Riverdale: Betty X Jughead

Chapter 5: A Loan, Alone

  F.P's POV:

  I watch my son kiss Betty and I'm momentarily envious, not just of what they have together, but how close she was able to get to him.
  She's smiling shyly when he walks away and I almost laugh seeing that my Jughead has that kind of effect on her.
  "Betty," I inquire.  "Can you tell me something?"
  "Of course, Mr-" she catches herself.  "F.P.  Anything."
  "What is my son to you?  Plain and simple."
  Something seems to sparkle in her eye.  "He's my soulmate.  I love him more than anything... I'd be willing to do anything for him."
  "He's not making you run away, is he?" I ask.
  "What? No... It was my idea... I just- I can't handle this town anymore... I can't handle my family."  She leans against the wall and looks defeated.
  "Do you mind if I ask why you can't handle your family?"
  She looks like something she's been holding in for a while has just been released.  "They're completely psychotic.  Nobody is happy, but everyone is silent because they love living a lie.  There are so many secrets it makes me sick, and I feel like so often I am the only one holding that family together.  They expect me to be perfect and I'm not... They don't care how I feel or how I'm handling the things people are calling me-"
  I cut her off with a question.  "What are people calling you?"
  She looks down, looking a bit like she might be sick.  "I wrote an article defending you and Jughead. Somebody took it upon themselves to cover my locker in copies of my article along with a voodoo doll of me... And then they wrote 'Serpent Slut' in pig's blood.  And now that's my nickname."
  My stomach tightens.  I love the Serpent's, but this innocent girl is getting dragged into the mess and it's not right.
  "Geez, I'm sorry Betty..."
  "It's not your fault, or Juggie's... They're just being bullies."
  I nod slowly.  "Can I ask you one more question?"
  She looks up at me.  "Sure."
  "Does it bother you that I am a serpent, and that Jug has serpent blood?"
  "I'll admit, at first I was a little scared, just because of who my mom made the serpent's out to be... But I don't care, really.  I'd love Jughead no matter what.  Even if he decides to become a Serpent."
  "That's really... That's really awesome of you, Betty.  My son is very lucky to have found someone so accepting." I say honestly.
  She smiles and blushes.  I see her fiddling with her purse for a minute before seemingly deciding something.  She looks around quickly and then opens her purse.
  "Look, I pawned my great grandmother's wedding ring... I was hoping you could use the money for bail, as long as you promise to come visit Jughead as soon as you get out..."  She pulls out a massive wad of cash and I'm stunned into silence.
  "I... Betty, I can't take your money... You and Jug will need that." I stammer.
  She shakes her head quickly.  "I have other things I can sell, and Juggie has some too...  We don't need many material things, but he does need you.  We need you.  Please, take the money..."
  I take it hesitantly.  "Are you some kind of Saint or something, Betty Cooper?  How did someone so nice come from your mother?"
  She laughs.  "I like to think that I am the farthest thing possible from my parents..."
"I'll second that," I say with a chuckle.
Jughead walks up behind her and places his hands on her shoulders.
"Hey Bets, I think we should get going... I don't really want to be here when sheriff Keller gets in... It'll give our disappearance more anonymity." He rubs her shoulders.
"Right. You're right..." 
  Jug takes a deep breath.  "So... I guess I'll see you around, Dad..."
  "When you get out of here, you need to come see us Mr. Jones... You're always welcome." Betty smiles.
  "Of course," I say with a tight smile.  "I promise.  You two be careful... I know you'll do great."
  "Thank you, sir..." Betty smiles up at Jughead.
  "Thanks Dad..."
  "Go... Enjoy life."