I forgot to wish everyone a happy new year. Also, I hope this is an ok chapter. I, literally, could not think of a name for the chapter, so the name is a bit dumb. Other than that, enjoy. If you have any suggestions, feel free to message me any ideas or suggestions you have for the story. It is almost over, but ideas are accepted and will be read before deciding. I WILL credit you on it. Also, there is one scene I took the idea from a MLP fan made clip with Button Mash.
Chapter 52: Feeling Trapped Then Darkness!
*Aria's POV*
It has been two days since my parents arrived in Riverdale. It's been awful! I had to lock my door, keep Allegro on a leash at all times, since my parents try to hurt him and vice versa, I hear my parents bickering to each other or yell at me for no reason, they purposefully praise Archie on chores, even the ones he messes up on, and all that junk. They don't know about Jughead and Dilton, thank goodness, but still say all my friends are fake. I even stopped my mother for trying to take/break my stuff. Today was different.
Why?
Lets start at a few minutes before it happened. I was carrying laundry downstairs, Archie's I might add, and saw him in the kitchen.
"Archie, I carried your clothes down, but you need to do them. I already did mine and I'm not even touching your nasty drawers." I comment as I headed to the laundry room.
"They're not that bad." He comments from the kitchen, on his laptop doing who knows what.
"Not risking it!" I called out as I put the hamper down.
"I'll do dishes if you do my laundry!" He calls out from the kitchen.
"You have to do them anyway! I did them 3 times!" I called out as I looked outside. It looked like a nice day for swimming.
"But I need to work on the car today!" He calls back as I enter.
"Too bad. I have stuff to do too." I say as I opened the fridge.
"Like what?" He asks me.
"I have to babysit Luke and Duke today." I say as I took out some juice.
"Seriously? I thought Betty was doing that?" Archie asked me. I pulled out a glass, unaware my mother entered.
"I'm doing Betty a favor. Remember? She and her dad are picking up her big brother Charlie." I informed him as I poured the juice.
"Oh yeah. Betty mentioned he lives in the city. Maybe you two met?" He asked. I laughed but then spilled juice.
"Oh shoot. Archie.~ You made me laugh too hard." I said in a playful whining tone as he laughed a bit too. I didn't get any on me, but reached for the sponge.
"Don't blame your sweet cousin on your clumsiness!" I suddenly heard my mother scold me. I tensed but tried to ignore her.
"It's ok. It was an accident, and a joke." Archie tried to defend me.
"No, it's not alright! Blaming others and being lazy! Typical! There are dishes in the sink and laundry to do! Why aren't you doing them?" She scolds me. I cleaned up my mess and looked at her.
"Because it's Archie's clothes, so it's his responsibility, and his turn to do dishes." I say calmly, though my blood was starting to boil, before drinking some juice.
"Are you talking back to me?" I heard her ask in a strict tone.
"You asked a question, I answered it." I said coldly to her.
"It's your job to do these chores! You're privileged to live here, yet you take it for granted! You make a mess, you waste food, and make your cousin do chores a woman is supposed to do!" She scolded me. I glared an icy stare at her.
"Men can do these chores too. I take nothing for granted, spilling a bit of juice was an accident, and you do nothing anyhow. Dad did laundry with me while you did nothing." I mentioned before drinking more juice.
'SMACK!'
My mother had come over and smacked me across the face as soon as I stopped drinking. I dropped the glass, remaining juice spilling and glass braking, as I held my cheek. I teared up, since this is the 1st time either parent hit me upon arriving, and felt it start to sting and burn.
"Don't you dare sass me young lady! Now you made a bigger mess!" She scolds as her voice raised. I heard running.
"What happened?! I heard something-" I heard my aunt say before stopping. Before I could blink, Aunt Mary pulled my mother away from me as Archie grabbed a broom.
"Don't you hit her!" My aunt yelled at her.
"She's my daughter! If I want to punish her, then I will anyway I see fit!" My mom yelled out in anger.
"Whatever she did or didn't do doesn't give you the right to hit her. Especially in my home." Aunt Mary spoke calmly but firmly to mom. Archie came over.
"You ok?" He asked softly.
"Yeah..." I lied in a soft tone. Archie looked at me, knowing I was lying, but didn't call me out on it.
"Don't you dare think you're better at raising children than me!" Mom yelled out as she looked like she was turning red.
"I'm not saying that, but I don't allow violence in my home." She scolds mom.
"I-I'll clean it up." I said softly as I reached for the broom. Aunt Mary looked my way, knowing all the work they did to keep me happy, to feel free and loved, was starting to go in reverse quickly. We then heard the phone ringing.
"No. No, it's ok sweetie. You go answer the phone." She tells me.
"I'll clean it up. It's ok." Archie added.
"O-ok." I say and quickly headed to the living room to answer the phone.
"She needs to clean up her mess!" I heard my mom yell out in anger. I didn't hear much else as I answered the phone.
"Andrews residence, Aria speaking." I answered quietly yet politely.
"Hey Aria, it's Pops. Could I ask you a favor?" I heard Pops on the other end. I wiped up my tears that were starting to fall.
"Sure. Anything to help." I say with a small smile.
"Do ya think you could come in today? At least for an hour? I have to go to the post office and pick up a package from my sister and I won't have time to get it after work, with the summer hours and all." He tells me.
"Oh.. Um, well… I have to babysit." I say as I felt bad. Then an Idea came into mind.
"Would you mind If I brought the twins over with me? They could sit in a both and I'll buy them food while I work." I offered to him.
"Well sure, if you can handle it. I don't mind more hungry customers." He says happily over the phone.
"Thanks Pops. When do you need me over?" I asked him.
"In an hour or two if you can." He says sweetly to me.
"Don't worry about the uniform. Just toss on an apron and you'll be fine." He tells me.
"Ok. See you soon." I say as I hung up. I ran to my room and grabbed my bag, my skates, and my board before petting Allegro. He stays in my room, as miserable as he was, to keep him safe.
"I'll be back boy. Want a treat when I get back?" I asked him. Sometimes, I felt like he was a person. His ears perked up as he rose his head. He looked at me and nodded as his tail wagged super fast. I giggled and rubbed his head.
"Be a good boy for me." I say before I walk downstairs.
"Aunt Mary, I'm heading to the Donavon home to babysit!" I call out just as I saw my mother storm past me and into the living room. Uncle Fred and my dad weren't here, so this was tense for Aunt Mary and Archie, not too tense but enough. Aunt Mary came out with a pleasant smile.
"Ok sweetie. You be a good role model and tell Mrs. Donavon that I hope to see her this weekend for our girls night." Aunt Mary tells me happily, as she never let on how stressed or worried she was about everything right now.
"I will." I say as I gently hugged her.
"Thank you." I whispered in her ear before pulling away and heading out.
"If you need a ride, call me or Fred!" She calls out the front door.
"I will!" I yell back as I ran down the side walk. Once I ran down a few blocks, I turned my board on. I loved my hover board. I hoped on and started riding it down to the Donavon's. I had many people waving at me, and me waving back, as I rode. The magazine was published and I had middle and high schoolers ask for my autograph and seemed to be noticed even more in this town. Aunt Mary and Uncle Fred even preserved a magazine in plastic and bought a second to frame all the pictures with me in them. I felt a bit embarrassed, but they had praised me, while my parents scolded me and teased me harshly on it. Uncle Fred got them to stop. I swear, my parents only came here to make my summer hell. I stopped when I saw Veronica reading a magazine on a bench and went to her.
"Hey Ronnie, haven't seen you in a while." I said as I turned my board off and carried it while walking to her. She suddenly jumped up.
"How did you do it?!" Veronica suddenly exclaimed in shock. I tilted my head in confusion.
"How did I do what?" I asked her. She then put the magazine in my face. The page she was on was swim wear, where I was with Sophie.
"Oh,~ That.~ Well, I met Miss Darcy once, the day before Halloween, which is how I got that black lace dress, and she loved how I looked in it. She needed a red head and also liked how I'm different. So, since she's trying out new clothing idea's and reaching out to different genre's, she asked me to help out. I said yes, and every outfit I modeled, I kept." I explained to her.
"But how did you meet her?" She asked as she was still shocked and antsy.
"Well, she came to the Chock'lite Shoppe and accidentally spilled food on me." I say to her like it's no big deal.
"But… Why there?" She asked me.
"Because she was there with her nephew. Oh shoot! I need to go! Sorry Ronnie." I say as I turned the board on.
"Who's her nephew? And could you autograph this for me?" She asked as she pulled out her favorite pen. She only used that pen on special occasions. I smiled at her as I signed my name.
"Don't tell or get clingy, but it's Tyrone. Gotta go. See ya." I say as I gave her back the pen, hopped on the board, then zoomed off to the house. I hopped off the board, turned it off, then rang the bell. Mrs. Donavon answered the door with a smile.
"Thank you so much Aria. When Betty said she was gone for the day, I nearly panicked." She said as she let me in. She then walked to the kitchen, while putting earrings on, to grab her purse.
"Anytime Ma'am. I'm always happy to help, and I adore the boys." I say with a smile as I took my helmet off.
"They've been asking for you, and if I didn't have an emergency at the office, then I'd spend time with them. I'm just glad you showed up when you did." She said happily before turning to me.
"I get it. Work is work, and providing for your family is important as well." I say in an understanding tone. She then came over to me.
"What happened to your cheek?" She asked me suddenly. I felt it and winced, it still burned and stung a bit.
"Oh… Um..." I didn't know how to answer that one. She eyed me, like a mother would to her kids who try to lie or make up an excuse but didn't believe them.
"My parents are in town." I sighed out as I looked away. She'd seen my flashbacks from the orb back in the hospital, so she knew what they were like.
"Which one did this?" She asked me suddenly.
"...My mom." I said in a hushed tone.
"Oh.~ Are… Are you safe where you are?" She asked me quietly, so there was no chance the boys would hear. They knew too, but we still tried not to let them worry.
"Yes ma'am. This was… The first time since they arrived a few days ago." I assured her, but she still looked worried. She went to the fridge and grabbed an ice pack for me.
"If you're sure, but if you need help with anything let my husband or myself know alright?" She said as she put the pack on my cheek. I smiled softly at her.
"I will." I say kindly to her.
*It's so hard to believe everyone in this town is so nice… Well… Almost everyone.* I thought as I tried not to think of Vinnie Wells.
"Aria!" I heard two voices call out before I got tackled. I yelped and barely caught myself as I looked down at the terror twins. Actually, they weren't terrors that much.
"Hey you two!" I said cheerfully as I hugged them back. They were super cute.
"Aria, did you get hurt?" I heard the sweet Luke ask me. I then remembered the ice pack.
"Oh.. I fell doing a trick on my skates. Good thing I wore a helmet though." I lied with a half fake smile.
"You sure? It looks like a hand print." The rascal Duke asked, as he saw the mark after I moved the ice pack.
"Naw, it's all good. It was the way I fell, that's all." I lied as I set the pack down.
"You two ready to have fun?" I asked them happily.
"Yeah!" They both yelled out happily.
"Well, I'm off boys. Could I get a hug?" She asked them. They both ran over and hugged her.
"Bye mama." Luke said sweetly.
"Have an awesome day." Duke added as both boys gave her a kiss on each cheek. They changed a whole lot since that night. Almost one whole year actually. The boys were almost 10 now. Mrs. Donavon smiled and kissed them both before standing up.
"I will, and you boys behave." She said then headed out. I smiled from all of this as the boys came over.
"Hey boys, I have to cover a shift for an hour, but I can bring you two with me. So, how does lunch at the Chock'lite Shoppe sound?" I asked them sweetly. They smiled brightly and started bouncing around.
"Yeah yeah yeah! Burgers and shakes!" They cheered happily. I smiled and chuckled at their enthusiasm.
"Go get shoes on, we'll go together." I say. They darted out so fast, I thought they would leave a fire track on the floor. I went to the front door, where they stood ready to go, and left with them, carrying the spare house key with me.
"So? You boys excited for summer vacation?" I asked them happily.
"Yeah!" Duke shouted happily.
"We get to play, see you more, and no homework!" Luke shouted immediately after as the boys ran ahead.
"Remember to stop at the corner! And don't cross the street without me!" I called out as I took my time. They did as told and I smiled at that. After a while, we showed up at Pop Tate's. He saw me and rushed over.
"Thanks for coming Aria. I'll only be gone an hour." He tells me as he hands me an apron. I then thought about it.
"Pops… How am I going to make your burgers without your recipe?" I asked as it just hit me.
"Oh, no worries. I have pre made beef put aside for you." He tells me before rubbing the boys heads and walking out.
*Darn… Oh well, I'll discover his secret next time.* I thought as I put the boys on the stools in front of the bar area.
"What'll it be boys?" I asked them as I tied the apron on from behind the counter.
"Cheese burgers!" They cheer happily. I chuckled.
"2 cheese burgers, coming right up!" I say with a huge smile.
"Stay here ok." I instructed. They nodded as I went into the back and cooked. I came out and gave them their burgers.
"What kind of shakes?" I asked as I got everything ready.
"Chocolate/Mint!" They both cheered, picking a different flavor.
I smiled.
"Ok ok. One chocolate and one Mint." I said as I started making them. Once done, I gave it to them and started cleaning. I heard the door chime and looked up with a smile, but soon frowned at the sight. Vinnie Wells.
*Not good… Definitely not good at all.* I thought as he saw he. He smirked and strolled over.
"Hey Babe. Where's the cute uniform? And the old man?" He asked in a tone he considered flirting. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.
"What do you want?" I asked in an irritated tone. The twins heard that and quietly looked over.
"I came in for some nachos, but I'll take you instead." He says with a sleazy smile and a wink.
I shuttered.
"Do you plan to pay for the nachos?" I asked as I tried to ignore him.
"I could pay in o-" He started saying, but I covered his mouth.
"There are children present! And no money, no service! No loitering either!" I scolded as I started turning red.
"So?~ Am I getting those nachos?" He asked in an 'I'm not doing anything wrong' tone. My blood was boiling, but I stayed calm.
"Only if you pay." I tell him as I crossed my arms. He huffed in annoyance. He then pulled out some cash and gave it to me. I took it as I kept glaring at him.
"Coming up." I said in an icy tone as I quickly got his food ready. The sooner he ate, the sooner he'd, hopefully, leave.
*Worse enough I have to deal with my parents. I don't need Vinnie around too.* I thought bitterly. He had kept his distance for a couple months actually. I'd find a note from him or something stupid like that. He only walked by me a few times too, and showed up while I worked but never sat in my section.
Until now.
*I hope Pops gets back soon.* I thought to myself.
"Hey!~" I heard Luke whine out. I took a peak over my shoulder, thinking Duke was taking Luke's fries or messing with him, and saw Vinnie had taken his food. My eyes narrowed as he started eating the fries. I snatched it away and gave it to Luke.
"Don't take his food!" I scold him, but he just leaned on the counter with a smile.
"But I was hungry." He said in an 'isn't it obvious' tone. I put his nachos in front of him.
"Here." I say coldly to him.
"So? Who're the brats?" He asked as he pulled out a cheese covered chip and began eating.
I rolled my eyes.
"I'm not a brat… Am I Aria?" Luke asked as he felt hurt. Duke had his arms crossed over his chest with a pout on his face. I ruffled both of their hair covered heads.
"No, of course not. Vinnie's a bully and a stupid jerk, that's all." I say sweetly to them.
"Pfft. I call them as I see them, and they're brats who should be in a cage." Vinnie said rudely. I glared at him.
"Knock it off, or I'll kick you out." I warn him.
"Don't test my patients babe." He tells me.
"Then don't test mine." I tell him. He gave me a snarl but then smirked. I could tell he was thinking of something.
"Heh. Looks like someone already punished you for me. What's the matter? Been a bad girl?" He asked in a teasing tone as he started eating more of his food. My blood was like lava at this point.
"No! She fell off her board! Now leave her alone!" Duke yelled.
"Shut it brat!" He yelled.
"Vinnie! Shut up and behave or you're out!" I yelled out in anger. The twins were shocked at hearing me yell like that, but Vinnie got mad. He leaned over the counter, grabbed my left arm, and yanked me close to him.
"You want me to hit you?" He hissed through his teeth.
"Do it! Do it and I'll have you arrested!" I say with malice. He was going to say something but yelped and let me go. I looked and saw the twins start hitting him.
"Leave her alone!" Luke yelled as he teared up. He hated violence.
"Yeah you big jerk!" Duke yelled as his hits seemed to be harder. Vinnie shoved them to the floor before standing. I didn't notice an adult walk in.
"You two are cruisin' for a bruisin'!" He said in rage, face turning red, as he got ready to hit. My instincts came in and, before I could think, I jumped over the counter and onto his back, putting him in the sleeper hold. Ronin had taught me and Midge this a while back.
"You leave them alone right now!" I yelled at him. He started struggling as the twins hid behind the counter. Soon, Vinnie fell to his knees and I let him go. I pant as he fell over.
"Boys. You ok?" I pant out as I kept my eyes on Vinnie. He was out cold for now, but I wasn't sure for how long.
"We're ok." Luke called out.
"Mind if I ask what's going on?" I suddenly heard. I froze as I looked up to see the Sheriff. AKA Mr. Were-cop. I didn't know what to say or do at this point. Luke and Duke immediately got in front of me.
"Don't arrest her!" Luke cried out worriedly.
"Yeah. Mr. Jerk was going to hurt us!" Duke added after. The Sheriff only smiled and shook his head as he chuckled.
"Well, I saw that part. I just need to know what he did." He says kindly. I sighed and smiled softly as I told him everything. As soon as Vinnie woke up, the sheriff had him by his arm.
"Up to you Miss Andrews. Do you want to file for harassment?" He asked me. I was going to say yes, when an elderly lady came in.
"Excuse me. I'm looking for-Vincent! There you are!" She had asked in a kind yet worried tone but then saw Vinnie and beamed happily.
"You had me worried sick. What's going on?" She said but then noticed the situation and asked worriedly. Vinnie looked away with a grumpy face as a thought hit me.
*His grandmother.* I thought as she looked very concerned.
"Are you in trouble again?" She asked as she held her heart with worry. I felt guilty. I hated Vinnie, but his grandmother didn't need to suffer more than needed. The sheriff looked at her with sad eyes.
"Well ma'am, he-" The sheriff started saying, but I stepped in.
"He tripped and the Sheriff was helping him up." I said so suddenly.
The Sheriff and Vinnie looked back at me with shock. Heck, even I was shocked at what I said. I made a slight head gesture to let Vinnie go. I'd deal with it later.
"Um.. Yes. Yes, I was helping the boy up." The sheriff said and let him go. Vinnie moved away and brushed off his arm.
"Oh, well that's very nice of you. Say thank you to the nice man Vincent." She said sweetly to him. He grumbled out a thank you.
"Did you get your nachos?" She asked Vinnie with sweetness. I immediately packed them up and a to go cup of water as well. I went over to them as Vinnie didn't know what to say.
"Yes, and he ordered them to go, along with some water for you, so he could enjoy them at the park with you ma'am." I say sweetly as I pushed the bag in his hands and kindly gave her the water.
"Oh my! How wonderful! It'll be a pleasant day indeed!" She said happily. Vinnie was trying to argue but his grandma grabbed his hand. The old lady was short, about to Vinnie's chest, and slightly hunched over to seem shorter. She had white hair in short curls like Annie and wore an outfit almost like Miss Grundy's but in a pastel green and a sweater instead of a blazer.
"Thank you for helping Vincent, and thank you for your service miss.. Oh dear, I don't know who you are. My memory seems to be fading." She said as she thought she forgot me. I chuckled.
"No Ma'am. You're memory is fine to me, but we never properly met. My name's Aria Andrews. I go to school with Vinnie." I say sweetly to her.
"Oh my, you're Aria. The nice girl who flirts and compliments my son everyday." She said sweetly with a bright smile. My eye twitched when she said that.
*He's definitely been telling lies.* I thought sourly.
"Um, sorry ma'am. I… I just say nice things to him, not flirt. I already have a boyfriend...s." I said as I muttered the last part.
"Oh dear. I'm so sorry for the embarrassment. My grandson must've been mistaken. Now, come along Vincent. You can play with your friends another day." She said sweetly and started pulling him out the door.
"Aw grams!~" He whined and muttered, but she heard nothing as she pulled him out the door and down the street. I just stood there watching in silence.
"He didn't deserve that." The sheriff said suddenly.
"I didn't do it for him." I said softly.
"I understand. I could still file the report in case he tries again." He said kindly as I turned and went to the counter.
"Sure. Maybe, doing something nice instead of the fighting, will maybe encourage him to do good. Spending time with his grandmother might help as well." I say as I wiped the counter down. The twins listened as they sat down.
"Maybe, but Vinnie Wells is a rotten egg. He might never change." Sheriff said as he sat down.
"He might be rotten, but there's still a small amount of room to change." I said as I got him his coffee. Sheriff smiled as he added in his cream and sugar.
"Yes, that's true, but I'm afraid he'll never change." He said before sipping his coffee.
"Yeah, but still. Gotta set a good example." I say softly as I pointed my thumb at the twins, who were now eating.
"Milkshake race! 1 2 3 go!" Duke yelled before he and Luke started drinking their milkshakes fast.
"Babysitting too?" He asked me.
"Yeah. Pops will be back shortly." I say with a smile.
"Anything I could get ya?" I asked him.
"A burger sounds nice." He said with a smile before taking another sip of his coffee.
"Raw I take it?" I asked jokingly. Sheriff choked on his coffee before chuckling.
"No no. Not this time. Medium rare works better." He said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"GAAAHHHHH!" We heard. I looked over and saw Duke holding his head before falling on the ground.
"Gaaahhh! Aaahhh! It hurts! It Hurts! Ahhhaaa haaa! Aaaahh!" Duke cried out as he rolled around holding his head, while Luke just sipped his milkshake and ignored his brother. Duke had finally calmed down and just laid on his side.
"Oh, hey a quarter!" Duke exclaimed happily, as he took the quarter and then hopped up on the chair happily. I giggled as I tried not to roll my eyes.
"Always an adventure with them." I say before heading into the back to cook the burger. I heard sheriff chuckling as I prepared his food. I brought it out to him and smiled happily. As soon as I did, Pops came in.
"Well, hey Sheriff. Lunch break already?" Pops asked as he came behind the counter.
"Yes, and about time too. I've had a busy morning." He commented before biting into his burger.
"Any problems?" Pops asked me. "A small one, but nothing that couldn't be handled." I say to him.
"Well, ok. Thanks for covering for me." Pops said happily. I saw the boys were done, so I went over and wiped their faces, picked up their dished, holding it all with one hand, and used the other to hold a wet rag to clean the counter with.
"Anytime. I never mind helping out." I say sweetly as I head into the back. I put these in the sink with water and soap and started washing them. Pops came in the back.
"You ok? The Sheriff told me Vinnie was here." He said in a low tone.
"Did he tell you what happened?" I asked in a hushed tone.
"Yeah. Did he hit you?" He asked as he pointed to my cheek. I looked away.
"No… My parents are here." I said quietly. That was all it took.
"I could tell the Sheriff." He suggested. I shook my head no.
"Not much to do really. I just need to avoid them." I said softly as I finished the dishes.
"Well, if you need more hours just to get out of the house, just tell me. I'll make a schedule for you, and if you need a day off, just let me know." He says kindly as he rested a hand on y shoulder. I looked at him and nod with a smile.
"Thanks Pops." I say kindly to him.
"Now, why don't you go take the boys out somewhere. I can handle it from here." He says as we walk to the front. I hung the apron up and smiled.
"Thanks." I say with a smile.
"You boys ready?" I asked as they had started running around. They stopped at the front door with big smiles.
"Yeah!" They both said simultaneously. I head over with a smile.
"Bye Pops!" I say and wave.
"Bye Sheriff!" I added as I opened the door.
"Bye!" The twins yelled and took off. I heard the two say bye as I rushed off after the boys.
*Sheriff's POV*
As soon as Miss Andrews left, Pops started speaking.
"Her parents are in town." He said with sadness and worry. I remember reading the medical reports and the weird mystery article. I even talked to Pops to make sure it was true. He confirmed it.
"I can't do much without a call." I say sadly to him.
"I know, but I know one of them hit her face. I can't prove it, but I just know it." Pops said as he grew worried.
"Well, I can talk to Archie and see if he will keep an eye on things." I say as I finished my coffee.
"That'd be helpful sheriff." Pops said as he refilled my cup.
"She's too good for this to happen. She makes this town, well, a little brighter." Pops commented as he looked around. No customers yet, but that was ok for him too.
"Yeah. She's a tough kid." I comment as I thought of when she helped rescue me from my werewolfism.
"This town wouldn't be the same without the Andrews, especially Aria." I comment as I smiled softly.
"Heh. This town is a lucky one with them around, and never too dull either." Pops added with a chuckle. I finished my 2nd cup and ate my food before standing up and paying for my food.
"Welp, better get back to work. I'll talk to the Andrews boy and keep my eyes and ears open." I tell him as I adjusted my pants by the belt.
"Thanks, Much appreciated." Pops said as he seemed happy. This would be kept quiet from Aria though. For her safety.
*Aria's POV*
I managed to get the boys home and put on a movie for them before hearing a knock on the door. I went to the door and answered it, but all I saw was a bouquet of white lilies.
"For the best babysitter, and girlfriend, in the whole town." I heard the complimenting voice of Jughead. I giggled and took them.
"Oh wow! Thank you!" I said happily before smelling them.
"I went over to see you, but a strange lady answered and said you weren't worth the effort. Then Archie came out and told me where you were." He replied as I looked at him.
"Sorry. My parents are in town. My mom can be..." I apologized and started saying, but I trailed off since I couldn't think of what exactly to say.
"I know. She seems worse in person." Jughead said as he rubbed the back of his head. I hugged him, not wanting to let go.
"Archie told me what happened. If you want, I could convince my mom and dad to let you stay over if needed." He said in a comforting tone as he held me close. I shook my head no.
"I don't want to be a bother. Especially when your mom is due soon." I said as I thought back to Christmas when she announced to us all.
"Yeah, plus I have my cousin coming over to see me. I didn't go visit him last summer, but he's still coming here." He tells me as I pull away.
"Oh yeah. When's he coming over?" I asked as I leaned against the door frame.
"In a couple days." He replies with that cute smile of his. I looked over and saw Archie in the car. I waved.
"You two going somewhere?" I asked him.
"Well, since Archie got movie tickets to see Leprechaun, and Betty, Veronica and Reggie are going, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me?" He asked so cutely.
How could I say no?
"I'll be done with babysitting in a couple hours. Could Dilton come with us?" I asked, since I was dating Dilton too and I wanted him to be a part of the group too.
"Sure. I'll even see if we can bring Midge, Moose, Big Ethel, Jimmy, Collins, Ronin, Geoff, Tyrone, and Tyler to tag along as well." He offered so suddenly. I smiled even brighter. A huge movie party.
"Yes! Sounds epic!" I said excitedly. I think Jughead knew I needed to be around my friends right now.
"Alright. Just don't let Big Ethel sit near me please." He said as he had a hint of worry. The girl still had a huge crush on him and would still hug him and stuff. I trust her enough not to steal or attempt to steal Jughead away.
"No problem." I say with a smile.
"Ok. We'll get you when you're done." He said and kissed my sore cheek very gently, as if to make it feel better, before walking backwards to Archie's car.
"See you later cutie." I said with a wink. Jughead blushed, then tripped, stumbled, hopped on one foot backwards before falling in the back seat of Archie's car.
"I'm ok!" He called out as he gave a thumbs up. I giggled before closing the door. I turned with pink cheeks only to see the twins staring at me with big mischievous grins.
"Who was that?" Luke asked me.
"Oh. Just Jughead." I said as I blushed darker and tried to use the bouquet to hide it.
"Your boyfriend?" Duke asked playfully.
"Y-yeah." I said shyly. The twins giggled before they chanted
"Aria's got a boyfriend!" Over and over. I laughed and spun them around.
"Alright alright. Enough teasing the sitter." I comment as I pushed them back to the couch and to their movie. They only giggled and sat down.
*3 hours later*
Mrs. Donavon had returned and Archie picked me up with Jughead and the others. I snuggled up to Jughead until we parked. We all got out, met up with the others, and soon sat down to watch the movie. I snuggled between Jughead and Dilton, not getting scared of the movie unlike Jughead and a few others, then Jimmy tossed popcorn at me from behind me. I turned and tossed gummy bears back at him. We ended up with a popcorn and gummy bear fight, which Jughead caught the stray food in his mouth happily, until the movie ended.
We all bolted out of there quickly so not to get into trouble. We all started laughing as we walked around the town. It was getting dark, but we didn't care much. We ended up at the park as I felt every trouble I had felt melt away. I smirked and lightly smacked Archie's arm before bolting.
"Archie's it!" I called out.
"Run for it!" Jimmy added and bolted. A few bolted away before Archie chased on. He tagged Tyrone and bolted near me. We played tag like little kids for over an hour until the sun had set. I was hiding behind a bush, panting softly with a smile.
Why was I hiding?
Well, I'm not it so I hide. Plus… I was tired. I had almost caught my breath when I heard rustling in a bush near me.
*Is someone hiding here too?* I thought as I quietly snuck over.
*I hope it's not a skunk.* I thought as I tried to be extra quiet. I moved the top of the bush and looked over it.
I saw nothing at first, but then something rose up and faced me. My eyes widened as I came face to face with yellow eyes and a tongue flicking out at me. I was at a loss for words as I heard it make a hiss/growl type of sound. I didn't move, actually my mind went blank, in fear of whatever it was would attack me. It's eyes were big, but I couldn't make out any other features. It flicked it's red tongue out once, then twice. On the third time, it opened it's mouth slightly. Drool of sorts dripped from its mouth. I saw a couple sharp teeth, though not too clearly, as it's tongue suddenly touched my cheek. Mind you, we were only a foot away, so it's tongue was very long. It licked down to my neck as I shuttered in fear and disgust. I was too scared to move though.
*Wh-why can't I move? I-I'm paralyzed.* I thought in fear as the tongue wrapped around my neck. I gave a small whimper of fear just before it tightened a small bit.
"Aria? Hey Aria! Game's over! Come on out!" I heard Midge yell out. The thing let me go and was soon gone.
"Hey, there you are. Aria? Hey, you-" Midge started asking, but I suddenly saw spots and fell. I had fainted from fear.
*Midge's POV*
I didn't finish my sentence before I saw Aria faint. I barely caught her before she hit the floor. She looked very pale and her neck was wet. She looked like she was terrified.
"Moosey!" I called Moose over, since he stayed close by me. He ran right over.
"What's wrong Midge?" He asked me. I looked over at him.
"Help me get her back to the others. She fainted." I said as I looked over at where she had been looking before fainting. Moose picked her up while I looked over. I saw nothing there though.
"What's wrong? Is there something there?" Moose asked me curiously.
"No… Not from what I see. If something was there, then it's gone." I said as I went over to him. Moose carried Aria to the gang as I followed in thought.
*Why did she faint though? Was she afraid? She's always brave though.* I thought as Archie came over to me.
"What happened?" He asked me with worry.
"I'm not sure. I went up behind her, letting her know the game was over, then she fainted." I explained to him.
"Where was she?" He asked me curiously.
"I'll show you." I say then walked him to where we were.
"She looks like she's afraid, like she was so scared she was frozen then fainted." I explained before showing him the spot.
"She was on her knees, looking over the bush. I checked, but I saw nothing." I explained to him. Archie then pulled out a small flashlight from his jacket pocket, almost like he planned this, before he shined it around.
*Guess he uses it on his investigations.* I thought, knowing sometimes he investigated things at night, and looked with him. I saw a shine on the ground and tapped him before point down. He shined down and saw…
a puddle?
Archie bent down and used his fingers to touch it.
"It's… Saliva." He commented as he looked around worriedly.
"There's no tracks though." I commented as we saw no tracks of any kind.
"Well, something was here. It scared Aria into fainting. But… What did she see?" He said then asked quietly as he looked up in the trees. Nothing. No broken branches, no tracks. This was impossible.
"Weird mystery time?" I asked him as he turned and gave that look.
"Yeah. A very weird one." He commented.
TO BE CONTINUED! MWAHAHAHA! ENDING IT ON A CLIFF HANGER! SUFFER! LOL. I'll be updating soon. Cross my heart, hope to cry, stick a cupcake in my eye. BYE!
