Opposites Attract | Bughead

Drive-In

Betty's POV

Riding with him on his motorcycle through the town illuminated by streetlights was like a movie. It's funny for me to make that comparison because that was the next stop; the Twilight Drive-In. "There's a new picture that I think you'd like. They play it here," Jughead said as he pulled up to a spot with a good view of the screen and got off of the motorcycle.

"Starring Miss Marilyn Monroe?" I asked, inferring to the film that I'd seen the advertisement for on the television. "That's the one," he replied with a smile as I shifted to the side of the motorcycle seat. "Would you like any snacks or anything?" He asked politely. "Um, maybe just a Pepsi-Cola," I replied sweetly. 

"Do you want me to come with you?" I asked. "No, it's fine. Enjoy the movie, I wouldn't want you to miss anything," he replied with a smile. I turned my gaze to the screen as the opening number played and he went to the concession stand. 

The credits pulled up saying, "Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell-- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," as the music continued, awaiting to be fulfilled by the voices of the two beautiful women. As I looked over to the concession stand just to check on Jughead, I saw he was talking to someone who I'd never met.

They looked deep into conversation, but I saw the glass Pepsi-Cola bottle being held by Jughead, so I sighed; assured that he didn't forget about me. I then saw him turn away and head back over to the bike.

"Thank you ever-so," I smiled as he came back over. I reached for the bottle, but he simply said, "Here, let me," before bringing it to one of the handles of his bike and using it for friction to pop the cap off. The cap flung to the ground, so I quickly picked it up and put it in my pocket, saying, "Wouldn't wanna litter," which caused Jug to chuckle as he sat beside me and threw his arm around me. 

---

Before I knew it, the movie had ended and it was already around 9 o'clock. "It's getting late. Why don't I give you a ride home?" he offered. I nodded, putting the plastic bag of empty Jolly Rancher wrappers in my pocket along with the bottle cap I had forgotten about. 

Jughead settled back onto the bike as I stood up to place my glass bottle in the recycling bin. I hurried back over as he revved the engine, waiting for me to get back on. I wrapped my arms around his waist, which I had found a normalcy of doing.

"You're gonna have to give the directions to me, I'm not quite familiar with the Northside neighborhoods," he said over his shoulder before we headed off, me telling him to go straight, then left and after that, right.

---

As we were approaching my street, I didn't want the night to end. "I think this is a good stop. My parents would be beyond angry with me if they saw me getting off of a motorcycle, especially this late at night with someone they'd never seen," I said as he pulled up to a curb.

I got up and brushed out my dress. "So, meet at Pop's tomorow?" I asked, folding my hands together in front of myself. Jughead looked at me with a smile and said, "Can't wait." I smiled and turned to walk down the sidewalk to my house.

I didn't hear his motorcycle revving in the back, he wasn't leaving. I finally approached my house and came in through the front door. "Elizabeth, dear. Are you okay? You were home rather late," greeted my mother from the kitchen. 

"Yes, Mother, I'm alright. I just couldn't catch a bus. I apologize," I replied, making that the first time I'd ever lied to my parents-- or anyone. "Well, I am beat. I'm going to head up to bed. I love you, Mother," I added as Mother came up from behind me to place a kiss on my head.

"Goodnight, dear," she replied before I headed up the stairs. Once inside, I locked the door, which I only ever did when I was changing, and slipped into my ankle-length silk white nightgown.

As I sat at my vanity, opening my memory box, which was a little oak wood music box, setting the Pepsi-Cola bottle cap gently in the center. As I began looking in the mirror and removing my makeup, I heard light knocks on my window. 

Once I walked over to it, I saw Jughead himself on the other side. I made sure my door was still locked before I slid open the window, stepping back and allowing him entrance. 

"Hey there, Juliet," he greeted as we both smiled. He looked around my room for a bit before he gazed back at me, his expression now serious. "Is something the matter?" I asked concernedly as I slowly took a step forward to cup his cheek. 

"There's a race," he answered. I looked at him with a confused expression which encouraged him to explain. "A street race. Between the Serpents and a rival gang. Tomorrow on the Southside." I was speechless. I'd heard of these street races and they're awfully dangerous.

"Do you...are you going to be racing?" I questioned aloud. "I have to, Betts. I'm their leader," he replied, making my heart melt with the new nickname. "I don't want you getting hurt," I claimed sincerely.

"I'm sorry. But it's what I have to do," He said, slightly turning away. I made up my mind. It was risky, and definitely not something I'd ever think I'd say, but I said it: "I'm going with you." "No, it's too dangerous," Jughead refuted. "If you're going, I wanna be there when you win. And I wanna be there to aid you if you're hurt," I said calmly, not taking no for an answer this time. 

"Okay, fine. Meet me at the Chock'lit Shoppe tomorrow at noon. We'll have to make a few stops first, but if you're sure about this--" I cut him off. "I am." "Okay. Just follow through. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, I love you," he replied before kissing me and heading for the window once more.

 "Love you," I replied as he stepped out of the open window onto the old wooden ladder. Once he went down, I closed my window and locked it before walking over to my door and unlocking it, turning off my light on my way to my bed. 

I thought about what we would partake in tomorrow. I'll do it for him.