Dare [unfinished.]

09 | EVADING TRUTHS

"There's something happening here
I hope you feel what I'm feeling too"

- Girl Almighty, One Direction

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CHAPTER NINE
EVADING TRUTHS

"HELLO Cooper." Rang through her ears, chilling her to the very core.

They were words she's heard countless times before, in many different settings, but never the way Jughead Jones would utter her name. He said it like a prayer, a thing to be cherished and repeated the way it should be.

Betty unconsciously rubbed her thighs together.

She cleared her throat and said, "Would you explain why you're pinned to wall by the co-captain of the football team?"

"Me and Andrews here were having a nice little chat, when he decided to take out his anger."

"Well this wouldn't have happened if you just shut your mouth about Vero—"

"Veronica?" Betty dug her fingers into her palms. "Why are you talking about Veronica?" She didn't let him answer. "Whatever happened at the dance was a one time thing, you have no claim over her—over anyone. You're not her boyfriend, she's not your girlfriend. Learn to let things go."

Jughead's brows rose as he gave her a half smile. "Is that what it's about? I told you we were just friends, like brother and sister. No need to be so defensive Arch."

Archie tightened his grip on the leather jacket, clearly set off by his choice of words.

"Oh that's enough." Betty stepped forward, wedging her body between the two boys who's egos are too big for their brains.

"You will be civilized," she hissed to Jughead. "And you will learn your manners." She growled at Archie.

"We all have classes to attend, don't let it be a routine."

"Boys." She muttered underneath her breath as she stalked away, wiping her palms against her jeans, the blood smearing and mixing into the dark blue.

Betty heard the heavy footsteps follow after her, the hallway starting back up into chatter as her heart thumped in her boots.

His hand gripped her wrist gently and pulled her into the janitors closet.

"You know what this is about." Were the opening words out of the boy's tempting lips.

Betty tucked her hands against her sides, head down, blonde hair spilling across her chest. "What is there to talk about?"

Jughead bit down on his lip, exasperated, confused. Betty looked away blushing. "How is this going to work out Nancy Drew?"

She fixed her eyes onto the shelf behind him. "I'll be the girl next door and you'll be the boy I'm forbidden to ever love. Is that cliché enough?"

The word love hit home, imbedded itself deep into his heart. "Is that what you want? Love?"

She didn't answer.