Seeking Solace
BPOV
Summary – He was her home and she finally realizes.
"Elizabeth! I want you to stay away from Veronica Lodge. She's a bad influence on you. Your grades are slipping and you haven't eaten dinner with your family in a week!" Mom burst into my room, pointing furiously.
"Mom, she's my friend. She has nothing to do with my grades. I've been distracted by the Blue and Gold. I've been missing dinner because of writing and editing. Not. Veronica," I answer, trying to be as blunt as possible. Mom's eyes narrow at me.
"You are not off the hook, young lady. Your extracurriculars are important but colleges won't even look at them without the grades." Her mouth is set in a hard line and I feel my nails bit into the soft flesh of my palm. I grit my teeth.
"Of course, mother," I force out, trying and failing to sound sincere.
"Elizabeth," she warns. I abruptly stand from my bed and grab my bag.
"I'm going to study elsewhere," I deadpan. I storm out of my room and down the stairs, ignoring my mother's calls. I slam the door and take a deep breath of fresh air, not sure where to go from here. Pop's is a safe choice. I can get some food, some relative quiet, and I might even run into some friends. My mind made up, I head towards the Chock-lit Shoppe. As I get closer, my stomach does a back-flip. Somehow, I'd forgotten the real reason I landed on going to Pop's. Jughead Jones. My amazing best friend turned maybe boyfriend. I feel my lips spread into a small smile when I spot his familiar beanie through the glass door. His laptop's screen illuminates his face in an almost artistic way. With his sharp features and dark hair, he looks like a sculpture carved by the gods. I practically run to the door and let myself into the diner, waving at Pop Tate to let him know I'll have my regular. He nods at me and I make my way to Juggie's booth.
"I'd say I'm surprised to see you here, but I'd be lying," I told him, sliding into the booth next to him and snatching a fry off his plate.
"Hey!" he exclaims, offended. "Don't you know better than to touch my food?" I grin up at him, leaning close.
"I know most people can't touch your food but I'm pretty sure I'm the exception," I whisper close to his face. Before he can say anything else, I close the little distance left between us and kiss his lips, gently. He freezes in surprise for half a second before wrapping his arm around me and returning the slow kiss. I rest my arm on his shoulders and break away slightly, leaning my forehead against him.
"You are exceptional," he answers my earlier teasing. I giggle stupidly, already having forgotten what made me leave my house in the first place. I lean my head against his shoulder and he drapes his arm around me, holding me close. I smile up at him, softly. Jughead Jones is my home. He makes me forget my worries and lightens my soul. We talk and laugh and conspire over his computer screen and a couple of milkshakes and I just know that this is where I belong; in his arms.
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