One step at a time

Chapter 11

Betty was pottering around her apartment on a sunny Saturday morning, sorting out laundry and organising her closet when her phone rings. She smiles at the familiar name and picture on her screen and instantly picks up.

"Hey Jug." Betty smiled, excited to hear from him. She heard a sigh through the phone and was suddenly worried what that meant.

"Hey babe." he said, wearily.

"What's wrong?" she asked, not used to hearing him like this.

"I'm just stressed. My editor called an emergency meeting but my sister is out of town and my dad's working so neither of them can look after Attie. I'd ask Archie but I know that it's one of the first days in a while that he has no commitments and he's writing so I don't want to disturb him. I'm kinda tempted to just ask my editor to come here." he rambled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to put that on you." he apologised.

"No, it's okay. There's someone you've missed out, you know? Someone who has nothing to do today and loves spending time with your son." Betty smirked, dropping hints.

"What do you mean?" he asked, seemingly stumped.

"Me Jug!" she chuckled.

"Oh..." he said. Betty was getting the feeling that Jughead didn't feel comfortable with Betty looking after Atticus alone and she started to panic.

"It's okay, Juggie. Don't worry. Just forget I said anything. I just wanted to help but if you're not comfortable with it then I understand." she rambled, trying to back track.

"Betty, no. Look, I feel perfectly comfortable that you can take perfect care of my son but I just don't want to put that on you. I mean we just started dating a few months ago and I don't want to make you feel like you have to become a babysitter." he chuckled, wanting Betty to understand that he didn't want to put any pressure on her.

"Jug, I honestly don't mind. It's up to you. I'm perfectly happy to spend the day with him. I get what you mean but I don't feel pressured or anything. I just want to help you guys out." she replied.

She heard Jughead sigh through the phone again.

"Are you 100% sure?" Jughead asked.

"Yes, I promise. Go to your meeting, hon." she smiled.

"You're a lifesaver, Betts." he let out a sigh of relief.

"I'll make my way over."

– – – – –

Betty knocked on the door, waiting patiently for someone to come and answer the door for her. During the 5 minute drive, Betty had let her mind wander to what she was doing. She was going to look after the guy she was dating's son. She never imagined that this would be her life at 23, but she wouldn't have it any other way. She adored those boys and she was grateful that she had them in her life. After a few moments, the door was flying open to see an energetic Atticus on the other side.

"Betty! Hi!" he said as he bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Hey sweetie!" she replied, smiling softly at him.

"Daddy said that you're gonna spend the day with me whilst he's at work." he smiled, hopefully.

"I am. We're gonna have so much fun." she said, matching his excitement.

"Attie, let Betty in!" Betty could hear Jughead shout from inside the house.

Atticus stepped back and held his arm out and it was the cutest thing Betty had ever seen.

"Such a gentleman." she smiled, taking off her shoes and coat before crouching down in front of him. He stepped forward and engulfed her in a hug before she let go and stood up, holding out her hand for him to lead her into the house.