Don't Let Go

Part 25

They began the operation and she could barely feel anything because of all the drugs she had in her. But she was still terrified. So the whole time, Jughead just talked to her about random things, distracting her from what was happening. But as soon as she heard her baby cry, all she could feel was relief. The doctor lifted the baby over the cloth so Betty could see her child, and that was the first time in a while Betty had truly smiled.

Doctor- Congratulations, it's a girl.

The nurses took her and began cleaning her off before starting to run tests, but Betty was still lying on the operation table wanting to get up and hold her child.

Betty- Where is she?

Jughead- They're taking her to run some tests, she'll be back soon.

Betty- B-But, she just came out of me, why can't I hold her? (tears)

Jughead- You can hold her soon, my love, the doctors just need to make sure you're both okay.

She nodded and continued to hold onto Jughead's hand while the doctors stopped her from bleeding before stitching her back up. Then she was brought to another room.

Nurse- Alright Betty, here's an ice pack, you need to keep this on you stitches, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off...it will help you heal faster. Try not to move too much right now, the stitches are still fresh and you need to give your body a break.

Betty nodded, but before the nurse left she asked:

Betty- Where's my baby? (tears)

Nurse- They're still running some tests, but she should be here soon. Now, just rest for a little bit, okay?

She nodded again and watched as the nurse left. Then Jughead stood up and sat next to her in her bed, wrapping his arm around her gently.

Jughead- I'm so proud of you, my love, you did amazing in there. I know how scary that was for you, but you really did amazing.

Betty- Thanks. (softly)

Jughead- Hey, what's wrong?

Betty- I need to know that my baby's okay...I need to see her.

Jughead- She'll be here soon, Betts, I promise. Until then, do you want me to get my dad and you brothers?

She smiled softly and nodded.

Jughead- Okay, I'll be right back.

Jughead got up and walked out of the hospital room, leaving Betty alone for a moment, and she immediately began to cry. She let the tears take over for a few minutes, but when she heard the door begin to open, she did her best to wipe them away. Ben and Caleb instantly ran over to their sister, sitting at the foot of her bed, taking her hands.

Caleb- I'm so glad you're okay! How are you feeling?

Betty- I-I'm okay...everything hurts though.

Ben- I'm sorry, Bee, it'll get better soon.

Jughead walked back over, sitting down right next to her, wrapping his arm back around her. And Fp walked over, giving the girl a kiss on the head before taking a seat in a chair next to her.

Fp- Jughead said you did great, we're all very proud of you honey.

Betty- Thank you. (softly)

Betty leaned her head on Jughead's shoulder, allowing him to kiss her cheek softly. But as soon as Fp, Ben and Caleb were distracted, he looked directly into her eyes.

Jughead- Why were you crying?

Betty- I w-wasn't.

Jughead- Betts, don't lie to me.

Betty- How could you even tell?

Jughead- I know you, baby. Now tell me what's going on.

Betty- It's nothing, Jug, please don't worry about it.
Jughead- Betts...

Betty- P-Please, not now. (tears)

Jughead- Okay, okay.

He kissed her softly while he continued to hold onto her. And for a few more minutes they all spoke...until they heard the baby crying. She was wheeled in by one of the nurses. She was wrapped in a tiny blanket, lying in one of those clear cribs...and instantly Betty's heart stopped.

Betty- I-Is she okay?

Nurse- She's perfectly fine. (smiles)

Betty- Then why is she crying? (tears)

The nurse gently picked her up and placed her on her mothers chest for the first time. And instantly the little baby stopped crying.

Nurse- She just wanted you.

Betty let out a soft cry as she finally held her daughter for the first time, she was in awe.

Betty- H-Hi baby girl...I'm your mommy. (sniffles)

The baby had her eyes open and she looked at her mother while her head was on her chest, and she didn't look anywhere else.

Nurse- I'll give you guys some time alone, but I'll be back soon to help you with feeding.

Betty- Thank you. (tears)

The nurse walked out, but Betty never took her eyes off her daughter. Until...

Caleb- Bee...

Caleb looked at his little sister holding the baby, tears came to his eyes and all he could say was:

Caleb- I'm sorry. (tears)

Then he stood up and walked out of the hospital room. They heard a bang against the wall before hearing him yell:

Caleb- Fuck!! (tears)

But then Ben placed his hand on his sister's leg before looking up at her.

Ben- I'm gonna go talk to him...but Bee, she's beautiful.

Betty- Thank you. (sniffles)

Ben got up and gave his sister a gentle hug before walking out of the room.

Betty- Is he mad at me?

Fp- No, sweetheart, he's definitely not mad at you. I think he's mad at the situation.

Betty- But...

Fp- He's your brother, and he cares about you more than anything in the world, and I think he's mad that he couldn't protect you from this.

Betty looked down at her daughter and nodded, but then she bent her head down and kissed her daughters cheek.

Jughead- At least some good came out of the terrible things that happened. This beautiful baby...and, us. (smiles softly)

Betty looked up at him and smiled before kissing him on the lips.

Betty- I love you.

Jughead- I love you more.

~Meanwhile~