Chapter Three

Jughead

Though Archie's life has come to a complete halt, the rest of our lives are almost entirely the same. Yes, we try to help him and we attempt to be there for him as he is questioned and held in a cell. But life outside does go on. It has been several days now and we have an event to attend.

I lean back on my elbows, waiting for everyone to gather by the lake. While most of the teenagers are here, everyone is wondering why. I sort of haven't told anyone the reason that we are gathering here to have this party. I take another swig of soda as watch my serpents talk, mingle and laugh with each other. I find it amusing but also reassuring. I like to think that I am leading people to work together. So far, everything has been alright. But it has only been two weeks of having me in charge. Nothing has gone wrong yet.

"Hey, Jug!" Toni shouts.

"What's up?" I ask.

"You found Hotdog yet?" she asks, sitting down beside me on the bench. I roll my eyes when I look over at her.

"If I had, don't you think he would be out here with us?" I ask her. She rolls her eyes back at me and hands me some popcorn. I take it from her, popping some into my mouth as watch the scene unfold in front of me.

"What's with the major sarcasm, Jones?" she asks.

"Nothing."

"What's all this for?" she asks. Cheryl walks over and puts her hands on Toni's shoulders. They look at each other so I think about getting up. But then Cheryl looks right at me to make me look back at her.

"Yeah, Jughead. What has us all up here, looking around at each other? I'm waiting for you to make some kind of announcement, right?" Cheryl asks.

"Yeah. Yeah. All in good time, my red headed serpent," I tell her.

It is just minutes later when I see her. She walks from behind the tents. My Betty. She has on black shorts, netting for tights, black boots, red crop top that shows that perfect figure of hers. Her blonde hair is curled around her shoulders. Her face is covered in a gleam of dark eye make-up and red lip stick.

"That's why we're here," I say with a smile.

I stand up and go back into my trailer. I grab the jacket and walk back out, holding it folded in my hands. I meet Betty before the large piece of wood we set up for a stage-like presence. I pull her into my arms and kiss her perfect lips.

I lean close to her ear.

"Maybe you'll have to punish me with this later," I whisper.

She giggles, which almost makes me laugh. But I like it when she wears that stuff sometimes. It's fun.

"You'll definitely have to rip it off," she assures.

"Alright, let's go do this so we can do everything else we want to be doing," I say with a smile. She smiles back and follow me to the stage. Everyone is talking, laughing and chattering. I spot my dad give me an approving look. He nods just once, looking right at me. This is the right thing to do.

"Everyone, listen up!" I shout.

People quiet down when they hear their king talking. Everyone looks to me, finally getting the answer to the question they have been asking me all day. I am shaking with excitement. I have wanted to tell them for a long time. I have wanted to see her standing beside me like she is about to. Here we go.

"Alright. You all wanted to know why I called this meeting," I say. "It's for a good reason. I promised you that the serpents would not die out on my watch. I initiated Cheryl just two weeks ago. Now it's someone else's turn. I am your king, but like all great legends…men are not entirely sane and stable without their women."

They are starting to get it. I hold my hand out to Betty. She steps up, standing right beside me.

"This is your Serpent Queen," I say.

I hold out the jacket and help slip it into her slender body. She flips it onto her back and then brushes her hair from her shoulders. Betty Cooper wearing a serpent jacket. Not just being a serpent. She is the queen.

Everyone claps, especially the proud man standing beside her. I hold my hand out so that they have to stop.

"There's a lot going on around us," I say. "But we are united! We are stronger than ever! Now you have not just one, but two leaders! Yes, I am your king, but this is your queen. You will take orders from her just like you do from me. She will earn your trust and you will have to earn hers."

I look to my Betty and hold out my hand. She takes it, squeezing my fingers gently. I look right into her eyes with a smile so big that I can't get rid of it. I can't remember how to feel anything other than passion for this moment.

"Betty Cooper, what is the last serpent law?" I ask her.

"In unity there is strength!" she shouts.

I can't help but let the smile come across my face. I give her a confident expression and swe all look to our new queen.

"In unity there is strength!" we all shout after her.

"Welcome to the gang, Betty."

"Kiss your queen!" my dad shouts. I turn to him with a smile on my face. I'm surprised but maybe he is right. We're united.

I grab Betty from her back and hold her around her waist. I dip her on the stage and kiss her, mashing my lips against hers for several seconds before I lift her back up to allow her to stand again.

I hold our conjoined hands up before the serpents. We practically thrive off of the shouts and screams that come from our supporting people.