[Bea's Point of view ]

Watching as the words stumbled out of his mouth was mesmerizing. His lips were forming a nervous smile, his eyes glancing downcast. His hands were stuffed in his pockets as we paced inside the janitor's closet, which was rusty and reeks too much of bleach and soap. Although, that was the least of my worries now.

"Wait, are you serious?" I asked, totally gobsmacked that THE Reggie Mantle just asked me out on a date.

"Wanna go to Pop's this Saturday night?" The raven haired football player repeated. He looked so nervous it was actually shocking, since most of the time he was cocky and rude to everyone. This was definitely new.

I bit my lip, "Are you sure? Is this just a bet, or a prank?" I laughed bitterly. Was this guy serious?

Reggie nodded, "This is not a bet or a prank, and I'm pretty sure. I like you a lot, Bea, and I want to prove it to you that I'm very sincere."

My eyes widened at his confession before a smile broke out on my face. I stared at him with a smile gracing my lips as he stared back.

"Is that a yes?"

"Pops it is then, Reginald."

And with that, I stormed out of the janitor's closet. It may or may not be the happiest day of my entire existence.

That was my first time getting asked out on a date, and I've always thought that I would be single for life and raise tons of animals, but I guess my life had a plot twist. Who knew a loner like me could have a such beautiful boyfriend. Although, it's kinda hard keeping it a secret for a year, and getting a pang in the chest every time someone flirts with him, or the fact that he does nothing whenever his so called friends picks on me. I've endured all of that because of how much I love him. You gotta do everything for love, right?

And now, as Reggie and I lay on my bed, limbs tangled together as we watch 'We Bare Bears' play on the tv. His arm was draped on my waist protectively as he lied his head on my chest. He was snoring slightly, his mouth slightly ajar.

"My poor baby," I giggled slightly as I admired his face. I'm so lucky to have him in my life. He was the only good thing that ever happened to me, and I hope he will stay forever.

It was now Sunday, and he just got back from his "Red Circle" group meeting, after football practice, and to say he was tired was an understatement. The blackhood was still out there, and he was worrying nonstop about my being. Ever since the news about Fred Andrews getting shot, a lot of shit have been happening, which caused Reggie to go beast mode and constantly calls me or texts me whenever we're not together. It was cute but it was getting annoying now.

Reggie being in the Red Circle was always stressing me out. Anytime now, the Black Hood could attack him or even worse, kill him, and I couldn't even live with the thought of him six feet underground.

"I know you're staring." Reggie mumbled, startling me out of my thoughts.

I giggled as he opens his eyes and blinked up at me. He smiled at me before planting a kiss on my collarbone. "Hey, you just missed Phineas and Ferb."

Reggie groaned as he held me tightly, taking a deep breath before chuckling. "Damn, I guess I'll have to wait for it again tonight."

"If you're asking me if you can stay the night, then it's a no." I said, patting his head.

"But babe--"

"Reg, my dad will be taking us out later in celebration for my brother's birthday." I interrupted him.

Reggie arched his eyebrow, "Your youngest brother?"

I simply nodded at him. "And don't worry, the Black Hood can kiss my pepper spray and pocket knife."

"It's not safe out there babe. I don't want you going out without anyone with you. The Black Hood is still out there trying to attack 'sinners' or whatever. I mean, he could've attacked the Southside." He rambled on.

"Squeeze you?" I retorted. "First of all, I'm a strong, independent woman who can handle herself. Second, I'm going out with my whole family. My dad used to be so good at boxing, you know. And third, not all Southsiders are bad people. Don't judge a book by it's cover, Reginald."

I rolled my eyes as he sighed loudly. "Fine, but for the record, Southsiders attacked us the other night."

"You mean, Archie brought a gun to their side of the town, and threatened the Southside Serpents with it? Or did you mean when Dilton stabbed himself with his own fucking knife?"

"Can we not argue about this?" He pulled me closer to his chest. I rolled my eyes for the hundredth time this day.

"Fine, but it's not over yet, Mantle."

By the time it was 5:45pm, Reggie was slipping on his letterman jacket and planting a kiss on my lips. "Be careful, alright? And text me if you have arrived at Pops. Call me if there's any trouble, at all."

"Bye, Regina George!" I teased him as he climbed out of my window. The nickname started when we were watching Mean Girls and I pointed out how their names were kinda similar, and both of them are quiet popular at school; from then on, the nickname was stuck.

-

By the time Monday rolled down, I drank two cups of coffee to get through the day and all the shit thats gonna happen in school. I pressed a quick pat on the head to my dog, Bean, and went outside, stuffing my earphones inside my ear as "Meet Me In The Hallway" blasted loudly. Riverdale wasn't as innocent as I thought- too much lies and secrets that lies within each houses that I'm passing by. From the outside, they look like your typical, posh family, but in reality, they might be involve with murders, crimes, drugs, and more unspeakable things. They aren't completely innocent, so how come they're always cornering and blaming things at the Southsiders?

In the corner of my eye, I saw Archie Andrews walking with a fast pace, glancing everywhere with so much paranoia in his eyes. He's terrified after what happened to Mr Andrews, but bringing a gun to Southside and invading their territory  wasn't a smart thing to do. I feel sorry for him though, and I tried to help him once but he just glanced at me and walked away.

When I arrived at school, I saw students everywhere, most of them crowding the lockers. My eyes landed on my boyfriend, who was chatting away with Moose and Midge.  He was looking extra beautiful today; with his usual letterman jacket, black jeans and white shirt. His hair was fluffy as always, not a trace of gel seen. I tried not to stare too much, and walked towards my locker, but someone bumped into me purposely. I was gonna ignore it but they almost tripped me with their leg, causing me to stumble a bit. I regained my balance and still didn't look up.

"Watch it, loner." One of Reggie's friends snickered, earning laughs from people who saw the scene.

I bit my lip. "You we're the one who tripped me."

"As if I'd make any skin contact with a loser like you." He retorted, and I was so close to punching the hoe.

"Hey, Jay!" My eyes widened at Reggie's voice. Was he standing up for me now?

"What, Reggie?"Jay asked, glancing at the raven haired jock.

"Coach wants to talk to you."

"Now?"

"Now." Reggie said. His eyes were dark and full of anger, but his hesitation was clearer than the sun. I gave him a grateful look and went back to doing my business in my locker.

I was thankful that he saved my ass but it still hurts getting denied. I grabbed my stuff and went to my first class, taking a sit at the back and took my earphones and plugged them in, immediately blasting 'Kiwi' by Harry Styles. The song made me feel a bit better, but I feel so bugged inside. It's confusing.

It really bothered me that Reggie would choose his reputation over his girlfriend, and that should have been a wake up call for me to break things off with him. It should've been, but I'm so in love with him. It wasn't healthy, but I have to endure everything just so he would stay. Call me desperate but, when you're in love, you'd risk everything just to be with him.

"God, the things I do for love." I mumbled to myself and sighed. It was gonna be a long ass day.

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author's note: hello gorgeous! How are you? Did you like the first chapter? This is kinda shitty but hey, I'm kinda excited about writing this. Please do vote and comment, and read some of my stories. Thank you!

-your beloved author