"What happened to your hand?" Jughead showed up at Millie's door that morning to walk her to school with a cup of her favorite herbal tea. She took it as a peace offering. "Did you have a bad hair day and punch a mirror?"
"I don't have bad hair days," she answered, flipping her hair. Millie's left hand was covered in a white bandage. It looked worse than it felt. "I tried to pet a cat. Turns out, I'm not an animal person."
"Listen, did Darry talk to you?" Jughead was once again walking on glass around her. Millie hadn't been thrilled to find out that Polly Cooper was carrying Jason's baby, but it only cemented what she already learned at Jason's memorial. Jason didn't love her as she loved him. He wanted to be with Polly and Millie had to accept that. "I wanted to tell you myself but Darry pulled the big brother card."
"Relax, you don't need to buy me tea and give me a tissue," Millie answered, though she was already halfway through the drink. "What happened to Jason is tragic and it's hard because we were once really close, but I have to let him go. I wish Polly the best. There's nothing more I can do for Jason."
Millie slipped her hand into Jughead's. He seemed surprised but didn't let go. She continued, " I'm okay, Juggie. I promise."
She knew Jughead didn't quite believe her, but he didn't question it. "So I was thinking…about mini golf."
"Don't quit writing, Salinger. You aren't making a career out of it." Darry shook her awake that morning to tell her that last night he and Betty found Jason and Polly's getaway car…but whoever killed Jason set the car on fire. He asked her to join a search party after school to help find Polly, who had escaped from the Sister's a Quiet Mercy, but she refused. She told him that she needed to take a brief step back from the Jason Blossom's murder investigation. Millie knew exactly who she wanted to do it with. "I was thinking maybe we could try bowling next…or maybe a paint night. I know we're not twenty-one, but Reggie can get as fake IDs."
"I don't think I want to ask Reggie Mantle for any favors, but I could take you up on bowling." Before either of them could decide if they wanted to enter school holding hands, both of their phones went off. Kevin was calling Millie and Betty was calling Jughead. She had eleven text messages. All about Cheryl Blossom.
Millie dropped Jughead's hand and ran into the school. Cheryl had sent out a tweet demanding a witch hunt for Polly Cooper, who she was certain killed her brother. She raced through the halls, weaving through the students. Millie didn't care that her sister was talking to Dilton Doiley or Darry was trapped in a conversation with Ethel Muggs. What she cared about was Cheryl Blossom.
"Mimi," Cheryl begin when Millie approached. She was with Josie and the Pussycats, who felt the need to wear their cat ears to school. "Mommy gave me back the River Vixens. We need to work on a new routine. How's your ankle? Because we need to go bigger tha- "
Millie cut her off by grabbing her arm and yanking her into an empty classroom. While Josie had looked annoyed, Cheryl acted as though it was perfectly normal. "Listen, we can fix your hair, Mimi. If that's what it's about. "
"Cheryl! You tweeted that Polly killed Jason and that's what you think I'm upset about?" Millie had seen Cheryl care about her friends and family – she had even been one of those people, but she had also seen Cheryl be cruel.
"Think about it. Jason dumped Polly. If Polly broke out of whatever looney bin she was in now, she could have done it before. She has the means. Obviously, Jason loved you and not her. That's a motive." Darry had made Millie promise not to tell Cheryl, but Millie really wished she could. It didn't matter because not knowing didn't excuse calling for pitchforks. "Why are you so upset about this? Don't you want Jason's killer brought to justice?"
"Jason loved Polly, Cheryl. Not me. You read the letter, didn't you? He chose her! I have to let him go." Millie felt tears spring to her eyes over a Blossom yet again. "It's killing me, okay? But Jason loved Polly. I'm accepting that and you need to too."
Millie wanted to believe that Cheryl understood, but her face turned to ice. Her painted lips sneered. "Some of us, dear Mimi, can't just let Jason go. We can't all replace him with some dumb hobo we found at a booth in Pop's. Polly Cooper killed Jason and I'm going to make sure she burns for it."
Cheryl slammed into Millie's shoulder as she stormed out. As she rubbed her shoulder, she thought about how she could let go of Jason Blossom, but Cheryl? Cheryl wasn't letting anything go without a fight.
Veronica knew that Izzy would join Betty's search party. She was the kind of person who would do anything she could for someone in need…and Betty and Darry were officially a something, so Izzy said yes as soon as Veronica asked. She was surprised when Izzy brought Dilton Doiley along, but Kevin told her that the two had been hanging out a lot since the talent show. Izzy promised that his nature tracking skills would be of assistance, but Veronica thought Dilton might be more of a distraction from her current woes. Reggie didn't say anything when the two teamed up, but his face gave everything away. Despite ghosting Izzy, he was into her. Maybe he didn't know how to fix it, but Veronica Lodge did.
"Kev, I know I said that clubbing tonight was a therapeutic way to get back at my mom," she began, watching Reggie pretending not to stare at Izzy. "But I think we might need to do a little matchmaking."
"Oh my God, yes. Always. Who?" Veronica was surprised he even asked, but Kevin rolled his eyes. "Well, as much as I love Reggie's muscles, he did pull a disappearing act and while Doiley is as annoying as they come…"
"First off, ew." Veronica watched Izzy and Dilton. He was showing her something on a tree, moss or markings. While Izzy didn't appear grossed out, but she also noticed Izzy take a sly peak in Reggie's direction. "Second, Izzy likes Reggie. Third, Rizzy is a way better couple name than Dizzy."
"Name wise, totally better, but…I don't know. I heard them talking about snakes earlier and I was totally bored out of my mind, but Izzy was having the time of her life. Dilton would probably worship her in a nerdy never-had-a-girlfriend sort of way. Less ego than Reggie too." Veronica rolled her eyes. Kevin clearly didn't know how girls worked, not that he really needed to. He could argue all he wanted, but Veronica was already picking out Izzy's outfit in her mind.
"Um, Dilton Doiley might know about trees and snakes, but Reggie's clearly into Izzy. Look at him." Veronica and Kevin watched Reggie closely. As Reggie walked by Dilton and Izzy, he stopped to fake a yawn and spread his arms over his head, flexing his muscles. When he walked away, he peeked over his shoulder to see if Izzy was looking, but she was distracted by something Dilton said. "See? He is dying for another chance with Izzy. We just have to give it to him."
Millie was working at Pop's when Cheryl came in, tear-stained and angry. She had just been wishing Jughead was there, but now she was glad he wasn't. The last thing he needed was Cheryl Blossom taking her rage out on him.
"You knew," Cheryl shouted. There were only a few people at Pop's, but Millie wished it was empty. "That's why you said it wasn't Polly, wasn't it? Because your new boyfriend and his Scooby Doo mystery partner told you."
"Cher –" Millie trailed off. Cheryl whacked the coffee pot out of her hand, sending decaf all over an empty table. "I just found out last night."
"I don't care if you found out two seconds before Alice Cooper's manipulative press conference. The first thing you should have done was to call me. You're mad at me for keeping my brothers secret, but you get to keep his crazy ex-girlfriend's secret?" Millie hadn't seen Alice Cooper's press conference, but she was sure it was a tactical move against the Blossoms. She didn't know why the two families hated each other, no one did, but she knew she hadn't meant to be a part of it. Millie wished she could have told Cheryl. It was an awful way to find out. "You don't want to be my friend anymore? Fine. I'm done making excuses for your selfish behavior."
"My selfish behavior?" Any hope Cheryl had of an apology was gone. Since being Cheryl Blossom's friend, she had spent years apologizing for her snarky comments and impulsive actions. Cheryl hadn't told her Jason's plan and that was why they weren't friends. If they had been, Millie would have broken her promise and called her. "You're a mess, Cheryl. Everything you do is just some play for attention. I'm sorry that's how you found out, but really? I didn't call you because I don't call you anymore. We aren't friends because of you."
"You're off the River Vixens and you're dead at Riverdale High. You know why? Because if you're not my friend, you're my enemy. This is war, Millicent Miller and I always win." On her way out, Cheryl knocked someone's meal onto the floor. She looked back at Millie and smirked. "Be a dear and pick that up."
Millie was fuming. She wanted to scream and run after Cheryl but she was working. So she did pick up the mess Cheryl has made, but she swore to herself it would be the last time.
After work, Millie walked home in a rage. There were two cars in the driveway. Her father's car and one with a bumper sticker that said: "I brake for snakes." She had been able to avoid meeting Ruthie the last time she was over, but she doubted she could avoid it this time.
The second she entered the house, Lionel called her into the sitting room. Ruthie and Lionel were sitting in armchairs next to each other while Darry and Izzy sat on the couch as far away from Ruthie as possible.
"Millicent! This is Ruthie, she's already met your brother and sister," Lionel began, smiling like there wasn't a single reason for tension. Out of loyalty for her mother, Millie was angry with Ruthie and her fury at Cheryl only made that anger worse. Darry looked incredibly uncomfortable and fidgety, but Izzy looked relieved to see her. Millie pushed herself between Izzy and Darry, forcing Darry closer. He had been suspiciously quiet about Ruthie's appearance in their life and at moments like this, it felt like a betrayal.
"It's so great to finally meet you," Ruthie began, offering her hand to shake. Millie grimaced until Ruthie slowly put her hand down. "Your father says wonderful things about all of you."
"Really," Millie asked, faking Ruthie's level of enthusiasm ", because he barely talks to me. I'm so glad he has time to spend with you though. That's neat."
Izzy laughed in a snotty way that she could have only learned through being a River Vixen. Ruthie seemed more upset by Izzy's laugh than Millie's comment, so Miller linked her arm through Izzy's.
"Millie, I'm so sorry you feel that way," Lionel answered. She felt a little bad for hurting her father. She still loved him despite the affair ", but you're right. I think we should establish family dinners and spend more time together. Especially since my work schedule is going to get crazier."
"What do you mean crazier," Izzy asked, forgetting to be mean. Millie elbowed her. "I mean, any excuse to spend more time with her right."
"The insurance company is still investigating what happened with your mother's studio. Until the insurance money comes in, I'm going to have to do longer hours and overnight flights." The kids looked at one another. Darry looked vaguely sick, which made Izzy look even more nervous. Millie just rolled her eyes.
"Was there a problem with the paperwork? Usually, a claim is processed within ninety days." Izzy had an answer for everything and could never keep it to herself.
"No problem," Lionel answered quickly - too quickly for Millie's liking. "Until my schedule calms down, Fred Andrews has offered to be available if you need anything. His house is right down the street and you're welcomed over with dinner any night. His home and cell phone numbers are on the refrigerator. And Ruthie has offered to stay over if it would make you more comfortable. She left her phone number on the fridge as well."
"She protects homes? I thought she only wrecked them." When Izzy didn't laugh, she looked at her father's face. Given the circumstances, Millie had been able to get away with a lot, but now Lionel just looked angry.
"Apologize. Right now." Her father stepping into his parental role felt laughable, but Izzy unlinked their arms. Traitor, Millie thought. "I mean it, Millicent. I will pull your ballet funding."
"It's alright," Ruthie interrupted, but Lionel shook his head. Millie really wanted him to take a cue from his new girlfriend. "She doesn't know."
"It doesn't matter. She needs to treat people with respect. She's right. I haven't been much of a father recently. This is how I start. Millicent, apologize to Ruthie." She felt tears spring to her eyes, but she wasn't about to let them fall in front of Ruthie or her father.
"Fine. I'm sorry, Ruthie." She must have sounded pretty genuine because both Lionel and Ruthie looked very surprised. "It's not your fault. I mean, you could have stopped it, but you didn't break up our family. He did. It's his fault. It's just easier to blame you because you didn't have an obligation not to. You're basically a stranger, but my dad? He's the monster. He drove us away and look what happened. He's the reason Mom is dead. So sorry, Ruthie. I hate you and you can't change that because it's not your fault. It's his fault. It's all his fault."
Millie stormed out and her siblings slinked out behind her. Darry went straight to his room, but before Millie could hide in her own room, Izzy grabbed her. Izzy hugged Millie as tightly as she could and Millie couldn't help but hug her back.