You Don't Know Me Jughead Jones | Jughead Jones

Chapter 23

Jingle Jangle High

It's been almost a week now, and there's been no sign of Jughead. Word around the school is that Betty and Jughead broke up. I guess it wasn't because of me because Archie seemed surprised when I came out of Jughead's house. He hasn't spoken to me since that day. I feel more and more guilty with each passing moment. Archie is mad at me, I don't know where Jughead and I stand right now, and I have no idea what Betty could possibly be thinking right now. She probably thinks he's been cheating on her since I've been back. I never wanted it to end that way.

As I pass by the Blue & Gold, I couldn't help but notice the newest headline. Alice Cooper's mugshot right in the middle of the paper. She looked a lot younger. Isn't Betty the head of the newspaper? Why would she publish her mother's mugshot from like 20 years ago?

"Hennessy Lynn!" Someone exclaims from behind me. I quickly set down the newspaper and turn around. Veronica, Archie, and a tall mysterious-looking boy walked towards me.

"One of Riverdale's finest bachelorettes and happens to be one of my closest friends. She's the best!" Veronica clings to my arm and rests her head on my shoulder.

"Hey, V! Who's this?" I exclaim. I eyed the boy carefully. He was tall, slender, and had a beautiful pair of big brown eyes.

"Nick Saint Clair." He snickered at me. He reached for my hand and kissed it gently.

"Nick is here because his parents are doing business in town. My parents thought it'd be a good idea to show him around." Veronica explained.

"I'm hosting a party in my hotel room later tonight, you should come." He said. The look on his face made it very hard to say no. I thought for a minute before nodding my head.

"I won't take no for an answer." He said jokingly.

"Why not, it'll be fun. Right?" I eyed him suspiciously.

"Yes, I can't wait!" Veronica exclaimed.

"Now let's go, Nick, there's plenty more of excitement in Riverdale!" Veronica skipped past me and led the two boys down the long hallway.

"Hey V, you mind if I stole Archie real quick?" I asked. She stopped and looked back at me.

"Of course, but not for too long. He has to help me with the rest of the tour!" She smiles and turned her heel. Archie stared at me with an expressionless look on his face. The feeling of guilt and remorse once again washed over me.

"Archie... I just wanted to explain myself. I swear nothing happened between Jughead and me. You know me, we've been friends for years. I would never do anything like that to Betty." I sighed. I looked up at him waiting for his approval. I didn't want to lose any more friends over this.

"Oh really?" He raised his eyebrows at me.

"I swear to god, Archie. I can't stand you looking right through me like I don't matter to you. I'm sorry for putting you in that situation." I reassured him.

"I don't think I'm the one that deserves the apology." He shook his head at me and walked off.  He was right, Jughead had a girlfriend and I completely disrespected their relationship. I at least owe that to her.