Don't Let Go

Part 5

Betty- Fuck, fuck, fuck. (whispers)

She grabbed a paper towel and tried to fix it, but it kept whipping away. Then suddenly Cheryl and Toni walked in, instantly gasping when they saw the giant bruise on her face.

Toni- Betty, what the fuck?

Cheryl- Who did this to you?

Betty- N-No one. Don't worry about it. (softly)

Toni- Yesterday when you had to leave-

Betty- Toni- (softly)

Toni- Your brother said you dad was mad-

Betty- Please stop- (tears)

Toni- Did your dad hit you?

Betty- N-No, he didn't, m-my brother accidentally hit me in the face with the door...it isn't anything serious. (tears)

Toni- Then why are you getting upset and why are you trying to hide it? If it was just an accident it isn't a big deal. (softly)

Betty looked down at the ground while Toni slowly walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her.

Toni- I know it wasn't just an accident...but we have to tell someone.

Betty- No, you can't. (softly)

Cheryl- Betty I-

Betty- Guys...you have to listen to me, you can't tell anyone. (softly)

Toni- But-

Betty- It'll make it worse, please don't. (tears)

Cheryl and Toni both looked at each other before looking back at Betty and nodding.

Betty- Y-You have to promise me you won't tell anyone.

Toni- I promise.

Cheryl- I promise.

Toni- B-But if he does something worse-

Betty- It doesn't matter what he does...no one can know.

The two of them nodded once again before Betty looked at Cheryl.

Betty- Do you have any extra makeup I can use to cover it back up?

Cheryl- Yeah, let me help you.

Betty nodded and let Cheryl cover her cheek with concealer, then they walked back to the cafeteria where Jughead was sitting, alone, with Caleb talking down to him.

Betty- Shit...

Betty ran over to them, with Cheryl and Toni following behind. Betty jumped between the two of them and looked at Caleb who was worried where she had gone.

Caleb- Betts, are you okay? I thought something happened. (softly)

He wrapped his arms around her but she quickly pushed him away.

Betty- What did you say to him?

Caleb- Nothing, I was just worried about you, I saw you run out, I thought he said something mean to you.

Betty- Caleb, he's my friend, you don't have to be protecting me every second, at least, not here.

Caleb- I know, I know, I'm sorry.

Betty- Don't apologize to me, apologize to him.

Betty moved out of the way and let Caleb stand in front of Jughead again.

Caleb- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude, I'm just very protective of her and don't want anyone hurting her.

Jughead- That's okay, I'm glad you care about her that much.

Caleb smiled and bro hugged Jughead before looking back at his sister.

Caleb- Alright, I'm going to head back over there, sorry again. I'll see you later, Bee.

Betty- Bye.

Then they all sat back down at their table, and Betty let out a long sigh.

Jughead- Are you okay?

Betty- Yeah, I'm fine...let's just get back to what we were talking about.

He smiled and the two of them continued to talk, though both Cheryl and Toni sat there being extremely worried for Betty's safety. But unfortunately, there was nothing they could do.

--

Betty and Caleb walked into the house as quietly as possible, but thankfully as they opened the door they were only met with Ben.

Ben- Hey guys, how was school?

Caleb- Good, is dad home? (quietly)

Ben- Nope, he has meetings until late tonight, no need to worry.

Betty let out a deep breath as Ben walked over to her and hugged her.

Ben- Is school going okay?

Betty- (nods) I've been some really nice people, I just hate coming home. (softly)

Ben- I know, I will do my best to make it stop...at least tonight we don't have to worry tonight.

Betty nodded and she and Caleb went to do their homework, and as soon as they were done went to watch a movie on the couch with Ben. For the rest of the night the three of them hangout together, but when their father got home, Ben and Caleb both stood in front of Betty.

Hal- Where is she?

Ben- Behind us.

Hal- Why?

Caleb- You know why.

Hal- You two are idiots.

Hal started walking towards them but Ben quickly shoved him back.

Ben- Back up.

Hal- You know what?! I'm not dealing with you three tonight! I'm fucking tired, and I'm going to bed!

Hal stormed up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door. As soon as everything was silent the three kids were able to breathe and all looked at each other.

Ben- Let's wait a little bit to make sure he's asleep, then we can head to bed too.

Betty and Caleb both nodded and walked back over to the couch. They relaxed and watched TV for a little while longer, but as they all got tired they decided to head to bed. Betty and Caleb walked up the stairs together, but before going into their rooms, Caleb grabbed Betty's hand.

Caleb- Do you want to stay in my room? (whispers)

Betty- I think I should stay in my own room. (whispers)

Caleb- You don't have to...do you think he's going to do anything? (whispers)

Betty- I wouldn't be surprised. (whispers)

Caleb- (sighs) It's up to you, Bee. (whispers)

Betty- I think I'm going to try to stay in my room. (whispers)

Caleb- (nods) If he does anything, scream, I'll come get you. (whispers)

She nodded and hugged him tightly. Then they both headed to their separate bedrooms. Betty instantly locked her door and got in her bed. She looked at her phone for a little while, scrolling on instagram and tiktok, but then she received a text from two unknown numbers in a group chat.