A Touch Deep Inside

Chapter Nine.

It was late that evening; Alice had packed all of her things in the morning and she then packed all of Betty's things for her only because the girl could barely move without gagging.

By the time nine o'clock rolled around, Betty was slowly getting out of bed and she was bundling up to go out; a sweatshirt with a coat over, a scarf, earmuffs, gloves, thick jeans and snow boots with fuzzy socks.

Not only was the girl cold, but her mother told her to stay covered up, not wanting her to get sick as that would cause complications in the beginning of the pregnancy.

"Hey, mom?"

"Yeah, honey?" Alice looked over.

"You say you've known FP since high school, right?"

"Um... Yeah, why?" she nearly hesitated.

"Were you friends?"

"No, not really... Well... We were, but then we weren't."

"What?"

"It's complicated, Betty."

"How? It was a yes or no question," she creased a brow.

"Let me ask you; does your brain ever turn off? I know you're sick, but you sound fine to me..." she arched a brow.

"You should know that I practically think in my sleep. But seriously, how come you lied to dad and Polly? I mean, you're being honest with me because you have to---since we're in this together. But what's the deal with the two of you?"

"You really wanna know? We had the shortest of flings in high school. We were friends, but we took it a step further at times... FP was a player, so to speak and one day, I got jealous and we got into a disagreement and we never spoke again. Then I started dating your dad and neither of them were ever friends so FP didn't want to talk to me even more so."

"And now?"

"Well, obviously we're adults and we've learned to let go of the past. Now... he wants to help. I asked him only because I knew he could and he agreed willingly."

"But why? I thought gang members only do things like this; skipping town for people who are in their gang. Why would he help you anyway? He's a Southsider and you're a Northsider..."

"Like I said, we were friends. Now, as parents and partners to other people, we respect each other..." she shrugged. "Anyways, he knew how bad things were between your dad and me and so he was happy to help. Nothing else to it, I promise."

Although she was lying about the true facts; having been involved in the Serpents and FP's reason for helping her, she just couldn't fathom the idea of telling her daughter such things. Not when she was so vulnerable at the moment. She didn't want to shock her and then have her hate her for having lied. Keeping her past a secret only seemed integral for the time they were in.

Soon enough, Alice's phone started ringing and she glanced over to see that it was FP. She then swiped the screen and put it up to her ear, "Hello?"

"Downstairs... Should Jug or I come up?" he asked.

"Please, we have some bags if you don't mind. I also think you should meet Betty," she looked at her girl. "Betty and Jughead are friends and you're helping her too."

"You sure?"

"Positive," she nodded as though he could see her.

"Alright, we'll be up."

"I'll see you in a few," she then hung up.

"Jughead's here too?" Betty then wondered.

"Yes. He wanted to help---he felt very bad for everything that has happened and he's the only one who knows your secret... Is that okay?"