Riverdale: Betty X Jughead

Chapter 14: Mama Jones

   Betty's POV:

  Polly has found Mrs. Jones' number by that afternoon, so I wait until Jughead goes out with Archie and his dad and then I call her.
  It rings for an excruciating amount of time before she finally answers.  I'm surprised by how delicate and sweet she sounds.
  "Hello?"
  "Hi, is this Mrs. Jones?" I say hesitantly.
  She pauses.  "Sort of.  My name is Gladys... And who is this?"
  "My name is Betty Cooper... I'm, uh... I'm actually married to your son, Jughead Jones."
  She goes silent for a long time, and when she speaks again it sounds like she might be crying.  "Jughead got married...?"
  "Yes ma'am... Well, sort of.  We are legally married right now, and have been for a little while, but we've just been convinced to have an actual ceremony... That's the reason I'm calling, actually.  I'd like to invite you to the wedding."
  "Does Jughead know you're calling me?"
  "Well... No, not exactly.  But I know it would mean the world to him if you and Jellybean were able to come celebrate with us.... He misses you."
  "Is his father still in prison?" She changes the subject.
  "No... He's actually here visiting us right now... He's going to be at the wedding."
  I hear her sigh.  "That might put a damper on things.  I'd rather not have my daughter around him..."
  I don't know why, but this really upsets me.  "Mrs. Jones, I realize he hasn't always been a good husband, or even a decent father, but he's changed.  He's so hard-working, and he's playing an active role in Jughead's life.  He's trying so hard...  I saw what he was like before.  I dealt with all of the nasty sides of him... But now he's someone I'm proud to call my father-in-law, or even just my father.  He's been much more supportive of the decisions I've made than my own family, and I feel safe when I'm with him.  He's done nothing but support Jughead and I, and that means something to both of us.  I know I've never met you personally, but Juggie speaks so highly of you and Jellybean, and I want nothing more than to make him happy... I want him to have a real family... I would like to get to know you, if you'll let me."  I bite my lip, afraid of her response.
  "Betty Cooper," she says after a minute of silence.  "You're Alice Cooper's daughter, aren't you?"
  "I am..."
  "And you said your parents don't support your decisions? What decisions?"
  I look down.  "It's a long story, Mrs. Jones... One that I'd prefer to explain in person, if I'm given the chance."
  The silence that ensues is terrifyingly long. 
  I just about expect her to hang up on me when she says, "I'll be there.  When's the wedding?"
  "Three weeks..." I smile slowly.
  "Not a lot of time, huh?  Okay... When do you want us to come?"
  "Maybe... Four days before?  I'll pick you up at the airport and we can spend that first day together so I can get to know you, if that's alright?"  I suggest.
  "That sounds perfect." I can hear a hint of a smile in her voice.  "I'll see you then, Betty Cooper."  She pauses.  "I'm really glad my son found someone like you."
   I beam.  "I'm so grateful to have found him... He saved my life... I don't know what I'd do without him."
  She chuckles softly.  "I'm sure he feels the same way... I will see you in a little over two weeks, Betty.  Goodbye."  She hangs up and I'm so giddy I could almost scream.
  Polly walks up behind me.  "Was that her?"
  "Yeah... It went really really well... She's coming," I grin.
  "Bets! That's awesome... Are you going to tell Jughead and F.P.?"
  I bite my lip.  "I was thinking no...  I want to surprise Juggie, and I don't know how F.P. would react... I think we should keep it between us for now, okay?"
  "Alright, if you're sure..." She smiles a bit.  "Now come on, let's go dress shopping."