Shopping for Love [BUGHEAD]

Chapter 10

Jughead's POV: 

It had been a week since Betty and I had shared that intimate moment in her room, and while we had resumed our easy banter and shared laughter, there was an unspoken tension that hung in the air whenever we were alone together. We both seemed to tiptoe around the events of that night, neither willing to breach the peace we had settled into. Part of me wished that she remembered, but bringing it up would do no good. 

Then, one Friday afternoon, Betty's father, Mr. Cooper, surprised her with a weekend getaway to a cabin in Washington. He insisted that I accompany her, citing that Betty wouldn't do well alone in another state. I wasn't sure if it was more about Betty's safety or his desire to see us together, but I agreed without hesitation.

Betty was overjoyed when she received the news. Her face lit up with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "A cabin in Washington? That sounds amazing, dad!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her father in a tight hug. Mr. Cooper chuckled and patted her back affectionately.

"You deserve a break, sweetheart," he said warmly. "And Jughead here will make sure you have a great time."

Betty turned to me, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Jughead. I'm so glad you're coming with me," she said sincerely.

I nodded, trying to mask my own nerves under a nonchalant demeanor. "Yeah, of course. It'll be fun," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the mixed feelings swirling inside me.

I went upstairs and found myself packing for the trip with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I couldn't deny that I was looking forward to spending time alone with Betty, away from the familiar surroundings. Yet, at the same time, I couldn't shake the uncertainty of what this trip might mean for our relationship. The cabin in Washington sounded like a dream escape, nestled in the wilderness with only Betty's company to keep me grounded.

I glanced at my phone, noticing a text from Betty confirming the departure time. "Ready when you are," she had written, accompanied by a smiley face emoji. It was a simple message, but it reassured me that she was looking forward to the trip as much as I was – or at least, that she was willing to embrace this getaway with an open heart.

Downstairs, Mr. Cooper was waiting by the car, a knowing smile on his face as he watched us gather our things. "You two have fun now," he said cheerfully, giving me a subtle nod that spoke volumes.

Betty beamed at her father, her excitement overtaking her. "Thanks, Dad! This is going to be amazing," she exclaimed, giving him a quick hug before turning to me. "Ready to hit the road, Jughead?" I nodded, hoisting my bag over my shoulder. "Let's do it," I replied with a smile, trying to match her enthusiasm. 

I got into the driver's seat and started down the road. The car ride was a blend of anticipation and comfortable silence. Betty sat in the passenger seat, occasionally glancing out the window at the passing scenery with a thoughtful expression. I focused on the road ahead, stealing occasional glances at her when I thought she wasn't looking, admiring the way the sunlight played off her hair, casting a golden glow.

"So, Jughead," Betty began, breaking the quiet after a while. "Any ideas on what we should do first when we get there?" I glanced at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Well, we could start by exploring the cabin. Maybe go for a walk around the lake, see what kind of wildlife we can spot," I suggested, keeping my tone casual.

"That sounds perfect," Betty replied with enthusiasm, her eyes lighting up. "I brought some board games too, just in case. And Dad said there's a hiking trail nearby that's supposed to be really scenic." 

The drive went by much quicker than expected. The miles passed by unnoticed as we shared stories and jokes with each other. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, we fell into a companionable silence. Betty rested her head against the window, her eyes half-closed as she watched the passing scenery as we came closer to our cabin. I stole glances at her, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me in her presence.

The cabin came into view as we rounded a bend in the road, nestled among tall pine trees with smoke curling from the chimney. Betty let out a gasp of delight. "We're here," she said softly, turning to me with a bright smile. I parked the car and we unloaded our bags, taking in the fresh mountain air and the quiet serenity of the surroundings. Mr. Cooper had chosen well, it looked exactly like a honeymooner cabin. Rose bushes were lining the front of the house and before I got the bags out of the car, I ran up and got Betty a rose to surprise her with. When she was searching in the trunk for her bag, I popped up behind her and handed her the rose. "Oh thank you Jughead that's very sweet of you" she said as she gently smiled and continued pulling her bag out. I expected more of a "Jughead wow I could just kiss you right now" response, but I guess that response will do. This made me question the kind of weekend we were going to have if it was going to be friends or something more than that. 

"Thank you for coming with me, Jughead," Betty said sincerely, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. I met her gaze, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. "Anytime, Betty. I'm looking forward to this," I replied honestly, knowing that this weekend held the potential for something special between us. 

Word count: 981