Underneath ¤ Jughead Jones [2]

eighteen

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN, SOUTHSIDE PROBLEMS

Lauren Davis' leg bounced up in down in anxiety, her hand squeezing Mason's who was waiting for Jugheads arrival after the gauntlet, the last trail to become Serpent. The girl wasn't allowed to be around for the trial and instead she waited in the boy's trailer, hoping he was okay. Her heartbeat was rapid and her breathing was erratic along with her sweaty palms, she could feel a headache come on at the thought of something wrong happening.

"He's gonna be okay." Mason stated softly, squeezing the girls hand again. He sat beside her, basically holding her up during the time. He always seemed to be her shoulder of strength.

Lauren barely managed to nod stiffly, heart sinking and pending against her stomach, as her skin turned a sickly pale yellow, under the beaming of the moon. She was aware that the boy would be okay, however knowing he was in pain was hurting her just as much as it was him.

Suddenly the door creaked open and a boy's slouched figure came into view as Lauren stood up fast, her eyes squinting to see Jugheads pained expression, face bloodied as a tear of relief left her eye. Jughead's beanie was in his tight grasp and it seemed like he would faint at any moment but Lauren was quick to rush to him, a cry leaving her lips.

The girl almost jumped into his arms, engulfing him into a soft and careful hug, tears leaking out of her eyes as he wrapped his own arms around her tightly. Bowing his head into her shoulder, face covered by her hair. Mason stood, patting Jugheads back as a congratulations and creeped out of the trailer quickly.

Lauren squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling softly before finally pulling out and grabbing a hold of his face, gently, caressing his bloody cheek, looking deep into his eyes as she leaned her forehead against his. "I'm so glad you're okay, Jug."

"I wish you had more faith in my strength, Laur." Jughead's joked, wincing as his lips lifted and Lauren let out a breathy laugh, pulling away finally.

"I love you so much, Jug." Lauren admitted, eyes closed as Jughead held her face in his hands, heart beating fast still.

Jughead's lips lifted slightly, bringing her closer to him, his own stable breathing shook. "I love you too, since the very beginning."

Lauren agreed, nodding her head slowly, a smile on her face. "From the very beginning."

Jughead pulled her closer, his pained lips met her and warmth spread everywhere, all over again.

****

The next morning, it seemed that havoc had spread throughout Riverdale, with Mayor McCoy and Sheriff Keller raiding Southside high for drug dealers after what happened at Nick St.Claire's party. Lauren Davis had made it her top priority to get her friends out of the prison cells they were locked up in but for now she sat in a booth at Pop's with Archie opposite her and Jughead pacing nearby. The air around the seated pair was awkward and heavy, after their heated argument, they had failed to converse and speak about it.