Chapter 30: 25th Of June

*Aria's POV*

Today was Tuesday, June 25th to be exact, as I woke up at 7 in the morning. I was glad I had no nightmares as I slipped out of bed and went to my closet. I pulled out my uniform for work and went to the bathroom. It was shut, meaning someone was in there, and decided to knock.

"Hold on." I heard Archie say on the other side. I heard whispering and grew impatient.

"Archie. I need to shower and get ready." I said as I knocked again.

"In a minute." Archie said as I heard more whispers. What was going on.

"Archie Andrews I need to relieve myself!" I nearly shouted as I then heard a flush and water run before he opened the door.

"Alright I'm done!" He said in a tired tone as he walked out. I rolled my eyes and walked in. Why was he whispering and what was it about.

"Probably figuring out pick up lines for Betty or new compliments to Veronica." I mumbled as I finished my business before running the shower. I started to undress when I heard a knock.

"Oh for the love of, Yes?" I muttered before asking loud enough over the running water.

"Do you need a ride to work?" I heard Archie yell through the door.

"It would be easier yes." I said as I sighed.

"Okay. How about I teach you?" I heard him say before I stopped myself from hopping in the shower and looked at the door.

"What?" I asked him.

"I said how about I teach you? To drive I mean." Archie repeated himself. I was ready to pinch myself.

"Yeah~, Sure~, Sounds good." I exasperated out in case it was a joke.

"Okay. Just hurry up so we can leave early." He told me as I heard him leave. Weird. I shrugged and started to shower. I had started my singing 'Shot through the heart' by Bon Jovi as I danced a bit.

*Archie's POV*

I had been in the bathroom talking to Veronica about setting up a party when Aria knocked on the door and, after a while, I hung up and acted like I just finished up. I then had the idea to bring her to work and talk to Pops about holding the party there. Aria agreed to letting me take her to work as I got ready and called Reggie, Betty, Jughead, Dilton, and Veronica back. I decided to talk to everyone else later and talked to mom and dad about the party. They thought it was a wonderful idea and we decided not to remind Aria of her birthday to make it a better surprise. Today was going to be perfect for her. Hopefully. I was talking with mom and dad about setting up the party somewhere and teaching her to drive as we heard the water stop and could hear her singing in a merry mood. I hurried upstairs and got dressed for the day.

*Aria's POV*

I got in my uniform and did my makeup the same way as last time except I added tiny white bows in my pigtails and hurried downstairs.

"Archie! Hurry up!" I yelled out to him as I shoved my extra clothes in my bag and grabbed my skates.

"I'm coming I'm coming." He said loudly as he ran down the steps. We went outside and then he tossed me his keys before going to the passenger side door.

"What?" I questioned in a flat tone.

"I told you I was teaching you to drive on your way to work. I wasn't lying and mom and dad said it was a good idea." Archie told me as I gulped. I was nervous because I didn't want to damage Betsy at all. I mean I was over the possessed car thing and her nearly killing me and all that but I still thought this car was beautiful and didn't want to ruin it at all. I got into the driver's side and buckled up before locking the doors.

"Don't be nervous. I'm right here." Archie comforted me as he buckled up.

"I hate it when you can tell I'm nervous." I told him as I sighed. I put the keys in and started the car right up. I made sure the seat and mirrors were adjusted before slowly driving off onto the road. Lucky me I didn't have to back up. I was trying to relax as I managed to drive to work in one piece. Archie told me how to back the car up into the parking spot and I was doing good until the tires hit the sidewalk.

"Oops." I muttered as I pulled forward a bit and parked.

"That's alright. It's a big car to get used to." Archie comforted me as I smiled and sighed a breath of relief. I then looked at the time and freaked.

"I'm almost late!" I shouted as I bolted out of the car, with my stuff, and ran inside to punch in. Once I did that, on time, I clipped my skates on and got to work. Pops was talking to Archie before he was handed a to go soda and left. I shrugged it off and continued with my work. It felt like there weren't too many people today but I kept at it. I had cleaned up a few tables and mopped the floor when Jughead came in and sat down at a booth. I skated over to Pops.

"Jughead's here, heads up, I'll get his order." I told Pops as he nodded and I went over.

"Hey Jug, The usual?" I asked him as I skated to a stop and pulled out my notebook and pencil.

"Hey Aria, What ya doing after work?" He asked me. I had to think about it.

"I don't know really." I said as I put the flat end of my pencil to my lips.

"Anyways, you want the usual?" I shook my head before I asked him.

"Is my tab all set?" Jughead asked as I looked in the back of the book to see his limit before looking at him.

"Yeah. You can get 5 more burgers with fries and a soda before you hit the limit and have to pay Pops back." I told him as he sighed.

"Alright. I'll get that and then pay him back later today." He said as I smiled at him.

"Coming right up." I said in a cheery voice as I went over to Pops and told him what he wanted and that he'd hit the tab limit after. Pops smiled and told me to deliver the to go order's in the parking lot. The way that worked is people would call and then confirm before paying inside or from the car. Then they'd wait in the car until the food was done, if it wasn't yet. I smiled and held the bags with the recipes and names stabled to each one as I skated outside. I skated up to the driver window with a smile.

"Name please?" I asked as I saw a couple kids from school. I recognized them as they told me the name on the food. I handed them the bags and gave them the total. They gave me some cash before they said to keep the change before I smiled and waved them off. I wrapped the recipe around the money and put it in my apron pocket. I skated from car to car and used the loose bills and change I had to give change when needed. I finished up and went inside to see Veronica and Betty talking to Pops at a booth. I shrugged it off as I went back to check on Jughead. I noticed he was gone but there was a note for me.

'Aria,

Had to run but I'll catch up with you later.

Jughead.' I read the note.

"Huh. Alright." I muttered as I cleaned the table and continued with work.

"Ah hey Aria." Pops waved me over. I skated over to him.

"Yeah Pops?" I asked him.

"Listen I don't need you right now so I'm relieving you early but can you come in at 4pm?" He asked me. It was only 12 in the afternoon.

"Alright. Are you sure?" I questioned him.

"Yeah. I'm sure." He said with a smile. I smiled back and nodded as I went to change into my blue one sleeve top and my shorts with my boots and black fingerless gloves on still. I kept my hair and makeup the same and was soon out of Pops. I ran into Jughead and smiled and waved him down.

"Jughead." I shouted as he turned and noticed me.

"Hey." He said as he swooped me up in a hug.

"Wanna come with me? I was heading to the pet store to get Hot Dog a new bed." Jughead told me as I smiled at him.

"Sure! I'd love to go." I said with a bright smile as he and I walked to the pet store together. We got there and I saw a bunch of adorable puppies in the front window.

"Oh my cuteness!" I squeaked out as I ran up to the window and looked at all the cute puppies.

"So cute!" I said as one of them saw me and waddled over to me.

"This is a special pet store." Jughead told me as I then looked at him.

"How so?" I asked him.

"Well I found out that most of the pets here are rescues that need homes. They have older animals, younger ones, and ones they saved from sickness and injuries. Unfortunately some are permanently injured." He told me as I gasped and looked at him.

"I buy things here to help them out." Jughead added in.

"Can I see the others?" I asked him as he knew what I meant.

"If they let you then sure." He said as I nodded my head. We went inside and I saw a lot of animals stuff and a few animals in cages. They looked healthy. Jughead took me to the back and I saw a few injured looking ones. I saw a half blind cat, a bunny with a missing foot, you name it I saw it. I wanted to cry after seeing the very few like this. I looked at them and then I saw a dog, a puppy possibly, in a cage put away from the rest of the dogs. Weird. I went over to it but was stopped by shop owner.

"I wouldn't go near that beast unless you want to get hurt." He warned me as I looked at him.

"Why not?" I asked him.

"That mutt is vicious and is going to be put down." He told me as I looked at the dog and tilted my head.

"Doesn't look vicious." I said as I looked closely at the dog. I could see German Shepherd in it as he just looked at me right back. He was baring teeth but not growling at all. His eyes were blue, like mine, so he was mixed with something and his fur looked a bit thin, as did he, and he looked smaller than most but what I found weird was he had floppy spotted ears.

"I can see German shepherd in him but what else is he?" I asked the shop owner.

"Australian shepherd." He said as I looked at the shepherd mix again.

"How old?" I asked again.

"He's a year old. What's it matter? He's not for sale if he's not friendly." He said as I kept looking at the dog.

"What did he do?" Jughead asked the owner.

"He's one of the abused dogs we found. He's been starving and beaten up badly. Even a few burns here and there. He was found outside of here and we only know he came here from another state. Dog traveled a long way to escape his home. Only problem is now he won't eat and he tries to bite people." The shop owner said, distracted by Jughead, as I took this as I chance to walk over to the cage.

"Hey there." I whispered as the dog backed up and bared his teeth at me.

"It's alright." I whispered as he soon stopped baring teeth at me.

"That's it." I said as he slowly came closer to me.

"I know how rough it is. I've had it rough too bud." I said as I put my hand close to the cage door. He was smelling my hand slowly.

"I know what it's like, to be hurt, burned, starved, alone. You won't get anywhere though if you don't stop this. I was lucky to get a second chance and I know you will too." I told him as he poked his nose out one of the holes of the cage.

"I'm Aria." I told him as I saw his tail wag.

"Are you a good boy?" I asked as he let out a mighty bark.

"Good boy!" I said as the dog laid down and showed me his tummy.

"Well I'll be." The shop owner said as I smiled at the dog.

"He just needs time." I said as I smiled at the dog. I didn't see Jughead grinning and pull the owner to the side. I talked with the dog and earned a few barks and before I knew it it was time to go. The dog whimpered and whined as I looked at him with a broken heart.

"I wish I could adopt him but I don't think Aunt Mary nor Uncle Fred would let me." I said as Jughead smiled and rubbed my back.

"If it makes you feel any better the shop owner said he'd keep him up for a little longer to try and improve his mood." Jughead said as I smiled at that.

"Yeah. That does help." I said as we wondered around a bit.

"Jughead do you have the time?" I asked him.

"Yeah it's 10 minutes to four." He told me as I gasped.

"I'm going to be late for work." I yelped out.

"I know a short cut." Jughead said as he took my wrist and we ran off to Pop's. We got there and, for some reason, the lights were off.

"Pops? You okay?" I yelled out the question. I grew worried until the lights came on.

"Surprise!" I heard as I saw a banner that said 'Happy Birthday Aria!' on it and some balloons and streamers all over the place. I saw my friends, Dilton, Archie, and Pops behind the counter with a smile on each face.

"What?" I asked in shock.

"Happy birthday!" Archie shouted out as I then covered my mouth. Today was June 25th. June 25th was my birthday. I forgot my own birthday.

"I can't believe I forgot my own birthday." I said in shock as Jughead led me over to a chair at the bar area as I smiled at all of them.

"How could you forget?" Veronica asked me.

"I don't celebrate it much. I guess that's why." I said as I sighed with a smile on my face. I soon heard music and looked so see Pops wheeling over a large cake, big enough for everyone, with a one and six candle on it. It was in white frosting with black music notes on it and black and purple frosting flowers all over it. It also read 'Happy Birthday Aria' in purple frosting. I was ready to cry as Archie was taking pictures.

"Go ahead and make a wish." Archie said to me as I looked at the cake, then everyone, then the cake again. What could I wish for? I had everything I've always wished for every year since I was 8. I closed my eyes and took a big breath.

*I wish things could stay this good for me.* I thought as I blew out the candles. I heard everyone clapping and I opened my eyes. I then heard music and saw food being served. I then felt someone give me a hug.

"It feels weird to not have me call you to wish you a happy birthday huh?" Archie said as I looked at him and hugged him.

"Thank you Archie. You're the best cousin I could ever ask for." I said as he hugged me back. I then saw a flash and heard a camera click. I pulled back and looked at Jughead.

"How am I not going to get this?" Jughead asked as I laughed lightly.

"Hey Archie? Where's Uncle Fred and Aunt Mary? And who paid for the party and planned it?" I asked him in curiosity.

"Don't worry about that. Mom and dad have it all covered. I was trying to plan this morning when you knocked on the bathroom door. Veronica couldn't hold the party at her place so I talked to Pops and he agreed to this. Also Mom and dad should be here shortly with your gift." He told me as I tilted my head in curiosity. A gift for me? Suddenly Pops handed me a piece of cake and my stomach growled.

"I forgot to eat today." I said as I enjoyed the, just found out it was chocolate, cake. I smiled and ate the cake and had some food with some soda. Soon it was time to open gifts. I got so much stuff. New makeup, vintage jewelery, Archie gave me a crystal ball on a black dragon holder, an expensive dress from Veronica, a few Disney snow globes, some horror movies, Dilton gave me a few science, mystery and horror books. I smiled and thanked everyone. I then at a smiling Jughead.

"Hey Aria. What's the one thing you've always wanted?" Jughead suddenly asked me as I tilted my head curiously at him.

"Huh?" I asked as I tried to think about it.

"What was the one thing you wanted but couldn't have at all?" He asked me as I then went wide eyed.

"You didn't." I said as Jughead smiled at me.

"That depends. I didn't do what?" He asked me as I then heard the door open. I looked over and saw my aunt as she edged me outside.

"You got him!" I shouted as I bolted out the door and looked at the parking lot to see my uncle with a leash. On the leash I saw a dog, the same dog I saw in the pet store, as his ears perked up and his tail started wagging with his tongue sticking out and looking happy to see me. I covered my mouth and looked at him. My uncle smiled as I bolted over in tears. I then bent down and hugged the happy dog as he let me and kissed me. Everyone came outside and saw me hugging the dog and him kissing me and all antsy. I looked over at Jughead and smiled with tears falling down.

"Jughead." I said as the dog licked my tears away.

"He needed a good home and Archie's parents said it was alright as long as you take responsibility. That's why I had you go with me. I know you want to save animals and I figured if I saw which one you liked the most then that would be one more saved." Jughead saved as I suddenly bolted over to him and hugged him. We both fell over as we hugged.

"Jughead I love him! Thank you!" I said in pure joy as I then heard my uncle yell out before I felt fur and slobbery kisses. I opened my arm and my new friend rolled me off Jughead before having me cuddle him and him kissing my tears away. I was smiling and laughing.

"What are you gonna name him?" Dilton suddenly asked me as I looked at the dog and he looked right back at me. I wanted to name him something strong willed but also something filled with kindness. I thought about it.

"I guess I'll call him Allegro." I said as he licked my face. Guess he liked the name. I grabbed his leash and told him to not hurt my friends or growl at them. He sat there and listened like a good dog. Once the party was over Archie brought me and Allegro home. I got inside and Uncle Fred wanted to talk to me. I went over and we sat on the couch together, with Allegro at my feet, as I listened to him.

"I don't mind you having a dog as long as you stay responsible for him." He told me as I nodded my head and kept listening.

"I also want to know why you got a part time job? Don't get me wrong, I think it's a wonderful idea, but I'm curious as to why." He told me as I sighed.

"Well for one thing I should earn money on my own, second thing is it would look good on future college applications along with an after school activity like the school choir I did, also I want to save up for my own car soon." I told him as he sighed with a smile.

"If you want a car then your aunt and I can help." He said as I shook my head no.

"I want to save up and earn half of it at least." I told him as he smiled.

"Alright. If you can save up $3,000 then we'll look for a car." He told me as I smiled and hugged him.

"Thank you Uncle Fred. I'm close to $1,000 already." I told him as he pulled me away and looked at me.

"I've saved most of my allowance along with babysitting the twins and working for Pops." I said as he laughed lightly.

"Then maybe we should get you a bank account and an ATM card only for now." He told me as I smiled at him.

"If you want to do that." I said as he nodded his head. I got up and found Aunt Mary in the kitchen and hugged her suddenly.

"Thank you Aunt Mary." I said as she gave a surprise oh while I spoke to her.

"You're welcome dear. You're family you know." She said as she turned around and hugged me. I went to Archie's room, with Allegro following me, as I found Archie and hugged him.

"Thank you so much Archie." I said as he saw a few tears fall down my face.

"I couldn't have asked for a better birthday." I said as he held me close to him.

"It's no problem. You're my cousin but you feel more like a sister to me. I'd do anything to see you happy." He said as Allegro barked. We looked at him and saw his tail wagging.

"I think Allegro agrees." Archie said as we chuckled a little. I then had Allegro follow me to my room and showed him my bed. I changed and hopped in bed as Allegro jumped up and snuggled next to me.

"Goodnight Allegro." I said as he gave a small gentle bark and kissed my cheek before he laid his head down and we both fell asleep.