Thank you to my co-writer/beta Goodform2011
After Hal was shot but before Charles showed up
-d-d-d-d-
Betty sat on the back steps of her house and dialed Kevin's number. She put the phone to her ear and waited.
"Hello?"
"Kev? It's Betty. Did I wake you?"
"No," Kevin assured her, "I've been up for awhile. How'd you sleep?"
"As well as could be expected," Betty said, "I need a favor. Can you meet me at Elmore's?"
"The funeral home?"
"Yeah, I need to make arrangements."
"Why is this your responsibility?" Kevin asked.
"I'm his only living relative," Betty sniffled, "At least the only one in their right mind at the moment."
"What time?" Kevin asked.
"I made an appointment for eleven. I have to stop at the lawyer's first to get the paperwork for payment," Betty said.
"Do you want to me to meet you at the lawyer's office?"
"No," Betty said. "I just want someone to hold my hand when I go into the funeral home. That place has creeped me out since Grandma Cooper died. The lawyer's office is no big deal."
"I'll meet you there," Kevin assured her.
"Thanks, Kev," Betty replied.
"No problem. Betty," Kevin said, "I'm glad you called."
"See you soon," Betty hung up the phone.
_D_D_D_D_D_
Just as Archie was about to knock on the front door of the Cooper/Jones house it opened to reveal Betty, obviously on her way out.
"Hey, Betty, how are you?" Archie stepped back to avoid colliding with her.
"Uh, okay, I guess," she closed the door behind her.
"Going somewhere?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah," Betty replied, "To the store. FP used the last of the milk this morning for his coffee."
"You want some company?"
"Thanks, but I think I'd be bad company," Betty said, "I thought you and V had plans."
"I cancelled them," Archie replied, "I thought maybe you'd want to go to the river and talk or not."
"I'm good, Arch," Betty promised. "I'll call you later, okay?"
"Yeah, okay," he quickly reached for her hand as she moved passed him, "I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."
Betty looked into his eyes, nearly breaking at the concern and sincerity in them. "Thanks, Arch."
She gave him a fast, hard hug and then darted down the street.
Archie watched her go and then headed back to his house feeling a bit defeated. He'd been hoping she'd open up to him since her father died, but she's been completely closed off. It killed him that she seemed insistent on going through this alone.
_D_D_D_D_D_
"Kev, hey," Betty walked up to her friend, "Am I late? The lawyer took forever."
"No, we still have five minutes," he smiled at her.
"Thanks for coming," she gave him a quick hug, "I really needed someone with me."
"No problem," Kevin took her hand as they walked in the building, the scent of flowers nearly overwhelming them.
"It shouldn't take long," Betty said. "After he was arrested, Dad talked to his lawyer about his arrangements and payment for such. He even has what he wants on his tombstone written down."
"Look, Betty, he wasn't the greatest man, but I am sorry you lost your father," Kevin delivered the message he'd been practicing all morning, "You don't deserve to do this alone, so I'm here for whatever you need."
"I am so happy you're back," Betty gave her friend a hug, "I missed you."
"Yeah, me, too," Kevin smiled. "I think the office we're looking for is down here."
Betty and Kevin worked with the funeral home director to make the arrangements. It would be a closed casket. There would be no published obituary, and a minimal ceremony at the cemetery.
"You can send the bill to his lawyer," Betty said as they got up.
"About pallbearers, Miss Cooper," the director said.
"I'll need you to arrange for that. I don't know one person who'd be willing to carry his casket, let alone six."
"You'll only need five," Kevin said.
"Kev," Betty shook her head.
"I'm doing this, Betty," he was firm.
"We can skip the pallbearers if you wish," the director offered.
"I'll give it some thought," Betty told the director as she took Kevin's hand.
"I'll arrange a meeting with the minister just prior to the service so you can make any requests of him then," the director told her.
"Nothing fancy," Betty shook her head.
"Of course," the man said.
"You have my number, right? If you have any questions," Betty said.
"I do," he nodded.
-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-
Betty stirred her shake absently as she sat at Pop's counter. Kevin was sitting next to her eating what was left her fries.
Kevin was chatting away, trying to take Betty's mind off of the gloom of losing her father, even for a few minutes, but his efforts were in vain.
"Sorry, I'm not better company," Betty gave a half attempt at a smile when Kevin had to get her attention yet again.
"You sure you don't want me to get Veronica up here or call Jug? Maybe Archie?"
"No, I don't - no," Betty shook her head.
Kevin gave her a curious look, "They don't know, do they?"
"Know what?" Betty asked.
"About your meeting this morning or what your plans are for the day after tomorrow," Kevin said.
"Why would they need to know?" Betty asked, "It's not like anyone would have any intention of being there. He's not a man that anyone is going to mourn."
"He was still your father," Kevin said. "I talked to my dad. FP told him what happened to your dad. Has Cheryl seen her mother?"
"Not that I know of," Betty shook her head.
"You should at least tell her. You are family."
"I appreciate your help today with the arrangements and for trying to cheer me up, but I think I need to be alone," Betty smiled, "I'm going for a walk."
"Betty," Kevin tried to follow.
"I just want to be alone right now," Betty shook her head. "Pop, what do I owe you?"
"Not a thing," the older man shook his head, "You go on now, Honey. I'll see you soon."
"Thanks," Betty smiled as Kevin chased her out. She stopped to address the suggestion she'd left hanging, "What am I supposed to tell Cheryl, that the man her mom killed is going to be laid to rest the day after tomorrow? I'm not going to lay that burden on her."
Kevin nodded and then gave her a hug, "Call me if you want to talk and if you want to sit in silence, I'll be there, too. I love you."
"Love you, too," Betty smiled a little.
Kevin pulled out his phone and dialed, "Hey, it's me. I thought you'd want to know. Betty went to the river."
-d-d-d-d-d-
Betty stared out at the water. It looked so calm, but she knew the memories it held for Riverdale.
She didn't know how long she sat, and she didn't care. She was in the one place she felt safe, safe from the looks of disdain and pity. With her mom at The Farm, she was practically an orphan. She had no idea how to move forward from here.
She was startled when there was snapping of a twig behind her. Betty turned to see Archie approaching. She quickly wiped at her tears. She felt guilty for mourning the man that nearly killed her best friend's father.
"How'd you know I was here?" Betty tried to hide the sadness in her voice.
"I've got my sources," Archie sat down next to her.
"Is this particular source a talented actor and singer who pretty much rules the drama club?"
"I will never tell," Archie shook his head.
"I'm fine," Betty discreetly wiped more tears away.
"It's okay not to be fine," he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"No, it's not," Betty shook her head, "He was a horrible man. I have no business shedding tears for him, especially with everything he's done."
"He wasn't always the horrible man he eventually revealed himself to be," Archie reminded her, "He's the man you're grieving, not the one who did the horrible, heinous things."
"How did I not see him for who he really was?" Betty sniffled.
"Betty, no one saw him for what he was," Archie shook his head.
"He nearly killed your dad," Betty shook her head, "He tried to get Polly to abort her kids, and then went on to sleep with Penelope. He killed Midge. He almost killed Moose. He would've killed Kev if he'd gotten in the car with him that night."
"You're right. He did some truly awful things," Archie agreed, "It doesn't change the fact that he was also the one you ran to when you fell and scraped your knee, who took you to Pop's after a good report card for a shake, and would help you with your homework."
Betty had to smile at his words, "You're the most decent guy I know. Thanks, Arch."
"Why don't the four of us, you, me, Jug, and Ronnie, get out of town this weekend? Go camping or something," Archie suggested.
"I can't this weekend," Betty shook her head.
"Hot date with Jug?" Archie asked.
"No," Betty shook her head slightly as she reached to wipe the tears from her eyes, "No, I'm burying my father."
"What?"
"I made the arrangements this morning," Betty said. "Nothing special, just a priest saying a prayer and that's it."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked, "I would have gone with you."
"That's why I didn't tell you," Betty's lip quivered, "I couldn't ask you to help me with funeral arrangements for the man that shot your father."
"What about Jug?" Archie asked.
"I asked Kevin," she replied.
"That's where you went this morning," Archie realized.
Betty nodded, "Yeah."
"When is it?"
"No," Betty shook her head, "You're not coming."
Archie exhaled deeply, "Funerals are more than just morning the dead, it's about being there for those still living. Yeah, I have a lot of hate for what your father did, but you...you're my best friend, Betty. I want to be there for you. You don't deserve to go through this alone."
"Kevin offered to come."
"Kevin isn't your best friend," Archie said.
Betty stood up, "I don't want you there. He doesn't deserve it."
Archie scrambled to his feet and turned her towards him, "You're right, he doesn't. You do."
"You want to do something for me, Arch? Stay home and have breakfast with your dad. You both deserve that," Betty said before she walked away.
-:-:-:-:-
Fred walked into the house and raised an eyebrow. Archie was sitting on the steps with his head in his hands.
"Arch, everything alright?" Fred asked.
Archie lifted his head and shook it, "No."
"Tell me," Fred said simply.
"I went next door to see Betty this morning. She claimed she was going to the store and said she'd see me later. A couple hours after that Kev called to say Betty was on her way to the river. I found her there. I knew she was torn up about Hal, so I got her to open up to me. Then I suggested a camping trip over the weekend; her, me, Jug, and Ronnie. She said she couldn't because she was burying her father this weekend."
Fred sighed heavily. "I'm sure this is a very conflicting and emotional time for Betty. On the one hand, she's mourning her father, but on the other hand, her father did some truly heinous things."
"Yeah, that's an understatement," Archie replied, "I want to be there for her at the funeral, but she told me to stay home and have breakfast with you because her dad doesn't serve to have us there."
"He doesn't," Fred said, "But she does."
"Try telling her that," Archie shook his head, "I don't think she's even telling Jug."
"Maybe you should," Fred suggested.
"What if she sees my telling Jug as a betrayal to her?" Archie asked, "We've been through a lot. She's my best friend. I can't risk losing her."
"Betty feels guilty for everything Hal put us all through," Fred said. "It probably took a lot to ask even Kevin to be with her for this. But at the end of the day, ask yourself this: what would she do if this was you going through all this?"
"She'd be there for me," Archie responded without hesitation, "And she'd see to it that I had all the support I needed."
"Then what's your next move?" Fred asked.
"I have a few calls to make," Archie pulled his phone from his pocket.
-:-:-:-
Jughead hung up the phone and took a look around to see if anyone but his dad was home. When he figured he was safe, he turned to FP, "Dad?"
"What's with the serious look, Jug?" FP took a healthy gulp of his coffee.
"That was Archie," Jughead started, "He wanted me to know that Betty made funeral arrangements for Hal's funeral today."
"Ok," FP spoke slowly.
"Don't hate me for saying it, but I think we need to be there," Jughead replied, "Not for Hal, but for Betty."
"You want me to go to a funeral for the man that terrorized this town for months, if not years," FP summarized.
"Yeah, it's a horrible position to be in, but Betty doesn't have a choice. It's her father," Jughead stated.
"He shot Fred," FP said.
"Yeah, he did," Jughead said, "Betty didn't and right now, we're her only family."
"Where did you get this incessant need to do good?" FP asked, "You sure as heck didn't learn it from me or your mom."
"I had other influences growing up," Jughead reminded him.
"Wait a minute, why is Archie telling you about this? Why isn't Betty?"
"She doesn't want anyone there," Jughead stated, "She told Archie something about her father not deserving anyone to be there."
"She's right about that," FP replied.
"And it's also not just about Hal," Jughead countered.
FP sighed, thinking about Alice and putting her in Betty's position. He wouldn't want her to be alone.
"When is it?"
"We don't know," Jughead replied.
"Guess I'd better see if I have a suit that fits," FP inhaled deeply.
"Thanks, Dad."
"Question: if Betty doesn't want us to know about this, how are we attending?"
"Archie said Veronica is coming up with a plan."
"Great, we're now trusting a Lodge," FP replied, "Let's just turn ourselves in now."
"Dad," Jughead rolled his eyes, "Her last plan landed Hiram in jail, remember? She's pretty resourceful when she wants to be."
"She's still a Lodge," FP replied, "I don't trust them any further than I can throw them, and that ain't far."
"For this, I trust her," Jughead said, remembering the woods and how Veronica had taken the extra poison to spare Betty.
"Tell me when and where to show up," FP replied.
"I will once I know for sure. Not a word to Betty," Jughead reminded him.
FP made a sarcastic showing of zipping his lips.
-:-:-:-
Veronica knocked on the door to the Keller home and smiled when Mrs. Keller answered.
Sierra smiled at the younger woman, "Veronica, hello."
"Hi, Mrs. Keller," Veronica smiled, "Is Kevin here?"
"I think he's in his room. Go on up."
"Great, thanks," Veronica bounced up the steps to Kevin's room. "Knock, knock."
Kevin was in his closet when Veronica entered the room, "Hey, Ronnie. What are you doing here?"
"We're scheme buddies, remember," Veronica plopped down on his bed.
"I do," he eyed her, holding a dress shirt in his hand.
"That's a nice shirt," Veronica commented, "Where's it going?"
"Uh, yeah," Kevin stammered, "I...ah."
"Spit it out, Kev," Veronica told him.
"It's going to a funeral," Kevin admitted.
"When?"
"No," Kevin shook his head.
"No?" Veronica raised a brow, "It's not going to a funeral?"
"No, I'm not telling you when the funeral is," Kevin shook his head as he studied his ties.
Veronica looked, too, "The blue one with the gold trim."
Kevin nodded in agreement.
"Are you going to at least tell me who's funeral you're going to?" Veronica asked.
"You really can't guess?" Kevin asked, "Give it a try, V. Who do we know who died recently?"
"Why isn't she telling us?"
"At a guess? He tried to kill Fred Andrews and his disciple took a shot at your mom," Kevin said, "He strung Midge up and shot Moose. I'm actually surprised she asked me. I was almost in that car."
"I want in on this," Veronica stated, "I want to be there for Betty."
"Betty doesn't want anyone to be there for her," Kevin replied.
"She's doing the martyr thing again," Veronica shook her head.
"How'd you find out anyway?"
"She told Archie it was happening. She just won't tell him when."
"I take it you're here on a fact-finding mission," Kevin concluded, "This playing coy thing was for my benefit."
"Old habits and all," Veronica smiled, "Kev, she's my best friend."
"I get it," Kevin nodded, "I love her, too. I hate that she won't even tell Jug about this, but I won't betray her. I might not get another chance after everything that's gone down with the Farm."
"No one blames you for that," Veronica assured him, "You were sucked in like many other good people."
"Thanks," Kevin said. "Ask me to do something with you this weekend."
"How about we do something together this weekend, say Saturday..." Veronica studied his face to see if she was on the right track, "Around ten."
"Sure, I'm free on Saturday," Kevin nodded.
"Oh, wait, I just remembered, I'm busy," Veronica stated, "How about Sunday?"
"Sunday's good, too," Kevin said.
"And Friday?" Veronica asked.
"I'm pretty busy that day, actually. A friend of mine needs some support," Kevin said.
"Well played, Keller," Veronica smiled, "Morning or afternoon?"
"Morning, but I'll probably be with her most of the day," Kevin said. "By the way, Veronica? The black dress with the embroidered purple roses on the hem."
"See you then," Veronica grabbed her bag on the way out, "Thanks for playing."
"No problem," Kevin said.
Veronica waved to Kevin's parents as she walked out the door. Once she was on the sidewalk, she dialed Archie.
"Hello?"
"It's me. Is your dark suit clean?"
"Yeah, why?" Archie asked.
"We're meeting Kevin at the cemetery Friday morning," Veronica replied. "Spread the word."
"You are amazing," Archie said, "Thanks, Ronnie."
"Wish me luck. I'm going to see Cheryl."
"You're going to need it," Archie replied.
"Go call Jughead," Veronica smiled as she hung up.
-:-:-:-
Betty straightened her ponytail before she left the bathroom of Pop's. She found Kevin at the counter.
"You ready?" Betty asked.
"I should be asking you that question," Kevin extended his hand.
"I'll be okay," Betty nodded, taking his hand, "I like your tie."
"Thanks," Kevin reached to adjust it a bit as he followed her out the door to her waiting vehicle.
"I appreciate this, Kev," Betty smiled, "You mind driving?"
Kevin grabbed her keys and held the passenger door for her, "Your chariot awaits."
Betty couldn't help it. She gave Kevin a hug, "I kinda love you, ya know?"
He hugged back, "Ditto."
It was a quiet drive to the cemetery. Betty was thinking through what she wanted to say to the minister. When they pulled in, there were several other vehicles in the lot.
She immediately recognized the car that Smithers drove Veronica around in.
"You didn't," Betty looked at him.
"I did nothing," Kevin replied.
Betty sighed heavily as she stepped towards her father's grave side to see several friends and their family standing with the minister. Betty was at a loss for words.
Archie approached and rested his hands on her shoulders, "We all want to be here for you today. You don't deserve to go through this alone, so lean on us, Betty."
Betty hugged him, "Why do you make it so hard to be mad at you for not listening to me?"
Archie smiled into her neck, "It's just a gift, I guess."
Betty dried her eyes as she pulled away to speak with the minister. The conversation was brief as the minister was well versed in these kinds of services.
She stood next to Jughead, holding his hand.
Archie and Veronica were hand in hand with Fred a step behind Archie. Kevin was next to his father, who was standing next to FP. The only person she wished would be there that wasn't was Cheryl, but she certainly understood why. Suddenly there was a bit of rustling and then a flash of red hair.
"Sorry, we're late," Cheryl and Toni arrived.
Betty let go of Jug for a moment to hug her cousin, "Thanks for coming, Cher."
"Of course, we're family," Cheryl did her best to smile.
"Betty, I'm sorry," Toni said.
"Thanks, Toni," Betty nodded before she reclaimed Jug's hand.
The minister began the service.
At some point, Jug's hand around hers had become his arm around her shoulders while her now free hand was taken with Cheryl's. She didn't even realize there were tears on her face until Toni handed her a tissue.
She was mourning more than the man being buried. She was mourning the life she once had, a father she once thought was kind and decent. She mourned the innocent lost from the town she called home.
When it was over, Veronica came over to her, "I closed down the club for the night. Pop has a bunch of food there. It's waiting for us."
"Thanks, V," Betty's voice was thick with emotion. She was grateful for her friends today. She didn't realize it until they were all standing there with her, that she did want them by her side, did need their support to make it through.
Veronica hugged her and stepped aside to let Mr. Andrews step up.
"Betty, you need anything, you know where we are. You remember the code for the alarm if you want to sneak in?" He smiled.
"Thanks, Mr. Andrews," she bobbed her head and hugged him.
"We're all here for you, Kiddo," he told her.
Betty nodded and looked at Jughead, "Would you mind taking my car to Pop's? I wanna walk."
"Are you sure?" he hesitated.
"Yeah, I'll be there in a bit," she gave him a hug.
"Yeah, okay," he agreed, "Be careful."
"I will," she kissed his cheek.
Archie watched Betty head off alone and walked over to Jughead, "Where's she going?"
"She said she wanted to walk," Jughead replied, "She's going to meet us at Pop's."
"Ronnie, go with my Dad. I'll meet you there," Archie ushered his girlfriend towards his father's truck, "I want to make sure she gets there alright."
"Archie, she probably just wants a few minutes to think," Veronica told him.
'Yeah, I know," Archie bobbed his head, "Go. I promise, we'll meet you there."
"Alright," Veronica said, kissing his cheek before she got into the truck with Fred.
Archie headed off after Betty and caught up to her easily.
Betty wasn't at all surprised Archie had chased her down. Part of her actually hoped he would.
Archie's arm slung around her shoulders as they walked in silence.
He pressed a kiss to the side of her head after the fourth time he caught her wiping her cheek.
"When you want to talk, I'm here," Archie said quietly.
Betty's voice was so small when she responded with, "Thank you" that it broke his heart.
By the time they'd arrived at Pop's the lunch crowd was filling in, but they ignored everyone except Pop himself who stopped what he was doing and gave Betty a hug before they headed downstairs.
Things were somber when Betty arrived. It fit her mood. She didn't know what to do next. Should she make the rounds and thank everyone for coming or hide in the bathroom which sounded much more tempting.
Cheryl took care of her decision by leading her into the lady's room because 'Cousin, the raccoon look is not for you'.
They worked on reapplying her makeup after Betty had splashed her face with cold water.
"I don't know what I'm doing here, Cheryl," Betty confessed. "I just want to curl up in a ball and disappear right now."
"I remember the feeling well," Cheryl nodded, "I had it twice in less than a year."
Betty frowned, remembering they were coming up on Jason's anniversary, "Thanks for coming today. I know it couldn't have been easy."
"It never is," Cheryl replied, "But you get through it with the help of people who love you, and everyone out there loves you. They aren't here for your father. They're here for you."
"I know," Betty nodded, "I'm grateful enough that I'm not mad at Kev. I should probably tell him that."
"Probably," Cheryl nodded, "That's better."
"No more raccoon look?" Betty smiled.
"Nope, you look much better," Cheryl assured her.
"Thanks, Cher," Betty hugged her, "I promise I won't be mad if you and Toni cut out early."
"We'll be here as long as you need us," Cheryl assured her, "This is about you today."
Betty smiled as they went back into the club where she looked for Kevin. She found him and his dad by the bar and walked over, "Hi."
"Hey," he slid over to make room for her, "I know you're mad at me about inviting everyone, but that's just too darn bad. You needed us today whether you wanted to admit it or not."
"No ill will," Betty smiled, putting an arm around his shoulder and squeezing lightly, "I know you were coming from a place of love."
Kevin leaned into her embrace, "I knew you loved me."
Betty smiled before she looked at his dad, "Mr. Keller, thanks for coming today."
Tom nodded, "Hal was a friend once. That's who I said goodbye to today. Sierra is sorry she couldn't be here today. She went to bring Josie home for the summer."
"Tell her thank you and tell Josie welcome home."
"I will," he nodded, "How are you doing, Betty?"
"About as well as expected," Betty admitted.
"You need anything, just call, okay?"
"Thank you," Betty nodded, "I should go have a word with Jug."
Betty stepped away from the bar and found Jughead sitting with Veronica and Archie. "Room for one more?"
"Always," Jughead slid over and let Betty take his seat, "You hungry?"
"Not just yet," Betty said, "Where's your dad?"
"He had to get back," Jughead nodded.
"That's too bad," she frowned, "I wanted to thank him for coming."
"I'll deliver the message," Jughead assured her, "Or you can back at the house tonight."
"I talked to my mom," Archie said, "She said to tell you she loves you. She's sorry she couldn't be here today, but a client of hers needed her attention."
"Tell her thank you," Betty nodded, "Could you give me and Jug a moment?"
"Sure," Veronica slid from the booth and pulled Archie with her. "Make sure you get some food. Pop really went all out for us."
"We'll go make you two plates," Archie said, following Veronica.
Betty looked at Jughead, "I know you're mad at me, at least a little bit."
"I'm not mad," he assured her, "You can grieve however you need. Just tell me where I fit into everything when you're done."
Betty took his hand, "Thank you...for everything. Most of all holding me last night when I woke up from that God awful nightmare.
"You're welcome," he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"I don't know where I fit anymore," she admitted, "My mom and Polly are at the Farm. You and FP are at my house. We're not really family, and it feels really weird being there with you."
"What are you trying to say?" he asked.
"I don't know," she shrugged, "There's just a lot going on right now."
"Betty, my dad, JB, and I are fine with you being there. I don't want you leaving," Jughead looked panicky, "And you're so wrong about not being family. We share a brother."
"I'm just rambling, I guess," she traced a line in the table, "It's been a long few days."
"I know," he nodded, "Archie mentioned you only told him about this after he suggested getting out of town for a few days."
"Yeah," Betty replied, "I just wanted to do it alone, and then I realized on my way to the funeral home that I couldn't, so I called Kevin."
"I wish you'd called me, but my point is, after this, why don't we do that?"
"You mean get out of town?"
"Yeah," Jughead nodded.
"Might not be a bad idea," she replied, "School is really the last thing I want to do right now. Just you and me, or do we invite Arch and Veronica?"
"Let's make it a foursome," Jughead suggested, "Let's just not find a dead guy in the woods this time."
"Sounds good," Betty nodded and kissed him lightly before laying her head on his shoulder.
Across the room Archie was picking out food for Betty while Veronica worked on a plate for Jughead.
"Think they'll make it?" Veronica motioned towards Betty and Jughead, "Traumatic events have a way of driving a wedge in relationships."
Archie looked over at them and nodded, "Yeah, I think so."
"I hope so," Veronica smiled, "They've always felt like endgame."
"Right," Archie nodded, "Hey, how's your mom? Have you spoken to her?"
"She's okay," Veronica shrugged, "I think. We haven't really spoken lately. She's still trying to work out something with the D.A."
"Hopefully, she can make it work," Archie replied.
"Yeah, it'd be nice to have one parent at home," Veronica frowned.
"I know the feeling," Archie bobbed his head.
"Where'd your dad go?"
"He had a meeting in Greendale this afternoon. He took off a little while ago."
"So, your home is empty at the moment?" she waved her brow suggestively.
"Veronica, I don't think leaving to do that is the best plan at the moment," Archie said.
"You're no fun," she pouted.
"We're being here for Betty," he reminded her, "She needs us right now."
"I know," she nodded, "Later?"
"We'll see how things go."
"Okay," she crossed the room with a plate in hand which she placed in front of Jughead and then slid back into the booth, "Did we miss anything important?"
"Yeah, sort of," Betty replied, "Jug and I were thinking the four of us should go away for a few days."
"That sounds like fun," Veronica nodded, "When?"
"Tonight?"
"Wow, really?" Veronica asked.
"Yeah, let's pack a few camping bags and tents, and find someplace to get away from it all for a few days," Betty suggested.
"I'm in," Archie nodded.
"Wait, camping? Are you serious?" Veronica asked.
"It will not kill you, V," Betty said, "I promise."
"Why don't we find a nice cabin somewhere," Veronica suggested, "I'll even pay. Then we can have a comfy bed and running water."
"That's not camping," Jughead pointed out, "Betty, Arch, and I used to do this all the time. It's fun."
"Bugs are not fun," Veronica shook her head.
Betty looked down at her hands to hide the roll of her eyes at Veronica's words. She loved the girl like a sister, but sometimes she was such a spoiled brat.
"Come on, Ronnie," Archie tried to prod her.
"Look, I don't want to be the party pooper," Veronica held up her hands, "It's pretty obvious that I'm going to be the buzz kill, so why don't you guys go without me?"
"Are you sure?" Archie asked.
"Yeah, absolutely," Veronica nodded. "I could use the time to decide what to say at my mom's hearing."
"Maybe I should stay with Veronica," Archie replied, "You two should definitely go though."
"No, Archie, go," Veronica insisted, "Betty needs this. I want you to go."
"I don't know," Archie said.
"C'mon, Arch, listen to the girl. It'll be like when we were kids. Only this time, Betty and I are roommates instead of you and me," Jughead smirked.
"Yeah, okay," Archie agreed. "I'll just clear it with my dad, and then we'll head out."
"We should get the supplies," Betty said.
"Not to mention, change our clothes," Jughead motioned to what they were wearing.
"Good idea," Betty nodded.
"I'll be right back," Archie got up and had a quick conversation on the phone with his father. After getting his permission, Archie came back. "Jug, Betty, why don't I drive you both home to get your gear? We can head out immediately."
"Sounds good," Betty tossed him her keys since Fred had the truck. "I should make the rounds again and thank people for coming before I just disappear."
"We'll be waiting for you outside," Archie grabbed the keys. He said a quick goodbye to Veronica, and then he and Jughead waited patiently for Betty to join them.
Betty quickly and efficiently thanked people for coming, ending with Cheryl and Toni who walked out with her to give her a clean exit.
"Call me when you're back," Cheryl hugged her. "We'll do something mindless."
"A bad movie?" Betty smiled.
"Just not that one with Ben Affleck and J-Lo," Cheryl shook her head.
"Deal," Betty nodded.
Archie drove them back to their houses where everyone quickly packed a bag for several days. It was unspoken assumption that they might be gone for more than the weekend.
Archie was in the driver's seat and Betty was in the passenger with Jug in the middle. It was a quiet ride to the campsite, with just the radio playing.
Archie and Jughead worked together to get the tents put up. Betty set about getting a fire pit built and gathering a sufficient amount wood to get them through the night.
Once they were set, Betty and Jughead sat together while Archie sat across from them. Jughead slung his arm around Betty's shoulders, and she leaned her head on his.
"Thanks for doing this," she said quietly.
"You don't need to thank us," Jughead told her, "We're the three musketeers, remember?"
A smile crossed her face and she looked across the fire at Archie who was smiling at her.
"Remember the first time we did this by ourselves?" he asked.
"Yeah," Betty bobbed her head, "We begged our parents for weeks. We finally convinced them when your dad said he'd stay with us. Instead he dropped us at the site and then found a hotel a short distance away. He said he'd be close that we could call if we needed him but far enough away that we were on our own."
"I brought beer that Betty threw into the lake," Jughead laughed.
"And then she proceeded to smack you with the book she brought with her," Archie nodded.
"We were like fourteen, Jug," Betty elbowed him in the gut, "Way to soon to get drunk."
"We had s'mores," Archie said.
"We had s'mores," Betty said motioning between her and Archie before pointing to Jughead, "He refused to speak to me after I dumped the beer in the lake."
"And I was justified in giving you the silent treatment," Jughead replied, "You threw my beer into the lake."
"How did you even get it?"
"Whyte Wyrm," Jughead admitted.
"Okay, I know the Wyrm is lax, but I refuse to believe anyone just gave you beer."
"They didn't," Jughead shook his head, "To this day, Pea's dad has no clue what happened to the beer."
Archie chuckled.
"How are you not in a juvenile detention facility somewhere?" Betty chuckled in amusement.
"I had some good influences growing up," Jughead looked at Archie, "I still can't believe you never said anything to your dad."
"I figured you'd been punished enough by Betty tossing it into the water," Archie laughed.
"I'm sorry V didn't want to come with us, Arch," Betty frowned a little.
"It's okay," Archie shrugged, "She's right in that she would have drug us down. She great and all, but camping is not her scene."
Betty nodded and covered her mouth as she yawned.
"You fading on us?" Jughead asked.
"Long day," Betty said, "Long week, to be honest."
"Why don't you get a cat nap," Jughead suggested, "Arch and I will wake you for dinner."
"Yeah, okay," Betty nodded, "Just one thing? You didn't bring beer this time, right?"
"The Jones-Cooper house has no alcohol in it. Where would I have gotten it?"
Betty stared Jughead down.
"I swear, no booze," Jughead assured her.
"Okay," Betty nodded and kissed his cheek before she went into their tent to lay down.
"She okay?" Archie asked softly as Jughead shifted closer to him.
"I'm not sure," Jughead admitted.
"Of all the times for Alice to be AWOL," Archie shook his head.
"We both know Alice being around would have made it worse," Jughead replied, "She would have just tossed Hal over a bridge and wiped her hands of him."
Archie nodded in agreement, "You have a point."
"You and Veronica okay? I thought I got a weird vibe off of her," Jughead asked.
"It's this stuff with her mom," Archie shrugged, "Things have just been a bit off ever since."
"Got it," Jughead nodded, "I guess it's not easy having both your parents in jail especially considering they each put the other one there."
"Yeah, and it's almost like she has to pick her poison. Support her mother or her father," Archie replied.
"Mother, hands down," Jughead replied, "At least Hermione has some sense of moral compass."
"Good point," Archie nodded. "Speaking of moms, any word from Gladys?"
"No, and I don't think we'll be getting one for a while," Jughead nodded.
"How's it going with Jellybean?" Archie asked.
"She's kinda quiet," Jughead shrugged, "She stays in her room a lot."
"Give her some time, but watch her, too," Archie advised. "Your mom bailing tends to do things to a person's mind."
"God, when did our lives become some lame soap opera," Jughead reached for a twig and tossed it into the fire.
"For me I think it was when I started sleeping with the music teacher," Archie nodded.
"Maybe it was the day Cheryl's brother was murdered," Jughead sighed, "It seems like everything else has spun out of that."
"You are the closest thing I have to a brother, and I don't know what I'd do if you died," Archie admitted, "I have no clue how Cheryl functions on a daily basis, especially when you consider who her parents are."
"Well, Cheryl has had her moments of insanity," Jughead shrugged.
Archie looked at the tent where Betty was, "True, but she's been a really good friend to Betty."
"I think blood is thicker than water to Cheryl," Jughead replied, "Since she and Betty share blood, there isn't anything Cheryl won't do for her."
"Point taken," Archie nodded, "How's Betts sleeping?"
"You mean 'is Betts sleeping'" Jughead amended, "And not much."
Archie sighed, "I thought I saw the light on in the backyard a few times this week."
"Honestly, I'm in over my head," Jughead admitted, "I don't know what to say half the time, and usually when I do say something, it's the wrong thing."
"Uncharted territory," Archie nodded, "Our moms are gone, but they're still alive. Betty will never see Hal again."
"Are we so sure that's a bad thing?" Jughead asked.
"It's things like that that are getting you in trouble," Archie replied, "For better or worse, Hal Cooper is Betty's father."
"Yeah, I know," Jughead sighed, "But he was a serial killer."
"But before that, he was the guy who taught her to work on cars and helped her with her homework," Archie pointed out. "She has a lifetime of memories that have nothing to do with him being one of the worst people in the world."
"It's hard to separate that guy anymore," Jughead stated.
"Well, you just need to let her grieve however she chooses," Archie stated, "Maybe you can't separate that guy, but Betty can."
"Yeah," Jughead said.
"Most people still think of FP as just a drunk," Archie said after a moment, "But you know he's more than that."
"I suppose you have a point, but I'll take FP in his drunken days every day over having a serial killer for a father," Jughead stated.
"And you have to stop saying things like that," Archie replied, "Sure she's not listening right now, but she's picking up on that vibe."
"Why are you so much better being a friend lately than I am at being a boyfriend?"
"Like it or not, I've known her longer," Archie reminded him.
"Yeah, I know," Jughead nodded, "You should spend a little more time with her for a while."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Archie hesitated, "I wouldn't want you or Veronica getting the wrong idea."
"I'm asking you to do it," Jughead said. "As for Veronica, I get you love her, but you loved Betty first."
"Yeah," Archie sighed heavily, "Sometimes I wonder if what I'm feeling for Ronnie is actually love."
"Well, put that problem aside for another day and concentrate on why we came out here," Jughead said, "We need to make Betty feel better, even if only for a moment or two."
"Yeah," Archie bobbed his head
"Any ideas?" Jughead asked, "I'm totally drawing a blank."
"Maybe we should buy some beer and let her throw it into the lake. It seemed to make her smile last time," Archie suggested.
Jughead had to laugh.
-d-d-d-d-
Betty breathed in the night air as she sat on the log. The fire had long since gone out, and she'd left Jug sleeping in the tent.
She looked up and smiled at the stars above her. They were very visible tonight.
A breaking twig had her startled. She turned around and sighed in relief, "Archie, that's the second time this week you've scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry," Archie parked himself on the log next to her.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" she asked.
"Why aren't you?"
"My nap threw off my sleeping patterns," she shrugged.
"Liar," he said softly.
"Fine," she released a heavy sigh, "Can't turn off my brain. I mean there are these two sides to my dad. I don't understand how he went from the father who carried me on his shoulders at the county fair when I was just too tired to take another step to the guy who offed so many people. I mean he just snapped."
Archie looked down at his hands before he reached out and took one of Betty's hands in his, "I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better, but I have to admit this is out of my realm of knowledge."
"I'm not looking for magic words, Arch. I just need my friends, even though I don't deserve them."
"Don't ever think you don't deserve us," Archie told her. "No matter what, Betts, we love you."
"Everything is just so topsy turvy," Betty replied, "I don't even trust myself right now. When I went on that Dark Betty binge, is that how it started for him? Is that what I have in my future?"
"You are not like him, okay? Betty, we've known each other since we were four. There is nothing in you that has ever come close to that level of darkness. You and Ronnie taught Chuck a much-needed lesson. That's all."
"But what if that's where it starts?" Betty pressed him, "I don't know where his darkness started. What if it was someone that needed to be taught a lesson and then he just developed a taste for it?"
"Betts, you are not him, not in any way."
"You don't-"
"Yes, I do," Archie nodded, "I do know that."
Betty leaned her head on his shoulder, and he pressed a kiss to the top of it, their hands still joined.
"I miss this sometimes," she said quietly a little while later.
"Missed the campouts?" he asked.
"Yes, and it just being you and me," she admitted. "I love Jug and V but sometimes I miss the days of just us."
"Yeah, I know how you feel," Archie agreed, "Things were so much simpler when it was you and me with no romantic complications."
"Sometimes I just want to put this town in the rearview and never look back," Betty said.
"Yeah, I've felt that a few times," he agreed.
"What's stopping us?"
"Our friends, our families," Archie said.
"Family," she snorted bitterly.
"Betts, your mom and sister love you. It's just hard for them to show it," Archie replied.
"Yeah, especially since they're currently enthralled to Edgar Evernever and his kooks," Betty shook her head.
"It will get better," he assured her.
"I really hope you're right," Betty sniffled.
"You've still got us," he reminded her. "You ever feel like you don't want to be in your house anymore, you know how to get into mine. The extra bedroom's always there for you."
"Somehow, I don't think V would be on board with that."
"I'll deal with that," he assured her.
"Thanks, Arch," she nodded.
"Think you can sleep, or did you just want to sit out here for awhile longer?" he asked.
"I think I just want to stay like this a little longer, but if you're tired, you don't have to," Betty lifted her head.
"I'll stay as long as you want," he kissed her temple.
"Thanks," she smiled at him.