Betty's POV

I sat there trying to get blackout drunk as I watched my ex-boyfriend talk to everyone but me about our break up. I didn't understand why Jug felt the need to push me away when we needed each other the most. But this time I was going to make sure it stuck. I couldn't take his back and forth games any longer. Now that Archie was out of jail and back with Veronica, I needed to take some time for me. I needed to find myself again. That was the one thing I agreed with Jug about. I was his soft spot because of all my damage he had to protect me. Well not anymore...I'm fucking fine protecting myself. I thought as I took a sip of my whiskey and coke. I was still sitting up on the bar counter as a six-foot-tall boy with brown hair, brown eyes and a leather jacket approached me. Instantly I realized he definitely wasn't Malachai.

"Hey." He said leaned up against the wall.

"Hey.." I said back with a sigh.

"I don't mean to intrude but you look like you could use some cheering up." He smirked up at me.

"Why do you say that?" I asked unamused at his attempt to flirt with me.

"The sad look in your eyes, like you're trying to be happy but on the verge of sobbing." He said as I looked up at him.

"I'm Betty. " I said before he continued to dissect me any further.

"The South Side Serpent queen...wow it's an honor." He said looking at me.

"And you are?" I blushed.

"Noah Rider..I'm taking over for Malachai after his recent detainment." He said looking at me.

"Street racing?" I asked.

"Battery assault attempted sexual assault and so on. " Noah said looking as if he really wanted to say something to me.

"Do you know who he did those things too?" I asked ramming my nails into the palms of my hands again.

"You.." Noah said as he placed his hand on my knee. "I wasn't there when it happened, but if I was he would be dead right now instead of in a cell. I'm not sure what would be worse. I know he's got a lot of enemies waiting for him in prison though." He continued.

"I'm shocked...no one's talked about since it happened..I really appreciate the fact that you care." I said as he smiled up at me.

"I've seen you in action before Elizabeth..you're special. I've never been in the presence of someone like you before. Don't let this break up hurt you. Your leader is an idiot to ever let you be single for a second." Noah said as he smiled at me.

"Noah as much as I love having you flirt with me..I'm not looking for another boyfriend right now. I'm just looking for a distraction so I don't claw my own eyes out." I sighed.

"Consider yourself distracted." He said grabbing my hand. I couldn't help but love his forcefulness.

"Where are we going?" I laughed as he pulled me through the crowd of people.

"Come on Elizabeth...you need a break. " Noah said as he led me out of Cheryl's and over to his bike.

"Smooth...but I think I'll take my own. " I said as I put my helmet on.

"Wow fiesty, I love it." He smirked at me as he led the way. The whole time I rode behind him, I wondered if Jughead even saw me leave. Or if he cared..regardless of what happened between Noah and me tonight I was thankful for him as a distraction from my broken heart.