Chapter 8: Jason Blossom?

Silence hit the diner with waves deafening sounds from FP's eardrums. Everything that was said before was basically wiped away by the black hole in FP's heart. It was bringing him back one of the worst times in the man's life. The fall of himself had that year, Jughead moving out of their trailer because of his drinking. It was also the time when Clifford Blossom threatened Jughead's life and to kill him like he did to his own son, Jason Blossom.

"Who's Jason Blossom and, why was I writing about his death?"

Once the words left his lips Jughead saw something in FP's eyes that scared him. What did he say to make such darkness overtake the man? How did this man make Jughead have this feeling he's known him all his life?

"Jason Blossom?" He nodded,"Well that's uh.. erm.. he was a teenager whose death was very tragic."

"How did he die?"

FP answered with a simple response. "Gunshot to the forehead." He visibly flinched from the reminder.

The bullet sounded with a ricochet in his memory. The stench of blood made his stomach roll at the reminder. He pushed away his fries, losing an appetite. He remembered finding Jason there, head lying limp on the chair and at that point he didn't know who or what had happened. On impulse he did what had to be done. He covered it up, and weeks later - - Labor Day, the first day of school dumped Jason's rotting corpse into the Sweetwater River.

"That's horrible," Jughead gasped. Just you wait, kiddo, FP wanted to say out loud. "Did they ever find his killer?" The question made his stomach hurt.

What was he supposed to say? 'Jughead, I was the one who covered up and his real father shot him point-blank in the forehead without a second thought?' He couldn't tell the boy that. It would probably scare him off. Well it would scare anybody off.

"Listen, Jughead… why do you wanna know so much?" Great, now he sounded heartless.

That question struck Jughead. Why'd he want to know so much? It wasn't like he was connected or something. Except he was, somehow. Why else would he be having dreams or - - flashbacks?

Eventually the two Jones men head for FP's and Alice's house. Jughead never told FP why he cared so much. He still didn't know why he did. He quickly dashed for upstairs to do his project before Alice made sure it was complete. FP walked across the house, pacing a hole into the hardwood floor with all the questions from Jughead re-playing in his mind. Alice heard something coming from upstairs and came up from doing laundry in the basement washing room.

"Babe, are you okay?"

He shook his head no, sighing quietly." No. Jug and I were at Pop's for lunch after his appointment."

"What happened?" Alice asked as she guided him to the island stool and made him take a seat.

"Everything was going well until he mentioned he was having dreams and flashbacks from his past."

Alice's eyebrows knitted with confusion." But baby, isn't that a good thing? He's getting his memory in flashbacks. I've read all about it. So why are you wearing a hole in your floor about this?"

"He asked who Jason Blossom was and why he was writing about his death. That's why I'm like this."

Alice took his hand into hers and said,"Oh, baby… I'm sorry. I know that's not an easy reminder."

"And then he asked me how he died.. oh, god, Alice. His face when I told Jug made me want to pull him into a hug and hold him. He looked so horrified. It broke my heart to not be able to say much." He removed his hand from Alice's and rubbed his hands over his face with defeat.

Alice felt her heart ache when FP told her this. She knew it wasn't easy on FP with Jughead asking all these questions and expecting answers.

"That's not even the worst part, Alice. He asked if they ever found his killer and my response probably made me sound heartless."

She removed his hands from covering his face, caressing the knuckles and kissed them. "You're not heartless. I'm sure he didn't think you were. He's probably just confused."

She tried convincing her husband, hoping something would get into his head. She hated how he blamed himself for everything that has happened. It wasn't his fault and for some reason he thought it was.

—xxx—

A little boy cried for help. "Daddy!" His heart raced rapidly in his chest when his leg was caught in the seaweed. "Daddy! Help!" The little boy cried for his dad.

A father, the little boy's daddy appeared from the water, watching his son kick and scream for him. The father swam through the water, trying to help his son before the boy had a panic attack.

"I'm coming!" The father yelled after his head poked up for air. His face littered with wet water droplets. "I'm coming, Juggie!"

"Hurry!" Cried the little Juggie." Daddy!"

Then a loud noise awoke him. Jughead pants with his eyes wide-open. This was the third night he had that dream. Everytime he had that dream he never saw the father's face. All he could see was the water droplets. Each time he felt an odd familiarity with the father. In this dream the man called for his son with the name Juggie. That's also his name. Why did this feel so close to home? He was growing frustrated at his lack of memory. It's been three days since the conversation at Pop's diner. An awkward wave flew around him when he and FP were around each-other. Thanksgiving is within a day from now. He heard that Betty, Polly and Charles are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. He was both looking forward to the holiday and also filled with dread. It would be his first Thanksgiving without his memory. He guessed making new memories would be good for his brain and him.

Suddenly he heard knocking coming from the first floor. He pushed himself to get out of bed and headed downstairs. He raised his hand and covered his yawn. Another night with not getting a lot of sleep can be difficult on someone's body. He made to the door, looked through the peep-hole and opened it. He was greeted by Betty, carrying five stacked containers on top of each other.

"What's all this?" Jughead asked curiously.

Betty chuckled, walking passed him as she carried the containers that were made from recycled plastic.

"Just some Thanksgiving food. Mom asked me to bring a few dishes to pass."

Jughead rubbed his stomach." It smells delicious. Mmmh I can smell it through the plastic covers."

Betty knew Jughead and stopped him before he could sneak a peek." Uh-uh, this is for tomorrow."

"But…"

She shook her head. "Still no, Jughead." She had to hold back the laughter that wanted to escape from her body.

He crossed his arms and pouted his lips." Oh, come on. One single peek wouldn't hurt anybody."

Betty laughed. "Oh, you don't know my mom then. She's not a fan of people spoiling their dinner before it's time to eat."

Jughead chuckled." You are right."

As Betty turned her back, strolling into the kitchen and set down the food. She could sense Jughead trying to reach for the food. "Don't even think about it."

Jughead snatched his hand away, stunned." H-H-How did you know?"

With her back still facing the fridge, Betty joked." 'Cause I know you, Jug."

—xxx—

Anxiously Alice checked the time on their clock in the room. It seemed like time wasn't going fast enough. Betty arrived two hours ago to help her mother gather the food for Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the family was going to be there at 5:30 in the afternoon and Alice still had to make the baked Mac and Cheese. She hadn't even started it yet because being busy with making a English trifle unlike Rachel's in Friends no beef was used in it. FP offered to help set the table and Alice nodded, kissing his cheek and thanked him. Jughead was still in bed until he was awoken by the sweet aroma smell sneaking into his nostrils.

"Mmmh! Alice, dinner smells amazing!" Jughead commented, plopping his butt on the bar island stool and inhaled the scent again.

Alice chuckled." Thank you, Jughead." She smiled as she and Betty mixed some Chex mix into a large bowl. "I'm glad you think so."

Betty poured three different Chex boxes into the bowl and one box of Cheerios. Her mom removed the oven dish from the oven that was buttered, salted and seasoned and used the wooden spoon to scrape the Chex mix into the aluminum pan. "How long should these take?"

"55 minutes."

"And the turkey?"

FP announced as he walked back inside after checking on the turkey." Has been in the deep fryer smoking."

Jughead hungrily licked his lips. "I can't wait to eat this wonderful food!"

FP, Alice and Betty chimed in, laughing." We know!"

"When is Polly and the kids' flight coming in?"

"They should be here in--" The doorbell rang before Alice could finish her sentence. "Now." Alice looked up as she put the Chex mix into the oven." Can come get the door?"

FP volunteered, heading for the front door, with his cooking apron tied on him. He shot a look behind him to see Jughead making a dash for the candy jar and then he heard Alice's scolding voice." Put those back! They're for the children!" He chuckled as he made his way to the door and untwisted the look.

Once the door opened, Juni and Dagwood ran straight into his arms, he hugged them close to him. Polly bursted into giggles when her eyes met FP's outfit. It was the kitchen apron that Alice brought him for Christmas last year when she said that FP needed to cook more.

"Nice apron, FP." She joked.

Shaking his head, FP replied." Ha, ha."

He crouched down lower and squeezed the grandchildren into a big hug. "Oh, I've missed you two!"

The grandchildren giggled." We missed you too."

Polly chimed." Their birthdays are coming up."

FP widened his eyes and his mouth dropped in shock." No, way! How old are you guys going to be now?"

"We're going to be 10!"Juniper exclaimed happily

"Double digits, I see!" FP smiled as they approached the kitchen amidst Alice's cooking up a storm feast.

Polly brought Candied yams topped with marshmallows the twins drizzled on top. When they walked in, Alice quickly stopped what she was doing and embraced her eldest daughter. She helped Polly with her coat which FP placed in the guest room for later. Alice asked about her flight. Polly explained that getting two nine-and-a-half-year-old twins to pack lightly during luggage check point wasn't a piece of cake at all. Alice and FP laughed. Oh, they sure had their own travel stories about airports.

While Polly offered to help FP check on the turkey. She wanted to make sure her step-father didn't blow up a turkey like Archie Andrews had five thanksgivings ago. Veronica had told her about it one night on the phone when the former new girl called. Veronica wanted to check in and see how Betty was doing. Betty had told her that Jughead had been hurt. Polly explained to her that Betty was having a hard time adjusting but it was getting easier. The fashion empress asked why didn't Jughead seem like he recognized her. All she did was tell her that when Jughead was in a coma and from the impact in the car accident caused him to lose his memory.

FP noticed something about Polly. She was happier, smiling. He had known Polly for sometime now and he's always made sure that she's happy. Even with all the things going on lately at the hospital Polly seemed generally happier and carefree.

"So… are you seeing someone?"

Polly blushed, avoiding his eyes." Oh. You so are if you can't look at me."

Polly exhaled." I guess you could say that."

FP took off the lid on the deep fry and stuck the thermometer into the turkey to check the temperature. Then removed it and recovered the thanksgiving entree with the lid. He looked back up at Polly and smiled warmly.

"Is this guy treating you good?"

Polly nodded, smiling." Yes. He is. He's good with the kids too."

"That's always a good sign. You don't want to be with some jerk that doesn't do well with kids."

"You're right, it is."

FP sat down at the backyard table set. Polly sighed quietly, taking in the fresh Riverdale air as they sat. She looked at him with soft eyes and inhaled.

Riverdale always had the best scenery in her opinion. She missed being home and was actually looking forward to Pop's Chocklit Shoppe, sipping down a strawberry milkshake. After moving Polly had to escape the reminders of Jason. When her and the twins moved it was the best thing for them at the time. Polly wanted a fresh start. And now being back brought back some memories, some good and bad.

FP's feet were propped up on an empty chair. Polly shook her head, laughing at FP's protective questions. He really was that type of Dad. JB told her that her first boyfriend nearly failed his test. Once the word former gang-member left his mouth the boy was scared. He knew that he better not mess this up.

"How are things at home?" FP sighed. "Is Jughead adjusting well?" Polly asked.

She saw the look on his face that said it all. "Well… to be honest he's having a hard re-adjusting. He just told me the other day that he's having dreams and flashbacks about his life before. He even asked who Jason Blossom was and why'd he write about the man's death?" The mention of Jason still felt foreign to hear ears.

"Jason?"

He curtly nodded." Yeah… it was hard for me to hear too."

"What other flashbacks? Are there others?" FP shrugged.

"I only know of what he told me."

Polly sighed, looking up at the sky when the silence grew thicker as the wind started to chill her cheeks. She hoped things started getting better soon. FP knew Jason was a sore subject for Polly. Sure she didn't blame him anymore but the memory of what had happened was still there fresh in their minds.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Betty and Alice were working hard on Thanksgiving dinner. Jughead left the room, finishing up some homework and he said he'd be down to help in twenty minutes. Juniper and Dagwood watched as their stomach rumbled. They were hungry. The plane ride food only keeps you satisfied for so long. Juni nudged her brother in the arm, Dagwood carefully reached over the countertop and stuck his arm into the candy bowl.

"Whatcha doing?"

Both twins froze. They turned their heads and saw their aunt and grandma staring at them, shaking their heads. "Uh…"

Alice approached her grandchildren and chuckled light at the fear in their faces. "It's okay. You can have some, I'm just messing you."

The twins both sighed in relief. Betty rolled her eyes at her mother, who shrugged. "What?"

"You scared them to death." Betty replied.

"Oops." Alice winked. She spotted the twins and cackled softly. "I'm sorry for scaring you guys."

"It's okay, Grandma." Dagwood said.

"Who wants to make cookies shaped as turkeys?"

"Me!"

Alice chuckled.

"Me! Me!"

"Mom, way to get them going. Polly's never going to leave us in charge of watching them again."

"Oh, Betty, relax."

Alice grabbed some sugar, eggs, milk, flour and a rolling pin. "Who's ready to make some cookies?"

Juniper and Dag's raised their hands." We do!"

—-xxx—

Everybody sat at the neatly decorated dining room table. FP and Alice were seated next to each-other by the front of the table. Polly and Betty were on the far right, Jughead was in the middle of them and next him were the twins. Further down the table sat Mary, Hermione, Tom, Sierra and Kevin. Charles came into the dining room, carrying two pies in his hands.

"Don't tell me you already started without me." Charles stated, setting down the pies.

FP got up from his chair and hugged his son." Not at all." He paused, looking at Jughead," But I can't promise about that one there."

Jughead rolled his eyes." Wow, no faith in me, FP." FP had to keep the heartbreak off his face.

"Nope. Because Betty told me what happened yesterday when she dropped off the food. You are sneaky."

Jughead smirked."I've got my connections."

Charles sat next to Kevin, who still thought he was hot. Kevin always found Betty's brother hot. He even told her that if he wasn't her brother he'd take him by the horns. Alice smiled at everyone at the table and then asked."Sierra, is Josie joining us?"

Sierra Keller sadly shook her head." No. She's not coming. She's in New York at her friend, Katy Keen's Thanksgiving party."

Alice frowned slightly."Oh, tell her she'll be missed. I hope she's having a fun time."

Kevin smiled." I just got a text from her before I showed up. She's having fun and looking fabulous while doing it." Betty and JB laughed.

"Always hyping everything, Keller."

"As always."

Charles added." For one I admire that, Kevin."

Kevin blushed." Thanks." And then paused," Where's Caleb?"

"He's on a business trip."

Jughead was suddenly hit with a flashback. Again at that diner and he's typing on his Apple MacBook. It is deemed that he's writing something. The words are popping up yet.

It's been a week since the discovery of Jason Blossom's body. But his death is not the first, nor would it be the last casualty that the town of Riverdale would suffer. The Twilight Drive-In where I work, my home away from home, a piece of town history, is closing for good, just when we needed a place to escape to the most. With Sheriff Keller knocking on every door and neighbor suspecting neighbor, Riverdale, every day that passes, is becoming more like Salem during the witch trials.

Then the scene filled with four friends in a booth at Pop's diner. He was going on about some drive-in shutting down. Twilight-drive in? Why did that seem so familiar to him? It is mentioned as taken by an anonymous buyer with an offer the mayor couldn't refuse. A thought popped into his head. Who was the anonymous buyer? And why the drive-in? Archie, is having an affair with his teacher?! What the hell?

Archie, listen to Betty, Jughead agreed with memory Betty. A car horn broke their conversation and then the blonde got into the car with her mother who looked strangely like Alice. The next scene showed him talking to someone. It clicked to him it was Sierra Keller, Tom's wife. Who are the Southside Serpents? A gang?! What the hell is this town? He remembered spotting a snake on the coat rack in the mud room. Why did FP and Alice have that?

Jellybean? How did he know her? Was she somebody from his past? The name felt familiar to him. Apparently his parents didn't make a lot of money so they had him and Jellybean hide in the truck until they parked. The drive-in is his home.

"Jughead, are you okay?"

His mind kept repeating what he heard. "FP, he's in some flashback."

"Is he going to be okay?"

FP noticed that Jughead had gone silent and hadn't said anything. He tried to tap on the boy's shoulder, hoping to break into his thoughts and coax him back.

"Jug, it's okay. We are here."

Jughead blinked his eyes, jolting in his chair with a gasp. Everybody in the room looked worried. Alice gave Jughead a glass of some water. He took the water, gulped it down in three swallows and blushed as he caught everyone staring at him.

Betty grabbed his hand, stroking it. "Jug, what was it?"

Jughead cleared his throat." Uh… it was a flashback. They're not usually that intense." Betty's hand rubbed his back soothingly.

Alice stared at Jughead cautiously and asked." What was it about?"

Jughead turned to face Sierra and her husband, Tom. He wasn't sure what he saw but it was definitely her. Kevin was worried about Jughead Jones. He hasn't seen him since graduation. He looked a lot different, of course he has, Keller he's now 23.

"Who are you?" He asked Sierra.

Sierra sharply inhaled."I'm Sierra Keller." She pointed to her husband," This is Tom Keller, and his son, Kevin Keller."

"Nice to meet you guys." Kevin swallowed.

"You too, Jughead." It felt a bit odd to introduce himself. "I'm Kevin Keller. I'm Tom's gay son." He introduced himself as a nervous chuckle escaped his lips. He's always thought Jughead Jones was attractive. But he knew Jones wasn't gay, but he could dream about it.

Jughead shook his hand." Hello, Kevin."

Then the thought came back to him. "My flashback was about you."

"About me?" Kevin asked curiously.

Jughead shakes his head no and pointed next to Kevin." Her."

Her mouth falls open." Me?!" The former Mayor asked incredulously.

FP, Alice, Tom and Mary's eyes widen. His flashback was about Tom's wife? "Yeah. Weren't you the mayor?"

"Uh-erm… well yes, that was before I resigned, Jughead."

"Why, and who brought the Twilight Drive in?"

Mary and Hermione gasped. FP's heart was hammering inside his chest. The Twilight Drive-in had been torn down September of the year Jason Blossom was killed and his body was discovered. Memories struck him like a lightning bolt in the sky. Little Jughead and JB curled up in the blanket, giggling at whatever movie was playing at the drive-in theater that night while Him and Gladys argued about what bills to pay next. His kids pretended that just one night they were a regular family and it always broke his heart knowing that Jughead was aware of the fighting. He knew that Jughead heard them. The whole drive in heard them as Gladys slammed the car door loudly and threw a soda can across the parking lot. He always felt bad for his ex-wife running the kids time at the movies. They never got along and then his drinking got worse.

"You remember the drive-in?" FP questions.

Jughead ignored him." Who anonymously bought the drive-in that Jellybean and I went to when we were kids?"

JB's eyes sparkled with tears that were trying to break free. She gasped with her mouth covered by one of her hands. He remembered her? She literally bolted up from her seat and tackled Jughead into a hug. Jughead's taken aback when the raven haired threw herself into his arms. Jughead breathed out a surprised gasp and slowly let his arms wrap around his frame.

"Oh, my god… you remember me?" JB stammered, eyes wide in shock and disbelief.

Jughead watches as the eighteen-year-old's eyes filled with tears. "Yes-yes, I remember you." He confessed honestly as soon as those words fell through his lips JB sobbed.

"I-I can't believe it! I missed you so much." Jughead rubbed her back with his hand as his sister sobbed against his shoulder, soaking his shirt.

"I missed you too, JB." Jughead said as his eyes misted.

FP's heart swelled in happiness for his youngest. He knew that Jellybean had taken the news of Jughead not remembering her hard. Alice squeezed his hand underneath the table. She could see the hope in his chest expanding. Jughead saw FP's eyes on him and wondered what FP was thinking. After JB finally composed herself and lifted her head off his shoulder. She wiped her eyes and then elbowed him in the ribcage.

Jughead yelped." Ow! What was that for?"

"For forgetting me and getting into a damn car accident!"

"I didn't do it on purpose." Jughead said as he rubbed his sore ribs.

Betty hugged JB. "It's okay, he's okay." She whispered softly to JB.

"Don't ever do that again, jerk face."

Jughead smiled sadly." I'll try not too."

Alice could see the wheels turning in FP's head and hoped for some goods. Alice asked to say a little thanks for helping Jughead remember more and more each day. This was an improvement. And one of Jughead's doctors called and left a message saying that Jughead is starting to relay his life back together.

After sometime Alice settled in and began serving Thanksgiving dinner. FP kept an eye on Jughead as he ate. He really wanted to ask if he remembered him, but he didn't want to overwhelm the man. Hermione confessed that Hiram is the one who made her buy the drive-in and have it torn down. Jughead was shocked but shook it off. He wanted to eat. He grabbed some garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, some candied yams, cornbread and lastly the turkey that FP deep fried in the fryer. Mary took a bite and lowly moaned with a mouthful of turkey in his mouth.

"Mmmm, FP. This turkey is really good!" FP chuckled at Mary.

"Thank you! But it's no Fred's." Mary laughed lightly.

"No, it isn't but it's damn well just as good."

"I'll take that as a compliment then." He joked.

"At least I'm having turkey this time. The last time I had Thanksgiving in Riverdale Archie blew up our turkey. Lesson learned: no deep-frying turkeys indoors."

Hermione and FP's eyes widened."Seriously?"

"I'm not kidding. It actually saved our life from crazy vigilantes." Mary explained as the rest of the room sent her shocked expressions. "The turkey blew up when a gun was in front of me. Fred knew we were in trouble." Alice and Mary's eyes watered.

"Oh, wow. I remembered hearing from my partner the next about that." FP repiled.

—xxx—

After dinner FP helped Alice clean off the table and set up for dessert. He grabbed the boxed pies that Charles picked up from the store and lifted the lid carefully. With a knife in hand, FP cut the two pies into eight pieces. Alice pulled him aside, massaging his shoulders. She could feel the tensed muscles through the flannel material on his shirt.

FP moaned." Oh, that feels great."

Alice moved her hands again, leaning closer to him. She was so close he could feel her breath on his neck. He rolled his shoulders back and she resumed getting the knots out of his neck and shoulders.

"Are you okay?" He shrugged," I mean it, FP. Are you okay because you don't seem like it? I know Jughead remembered JB is hard on you. It's going to take time."

He threw his hands up in frustration. "I'm not mad about that. I'm happy that he remembers his sister,but…"

"But you also wish that he remembered you." Alice finished. He gives a shaky nod, trying to keep his tears at bay.

"Yeah.. it's so hard." He admitted, rubbing furiously as he tried to keep his eyes from burning.

"Do you want to cut dessert to be shorter?" FP shook his head." No. No. It's fine. I'll be okay."

Alice stared at him." Are you sure?" She asked again.

He bobbed his head, sighing quietly." Yes, baby, I'm okay." He grabbed the paper plates." I better get these pies served."

Alice was left alone in the room after FP left with the pie boxes and festive paper plates stacked on top. She sighed to herself as the door swung closed behind FP. A few hours later, Mary and Hermione headed home along with Tom and Sierra. Kevin rode with Charles since they carpooled. He just showed up first and then Charles realized he forgot the pies and had to go to the nearest supermarket outside of Riverdale. Jughead and JB caught up with each other while watching a marathon of Christmas movies. Betty took Juniper and Dagwood outside to get their early birthday gifts. Alice and FP cleaned dishes, put away Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator for the next day.

"I'll be right back." FP said as Alice drained the dish tub.

"Where are you going?"

FP shrugged his shoulders." I'm probably just going for a short walk."

"Do you want me to come along?"

"I'm sorry." He shook his head," I don't mean anything by it, I just need some time to clear my head."

Alice gave a small smile." It's okay. Take your time." She watched as FP disappeared through the back door.

—-xxx—

FP knelt down on the cold grass, blowing air from his mouth and saw fog appeared in front of him. The dark loomed around him as the navy blue jean jacket almost barely kept his body warm. He rubbed his hands together to keep them warmed up. His breath could be seen in the cool fall air. The fall leaves blew on the tree above FP and his arms were folded close to him.

His hand brushed against the stone as his light-brown eyes dazzled in the glow of the light above him. Taking a deep breath, FP stared at the aging head-stone.

"Hi… Freddie. I know it's been awhile since I came here." FP sighed deeply," I really wish you were here, man. I'm sure you've been keeping my ass in line from up in the sky. I know you're up there since… Fred is such an Angel." He joked as a heartfelt smile across his lips. He practically feels Fred rolling his eyes from beyond the sky.

The fading date on the headstone read:

Fred Andrews

Oct. 11th -- July. 4th, 2019.

Beloved father

Great Friend.

Rest In Peace.

He blinked back the tears burning in his eyes as his body began to numb. The time he really wished Fred was still alive is now. He knew what to do in the situation he's in. First of all his wife wouldn't cheat on him and he knew that for a fact. Mary would never hurt Fred on purpose. Like Gladys did him.

"Fred, I'm a mess. Trying to stay sober when all you want to do is fall apart. Jughead doesn't remember me or anybody beside his little sister. I'm happy for her but at the same time… I'm really fucking sad."

The wind blew in his face, chilling him. Everyday the weather got colder. Winter was approaching quickly. The snow started to sprinkle on the ground with white flurries landing in his hair. "I just found out that Jughead's not my son. What am I supposed to do?"

Five years without his best friend hurt like hell. He still couldn't believe to this day that Fred Andrews was gone forever. "He's my son, Freddie… may not be by blood but that boy is my son through. I don't care what the DNA says about it. I'm not letting one difference take Jughead away from me."

A tear surpassed his barrier and rolled down his cheek as he was brought to his knees in front of Fred's grave. His fingers ghosted against the engraved name, feeling the smooth but rigid edges.

"I can't believe it's been five years without your guidance and friendship. You saved me from my darkest moments. I-it's hard without you here." He sighed as his voice began to tremble.

He took one last glance at the moon high in the sky, Illuminating the graveyard. "I can't do this on my own!" FP laid his head in his hands and broke down." Fred! Why can't you give me a sign?" I don't want to do this all on my own. I need my best friend."

He racked his hands through his curls, gasping for breath." Don't make me go through this alone, Freddie! Please… please.. I-I-I can't deal with this by myself!" FP cried hoarsely as a lump suffocated his lungs, keeping him from breathing through his tears.