One less kiss

One last look.

Betty:

"Betty!" I heard a familiar voice squeal. "Let's have a look then," I smiled and she held out her hand to show off her new diamond. I squeezed her fingers tightly and felt tears begin to rise in my eyes. "Don't go crying on me now B," she replied softly. "I'm so happy for you..." I whispered.

After saying hello to everyone I still hadn't caught sight of Jughead and decided it would be best to just take my seat - maybe he wasn't attending. I sipped on my wine when I saw Veronica saying hello to the very man himself, he looked as if he was explaining something when he shook his head and rolled his eyes.

"Betts," a soft voice said and I turned my head to see Jughead taking a seat next to me. "Jug, hey..." I smiled, "it's nice to see you," I added and he smiled. "How've you been?" He asked, staring intently into my eyes. "Better - just hanging on in there I guess," I said with a slight scoff. "I'm a phone call away if you ever need me Betty, you know that." He said sternly, placing a hand over mine. I looked at him and opened my mouth to say something when we were interrupted. "Jughead." A woman said, she was wearing a skimpy dress and had pink strands in her hair, making her look almost childlike. "You're late." He stated, giving her a quick glance. "Well I made it didn't I." She spat before dragging out her chair and sitting down in it in a huff. "Betty, this is Toni - my... girlfriend." He told me looking at the table. "It's nice to meet you Toni," I smiled and she gave me a curt nod back.

The food was wonderful and I ate in an awkward silence. I had tried to talk to Toni but it turned out we had absolutely nothing in common and she was a woman of few words. I saw Jughead attempting to hide his annoyance towards his girlfriend. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us, it means so much... So, now that we're finished dining, let's drink!" Veronica cheered as she raised her glass. Jughead pulled Toni's arm and took her away from the table, I was left sat awkwardly alone. I stood and headed towards to bar when I caught sight of Toni and Jughead arguing in the corner. I turned away and carried on in the same direction.

*               *               *

"So, Elizabeth... care to dance?" Jughead asked as the song changed to something with a much slower tempo. I looked around him, not seeing Toni and decided to take his hand. Veronica and Reggie were already on the dance-floor, entangled in each other's arms. Jughead moved his hand down my back and I felt his rough palm against my skin. We stood close, moving slowly to the music. "I've missed you Betts... so much. I was such an idiot." He said and shook his head. "I've missed you too..." I whispered. "Thank you, really Thank you. For everything..." he said, resting his forehead against mine. "I don't understand..." I replied. "But I'm also sorry," He said and I raised my head to look at him. "I'm sorry Betty." He stated again before placing a kiss on my head. "Jug..." I began before a third person appeared next to us. "Could I dance with my boyfriend?" Toni asked with a smug face. "Yeah... yes, of course." I stammered wiping my hands down my sides before stepping back. "Toni-" Jughead began but I cut him off. "I'll see you around," I smiled with a nod. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door, taking one last look, catching Jughead's stare before heading out of the door.