Three Fools for Betty Cooper
++++End of Freshmen Year
Reggie notices how she looks at Andrews. It is obvious – her eyes give everything away – like Andrews is her drug. Some euphoric, just made for her version of jingle jangle. She and Keller say goodbye to everyone at the table before they leave – giggling. "Sooo, Andrews. Are you and Cooper a thing? Or what is going on there?" Reggie smirks at the confusion in the ginger's face, he seems to be the only one not picking up the vibe. "What? No – Betty and I we're just best friends…" The boy stammers some apology, before he leaves. Reggie shakes his head.
He's a damn fool.
++++Beginning of Sophomore Year
Cooper is showing around the new girl – not just any new girl: Veronica Lodge. Apparently, her dad is in prison or something. Welcome to the bad fathers' club, it sucks.
Both girls are talking to Andrews on the football field. They're wearing cheerleading gear. It suits them. Of course, the second he gets ripped, chicks are attracted to Andrews like moths to flame. Good for him, it was time he grew up.
"Looking good, Cooper!" Reggie shoots her his infamous side grin, and it seems enough enough to get her all flustered. "Thanks, Reg?" It's more of a question, which he simply answers with a wink. Arms locked, the girls walk past him, he's sure he hears them giggle. Vixen on the outside, shy girl next door on the inside. Betty Cooper really is one of a kind.
++++The Evening of the Back-to-School Dance
Somehow Andrews managed to get both girls as his date, that guy might be more of a dog than he leads on.
The saga continues at the blossom residence, oldschool seven minutes in heaven and it seems the head vixen has it out for Andrews. Knowing Cheryl, there's probably some bigger plot or rivalry behind all of it – honestly, Reggie couldn't care less, he's just here to have fun.
Unlike the blonde girl sitting across from him. Cooper doesn't seem to enjoy the after party. Ever since Andrews and the new girl went to spend their seven minutes in heaven, Betty looks like she's about to burst in tears. He kind of feels bad for her. It seems like the 'ginger stallion' – as Cheryl put it – is still oblivious about her feelings for him. It's starting to feel like he's ignoring it on purpose.
"Hey Cooper, cheer up a lil. It's a party – don't worry you'll get your chance. Who knows, maybe you and I- "
Betty cuts him off by rapidly standing up. Geez – a no would've been enough.
"I better get going." He can hear her voice break, so he just lets her be. "Thanks, Reg. Or whatever…"
"Yeah, whatever…" Reggie lets out a sigh as he watches her storm out.
Archie Andrews is still a damn fool.
++++Party at the Andrews' House
For some reason Cooper is now dating the beanie baby, Jughead Jones – who at some point in middle school turned into a weirdo, stopped talking to everyone else and acted like he was better or smarter than the rest. Andrews must've broken her, because she is way out of the beanie boy's league – there's nowhere in hell he would've landed her under normal circumstances.
On top of it, he's been making a face the whole evening. Apparently, it's his birthday. Whatever, it looks like he's being a little bitch and it makes his girlfriend miserable.
"Is this your party look?" Puzzled eyes meet his own, he chuckles. "The frown, Cooper. You never look happy when I see you at a party – now don't tell me – is it because of me?"
Reggie lets out a shocked gasp to underline his words, he's being playful, and she gets it. He can tell by the little smile she fails to hide.
"Don't worry, Reg. It's not you. It's …"
"Your boyfriend?" He rolls his eyes as he finishes her sentence.
Betty nods and lets out a sigh. "I was trying to do something nice – it's not my fault that it blew out of proportion." She has a similar look to the one on the night of the dance, Betty Cooper needs to do better when picking her men.
Reggie remembers how she was back in the day, happy without a care in the world. Always looking after the boys, making sure they were alright. Hell, she was the only girl allowed in the fortress that was the treehouse. Because she was – she still is – Betty freaking Cooper. She shouldn't let one or two boys ruin her spirit.
Shaking his head, Reggie starts to fix her a drink. "You did nothing wrong, Cooper. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise." He hands her the beer, before clinking his plastic cup with hers. "You drink this and enjoy the party. If Beanie Boy doesn't appreciate it – his loss. You're way too good for him anyways."
She's not trying to hide that smile anymore and he feels kind of proud for achieving that. Reggie Mantle made Betty Cooper smile – and maybe it's making him a little bit too happy.
"And you know, if he grows even more annoying, you can always call me. I promise to be nice." Betty's smile turns into a full-blown laugh. "Thanks, Reg." Because of him, her mood seems to have shifted at least for now. Of course she thinks he's joking, and he is.
Maybe a little — maybe a little less than he'd like to admit.
Jughead Jones is a damn fool.
++++Junior Year
The last year turned out to be more exciting than one would expect in a small town like Riverdale. Ever since the whole Jason Blossom thing, there has been one shocker after another. It's surprising that amidst all the craziness they still had times for things like SATs and school activities. A couple of months ago his biggest struggle was to be the best at football; now he has to make sure some new drug lord won't go after him or his girlfriend. Scratch that: ex-girlfriend. Just as they were about to rekindle, Andrews shows up at Veronica's doorstep and she goes running after him and drops Reggie like a hot potato.
Reminded of the horrendous night, he starts sulking even more in his seat. He knows his worth and if Veronica Lodge can't see that, it's her loss. Still hurts like a bitch.
"You know usually it's me who needs the pick me up. Seems like things have changed in the last months, hm?" He knows the soft voice approaching him from the side, looking up he sees that half smirk she reserves for special occasions. It's a shame they barely spend any time together, but lately they've had a lot going on individually and with their partners. Ex-partner in his case. But it's always been good talking to her; made the world seem okay.
"Ronnie dumped me – again." He's pouting, hoping the couch will swallow him. "I'm sure she's already shaking it up with Andrews in the janitor's closet." He can feel the pitiful look on Betty's face as she sits down next to him.
"Aw, Reg. I'm sorry to hear that." She places her hand on his and squeezes it softly.
"If V can't appreciate how great you are – it's her loss. You're way too good for her anyways."
The smile on her face radiates a warmth, he can't help but return it. Kudos to her for referring to his speech at Jughead's birthday party so long ago.
"Thanks, Cooper."
He turns his head towards her and returns the squeeze. "So, how about you and the beanie baby? Still going strong?" Of course, the hopeful tone in his voice is supposed to be a joke…. Obviously. She lets out a laugh and if he's being honest, it is the best thing he's heard in a while. "Why are you asking, Reg? Does the offer to call you still stand?"
"No matter what, Cooper – for you it always stands."
"Well then, maybe I'll take you up on it, someday"
Maybe she's joking — maybe he is too.
Maybe their eyes meet as they laugh about it and maybe they hold the gaze a minute too long.
Maybe she's still squeezing his hand and maybe he hopes she keeps doing it a while longer.
Maybe her smile was exactly what he needed to turn this day around.
Maybe Reggie Mantle is a damn fool for Betty Cooper.
