Living Without A Heart

"I Think You Know Why"

Three weeks had passed. Betty watched as her mum went from being really happy, to really sad, to really distant all over again. As always, Alice offered no explanation. It was homecoming night and Alice had invited Jughead and his dad for tea.

The Jones men stood at the door until Betty opened it. She wore a lilac coloured, off-the-shoulder A-line dress. Her hair was pinned up on one side.

"Jughead, Mr Jones - thank you so much for coming!"

"You look beautiful Betty!"

"Thanks Juggy, you look amazing in your little tux,"

"Why thank you Miss. Cooper," he laughed kissing her.

FP waited inside the door way, about to follow the teens when Alice descended the stairs. Her hair was pinned into tight curls unlike her usually free flowing curls. Her eyes were smoky and she had crimson paint on her lips. She wore a grey cap-sleeved Sheath dress with sheer floral lace over the top covering her chest. It matched her glimmering moon grey eyes.

Alice looked up from the ground, half way down the stairs and she saw the man's blue jeaned legs. Looking at FP's face, she halted a moment taken aback. Quickly, she darted into the kitchen. FP followed behind her.

"Alice--"

"I shouldn't have invited you-"

"Look, I can go if you want?"

"Why is that always your solution?"

"What?"

"To abandon ship!" She answered hiding her face in her hands.

"I don't want to make things difficult for you," he offered, removing the hands from her face.

"I just- I need to put the dinner out..." she evaded walking past him.

"Let me help," he sighed.

They both grabbed a few dishes and set them down on the table. FP sat down with the kids at the table and waited for their host to bring the last of the dishes. As she set the final dishes down she placed a gentle hand on FP's shoulder before sitting down. FP's shoulder tingled at the context and it sent shivers down his spine. Alice felt shivers down her own back when she realised what she had done. FP looked at the woman, who stared right back at him. Jughead was the first to speak after they ate:

"That was super delicious, Mrs. C!"

"It sure is Alice," FP agreed smiling "It's been a long time since I've had something that didn't come in a combo pack or a snack pack!"

Alice just hummed in response. "So Betty tells me you're working for Fred Andrews now - how do you balance that with your other responsibilities?" 

"You mean like being a father?"

"And being a part of the Southside community," she jabbed.

"Mum-"

"You can say 'Serpents' Alice" he jeered "I'm not ashamed,"

Alice could feel the silent jibe behind his statement. He was referring to their conversation on Jughead's birthday. How he told her that snakes don't shed their skin so easily... the truth is, she was ashamed. 

"If you don't mind my asking, I mean I'm just curious, how did earn a living before?"

FP noticed Alice's reporter voice rearing its accusing head . The formal questioning. Needing to be in control of the conversation. Afraid to let down the barriers. Jughead looked uncomfortable whilst Betty said an unspoken apology.