Destined

Chapter Twenty Five

{Jugheads POV}

As I pace in my bedroom, waiting for Betty to come out of the shower, I can't help but feel an anxiety I've never felt before. When I was waiting for those few minutes while Betty was in the basement with Penny, I had no idea what to think. Is she okay? What are they saying? Is Penny free? Is Betty hurt? Should I break what I said and go down there?

But I didn't. I stayed with my father, wanting what he wanted. Jellybean to be okay. And she is okay, all thanks to Betty.

The way she looked when she emerged from the basement still clouds my mind. While of course she looked as beautiful as ever, she also looked broken. Her beautiful face was covered in Penny's blood splatter, her hair slightly ratty from the events. It was.... different. The girl I brought here from the Northside, the small frail girl who doesn't seem like she could hurt a fly has now stabbed a gang leader and nearly killed another gang member.

"Jug?" Her small voice said, breaking me from my trance. I quickly turn to see her in a pair of light blue skinny jeans, a baggy grey shirt and toweling off her wet hair. "You okay?"

"Yeah, yes! I'm okay, just thinking." I stutter. She forces a small smile as she makes her way to the bed and takes a seat. "The question is, are you okay?" I ask taking my seat next to her.

"Penny told me something down there..... she said she was my aunt...." she trailed, tears filling her eyes.

"Wait, she's your aunt? But how? That makes no sense..."

"She said Alice, my mother, is her sister..." she nearly whispers. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion, how can she be related to Penny? "I need to talk to my mother, Jug.... I need to know..." she says, her eyes meeting mine.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean..." I trailed off.

"I have to know, Jug"

***

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Ask as we pull up to what used to be Betty's house. It doesn't look any different from the first time I saw it, though it now has a car parked in the driveway.

"I'm ready" she said, forcing a smile. As she climbed off the back of my back I took in her look. She was still in the same clothing as before, though now she wore her Serpent jacket. Her hair was down, slightly curly. Climbing off the bike myself, I followed her to the front door. With a heavy sigh, she knocked.

"Betty?" Alice said as she pulled the door opened. She looked the same, dolled up as much as possible. "What are you doing here?" She asked, attempting to see angry.

"I just have a few questions, mother. That's all" Betty said coldly. We stood there silent for a moment before she opened the door all the way and let us in. I could tell she disapproved of Betty and her Serpent jacket, though she stayed at a safe distance. As we entered the kitchen, Alice stood at the opposite of the island.

"I see you're apart of the Serpents" Alice said, matter of factly.

"I am. I'm actually the Serpent Queen" Betty stated, grasping my hand. I couldn't help but smile at the sound of that. "But you have more knowledge of them, don't you?"

"What ever do you mean?"

"When were you going to tell me about my aunt, Penny?" Betty asked. As I watched Alice carefully, I noticed her eyes widen. She began fiddling with her fingers. "I had to find out through her, of all people. Do you want to know what I did?" Betty stated, walking closer to her mother. "I beat her."

"Elizabeth!" She yelled.

"I found out from her as a way for me to stop beating her mom" Betty said, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks.

"Stop"

"I nearly killed her"

"Stop! This is not you!! This is not my daughter!!" Alice screamed. They both had tears streaming down their cheeks, as I just stood there. Not knowing what to do.

"You're wrong. This is me. This is what you made me out to be, mother" Betty said, softer this time. Alice was crying, "when we lost dad, you and Polly left me. You both acted as though I didn't matter. I was alone, for years mom. Years! And then when your finally come back, you kicked me out."

"Betty, you don't understand! When I lost your father, I was devastated!" Alice pleaded.

"And you don't think I was!? He was my dad!!!" Betty yelled. I made my way to her, placing my hand on her back to show her comfort. "I lost him too. And then I lost you. I'm not blaming the way I am on you entirely, but some of it is your fault. I just came here to get the truth on whether Penny was my aunt of not, and now I know." And with that Betty entwined her fingers in mine and began guiding me to the door.

"Betty..." Alice said. We stopped. "Are you happy?" She asked, more whispering. Betty stayed silent as she looked at me. Her eyes were puffy from the tears, but happiness flowed through them.

"I'm very happy mom. I have a family now" Betty says, never breaking our gaze. "You're still my mom..... you just need to learn how to actually act like one" and with that, we walked out.

As we walked to the bike, I stayed staring at Betty. The weak, frail girl who is actually one of the strongest girls I know.

"What are we going to do about Penny?" She asked as we reached the motorcycle.

"I'm not sure yet, all I know is I don't trust her." I stated as I leaned on the bike and gripped her hips. "You are so strong, Juliet" I said. A smile appeared on her face as she chuckled lightly.

"Not really...."

"Yes you are!" I laughed. I placed my lips on hers, smiling into the kiss. This girl right here makes me feel something I've never felt before. I feel warm inside and my stomach erupts in butterflies every time we touch. "Betty......" I started.

"What?" She smiled, her eyes flickering from my lips to my eyes.

"I-" though, of course, I was interrupted by the ringing of my phone. With a sigh I answered the call from Cheryl. "Yes, Cheryl?"

"Jug, you need to get here. There's a few people here to see you" she said before hanging up the phone. With furrowed eyebrows I looked at a confused Betty.

"We have visitors" I stated. With a nod we pulled our helmets on and began our ride back to The White Worm.

__________________

Hello!!!

Is mama Alice becoming nice again!?

I love Alice in the show, but I had to turn her into sort of a bitch for this! :)

What was Jughead about to say before he was, once again, risky interrupted!?

And who are these said visitors!?

-Danii LeeAnn