The trials were finally over.

Hiram Lodge had managed to weasel his way out of several charges, thus resulting in only being charged for one third degree murder of Elizabeth Cooper, and the abuse of both Hermione and Veronica Lodge.

FP Jones was not charged for the attempted shooting of Hiram Lodge, due to complications in the case surrounding the accusations against both Hermione and Hiram Lodge. He had however been convicted of covering up the murder of Jason Blossom, and of rape.

Penelope Blossom admitted to several murders. She somehow managed to get herself into a reasonably good position once in the prison, by bribing the guards.

Alice had committed suicide the night that they were caught.

No charges had been brought against Charles. Hermosa Lodge had also managed to escape.

Hermione was found innocent after much difficulty in procedures. Mary proved her worth as a lawyer.

Archie Andrews had been found. It had been Alice who'd kidnapped him, in an attempt to bring joy to her daughter. Now Archie and Veronica were engaged, to the relief of Hermione and Mary, who both knew that the two teens needed some happiness.

Charles poured himself a cup of coffee and wandered into the living room of the Cooper Jones house. It was his house now, and Jellybean and Jughead lived there too. Charles had been granted guardianship of Jellybean for a while.

Jellybean was sat on the sofa next to Jughead, playing minecraft. Charles knew that girl was addicted to the game. Not that he really minded, of all the things one could become addicted to, computer games were one of the least harmful.

Jughead on the other hand, had barely lowered his alcohol intake. Charles knew he would have to talk to him sometime about responsible drinking, but for now he would let it slide. God, he was not cut out to be parent material.

"Hey, do you two mind turning that off a minute?" he asked, trying to ignore the headache already blossoming between his eyes. Jellybean switched the screen off.

"JB, I need to ask you something important." Charles muttered, risking a look at Jughead, whom had been informed of Charles's plans a few days ago.

"I want to legally adopt you. If you don't want that, its fine, social services will figure something out. But I thought I'd give you the choice."

"Of course I want that." Jellybean says, a small smile lighting up her face. Charles was pleased, it was the first time he'd seen her smile in a while. Charles smiled at his sister, glad that she had accepted his offer.

He was going to survive this. He and Jughead would be fine. It would take time, and patience, but one day, they would all be okay again.

The end.