THANKS TO AlphaGodzilla19 FOR THIS FAN MADE IDEA! I AM SURPRISED I DIDN'T THINK OF THIS SOONER! KUDOS AND SPECIAL THANKS! I HOPE I DIDN'T BUTCHER IT! ALSO I TOOK A CHARACTER FROM THE AHS SERIES! YOU'LL SEE SOON ENOUGH! LASTLY, I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT POSTING SOONER! I HAVE BEEN JOB HOPPING AND HAVE ALSO BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CORONA! I'M CONSTANTLY TIRED BUT I FINISHED THIS TODAY JUST FOR YOU ALL! WHY? BECAUSE I LOVE YOU ALL AND YOU'RE ALL BEAUTIFUL! STAY SAFE AND WASH YOUR HANDS!
Chapter 64: You Shouldn't Play With Dolls!
*Miss Lucinda's POV*
I had finished stitching the last doll and was tired yet satisfied. There were three in total, sitting on a shelf with their button eyes staring around my home. I had a feeling someone would be in need of them, well two anyway, while the third would just be put to the side but hopefully not lost. I didn't know who would need them, but I had a feeling it would be that Mantle boy. I swear, that boy needs a lesson when it comes to women. Hopefully this will teach him, but that boy can be thick headed. Let's hope this doesn't cause more trouble than the lesson is worth.
*Aria's POV*
Reggie's been annoying me all day. I had science class with him, no Archie, no Betty, no Veronica, no Dilton and especially no Jughead. That was disappointing. I did have the class with Midge, Moose, Big Ethel, Tyrone, Geoff and Robbie Dobkins. Those were good points at least. We had to pick partners and Reggie was the first to bolt to me and didn't give me a chance to say no. I sighed and started working on the project with him.
"Reggie, you need to do something instead of just watching." I tell him a bit rudely.
"Why? You're smart enough to give us both an A." He says to me.
"Reggie Mantle, I'm not carrying you through this. Help me out or else." I tell him.
"You going to tattle on me?" He questioned in a mocking tone.I rolled my eyes before looking in the microscope.
"Uhg. Fine." Reggie exasperated out. I was glad to hear that until he put his arm around my shoulders. I grabbed Reggie and flipped him onto his back on the floor.
"I told you to quit touching me." I scolded him with a pout.
"Aria Andrews!" Professor Flutesnoot suddenly called out.
*Oh no.* I thought suddenly before looking at him. The professor sighed before handing me a pass.
"I'm afraid you'll have to see the principle this time." He tells me with a look telling me he was sorry but had no choice.
"And Reggie! You too!" Professor told him.
"Aw man." Reggie muttered out as he got up. We both left for the principle and I was upset.
"Cheese it Reggie, why can't you learn to back off?" I asked him in a snappy tone.
"Well, why won't you go on a date with me?" Reggie snapped at me as he crossed his arms.
"Do you want the long list or the short?" I asked in a grumpy tone as I crossed my arms.
"Does it matter?" He asked me.
"Yes. I don't like you like that, you're like sour milk, smelly and rotten and causes pain, you're a womanizer, too egotistical and, most importantly, I'm dating Jughead." I list off a few things for him before we got to the office.
"Whatever. One date and you'll fall for me." He tells me. I knocked on the door while sighing.
"I swear, you're as bad as Vinnie." I suddenly muttered out. Reggie looked horrified and offended but didn't say anything as we were told to enter. We entered and handed in our notes to Principle Weatherbee. He looked them over before looking at us.
"Mind explaining why you flipped Mr. Mantle?" Principle Weatherbee asked as he raised his eyebrow at me.
"Because he put his arm around me after I had asked him several times not to." I explained to him.
"And why did you invade her space, Mr. Mantle?" He asked Reggie.
"She's my lab partner and I reached to grab a beaker. My arm touched her and she flipped me for no reason." Reggie lied through his teeth, which angered me.
"Mr. Mantle, this isn't the first time you've done this. I'm afraid I'm going to have to suspend you for the day." He told Reggie.
"What?!" Reggie yelled in shock and anger.
"I'll also be calling your parents to let them know about this. You're dismissed." He told Reggie firmly. This was the first time Reggie was suspended, even if for the rest of the day, and as shocking as it was, Reggie got mad and stormed out of the office in a huff.
"As for you, Miss Andrews." I suddenly heard, causing me to look from the door Reggie stormed out of back to the principle.
"This is not the first time you've done this either, therefore, I'm calling your father to let him know. Other than that, you'll be serving detention today." He tells me. I frowned at that.
"I can't get a warning?" I asked him.
"I'm afraid not." He tells me.
"Well, can I call Pops and let him know I can't come in?" I asked him.
"I suppose I can allow it." He says and lets me use the phone. After I called Pops I was let back to class. This was my first detention since being here, but I suppose it's fair seeing as how I've gotten into several fights for defence. I actually wondered how Reggie was handling all of this.
*Reggie's POV*
This was stupid! I got in trouble for nothing! First, I get scolded for playing with Betty's hair while complimenting her, then I get in trouble for trying to kiss Ronnie, and now this! I don't get how I get in trouble but Archie, and even Jughead, get away with it! Uhg! I had drove off and decided to drive around to no where in particular until I ended up near Miss Lucinda's place.
*Why did I drive near that Voodoo lady's house?* I thought as I looked down the path from my car.
It then hit me. Archie and Aria had made a recent article on Miss Lucinda's potions and other voodoo tricks. I then remembered something Archie had commented on. Voodoo dolls and how you can use them to control someone. I then smirked as I put the car in park.
"Maybe seeing the voodoo lady is a good idea." I said with a smug grin as I got out and headed to her place. Her dog saw me and started meowing at me instead of barking.
*Guess she never fixed him.* I thought as I went to the door. As soon as I was about to knock, she opened the door.
"I was expecting you, Reggie Mantle." She says to me in her southern Louisiana drawl. I had jumped a small bit from this.
"Huh? You were?" I questioned.
"Yes, you're having girl trouble and want my help." She said with a smirk that showed she was right.
"Huh? Well, yeah." I muttered out in surprise.
"Well then, don't just stand there. Get inside before more insects come in." She said, moving to the side, as she gestured me inside. I hurried in and looked around curiously until I spotted three dolls. They were blank stitched up dolls, staring at nothing but felt like it was staring right at me.
"So, you want the girls all over you?" She asked me.
"Yeah, I find it unfair that Archie gets all the girls. Even Jughead gets a hot babe." I say bitterly as my eyes didn't leave the dolls.
"Then, I think these will suffice you greatly." She said before going to the dolls on the shelf, grabbing them, then bringing them over to me.
"All you need is something of theirs, hair is better but objects of theirs like cloth will do just as well, then you can control them physically but not mentally nor emotionally." She tells me as she shows me the three. I smirked but then frowned.
"What's the catch?" I suddenly asked her.
"The dolls can never get lost, for is they get damaged then so will the girls, and if you don't want them, you must bring them back here for me to undo the voodoo. Remember, something gained means something must be lost as well." She warns me.
"Yeah yeah, sure thing. Like I'd loose them or return them, though." I say as I took the dolls from her.
"Don't say you weren't warned." She tells me, but I waved her off as I walked out.
*This is perfect! Now I can control Betty, Veronica and Aria to do what I want and go on dates with me!* I thought happily before getting to my car and hopped in. I then groaned.
*She said I needed an object or their hair. How am I supposed to get that?* I thought before driving off.
School was over now and I decided to head to Pops for a bite to eat. Maybe they'd be there already. I parked the car and smiled at seeing Archie's car in the parking lot. I got in and went to them but was immediately scolded.
"Reggie! Why did you get Aria in trouble?!" Archie scolded me.
"What? I didn't do anything!" I defended.
"Yeah right! She told me you kept flirting with her in science class and got her in trouble!" Jughead scolded as he gave a pout.
"She flipped me on my back and got me suspended!" I defended.
"Serves you right!" Betty scolded me.
"Yes, you always do this! Not just to Aria but to Betty and I too!" Veronica scolded me too.
"Face it, Reggie, you're nothing but trouble and get others in trouble too." Archie told me as he crossed his arms and glared at me. I got mad at this. Why would they blame me for Aria's actions?
"Whatever." I say and went to sit while reaching for the fries. I was then pushed away by Archie, causing me to accidentally pull out a few strands of Veronica's hair, before falling hard on my butt.
"What? Seriously?" I questioned them.
"You need to learn restraint so, until you apologize to Aria and then us, you're not sitting with us." Betty scolded me. I frowned before standing up.
"Fine! Be that way!" I yelled before storming out. I got to my car and noticed Ronnie's hair, only two strands, before my pout became a smile.
*Great! I got Ronnie's hair! Now I just need Betty's and Aria's. But how? Meh. I'll figure that out later.* I thought before deciding to drive home.
I must hope my mom isn't mad. Jeeze, I hope dad isn't home from his trip today. I got home and as soon as I opened the door, mom started scolding me. If that wasn't bad enough, dad was home and grounded me in front of my brother and his wife. Uhg. Dad demanded my keys, which I reluctantly gave him, before going to my room. I freaked when I saw my games, TV, personal phone and computer were all gone. Guess I'm in bigger trouble than I thought. I had no choice but to do my homework. After a while, mom entered my room.
"I'm not happy with you. I raised you better than touching a woman without her permission." Mom scolded me.
"I'm just using the Mantle charm." I tell her.
"That is not then Mantle charm! I've been told about the many times you do this! Next time I find out and I'll send you to military school! Oh.~ I'm so upset with you I'm almost willing to cancel dinner out with your father, brother and sister in law." Mom scolded then sighed out in an upset tone.
"Just go out with them, I don't mind watching Amy." I say to her. I adored my niece after all.
"Oh, we're going. But I'm not leaving you alone. Since you're grounded, I've hired a babysitter to watch you both!" She told me in a scolding tone but a smirk to show me she found this amusing.
"What?!" I yelled out in shock.
"That's right. What you did was childish, therefore, you're being treated as such and I've let the sitter know as well." She tells me before she walks out. I slouched and sighed with a pout.
*Great. How embarrassing.* I thought bitterly before hearing the doorbell ring. I sighed and grumbled about how I'm to old to need a babysitter when I stopped and saw Betty closing my front door.
"Betty? You're my babysitter?" I questioned in shock. Betty turned around and gave me a hard stare.
"That's right and your mother told me you're grounded and to treat you like a child, so here I am and that's what I'll do." She said sternly to me. I grumbled and crossed my arms as Amy went up to her and hugged her. I then had an idea.
*If I can get something off of Betty, then my second doll will be ready.* I thought gleefully.
"Hey Betty, after you get Amy to bed, could you-" I started but Betty cut me off.
"You're going to bed around the same time as her. This is not a date." She scolded me.
"I was going to ask if you could help me with my math homework, but I guess I'll just fail again and get into more trouble." I say, playing victim better than I usually do.
"Oh, well… I guess I could help." Betty stammered out, shocked I only asked for help. My idea was to play nice to both please my parents and get back on everyones good sides.
"Want me to help with anything?" I asked politely. This seemed to shock Betty more.
"No, I can handle it." She tells me. I gave a shrug.
"Alright. I'll be in my room finishing up my geography homework then." I say before walking up the stairs with a smug smile. Once in my room I shut the door and went to my desk. I opened my bag and pulled out the three voodoo dolls. With a grin I wrapped Veronica's hair, that I had put aside, around a doll. In seconds it morphed into a smaller Veronica. I looked at it in wonder.
*I wonder if it works.* I thought. I needed to prove it. I decided to take my scissors and leave an extremely small cut on her left leg, visible to where it needed to be bandaged up, and would see tomorrow if it worked.
*Veronica's POV*
I had finished dinner with daddy and decided to go to bed. When I left the dining room I felt a pain in my left leg. I gave out a cry as I fell onto one knee. Daddy and Smithers came out and the three of us gasped at the blood coming out of a cut on my leg.
"Veronica, sweetheart, what happened?" Daddy asked me.
"I… I don't know." I said as Smithers took care of my wound. I didn't run into anything so I wondered how I got cut.
*I should call Archie and tell him. Maybe it's a weird mystery. No, Archie's not home. He's out with his parents. I know! I'll call Aria! She could help!* I thought as Smithers bandaged my leg.
*Reggie's POV*
After a long while of waiting, actually getting homework done and eating dinner, I saw Betty leave Amy's room.
"Bring your math stuff to the dining room." She tells me before going downstairs. I snapped my fingers in frustration.
*Darn Would've loved for her to be in my room. Oh well.* I thought as I grabbed my math stuff. I brought it down and set it up.
*How am I going to get something of Betty's?* I thought to myself as Betty came in and began tutoring me.
I didn't really need too much help, even though I've gotten a C in math last year and a D+ in science, but it was a good rouse to have both Betty near me and figure out how to get her hair or something off of her. Problem was she wasn't letting me get too close to her. Uhg! After an hour we finished.
"I think you should apologize to Aria." Betty suddenly told me.
"Why should I? She flipped me, which hurt by the way, got me suspended and in trouble with my parents." I say in a snotty tone.
"Because you keep flirting with her, you put your arm around her without permission, she got detention and had to lose a few hours of work at Pop Tate's. Plus she might, also, be in trouble with her dad right now." She tells me.
"She insulted me!" I nearly shouted in anger.
"How?" Betty asked in a stern tone.
"She said I was just as bad as that delinquent Vinnie Wells!" I said in anger. I still couldn't believe she said that to me either. Betty blinked in shock.
"Well… You do put your arm around her and flirt with her like he does." Betty started defending. I felt my blood boil.
"But I'd never hit a woman, I'd never threaten her life nor well being like he does, I don't stalk her, beat her or anything like that! All I wanted was one date to show her I'm a good guy to date! I'm nothing like that scum!" I rose my voice in anger. In honesty, it hurt me being told that I was like him. Betty seemed to be in thought about it.
"I'll talk to Aria on this, but I still expect you to apologize to her. She's your friend and you seem to see her, all women for that matter, as trophies to show off." Betty said before getting up. I wanted to say more but heard the door open. They were home. Betty went to greet them and I noticed her earring fell. I was quick to grab it but it caused Betty to look at me. I had to think fast.
"You're right. I'll try to apologize to her, if she'll listen. And thank you for the help with the math homework. I hope you get home safely." I say politely as my mom popped up at the doorway. I knew she heard all that.
"It's no trouble." Betty said to me. I quickly bid her goodnight, grabbed my math homework and hurried up the stairs. I set the stuff down and quickly grabbed a blank doll. I took tape and taped the earring to it and, like the last one, it morphed only this time it morphed into Betty.
*Great! Two down, one to go.* I thought gleefully. I then heard a knock and quickly hid the doll.
"Come in." I said as I put my homework away. I heard the door open.
"Betty told me you behaved yourself tonight." Mom told me.
"I didn't have much choice." I muttered out.
"I want you to apologize to that nice Andrews girl tomorrow." Mom told me.
"Alright, I will try." I tell her.
"No trying." Mom scolded.
"Only if she listens, I'm not going to make her otherwise she'll flip me again or worse." I explained as I got a bit grouchy.
"Not if I'm around." She tells me. I groaned.
"Oh no, mom.~ Don't, it's embarrassing.~" I whined out.
"It's either me or your father." Mom tells me. While mom is subtle dad isn't so much.
"Fine." I muttered out.
"Good, now go to bed." She tells me before walking out. I saw my brother holding a sleeping Amy while following mom down the stairs. He did have his own place after all.
*Great. How embarrassing. I might not even get anything off Aria for the doll with mom around. Oh well, at least I still have Betty and Ronnie.* I thought with a grin before I got ready for bed.
*Aria's POV*
I was mad at Reggie. I had to miss a few hours of work, which got Pops disappointed in me, then I had to go home and was scolded by my dad. If that wasn't bad enough I was now grounded for the weekend unless I apologize to Reggie.
"But dad!~" I whined when he told me.
"Aria, you need to stop flipping people. Violence isn't always the answer." He scolded. I whined in annoyance up until I got to bed. Now, I was laying in bed while feeling upset.
*Now I can't go on a date with Jughead.* I thought sadly. Tomorrow was Friday but we didn't have have school due to a teacher meeting. I was supposed to go on a date with Jughead, help Archie with another mystery, something about ants, help Pops this weekend and visit grandpa this weekend. If I'm grounded then I can only go to work, nothing else.
*Darn it! I'm gonna have to apologize.* I thought in annoyance. I didn't want to apologize but I knew it was the right thing to do.
*Maybe I should apologize...* I thought as I remembered what I told Reggie. He wasn't scum like Vinnie, just stupid and brash but not awful with boundaries like Vinnie. Maybe… Uhg! I hate being good! I rolled on my side and huffed as I tried to sleep.
*Next day Aria's POV*
I grumbled as I sat on the couch. It was Friday, no school because of a teacher meeting, around 10am and I was in my work uniform. Dad had got a call from Mrs. Mantle saying her and Reggie would be over so Reggie could apologize to me and I was expected, by dad, to do the same.
"Dad.~ Can't we just meet up at Pops? I'm going to be late." I partially whined out as I had my arms crossed.
"No. Reggie is your friend and you need to apologize." Dad told me in a stern tone as he took a sip of his coffee.
"He's not really a friend, per say… He's… Above an acquaintance… Sort of..." I say as I tried to find the right term to use.
"Whether he is or not you still should at least apologize for flipping him." He says to me.
"Well… I'll apologize… Not for flipping him though but for something I shouldn't have said." I say as I looked away.
"Oh?" Dad questioned curiously with an eyebrow raised.
"I said to Reggie he's as bad as Vinnie… He's not but, if he doesn't learn soon, he'll end up like Vinnie soon." I say as I still avoided eye contact.
"Then apologize for that as well." Dad tells me.
"I'm not apologizing for flipping him. I made sure he wouldn't be severely hurt." I defended myself as I looked at dad.
"Aria." Dad said sternly.
"At least I didn't punch him." I say to him with a pout.
"Listen, I don't care that you flipped him, if he keeps touching you without your permission then he deserves it, but you need to be less violent about it." He tells me honestly.
"Then… Could I shove him away next time?" I asked him curiously.
"Yes but try to speak up about removing him from you or speak loudly first." Dad said to me as he tried to be understanding.
"Fine..." I pout. Dad saw this and gave a small smile.
"If it was Vinnie then I wouldn't make you apologize." He tells me. I didn't stop my mild pouting as the doorbell rang. Dad sighed before answering it. I heard the greetings and dad gesturing them to come in. I sighed as I stood up just as Reggie came in.
"Hey doll face, looking cute as usual." Reggie said in a flirtatious way. His mom came in and suddenly smacked him, not too hard, upside the head.
"Reggie! Stop flirting, you're in enough trouble already! Apologize! Now!" She said in a stern mother tone.
"Ow." Reggie muttered out as he held his head. I was laughing on the inside at this.
"I'm sorry for flirting and not respecting your personal space." Reggie said as he tried to avoid eye contact.
"I'll forgive you this time. I'm only apologizing for saying you're as bad as Vinnie Wells. You should understand that you're actions are getting close to his." I explained to him.
"Alright, fair I guess. But you're not apologizing for flipping me and getting me suspended?" He asked me.
"You made me uncomfortable, you do this a lot, I gave you many warnings, I had to miss a few hours of work and got my first detention since being here. I think we're even." I tell him.
"Reginald Mantle!" His mother scolded after hearing me.
"Aria!" Dad scolded at the same time as her. This made us both flinch.
"I'm sorry-" My dad started but Mrs. Mantle stopped him.
"If she warned my son many times then she's fine. My boy needs to learn and, I'm sure, his father would agree." She interrupted him with a smile before turning to smile at me.
"I've never actually met you. Betty told me quite a bit about you and my son has told me about how lovely you are. I've also heard a few things from Veronica and her parents. I'm glad to finally meet you and I'm sorry my son both treats you like an object and doesn't respect your boundaries." She apologized to me. I was actually shocked. His mom was very kind and polite.
*Then why does Reggie act like this? Is it because he's the younger brother?* I questioned in my head.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Mantle and I hope you've only heard good things. I accept the apology and just ask Reggie to please stop flirting with me. It really bothers Jughead and myself." I explain very politely. My politeness got Reggie's jaw to drop. He'd never seen me be proper, formal and polite all together.
"Yes and I can see why only good things are spoken off." She said with a smile.
"I hate to be rude, but I need to get to work now." I explain politely.
"Oh of course, say goodbye to her Reggie." Mrs. Mantle said with a smile.
"Can I go too, mom?" Reggie asked suddenly.
"No, you're still in trouble." Mrs. Mantle said sternly. Reggie sighed before turning to me.
"Could we meet up later? To get the science project done?" Reggie asked me. I wanted, so~ desperately, to say no but I didn't want too bad of a grade.
"I suppose, but I'm not going to be alone with you. I'll see if Archie will come too." I said before crossing my arms. I wasn't giving him a choice. Reggie sighed in annoyance but knew I'd win.
"Alright, fine." Reggie agreed. I excused myself before hurrying out the door. I got in my car and quickly drove off. I was running late. I stopped at the red light and saw Jughead panting.
"Hey, Jughead!" I called out. He saw me and waved.
"Need a ride?" I asked him. I didn't get an answer but he ran over and happily hopped in.
"I'll take that as a yes." I say with a smile. It might be September but it was very hot today and poor Jughead was sweating.
"Thanks. It's hot out here." He panted out. I saw the light was green and began driving again.
"Heading to work?" He asked me.
"Yeah, I think I'm still grounded though." I admitted as I felt bad for cancelling our date.
"Did Reggie apologize?" He asked me.
"Yeah." I tell him before stopping at another light.
"Where to?" I asked him.
"Pop Tate's. I'm hungry and you're working so I want to be with you." He tells me with a smile.
"That's sweet." I say with a smile before driving off.
*Reggie's POV*
I was bummed I couldn't get anything off Aria but I still had Betty and Veronica dolls. I got home and, after a couple hours, got a call from Archie.
"What?" I asked him in a snap but got a glare from my mom.
"Oh, um, yes?" I changed my tone.
"Aria asked me to join you with the project, just to watch, but I can't so Betty is going to." He immediately told me.
"Is that all?" I asked him. I was not in a good mood.
"No, I'm guessing you didn't hear what happened to Veronica." He suddenly tells me. My eyebrows raised from this.
"What happened?" I asked curiously. Maybe it had something to do with the doll.
"She randomly got a cut on the back of her leg but nothing had caused it. It looked like it was done by a knife." He explained over the phone. I was shocked. The doll worked!
"Oh? Maybe she hit something without realizing it." I say as I tried to play my usual self.
"Well, I smell a weird mystery." Archie tells me.
"Whatever, I need to go." I say then hang up. I went to my room and shut it before giving off a big smile.
This was wonderful! Now I could make them love me, adore me and forget Andrews all together! How? Blackmail them with and without controlling them with the dolls. I waited for tonight before heading over to Aria's. Maybe I can have a second chance with her but I doubt it. I got over there, Betty and Veronica dolls safe with me, as I noticed Betty and Aria were talking out front. No doubt about me being a jerk. Whatever. I got out and waved to the ladies.
"Greeting ladies, no need to be upset now, because The Handsome Reggie has arrived!" I say in a cocky tone while giving the Mantle smile, using my thumb to point at me. The girls blinked for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Yeah right, good one Reggie. You, handsome." Aria said through her laughter.
"I am too!" I nearly whined in a loud tone. Betty started laughing harder.
"You're sub-par compared to others." Aria laughed out as both girls held their sides.
"Hey!~" I complained before pouting.
"Sorry, but she figured you'd say something like that." Betty said as she started composing herself. I only rolled my eyes as Aria opened the door.
"Right, well, Dilton was nice enough to drop off some of his equipment so we can play catch up on everything." Aria told me as we went in.
"That was nice of him." Betty said happily.
"I still can't believe you two are friends." I say with a hint of sour in my tone.
"So? Dilton's a good friends. I'm still around you and you're just barely an acquaintance." Aria says to me.
"She has a point." Betty added. I was pouting but then a thought came to mind as we entered the living room, already set up full of science equipment.
"Wait, don't you and Dilton usually get your work done a week or two ahead?" I suddenly asked. Aria was then blushing.
"Well, I got assignments done for the next 2 weeks, but I accidentally, um, well, skipped over this one…" She said in embarrassment.
"That's nothing to be embarrassed about." Betty says to her.
"It kind of is because I was helping Archie with a bogus mystery and had book marked the wrong page." Aria explained before pulling out a note book.
"So~ that means we can work together on this and I can get notes off of you for the next two assignments?" I asked curiously, hoping she'd say yes to both.
"Yes for the first but no way you're copying my work." Aria tells me sternly. I decided not to argue about it. I decided to be cooperative and study for a while until it was time to leave. I decided to make my move once outside.
"Can I give you a ride home, Betty?" I asked her.
"Thanks, but I'll walk." She tells me. I grabbed her wrist.
"Come on, I won't bite." I assure her. She pulled her arm away from me.
"Thanks, but I'll be fine." She tells me sternly. I got upset but smiled before pulling out the doll.
"Do you know what this is?" I asked her. Betty looked at the doll curiously before looking at me.
"Did you make a doll version of me? And is that my earring?" Betty asked me curiously. I only smiled and jolted the doll towards me, which made Betty get shoved into me, then held her to me.
"See, this is a voodoo doll. No matter what, I can control you, keep you close to me, always have you fawn over me instead of Archie, best of all I can get away with this. Now, how about you change your mind on that ride?" I questioned her, hinting at no choice.
"Why are you doing this?" Betty asked me, hinting she was scared. She should be.
"Because I want one date, one chance to show how good of a guy I am, but no woman, mostly you, Veronica and Aria, never give me a chance. Now, I'm getting one." I tell her in a snapped tone. I was tired of being 2nd rate. Betty knew this, I could see it in her eyes that she knew how I felt. Before Betty could struggle, I used the doll to put her in the car with me before driving off.
"Where did you get the doll?" Betty asked me quietly.
"Not telling. Don't need you telling anyone about this. Remember, I can make you do things you wouldn't do." I remind her calmly. She then looked down.
"Fine… What do you want?" Betty asked me after a few minutes of silence.
"One date, that's it. From you and Ronnie." I tell her firmly.
"I don't know about Veronica, but fine. As long as you can get rid of that doll after." She tells me softly.
"No no, I won't get rid of the doll just yet. I wanna make sure I get what I want and don't worry about Ronnie, I got one of her too." I say with a greed filled smile on my face.
"What about Aria?" Betty asked me softly, refusing to look at me.
"I don't have one of her, not yet. For now, I'll settle for you and Ronnie, my first choices." I say with a hint of glee in my voice.
"You're being awful!" She scolded me harshly.
"Maybe so, but how else will you two give me a chance when I'm always in Archie's shadow?" I genuinely asked her. She didn't reply as I pulled up to her house.
"No telling Archie, not like he could do much, but be ready for tonight, because I'm taking you out on a date tomorrow night." I inform her before releasing my grip on the doll. She felt release before hurriedly opening the door.
"Be ready by 2 pm." I tell her before she slammed the door shut.
My smile never faded before I drove off. Next, I'll go see Veronica. I better be quick about it, too. I hurried to her house and rang the bell. When Smithers answered I explained how I wanted to check on Veronica, hearing about her leg, and was let inside. I went to the backyard, where Ronnie was tanning until she saw me, she perked up and lifted her sunglasses to look at me.
"What do you want?" She asked me, not rudely, as she looked at me.
"I wanted to check on you, hearing about your leg, and was wondering if I could take you out to lunch tomorrow to help you feel better." I told her with a sincere smile. After all, it was my fault.
"Really?~ Well, as nice as that sounds, Archie and I already have plans." She tells me suddenly. I frowned at her.
"Aw come on, ditch him!" I tell her, becoming fed up with Archie.
"Don't you start, Reggie." She scolded me. I then pulled out the doll and, before she could start asking, I made her fall out of her chair.
"Want to change your mind now?" I asked her with a smug smile that matched my tone. She blinked in surprise.
"H-how did you-" She started but I cut her off.
"It's amazing what voodoo dolls can do. Now, want to say yes? Or do I need to give you a third demonstration?" I asked her as I slipped out this was the second time I used this on her. She must've realized that too as her eyes widened.
"A-alright. I-I'll cancel my date with Archie-kins." She says as she admits defeat. I put the doll away and helped her back into her chair as I couldn't stop smiling.
"Great, I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and wear something nicer than usual." I tell her, giving her the finger gun motion and a wink, before walking out. No one suspected a thing and nothing the girls could do would stop them. My plan was perfect!
*Too bad I couldn't get Aria.* I thought but shrugged. These two would be less likely to kill me versus Aria. I had no idea what was going to happen next, nor did I care because I was winning.
*Veronica's POV*
I was scared, really scared. Reggie's never been this bad before. I waited until he left before calling Archie. He answered and I began talking frantically about Reggie and the voodoo doll.
"That happened to you too?" I suddenly heard. Betty was on the line, a three way call.
"What do you mean 'you too'?" I questioned Betty.
"Reggie had a doll of me and did that to me too." Betty confessed. Archie-kins could tell we were scared.
"Alright, I need to think. I'll keep an eye on the 'dates' tomorrow but, for now, let me call Aria and see if she knows anything. I think I know where he got the dolls too." Archie explained to us. We agreed and hung up. What else could we do? Reggie had control of us and could do anything to us. I just hoped Archie-kins could help us.
*Aria's POV*
Since my work was done, and it had been an hour since Betty and Reggie left, I decided to make dinner for me and dad. As I was cooking I heard the phone ring. I made sure nothing would burn before grabbing the phone.
"Andrews' residence, Aria speaking." I politely say over the phone.
"Aria, we got a weird mystery!" Archie nearly yelled over the phone.
"Archie? Oh, don't tell me it's the mole men again or the fire ants from Mars bit again!" I scolded over the phone. Yes, Archie still believed in the mole men and, yes, he also believed there were 3 feet high fire ants that came from Mars as well.
"While I still believe those are real, no not now. It has to do with Reggie." He tells me suddenly. I groaned.
"What did dumb dumb do this time?" I questioned him. I took the phone, grateful it was cordless, over to the stove to finish cooking while listening to Archie ramble. I froze as he explained about the voodoo dolls and the girls and all that was happening.
"So he got them from Miss Lucinda. Go talk to her about it." I say to him, since this was a simple answer, before leaving the food in the oven.
"Well, I'm going to. But there's something we need to be ready for." Archie tells me.
"What's that?" I asked him.
"Well, Reggie's been around you for a while. What if he took something to have a third doll? One of you?" Archie asked me. My body went cold as he mentioned this.
"He would dare… Would he?" I asked him suddenly. Reggie was dumb at times, but was he really that dumb?
"Maybe, either way just be careful." Archie tells me.
"Ok, well, what's the plan then?" I asked him.
"Well..." Archie said and trailed off. I had a feeling I wouldn't like this one bit.
*Archie's POV*
After I explained the plan I hung up and darted out the door. It was dark, but I needed to go see Miss Lucinda quickly. I got in my car and rushed to her place. I cursed myself for writing a good article on voodoo dolls.
*I'm sure that's where he got the idea from.* I thought as I parked and ran the rest of the way until I was knocking on her door.
"For goodness sakes, do you know what time it is?" Miss Lucinda answered and yelled a bit.
"I'm sorry, but I need to talk to you." I tell her.
"It's about that Mantle boy and the dolls, huh?" She asked me. I didn't even question how she knew, I swear the woman could see the future, but nodded yes.
"Alright, get in here before I change my mind." She tells me as she moves aside. I went inside and looked around. Her place gave me the creeps at times.
"He's going a bit crazy ain't he?" She asked me.
"Yes and it's going to get worse." I explained to her.
"Well, voodoo can do that sometimes." She said as she leaned against her closed front door with her arms crossed.
"So, he's using them to blackmail the three girls?" She asked me.
"Three?" I asked her questioningly.
"Yes, though he didn't mention their names, I can guess who they are. Betty, Veronica and Aria." She tells me.
"As far as we know, he only has Betty and Veronica dolls." I tell her.
"Well then, you could use the third against him unless he has it used. I doubt he does though." She tells me.
"Why's that?" I asked her. She sighs in annoyance.
"Really? Boy, do you know nothing about voodoo?!" She exclaimed/questioned in annoyance.
"What do you mean?" I asked her. She sighed in annoyance again.
"With Voodoo, when you gain something, you tend to lose something. He is inexperienced and these dolls feed off of those who use them selfishly. He will be selfish but will soon become either full of selfish behaviour, no remorse nor other emotions, or slowly loose all emotions to become nothing but a doll depending on how strong it is. If he doesn't learn to respect the women, then he will never learn." She tells me the warning.
"Does he know?" I asked her.
"I warned him, but he didn't listen." She tells me with a shrug.
"How do we stop him?" I asked her worriedly.
"Well, you could either take the dolls and bring them back here to me for me to undo the voodoo or allow him to be lost." She tells me.
"Any other way?" I asked her.
"No. You need to either get him to return them, take them from him or use an unused doll to control him and force him to see reason." She tells me. I only nod.
"Right." I say and go to leave.
"Oh, one more thing." She calls out, making me turn to look at her.
"If they aren't returned by tomorrow night, then I can't undo the voodoo and he will be lost forever." She warned me. My heart sank from that.
"Right, no pressure." I jokingly say to ease my worry before walking out. This wasn't good at all. I hoped Reggie didn't use the third doll yet.
*Reggie's POV*
I couldn't sleep. I was pumped with energy and had started working out as my mind kept going towards the girls. I knew this was wrong, but I didn't care because I was finally getting what I deserved.
*But what about the third girl? Don't you want her too?* I had heard a voice in my mind. It was the greedy part of me, at least I think it was.
*I'll get Aria when I can I'm satisfied with the two I have.* I thought to myself.
*But why settle? After you get her, I can show you how to make more. You'll soon have every hot woman you want in Riverdale!* The voice told me. I stopped and sat down.
*What in return?* I thought as I vaguely remember what Miss Lucinda told me.
*You don't need to worry about that. Just try to get her tomorrow.* The voice tells me in my head.
*Fine.* I thought before I laid down. I was now able to sleep, unaware of a man shrouded in shadows, eyes red, dressed in a voodoo type tuxedo style outfit and face makeup watching me sleep with a smile before fading.
*Miss Lucinda's POV*
I gasped as I held my chest.
"No." I gasped as I hurried to go grab my black jujube powder to spread around. Nothing was glowing but that confirmed my suspicions. Papa Legba was trying to use Reggie to gain spirits with the voodoo dolls. I couldn't do anything except wait and hope to get those dolls back.
*How did he get out, though?* I thought. Papa Legba could only be summoned by someone and my thoughts were another voodoo expert cursed the dolls before I received them. Damned shadow voodoo scum. I hope Reggie doesn't make any deals with him. I could only hope.
*Next day Reggie's POV*
It was almost noon as I was getting ready.
*Today's the day.* I thought happily. Finally, I'm getting a date with the two hottest girls in Riverdale, taking them from Andrews and finally able to show I'm not that bad of a guy.
*Don't forget.~* I heard in my head.
*Yeah yeah, I'll use the third one.* I thought to myself, finishing fixing up my hair, pocketing the two dolls, hiding the third blank one under a loose floorboard in my room, before walking out. My mom stopped me but I explained how the girls begged for the dates because I behaved at Aria's. She was skeptical about it but, after almost 10 minutes, she accepted this and let up on the grounding.
"If I find out you did something wrong, I'll make you grounded until the end of the school year." Mom scolds me.
I nod politely before hurrying out the door. I was dressed in black dress shoes, black dress slacks, light blue button up satin long sleeve shirt, hair slicked back like usual and a light amount of cologne on. I hurried off, stopping to get flowers first, and picked Ronnie up first, since she was closer. I honked and she walked out, wearing a lovely dark blue one strap dress past the knees, gold necklace with matching gold drop earrings, dark blue pumps and her hair was flared in a lovely way that looked feathery.
*Nothing less from Veronica.* I thought with a smile. I grabbed one of the flowers for her, got out and handed them to her before opening the back door for her.
"Good afternoon, Veronica. You look lovelier than I could ever imagine." I politely tell her. She looked so lovely.
"Um, thank you." She said nervously while taking the flowers before getting in the car. I closed the door before getting back in and driving off.
"Hope you don't mind a double date, I figured giving both you and Betty equal treatment would show you two I'm not as bad as you think." I explained as I head to Betty's place.
"Oh, well, that's fine." She said nervously.
She was scared because of the dolls, which was fine by me. I drove up to Betty's and honked for her. She came out, wearing a red dress that matched Ronnie's and the jewelry looked similar too except her hair was put up into a bun. Both girls did wear a small amount of make up, but it was almost unnoticeable. I did the same thing with Betty I did for Ronnie, got the same response in the same way, then drove off. I had a reservation for the fanciest place in town and everything. Things were running smoothly.
*Archie's POV*
I was now tailing Reggie to keep an eye on the girls. I had followed them to that fancy restaurant Veronica likes, Le Homard Fantaisie, until they parked. Reggie was being polite, helping them out of the car and held the door open for them.
*Maybe he does mean well.* I thought until he moved. I saw a shadow of sorts, looking like a man, with red glowing eyes stare at me before vanishing.
*What the?* I thought as I blinked in surprise. Did I imagine that? If not, then what was it? I couldn't go in but I watched outside for over an hour until Reggie paid and they walked out.
*Reggie's POV*
I did everything right, pulled their chairs out, complimented them, wasn't afraid to let them order anything they desired and was polite. I talked a bit about myself but asked them how they were and all that. It was a mix of bragging about myself and listening to the girls talk. They had seemed bored with my bragging which is why I let them talk about themselves. It was a bit boring but interesting as well. After all of that I paid and escorted them out.
"Wow, that was, actually, not bad." Betty admitted with surprise.
"Yeah, it was tolerable." Veronica added as well. I got them in the car with a smile.
"See? I told you it'd be a good date." I say with a smile before getting inside.
"As promised, I'll bring you home." I say as I started driving off.
"What's the catch?" Betty asked me.
"Just a kiss on the cheek." I tell them with a smirk.
"Don't you know it's rude to kiss on the first date?" Veronica told me. I frowned at her excuse. I pulled out the dolls and motioned for them to kiss me on my cheeks by force.
"I don't think so." I say with a satisfied smirk.
"Uhg, and just like that, you're back to being awful." Betty said as both girls grimaced. I only shrugged as I dropped them off. I mentioned more dates while showing the dolls and both shuttered as I drove off. I was happy for this.
*Remember.~* I heard in my head before I thought I saw red glowing eyes. I rolled my eyes before pulling into my driveway. I stopped when I noticed Aria's car but not my parents.
"Huh?" I questioned out loud before getting out. I went inside and looked around as I smelled something delicious.
*Why does it smell good?* I thought before following the smell into the kitchen.
My jaw nearly dropped at the sight before me. Aria Andrews, wearing a dark purple strapless mini-dress with black ribbons on the edges and around thee waist, with a medium bow tied on the back, her hair up in a multi braided bun, wearing an apron in MY kitchen! Baking! She turned around, her make up done very nicely, as she gave me that sweet smile she wears every day.
"Glad you're home, Reggie dear." She said as she pulled out a tray of cookies from the oven.
"Why are you here? And Reggie dear?" I questioned her curiously. I felt something was up because this was too good to be real.
"I can't make cookies for a handsome gentleman like yourself?" She questioned me as she gave me a mildly hurt look.
"Well, I can't deny I'm handsome." I bragged as I gave a smile.
She closed her eyes before opening them half way, smile never fading, as she brought over a plate of cookies for me. My favorite too, M&M cookies. Each one had a heart in the center that was made out of one colored M&M.
"That must've took a while. And how'd you know this are my favorite?" I asked her as I took a red one and bit into it. It was hot, gooey and amazing. Nothing less from Aria.
"You're mother told me. She let me in thinking we were going to study together." She tells me. I gulped down as I looked curious.
"What do you mean?" I asked her. She gave a soft chuckle.
"Well… I had been thinking about it and I was wrong for flipping you. After Betty and Veronica called and told me they were going on a date with you, well… I felt… Jealous." She said as she seemed to get a bit shy, almost as if she was ashamed to admit it.
"Well, I can understand the jealousy. But, what about you and Jughead?" I questioned her.
"Well, I hadn't, exactly, told him yet… I was thinking we could, well, keep it secret for now… Mostly to not make the girls jealous." She explained as she began blushing. I smirked in satisfaction.
"Well, I suppose that makes sense." I tell her smugly.
*Don't fall for it! She's tricking you, boy! Get her hair and make the doll now!* I heard in my head.
*Oh shut up! I don't need it!* I thought angrily before gently lifting her chin up to look at me.
"I don't mind being a dirty little secret, for a while at least." I tell her smugly. She then wrapped her arms around me gently, pulling herself a bit closer to me, as she gave a small smile.
"Really?~" She purred out seductively. A shiver ran down my spine from those words.
*Use the doll! Don't you dareback out of our agreement!* I heard in my head but I ignored it.
"Under one condition." I say to her.
"Oh?" She questioned me. I ignored the small growl in my head at this point.
"How about a kiss? To seal our little deal?" I asked her. If she was serious then she wouldn't deny me. She blushed and seemed flustered but then smirked.
"Alright." She said softly. I felt joyful as she leaned in to kiss me, her fingers twirling around my hair. I then felt a pain from my head, as if my hair was pulled out, before being kneed in the stomach. I oofed and stumbled back as Aria gave me a smug smirk.
"Like I'd really cheat on Jughead." She said and showed me my hair. I gasped at that.
"What. But-" I said in confusion. She then pulled out the blank voodoo doll I had hidden in my room and gasped in shock.
*Flashback Aria's POV*
I groaned at Archie's plan.
"What if he comes home? What if I get caught?" I asked Archie the night before the main plan.
"Well then seduce him." Archie tells me.
"WHAT?!" I shrieked over the phone.
"Come on, he has a thing for you so it'll be easy." Archie tells me.
"Would you ask the same for Betty and Veronica?!" I scolded him.
"Well, yes." He said over the phone.
"Archie Andrews, you owe me big time! This is going to be so~ humiliating." I say to him.
"I'll buy you burgers for a month for this." He tells me. The offer wastempting.
"Throw in washing my car with a wax job and I'll accept." I say to him. Archie was silent before sighing.
"Alright, fair enough. The girls will be on a date with him tomorrow afternoon." Archie tells me.
"Alright." I say as I planned.
"What about his parents?" He asked me.
"His dad will be at work and his mom might go shopping, so I'll explain how I'll be there to help Reggie get a head start on some work so he doesn't fall behind." I explained to him.
"Right, I'll call you after I visit Miss Lucinda." Archie tells me before hanging up.
I sighed and hung up as dad came through the door. After dinner Archie called. Dad answered and mentioned me still being grounded until he heard Archie explain it was a weird mystery. Dad asked me and I let him know everything and promised him that I wasn't lying. When it came to weird mysteries, he knew Archie and I would neverlie about those.
"What did you find out?" I asked Archie over the phone. He then told me what Miss Lucinda told me and my heart sank.
"Oh man..." I muttered out.
"We just need to be quick." Archie tells me.
"Right, I'll have a back up plan too. Make sure you follow him in case I'm not out of there." I let him know.
"Right." He says and we hang up.
Dad didn't like this idea, which I agreed with him, but knew it needed to be done. He decided to play a role and help out. He knew Mrs. Mantle was looking to get a new car and decided to bring her to his brother's car place and assist her with a car find. He called Mrs. Mantle and she was ecstatic for the help and agreed. He mentioned me going over to help Reggie with studying and how he knew but to keep it secret that I was going over early to make apology cookies. After putting me on the phone with her and a small talk she agreed and told me his favorite cookies. Plan was set in motion. I even looked up online how the dolls work, so I wouldn't loose myself like Reggie would, to be on the safe side. I actually likedthe thought of voodoo and magic. Once it was the afternoon the next day I had hurried over there. Reggie was gone and I caught his mom before she left.
"You're such a darling." She said to me with a smile before leaving.
I had my book bag with me and hurried inside. I made cookie batter and put them in the oven, just in case, before hurrying to his room to search. I couldn't find it and I was annoyed before stomping my foot. The thing was, when I did the floor sounded odd. I looked down and stomped again. It sounded hollow.
*Of course!* I thought before opening the floor board.
There were a few secret things, like swimsuit magazines, a magazine that I was in, a couple old toys and the blank voodoo doll. I happily took it, put the board back, pulled out a piece of paper that had some notes here and there about the next assignment, so I wouldn't be a liar to Mrs. Mantle, went downstairs, turned the oven off and was about to leave until I heard a car. I looked out and panicked when I was Reggie pull up. Plan B! I rushed back into the kitchen, took off my top and shorts, pulled out a fancy short dress and put it on, put on the apron, splotched some flour on it and shoved the doll in the apron pocket, praying Reggie wouldn't see it, as I heard him come in. Let's hope I'm a good actress.
*End of Flashback Reggie's POV*
"You-you tricked me?" I questioned her in shock.
"Reggie, these dolls are dangerous! You're going to loose yourself if you're not careful and this is wrong. I know why you feel the need to do this, but it's wrong, Reggie!" She tells me as she puts the hair on the doll. It then turns into me.
"You can't do that!" I screamed and ran to her. She moved the doll so I began floating before she flung me backwards.
"I'm sorry Reggie, but this is the only way." She tells me. She took the dolls from me, since they fell out of my pocket, and started to run but was frozen in place.
"I warned you, foolish boy." I heard the southern drawl voice from my head say out loud. I knew it wasn't in my head because Aria tried to look around for the voice. Then a man appeared before me, I thought I saw him in a dream where he was looking at me, but I suppose it's not a dream. He smirked at me.
"Who the heck are you?!" I questioned/demanded.
"I am Papa Legba, Keeper of one of the realms of Hell. And you, boy, failed to do my bidding." Papa Legba tells me.
"What?" I questioned.
"Reggie, please tell me you didn't make a deal with a voodoo type of devil!" Aria questioned me in a demanding way, as if begging for it not to be true.
"No, I didn't! I swear!" I told the truth. Papa Legba chuckled an echo demonic like chuckle.
"Not in many words, but if you had used the third doll, you would've done so." He tells me with a sick smile.
"How dare that voodoo witch trick me!" I yelled as I cursed Miss Lucinda. He chuckled again. Man, that was creepy.
"Miss Lucinda had nothing to do with this, in fact, she had no idea I was here. I was summoned by another voodoo witch to, how you say, have some fun." He said with a sick smile. He then turned to Aria and went over to her.
"Shame, I would've loved for you to get me souls, but I can now have you helping me." He said as he touched Aria's hair.
"How? With the dolls?" Aria questioned.
"Yes, exactly. You are a smart girl, perhaps it'll be good to have another assistant." He says to her.
"No way, I read up on voodoo dolls and I won't fall victim to the selfish needs." She huffed out before cringing. It looked like her body tightened.
"Perhaps so, but I'm going to offer a one time deal." He tells her.
"What deal?" She questioned bitterly. I slowly rose up while both were distracted.
"I'm willing to reverse the dolls and forget the about this town, in exchange for something." He tells her as he rests his hands on her arms. I didn't like him touching her, not just because I liked her, but because he was evil. This felt different. I slowly snick up on him.
"Which is?" Aria questioned him.
"Yours and Miss Lucinda's souls. I want you three with me, you two can either torture or be tortured. While many souls would be fine, you were smart to trick Reggie and Miss Lucinda would be a nice reward." He says softly to her. I was close to them.
"Never." Aria scolded.
"Are you sure? Once you deny my offer, no others will be made." He warned her.
"I'll never give up our souls." She says before she cringed again. I heard her bones creak as Papa Legba growled. I took the chance and jumped on his back. This caused Aria to be released.
"Run, Doll Face, run!" I ordered her as I put him in a choke hold.
"Reggie!" She screamed out.
"Run now! Get them to Miss Lucinda!" I cried out as I felt him struggle. Aria hesitated before she bolted. Once she was out, Papa Legba threw me off of him and used his magic on me to hold me.
"I'll deal with you later." He growled before he vanished. I was hurt, bad. I slowly got up, wincing in pain, before limping to the car. I felt awful, knowing this was my fault and decided to try and help as much as I could.
*I hope I can.* I thought as I drove off to where Miss Lucinda's place would be.
*Aria's POV*
I had gotten out of the house, feeling bad for leaving Reggie with something deadly, as I saw Archie in his car.
"Archie! Catch!" I say and tossed him the dolls.
He got them and drove off before I got in and followed suit. I figured I'd be the target, so I was using Archie to get there faster than me. As I continued driving, I looked in my rear view mirror and gasped at the sight of Papa Legba. He grabbed me and I almost lost control of the car but saw his magic was controlling it.
"Where are the dolls?" He growled out.
I then felt energy stir inside me before my eyes changed, teeth sharpened and nails grew. Instead of answering I bit him. I felt the car lose control and smash into something. I'm not sure what we hit, but it was enough to make him go away. I went back to normal, not sure how I did that, before getting out. My car was damaged, damn, as I looked around. No one was around and no other cars were damaged, but I saw I hit a light post. Oops. It didn't take damage though. I turned and didn't get a chance to scream as Papa Legba was behind me and grabbed my throat.
"You are not normal, so what are you?" She questioned me. I was lifted up, causing me to kick, as I felt my throat closing. I couldn't pry his hand off of me.
"Where. Are. The. Dolls." He demanded. I chuckled as my nails grew and dug into him.
"You're… Too… Late..." I gasped out. He frowned as he knew what I meant. Then I heard a honk and was released before a car pulled up next to me. I gasped for air as the car door opened and shut followed by foot steps.
"Dol-Aria, are you ok?" I suddenly heard Reggie. I looked up and could tell he was hurt.
"I'm fine." I say to him.
"Not for long!" I heard. We both looked and saw Papa Legba there and, before we knew it, we were in a cage in Miss Lucinda's home, with her and Archie and the dolls.
"Archie!" I gasped out. Both of them looked at us in shock.
"Are you kids alright?" Miss Lucinda asked us.
"Yes and I'm sorry!" Reggie whined out in a cowardly tone. I could tell he actually meant it too.
"I'm willing to release them." We heard as Papa Legba appeared.
"I knew I felt your presents, Papa Legba. Leave them kids alone." she tells him.
"I'll release them, in exchange for your soul." He offered. Miss Lucinda scoffed before putting jujube powder on the dolls along with salt.
"You have no power to do so." She said before torching the dolls and muttered a chant. Reggie cowered but then realized he wasn't burning. It was the release spell. The cage soon vanished and Reggie helped me over to them.
"Now go, you have no power and no reason to be here." Miss Lucinda tells Papa Legba. He smirked before turning to me.
"I'm willing to offer one more deal, red head girl." He says to me.
"Don't listen to him." Miss Lucinda says in a defensive tone but never took her eyes off of him.
"You have a disease, one that was forced upon you to, eventually, turn you into a monster. It's already starting and, very soon, you will be one. I'm willing to cure you, for a price." He offers me.
"What does he mean?" I heard Archie ask.
"What is it?" I asked him curiously. I knew he knew and felt he was right.
"I want Miss Lucinda's soul." He offered.
"I'm declining. I won't give you any souls, no matter what happens to me." I tell him sternly. He scoffs.
"Suit yourself, but I'll be collecting souls when you turn." He says before vanishing. I was shaking because I felt he was right.
"What did he mean?" Reggie asked me. I turned and looked at all three before sighing.
"Remember the Morpholomew?" I questioned. Archie and Reggie nodded. I sighed before explaining what happened. I. Told. Them. Everything.
"What?!" Both of them yelled at me. I nodded as I curled up.
"It's how I healed quickly when my arms were broken, not sprained. When I beat that man up who killed Allegro, that was the anger of the monster in me. I had to talk to the sheriff and confessed to him what happened. Supreme Girl is working on a cure and we weren't going to say anything until I was cured." I explained to them.
"You kept this a secret from us?! From me?!" Archie asked/stated in shock. I only nodded yes.
"Listen, Aria, I'm… 'Sigh' I'm sorry for all of this… I didn't mean for anyone to be hurt. I was just, well, jealous and upset no one gave me a chance." Reggie said as he rubbed the back of his head. I looked at him and saw he genuinely meant it.
"I understand but you need to apologize to Betty and Veronica." I tell him.
"I will, I promise." He says to me.
"How come you weren't affected by the bad affects of the doll?" Archie asked me.
"I did my research to be safe. Glad I did." I say as I slowly got up.
"You were smart on that one." Miss Lucinda said to me. After Reggie apologized to Miss Lucinda we left. Reggie went to go apologize to the girls and Archie went with me to get my car. I frowned at the damage done.
"Dad's gonna kill me." I mutter out softly.
"If you want, I can help you fix it, in exchange for no buying your burgers for the month?" Archie offered.
I agreed and we brought the car to his place. I am happy to have an awesome cousin like Archie. We went to his room and began to type up the story. Archie agreed to leave out the Morpholomew stuff in exchange I tell the girls and Jughead. I agreed. In the middle of typing, the girls called us and told us how Reggie apologized and meant it. This was good, he was learning at least. After the call we got to the end of the story.
"So in the end, you should be careful when messing with magic and voodoo. Being selfish with it could be much more dangerous than one thinks. ~Archie. And, on another note, remember to respect women. Don't force them to do anything, blackmail them or anything like that, because it'll eventually get you in big trouble. ~Aria. Hoping Vinnie Wells reads this and backs off? ~Archie. Yes! ~Aria. Anyways, magic and voodoo should only be used by those experienced, not as a joke. Also respect and trust, no matter how little, can go a long way… ~Archie. Especially in a little town called Riverdale. ~Aria and Archie!" I was happy this was done and over with.
"Could you drive me home?" I asked Archie.
"Sure, no problem." He says with a smile. We went to his car and he drove me home.
"I should have it all fixed by tomorrow. If your dad asks, just tell him I'm looking at the engine and changing your oil tomorrow because I didn't get to it today." Archie tells me.
"You know I hate lying to him." I say softly.
"Well I will be doing that, so it's not lying. It's only part of the truth. Something I know you do well at." He tells me, hinting at the big secret. I felt ashamed and hurried into my house. I just wanted to go to bed. That's what I did too, but I had a dreamless sleep because of all my worries.