"Talk? Babe, it's-" I looked down at my bare wrist, before looking back up at him with a sigh. "-way too late for that."

Sweet Pea all but rolled his eyes, "Come on, D—hear me out."

"You ditched me, Sweet Pea! Why would I want to hear a single thing you have to say? Better yet—why the heck should I?!"

"I was scared, okay? The Serpents are my family—they're the only family I've ever had! I couldn't lose them!" he answered, exasperated.

I didn't know how to feel about what I was going to say next. But I said the words anyway, my voice coming out a little more hopeless than angry. "And yet...you could lose me," I replied, slowly nodding. The sunken lines of his face brought a sadness to his eyes I hadn't ever really seen. I continued, "If you can see me in pain and still not choose me, then this isn't love, Sweet Pea."

Sweet Pea scoffed flippantly at my words, "Then why would I be here?!"

"Because you feel guilty!" I exclaimed, throwing out my hands. "It has nothing to do with me! So take your testosterone and what's left of your pride and put them anywhere but near me and my baby. Because I'm done."

"That's our baby, Diana," he corrected, angrily.

"You sold your royalties to this copyrighted work in progress the second you let me walk out of that bar."

I pulled open the driver's side door to the truck and Sweet Pea started toward me. In a flash, Toni appeared between us, holding up a hand to stop him. "Hey, back off, alright? You had your chance. Leave her alone before you make an even bigger fool out of yourself," she told him—not angry, but stern.

As I climbed onto the seat and slammed my door, I could hear them arguing. Betty quickly got into the passenger side and buckled in. "Are you okay?" she asked me, quietly and tentatively. I turned the key in the ignition and started up the truck. Honestly, I didn't know how the answer to that question. But I did my best to answer it anyway.

Nodding a little, I replied, "I will be."

There was no car in the space in front of me, so I stepped on the gas, and the truck sped forward through the parking lot. I didn't need to feel bad leaving Toni to deal with Sweet Pea—I knew for a fact she could handle him, as I'd seen her do it many times before.

I pulled up along the sidewalk in front of the Cooper residence and cut the engine. Betty unclipped her seat belt and reached for her door. "Just take your stuff right up stairs," she said, pushing the door open. "I'll talk to my mom."

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Betty?" I asked, with my eyebrows lowered.

"Yeah, it'll be fine. Don't worry."

She slid out of the truck and shut her door, and I sighed before opening mine. It was stupid to get everything and everyone inside before making the arrangements. But it sounded like Betty wasn't going to take no for an answer. Which meant I needed to get plan B ready so we'd only have to deal with the awkwardness of not being welcome for a little while. I pushed out of the truck and Cash peeled herself out of the middle seat.

She made her way out as I walked to the back, where Killer sat in the bed with our duffel bags. I grabbed Killer's leash and lead him to the door of the bed, opened the door, and he leaped out. "This is Betty's house?!" Cash questioned, in disbelief, as she stared at the big white house from the sidewalk.

"It's big, huh?" I smiled a little, leading Killer to her.

"It's huge!" she exclaimed, turning to face me.

I gave her Killer's leash, then reached for our bags. "It isn't much bigger than Ben's," I replied. "On the inside, anyway. It just looks bigger." I pulled out my bag and slung it on my shoulder, then pulled out Cash's. Cash started walking up the concrete leading to the door and I followed just behind her. It felt odd, going from house to house. But not once had FP tried to contact me so, obviously, he didn't care where I spent the night.

In my mind, it was the best thing for us. At least this way Cash wasn't sleeping on the street. So, I supposed it could be worse. I stepped around Cash as we neared the door, pulling it open myself. I was the first one to walk in. Cash went in behind me. As told by Betty, she went straight up the stair case just across from the door, ignoring the less than pleased sounds from the dining room and kitchen around the corner.

I, on the other hand, went to find the voices. Letting Betty speak for me and force her parents to let Cash and I stay didn't feel right. Leaving the bags by the door, I went into the dining room. As I entered, all voices went silent, and all eyes were on me. Hal was sitting at the dining table, Alice standing in the kitchen. "Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, I really don't expect this to be okay," I said, glancing between the Coopers. "But it's just for a night or two. I have another place but it needs a little work before it can be used. I can pay for the time we spend here, we'll get our own food."

"No, Diana-" Betty started shaking her head.

I held up a hand, silencing her. "I can't stay here for free. I can pull my own weight."

"Diana...we would...be happy, to have you here with us," Alice spoke up, speaking slowly, cautiously. Her words surprised me, but I was grateful. "You can stay with us as long as you need in order to get your next 'place' ready. And we'll help with whatever we can."

A quick glance at Hal said a lot. His tense body language was uneasy and disapproving. Incredibly apprehensive. But Alice finished her sentence regardless of his attitude. Betty smiled a little at her mom, her overall demeanor lit up with pride. "Thank you, Alice," I nodded once, with a closed-mouthed smile.

"Where will you be going next?" Alice inquired, curiously.

I inhaled, shoving my hands into my pockets, "My childhood home. Ben gave me the keys a while ago...I just haven't needed them until now."

"Do you need some help fixing it up? I can get volunteers!" Betty chirped, turning toward me with bright and excited eyes.

My general mood of the day caused me to instantly regret coming to stay there with her bubbly attitude, but I forced myself to stay as positive as possible. "As long as Jughead's not there, why not?" I shrugged. "Toni might know some people, too."

"Okay, great! When do we want people there?" Betty asked me.

Her use of the word 'we' was humorous, and she was already pulling out her phone to start a text with multiple addresses. "Um, tomorrow morning would be best. I have a shift at Pop's in a couple hours and I don't get off 'til late," I answered, calmly. She nodded as I spoke, biting her bottom lip in concentration.

Alice spoke up then, "Do you know what supplies you'll need?"

She lifted her coffee mug to her lips and sipped. I didn't know just what I would need in order to make that place live-able. After all, I hadn't been inside it in over two years. I shook my head. "I'm not sure. It's still got all the old furniture, but the paint and various appliances will probably need touched up," I answered. "The front steps were a death trap when I was living there—I can't imagine how bad they are now."

"Why don't you and Betty go take a look at it and make a list? Whatever you can't cover, I will," Alice offered, setting down her mug.

Hal looked over at her, "Alice-"

"Look at her, Hal. She's sixteen, pregnant, and living on her own—what am I supposed to do, ignore she exists like you're doing?" she retaliated, a bit angrily.

Betty and I both glanced between the Coopers with worried expressions. I didn't want to be the cause of an argument, or something that made their marriage even worse—if that were possible. But, when Alice wanted something, she tended not to let men stand in her way. Hal only sighed begrudgingly and looked down at his clasped hands, resting atop the table in front of him.

Alice gave the side of his head a look as if to say 'that's what I thought' before turning to look back at me, her features calming as she exhaled. "I'm really grateful for all you're doing for me and my sister," I said, starting to decline. "But I cannot take anything else from you. A place to stay is more than enough. I can scrape by to fix up the house on my own. Thank you for the offer, though."

"Alright...let me know when you change your mind," Alice nodded.

"If, mom," Betty corrected, raising an eyebrow at her.

Alice looked at Betty sideways, "No, when. She's going to change her mind and I will be right here when she does."

Betty gave me an apologetic look, but I waved it away. I had to leave the house a little earlier than I normally would have in order to stop by MLJ Comics before my shift started, with enough time to get done what I needed and get to Pop's on time. As I said goodbye to Cash, Alice said she would take her to school and that Betty would bring her home after. I didn't have any other choice but to agree to it.

Work started too soon to take her to school and ended too late to bring her back from school. Then I was off to plan on the way to the comic shop on the Southside. As I drove, I thought about what I was attempting, and it didn't seen too attainable—but I was going to try anyway. We would stay with the Coopers while I got the house ready, all the while working at both Pop's and MLJ Comics—if I got hired again—on top of going to school.

School was going to be an after thought. It would have to be. It was unfortunate, but it seemed like life was telling me something, constantly giving me challenges that made it harder and harder to go to school everyday. I was on the bridge when I felt my vest pocket vibrate with an incoming call.

Not taking my eyes off the road, I reached into my pocket and unearthed my phone. A quick glance told me just who was calling—someone I had no intention of talking to. Jughead. I hit the red button and stuffed my phone back into my pocket. Jughead didn't need to know where I was or how I was doing. If he knew, odds were that he would tell FP. And that was something I couldn't risk. That, and I just didn't want to hear his voice.

Finally, I parked the truck in front of the comic book store. It was my summer job, back before the ship hit the sand. Seeing the storefront brought back memories. Some fond, some not—I ignored them all regardless. As I pushed through the door, that familiar stench of cheap air freshener and moldy paper filled my nose. "Well, well well...I did not expect to see you back here just yet," Geoff, the store's long time manager, spoke to me from behind the glass counter.

I walked toward the counter, smiling a little as I replied, "Neither did I, Gee-off. But, alas, desperate times…."

"Ah, I see. You're here for an early position," Geoff nodded.

I stepped up to the counter and leaned into the glass. Geoff always liked me—I only know because he wouldn't shut up about it—so I hoped to use that to my advantage here. Leaning forward on my forearms, I looked up at him through my lashes. "Got anything open? Anything at all?" I asked, hopeful and curious. "You know my skill-set."

Geoff wasn't older than twenty-five, but the lines of his face were deep-set like he'd lived a long life of troubles already. But he was the happiest guy you'd ever meet. Tall, charming, naturally slim. The guy would have it going for him if I was at least three years older. He looked down at me with a sigh, obviously trying not to let a smile win over his thin lips. "I don't know, Diana..."

"Come on, Geoff, it's really a crisis. I need emergency money fast, and this is the first place I could think of," I stood upright, leaning my palms into the edge of the glass.

An eyebrow popped on his forehead, "It was?"

"Yeah," I nodded adamantly.

He sighed again, relaxing his shoulders. "I mean...Brianna hasn't come in to work this week—I guess you could work her schedule," he finally agreed. "It's from opening until three o'clock. Think you can handle that?"

I nodded once, "Absolutely."

"Alright, then. You start tomorrow."

With a second job squared away, and Cash securely at the Cooper residence, I could work my shift at Pop's in peace. Pop's got me a larger shirt to wear so I wouldn't stretch out my old one with the ever growing swell of my stomach. It was a little more comfortable having a larger size anyway—it wasn't as restrictive. The pregnancy hadn't started to hinder my ability to work quite yet, so I was still able to get quickly up and down aisles with trays.

It was rather quiet at the Chock'lit Shoppe that day, and it only seemed to get quieter as the darkness of night crept in. Finally, at around nine o'clock, it got quite busy—with the rapid influx of patrons rushing in and filling the Shoppe in the bat of an eyelash. One moment, I was watching a tumbleweed blow through the dining area. The next, I was the tumbleweed. I hurried up the aisle with a tray full of dishes and took them back behind the counter to the kitchen.

When I came back to the front, FP was walking in through the door, the bell above his head chiming to announce his unfortunate arrival. I didn't know whether to scream or to cry, so I did what I do best—I ignored his existence. I grabbed a pad and pen from the counter and headed for the aisles without looking in his direction. Something he expected, probably. And it didn't surprise me when he didn't try to stop me.

I didn't even feel his eyes when I walked down the aisle and checked on a few customers. Kevin and Sheriff Keller sat at a booth near the back. When I got to their table, Sheriff Keller lowered his voice pointedly before saying, "Don't hesitate to flag me down if you need any help." It was a kind gesture. Though, I wasn't sure I would need to cash in on the offer.

Regardless, I smiled and gave him a nod. "Will do. Thanks."

Kevin gave me a supportive and sarcastically enthusiastic thumbs up and I returned it before heading back up the aisle. It was kind of nice having a closer relationship with the Kellers. Kevin fluctuated between acting like a younger brother and acting like an older one. Sheriff Keller could almost pass for a dad, but fell into the supportive/protective uncle category. When I got up to the counter, FP was nowhere to be seen.

I assumed he was in the back with Pop, most likely asking about a job. The thought only brought dread to the pit of my stomach. Then the bell above the door rang, and I looked up from behind the register to find Toni, Ezra, Fangs, and a taller Serpent I didn't recognize walking into the Chock'lit Shoppe. My shoulders dropped as I sighed with relief upon seeing Toni. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," I commented, with dry sarcasm.

"That bad, huh?" she made a sympathetic expression, before smiling at me.

I sidestepped to the exit and stepped out from behind the counter to hug her. She hugged me tightly, reassuringly. "It's been a long day," I sighed, stepping back. Toni nodded slowly in understanding. More and more I felt like I could count on Toni for any emotional support I needed. And I wasn't sorry about it. Because she came through every time.

"Well, maybe a little good news will lift your spirit," she said, to which I raised my eyebrow, urging her to continue. She went on to say, "I found a few volunteers to help work on your place and get it ready for you and Cash, and—drum roll, please—we're going to get it done over the weekend."

"Wow, Toni...how?" I questioned, flabbergasted.

She shrugged up a shoulder, "I have my ways. We just have to do a walk-through, get the supplies, and then we'll get started."

"Thank you, that's amazing," I lit up, feeling the weight of some of my doubts and stresses lifting. "Now we just have to actually do it all."

"Yeah, I feel ya. By the way, these guys are just a couple of the volunteers—there are more, don't worry," Toni said, tilting toward me as her tone turned reassuring at the end. She stood back and upright as she continued to introduce the Serpent I didn't know, "Also, you know Ezra and Fangs already, but this is Jesse."

I gave a closed mouth smile and held out my hand, "Hi, I'm Diana."

Toni sidestepped to make space just as Jesse was reaching for my hand, taking it in his to shake politely. "It's nice to finally meet you," he said, nodding once. "I've heard a lot." Mid-handshake, my disapproving eyes rolled to find Toni, standing aside. She only smirked at me, winking once. I moved my eyes back to Jesse's, retracting my hand.

"I'm sure only the embarrassing parts," I smiled to match my sarcastic tone. "I've actually heard nothing about you—are you a new Serpent?"

He shook his head, with a casual smile, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans, "No, I've been away for a while. I just got back to town yesterday."

His response only made me further wonder why, if he'd been a Serpent for any length of time, I hadn't seen him before. Then it hit me. My expression dropped as my eyes raked over him, taking him in with new eyes. "Oh my- Jesse Jericho? Fifth-grade-bent-braces-Jesse?" I practically gaped, completely surprised.

"Whoa, what?" Ezra perked up.

Fangs added, confused, "How did you have bent braces?"

There was a light, dusted-on shade of embarrassment to Jesse's features, his eyes on the floor. Then they flicked up to meet mine. "Thank you," he nodded once, not at all happy about this change in conversation. Then he looked at Ezra and Fangs, "Let's go find a table, alright?"

"What are you kids doing here?"

I didn't dare look behind me, recognizing FP's voice. Only my eyes moved—looking to the left to find Toni. She had a slightly panicked look to her face as she watched FP while the boys replied. "Just grabbing something to eat," Fangs answered him, calmly.

"How about you get to it, then, hm?" FP stepped up at my right, into my peripheral.

Fangs and Ezra didn't hesitate to start walking down the aisle for a booth. Jesse was a little slow to follow, too busy glancing warily between FP, Toni and I to get going. Only a nod from Toni would allow him to leave us fully. But Toni stayed at my side without question. FP stepped around to stand in front of me, and I could finally see him face on. He eyed me for a quiet second before moving his gaze over to Toni. "Go on," he titled his head momentarily in a gesture.

"I'm fine right where I'm standing," she replied, defiantly, sidestepping closer to my left.

He stared at her, and she stared right back, for a solid few seconds before he turned back to me. "You're coming home tonight, so get your things from wherever on the Northside you've stashed your sister and be at the trailer after your shift ends," he told me, sternly.

I shook my head, "No."

"I didn't ask."

"And I didn't stutter."

It still baffles me to this day, that response. I don't know where I found the courage to say it. But it was something that needed to be said, a line that needed to be drawn. He stared at me with equally surprised and angered eyes. "Respectfully, FP, Ben is still my legal guardian. You have no power over me. Now—if you'll excuse me—I have a job to do," I said, keeping my tone firm.

I turned and started down the aisle. Kevin and Sheriff Keller were watching the scene from their booth at the back. Keller looked like he was ready to get up from his seat at a moment's notice, but I shook my head and made a hand gesture that meant it wasn't necessary. The Sheriff adjusted to a more relaxed sitting position, giving me a closed-mouthed smile and a nod.