You will never know what's behind my skull
So won't you say good night, so I can say goodbye
You will never know what's under my hair
So won't you say good night, so I can say goodbye
You will never know what's under my skin
So won't you say good night, so I can say goodbye
You will never know what is in my veins
So won't you say good night, so I can say goodbye

-Anathema by Twenty One Pilots

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It was a normal day for everyone but Bea Coeper. She was finally sixteen, and she was very excited to say the least. The raven haired girl had everything planned for today, and no, her family wasn't on the list. She was planning on calling Sweat Pea and the others to Pops and do whatever they want. She wanted  to go to the carnival, and be happy, even just for a bit. Although, she kinda hoped that her parents would have something for her, like cash or two. 

It was really odd to see Bea in a good mood, especially in the morning. She brushed her black hair repeatedly, smiling a bit at her reflection on the mirror. Her eyes gazing on her outfit, which was a black long sleeved croptop, and some loose, denim, ripped jeans. Since it was her day, she made sure to curl her lashes, and wore her favorite lipstick. Her eyes was clear from any eyeshadows-- she wasn't a fan of them-- and her face was not covered with any foundation or concealer, leaving it bare and clear.  Thank God for not having any pimples. 

Humming to a random tune, Bea placed the brush back to its place and grabbed her favorite perfume. She sprayed it on her neck, top and wrist, loving the scent of roses and cherry. It took her awhile to put her gold necklace and her favorite pair of earrings, grinning from ear to ear when she was finished. Bea grabbed her wrist watch and stood up, slowly twirling to see her outfit. 

"Perfect." She muttered to herself as she bent down and slipped on her black boots. 

By the time she went down to the dining room, she was greeted with silence. She looked around for any sight of her mother or father, and even Betty, but no one was there. Shrugging, she went to get an apple and took a seat on the chair. 

They're probably somewhere getting me something. Bea was hoping that her parents would have a little something for her, and when she didn't see anyone this morning, her hope didn't die down, for the day was still starting. 

Suddenly, the door opened, and Alice Cooper entered with a bag of grocerries. Standing up to help her mom, Bea waited for her mother's birthday greetings. 

Alice smiled at her, and gave her the bag. "Hi, sweetie." The woman was shocked to say the least when Bea accepted the bag and placed it on the counter. She watched with confused eyes as her daughter smiled at her. It was odd, very odd. "What's up with you today?" 

Bea's smile dropped. Oh. Her own mother didn't even remember her birthday. The lady who fucking gave birth to her didn't remember. It made her feel so unimportant, and so useless. Bea wanted to rip out her own hair in dispair, she was so fucking done with this. So fucking done. When will she ever matter to anyone? 

"Oh, when did you even started wearing jewelries now, Bea? And lipstick? What is happening to you," Alice chuckled as she went upstairs, leaving the raven haired beauty alone. 

Scoffing, Bea shook her head and rolled her eyes. Guess she disappointed herself with her own expectations. Lesson learned, kids, never expect anything if you don't want to be disappointed. Her heart clenched at the thought of her own mother now remembering her birthday. She felt tears pool her eyes, and thank God for waterproof mascaras. She sniffed quietly, and wiped the tears away. The day was not done yet, and she still has her friends to celebrate her birthday with. 

Sliding on a booth at Pops, Bea glanced around and smiled at Pops who was busy at the counter. She searched for her phone in her jean pockets, and dialled Toni's number. She waited anxiously for her friend to answer, but unfortunately for the birthday girl, Toni was not answering. Her eyebrows furrowed as she called Toni again, leg bouncing up and down in anticipation. She really hopes that her friends would show up, even just for a little bit. 

'Hey, it's Toni Topaz, just leave a message and I'll get ba--' Bea huffed in annoyance, and scrolled through her contacts and clicked on Sweet Pea's number. She waited and waited, but he wasn't answering. She redialled again and again, but her patience was wearing thin. 

"Fucking pick up, Pea." Bea groaned, and her eyes widened when the Serpent finally picked it up. Fucking finally. 

"About time you finally answe--" 

"Look, Bea, can't really talk right now. I'm busy as fuck, and so is Toni," Sweet Pea cuts her off, and her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. She heard some comtions from the other line, and an unfamiliar voice of a girl. "Can you call us next time? We're really, uhm, busy." 

Bea hang up without another word, not waiting for any response from the Serpent. She smiled bitterly to herself, "Happy fucking birthday to me." She glances around and eyed the family at the corner of the diner, eating happily, and enjoying each other's company. She felt envious at the fact that she would never have that moment with her family. Bea stared at the girl who was laughing at what her father had said, and the mother smiling fondly at the two of them. They looked so happy, and so close, something that Bea Cooper would never have. It pained her to the core. 

When will I ever have that?  Bea thought, feeling as if she couldn't breathe because of the pain in her heart. Her eyes were brimming with tears that were threatening to spill, and she was so fucking tired she couldn't even have the power or strength to wipe the tears away as they spill one by one. She felt so unimportant, and she was done feeling it over and over again. Was she invisble? Maybe, because she feels like no one will even notice if she's gone. Scratch that, she KNOWS no one will. Why would they? She was nothing; she doesn't matter. 

Glancing down at her outfit, Bea laughed. "What a waste of outfit." She stared at the ceiling and smiled weakly. She feels so empty and drained. Every atom of her body was tired as fuck. She had hoped too much that Sweet Pea would come. He KNEW her birthday was today, and even Toni, yet, not one showed up. No one bothered to even text or call her, and that thought alone killed her even more. 

All of a sudden, a strawberry milkshake was placed in front of her. Her eyes watered even more as her eyes landed on Pops. He was standing there with a smile on his face, and a present in hand. "Happy birthday, darling." She couldn't hold it anymore, and sobbed quietly. Her tears fell on the table like raindrops. Her eyes  were closed as she cried her heart out. She felt Pop's hand rubbing her back in a soothing manner, and she has never felt so much love. 

"Hush, little B," The old man said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. His  heart broke for the youngest Cooper, and he would do anything just to see her smile again. She was like a daughter to him, and it pained him that she was facing everything alone. "It's your day, don't let anyone ruin it for you." 

Smiling through her tears, she looked at Pops. "Thank you, Pops. You're the only one I have now." She was thankful that there was only a few people in the diner, and no one saw her broke down. She still has a reputation to maintain just so you know. 

Pops grinned at her, "I am always here for you, little B. Always remember that," He spoke with so much fatherly love, and Bea felt so overwhelm. "Enjoy your day, B. Don't let anyone make you feel any less than special." He smiled once again before returning to the counter. 

After awhile, the pain in her heart didn't lessen, but she felt calm after what Pops said. Though, it still didn't change the fact that she was unimportant to the world. She knows that nothing will ever change if she's gone, nothing. On the other hand, she was planning to finally escape this shithole, and find another place to stay. Riverdale wasn't the town for her, but she would surely miss this town. 

Shivering slightly, Bea finished off her milkshake and burped, muttering a quiet 'excuse me.' The raven haired girl glanced outside and sighed. It was comforting-- Pops' words-- and it gave her a sense of peace and love that she never got from her father. 

"Happy birthday, Bea." Bea's shriek filled the entire diner, causing Pops and the other costumers to stare at her oddly. 

Reggie Mantle sat in front of her, a present in hand that was wrapped in a black wrapper and a gold ribbon on top of it. He was grinning, and Bea wondered if his cheeks weren't hurting from smiling too much. "Here you go, got you a present. Wrapped it all by myself." He looked pretty proud of himself as he handed Bea her present. 

It made her melt; someone other than Pops actually remembered her birthday. Smiling, she accepted the gift and placed it alongside Pops' gift. "Thank you, Mantle. How'd you know it was my birthday?" 

Reggie shrugged his shoulders, and leaned back. "I have it marked down on my calendar," 

"A little creepy, but thank you." Bea laughed, resting her chin on the palm of her hand. 

"I have always remembered your birthday though, but I was too shy to come over and greet you." Reggie explained, smiling sheepishly at the raven haired beauty in front of him. He was amazed at the way she laughed after telling her about that information, and the way her eyes twinkled a little, as if the sun was behind it, slowly inching out to be seen. 

Bea shook her head in amusement. "Reggie fucking Mantle? Shy? Wow." 

The boy laughed, "I know, but only when it comes to important people." 

The raven haired girl's blue eyes widen in shock, before giggling quietly. What in the world is happening?  

Clearing his throat, Reggie spoke, "So, since it's your special day, would, uhm," His voice was laced with determination and nervousness as he gazed at anything but the beauty in front of him. "I mean, do you wanna go to the carnival later this evening?" 

Bea's mind immediately went to Sweet Pea's promise to take her to that place, but then, she remembered how the Serpent spoke to her earlier that day. What an asshole.  Though, as much as it pained her to say this but, Sweet Pea was the only one who she wanted to be with at the moment. 

"As long as you're willing to ride the rollercoaster with me," Bea smiled, a mischievous look glint in her eyes that made Reggie gulped down harshly. 

"Then you're in for the longest ride, Mantle." 

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FEEDBACKS? 

author's note: Hiii! Happy holidays to everyone! This is my late Christmas gift to everyone who's still supporting and reading this story. I am deeply sorry for not updating for how many weeks or even months! I had a lot of shit going on. But, I hope you liked this chapter. Don't forget to VOTE AND COMMENT DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS. I love you all. 

-All the love, B.