each other blankly, unknowing of what to do. After all, being dressed in the same clothing from last night doesn't exactly paint the most innocent picture.
"Veronica," I cough out, and I quickly turn away as she looks in our direction.
"Betty? And Archie... color me disgusted." She rolls her eyes, taking her to-go order immediately, trying to walk out the door quickly.
"Miss Lodge, your order's still coming up. That's his," Pop's directs his eyes to another, patient young boy, who's now reaching for the bag in Veronica's hands.
"Oh please, pardon me for having real life problems other than you not getting your favorite toy for Christmas," She hands it over, annoyingly.
The little boy runs out the door to his car, almost on the verge of tears as he makes it to the parking lot. Archie stands up, walking to his ex-girlfriend, who really has no good reason to escape him now. Well, maybe the fact that he kissed me while dating her.
"Ronnie. Please, sit and talk with us. You have to let us explain," he grabs her wrist, but she pulls away aggressively.
"No, Archie, you shattered my heart. Would you have even told me you made out with my best friend had Cheryl not exposed you?"
"Of course, Veronica! Cheryl—she threatened to tell you... about Betty and I's first kiss. She said I had to kiss her again or she'd just tell you—"
"Pathetic. Do you expect me to trust you're innocent when you just admitted to kissing Betty twice? You don't care about anyone but yourself."
Then her order's ready, and she's just about to leave so I shout her name. "Veronica! It was me, I kissed him first. If you're going to condemn someone, let it be me."
She grows a sorry, but ashamed look. "Betty, don't even start. You've been in love with Archie for like all your life. The moment Jughead leaves you, you reach out for Archie, yet again, revealing you never really got over him. And frankly, that's all the confirmation I need."
"Hey, Ronnie. Cut her some slack. Just imagine everything's Betty's been through before you start getting on her life," Archie defends.
She rolls her eyes so hard, they nearly fall from her head. "Even now you choose her side. I'm leaving."
"But there's so much more than what you think, Veronica. Please hear me out," Archie begs at one last attempt, and he continues, "Pop's, that booth. Tonight around 7?"
"You know, I want to enjoy my breakfast while it's hot. If you could somehow convince beat down Jughead to show up, then I'll be here. That's your one chance, Archie," Then she's up and gone, giving me one last lingering look at me before leaving the diner.
Archie walks back towards our booth, and obviously we've gotten the attention of others. But with our friendships on the line because of a stupid kiss, or two stupid kisses, we don't really care.
"I called Jug, he's not answering. But I think I can get him to show, Arch," I suggest, "he doesn't have much to be angry about. First off, we were broken up. And second, they didn't mean anything."
"I guess, yeah, it meant nothing," Archie blows a bit of air out in a scoff, "I think I'll be going now. And also, I completely approve of you and Reggie. Tell him, if it's not already obvious."
And on that note, he walks out the door, wearing a straight smile with a soft wave. It really wasn't obvious until he just now said it. My eyes trail the locks of red hair jumping every step he takes, and I start to linger in his words. It's as if they were intended to inflict revenge or pain of some sort. So minutes after recollecting myself, I leave the diner too. But I know I'll be back soon.
Instead of leaving straight home, I instead take myself to the Southside of Riverdale. It's not a very friendly environment some might say, and I rightfully agree. Trash littered all over the ground, shrubs contaminated with plastic. It's not long before I spot the infamous leather jackets worn on the backs of a group of people. Though admittedly, it takes me quite awhile to notice the grey beanie crown until he catches my own attention.
"Betty," Jughead stammers, and I'm unsure if he says so scornfully or not. He begins to approach me, with only minimal of his Serpent friends paying too much attention. Among them are Toni Topaz and the ever-so curious Sweet Pea.
Timidly, my feet move forward. Just before he's standing in front of me, an uncomfortable fleeting memory sends me into temporary paralysis. Archie told me earlier today, it seemed like he wanted to hurt you. And Archie and I would never lie to each other, it was amongst the life promises we've made as children. So, remembering what Archie said, and noticing the contemptuous though disappointed expression on Jug's face, I hesitantly step back.
This only causes him to laugh. "What, are you scared of me now, Betty? I should be the one who's scared, somehow after how much you've cheated me I still care about you."
"Jughead..."
"No, I get it. It's innocent Archie Andrews against a Serpent, the choice is quite obvious for the perfect Betty Cooper. So why are you even here?"
With my fists clenched, I slowly turn my teary eyes up to him. Jughead lacks any compassion on his face like he once offered, and as a single tear drops on my face, he scoffs, mixed with confusion and what seems like apathy. I slightly grunt the beginning of a sentence, but hardly anything comes out. But in seconds I regain my strength and try to make peace with him.
"You know, Jug, I still care about you, and sometimes, it hurts like hell not being with you. It's not between you and Archie, it's about me," I cough out, "And if you've already forgotten, we're broken up. I wasn't yours to claim."
Although I desperately want to get Jughead to meet us at Pop's later, this stubbornness of his might not exactly permit that. Plus, I want to confront him for all the pain he's caused me, and how selfish he is.
"Not the point," Jughead dodges my comment, then asks, "Decided what you here for?"
"Honestly? I came to invite you to Pop's at 7 later... but you don't seem like you'll even consider it," Frustrated, I begin to walk away from his still body.
He takes a long breath. "Betty, wait. Will Archie be there?"
A bit hesitantly, I nod. Though I know he already has a favored answer that won't be affected by my response. "All of us. Veronica, too, to talk about everything," I add.
"I might have something to do later, but I'll try to make it," Jughead lightly explains. He throws a wave goodbye then his shoes patter across the floor as he's walking away. I continue my stroll forward, spotting the noticeable old station wagon parked beside a sidewalk.
Just a little before seven, the bells attached Pop's door ring as I walk through. I spot our empty booth patiently waiting for four butts to scoot into, but I'm afraid only two will appear. Though I would say, just a year ago that wouldn't be surprising. After all, it was always Archie and my booth. Others may come and go, but it's the one spot we freely spoke about our lives and felt stirs whether it be for each other or for other people.
He follows momentarily after me, offering a cheeky smile as he sits across from me. Archie glares at the clock behind me, his face noticeably nervous, and his now shaking knee sliding against my own.
"It's okay, Arch," I expectantly gaze at him, hoping he's gotten his nerves under control. For some reason I wasn't freaking out like him, when usually I'm the anxious person of the two of us. I guess the roles have switched.
He nods. The bells ring again, he turns as I look up, and in walks Jughead and Veronica. It's really quite weird that they'd be hanging out, considering they never really got along unless it be about a dark, fascinating book they both read. Right now, though, their dynamic seemed to be radiating attention from everyone in the diner.
Archie and I both stand up, greeting them with awkward looking hugs, now that I think of it. They decide to sit in the same booth together, so Archie and I take the other side. It's silent, initially, until Pop's comes around to take our drink orders.
"Always good to see you four here. I'm guessing the casual milkshake orders?" Pop suggests, and with our tension stabilized and conflicts latent we agree in unison.
The exact moment he leaves, though, is when Veronica starts the conversation. "I have to be home soon. My dad isn't fond of you, Archiekins."
I notice that while saying that nickname, she no longer contains the same classic Veronica twist. It comes out flat, and it's obvious that was her intention.
"Okay," He replies, a bit ashamed. Archie looks towards me, waiting for a slight response whatsoever. I nod and my hand accidentally grazes his beneath the table, and instead of taking it back, I leave it. We both need this extra comfort.
"When we were out to find the Black Hood, I was hysterical and soaked in tears. Archie calmed me down and on impulse, I kissed him," I explain.
Again, everyone's quiet, even Archie, but then he adds. "So, Cheryl threatened to tell you both about the kiss. At first I didn't believe her bullshit, but she really gave me no choice. She was either going to tell you before I could, or I had to kiss Betty on the spot. Again, I kissed Betty, and it was honestly a mistake."
"You wanted to kiss her again," grumbles Jughead.
"Yeah. I hardly believe you were thinking of me when you had a chance to kiss her again," Veronica taps Jughead shoulder for him to get up, since she was sitting in the inner part of the booth. "I just feel like whatever I hear is going to be an in denial layer of nonsense. I'm going."
"Veronica, wait!" Archie climbed over the table to chase her, and his milkshake spills a bit. Thankfully, his bladder is more full than the cup.
Veronica ignores his shouts, although the entire restaurant could hear him. He trails from behind, and they finally halt outside, Veronica obviously doing her best not to break into a sob. The sight made absolutely crushes me. Why do I always have to disappoint people with my stupid actions?
Jughead takes the seat again. "Betty, I realize you're right, we aren't even together anymore. I broke up with you, so getting angry was selfish," he explains.
"Thank you, Jug," I reply, a bit baffled that he'd be so reflective of the situation. Lately, his new life has clouded his judgment and I was really afraid I lost the old Jughead. But here he is, proving he's still here even after putting on his leather jacket. Though I doubt things between us could ever be the same.
"So, you and Reggie, huh?" Jughead raises his eyebrows. I nod, returning a soft smile. "I suppose you feel nothing for Archie?"
This time, I instantly shake my head. Eyes falling flat and shoulders naturally shrugging, he analyzes my response to his liking. "Reminds me, I should probably amend things with him. But Reggie's fun. I guess you're not ready."
"Ready for what?" I ask, curiously.
"A new chapter, is all. I'll see you around, Betty. Stay in touch?" He takes my hand, giving it a quick rub on the knuckles. I offer a warm smile in return, expressing my endless care for him. At last, we have some sort of closure, and I desperately desired that.
He leaves the restaurant, bumping shoulders with Archie as he enters through the door. I watch him mumble, what's probably an apology, into his ear, and the two of them perform some weird handshake by the end. So I'm guessing Archie's forgiven for beating him up. It's all odd, though, considering how quick Jughead was to forgive us when he was clearly infuriated with us. I don't know what, or who, got into him. Now it's just Veronica I must warm up to.
Facing Archie, who's walking in a fast pace towards the booth, I stand up and embrace him into a hug. My head fits in the crook of his neck, my arms finding his muscular shoulder blades to rub. He groans, obviously in distress from what conversation he had with Veronica moments ago.
"We're okay," Archie mutters, a little bubbly, "Text Reggie, tell him to take you on a nice, romantic date that only Betty Cooper deserves. She's been through hell lately." He breathes deeply and chuckles a little. Sweet as is, of course Archie's concerned about me, and who deserves me. But to be honest, he doesn't know much about that.