If I didn't look back I would've never seen her collapse, right into the concrete. Her legs and arms were somehow scraped with multiple cuts and bruises. Blood was seeping down each part of her cuts, and her overall stature was not well. She did a number coming here, especially since Southside isn't exactly known for the safeness of the neighborhood. All the Serpents are fine with me living here for as long as I need, but they're strict on any strangers or former Northside people coming in without consent. They wouldn't let her pass even if I said she was my girlfriend.

Or just friend. I can't really tell these days.

For my safety as well as hers, I kept her in my little worn down apartment and barricaded all the doors just in case someone comes to inspect my house. I slipped on my Serpents jacket in case anyone saw me around and suspected me of hiding here, though most people knew me around here. Betty would hate seeing me in this jacket, it makes her think I'm conforming towards their dangerous society, and she doesn't want to lose me.

I heard groaning happening from where I left her, and I looked around to see her squirming on the couch mattress. "Juggie." She faintly whispered before rolling onto the other side of the couch facing opposite of me. I crouched beside the couch and watched her squirm in the couch silently.

I started contemplating what I saw before I chickened out and ran away, leading to this. The flashes of memories stirred my vision. I had just come into the school to find Archie leaning his head on Betty's shoulder as she embraced him. I didn't think much of it considering they were friends. Everything was fine and I decided to come out and greet them.

"I love you."'

It was clear as day. It wasn't Betty's voice at all, much more consistent and deeper than hers, but the only other person in the room was Archie. There was no hesitation or doubt in his voice when he confessed to her. My heart tightened up as I heard him continue speaking.

"I've known you for so much longer. We've done the impossible and saved each other multiple times.

I understand that part. He has known her longer and it's only understandable that he would use that line.

I'm late in telling you, but tell me: you still don't have feelings for me? Just a little, maybe just a little bit from our childhood, from our first kiss?"

That should've shook me but Betty was honest when she told me I wasn't her first kiss, though I was the second guy she's ever kissed. She was honest with me and it shook me a little bit, but honestly I was okay. As long as I was the only one afterwards.

She loves me. She told me so many times before. We've even indicated that our life together was going to be long and beautiful. She promised me. Why would she back out now? Because she just so happened to have doubts about me the minute he confessed to her? There was no way she would've agreed with him an-

"Of course I love you Archie. I've always loved you, and I always will".

At that moment I didn't even try to conceal I was spying on them or eavesdropping. I couldn't even comprehend what was happening, or why she would say she loves him. Love: is that such an easy word. Can you really love someone else if you're in love with another person?

I calmed myself and thought, that's not like Betty at all. She can't help who she falls and doesn't fall in love with. I can't peg her as some kind of she-witch just because I feel heartbreak.

Heartbreak. Huh, that's the first time I've ever thought of that word.

They were together, they still loved each other. I can't get in the way. I want my best friend and my other best friend to be happy. I dashed out as soon as they saw me. I was trying to mask my emotions but it might've shown since it wasn't exactly easy not to break out into a sob.

"No, Jughead!" Betty cried, making my heart burst into pieces. She was following me. She was running after me because.. why? Did she actually care that she made me feel like my whole insides were burning. Did she care that I felt like my heart was empty on the inside? Why.. why did I even care how she was making me feeling. What was I feeling at that moment in time?

I didn't even think of where I was going. My feet directed me to the only other place I could call home. Southside. Knowing Betty she wouldn't be caught dead in the Southside. Especially because she said exactly, "I won't go in any place that has taken you from me."

She wouldn't dare follow me, but she did. By the looks of things when I finally turned around to check, she didn't seem to care.

Well mostly because she was sprawled on the ground, mostly unconscious; bleeding and mostly dying of thirst.

I caught up with the story and looked back down at Betty, who was squirming more than usual like she was having a nightmare. She was shaking so much she rolled onto her side and tried to squirm her way onto the floor.

"Whoah!" I yelled catching her before she hit the ground. Her unconscious body was now, awkwardly mind you, lying on my lap. Now I was praying no one came to the door.

Her face was stone cold. Her mouth half open in a dreamlike state along with her entire body being limp. Her feet were now bandaged up with the treatment I put on her cuts and blisters. Not exactly life threatening but annoying when not treated.

Somehow it was her hair that made me wonder why I even bothered falling in love. Her hair had always caught my attention, especially since my locks were stone cold black. It was like golden rays of sunshine were trapped in her hair, waving in perfect lines throughout her entire head. Not only is she beautiful, but she's helped me through most of my life. Even the hardest parts. Even my birthday. The day my mom took Jellybean away from my family. She made it worth celebrating.

Yep, Betty Cooper is truly an angel from heaven.

I placed my hand on top of her head and started gently stroking her hair, smiling genuinely as she responded with a tiny laugh. One that you would seem to get from someone alive. At least she's not having nightmares.

When she wakes up I'll definitely get her out of here. We'll talk about it once we do, and I'll listen and accept anything she tells me, whether good or bad. As long as she's happy... I'll... learn to live with it.

I just need her to wake up soon.