OK! SO, THIS IS THE NAME OF THE COMIC EXCEPT FOR THE BOY PART, BUT I KNOW VERY LITTLE OF THE COMICS! I TRIED MY BEST WITH THE LITTLE INFO I HAD! I ALSO FOUND OUT, AFTER I TYPED THIS, THE GIRL WAS NAMED LISI BUT I THOUGHT VANESSA WAS A BETTER CHOICE! ENJOY PEEPS! IF YOU HAVE A REQUEST, LET ME KNOW! ALSO, I'M TRYING TO PLAN SOME GUEST STARS IN THIS FIC, SO, WHO DO YOU THINK THE GANG SHOULD MEET? PM ME TO LET ME KNOW!
Chapter 57: When Your Dream Girl/Boy Becomes A Nightmare!
*Aria's POV*
Another day in Riverdale. I had re-read Archie's article, about Jellybean's birth, all week and still felt proud. Apparently, Mrs. Jones was 5 weeks early from the due date. Guess Jellybean couldn't wait. Mr. Jones had given me a huge hug as a thank you and I was still getting praised and thanked for the whole thing. I was now on my way to see Jughead and Jellybean, both adorable I might add, as I carried a bag with me. What was in it? Well, I had decided to take up sewing classes this summer and made Jellybean some toys, clothes, and used my arts and crafts skills to make hair bows for her too. I also had a stuffed Jellybean for Jughead so he wouldn't feel left out at all. I get there and knock happily on the door. Mrs. Jones opens it up, looking tired, while holding a wiggly Jellybean in her arms.
"Oh, hello Aria. So nice to see you. Please, come in, Jughead's getting ready for work." She tells me with a weak smile as she moves aside to let me in.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jones, but I mostly came here to see Jellybean and give you some stuff I made for her." I comment as I show her a bag. Her smile brightened a little more.
"Oh, thank you sweetie, but you didn't have too." She says before Jellybean looked over. Jellybean saw me, her smile brightened up, and started reaching for me. I chuckled.
"Hello little one, you look happy today." I comment as I gently booped her nose. Jellybean giggled and clapped in joy.
"I wanted to, this little bundle of joy is worth it." I say cheerfully. Mrs. Jones guided me to the couch, to which we sat on, and I showed her all the cute stuff. Mrs. Jones fawned over my outfits, to which I told her sorry if they fall apart or anything like that, and adored the toys, which Jellybean grabbed a stuffed light purple bunny I made and hugged it very close to her while babbling. Mrs. Jones even gasped at the purple bunny pajamas I made for her and smiled.
"This is adorable! Thank you, Aria, you're the sweetest." Mrs. Jones complimented me, making me blush, while fawning over the bows next.
"It's no problem Mrs. Jones, I do this because it's fun and I love helping out." I admit as I watched Jellybean hug her bunny. I then felt arms around my shoulders, pulling me gently into a body for a hug. I could smell the pizza and smiled as I leaned into the hug.
"That's why I love you, you're an amazing girl." Jughead complimented me before kissing my cheek gently.
"You two are absolutely adorable together." Mrs. Jones complimented sweetly. I blushed darker while Jughead pulled me closer.
"By the way, why did you name Jellybean Forsythia?" I asked suddenly.
"Well, it's because my husband's father is named Forsythe, my husband is Forsythe the II and Jughead is Forsythe III." She said as she put the stuff away. I smiled and tried very hard not to laugh.
"Forsythe?" I questioned as I heard Jughead lightly groan.
"Mom!~ Aria didn't know." Jughead suddenly said, sounding embarrassed, as Mrs. Jones giggled.
"Well, she knows now. Besides, I happen to like the name." Mrs. Jones defended. Jughead only groaned as he hid his face in the crook of my neck.
"Well, as much as I like the nickname more, I think Forsythe is a very mature and nice name." I complimented him sweetly while secretly laughing on the inside at how the name didn't fit him at all.
"I can tell you're laughing on the inside because the name doesn't fit me." Jughead muttered in embarrassment. I smiled brighter and chuckled.
"So? I still think it's a nice name." I tell him honestly. It was amazing, but a bit scary, how he knew my inner thoughts very well. I then reached in the bag and pulled out the Jelly bean plushie's, one that said Jellybean that was pink and purple, and another was blue and purple that said Jughead. I showed Jughead the one for him and the other to Mrs. Jones.
"Oh! These are adorable!" Mrs. Jones fawned over the Jellybeans happily. Jughead took his and smiled at it.
"Super cute." He said happily, happy to have something that his and his sister would have something matching besides names.
"Want me to take you to work?" I asked Jughead as I looked at his smiling face, that was admiring the plushie, before he turned his attention towards me.
"If you don't mind." He says with a smile. I smiled brightly and kissed his cheek.
"Not at all, I have to go get my paycheck anyhow." I reply sweetly to him. I did drive today, but I usually don't.
Why?
1. It's summer and warm out.
2. I don't want my baby to get ruined.
Now I know how Archie felt about his car. Jughead quickly ran up to go put his toy away while I talked to Mrs. Jones and fawned over Jellybean.
"Mind if I hold her?" I asked her sweetly.
"Of course, you may. She just loves you." Mrs. Jones said as she handed me the happy babbling Jellybean. I smiled and cooed over how adorable she was.
"Aeeaa. Aeeaa." She said, making those sounds, as she smiled at me.
"Aww~, she's trying to say your name." I heard Jughead say as he came back and watched. I laughed lightly.
"Maybe, she's as smart as her big brother." I said as Jellybean giggled and squirmed. I handed her back to Mrs. Jones and thanked her.
"I have to go mom." Jughead said, going over and kissing her cheek, before helping me up.
"Oh Jughead, that reminds me, when are you going to clean your room?" She asked him.
"This weekend mom, or next weekend when I'm free." He tells her but sounded annoyed.
"It's getting bad sweetie." She reminds him.
"No, it's not." Jughead said before gently pulling me away.
"Oh, uh, Bye Mrs. Jones. Bye Jellybean." I call out before pulled out the door.
"Jughead, really, that was a bit rude." I say as I felt bad about leaving like that.
"Sorry, but my room isn't that bad." He tells me.
"Well, the last time I was there, it seemed ok. Then again, that was a few months ago." I say as I admit when we last went to his room. A pile of clothes had formed in the corner, bed not made, and a few plates on his desk.
"Yeah, but it's not as bad as she claims." He defended before we got in my car. I rolled my eyes but smiled as I started my car up.
"Whatever you say. But, if I find out it's not true, I won't be happy." I say to him, both playfully and a hint of seriousness in it, before starting to drive.
"It's not." He defends as he rolls his window down. He was pouting like a child and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Seeing you pout is adorable." I say to him. Jughead blushed but smiled.
"Hey, wanna see a movie tonight?" He asked me.
"Ooh, sorry Jughead. I, actually, have plans tonight with Big Ethel. You could-" I started saying but was cut off quickly.
"No~ thank you. I'll pass." He said very quickly in a scared tone. I laughed at how he reacted.
"I figured as much." I say as I calmed down.
"Why do you hang out with her? You realize she still has a crazy crush on me, right? Like, obsessive crush, right?" He asked me suddenly as he held back a shudder.
"Oh Jughead, she's a cool girl. She's calmed down about it, but I don't blame her for being 'madly' in love with an amazing guy like you." I say truthfully. Jughead blush as he looked away.
"She just gets over board." Jughead finally admitted.
"Maybe so, but she's constantly alone and ridiculed. I don't blame her at all, but I'll talk to her again about this. She's a good girl who deserves a guy in her life." I say honestly as I pulled up to the pizza place. Jughead sighed as he looked at me.
"I suppose you're right. You usually are." He said as he started to smile at me. He then kissed me gently on my lips as I turned to look at him.
"You have a great day and stay beautiful, my lovely angel." Jughead said softly, me blushing and stunned from both the kiss and his words, as he smiled very softly before leaving and heading into the pizza shop. I was stunned for a moment longer before smiling and drove off with a goofy grin on my face. I couldn't help it. Jughead had that power over me. Anyhow, I got to Pop Tate's and got my check, but before I left I saw Archie and Big Ethel sitting at a table talking. I grew curious and decided to pop over.
"Hey you two. What's up?" I asked curiously.
"Oh, hey Aria. I was just telling Archie about this weird movie I found." Big Ethel said as she patted a seat next to her. I sat down, fully curious now, as I leaned on my elbow.
"Weird? How so?" I asked her suddenly.
"Well, I only watched a small bit of it, but it showed some messed up stuff, like a woman combing her hair but then the hair falls out and shows a skeleton in the mirror she was looking at, a spider eating a bird alive, but the worst was when someone puts their finger on a nail and pierced her finger through her fingernail. I couldn't watch anymore, so I turned it off." She explained to us. I wanted to gag from the image that popped in my head of the last thing she said.
"Definitely sounds like a weird mystery." Archie said suddenly.
"I hate it when you say that about everything." I muttered as I had a feeling this would turn out to be either nothing or bad.
"*Sigh* Let's investigate already and get it over with." I say as I already regretted this.
"Really?!" Both said in unison.
"Eeyup. Might as well." I say as I stand up, ready to go. So, we headed over to BE's house and got ready to watch it. Well, BE set it up, but it wouldn't play. Archie and I messed with the cords and BE swore it worked last night. I sighed and felt bad. We decided to go into the kitchen and talk, but I forgot my drink, that BE gave us a bit earlier, and went back in the living room. Right when I got my drink.
'Bzzt.'
The TV turned on. By itself. Then the movie stated playing. I watched the disturbing sight before me, feeling sick from it, but I couldn't turn away from the sight. By the time it was over, I nearly puked. The tv went all static and I swore I heard a voice. I went over and leaned in close.
'BAM!'
I shrieked as hand prints appeared on each side of the screen. Then a skeleton face popped up, making me shriek, as it screamed loudly before laughing. Archie and BE came in just as a sign popped up behind the screen.
"Got'cha." It read before showing a familiar boy. Jimmy.
"If you're watching this, it means I got ya. It's a project I was working on but decided to share this with you. Thanks for watching my prank and, please, pass it on." Jimmy said with a huge shit eating grin before the screen went black. My heart raced as we watched what had happened.
"It was…" BE started but trailed off.
"A prank?" Archie managed to finish. My eye twitched in annoyance.
"I'm gonna kill him… Seriously… His prank went too far." I muttered in annoyance.
"Well, I'm glad it's only a prank." BE said with a positive attitude. I got up and went right to the phone and called Jimmy's number.
"Hello, is Jimmy there?" I asked calmly before Jimmy came on.
"He-" He started but I interrupted him.
"THAT PRANK WENT TOO FAR JIMMY! I NEARLY HAD A FREAKIN HEART ATTACK THANKS TO YOU! ONE OF THESE DAYS, YOUR PRANKS WILL GO TOO FAR AND, WHEN DANGER REALLY HAPPENS, PEOPLE WILL THINK IT'S YOUR FAULT JIMMY! SERIOUSLY!" I screamed into the phone, voice squeaking from rage, before panting.
"Nice to hear from you too Aria." Jimmy said in a stunned tone.
"IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?!" I screamed in fury.
"Sorry, but I thought it would be a funny prank. I had no idea it would be that bad." I heard Jimmy confess. I only rolled my eyes.
"Seriously, watch the pranks." I say and hung up, feeling a bit better now, as I looked at the two.
"Sorry, but he deserved it." I say to him.
"I agree, but it was a bit funny in a gross and horrific way." BE confessed. I sighed in annoyance but kept calm.
"I get it, but still not funny." I say as I finally calmed down.
"Well, I'm sorry the tape was a fake." BE said a bit sadly. I gently smiled at her.
"I figured it was either fake or something bad would happen. No worries though." I assured her.
"Yeah, it might've been a fake, but now we can investigate another mystery." Archie said with a grin. I then frowned.
"Is it the mole men again?" I asked in annoyance.
"No! Not now anyhow, but I heard of a machine that, supposedly, finds your soul mate and I've been curious about it." He tells me. This caught my interest.
"Hmm. I suppose, for the sake of the article, we could have a look." I say as I tried to hide my personal interest.
"Yeah right, you wanna check it out like me. You wanna see if Dilton or Jughead is your soul mate just like me with Betty and Veronica." He tells me, calling me out, as he smirks.
"Ok ok, so what? Let's just go." I say in mild defeat.
"We'll see you later BE." I say and follow Archie out to our cars
"Bye you two, and thanks for the help!" She calls out her front door, waving goodbye, before closing her door. We took the cars to my house first before I hopped in his and we were off. He had me read the directions to the location of the machine.
"I think this is the place." I said as we pulled up to a brick building. We parked, got out, then went to the door and rang the bell to the intercom.
"Yes? May I help you?" We heard a voice on the other end. I swear it sounded familiar.
"Yes, hi. I'm Archie Andrews, and this is my cousin, Aria Andrews. We write mystery columns together and were wondering about the 'Match Maker' machine you had?" He asked over the intercom.
"Archie. That voice sounds familiar." I whispered quietly to him. We heard a buzz, which meant the door was unlocked, and were allowed to enter.
"I doubt we know them." Archie defended. I rolled my eyes.
"Archie, we live in a small town. The chances of us not knowing them are a bit slim." I say as we walked into a lab area. I then saw a familiar face here.
"Professor Luxord?" Archie and I questioned in different tones. Archie questioned in shock but I questioned with a bit of nervousness. Every time he shows up, a weird mystery happens or he is part of it. I know, it's only twice, but it was too much of a coincident.
"Hello again Mr. Andrews and very nice to see you are well Ms. Andrews." Professor Luxord greeted with a charming smile. I watched cautiously as Archie spoke up.
"She's doing better. Anyhow, we heard about a machine that finds your soul mate and-" Archie started but Professor Luxord put a hand up.
"Say no more. I got 2 machines up and running. Please fallow me." He says understandingly as he flashed a charming smile. I blushed lightly at his charming smile but mentally shook it away as we followed him. He showed us two machines then turned to us.
"Mr. Andrews, step into the one on my left, and Ms. Andrews, step into the one on my right." He said politely as me motioned to each machine. Archie happily stepped in but I did cautiously.
*He's up to something… I know it.* I thought as I sat down and looked at a computer screen.
"Greetings. May I ask your name?" I heard a voice say. It was the computer.
"Aria Andrews." I replied to the answer. Then the machine asked some questions, like what I liked, my favorite color, food ect. After answering the questions it started asking questions on what I looked for in a person, if I liked guys or girls, and even asked who I liked and what they were like between looks and personality. I cautiously answered and felt annoyed.
"Last question. If the perfect man was not the two you are with now, would you be with them? Yes or no?" The machine asked me suddenly. I gave a 'WTF' look on my face.
"Um… Maybe?" I answered, uncertain of how to answer.
"Please answer yes or no." The machine said.
"I can't." I replied before a loading screen appeared. Then something happened.
"Requesting different question. If there was a perfect match that was not the two you knew, would you like to meet him?" The computer asked me.
"Uh… Yes?" I answered, confused.
"Thank you for participating. Results will come soon." The computer said before the door opened. I stepped out and saw Archie step out too.
"Thank you for your interest in this. Care to ask any questions?" He asked us, knowing we'd have some already to go.
"What made you Decide to make this?" Archie asked as soon as he got the chance, pulling out a notebook and pencil quickly.
"Well, because I felt people should know that there is someone out there for them." He says, as if he was reciting what he practiced. Archie wrote it down and asked a few more questions.
"I have a question." I say, catching their attention.
"When do we get the results?" I asked curiously.
"Oh that, well, it'll take some time, a day the shortest, two or three the longest, just to make sure. I'll call you when the results come in… I would need your numbers first." Professor Luxord answered then told us what he needed. I sighed as Archie and I gave him our phone numbers, me explaining my dad moved here so I was living with him, and then left. Once in the car I looked at him.
"Something's up with that guy." I say bluntly as Archie started driving.
"What do you mean?" He asked me as he kept his eyes on the road.
"He was involved with 2 mysteries, Arch, and now a third." I pointed out.
"So? You and I get involved with a ton of mysteries along with Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Dr. Beaumont, Dilton, Big Ethel and a few other people." He pointed out in defense. I went to say something, but didn't know what to say since he was right, and just had my mouth hanging open.
"See? It's just because he's in Riverdale. That's all." He said as he always tried to see the good in people. I only sighed and leaned back into my seat.
"I still think something's up." I say softly as I looked out the window.
"I'm sure it's nothing. Just a scientist who wants to do good for the world. What's the harm?" He asked me. I stayed quiet as my mind wondered.
*Luxord's POV*
Once I saw, through my security camera's, they were far away I had a dark smile. I went to my machines and turned them on. They went to work on my experiment. I knew Ms. Andrews had that DNA mixed in her, but decided to wait and see with that. She'd come to me for help sooner or later. Until then, I'd have to get her to trust me. I knew this wouldn't help with that, seeing as how her eyes told me she was starting to suspect something with me, but I'd pin this on someone else if it failed me. Until then, I wanted to have fun and enjoy this experiment. Teenagers could be predictable and I wanted to know as much as I could about them, especially the Andrews cousins.
*Archie's POV next day.*
I was nervous, but excited. I was driving to Professor Luxord's lab right now. He had called me and told me the machine found me a match and had wanted me to meet him there with my perfect match. I had brought Betty and Veronica with me and had explained to them what I did. Ronnie seemed upset, while Betty seemed uneasy, but both had figured it would be one of them and would except it. When we arrived, Luxord was standing outside. I parked and went up to him.
"So? Who was it? Betty or Veronica?" I asked as I gestured to the girls.
"Actually, Mister Andrews, it's neither." Professor Luxord suddenly said. The three of us gasped and looked amongst each other.
"But I don't-" I started saying, but he cut me off.
"I said it would find your perfect match, I didn't say it would be between the two young ladies. I had found a match and she has flown all the way here just to meet you." He tells me. I tilted my head curiously before be side stepped to reveal a beautiful girl, pale skin, long silky blonde hair, dark eyes, button nose, perky smile, flawless skin, long lashes, thin and very attractive. My heart was ready to burst from just her looks.
"Hello Archie. I'm very happy to finally meet you." The girl said as she spoke softly but cheerfully. She was perfect!
"H-h-hi." I stuttered out nervously. I hadn't noticed Betty and Veronica seemed to look angry.
"I'm Vanessa." Vanessa introduced herself. I smiled and held her hand to shake it.
"It's nice to meet you Vanessa." I said softly as I had a goofy grin on my face. I know I did. Vanessa then looked at the girls.
"Oh! Are these girls your sisters?" Vanessa suddenly asked. I realized who she meant and finally noticed Betty and Veronica looking at Vanessa with hate.
"No, they're my friends." I say, then realized I said friends, but couldn't correct myself in time before Vanessa clung onto me and started taking me to my car.
"Well, I hope they don't mind that we go and get better acquainted alone. I'd love to know a bit more about my perfect match." Vanessa said as we got to my car.
"I'm sure they won't." I say as I helped her in the car before myself. I didn't notice Vanessa turn to the girls with a smug smile as we drove off, leaving the girls alone.
*Aria's POV*
I had been sleeping in again, getting home from the movies with BE late. I had taken her home then brought Jughead home when I saw him walking alone that night, but not before making out heavily with him. I would with Dilton also, but Jughead was a better kisser. I heard my phone rang and ended up answering it.
"Mmmaaarrrwww." I groaned out a nonsense word in annoyance. I heard Betty on the other end and she told me how Archie ditched her and Veronica. I bolted up.
"I'll be right there." I say and hang up. I hurriedly got ready and rushed to them. Once I got them, they both explained to me what had happened.
"My cousin might be a bonehead, but I'm sure he didn't purposefully mean to abandon you." I say as I felt annoyed by what Archie did. They had told me about Vanessa and I raised my eyebrow.
"Vanessa?" I asked them.
"Archie's perfect match." Veronica pouted out as she crossed her arms.
"Oh..." I said as I remembered yesterday.
"At least only he did that, not you." Betty commented. I then gave a nervous chuckle.
"Um… I actually went with him, and well, we both did the perfect match test." I admitted sheepishly.
"You too?!" Veronica nearly shrieked out.
"Why?" Betty asked me.
"Well, I was thinking it would be between Dilton and Jughead, but now that I know it's compared to everyone in the world, I kinda don't want to meet them. Unlike Archie, I'm only interested in choosing between the two guys I care for." I admitted as I felt annoyed. I didn't remember, but perhaps Professor Luxord had said it was a world search.
"Are you sure? I mean, look what happened to Archie! And what about when you were a vampire and the beetle?" Veronica said then mentioned. I got mad.
"I was a vampire! You were the same! And the beetle had that effect, not me, and I might be related to him, but I'm not a bonehead like Archie can be." I say defensively as I pulled up to Veronica's place.
"Look, let me talk to him. I'll try to sort this out, but if he's happy with her, then it might be time to move on." I say as I voiced my opinion. I knew both girls didn't like that answer, Veronica showing more as she huffed and slammed my car door as she got out before storming in her home. I would later find out that, once she was inside, she had broken into tears. I only sighed and drove Betty home. It was a quiet car ride. Betty had shown how upset she was and stepped out before going into her home. I'd also, find out later, Betty went to her room before sobbing on her bed. I didn't see Archie's car and decided to look for him. This would be a long day.
*Next Day Aria's POV*
Yesterday was a long day indeed. I did talk to Archie and, he felt bad but, wanted to be with Vanessa. All because a machine said they were a match. I met her and she was basically Betty and Veronica mixed into one. Kinda creepy. I did convince him to apologize to them and explain things calmly. That didn't end well either. Archie had dumped both girls, to mine and everyone's shock, and I had them over to comfort them profusely. They ended up spending the night, which I called BE and Midge over so we could have a girls night. It did help, but only so much. We ate ice cream, frozen yogurt for Veronica though, watched cheesy movies and just had fun. We all went to bed, I joined the girls on the floor to let Allegro hog the bed, and I had to get everyone up and home before starting my shift at Pop Tate's. I was now at work, irritated at Archie since he had brought Vanessa in earlier but was now gone, cleaning up some tables. I went back to the register and put the tip money in a jar Pops and I had hidden, since I was bent down I looked like I was either cleaning, getting something, or not there unless you looked over. I heard someone take a seat at the bar area.
"I'll be with you in a moment." I say as I hurried to put the money away. I stood up and wiped my apron and skirt down flat.
"How may I help you?" I asked, not even looking up, thinking it was a usual customer.
"I'm actually looking for Aria Andrews. Is she in?" I heard a British voice ask. I looked up, blushing with slightly wide eyes, at a handsome looking guy. He could've passed off as a prince from a fairytale with how handsome he was. He had black hair, not combed but was neat, dark blue eyes, charming smile with dimples, a small nose, trimmed brows, dressed in jeans and a tank top, which showed his smooth flawless lightly tanned skin and muscles, and all together handsome. A perfect guy!
"Um… Ah… I-I'm Aria." I stuttered nervously. I had never met this guy in my life, yet he was asking for me.
Me!
He smiled even brighter and gently took my hand in his, holding it like a princess, before he kissed it very gently.
"Pleasure to meet you. I should've known right away from what I was told to look out for. It's just, well, your beauty took me by surprise like a shooting star in the night sky." He suddenly complimented. I had no idea how to react to this. I only stuttered and tried to find my voice.
"It's… Ok?" I managed to, literally, squeak out. He gave a small chuckle.
"What an adorable squeak." He said with amusement. I pulled my hand away and finally started acting normal.
"Um, sorry but, who are you?" I asked very suddenly. He then gently smacked his hand on his forehead.
"Oh goodness, I am very rude. I apologize. My name is Leon." He introduced very politely. I definitely didn't know him. Was he related to someone or pen pals with someone who talked about me?
"Um, how do you know me?" I asked suddenly. He smiled and handed me a note.
"I was told to give this to you." Was his answer. I curiously grabbed the paper and unfolded it to read it.
'Miss Andrews, sorry for this inconvenience but, I was told you were not home by your cousin. He informed me of your job, so I sent Leon to you with a map and this note. He is your perfect match. I would hope you two will, at the very least, talk and know each other a bit. ~Professor Luxord.'
I read in my mind as I finally realized why he knew me. I looked at Leon, who only smiled at me, while I tried to think.
*Well, he is cute. Maybe… No! Only talk but nothing more! I won't be like Archie!* I thought sternly before putting the note in my pocket.
"Well, Leon, I don't mind meeting you and talking to you, but I am in a… Complicated relationship." I say straight out to him.
"Oh, I understand. I only wanted to meet you because I was told you were my perfect match. I seek only to talk and, perhaps, be friends. If something more happens, then I'm alright with that as well. Whatever makes us both comfortable and happy." He explained as he went from a smile to a smirk, still charming though. I blushed but figured why not.
"Well, I do have to work, but I can still talk." I explain with a smile.
"But you need to order something first." I pointed out. He then showed me a twenty.
"Then, may I have a large double chocolate milkshake with extra whipped cream and a strawberry on top?" He asked sweetly. I was surprised but nodded.
"Is that your favorite?" I asked him. He nodded yes.
"M-mine too." I admitted nervously as I gave him his change and started making his milkshake.
"Well, there's something we have in common already." He says then chuckles. I chuckled and gave him the shake.
"I suppose so." I say as I smiled.
"Has anyone ever told you that your smile is as beautiful as diamonds?" He suddenly said. I blushed and felt nervous.
"Um… N-no." I stuttered out. I had no idea what was wrong with me.
"Well, to me it is. After all, you're never fully dressed without a smile." He tells me. I then looked at him.
"You like Annie?" I asked, knowing some people didn't like it too much.
"Yes, I happen to like musicals. Annie is a star starter for most people and a sweet story. Plus, I like redheads and a story about one catches me." He tells me honestly. I was shocked.
"Wow. I think the same thing." I say in shock.
"Ok ok. What about movies? Do you like horror movies?" He asked me.
"Yeah, even the ones that scare me. I love them." I say excitedly.
"I do too. Even the ones with man eating food involved." He said then shuttered.
"Man-eating food… That's a nightmare." He admitted and shuttered again. I giggled, thinking of Jughead at that point.
"It is a little creepy." I say as I tried to stop giggling. He looked at me and then chuckled.
"Yeah, dumb fear I know, but it happens. I enjoy food a lot so It would make sense that, one day, the food would attack back." He admitted to me. My mind was on Jughead when he said that.
"My boyfriend, Jughead, is the same way." I say as I calmed down but held a big bright smile on my face.
"Ah, yes, you did mention a complicated relationship. May I ask how so?" He asked me. My smile faltered a bit.
"Well, it's complicated because I have 2 boyfriends. That's why I used that machine. I was having a hard time deciding between two wonderful guys, so thought it could help me out a little bit." I admitted as I looked away, feeling embarrassed.
"Oh? So… You were only trying to pick between the two? Not look for someone new?" He asked me. I nodded.
"Yeah. S-sorry if that had lead you on." I said as I looked around to the almost empty place. I then felt my hands get grabbed and looked to see Leon was holding them.
"Don't be sorry. Any man would be lucky to be your friend, let alone date you. Those boys, they're very lucky to have a goddess care for them both." He tells me, making me blush, as he calls me a goddess. I felt weird around him. Was I… Falling for him? I couldn't be. Could I?
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be straight forward. It's just easier for me." He suddenly said to me.
"I-I don't mind." I say as I got bashful. I didn't understand why. I had customers come in and had to tend to them. He would wait for me, talk with me, give me compliments and even talked nerdy with me about Star Trek, Disney, and more. He would let me talk and then he would say something else. He told me he was from the UK and he was 18. He also told me he was alone a lot, his mom always helped him though, and how people only wanted to befriend him because he was smart and could cook. I was fascinated by him. It was like…
*Like Jughead, Dilton and myself are combined.* I thought as something in me tried to see the logic. Every time I tried to be logical, Leon would compliment me, and then I'd loose track of my thoughts and suspicions. I hadn't noticed Dilton had come in as I told Leon about me assisting Dilton with inventions.
"Wow. You're very intelligent. As amazing as an Ion." Leon said to me. I didn't know what to say as I stumbled over my words.
"I-I-uh-um… Thanks?" I squeaked out in embarrassment.
"Would you consider a date?" Leon boldly asked.
"Uh..." I started saying, unsure of what to say, before I heard a huff.
"My girlfriend isn't looking to date someone else." I heard Dilton scold Leon. I turned, pale with a shocked look on my face, at the visibly irritated Dilton.
"Oh. You're one of her boyfriends? I didn't mean to intrude." Leon defended.
"Hmm. I bet. Now, please stop flirting with her." Dilton said in a sour tone. I had never seen Dilton get like this. Ever! Not even towards Jughead.
"Dilton! He's just being nice!" I scolded.
"What?! He's flirting with you!" Dilton scolded me. I got mad instantly.
"So what?! He's not the first to do that and wouldn't be the last! Do you think I'd cheat on you?! On Jughead?! No! I wouldn't! I can't believe how you're acting!" I screamed at him, catching attention.
"I'm being protective!" Dilton defended.
"No! You're getting possessive! I'm not an object! I can be friends with him and, you know what? Leon, let's go out tonight." I say as I glared at Dilton.
"But… But our date-" Dilton started but I interrupted him.
"No Dilton! You start acting like it's all about you and no one else can be around me, then you don't get a date! I also heard that you've been trying to get Jughead to back away from me!" I screamed at him. He looked away, guilt showing on his face, telling me it was true.
"I can't believe you! Just… Just leave me alone for a while." I say as I lowered my voice into a calm one before going into the back and clocking out. I changed in the bathroom before grabbing Leon's hand gently and guided him out of the place. Dilton didn't stop me, but looked down in sadness. It hurt him and me, but he needs to learn to share.
"I'm sorry you had to see that Leon." I apologized.
"I understand why he did it, but I appreciate you standing up for me. I also love strong willed fiery girls. They're tough and know right from wrong." Leon said with pride for me. I felt upset as I let his hand go.
"Listen, it's not a date but, we're only out as friends ok?" I say as I turned to him.
"Got it. I wouldn't ask for more if you didn't want it." He assured me. Did I feel guilty? Yes. Did Dilton go too far? I felt he did. But did I? Kinda. It just upset me that, not only he didn't trust me and kept trying to push Jughead away but, he talked for me, thought I'd say yes and just wanted me for himself. I don't think Dilton realized he was being possessive, but he needs to realize it soon. I followed Leon to the movies and we went inside.
*Dilton's POV*
My heart felt bruised, ready to break any second, but I couldn't think of that. I ran to a pay phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, Jones residence, Jughead speaking." Jughead answered. I was going to tell him everything. And I did.
*Archie's POV*
I was at my place with Vanessa. We were alone and I had started making out with her. She was perfect! But… I felt she was too perfect. I tangled my fingers in her hair and kissed her harder. She took one of my hands and put it on her boob. I flushed and pulled away. I felt guilt.
"Did I move too fast?" Vanessa asked me. I then looked down.
"I can't." I say softly to her.
"I'll slow down." She said as she put her hand on my leg. I then moved away.
"No. I mean I can't do this. I'm sorry Vanessa, but I… I'd rather be with Betty and Veronica. You're perfect, but you're too perfect. I just… I'm sorry." I say as I start to leave. I needed to go to Betty and apologize. I then felt a hand clutch me tightly. Too tight. I felt like my bone above my wrist was breaking. I turned and looked right at Vanessa.
"But… But I love you." She tells me as she twitched.
"We barely know each other. I'm sorry, but I'd feel better being with the two girls I love." I explain to her. Then, her grip tightened to where I heard a break. I cried out but couldn't break free. I saw her eyes turn red as she…
Sparked?
"No! I! Love! You! I! Was! Made! For! You!" She said as her voice went robotic and twitched more and more. She was a robot! I was desperate.
"Ok. I-I'll stay." I say in worry. Her eyes went back to normal as she smiled.
"Good boy." She said cheerfully. I had to think of something though.
"I, uh, just need to, um, go to the bathroom is all." I say as I acted sheepish. She looked at me then smiled.
"Oh, ok! Sure!"She said and brought me to the bathroom upstairs.
"I'll wait right here." She said before I went in and shut the door. I locked it and waited. I rolled up my jacket sleeve and knew my arm was broken. I panicked and tried to think. One way out. I flushed the toilet before opening the window quickly. I then turned the sink on and did my best to climb out the window. I did fall, I did hurt myself, but I got up and ran right to Betty's. I ponded on her door frantically. She answered with a smile, but saw it was me, then frowned.
"What do you want?" She snapped at me. I held my arm close, tears threatened to fall, and Betty saw this while gasping.
"Help… Please… I'm sorry..." I say as I sounded both hurt and pathetic. Betty quickly got me in and looked at me.
"What happened?" She asked me. I then proceeded to tell her about Vanessa.
*Jughead's POV*
I had hurried and met Dilton where he asked me.
"I don't believe you. Aria wouldn't cheat on us!" I defended Aria easily.
"I know, but this guy is smooth. He makes her blush, stutter and I don't trust him." Dilton told me. I just glared at him.
"You realize, it's hard to believe you right? You try to hog her for yourself, keep her closer to you when we are all together, try to outshine me and even tried to push me out of the way. Aria and I talk so I know how you can be, even if she says nothing I see it." I scold him. He looked down in sadness.
"I… I know… It's… It's just… She's the first girl who likes me for me and… And the first girl I've ever dated. I just… I guess I didn't realize I was hurting her." He admitted shamefully. I just sighed.
"Let's just keep an eye on them." I say before we find a spot to hide.
*Aria's POV*
During the movie, Leon would play with my hair or pull me a little closer. He even put his hand on my leg and I politely moved it. Something felt off but I didn't know what. Once the movie was over, he walked around with me until we got to the park. We sat on the bench and I noticed it was bare today. A bit unusual.
"Did you have fun?" Leon asked me. I looked at him with a very small smile.
"Yeah, well, kinda." I confessed. He tilted his head curiously at me.
"Did I do something wrong?" He asked me. I shook my head no.
"No, but… I only want to be with Jughead and Dilton." I confessed as I looked right at him.
"Really? After the way Dilton treated you?" He asked me.
"I-I'm sure he didn't mean to act like that. Dilton is a great guy, but he can take things a bit too far. He's just alone a lot, something I understand, and I shouldn't have yelled at him as badly as I did." I explained to Leon. He only looked at me.
"I wouldn't mind being your friend though." I say as I tried very hard to let him down easily.
"Well, what if I didn't want just friendship?" He suddenly asked me as he put a hand on my knee and leaned in close to me. I leaned back and felt fear.
"I… I don't- I can't- I love him!" I say before covering my mouth. Time seemed still as reality hit me hard. I said him not them. My heart was meant for one, but I wasn't fully sure who. I think I knew, but I had to be sure. Tears lightly pricked the corner of my eyes as Leon looked right at me. His eyes were looking right into mine.
"But… But I love you." He tells me, as time went back to normal.
"But I don't." I say as I gently moved his hand off my knee.
"I'm sorry to waste your time and lead you on. I never meant to." I say as I stood up.
"I need to go." I say softly and start to leave. I then felt myself get turned around and was held, a hand on each upper arm, as Leon glared at me.
"No! I can't let you leave!" He says, not loudly, but in a dominant tone. I tried to move away, but his grip tightened on me. I cringed as I felt the pressure. It wasn't normal. I then saw his eyes. They now turned red.
"I. Was. Made. For. You." He said in a robotic tone as a few sparks flew. I was so scared now. He was a robot! A robot! That's why he was perfect!
*If he's one, then… Archie's in trouble!* I thought as I kicked the robot in the nads. Of course, nothing happened except pain in my foot. I tried to fight but the grip tightened more. I cried out as I heard cracks. He was breaking my arms! I cried out in agony and stopped fighting.
"I'm sorry! Please stop! You're hurting me!" I cried out. He stopped putting pressure on me.
"Am I hurting you?" He suddenly asked, as the robotic voice died down a bit. I nodded yes as I tried not to choke on my sobs.
"Please stop… I'll be good." I whimper out. He loosened his grip on me but then pulled me into a hug.
"I-I'm sorry… I don't know why I did that." He said suddenly.
"Hey! Let her go!" I heard suddenly. I saw It was Jughead and Dilton. My eyes widened as I felt Leon start shaking. Not good.
*Archie's POV*
Betty had called Ronnie before getting me into the car and drove off. Just in time too, because Vanessa broke through the bathroom wall. Once we got Ronnie, Betty drove off to get me to a hospital.
"Is Aria ok?" Betty suddenly asked me.
"I don't know… I told Professor Luxord she was at work, so I hope she is. If her perfect match is a robot too, then she's in trouble too." I say with worry.
"Well, you're going to the hospital Archie-kins and Betty and I will find her." Veronica tells me. I smiled a weak smile at them.
"Thank you… And… I'm sorry, to both of you. I never meant-" I started saying but was cut off.
"It's ok Archie. We understand, especially since Aria explained everything to us. But next time, we won't forgive you." Betty tells me sternly.
"I, really, don't deserve either of you. But I'm grateful enough to know you two." I say as they checked me into the hospital.
*Aria's POV*
All I could do was stand there in shock. Jughead was slammed against a bench and Dilton was being choked, on the ground, by Leon. I couldn't take it. I ran and grabbed Leon's arm, ignoring my pain, and screamed at him.
"Leon! Stop! Stop it! Please!" I cried out. Leon glared at me.
"Why?!" He screamed in a robotic voice as his red eyes glared at me.
"If you want me with you and happy, then let. Him. Go." I say as I tried to sound intimidating. Leon froze at my words, his fingers loosened up on Dilton's lightly bruised neck.
"You… You mean it?" Leon asked me as the red in his eyes started dying down. I nodded yes.
"Just… Just let him go… Please… No-no more. No more hurting people." I squeaked out as tears fell. My heart hurt to leave them, but it hurt more to know Leon would kill them instantly. Leon let Dilton go before picking me up, bridal style, and ran off quickly. I had no idea where we were going, but I knew they'd be safe for now.
*Third POV*
Betty had arrived at Pop's but Pops said she left with another boy after yelling at Dilton over an accusation. Veronica and Berry got worried and tried to look around for them on foot. After a while, they found two people in the park. Jughead and Dilton. Jughead was slumped on a bench, bruises forming as he woken up, and Dilton on the ground, bruises visible on his neck, with some cracks all over the cement. The girls rushed to each boy and asked if they were alright and what happened.
"That guy, Leon..." Jughead said as he felt very sick. Before he could say more, he leaned over the back of the bench and hurled.
"He kidnapped her. He's a robot!" Dilton rasped out as he rubbed his neck.
"We know. It's because of that perfect match machine they used." Veronica said as she helped Dilton up while Betty helped Jughead.
"Where did they go?" Betty asked them. Both boys didn't know and apologized. Meanwhile, Aria was now brought to the top of the abandoned school with Leon with her. She rubbed her sore arms, which were bruised, as she looked around helplessly.
"Are you still thinking about those two boys?" Leon asked her as his eyes flashed red.
"N-no, I was… I was, think of… Archie! Yeah, my cousin Archie. If you're, um, well that means-" She started defending, but Leon stopped her.
"Ah, yes. You're cousin. My knowledge stated you love your family dearly. Are you worried about him?" Leon asked her, having a feeling she was lying but played along anyhow. Aria nodded as she didn't look at him.
"I need a doctor, Leon. My arms hurt badly. I-I think they're broken." She whimpered out in fear and pain. She was praying Archie was safe.
"No! I'm not letting you go that easily." Leon pouted as he sat behind her and pulled her close to him. Aria cried out as the tears fell. Leon looked and saw, she wasn't lying, as her arms were bruising and starting to swell up. His eyes had widened, knowing he did this, before sighing in defeat. He picked her up gently.
"Fine. After the hospital, I'm taking you away from here so only I may have you." Leon stated as he walked to the edge of the building. Aria looked down and then at him, but as soon as she opened her mouth, he jumped off the ledge. Once on the ground, he took off running. She yelped in fear but couldn't do much else. As Leon ran, the group of four saw him running at high speed past them and towards the hospital.
"There he is! He has Aria!" Jughead yelled and pointed. Aria and Leon hadn't heard him yell and didn't notice the group had started following them. Leon ran to the front desk and claimed Aria had been in an accident and needed immediate help. They took her into the back and started scans while Leon just watched from the waiting room. Once Aria was scanned, she was put in the room with Archie. Archie had pulled back the curtain in curiosity and gasped.
"Aria?" Archie questioned as he saw her there.
"Archie?!" Aria turned and gasped out in shock before seeing his arm in a cast.
"Vanessa?" Aria only asked, quickly figuring out what happened. Archie only nodded.
"Your guy was a robot too?" Archie asked suddenly. Aria nodded in thought.
"We need help. I think Professor Luxord did this on purpose, but call him now! We need him to fix this, and fast. Leon's ready to take me away for good." Aria said worriedly as she refused to look at him.
"Was anyone with you?" Archie asked as he got up.
"Jughead and Dilton. I don't know if they're alright though." Aria admitted as she kept looking down.
"I'll hurry." Archie said as he ran to a nearby pay phone. He called Professor Luxord and explained what was happening. Professor Luxord agreed to help and explained he was on his way. Archie went back to the room and stayed by Aria's side as the doctors had put casts on both her arms. This was horrible. The cousins were alone now, trying to figure out a plan, before Vanessa walked into the room.
"There you are Archie-kins." Vanessa said as her eyes had a hint of red. Archie's eyes went wide as he had stopped Helping Aria up and hid her. Vanessa's eyes went red at the sight of another girl near him.
"You're cheating on me?! How dare you!" Vanessa screamed out as she stomped up to them. Archie tried to stop her, but Vanessa pushed him aside and slammed Aria into the wall. Aria only gave a half scream before Vanessa started choking her. Leon heard Aria's half scream though and charged into the room, just in time to see Archie, trying desperately to pull Vanessa off Aria, while Vanessa just strangles Aria and Aria starts turning blue.
"Let my girlfriend go! Now!" Leon screamed before tackling Vanessa off Aria. The two robots began fighting, eyes red and literal sparks flying as the room started getting destroyed. Archie reached Aria and started helping her out the room just as the group of four came in and helped them get out of the way. Just in time as a light fixture fell right where they were. Vanessa and Leon were screaming as they fought.
"What'll we do now?!" Betty yelled as Aria desperately gasped for air.
"I can try to help." Professor Luxord suddenly appeared by their side as he spoke. He pulled out a type of remote. He aimed it at the fighting robots and hit a button. Once he did, the two robots' circuits fried before they fell into pieces. The nurses and doctors rushed to the mess before Professor Luxord explained that they were robots. He then went to the group of teens.
"I do, sincerely, apologize. I had bought the machines from a scientist online, whom I now know is part of the evil scientist league, and the machine, literally builds, a perfect match. If I had known, then I wouldn't have asked anyone to test them out. Please forgive me." Professor Luxord explained before pulling out a paper that showed they were for sale.
"So, you didn't invent them?" Archie asked him suddenly.
"I'm afraid not. I had bought them and the rights without realizing the trouble they would cost me. I'm having my men take them apart and pick the robots up as well." Professor Luxord explained to all of them.
"Fascinating." Dilton said softly.
"As an apology, I'll cover the medical bills along with the repairs to the hospital." Professor Luxord said, not taking no for an answer.
"You swear you had no idea?" Aria asked him as one eyebrow rose in suspicion. Professor Luxord expected this and put his skills to work.
"I swear, on this wonderful town, that I had no clue they would make the robots. I was told that it would inform the matches and they would be sent here immediately. Nothing said they would be robots with minds of their own. I am sorry." He responded to Aria and the rest of the teens. Aria showed she wasn't convinced but she forgave him. The other teens forgave him and Professor Luxord pardoned himself so that he could make a few calls. Archie took Betty and Veronica aside and got on his knees to beg for forgiveness. As soon as he did, both girls brought him up and hugged him before kissing him over and over. Aria looked down in sadness.
"I'm sorry. I… I thought he was a normal boy… Someone to only be friends with, nothing more. I never meant for you two to be harmed." She managed to say through her sore throat. Jughead knelt down and gently hugged her before kissing her cheek gently.
"I knew you wouldn't cheat on us." Jughead said softly, ignoring his sore back. Dilton bent down and forced her to look up at him.
"Aria… I'm sorry. I was wrong, my actions and words were wrong. While, I did want you for myself, I never intended to hurt you nor bring you harm. I, well, I just hate sharing you but I never wanted to pressure you. I deserved the yelling and I'll understand if you dumped me." Dilton said with shame and humility. Jughead was a bit shocked but happy he admitted his wrong doing. Aria had tears stinging the corner of her eyes. She grabbed Dilton and kissed him passionately, him kissing back, before pulling away.
"I shouldn't have jumped to yelling and accusing you like that. Even if it was true, I should've talked it through with you." Aria confessed as she, too, felt guilt.
"I should've trusted you more though. Trust is key." Dilton confessed. Aria was nearly ready to cry.
"I am upset you didn't trust me, but I won't break up with you. I shouldn't have yelled at you and then went with Leon out of spite. But I never said it was a date." Aria had said softly to him. Dilton was shocked but he held her hands and thanked her over and over.
"I'm glad things are fixed." Jughead confessed as his smile held both joy and sadness. Joy, because things were normal again, but sadness, because he had to, still, share Aria. The doctors swooped in and took Aria and Archie away to be scanned and checked out, along with Dilton and Jughead, while Betty and Veronica watched Professor Luxord's workers clean everything up, while Luxord hid in the shadows with a smile. He had another employee sneak into the back to scan all of Aria's old and new test results to see if her 'special' DNA is in effect yet. While Aria was in her hospital room, a doctor came inside.
"Miss Andrews… This might sound odd, but your arms… Aren't broken." The doctor told her.
"What? How?" She asked weakly.
"We're not sure." The doctor said then showed the scans.
"They healed within an hour. Either that or the scans were wrong. But, it does show they're very much swollen and fragile still." The doctor claimed.
"Does that mean the casts stay on?" She asked calmly.
"Yes, but not for long. A week at most." The doctor explained.
"Could we… Not mention the fast healing to anyone please? Just say it's in the fragile enough state to need them?" She asked the doctor kindly. The doctor agreed but neither knew that Luxord had a copy of the results and had quietly left with an evil smile, happy something came out of this whole ordeal. Once the kids were free to go, Betty drove them to Pops where they all enjoyed a meal. Afterwards Jughead was nice enough to drive Dilton home before Aria. She thanked him as they both got out of the car. Jughead did drive Aria's car after all. Jughead and Dilton only had bruises and were lucky. Betty drove Veronica home before Archie and herself. Archie thanked her before going inside. He explained to his mom what happened before he grabbed his laptop and headed to his car. He was now going to Aria's house. Meanwhile, Aria watched Jughead head home before she went inside. She didn't want to disturb her father at work, but she called anyhow. See, the casts were in her upper arms only, but both her arms were in slings so she could rest her arms without much damage and pull her arms out to draw or other things. Once he answered the phone, she had told him what had happened and assured him she was fine. Her father was worried now, but she kept assuring she was fine so he wouldn't leave work early because of her. After a long talk, she had hung up, happy to know her father wouldn't be coming home early, as her doorbell rang. She answered it and saw it was Archie.
"You doing ok?" He asked her.
"Yeah, nothing is broken, but very fragile." She had said to him as she let him in. Archie pulled out his laptop and Aria smiled as she guided him to her room. They set it up on her desk and soon typed the article together, excluding the fast healing that only she knew, as they now typed the conclusion.
*Aria's POV*
"And so, when it comes to love and finding your perfect match, you should trust your heart. Not a machine. ~Archie. We were fools because we couldn't choose between two people we care for. But, perhaps, we will one day or find another. We are young after all. ~Aria. True. Just follow your feelings and don't always rely on machines. ~Archie. ...Even in a little town called Riverdale! ~Archie & Aria!"
We finished the article and I smiled.
"I think this was the toughest case we've dealt with." Archie commented.
"Naw, I think the vampires were the worst." I reply with a chuckle.
"Well, here goes most of my summer." Archie commented as he meant the cast.
"Only 6 weeks the most." I reply to him. Archie smiled before hugging me.
"I'm just glad you're safe. I thought your arms were broken." Archie commented as his hug was gentle.
*They were though.* I thought as I hid the truth from him.
"Me too." I replied quietly as I moved my arms out of the slings and hugged him back. After the hug I put my arms back.
"Want anything before I leave? He asked me just as the phone rang. I sighed and picked it up.
"Hello, Andrews residence, Aria speaking." I answered politely.
"Who the heck do you think you are!" I heard suddenly through the phone.
"Um… Excuse me?" I asked suddenly.
"You heard me! I knew you dating my son was a bad idea! He is all bruised up because of you! You're nothing but a trouble maker!" The man yelled so loud, I pulled the phone away. Archie heard the yelling too.
"That's Dilton's dad." He whispered to me.
*Of course it is.* I thought bitterly.
"Mr. Doiley, if you'd give me a chance to explain-" I started but he rudely cut me off.
"I don't want to hear any of your pathetic excuses! Stay away from my son!" He yelled at me.
"We both got hurt! He got hurt trying to help me! I never asked him to help, but Dilton is too kind not to help! You should stop acting entitled because, if the roles were reversed, I would've done the same! Except my father would be proud of me and asking you if your son was alright and needed help instead of yelling and screaming at a teenager! Think on that for a while! And I will be seeing Dilton without your permission because I care for him! If I didn't then I would've let the robot kill him! Think on that Mr. Doiley!" I scolded loudly before hanging up. I was angry, but then sadness quickly swept over me and I began crying. Archie pulled me into another hug and started comforting me until my dad came home. Archie told him what Mr. Doiley said before dad went downstairs to call him back. The sun was setting and I ended up passing out from all the sadness and tears.