A whole new world

Chapter fourteen

Our eyes met and the tension was immediate. Alice and my dad felt awkward around us and that's completely understandable. I never came to visit when Betty was around; meaning my dad and Alice had to spend Christmas alone. In the first years, we agreed that when I'd come home she wouldn't but later on our parents separated for the family gathering; Alice visited her two daughters in New York and I visited dad. I was so stupid to separate our family but I couldn't see her. I was too broken. - Betty is working on the case with Charles. - Alice spoke up and the awkward silence was finally broken.

- I know. I'm helping her. - I replied casually. Oh, I also kissed your daughter and spent the day with her. Nothing new.

- Really? Charles said you were busy writing but I'm happy you're on it. It's horrible what happened to poor Reggie. - Alice invited us inside the kitchen and started boiling water for tea.

- It is. - I looked over at Betty who was standing over a chair leaning against it. When our eyes met she looked quickly away. I'll have to talk to her about our situation.

- How is your book going, son? - My dad asked after seeing Betty's quick movement.

- It's almost finished. - I said and thanked Alice for the tea she handed me.

- Riverdale got the best out of you then. - He smiled pulling Alice closer to himself and sat her on his lap.

- Yeah... - I nodded. - Riverdale did. - My voice was low and my smile was definitely fake but they didn't show too much attention to it.

- Miss Smith. - A familiar male voice spoke from behind. Please tell me it's Jellybean's boyfriend. I turned around and Betty's colleague was looking straight at me.

- What are you doing here? - The question slipped from my mouth.

- Miss Smith is hosting me until we solve the murder. - He smirked like an idiot.

- Please Dylan, call me Alice. - Alice smiled at him and I rolled my eyes. What if he and Betty are sharing a room? Did they sleep together? I know Betty said she doesn't like him, especially after today.

- I just wanted to ask if you wanted pizza. I'm ordering one for myself. - I turned back towards the table. Dad's facial expression said the same as mine. He didn't like Dylan.

- Oh, you're so kind to ask. FP? - Alice looked at my dad while still sitting on his lap.

- No, thank you. - He replied coldly. Like father, like son.

He looked around us and nodded finally leaving the room. - Alright, let me know if you change your mind. -

- Are you staying here for the night? - Dad looked at me. - Betty is staying in your guys' old room, but JB's is empty. She's in Toledo visiting your mom. -

- That's alright. - I replied and looked at him and Alice. I always felt weird that our parents were together even though we were too. Them having a son wasn't easy on us either but we learned to live with the fact.

- I'll head to bed. Tomorrow's going to be a long day. - Alice said and my dad agreed.

- Suit yourself boy. - Dad patted my back and they walked upstairs to their room.

- I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Dylan staying here. - Betty whispered after it was only us in the kitchen.

- Is he staying in your room? - I asked quietly, hoping that the answer will be no.

- What? No! We kissed once but I'm not that kind of girl! - Betty got frustrated by my question.

- I didn't mean it that way and you know it. - I stood up from the chair. - Can we talk? - My eyes very begging.

- Fine, but not here. - She replied and walked upstairs. I followed her to the first door on the left. Her bedroom. As we walked inside she closed the door. The room looked the same as we left it seven years ago. Our pictures were still up above her table although Archie's was taken down.

- Remember when I climbed up your window? - I smiled slightly remembering that day. It feels like it never happened. We were so innocent and had no idea about what was coming for us. Betty was scared because of Polly's well-being and I helped her. That was our first investigation.

- I do... - She replied quietly and looked at the window. I sat down on the window sill and she sat beside me. - What did you want to talk about? -

My eyes examined her body and I licked my lips remembering the moments we shared in this room. - Jess and I broke up. - I stated and looked into her eyes.

- Jug, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have let you kiss me. I was so stupid. - Betty shook her head and cupped her face looking down.

- I kissed you and you're blaming yourself for it? - I chuckled quietly. - You didn't change at all. -

- I did. - She sighed. - I'd never cheat on you again. - She was playing with her bracelet on her wrist. My hand lifted her chin up to make her look at me.

- I want to try being friends with you. I can't forget what happened but I can forgive. - I caressed her blushed cheeks with my thumb which made her close her eyes.

- Do you think we can be just friends? - Her voice was soft and quiet. I know we can never be just friends. It's impossible.

- We can try. - I whispered still caressing her soft skin. I missed this. I missed her scent, her blonde curls, and her gentle skin. Her green eyes opened and looked deeply into mine. I know I should go away now because we just agreed on being friends but I'm stuck. It's like her eyes anchored me down and there's no going away. Her breath quickened when there were only a few inches between our lips. I used all my strength and pulled away from her. Every inch of me craved her but I can't play with her. Not even after what she did to me years ago. I let go of her face and stood up. I could still hear her breathing and my heart pounding inside my chest as I walked towards the closed door. I touched the key inside the handle and my mind wondered.

The lock clicked.