Sickness And In Love

Bad News

JUGHEAD POV

I stood in the office with my family, Archie and his family, and Betty. I tried to talk to her but she didn't respond. I just needed to hear Dr. Smith's bad news. I already knew what was up. It was either a lung infection or I had officially had stage 3 Emphysema.

"We need to take Jughead into a surgery. We found and infection in his lungs that will grow and kill him if we don't remove it." Dr. Smith said. Betty looked at me and then held my hand.

"How long does he have?" Dad asked.

"Maybe...2 days. We need to take him into the surgery as soon as possible...but it's expensive."

"How much?" Mom asked.

"$7,400."

"We'll do it. We want you to do the surgery ASAP." Mom nodded. Dr. Smith got on her walkie talkie.

"Please prepare a surgery room for, Jughead Jones. He is having lung infection removed." Dr. Smith said. I started to walk away but I didn't want to let go of Betty's hand.

"I'm not going anywhere, Juggie. I'll be right there with you during the surgery and I'll with you when you're out." Betty said. I nodded and then let go of her. I went with the doctor to the room and they put me to sleep. There was emptiness and I knew it would be painful when I woke up...and boy, it did.

My eyes fluttered open and scanned the room. My back and chest were a little bit in pain. Betty was holding my hand and fell asleep while her head was resting on my arm. I was in heavy oxygen and I couldn't talk. Archie was asleep in a chair and all of my family was asleep. I gently shook my arm and Betty woke up.

"Hey Jug, how are you feeling?" She asked and started to rub my head. I gave a thumbs up and then she started crying.

"Jughead, I'm only gonna make your life worse. There is gonna be a time when...your lungs aren't going well and we know that. We're gonna be in so much pain when it's over...I had so much fun with you tonight...but we need to stay just friends." Betty cried. I shook my head and put my hand on her face. I took my off my oxygen mask.

"S-s-Stay w-with m-me." I said groaning. She took the mask and put it back on my face.

"Ok...I want to be with you, but I'm worried for us. Just say the word and tell me what you want." Betty said. I took off my mask again.

"Be w-w-with m-m-me." I gasped. I put my mask back on and she nodded. I wish she didn't have to go through this...more pain than I ever will. Worrying about me, 24/7. I drifted off back into sleep.