We're Built Through Scars *J.J.*

Chapter Four

  Jude was sitting at a booth in Pop's next to Jughead. Jughead was mad about the Drive-In being shut down, which, so was Jude. Jude may not have been here long, but anything that reminded her of the 80ies was the coolest thing to her. Jughead's eye glanced toward her as she drank her shake. He liked that he wasn't the only one upset about what was happening.

Jude noticed Betty messing with her hair and not paying much attention, she looked afraid.
"You okay, Betty?" Jude questioned, touching the blondes hand softly to keep her from biting her nails.
"Yeah, just have a lot on my mind." She whispered so only Jude could hear her.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Jude's offer was tempting to the young blonde, but she didn't want Jude to runaway in fear of this new found darkness she found when she was with Chuck.
"No, it's okay." Soon, Betty was pulled into the conversation about what movie to watch, to which she responded Rebel With a Cause. Jude has a distaste for that movie but wanted Betty to find some happiness in her troubling time, so she didn't say anything. Jughead, though, noticed as the brunette crinkled her nose at the mention of the movie, like it was a foul smell and chuckled.

The bell sounded in Pop's, drawing everyone's attention to the door. In walked Archie, Ms. Grundy, and Mr. Andrews. Jude was confused but waved it off, knowing that it could simply be what it looks like. A father wanting to talk to his son's teacher about how well he is doing. But Betty was quick to jump up and go talk to Archie, causing Jughead to worry.
"What's happening out there? Do we know? Is it about me?" Veronica asked, quite curious but with a playful smile on her face.
"I have a strong inkling, and no. Also, I'd let it go." Jughead said, biting his nails. Jude could sense how nervous he was, so she carefully placed a hand over his to keep him from biting his nails.
"Yes, but you are you and I am me." Veronica's sassy tone left Jug without a reply. Kevin grinned, "You do you, girl, I'll be back."
"What was it like before she got here? I honestly don't remember." Jughead rolled his eyes.
"What is it about, Jug? You might as well tell us before we find out through Veronica, which will happen." Jude said softly, glancing at Jughead.
"Archie was sleeping with Ms. Grundy. He didn't want anyone to know but I guess he was quite...stupid about it. Getting caught." Jude froze for just a moment before shaking her head and ignoring the shock.
"Well, it is illegal. And a relationship like that? You can't hide that when everyone is in your business." Jughead looked confused as to why Jude was speaking like it was experience or like she understood.
"Archie's in it deep this time." Veronica announced, sitting next to Kevin again, as Archie joined his father and Ms. Grundy. Jude rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Veronica, he probably isn't thinking straight. Be a little more sensitive." Jude's voice muttered, smiling at Veronica, "Anyway, Max is waiting for me. He said we needed to have a discussion over dinner." Jude said, standing up and waving bye to everyone.

Jude had to admit her small crush on Jughead. He was smart, caring, compassionate, and funny. She loved every ounce of it. But she had literally just moved here. So, per usual, she shoved her feelings deep down and just acted like there was no change.

As she approached her home, she saw Betty talking to her mother in the bedroom window. They both looked upset with one another, but Jude knew Betty was strong and could handle herself. Jude went through her front door, approaching a very guilty looking Max.
"Max, what did you do?"
"Look, I really need to talk to you. You're going to be mad but keep in mind it's for your protection." Max's eyes watched his sister. He knew she wasn't going to be happy with how things were going. Jude wouldn't be able to understand why Max was joining a gang.
"Go on." Jude urged, starting to get worried.
"I'm...Jude, there isn't any way to lessen the blow, I talked to F.P. and I convinced him to allow me to join the Southside Serpents. It's so that they don't targ-"
"Max, are you fucking stupid?" Jude yelled, "Is this a joke? It better be a joke." Jude's eyes flashed, showing that she felt betrayed by her brother's actions.
"I talked to F.P. and told him I want to make things right with the Southside, since our father ruined it. It'll keep them from targeting us. Do you want to get beaten?" Max's loud tone made Jude glare.
"You realize that they wanted to kill our parents, right? And us? They aren't just going to welcome you with open arms, Perseus." Jude hissed.
"I need to protect you, Jude."
"I don't need your, or anyone else's, protection!" Jude's fist came down on the table, as if to show the anger and feeling of betrayal. Max quieted down, "I can handle myself. I have for 16 years. I went through some of the worst things a person can go through, I can handle a little more."
"Jude, you can't change my mind. I am doing this, even if it makes you hate me."
"Consider it done then, Perseus, because I hate you." Jude said, storming off to her room.

Jude wasn't one to get angry. Not to the point where she would scream, especially not at Max like that. She just didn't want Max in that gang. They wouldn't take too kindly to him being there, even if F.P. said it was okay. Jude always knew how to handle her emotions, she hid them. She could bury pain, resentment, love, hate, anything.

Jude turned on some music, listening to James Bay sing and laying in her bed. She decided to text Betty.

                                                                                                                                         Bets, you doing okay?

Yeah, just have a lot on my mind,
like my mom being a pain. She doesn't
understand that I'm not Polly.
It is so frustrating.

                                                                                                                                        I'm sorry, do you want to talk?

Please? I'm so lonely.

And so that is what Jude did, to avoid dealing with her own problems. She spoke to Betty, giving her advice and trying to help her.

The next morning, Jude awoke and threw on a white button up shirt and another sweater with some leggings. She slipped on her Vans. Her long brown hair was secured in two braids and under a beanie. She grabbed her bag and walked to the front door, ignoring Max on the way.
She approached the school building, seeing Betty at the door.
"Hey, Bets!" Jude's voice carried to Betty, who smiled.
"Hey, thanks for last night, it really means a lot. I'm going to interview Ms. Grundy today, see what I can find out." Betty said, pulling the girl in for a hug before leaving.
"Alright, be careful please." Jude said and Betty nodded. Jude had nothing else to really do, so she approached Veronica Lodge, who seemed upset.

"Veronica, is everything alright?"
"Cheryl said my mom was talking to "Southside Serpent"? Kevin says that isn't good." Kevin nodded, agreeing with Veronica.
"Serpents aren't...bad. They're just rough around the edges." Jude said, shrugging, "But I just moved here so I could be wrong." Veronica and Kevin shrugged as well.
"I just want to know why my mom was talking to them."
"I'm not sure Veronica, but I am here if you need help." Jude said, smiling as Veronica linked their arms.