Weirdo - Jughead Jones

6: Overnight

Seven Years Earlier

I opened the door to my house, still nervous about what my parents wanted to "talk" about. I was greeted by my puppy, a six-month-old Aussie shepherd.

"Hey, Baby," I cooed, lowering to my knees and petting him. He started chewing on my hand with sharp little teeth, being the teething monster he was. But his greeting made me feel a little better.

"Maddie, you're home." I heard my mom's voice and turned. I was surprised at the state she was in. She looked tired. Her blond hair was messy, and she looked like she'd been crying.

"Mom?"

"We need to get going," she said. "Your father's probably half-way there."

"What? Where?"

"Just pack a small bag, okay?" She was fighting to keep her composure. "And get all of Baby's things."

I nodded, confused as hell now. Where were we going? They didn't tell me anything about a trip. Was it a surprise? And if it was, why did she look so sad? Questions flooded my mind as I packed. I got Baby's leash and dog bed, along with his food, bowls, etc. I then followed my mom out to the car, which she'd already loaded with her bags. My dad's truck was gone.

With Baby in the back seat, I got in on the passenger side. My mom got behind the wheel, taking a deep breath. She started the car and drove. I watched our house dropping away behind us in the side mirror.

"Mom," I spoke up. "Where are we going?"

"We," she said shakily. She cleared her throat. "Are going to Los Angeles."

"Los Angeles?" I repeated, shocked. "Like, for a vacation?"

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel. "Actually," Her voice was shakier now. "We're renting a house there, and we're going to stay there for a while. There's a school nearby where--"

"We're moving?" I interrupted. "Why? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Maddie, I'm sorry," is all she said. A tear ran down her cheek.

I was in tears now. "What about Archie and Betty? They don't know. I didn't even--"

"I know, Madison! I'm sorry!" She yelled.

I was speechless at this. My mother had never yelled at me before. I knew that she immediately regretted it, but I looked away without a word. From then on the car ride was silent. I reached in back to pick up Baby and put him in my lap, holding him close as I quietly cried and looked out the window. I watched my home fly by as we drove farther away.

I didn't get to say goodbye.

Present

Hey, it's Maddie. I'm outside can you let me in?

Send.

Minutes later someone was gently opening the door. Betty was in her pajamas, her hair down. Her eyes looked red from crying.

Once she led me to her room and shut the door I started asking questions. "Archie was looking for you. He was worried. What happened?" I said it softly, following her to sit in her bed.

Betty rolled her eyes, looking ashamed of herself. "It's stupid. Really."

"You know I don't judge." I held her hand.

She smiled a little bit. "Um. So, tonight at the dance... I did it. I did everything you and Kev told me to do, and he rejected me. I mean, he didn't really say anything. And then afterwards we went to this party, and Cheryl started a Seven Minutes In Heaven game. The first couple was Archie and Veronica." She chuckled a little, looking away. "I just left. Afterwards Archie came to apologize, and I asked him if he loved me." She sniffed. "He told me that he couldn't give me the answer I wanted." She shrugged and chuckled again, trying to make it seem like it wasn't a big deal. But I could tell that it was.

After a moment of silence and thought, I spoke to her. "I know. It sucks. Maybe Archie doesn't feel that way about you, but I don't see why he would do anything with Veronica right after he learned about your feelings. I would be hurt, too. But Archie really does care about you. A lot. Maybe not in that way, but he loves you, B. Just take some time. He'll understand." I squeeze her hand. "I don't know about Veronica," I laughed a little, and so did she. "She just seems like one of those spoiled mean girls. But she also did some really cool things for you. Like getting you into the River Vixens. I dunno. Mixed reviews. Maybe she'll come around."

Betty nodded, the small, sad smile still present as she looked at me. "Thanks, Mads."

"Of course, B." I grinned. "How about I stay the night and sneak out like I always did way back when?"

"That sounds great."

"Okay." I nodded and hugged her, smiling when she hugged back.

*    *    *    *

"Breakfast?" Betty whispered as she stuck her head through the door.

"An Eggo or two would be amazing."

She nodded and went downstairs. I yawned. Betty gave me PJs to wear for the night and they were much more comfortable than my own. And sleeping on the floor couldn't have been more luxurious. As I always had, I really loved staying at Betty's.

Betty came back and shut the door behind her. She handed me two freshly toasted Eggos, which I didn't hesitate to thank her for. She sat on her bed and ate her own, picking up her phone and checking it. Suddenly she stopped eating and stared at her phone in disbelief.

"Oh my god."

"What?" I asked, turning in her direction.

"Jason."