Chapter 2 A Touch Of Evil (part two)
I run out of cheer practice as soon as its over , and shower and dress in a hurry . Not wanting to see one more second of Betty and Cheryl's sick trying - to - get - back - at - me game . They even spent all the rest of practice practically attached at the hip with extra loud banter . I don't know if Betty is actually going to start being friends with Cheryl who's bullied her , but I try to not care anymore as I flee the changing rooms while parting my hair just right - until I bump into someone obviously not there by chance .
"Chuck - Clayton what the hell are you doing waiting outside the girls locker room ?" I had literally bumped my head pretty hard on his chest , and started smoothing out my hair .
"Get that scowl of your face Miss New York , I was just looking for you" he smirks in a half mischievous half adorable kind of way , and when he reached out to push a piece of my hair back I can smell the strong Abercrombie Fitch cologne on him . I try not to be obvious as I inhale the woodsy sent a little more .
"You know , I honestly didn't peg you for the cheerleading type at first" Chuck says , after I lately notice I haven't said anything to respond him .
"Got something against that ?" I cross my arms challengingly
His smirk deepens . And I've thought he was gorgeous since I first saw him , but I'm now only seeing all the details of what is Chuck Clayton . His insane jaw and bone structure , thick eyebrows and the dimples that kind of add an innocence to his otherwise very manly appeal .
"Not really . Cheryl surprises me these days , I mean she even let Betty Cooper on her squad"
"why exactly does that surprise you so much ?"
He chuckles and shifts his gaze from my eyes further down to my neck , and I roll my eyes . "They just don't get along . Relax , oh I forgot you guys are like" he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively
"Huh ?" This guy has honestly got me more confused
"You seemed really into her at the tryouts"
My eyes widened . And I'm shocked . How does he even know about that brief spur of the moment kiss we shared ?
"I'm guessing Cheryl told you ?" I cannot believe her . He has a mopey grin on his face from how flustered I look .
"Well I was just playing around , you know"
"Yeah , I know" he says softer . I remember we're still standing very closely against the door and my back is just brushing it and he leans forward to touch my black hair again , seeming mesmerised . "So listen , do you want a ride home ? I could give you a lift"
"Is this your way of asking me on a semi date , or finding some extra cash by ubering ?" I tease
"I'd say more of the first one" he laughs .
"Well .. how do you know if I'm not , you know , into boys ?" I squint my eyes playfully
He's either stumped or just silenced , but either way I like the look on his face when he's just staring at me kind of dumbfounded . I'm waiting , to see what answer he'll give .. because this could be a tell tailing sign .
And he says ..
"I'd try anyway"
I cock my eyebrow at him . So .. that's what he wants .. "Thank you , but I was thinking I'd walk to get a clear head space and -"
"Are you sure ? I know my car's not exactly you're preferred type but I could still show you a good time"
"Yes" I laugh "I'm rather fond of walking , actually"
"Okay then . Maybe next time ? " he smiles
"Definitely" I grin
"there , you look beautiful when you smile"
I look up at him and hold back a laugh . He's being charming I can tell - and I actually really would like a ride right now , but I'm not going to give in to him so easily . That's probably what all the girls do . And it's not that I think I'm better than everybody , but I just want to give him a little chase and see if he likes it .
"Sure thing , Chuck" I make my way to move but he steps sideways so our arms brush against each other as I'm walking by , and I can feel his eyes on me as I walk all the way out the halls . Oh, this should be fun .
I was going to just head home , but I figured I should probably visit mom at work before hitting the sheets for some very needed sleep . She looks tired , and out of place in a very bizarre way . Because she doesn't really look out of place - she looks like everyone else working as a waiter . But to my eyes , my eyes that have seen her my whole life in fine gowns and business formal attire . Even when I was sick at home from school , she'd drop in to give me a kiss in her skirt and shirt and blazer and then she'd be off .
When daddy taught me to ride a bike at Central Park and she came to watch me , she wore a fur jacket and a beret . It takes me so long to adjust to her dressed in this yellow uniform , moving around looking tired from her shift .
"You're doing great mom" I assure her "better than me this week"
"Well we're surviving Ronnie , by our wits . Because that's what we Lodge women do" I bite my lip and smile at that thing she's been saying since I was twelve . Since I was supposedly 'a woman' . I never thought for a second back then , that this is where us Lodge women would be today . Just the two of us , still fighting .
"If Dad could see us now -"
"He'd say you look stunning in that new uniform" I tell her . That's one thing I've always loved is when daddy showed extra affection to me , because he usually wasn't very affectionate . Mum smiles at me .
"I'm going for this Joan Crawford , Mildred Pierce thing . Is it working ?" She adjusts her long black hair , tied up in a messy ponytail with a grimace on her face .
"Definitely" I chuckle
Just then the bell on the door jingles and I turn to the sound instinctively , only slightly shocked when I see him walk in . Messy red hair , his football jacket standing out with its bright blue and gold colour and that clueless , impressionable expression . Archie Andrews .
My heart stops for one second . Everything stops .
I'm pretty sure he's feeling the same way , or maybe not , maybe he's feeling awkwardness because I know that closet make out may have been normal to me but maybe not for him . Maybe he's thinking about it , I just don't know at all . I have no idea what could be going on in his mind , id he has thought about it all .. and it's killing me .
"Who might this heartbreaker be ?" Mum asks , breaking us out of our moment . Moment of staring that is . I'll leave that to him to answer , since anything I'm saying these days seems to mess things up .
"Uh , I'm picking up an order for Andrews" he says instead .
"Oh ! Your Fred's son" Ohmygod mum please don't say anything embarrassing I clench my eyes momentarily
"You're as handsome as your father was" ahh .. there it is .
"I'll see you at home , mum" I hop up from my seat , done and ready to leave this awkward scene .
"Uh , wait" she stops me "I'm sure Archie would gladly escort you"
"That's not necessary" I say quickly
"Well I'm sure Archie wouldn't mind , right ?"
"No really it's just a walk home -"
"I would love to" Archie speaks up . The both of us look at him . Mum kind of amused , but I'm just cursing myself that I have to walk the entire way home with Archie Andrews without doing or saying anything to make things messier than they already are .
Mum gives Archie his food package , gives me a kiss on the cheek and we start out the door .
"Is uh , Betty still mad at you ?" I ask awkwardly while we walk
"We're back to no texting" he pauses "what about you ?"
"I'm back to being the shallow , toxic rich bitch who ruins everything in her path" I tell him honestly . "Which is unfortunate , because even though I just met Betty , it really felt like we were meant to best friends . Like it was our destiny . And now ," I sigh "it's like there was this train that was headed to the rest of my life and I just .. missed it"
Archie doesn't really know what to say but he does want to say that Veronica isn't toxic , or shallow , or a bitch . The sun seems setting at an orangey colour , and it makes her skin look golden . He tries not to look at it so much , but it's hard when she's so alluring and appealing . And he really did want to escort her , because even now just walking next to Veronica feels like she's holding his hand through the storm that is happening . They just passes his and Betty's street , and for a moment of trying to think of literally anything else other than how perfect right now feels - he does remember something .
"Betty and I have been next door neighbours since we were four . We've always gone to the same school , always been in the same class . I remember in second grade I was having trouble reading and my teacher Mrs Grilbrock told my mom and dad I should stay back a year to get caught up . Betty was so against us not being in the same grade she took it upon herself to tutor me every single day"
"In the second grade ?" Veronica almost can't believe it , but that's how determined Betty is .
"Yeah . Anyway , when I passed , thanks to Betty , I kissed her and asked her to marry me" the soft coils in Veronica's heart may have just melted a little bit . Like , they have always been so perfect for each other . And the thought of them being like that even before pretty and handsome and images and being a power couple mattered , it felt so pure .
"And she was like 'oh little Archie we're too young , ask me again when we're eighteen and I'll say yes'" he continues . He remembers it too , so distinctly . He remembers back then as an eight year old imagining what they'd look like at eighteen and how he'd ask Betty . That whole thing shifts a nerve when to his own disappointment , he can't see that anymore . It feels like bits and bits of his childhood have been falling apart since mom left , and then his doings with Geraldine that led to Jughead being cut away , and now Betty ..
That was his life . Mom and dad , Betty and Jughead . Now it's gone . Where then does Archie stand now ? This endless void fills him .. like emptiness of the darkest kind
"Wow" Veronica marvels "that would be pretty iconic story to tell on your wedding day" she doesn't even know why she's saying it .
Archie doesn't add anything to the wedding thing . "I hate that I hurt her" is what he says .
"Give her time Archie , that's all you can do . And don't despair , I don't think your story with Betty is over"
"Maybe" Archie counters "but if it is , would that be so bad ?"
"Don't … make me answer that" Veronica looks down at her feet while they walk slowly .
"I'm sorry . I'm just really bummed out about the entire thing" and he is . Even when Veronica tries not to look at him so much , she sees the darkening shadow on his face that doesn't belong . It doesn't fit him , looking so miserable especially when he started telling the story of him and Betty as children . It's scary sometimes how heartbreak effects people on both ends just the same . And all she wants to do , anything if she can , is to help him not look so sad
They arrive outside The Pembrooke that remind Archie so much of who Veronica is , and how distant she is from his world . She might live in Riverdale , but a girl like Veronica could never have a permanent role in his life . They stand together outside the building , where Archie sees the sun is still unset and this part of town looks even lovelier during the golden hour .
And her , standing there .. no such thing as divine as she looks , she is no mortal , she is but a true angel ..
"Archie .."
"Hm ?"
"You …" you've been staring , do you even realise that ?
"Do you wanna come inside ?" She asks without thinking . Before its too late , and asking herself if she's gone completely insane . But like the sun has lit up all his features , Archie grins that irresistible teenage boy grin at her .
"Okay"
She feels a little embarrassed
"Okay , come on"
Archie is amazed by the inside of her home all over again , because it's in different light now and everything seems to shine . He accidentally walks into a little desk that drops some porcelain bird sculpture and the look of terror in his eyes makes Veronica laugh out loud .
"What ?! Why are you laughing ?" He asks in panic
"Relax !" She's still laughing at him though "that's just a little decoration , not some artefact . You didn't even break it see" Veronica picks up the little porcelain bird off the ground and when Archie sees there's not even a scratch he finally releases his breath .
"Clumsy" she teases .
They walk past the living room and past the kitchen , and Archie's heart starts beating uncontrollably . Because is she leading me to her room ? Some weird , tingly , fluttering feeling forms in his stomach . But Veronica is totally cool as she opens the big white door of her bedroom and lets Archie inside .
She can tell he's pretty awkward about it at first , as she sets down her bag and sits on the chaise causally . Archie has no idea where to look . Veronica , sitting with her legs crossed at the most convenient angle that her dress is riding up ? Or her vanity that doesn't really interest him one bit ? He diverts his eyes elsewhere instead , only to land on her bed ..
No , no he can't start thinking like that .
"Are these .. uh your books ?" He coughs
"Yes" Maybe its Archie's imagination but Veronica's voice has just gone down three tones sultrier . "Do you like to read ?"
"Kind of" he gulps . Then sees authors like Truman Capote and Jane Austen , much like the stuff Betty reads and realises their realm of reading aren't quite alike . "Not really"
He turns around when he hears Veronica giggle lightly .
When have I ever giggled like that ? Oh my god , why did I even invite him in my room for gods sakes ?
"Can I see this ? Sorry , it's - probably private"
"No , of course . See whatever you like"
Archie has taken a big white photo album that has red letters written on the spine : Spence's Elites Class of 2015 - 2019 . When he takes it out there's a coat of dust that blows away with the breeze . Archie sits down next to Veronica , and she moves aside to not be too close to him .
"This was a scrapbook I made . It was supposed to be for the entirety of high school , to look back on . But then … things didn't go according to plan" she explains uneasily .
Upon opening the album the first big photo is of two girls wearing sunglasses on the beach , holding up glasses to the air as they hug each other . One of them Archie assumes is a young Veronica . And he's correct , when he reads the writing beneath it that reads 'Lodge and Courig , St Barths 2015'
"This was my friend Katie and I summer before freshman year . Her dad is a captain , so we went on this best friend trip the summer before high school . But it turned into us having this huge fight and trying to make each other jealous before the cruise was even over"
"Oh" Archie raises his brows "sounds .. tiring"
She laughs again , the genuine , careless laughter that sounds like bells and shows her adorable dimples when she does it . Archie realises he's never heard her laugh like that at school . They flip through with Veronica explaining each picture and Archie getting more and more blown away , by the insane stories she has to tell . Like how their school trip to Paris ended with them switching roommates and the boys sneaking into their girls' rooms .
"Oh my gosh !" Veronica squeals "Our first day picture ! Look how young I look"
Despite the fact that it was just a little over a year ago , Veronica does look younger . There's six people in the photo , three boys and three girls . They're wearing uniforms but it almost goes unnoticed because of the varying colourful coats , hats , scarves and stockings they have on . Veronica is right in the middle of the picture , her hair is a lot longer than it is now and seems to be falling in loose curls down her right shoulder . She's also sporting a dazzling smile , with the arms of the boy on her right wrapped around her waist . He doesn't know , it looks more than platonic but Veronica did say she didn't have a boyfriend . Did she lie ? Why exactly does Archie even care?
"You were in a completely different world , Veronica" he smiles . She looks at him and then back at the photo , wistfully .
"Yes , but it was just as terrible as it was beautiful - I only never realised it"
The next page Archie turns has a white piece of paper fly out of it . Before Archie can react , thinking it's just another photo , Veronica has bent down to grab the paper quickly .
"What's that ?"
"Just some school certificate . I should probably keep this , its making me way too reminiscent" she grabs the album out of Archie's hands and stuffs the piece of paper back inside it , keeping it back in the shelve carefully . Her heart is beating so fast - how could she have literally just stuck that in there and been so careless ? Thank god for reflexes .
Veronica spins back around and smiles at Archie charmingly . "So . Anything else you wanna do ?"
"Huh ?" The red headed boy is still confused by her weird shut off suddenly that he can't really register her question . Anything else I wanna do .. why would you even ask that Veronica ..
Archie can't tell if she's suggesting something or if he's just getting the wrong message . But her sudden blunt question and the soft fabric of her chaise he feels under his palms .. Veronica standing there , the two of them in this house completely alone definitely has his mind going some far places . Especially when she bites her lower lip and looks down like she's too realising how forward she sounded , the tension suddenly feels too unbearable .
"We should probably go outside" she suggests
"Yes" Archie agrees much to quickly , he's even embarrassed himself . Because the boy honestly didn't think he could stand much longer being in her room without doing something he might regret .
Archie assumes she meant he should leave , but then she sits down on the couch and he's unsure. Should I stay or should I go ? Does she want me to ? Or more importantly , do I want to ? What is it that I want ? Betty might have it all figured out , but I don't even know who I want to be around or what I want to do anymore .
"Please tell me you've seen Cruel Intentions"
"Why ?"
"It's one of my favourite movies" her eyes widen like an adorable little puppy and his breath catches in his throat the same way it did when he thought she looked hot before the dance , when he thought she looked beautiful in the sunset .
"Please don't tell me it's because you think it's relatable" Archie deadpans . He walks closer to the couches until he can't stop himself anymore , and sits down next to her too . Because I want to , he decides .
"No ! I used to watch it whenever I had a bad day at school or something . I know , don't judge me"
"I would never" Now it's Veronica's turn to stop for a moment . Because he's not just saying that , his smile reaches his eyes and it's the truth . "I can accompany you to watch this time , if you want" he adds . Veronica almost can't believe Archie Andrews sounds shy , it's so out of character for him .
"I could use a partner this time . But listen , the tradition is that I do it while eating Red Velvet ice cream , so you have to stick to tradition too"
Archie laughs . "Definitely !" That sounds amazing .
Veronica gets out the red velvet ice cream , that Archie has actually never tried before but he plays it cool when the flavour tastes better than anything he's ever tried . They put the tub between them and the movie starts playing . Two spoons , two pairs of legs stretched on the coffee table and Veronica hears her mother's voice in her head yelling at her for it . After so long of watching this movie alone , she's forgotten how much sex and mood talk Cruel Intentions has - but whenever it happens they both close their eyes and take a big spoonful of ice cream , their lips laughing around the spoon . Sometimes Archie will open his eyes and just adore Veronica doing it , until her eyes open again and they relax back into the movie . Veronica can recite Sarah Michelle Gellar's triumphant manipulation monologue word for word ,
You were very much in love with her . And you're still in love with her .
But it amused me to make you ashamed of it .
You gave up on the first person you ever loved because I threatened your reputation .
Don't you get it ? You're just a toy , Sebastien . A little toy I like to play with . And now you've completely blown it worth her .
I think , it's the saddest thing I've ever heard
and Archie watches her do that with such amusement because she looks so into it .
He doesn't know about the rest , but this sure feels fun . Yes , he was feeling extremely lost about losing all of his childhood self , the self he knew , but sitting here with Veronica .. it feels like just maybe everything will be okay .
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Two teenage girls made their way from the gym to the girls locker room surrounded by all their peers together . They walked to the parking lot and drove all the way to Chez Salon together . Smiling , laughing , eye rolling , like all friends do . They sang along to the music in the car radio , and then discussed their classmates while getting their pedicures . Like all best friends do .
Only , these girls weren't best friends . It did show when the only topics they could really talk about together were very - normal , for lack of better word . They felt it when the red head tried to fill in the blonde's eye brows and realised this is the first time she's ever used the burnt blonde shade . And neither really knew why they were acting with each other , but Betty had been enjoying herself so much when they pulled up to the Cooper house hold .
She's seen Cheryl with Ginger and Tina and Josie , it seemed like they always had fun enough . She wasn't expecting however for Cheryl to be as vivacious and entertaining as she was . It got her thinking maybe if their families weren't such rivals , the two girls could actually be friends .
Betty didn't feel an ounce of guilt or sadness when she was with Cheryl , instead she felt the same kind of power and certainty that Cheryl always held .
"Park here , my mom will go nuts if she sees your car in the driveway"
The car stops smoothly and Cheryl unbuckles her seatbelt .
"She doesn't even know my car"
Betty almost laughed at Cheryl's suave expression. "I'm pretty sure the red is a dead give away"
"What colour would you like want ? Are you excited to drive ? Will your mom even get you a car ?"
"I hope" Betty nods with a sigh . "I think I'd want -"
"Oh my god is that Ethel Muggs ?" Betty turned around to see the curly brunette walking by herself up their street . From where she was standing , Cheryl's tiny frame was still covered by the red vehicle behind her and Ethel immediately perked up seeing Betty Cooper .
"Betty !" She called , waving her arm with a huge smile on her face . On any other day , Betty would have waved back and probably waited for Ethel to reach her and engage in some small talk about school or the weather or something - she was lovely after all . But today , Cheryl watched Betty's contemplation and scoffed . "Hey Betty !"
"Oh my god , what a loser" she laughed , thinking Ethel looked positively pathetic like she always does . And grabbed Betty's arm to lead her away . Without thinking , Betty walked along half heartedly .
"Maybe we should wait . We should wait" Betty feels a torn in her side - why would she not wait ? That's what she always does ..
"Come on , we'll race her to the house" and then Cheryl , in her four inch heels , started running towards the Cooper house with her arm linked in Betty's . They reached the big white fence and were breathless from laughing while running simultaneously - even more so when seeing Hal Cooper's car in the driveway . "This way ! Before he sees us !" Betty led Cheryl through their back door before her father could see her with that Blossom child .
Cheryl and Betty were both beside themselves with laughter by the time they snuck as quietly as possible up the stairs ( with Cheryl falling down every six steps and pulling Betty down with her ) and closed her bedroom door behind them with a relieved sigh .
It took Betty a moment to catch her breath but Cheryl had already went ahead and turned Betty's room stereo on . "So ? We should try different make up looks . I wanna see which looks best for our performance at the pep rally , don't you ?"
"Okay , I just - don't have that many creative ideas with make up"
"Not to worry Betty dear , I'll do the work . You just have to sit still and be my test model okay ? Here sit"
"Sure" Betty sits down on her bed , facing her vanity . Cheryl has to admit the girl next door doesn't have half as many choices to work with , but she goes ahead and takes some shimmery lipstick to try on herself first . Not that bad , and she's satisfied with the way her long red hair looks framing her face - fluffy and voluminous , but soft as silk under her fingers .
"Your room's so sweet" she tells Betty as the dance music she's chosen plays on medium volume. It's gotten dark out , and she's unsure of when Alice Cooper gets home but she's guessing Betty wouldn't let her get caught .
"It's too pink . It doesn't feel right anymore" Betty replies , her voice almost melancholic .
"No , I like how girly it is . Mine is too , you should come see it sometime" Cheryl suggests . By now , she's making Betty slightly uncomfortable . With the fact that she's practically climbed onto her lap to apply the blush to her cheeks , that is . She's kneeling , so Betty does have to look up at her and it feels kind of personally invaded .
"But just you , not Veronica . I mean she must be devil incarnate if even you won't have her as your friend"
When Cheryl says that , guilt suddenly seeps in . No .. she's not . She actually tried to apologise . And it was me who turned back . She just stays silent instead .
"And on the subject of being friends , Betty .. I'm sorry I've been such a witchy - witch to you . After Jason and Polly's epic demise I was so angry at everyone . But I took it out on you which is super unfair"
Betty has always been smart . And sometimes she just knows things , like she gets a feeling when something isn't quite right . Like now . Cheryl sounds every bit sincere but it'll take much more to make Betty Cooper fall into it . Right now she's still suspicious , skirting on the edge of should I trust her because they certainly have not talked about this at all all evening .
"Especially since like , in a way , it's kinda like we both lost siblings" okay . That's super weird for somebody to say . Betty can't even think of anything to say so she just keeps her silence .
"How uh , how is Polly ?" Cheryl continues brushing across the apple of Betty's cheek and it shivers a little bit . "Is she still in that group home ? Do you think she knows what happened to Jason ? That he was murdered ?"
"I'm not sure" Betty finally answers . Now Cheryl is definitely making her uncomfortable . So much so she just wants to push the self acclaimed queen bee off of her so she can breathe .
"What do you think went down between them ?"
"I don't know" She knows she sounds stupid but there isn't really anything else for her to say .
"What do your parents say ?" Cheryl tries some more .
"About Jason and Polly ? Not a lot" not at all , unless they're saying horrible things about him .
"Same" the look on Cheryl's face is kind of like she's slowly plotting something , or maybe she's adoring Betty's lovely blue eyes . Nobody could ever know . Her hand swipes very slowly down the hallows to contour the blonde's cheekbones . She never lets her guard down , even when she's (pretending) being vulnerable . "I keep thinking that maybe Jason said something to her or she said something to him , I mean didn't they have a huge fight this summer -"
"Why are you asking so many questions Polly ?" Betty lays her thoughts out outrightly .
Now it's Cheryl's turn to stay silent . She wants to say , maybe it'l give me a better idea of why Jason died the way he did - since no one else can help her . Maybe the police can when they find out , but who knows how long they'll take ? In the mean time I am the only one who can solve this mystery because I AM the only one who knows what really happened . Or maybe - or maybe I think
"Cheryl ?"
"Because you dumb cow . Somebody killed Jason and I think it was your crazy , tweaked out sister"
She swiftly gets off Betty's lap and looks back into the mirror , trying to calm her breathing after just crushing every possibility that Betty might think she doesn't have any ulterior motive . Betty swallows hard and she wishes she could say she's shocked - but frankly she isn't .
She's more shocked by the fact that she let herself go along with Cheryl's stupid game and not listen everything her parents have said about them all this time .
"Cheryl , get out of my house" Betty says calmly . Her tone is calm , but surely her choice of words will make Cheryl get the message to not play around anymore and just leave .
"Not until you tell me -"
"Cheryl"
How can she still not give up ? That's right , because she's insane . Cheryl never gives up because she thinks she controls everything . But this is it . Because she's sick of it always being like that . She's sick of always listening . Of always being scared .
"Cheryl , get the hell out of my house before I kill you"
The look of terror on Cheryl's face , seeing lovely blue eyes flame up with ferocity - it makes Betty realise yes , you should be scared of me .
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By the time Veronica and Archie had been done with their movie , he stayed there to finish the ice cream and she teased him for it . They were going back and forth , first Archie had 'pushed a boundary' when he got too close to her on the couch . But then he walked backwards while she stepped towards him slowly , this playful yet taunting expression until he had his back against the door . And then she smiled softly and unlocked it for him , and their farewell felt awkward and unsure . He almost forgot everything that happened before he stepped in this building , and Veronica is just glad she's taken that depressing look off his beautiful face .
He kept thinking things through on the long walk home , about how exhilarating being with Veronica feels . Especially when she smirks at him , and then her eyes glint with mischief . He recalls the sound of her laughter like a little girl , when she makes fun of him for doing something silly - and he can't help but smile into the sky like a dumb idiot .
He kept thinking things like how Geraldine had finally admitted what she felt with him , and the air being sucked out of him when she did . Not long ago , laying on a blanket with her in his arms Archie could have swore he felt sure of her . Maybe love comes in waves , it tides over and then calms again until the next time - Archie tries to reason with himself . Maybe that's why he's not feeling as sure . After all , she hasn't changed since the summer , right ?
The sky has gotten completely dark by the time he reaches his house street . And looking up into Betty's bedroom window like he always does out of habit , Archie sees the lights are on and he wonders for a second if Betty is still angry at him .
And then , like this day hasn't been long enough and Archie just can't catch a break - he sees Jughead , sitting on the steps that lead into the Andrews' porch .
"Jug" Archie sighs , seeing his old friend's face caught in anger and disappointment . "What's up ?" He hopes Jughead doesn't want to talk about the whole road trip thing right now .
"What's up is I saw you Archie" Jughead states . He stands up to his full height , not as tall as Archie but he comes very close - to prove a point . "In the music room with Miss Grundy"
"Keep your voice down my dad's inside !" Archie can't even control his own volume right then , because his mind is screaming a hundred different ways . Out of all the things Jughead could've said , this ?!
"I'm trying to help you dude" Jughead goes on "I'm trying to be your friend here . Even though we're not , friends anymore"
"So how long ? You and Grundy ?" If it's one thing Archie knows about the dark haired boy , it's that he's never been one for unnecessary bullshit . He sees through everything and sometimes that makes Archie think nothing or no one could ever be good enough with Jughead , by the way he acts like it . There's no point trying to lie with him , either .
"Since the summer . I like her" Archie adds . But the moments the words leave his tongue it tastes disgusting , it tastes like the guilt and the shame and every distant part of him that knows how bad this is starts clawing at him . Hard .
Jughead doesn't believe it for a second , he scoffs - of course Geraldine Grundy would completely manipulate Archie into thinking he likes her . The picture is already painted , now she looks like a predator and obviously acts like one - she's a fucking predator .
"So I'm guessing she's the reason you've been acting weird since summer ?" He crosses his arms
"One of them" Archie can barely meets his eyes
"One of them ?" Really ? What ELSE could he probably be hiding ? This already seems like the worst "There's more ?"
"We .. we were at Sweetwater River on July Fourth" Archie finally admits . Something about his legs almost shaking in the cold and the fear , the person who knows him best shooting daggers into him - it makes it awfully easy to give in and just say the words for the very first time .
"We heard a gunshot" he goes on . "The gunshot ."
"Dude , you have to tell somebody" if it's not fucking obvious enough to you Archie .
"I can't . Neither can you - if people find out about Grundy-"
"A kid is dead Archie !" Jughead wants to scream at him so bad right now , he pretty much does . How can the boy he's known forever really be so screwed in the head as to not see how horrible it is - a teenage boy was murdered - people really do change huh ? It's obvious how messed up he is . "And you're worried about some , some cougar !" He would have said pedophile , but he's at least trying to not be so harsh .
"Don't call her that !"
The two boys have gotten so close now but it doesn't faze either of them one bit . They stand their ground , confidently .
"She's not like that , she cares about me"
Jughead is dumbfounded . "Stab in the dark ? I'm guessing she cares more about herself . She's the one telling you not to say anything right ?"
Archie can't deny this . He can't even convince himself .
"Look , I saw you guys . She's messing with you man . And she's messing with your mind-"
"What the hell do you know about it Jughead ?" Archie snaps "Or about me , even ?"
"Nothing" Jughead spits bitterly . "But I did know this guy once , Archie Andrews . He wasn't perfect , but he always tried to do the right thing at least"
"Jug if you tell anyone about this -" Archie pauses , stuck at a lost .
"What ? What are you gonna do ?"
And for once , Archie really couldn't say anything . Not when he had everything to lose , and Jughead had everything in his position to expose everything . Fred Andrews opened the front door at perhaps the best or worst moment , but his son doesn't even bother about it . He's practically drowning in the lies and consequences .
"Hey Jug . Coming in ? we just got take out from Pop's" despite seeing the two boys obviously in a very intense dispute - their shoulders rigid and faces hard as stone . He hoped to maybe ease the tension by hopefully distracting Jughead . No luck though , when Fred's son just kept his eyes on the raven haired boy and gritted his teeth visibly .
"He was just leaving"
The two Andrews men walked back into the house - Archie slamming it harder than necessary .
"Betty ? What is happening ?"
"It's mom , dad she always does this ! Why do you keep letting her do - this to me !"
Hal Cooper is mortified by the sight of his baby daughter , her eyes swollen and sore with tears streaming down her skin . The unmistakable sound of a door slamming upstairs and stomping footsteps , followed by Alice calling her daughter's name .
"Hal do not let her talk herself out of this she had Cheryl over -"
"Oh my god Mom !" Betty stamped her foot .
"Okay ! Okay Alice , I will deal with this . Go upstairs and get ready for bed alright , honey ?" He held her arms gently . Alice looked just about finished with all this mess , and threw her hands up . "Good luck trying to talk to a brick wall if that's what you want !" She yelled over her shoulder .
Once Alice had fled the room , Hal turned to Betty . Agonised Betty , looking a lot older than she did just a summer ago . "Betty ?"
"I don't know what else to do to please her dad . It's like nothing I do is enough ! I can't even have a friend over without her controlling every aspect of my life !"
"Calm down , sweet heart come here" Betty fell limp in her father's arms , the painful sobs escaping her . "Your friend that you practically chased out of the house ?" He tipped her head up to look at him . Betty froze . So he does know . "Don't you think you're mother knows best , Elizabeth ?"
"I do" she cried . "I know , I should listen to her . But why does she have to be such a - a monster about it ?! You won't even let me know , dad . About Polly ? You guys keep these things from me and you expect me to just act like I can go back to being this perfect girl but I can't ! Why won't you be honest with me dad ?"
Hal is silent . The desperation in Betty's eyes as she searches her father's face for any kind of and answer , or even understanding . There is none . He looks blank as can be , as blank as her mother has been .
"She's not that bad , Elizabeth.." he says quietly . Hal won't even meet Betty's eyes , and then she realises just how much her parents are afraid of facing the truth . They're terrified , but their stupid stubborn , cruel nature won't back down .
"Maybe" Betty untangles her dad's hugging arms from around her , and wipes away the tears . "You're too in love with her to see how much of a bitch she is"
Then Betty storms away as fast as she can . The back door because Alice would murder herself if the neighbours saw their daughter running out at night - and Betty knows this .
"Elizabeth Cooper !" Hal calls after her .
"No ! Just leave me alone for once in my life !"
Jughead tears off the Andrews front steps in a rush of disconcerted madness , his grey beanie almost knocked off by the wind . Betty reaches the front of her house just in time to see him heading towards the right end of their street , walking faster than one would in a track race .
"Jug ? What's going on are you alright ?"
He's obviously not , he even looks terrible . Of course , Betty Cooper had to turn up at the most fantastic moment , Jughead thinks . He almost wants to resist and just blow her off and walk away , but then she's run a little ways out her front gate and the weight of the unbearable is starting to break down on him .
"Juggy come here" He gives in , her outstretched arms welcoming him into warmness . Jughead can't think . He sincerely believes that he's gotten rid of feelings , but it keeps coming back to haunt him again . Jughead buries his face in the crook of Betty's shoulder and hot tears start spilling over . "You're freezing , Jug seriously" unnaturally so .
She smells like wildflowers and something very fresh . Betty's just stunned . She hasn't seen Jughead cry since they were twelve and he skinned his knees running in the rain together . In fact , she can probably count the number of times she's seem Jughead cry on one hand . Never like he is now . She holds onto the edges of his jacket tightly , arms wrapped around his waist .
"What's wrong ?"
"I'm a mess , Betty I'm sorry ."
"Is this about Archie ? Did something happen ? I know you guys have been acting weird with each other since summer" that's all she can really think of . What else ?
"Yes , but it's everything too"
Everything . Meant his dad , meant being even more trapped than Jughead usually was .
"Oh , Jug .."
Her cold fingers on his cheek and the soulful stare in her eyes , it makes him want to cry harder . One of Betty's hands is still wrapped around him , both of his are around her .
"I thought I could work this out , Betty but it's getting hard . Everything is so hard" he whispers .
"Jug , do you wanna stay here ?"
What ? Stay ... here ?
Betty figures it's for the best . He probably doesn't have much to go home to and in his state , this seems preferred . "Warm up at least ?"
"Like your mom wouldn't slaughter us both"
"There's the hammock out back . They won't check the back porch until tomorrow morning , and it's much closer to the heaters on the deck so it's warm"
It does sound appealing , very actually .
"We can talk about it"
"Okay" he agrees .
Betty sits them both down and turns off the lights on her deck so her parents won't see anything for the most part . The hammock is huge , with a giant threadbare blanket that you'd just want to get lost in . When Jughead has laid down , he takes off his beanie and puts it next to him like always . Betty smiles at him , this is the first time she's seem him do that . And when the blanket is pulled up to his chin it does feel really warm and cozy .
"So ? Are you better ?"
"Better in terms of temperatures , yeah"
Betty chuckles a little sadly . "Thank you , Betty . I'll leave soon"
The boy , without his beanie . And the girl , on one of the very rare moments that her hair isn't in it's usual slicked back , high ponytail . She sits next to him with her legs swinging off the edge staring into blank space .
"Do you ever worry we'll lose each other ?" He struggles to speak .
"Each other ?"
"You , me , Archie . I mean a disagreement over summer is one thing but - what if it sticks ? You know , like forever ?"
"You're trying to reach out to him right ? Then it's only a matter of time he realises what's good and comes back to you too Jug . I mean whatever you guys are fighting about , I know your friendship is strong enough that you'll get through this . That's because you always do the right thing , Jug . And you're honest . It's the best quality a friend could have" she shrugs . It's the truth, but Betty doesn't realise how much her words are really speaking to Jughead .
"If you saw the way he looked at me Betts - I mean this pronounced offence in his eyes . You would never believe he was the same person . And maybe it's not so much about losing him , it's about losing -"
"Yourself ? Yeah , that's what I thought too . That not having Archie and Polly around , it made me wonder who I even was without the people I knew with me . But - I don't think you need to worry Juggy"
"Why not ?"
"Well , the other very endearing thing about you is you're always real . True . And I admired this about you too , growing up , you always knew who you were . You could never lose yourself , Jug" Betty looked up into his eyes , but she couldn't . Because they were shut tight . She waited until he opened them , crystal orbs looked into each other - he hoped what Betty said was true .
"I chased him away , Jug . And I chased Veronica away too . I don't think you'll lose him forever , but what were you guys fighting about ?"
"Just .. some stupid brother quarrel" he sighs "Sorry . I shouldn't have brought that up"
"What ?"
"I know what happened with Archie and the Veronica girl" he admits slowly .
"God , Jug .. I can't believe how wrong everything feels . I - I messed it all up . With Archie ? I should have never told him I had feelings for him . And I did an awful thing today Jug , so many things" She looks away , her voice crumbling down to unevenness .
"Betty , what do you mean ?" Jughead took her hands in his own , and turned her around so she was sitting right next to him . The heat from her body seeping into his .
"I threatened Cheryl . And I used her , first of all to make Veronica jealous . And then I said the worst possible thing about my mom , to my dad , Jug what is wrong with me ? You know the worst part is -"
"Is what Betty ?" He asked at her sudden freeze .
"The worst part is .. I couldn't control it" she sighed . Maybe this is her way of admitting it all to herself . "It was like something took over me and I just became so vicious and cruel , and when I saw the look on Cheryl's face . On Veronica's face . They looked at me like I look at her" she comes apart in tatters , so scared and devastated .
"I don't want to be like her Jug . I don't want to ever be like her -" she says between sobs
"Shh shh hey listen to me" he wraps his arms around her closer , and uses one hand to stroke her hair . "You're -"
"Perfect ? Please don't say that" Now it's Betty's turn to cry into his shoulder , not believing how many tears she's shed in one night . Jughead puts his hand on his chin and and raises her starry eyes to look at him . Their faces are so close , noses almost touching . His hold on her stills .
"I was going to say strong . You're stronger than all of the others , Betty . And you'll hold together I know it"
After a few moments of Jughead holding the shaking blonde girl in his arms , every now and then a sob escaping her throat - the tears seem to have slowed , and she hears him . Strong . Not perfect , but strong .
"Thank you Jug" Betty quickly stretched her legs underneath the blanket so now they're both laying in the hammock , and put her head comfortably on his chest . Their fingers entangle and the street is silent , they're rocking slightly . The sound of Jughead's heartbeat steadies everything out. Her soft hair draped over his left arm and the lightness of her arm around his body , it assures something .
"Thank you , Betty . You're like a saving grace tonight"
"It's just what best friends do , Jughead" her mind starts lulling off and her eyes surrender to sleep , finally feeling at home in the comfort of his company .
"That's right .." Jughead looks down at her , sleeping calmly . Then up at the sky . Whatever happens tomorrow , maybe they'll deal with it together .
"I love you Betty" he mutters quietly . But then she surprises him , he assumed she'd already been in deep sleep after all .
"Love you too Jughead"
Somewhere in the middle of the night a gnarly breeze that even the deck heater couldn't suffice to conceal awoke Jughead in a startle . He didn't mean to , but awoke Betty in the process .
"Mm what time is it ?" Her voice bled of deep sleep and tiredness
"Betty I should go . And you should probably get to bed" He slowly lifted her head off his chest and scrambled out of the hammock . Betty sat there rubbing her eyes still in a haze . Her hair looked messy and beautiful .
"Oh my god ! It's 6 in the morning ! How did we sleep the entire night here ?" She jumped way into shock after checking her phone in her back pocket .
"It was comfortable" Jughead shrugged .
"You have to leave - my mom might get up or something soon . I'll see you later okay ?"
Jughead watched as Betty went on and on , while folding the blanket as neatly as possible and already running to the back door before he even got off the porch . He planned on watching her just go in and then he'd head off , but then she turned back around quick as lightning and called him .
"And Jughead ?"
"Yes ?"
"Thank you , for last night"
The back door closed in one loud shut . After that , Betty couldn't really go back to sleep . She spent the rest of the hours before school busying herself in her bedroom and then running out the door before either of her parents could catch up to her .
At school , she finally had the guts - and the clear mind - to do what she'd planned to all morning . The perfect opportunity came between fifth and sixth period when Veronica was getting books from her locker opposite Betty's . The raven haired girl hadn't bothered to say a word , thinking Betty would just hate her more .
"You were right" the blonde girl called .
Veronica turned to face her , wondering if she heard right . Was that Betty ? Is she actually getting to her senses , did I do something right ?
"And what you said about Archie . Sometimes it's hard to admit things to myself . My mother is crazy" I'm afraid I might go crazy "I'm afraid I'll never see my sister again .. the boy I like doesn't like me back"
"He might not be crushing on you , but he does love you" Veronica steps forward . She hopes this can be the chance to seize Betty back into her life . "And he's legit miserable without you , if that's any consolation" She recalls Archie's crestfallen face when they talked yesterday .
Betty doesn't seem to budge . She's not really sure what to say . The halls have cleared , but both girls remain .
"My mother says sometimes a friend , is better than a boyfriend . Maybe now is one of those times ?"
Veronica's searching for any sign , any silver lining , any glimmer of hope that Betty could feel the same way . And she does . Without many words , the girl in her polka dots and sweater reaches her hand out to the the girl in her burgundy miu miu dress and heels . She reaches back without a second thought . They aren't quite best friends yet , and both have done regrettable things . Jut maybe this could be the beginning of something new , unfamiliar , strange , scary and good .
tbc
Hey guyss !! First of all I know this chap is kinda Bughead heavy but one of yalls suggested it so how do you like it ? Also to note , the reason I wrote Bughead much more intimate than Varchie is because Bughead has been good friends for very long and they feel vulnerable and comfortable around each other - but as friends for so long . Varchie on the other hand is gradually getting there .
I'm so excited for the new episode tomorrow !!
Thank you to everybody for all the love and appreciation . I'm so happy !! Tell me all your thoughts on this chapter , till next time