A/N: I'm so sorry it has been forever since I updated this fic. I have been working on editing the previous chapters and have finally caught up with myself. I hoping to update regularly from now on, finishing out the fic before the Season 2 premiere. Here's hoping!

Episode 1x08: Alice Cooper confronts Betty and Veronica about Polly staying at the Pembrooke

What could my mother possibly want with Veronica and me? Betty wondered as her mother charged through the halls of Riverdale High, looking for something.

Moments before, Betty and Veronica were hanging out in the student lounge with the rest of their friends, discussing the possibility of Veronica hosting a baby shower for Polly. Betty was hesitant because of everything that happened to their family within the past few weeks, but she didn't get much of a chance to think more about it when her mother interrupted the discussion, demanding that they followed her.

Betty had considered protesting, but the look in her mother's eye when she walked into the room made her think twice about doing so. She had given Jughead a quick glance as she and Veronica jumped up to follow her mother.

Alice Cooper peeked her head inside of the history classroom, then motioned for the two teenagers to enter the room.

Betty and Veronica rushed into the room without exchanging so much as a glance to each other.

"Take a seat." Alice said, motioning towards the desks.

Betty scrambled to a desk, Veronica taking the desk next to her. Betty looked over at Veronica, who she couldn't help but notice was cowering.

And she doesn't even really know my mother. Betty thought, feeling more nervous by the second.

Alice began to pace in front them, looking away from them. Betty acknowledged this as one of her mother's many power moves.

Any second now she is gonna whip her head around and start the interrogation.

Betty winced at her own thoughts. After what Jughead had just gone through, she didn't feel like she could use the word interrogation.

Before she could think too much about a word to replace interrogation, her mother whipped her head around and slowed her pacing.

"I know what you have been hiding." Alice stated, her tone implying nothing but the truth.

Betty had to stop herself from gulping.

Know what I've been hiding? I haven't been hiding anything. Betty thought, but then immediately thought of several things she was hiding. What could her mother know that would cause her to pull her and Veronica aside? Did she somehow hear about what happened with Chuck and the hot tub? No. There is no way that she would incorporate Veronica into that conversation. Did she know that Betty skipped school with Jughead a couple days ago post his interrogation? Probably not. That is not the kind of lecture that would inspire this level of rage.

What if my mother found out about Jughead and I? Betty pondered. It wasn't as though she were hiding her relationship with Jughead, but she hadn't exactly been forthcoming with their developing romance. At least what Betty hoped was their developing romance. But if that were the case, why would Veronica be there?

Betty was pulled from her thoughts by her mother answering her internalized questions.

"Sheriff Keller told us everything. How you're hiding Polly at the Pembrooke." Alice Cooper accused, her attention completely focused on Betty.

Betty's worries immediately turned to anger. Her mother was confronting her about trying to keep her sister safe?

How dare she? After everything I have done to save Polly how dare she be angry at me for this?

"Better than in an insane asylum." Betty snapped back, gearing herself up for a fight.

I should have known. Betty realized. My mother wants to make me feel guilty for trying to protect my sister and unborn nephew or niece.

Alice looked as though she were prepared to fight back.

"Actually Mrs. Cooper, that's on me." Veronica intervened, her voice betraying no hint of worry. "I was the one who suggested that Polly stay with us."

But Betty wasn't ready to let Veronica take the heat for this. It might have been Veronica's idea, but it kept Polly in town and safe and Betty was not about to relent from her decision.

"She's trying to help." Betty retorted, angrily. "Unlike you and Dad who want Polly to give up the baby for adoption."

"Betty," Alice began, sounding exasperated "It's what's best for Polly. And the baby."

It was subtle but Betty heard it. There was doubt in her mother's words. Alice didn't completely believe in what she was saying.

"Mom, that's not your choice." Betty interrupted, knowing that if her mother wasn't completely sold on this, there was a chance of convincing her to change her mind.

"Your choice is whether or not you want to be a part of Polly's life."

Alice stood there in silence, glancing between her daughter and Veronica.

Betty had to suppress a smile. Maybe her mother was more understanding than she wanted to give her credit. So she decided to continue on.

"Veronica and her mom have offered to host a baby shower" Betty explained.

"Well that is hardly appropriate" Alice retorted, sounding scandalized by the mere idea of it. Alice crossed her arms, signaling to Betty that she was not willing to give the idea a second thought.

Betty felt herself grow angry. Just when she was prepared to give her mother a chance...

I am not backing down. Betty thought. Mom, Dad, no one has the right to control Polly's life. No right to control my life.

"Really?" Betty stood, feeling confidence boil through her as she did. "Because I think it's an amazing idea."

Betty crossed her arms to mirror her mother. She was not backing down.

"You want to be loving and supportive like a normal grandmother, then great. Otherwise stay away." Betty told her, venom apparent in her voice.

Alice looked at her daughter questioning and with what Betty thought could be malice. Alice also glanced over at Veronica, who sat there looking very satisfied with what she just witnessed.

"I don't have time for this." Alice said, turning away from her daughter to grab her purse from the teacher's desk where it sit. "I have to be at the Register."

Alice started to storm from the room.

"Think about it." Betty suggested, her voice almost sarcastically sing song.

Alice huffed and stormed out of the room.

"Bye Mrs. Cooper." Veronica said, smiling at her back as the door shut behind her.

Veronica jumped out of her chair and ran to hug Betty.

"Oh my God, B. That was amazing!" Veronica said mostly to Betty's hair.

Betty smiled, though she could hardly feel the same way. Now that her mother was gone, the adrenaline rush of their standoff had died down and all of Betty's internalized anxiety came flooding back.

"You meant what you said though, right? Veronica asked, pulling away from the hug to face Betty. "You are ok with the baby shower?"

Veronica placed her hands on her shoulders, looking hopefully at Betty as she asked.

Betty sighed internally. It was a nice idea, but Betty still had her doubts. What if her mother decided not to come? What if it just made things worse? What if Polly didn't even want a shower?

But she had already agreed to it and had even used it in an argument against her mother.

"Full steam ahead." Betty told Veronica, her voice not as convincing as she would like it to be.

It seemed to be good enough for Veronica though, because she squealed and squeezed Betty's shoulders.

"Great!" Veronica exclaimed, letting go of Betty to run back over to the desk. "I have to call my mother and give her details. She loves throwing parties almost as much as I do."

It would have been impossible to miss the light in Veronica's eyes when she talked about parties. She could light up a room with the way she beamed about the possibility of throwing one.

"We'll get together with Polly to discuss the details." Veronica explained, grabbing her purse.

Veronica was excitedly walking out the door when she turned back around, her expression concerned. "Are you ok, B? You look upset."

I do? Betty wondered, trying to straighten out her face. She envied Jughead's ability to hide his emotions in that moment.

"Of course, just getting into planning mode." Betty lied, her insides feeling like jelly.

She wasn't sure why she was lying to Veronica. She knew Veronica wouldn't judge her for being anxious. But her feelings on the matter just didn't feel that important in this moment.

"Ok..." Veronica said, still looking concerned. "I'll talk to you later."

Betty waved as Veronica walked slowly out the door, her heels clicking as she entered the hallway.

Betty collapsed into a nearby chair, her head falling into her arms which rested on the desk.

She always felt incredibly emotionally drained after arguing with her mother. It always took a lot of her strength to fight when she was so used to cowering. Betty couldn't just allow her mother to think she was ok with how they had treated Polly. She couldn't just sit by and let them think that if Betty were in their shoes she would have made the same choice because she wouldn't have. She would have done anything to protect Polly and Betty was tired of her parents controlling hers and her sister's lives. Betty wanted to be respectful of her parents, but not when they show such little respect for them. Betty decided she had to stand up to them, but it was never easy for her. It always left her feeling like she was in the wrong, no matter what her reasoning was.

"Betty?" a voice from the door questioned.

Betty lifted her head from the desk to see Jughead, looking concerned as he stood in the doorway.

"Juggie, hey." Betty said, hopping out of the chair and smoothing her skirt.

Jughead walked into the room. It was clear that he wasn't quite comfortable in the moment.

Did I miss something? Why is he so scared to approach me?

"I ran into Veronica." Jughead explained, nodding over the door that Veronica had just walked through. "She said your mom just left."

"Yeah." Betty replied, nodding a bit too vigorously. "She had to get back to work."

Jughead nodded, but he still looked concerned.

"What did she want?" he asked, seeming to brace himself for her answer.

Betty took a quick intake of breath and hesitated for a moment. She was not quite ready to relive what just happened.

"You don't have to tell me or anything." Jughead began, looking to the floor. "I just thought…"

Betty found herself surprised by this response. Jughead was nervous. What did Jughead think her mother was here for?

I need to tell him. Betty realized. He shouldn't be freaking out about why she was here.

"She found out about Polly staying at the Pembrooke." Betty reassured him, trying to catch his eye.

I wish I knew what he needs reassurance for.

Jughead took a deep breath, clearly relieved.

"Oh." Jughead responded, unable to hide to change in his tone. He looked as though a weight had been lifted off him.

That is until he looked at Betty. The look of concern came back instantly.

"Wait, are you alright?" He stepped closer, putting his hand on her shoulder. "How did she react to finding out about Polly?"

"Exactly how you think she would." Betty remarked, her fingers finding Jughead's hand on her arm.

Jughead smiled at the touch of her fingers.

"By bathing in the blood of the virgins she slaughtered?" Jughead contributed, his smile changing from affectionate to sarcastic.

Betty laughed in spite of the seriousness of the situation.

"I'm surprised that got a laugh." Jughead said, humored by her reaction. "I figured you would be questioning the decision to be alone with me."

"Who says I'm not?" Betty teased, her fingers lacing through Jughead's.

It was all so new. Everything interaction still felt both confusing and amazing. Betty longed to be close to Jughead, something she had never really thought about until recently. Jughead clearly enjoyed being close to her. It was hard to remember what was making her so anxious.

But then it hit her. Betty sighed as she decided to tell Jughead the rest of the story.

"Anyway, she went straight into confrontation mode and I fought back." Betty explained.

"Really?" Jughead said, tilting his head towards her, sounding more intrigued.

"I told her that she needed to support Polly and come to the baby shower Veronica is throwing." Betty told him.

"Do you think she will?' he asked, squeezing her hand he did.

"I don't know." Betty answered, squeezing his hand back "I want her to and I know Polly will want her to. I hope she will."

I don't know that I believe hope is enough in this situation. Betty thought. There are just so many things that can go wrong with all factors involved.

"I don't know that I believe it will happen though." Betty finished her thought process aloud.

Jughead nodded. She knew he had some experience with parental let down. If anyone could understand a lack of faith in your parental units, it was the guy standing in front of her.

"Maybe your mom will surprise you." Jughead suggested, though sounding like he didn't really believe it.

Betty winced. She wasn't sure a surprise from her mother on this matter would necessarily be a good thing.

"Maybe." Betty told him. "But either way, I am gonna be super busy over the next couple days trying to pull this shower together"

"Ever the party planner, you are." Jughead said, in a good naturedly sarcastic manner.

"Always." Betty said, knowing there was so much work ahead of her for this. "I can't believe I signed up for this. It is so much to do in so little time."

"You can do it though." Jughead told her, "You can do anything you want."

Betty found herself incredibly grateful to have Jughead in her corner.

You would think I would be used to that feeling by now. Jughead has been there for me so much that you would think I would be used to it by now. But every time he is still standing here after whatever issues I am currently dealing with come to a head, I am endless amazed by him. It was such a wonderful feeling to have a partner. To have a confidante. To have a boyfriend.

No, wait. He is not my boyfriend. We haven't decided that yet. Veronica's assumptions doesn't make it true.

"Hey, so you don't have to go." Betty told him, trying to give him an out. "To the baby shower, I mean. I know Veronica said…"

Betty stopped herself. Veronica called Jughead her boyfriend earlier. He hadn't denied it, but he also hadn't agreed to it. Not that he was given much time to do so, her mother interrupting their conversation and all.

"I'll go." Jughead offered, sounding nervous for the first time in minutes. "I mean, there's gonna be food right?"

Betty smiled. Count on Jughead to think with his stomach.

"Of course." Betty told him. "If nothing else, there will be cake."

"Then I will be there, Betts." he assured her, squeezing her hand once again.

Betty sighed involuntarily. Agreeing to go to a baby shower could be construed as a boyfriendly action or it could just Jughead being his normal reliable self.

Betty had been so happy in the moment Veronica had called him her boyfriend. Spending time with Jughead has been incredible, but she had been scared to label it. Terrified that trying to would ruin it somehow. But hearing someone else say it made their relationship feel more real. At least it felt that way to her. But she wasn't sure how Jughead felt. Did he want it to be real? Was he merely reacting to her need for comfort? As long as she had known him, Jughead had never pursued romantic relationships. She had always assumed that he just wasn't interested in having one. But then he kissed her. Then he held her hand. Then they stood together as the world decided to throw punches their way. Betty wanted to believe he was feeling the same things she was feeling, but she had been burned before. No matter how far removed emotionally you are from a situation, you don't forget your first heartache.

"And it doesn't have to mean anything." Betty added, her insecurities getting the best of her. "It will be nice having you there and Polly will appreciate having you there. And I know Veronica said, but she doesn't…"

Jughead placed both of his hands on her arms.

Both she and Jughead sighed. Betty hadn't realized she was rambling until he had reached out for her.

"I never thought we'd be having this conversation because of Veronica Lodge." Jughead told her honestly, his voice quavering slightly

Betty nodded, her throat suddenly dry. She did technically bring it up, but she still wasn't sure she was ready to know what he thought they were.

"We don't have to." she told him feebly, her eyes adverting their gaze from his.

Her eyes fell to the floor, terrified of either course of action he could take in this moment.

"I think we do Betts. What has been said cannot be unsaid." Jughead asked, all sarcasm gone from his voice as he tried to catch her eyes.

Betty looked up at him. She wasn't quite sure what she was expecting to see. Her usually sardonic friend in a casual manner, she guessed. Not a potential boyfriend looking at her with affection in his eyes.

"What do you want, Betty?"

Betty was almost floored by the sincerity of his question.

What do I want? Do I want to be your girlfriend? Do I want to walk down the halls, hand in hand? Go to dances? Share milkshakes at Pop's? Well not that one cause you would never share a milkshake. Do I want to let you deal with my demons? Do I want to take part in all of the things that I don't know about you yet? Should we face off against our twisted families? Do I want to risk getting hurt again?

"What do you want, Juggie?" Betty asked in response, unprepared to answer him.

"I want to be with you." he told her, reaching for her hand, allowing his other one to drop to his side. "In whatever way you want me to be. As your friend...as more than your friend. Whatever you want."

Betty hadn't expected him to respond and she especially didn't expect him to respond like that. Her heart felt like it had instantly filled with electricity.

Jughead wants to be with me. Jughead Jones doesn't mind the idea of being considered my boyfriend. He knows most of what he is getting into and he is still here, prepared to be with me.

Betty was immediately elated. All of her anxiety from dealing with her mother mollified as she stood in front of Jughead. She had never felt this in control of her romantic destiny. So empowered by the person she cared about. Jughead was so different than any other guy she had had feelings for.

Betty reached up, placing hands on either side of his face and kissed Jughead.

Jughead seemed surprised but eager by this turn of events. His hands moved to underneath her elbows, pulling her closer to him.

Fireworks seemed to be sparking in Betty's brain. Everything about them seemed to work. They got along. They understood each other. They shared many common interests. Kissing him was beyond incredible.

My boyfriend. If I would just say the words I could be kissing my boyfriend right now.

Betty broke the kiss, but didn't move at first.

Say it. Just say "I want you to be my boyfriend, Jughead"

She stared at him, silently.

Why can't you say it?

Betty opened her mouth, but the bell rang before she had a a chance to say anything. It was time for students to start coming into the classroom.

The two of them parted, not wanting to be caught by the Government class standing so close together.

"Umm, I guess I will hear your thoughts later." Jughead told her, smiling.

Betty smiled back.

"I guess so." Betty told him.

Jughead waved as he walked out the door. He still looked amused, though he hadn't gotten an answer.

I hope I can answer you soon. I hope I have the nerve.