The next morning, Betty wakes to a cool, summer breeze flowing in from her open window. As she pulls the blankets up over her head, she reaches her arm out lazily for Jughead, finding his side of the bed cold and empty. Jolting up with her sudden awareness that she's alone, she glances around the room in search of the boy she'd so rawly asked to stay. Before she can get herself too worked up she finds a slightly crumpled piece of notebook paper on her night stand with her name scrawled in Jughead's perfect penmanship.
I'm so sorry you have to wake up alone this morning my beautiful girl. Had to go to the Wyrm. I'll be back as soon as I can. Until then, I will miss you terribly.
-Juggy
Grinning at the note he'd left her, she drops back against the pillow and hugs her blankets tight around her body.
As Betty begins to doze off, she is abruptly awakened by the sound of her bedroom door being flung open and with it an ear piercing screech of excitement.
"Eek! Bettykins, we are going to have so much fun today," Veronica squeals as she bounces onto the bed.
Betty groans, tugging the blankets higher to cover her head. Maybe if she just pretends she isn't their she'll disappear.
"Come on B," Veronica pleads. "I want to see everything this cute little town has to offer. Oh, I bet the small down boys are so charming."
As Veronica claps her hands together in excitement Betty gives another groan before forcing herself out of bed.
"My goodness, don't you look positively ravished," Veronica scoffs, picking at a strand of Betty's wild hair. "Don't tell me you have a boyfriend?"
"It's complicated ok," she grumbles, smacking Veronica's hands away.
"Ooh, do tell," she pleads, sitting expectantly at the edge of the bed.
"Can we not," Betty scoffs as she promptly closes herself inside her bathroom.
After getting herself together, Betty narrowly escapes the insincere prodding of her half-sister before meeting her mother and unfortunately her father in the kitchen.
"Really Bettykins," Veronica scolds as Betty reaches for a blueberry muffin on the counter. "Are you sure you want to eat all that sugar for breakfast. An egg white omelet would do your figure wonders."
Betty gives her mother a look of "I told you so," before promptly shoving the muffin between her teeth and heading for the door.
"Oh, hold on sweety," Alice calls as she strides after her. "You're father and I will probably be at the office until later this evening-"
Betty groans in frustration, giving her mother a disgruntled glare.
"I know, I know," she shakes her head. "Please just keep Veronica busy, and keep her away from FP's boy. Lord knows she's got quite the record as a homewrecker, no sense in getting that poor girl of his hurt for her stupidity."
Swallowing down the newly formed lump in her throat, Betty only nods in reply.
"Thank you sweetheart," Alice coos, giving her a quick hug around the shoulders.
"I'm leaving V, let's go," Betty hollers as she walks out the front door. She doesn't miss Veronica's sickeningly sweet "bye daddy," prompting her to roll her eyes. How she can be so fond of that sorry excuse for a man blows her mind.
Hal was a good father once. He was everything a little girl could hope for in a dad. He taught her to ride a bike, how to fish, and she'd known her way around an engine by the time she was ten. It was right around her twelfth birthday that something changed. She hadn't known at the time what that something was, but she found out quickly that her father didn't love his family as much as she'd always believed. It turned out, while on a business trip, right around the time that Betty was conceived, Hal had impregnated his secretary. Unannounced to him, she'd kept the baby and with her move to the city, Hal had never known. The cooper family derailed when one Hermione Lodge sought him out in hopes of becoming a family of their own. Then just like that, hook, line, and sinker, Hal moved to New York and left everything behind. Since then things have been slow moving as far as divorce papers and exchanges of affairs. Due to whatever legalities, it was simpler for Alice to remain married on paper and neither Hal nor Hermione are in any rush to jump into a second marriage. This meeting today should put the final stop on ever having to see him or her dreadful half-sister again.
"So where are you taking me," Veronica wonders with excitement from close behind.
Betty rolls her eyes, silently scoffing at Veronica's failure to keep up with her impractical designer heels on the cracked sidewalk.
Veronica continues to trail along behind her until they reach the one place in this town that Betty has visited outside of Jughead's bedroom.
"Pop's Chock-lit Shoppe," Veronica reads aloud. "Oh how cute."
Again, Betty rolls her eyes as Veronica claps her hands in excitement. How someone can be this obnoxious just blows her mind. She finds herself thinking how well she would get along with Tina and the thought alone is enough to make her cringe.
The bell chimes as they enter the quaint diner and Veronica, of course, can't help but gush over it. From the door all the way to the booth at the far end of the diner, Veronica oohs and ahs over every detail. From the uniforms to the Jukebox, she is just elated with the vintage feel of it all and it's driving Betty up a wall. It's not that she herself hadn't been delighted by the sock hop feel of it all upon her first visit, it's just she finds Veronica's dramatics to be abhorrent.
Not a moment too soon does a waitress arrive to take their order. Betty orders her usual vanilla shake but forgoes the fries she really wants to save herself from another remark about her weight. She can't help but scoff when veronica asks if her strawberry milkshake can be made with organic soy milk. The look on the waitresses face is absolutely priceless and she will forever be Betty's favorite for her brutal honesty informing Veronica that this is in fact a small town diner and not some uppity LA cafe.
"Well that was rude," Veronica huffs as the waitress walks off to place their order.
Betty only shrugs and takes a look around the diner. There's only one other couple, an older pair, seated opposite their end of the diner. Betty finds herself wishing there was more going on around them to keep her from having to actually converse with Veronica, but such as small town life.
"I'm actually glad we can do this," Veronica says suddenly. Her voice is low, sullen almost, having lost its cheery tone and it draws Betty's attention back to her.
"Is everything alright," Betty wonders. They may not get along, but they're family and she can't help but care about her, just a little bit.
Veronica seems to want to say something but the arrival of their drinks cuts her off. She offers an apologetic smile to the waitress before taking a long sip from her milkshake. Betty prepares herself for the slew of beaming regards for Pop's delightfully creamy milkshake, but it never comes. The two sit in silence for a beat, each sipping at their respective milkshakes.
Veronica leans back, taking a steadying breath and releases a heavy sigh.
"Betty," she starts. "I know you don't like me, and I doubt you'll even care, but can I tell you something?"
"Uh, yea. Of course," Betty nods, taken aback by Veronica's assumption.
Veronica nods slowly, glancing down at her hands upon the table. She picks at the deep blue polish on her pinky until it begins to lift and Betty is growing concerned. Veronica is not one to mar a perfect manicure, not for anything.
"Do you, uhm," Veronica clears her throat, her eyes downcast to conceal the gloss that has begun to gather at her lash line. "Do you remember Nick?"
Betty scoffs, "of course I remember Nick." How does one forget such an entitled prick with no regard for anyone but himself?
Veronica nods, catching her lower lip between her teeth as she dares glance up at Betty through a watery haze.
"He uhm," she takes in a sharp breath, a feigned smile stretching her lips as she pads at the tears threatening to drip from her lashes. "A few weeks ago, he uhm," she pauses, "well, I was raped." A nervous sort of laughter escapes her lips as she wills away her tears with the fanning of her hand.
The mask of poise and her attempts to smile away her tears are absolutely crushing to Betty. She can see the anguish, the shame, the guilt in her eyes and she has never before felt such a connection to her half-sister. Not a connection through experience but a connection of emotions. It's not until now that Betty truly can see that Veronica is just a regular teenage girl, no different than her with real feeling and real problems. It's not until now, her poised mask of utter perfection marred by shattered self-worth that Betty can see who she really is.
Without a word, Betty slides out of her seat and into Veronica's wrapping her up in the first hug they've ever exchanged. It's a bit rigid at first, but it slowly softens with the subtle shake of Veronica's shoulders as she hides her tears at Betty's chest.
"I'm so sorry V," she whispers softly, her heart breaking for the girl she'd always thought had it all.
"I was so afraid B," she shuffles. "And he was so strong-"
"Don't think about it," Betty shushes her, hugging her tighter.
Veronica nods in response, taking a deep breath before gently pulling out of Betty's embrace.
"Does dad know," Betty wonders doubtfully.
Veronica shakes her head. "You're the only person I've told."
"Why me," Betty wonders. "Not that I'm like upset or anything, I just, I don't understand."
Veronica shrugs, "I don't know. I've tried to talk to my mom but you know how she is."
Betty nods, understanding entirely Hermione's always there but never present existence. In a way, she's no better than Nick, ever absorbed in the path to her own happiness with complete disregard for any of the collateral damage along the way.
"Are you ok," Betty questions with honest concern.
Veronica nods, "Mostly. I just needed to tell someone. You know?"
Betty nods, "Your secret's safe with me."
After finishing their milkshakes, Betty decides that maybe heading home for the afternoon is the best course of action. Veronica has lost her previously chipper intrigue of Riverdale and perhaps the two of them could finally get around to enjoying one another's company for once with a girls day in.
Upon their arrival home, Betty makes the suggestion of a sappy rom-com binge. Veronica's elation quickly disperses her glum aura and the two get to work preparing popcorn and gathering snacks Betty never dreamed Veronica would ever indulge in. With their impressive array of junk food, they make their way giddily up to Betty's room where they get comfortable on the bed.
About halfway through their first movie, Betty narrowly escapes losing her hearing with Veronica's sudden shriek of fear.
"Jesus Christ," Jughead cringes, ringing his ear with his index finger.
Betty manages to tug Veronica back before she has a chance to fight off the apparent intruder.
"Calm down V," she insists, putting herself between her and Jughead.
Veronica's face goes from a fight ready scowl to a look of sudden realization, a smirk playing on her lips as she glances between the pair before her.
"So this is the aforementioned complication," she questions knowingly.
"Complication," Jughead scoffs, searching for answers as he glances between the two girls.
Betty sighs, "Veronica, meet Jughead. Jughead, this is my half-sister Veronica."
Jughead nods slowly, scrutinizing Veronica as she does the same from a few feet away.
"So," Jughead begins as he turns his attention to Betty, keeping a watchful eye on Veronica. "Tell me why I'm a complication," he requests, sounding just a touch offended.
"Tina," is all she offers and Jughead gives a nod in understanding.
"Who's Tina," Veronica questions.
"My/his girlfriend," they reply in unison.
Veronica gasps, a cheeky grin taking place of her previous grimace. "Ooh, this is some juicy love triangle gossip," she gushes as she bounces onto the bed. "Tell me everything!"
After relaying the entirety of their relationship to Veronica, Betty is pleasantly surprised by Veronica's quick seal of approval. Not that she needs it, but it is sort of nice to have someone on her side. Jughead of course hadn't known that Betty even had a sister and the girls fill him in on their family drama. Betty can tell he's put off by the fact that her father had abandoned them, but he makes no comment about it.
It's nearly four thirty when they all hear the thud of a car door closing and muffled voices in the foyer. Betty springs into action, practically shoving Jughead out the window with a kiss and a promise to see him later before returning to her bed where the three of them had been watching movies all afternoon.
"I like him," Veronica grins.
"He's ok," Betty shrugs, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"You're totally in love with him," Veronica gushes, the two of them giddy with Betty's huge grin in admission.
"Betty," Alice calls as the door swings open. "Oh," she says in surprise when she's met with the sight of Betty and Veronica laughing together. "You're day went well I take it?"
Betty nods, "We had fun." She offers a genuine smile to Veronica, earning one in return. It seems they're finally settled their differences and if she's honest, it's sort of nice having a sister. She can't keep blaming Veronica for her father's incompetence.
The girls say their goodbyes, promising to keep in touch more and part ways.
"What was that all about," Alice wonders as she places leftover lasagna in the oven.
Betty shrugs, "We just talked."
Alice gives a curious raise of her brow, but doesn't question it further.
As the two Cooper women finish up dinner, there's a knock at the door. Betty answers it, surprised to see Tina and a highly uncomfortable Jughead standing behind her.
"Betty," Tina gushes.
"Uh, hi," she says, her brow furrowing in question.
"So, there's this party down at Sweetwater," Tina beams as she lets herself in. "It's sort of an end of summer bash, everyone who's anyone will be there. I want you to come as my guest!"
"Oh, uhm-" She shoots a panicked expression at Jughead, who only shrugs, looking slightly guilty.
"Please," she pleads. "It will be so fun and you can meet everyone."
Betty sighs, plastering a smile on her face, "Let me get dressed."
Tina follows Betty up to her room, talking her ear off about all their classmates, who's cool and who to avoid. She notes that Tina's regard for anyone in a Serpent jacket is less than pleasant, making a point for Betty to avoid them at all costs. By the time Betty has finished getting ready she's barely holding back her urge to slap Tina right across her smug face. Instead, she just smiles and shoots Jughead a glare on her way out the door.
When they arrive at Sweetwater River, it's already crowded with teenagers on their way to being completely shit faced. It send a chill up Betty's spine, reminding her so much of the night she lost Archie and Jughead immediately takes notice. With Tina at his side, their fingers intertwined, all he can do it offer a look of apology. Betty again glares at him and storms off to find a drink. She runs into a few people interested in getting to know her, but skips out the moment she catches sight of a leather jacket in her peripheral.
"Sweet Pea," she says in relief, throwing her arms around him, just grateful for a familiar face.
"Uh, hey Blondie," he greets, patting her back with uncertainty as he looks around. "Where's Jones?"
"With Tina," she scoffs, taking his cup from his hands and downing its contents without so much as a wince.
"I was gonna drink that," he scolds, giving her a curious look.
"Well go get more," she waves him off, "And bring me two," she calls after he's a few paces away.
She takes a seat on a nearby log, staying back from the crowd. She watches Tina and Jughead, her scowl deepening with every exchange of little touches and stolen kisses. It sure as hell doesn't look like he's planning on breaking up with her any time soon and by the time Sweet Pea comes back, she is thoroughly pissed off. She downs both her drinks faster than Pea can even take a seat.
"Somebody's pissed," Sweet Pea chuckles, taking a sip of his own beer before digging in his coat pocket. He pulls out a joint and a lighter, offering it to Betty. Betty offers an appreciative grin as she takes it from his hand. They pass the joint between them, Fangs coming over to take a few hits before returning to get handsy with a preppy looking boy in the crowd.
"Why is he still over there," she groan, dropping her head to Sweet Pea's shoulder. Sweet Pea proceeds to ring an arm around her and tug her closer.
"Cuz he's a dumbass," Sweet Pea shrugs, earning a laugh from Betty. Her laughter seems to draw Jughead's attention and he scowls with the sight of Sweet Pea's arm around her. Betty takes it as her cue to snuggle closer to him, dropping her hand to his thigh.
Jughead's scowl deepens, but with Tina at his side it's all he can do. It's not like Betty's his girlfriend, it would be weird if he got territorial over her and that's a shit show he'd like to avoid in front of all their classmates. Their scowling match is broken by Tina's forceful tug on Jughead's t-shirt, pulling him down to practically swallow his face.
Jughead's eyes remain fixed on Betty as Tina gropes him, their makeout session becoming less than appropriate with all the watchful eyes around. If he doesn't want to be kissing her, he's doing a terrible job of showing it and Betty is furious. With his eyes still on her, she turns to Sweet Pea, grabbing his face and pulling him in for a deep kiss, tongue and all. She climbs into his lap and he doesn't hesitate for a second, his hands going to her hips as she rocks in his lap. Betty can practically feel Jughead's eyes burning into the back of her head and when Sweet Pea drags her away into the woods, she knows he'll follow.
Behind a large tree, Betty continues to kiss Sweet Pea, grabbing a handful of his dick as he nips her lower lip. She knows she's being childish, knows that Jughead is going to be hurt, but she's too pissed off to care. He hasn't even made an attempt at breaking up with Tina and with the way their all over each other, she's starting to doubt he ever will.
Breaking away from Sweet Pea's lips, Betty drops to her knees at his feet. His fingers snake into her hair as she tugs open his jeans-
"Betty," comes a strained voice from behind.
Sweet Pea is quick to close his jeans and ducks out before he gets his ass kicked.
"What the fuck," Jughead grits, his eyes welling with tears.
"What the fuck what Jughead," She clips, crossing her arms over her chest as she gets off the ground.
"Why would you do that to me," he questions, hardly above a whisper.
"Do what Jughead," she grits. "I'm not your girlfriend. You have one already, remember."
"I was going to break up with her-"
Betty laughs humorlessly, "It sure fucking looked like you were."
"I was, I am," he corrects, taking a step closer.
"Fuck you Forsythe," she grits through her teeth before storming off to find Sweet Pea. She convinces Pea to bring her home and apologizes for using him to get to Jughead. He tells her not to worry about it and kisses her head before she goes inside to cry herself to sleep.