"Hey," Toni whispers.
Betty groggily turns over.
"So," Toni shrugs. "Whose boyfriend did you kiss?"
"What?" Betty mutters.
"C'mon," Toni says. "I know Cheryl's question was targeted at you."
Betty's face falls.
"So, spill." Toni squeaks.
Betty doesn't say anything.
"Fine." Toni gives. "But, you're not defending it and your definitely guilty of something."
Betty turns back over, not facing her.
"You're welcome." Toni mutters.
"What?" Betty shoots back over.
"I saved your ass, and yeah another secret came out," Toni starts. "And I'm sorry for how that all went down."
"He should've told me, not you." Betty defends.
"Betty, it happened over two months ago-" Toni whispers.
"No, it's fine." Betty cuts her off.
Toni gives her a questioning look.
"Well, it's not fine. But, it was his secret, he should've been the one to tell me. Not that I'm upset that you did because I needed to know and he should've known it would've gotten out sooner or later." Betty sniffles.
Neither one of them says anything, so Betty rolls back over curling into her blanket.
"A little advice though," Toni whispers.
Betty doesn't move.
"Tell who ever it is that you're afraid to hurt, sooner rather than later." Toni starts. "Take it from this experience." She mutters. "Also," Toni pauses. "Think about Jughead."
Betty tenses.
"The reason you kissed whoever it is that you kissed and you don't want to tell anyone is probably the same reason that Jughead didn't tell you." Toni whispers. "Don't hold it against him for not wanting to hurt you."
Betty doesn't say anything.
"Goodnight, Betty." Toni finally mutters.
The girls share New Year's morning between waffles and coffee- of course per Veronica.
Josie, Val, and Mel are the first to leave with Toni following.
"Are you gonna go home?" Veronica mutters to Betty, as the two of them fold blankets in the foyer.
Betty had been really quiet all morning. While the girls shared laugh's, Betty shared somber looks.
"Yeah, I think so," Betty whispers.
"Betty," Veronica starts. "Your more than welcome to stay here if you don't want to be alone."
"I won't be," Betty mutters. "Polly's home, even if my parents aren't, and we need to get the room's ready for the babies."
"Okay," Veronica gives a light smile. "Well, if you need anything don't hesitate to call."
"Okay," Betty mutters.
"I'm serious, anything. My parents aren't back until tomorrow and whatever you need," Veronica pauses. "I'm here."
Betty gives her a light smile, "Thanks, V."
Suddenly Betty's phone rings.
"Hello?" she mutters, after sliding the small green phone icon across the screen. "What?" she gasps. "Okay, I'll be right there." Betty rushes, reaching for her coat.
She hangs up the phone in a panic.
"What is it?" Veronica asks.
"Polly's in labor." Betty exclaims.
"What? Really?" Veronica gasps.
"That was my mom, they're on their way to the hospital now." Betty huffs.
"Okay just calm down, let me go with you." Veronica mutters.
"No," Betty jumps.
"Betty c'mon at least let my driver take you." Veronica suggests.
"Really V it's fine, the hospital is like two blocks over I can just walk." Betty mutters.
"Betty, you can't be serious." Veronica growls.
Betty looks around, obviously strung out. "Can I just leave my bag here, I don't really want to drag it to the hospital."
"Yeah of course, but Betty-" Veronica mutters.
"Thanks, V, I'll be back later to get it I promise." Betty cuts her off.
Tying the knot around her waist Betty moves her hands up to tighten her pony tail, like she always does when she's stressed.
"Betty seriously, let my driver take you." Veronica grumbles.
"No V seriously it's fine, I've been enough of a buzzkill in the last 24 hours, you don't need to deal with me anymore then you have to." Betty says.
"Don't be silly Betty-" Veronica starts.
"Veronica, enough." Betty spits, pulling on the grey converse sneakers.
Veronica gives her a confused look.
"Thanks for everything V, I'll be back later to get my bag." Betty mutters.
"Don't worry about it," Veronica crosses her arms.
"I'll call you later?" Betty poses.
Veronica nods, just before Betty slips out the large front door.
"Mom." Betty rushes into the labor and delivery floor of the hospital.
"Ma'am, I'm sorry but this floor is for family only," A nurse rushes.
"She's my daughter," Alice interrupts.
The nurse gives a nod and smiles.
Betty smiles back. "How's Polly?"
The two of them sit in chairs set in the hallway.
"She's okay," Alice sighs.
"Mom?" Betty starts. "What's wrong?" she asks, concerned.
"I just can't bear to see her in this much pain," Alice mutters, tears filling her eyes.
"Mom, no." Betty starts. "This is about Polly."
"I know I know," Alice sniffs.
"How are the babies?" Betty asks.
"Your sister is dilated to 6 centimeters and refusing an epidural. Says she doesn't want to risk any of the drugs affecting the babies, no doubt some bull spat from the farm." Alice chuckles.
Betty smiles. "Can I see her?"
"Of course, honey, of course," Alice starts. "Let's go, she's been asking for you."
Polly endures labor for another five hours before it is finally time to push.
Betty stands next to Polly, holding her hand the whole time. Whispering words of encouragement and sharing tears with her sister for the whole hour it takes to finally deliver the babies.
"Oh, Polly their beautiful." Betty gushes, tears filling her eyes.
"You want to hold one auntie?" Polly smiles.
Betty nods, taking the little girl from Polly's arms.
"What did you decide to go with for names?" Betty mutters, adjusting the tiny pink hat on the baby's head.
"Well, this is Jason Henry Cooper-Blossom- Jason junior if you will," Polly lets out a small laugh. "But, JJ for short." Polly smiles. "Jason for obvious reasons, and Henry-"
"For dad." Betty finishes.
"Yeah," Polly smiles.
"You really hyphenated?" Betty asks.
"I don't need that fight," Polly sighs. "And while we do live in the 21st century, me and Jason weren't married." She shrugs.
Betty nods, smiling down at the small infant in her arms.
"And what did you decide on for this little angel?" Betty mutters, stroking the small infant's cheek.
Polly's quiet.
Betty looks up. "What?" she questions.
"You can't cry." Polly warns.
"Omg, what?" Betty laughs.
"Her name is Elizabeth." Polly whispers.
"What?" Betty says, stunned.
"Elizabeth Penelope Cooper-Blossom, Lizzie for short." Polly nods.
Betty's eye's fill with tears.
"I told you no crying!" Polly laughs.
Betty mutters a small laugh, "I know, but their just so beautiful." Betty says, staring down at the small girl in her arms.
"They are, aren't they?" Polly mutters, staring down at the small boy in her arms.
A moment passes, as Betty sniffles in the silence.
"Okay, enough crying before you make me cry." Polly pleads.
Betty laughs.
Suddenly there's a commotion in the hall.
"Why didn't you call me? They are my grandchildren too." A voice exasperates.
Betty gives Lizzie back to Polly and heads for the hall.
"We did call, multiple times to both of you- no one answered." Betty recognized her mother's voice.
Someone scoffs.
Betty can't make out the next few words.
"What did you want me to do hold the babies inside of her?" Alice yells. "I think we both know that that would have been a little unrealistic."
"What is going on out here?" Betty enters the hallway to find Alice and Penelope Blossom bickering back and forth while Cheryl hides behind her mother.
"Alice," Penelope starts. "These are my grandchildren too, and until you and your family realize that I will fight until the death of me-" Penelope moves closer to Alice.
"Woah woah woah," Betty steps in between them. "This isn't about you," She gestures at Penelope. "Or you," Betty gestures at her mother. "This is about Polly and those babies," Betty growls. "She is their mother, not either one of you, and she will make the decisions for them from now on."
The rest of the women stand in silence, shocked by Betty's random act as peace keeper.
"Now, if you would like to meet them," Betty pauses. "I'm sure she would like that very much. Because like you said Penelope they are your grandchild and Cheryl they are your niece and nephew."
Cheryl gives a small smile.
"Do you want to meet them?" Betty questions.
Cheryl nods.
Betty pushes open Polly's hospital room door.
"I brought some people that would like to meet them," Betty whispers.
"Come on in guys," Polly smiles.
"Can I hold one?" Cheryl mutters.
"Of course." Polly smiles, before placing the little boy into Cheryl's arms.
"May I?" Penelope asks.
Polly nods, handing over the little girl.
"What's his name?" Cheryl questions.
"JJ," Polly mutters.
Cheryl's eyes dart upward.
"Jason Henry Cooper-Blossom," Polly nods.
"I'm assuming you mean Jason Henry Blossom," Penelope mutters.
"No," Polly mutters. "Cooper-Blossom."
Penelope, although not pleased, keeps her mouth quiet, only nodding.
"You named him after your father?" Alice asks.
"Well yes, and granddad." Polly beams.
Alice smiles, remembering her father.
"Well, what did you decide for this little girl?" Penelope asks.
"Elizabeth," Polly starts. "Well, Lizzie."
Cheryl glances up, almost saddened.
"Elizabeth Penelope Cooper-Blossom." Polly assures.
Penelope glances up and smiles, "Well, I am honored." She mutters.
"Well, while I am sad they don't share a name with their auntie Cheryl," Cheryl starts. "I am glad to know Jason's genes prevailed after all." She beams.
"What do you mean?" Betty mutters, taking a seat at the foot of Polly's hospital bed.
Slowly, Cheryl removes the small blue hat from JJ's head, revealing a full head of vibrant red hair.
Polly smiles, "We won't know for a few months, but hopefully they were gifted the Cooper's emerald green eyes."
Betty smiles.
"Knock Knock," says a voice from the door.
"Hi dad," Polly smiles, as Hal peeks his head in from the hallway.
"Hi sweetheart," Hal beams, as he gives Polly a light hug.
"Penelope." Hal nods.
"So, how are you feeling?" Hal asks Polly.
"Sore, but happy." Polly says, as she glances from infant to infant.
"How are my new grand babies?" Hal smiles, glancing at the small boy, still in Cheryl's arms.
"You'll never believe what she named him dad," Betty mutters.
"What?" Hal mutters.
"Jason Henry," Cheryl whispers. "Kinda got a nice ring to it." She laughs.
Hal looks up at Polly.
She nods, "JJ for short, but yes dad he's named after you."
"May I?" Hal nods to Cheryl.
Cheryl hands over the small boy to Hal.
Penelope gives the small girl to Alice.
"Can you take a picture of us?" Betty mutters to Cheryl.
She nods.
Betty smiles, digging her phone from her back pocket.
Cheryl snaps a picture of the big happy, yet phony family- fake smiles and all.