Chapter 9 - Fury Filled Shotgun
Hours, Hours, hours, Jughead felt like he was lying there dead again. He couldn't move, he felt pins and needles puncturing his legs and lower back. His doctor did some tests. It turns out he might be paralyzed in his lower back. Paralyzed strung his heart like a million shotguns hitting all at once, faster than lighting could strike. Fp couldn't forget the look on his son's face when he was told he would might be able to walk again. The pure look of devastation shook his face, it was like you told him he would never be allowed to write or speak his mind. When he heard the news himself, he had to fight back the tears. His son might never be able to walk ever again. Lighting wasn't even cutting it. He felt like he was burning. Actually burning in hell. Was he in hell? He looked around the room he was standing in and knew it wasn't hell. Was this what he gets for being such a bastard father? The haunting words kept Echoing in his head over and over again but this time more maginetfied. " Mr Jones, Jughead might be paralyzed. We are very sorry if that's the case. He will never be able to walk on his own." The words got more repetitive in his head. It was like the devil himself was cursing the words and laughing. A few hours ago he found out his son was alive. He was so happy. Why did he have to be punished?
He had no one else to call. If he called, Betty she would start sobbing. If he called Archie, the poor Red would probably lose it. He knew how guilty he felt. If he called Fred, it would tell it would be okay. He finally decided to call Alice. She would be the only one to help him. Alice was woken up at 9 am. She was in the middle of her day dream. She was so angry, upset about his word last night. Maybe mom can even come back. Those words were like a slap to the face. She thought he loved her. Maybe she was wrong. She walk around the house, when she opened the window the instant smell of burned chemicals burned her nostrils. A phone rang disturbing her thoughts. She went to reach for the phone. When she saw his name on her screen, she almost wanted to let it go to voicemail. But something in her gut told her it was very serious.
"Hello?" She yawned out from lack of sleep. She was literally up since at the crack of dawn. She didn't sleep well. Her husband was rotting in a jail cell and her daughter was going through a rampage about his existence.
"Allie." His voice was weak, instantly she sat up in her chair, heart racing in her chest.
"Fp, what's wrong? Did something happen?" Her voice was full of concern. She heard him take a deep breath. She could hear his emotions in his voice. This was worrying her? She decided to hop in her car. But first leaving Betty a note before leaving.
"Jug, he might be paralyzed." He choked out, she felt her heart stop for a millisecond. He can't be? He was fine before they went home. Fire striking the shotgun.
"Oh my god, Fp! I'm so sorry. I will be right there. I'm almost to the hospital." She exclaimed in shock as she turned to corner and into the parking lot.
Pulling into the parking lot sent chills up her spine. As she got out of her car, swarms of reporters started approaching her holding out microphones and pulling out cameras snapping pictures. She felt like she was in the horror film, Scream. She always thought ghostface was the scariest horror she had ever seen. That was until she found out her town turned into the Woodsboro manic killer. The Black Hood was the updated version Of Ghostface. "Mrs Cooper how could you not know your husband was a crazy psychotic killer?" One of the many reporters shouted as she covered her face with her arms, shielding herself from all the flashing lights. She felt attacked. It wasn't her fault that her husband was a psycho. A blonde reporter got right up in her face. " Is it true his family murdered the Conway family?" She kept interrogating as Alice tried to dodge the question. Fp had came downstairs after he heard one the tv that Alice was getting threats as she tried make her way into the hospital. He threw on his serpent Jacket, even though he knew it would cause a stir.
"That's enough, leave. Your not allowed in the hospital!" He snapped with annoyance in his voice, he took off his jacket and raised it over him and Alice's heads as they made their way into the hospital, Leaving the flashing cameras behind the translucent doors. He turned to look at Alice, who eyes were bloodshot. "It's okay your safe. But I think they know that Jughead is here. Those damn reporters all they want is to get the juicy scoop on this." He growled through his teeth as he took her hand as they walked into the elevator. As the door shut, Alice looked at the buttons and pressed it.
"Now Riverdale is the laughing stock of all the towns." She laughed humorlessly, there was no mistaking her sarcasm in her voice. He sighed as her eyes blurred with more tears. He hated seeing her like this.
"Allie, ignore those reporters. They have no idea what was going on. Just be careful. You should warn Betty. Just for her protection." He explained gently holding her close to him as they entered Jug's hospital room.
They were greeted by a sad smile from his son. He knew his son was having a tough time trying to process the fact he might not be able to walk ever again. "While you were gone, my doctor came in. He said that..." His son paused. He felt like his mind was trying to fill in the blanks for him. Was he paralyzed? "I'm fine. The test concluded that it was a false alarm. He did found out something strange." He was overjoyed. His son was okay. "He said that Someone called him. Saying that Hiram Lodge was shot. Was it you?" His son asked. He was confused. He was here all night. He hadn't let his son's side.
"Jug, I never left your side. Is he dead?" He asked trying not to feel chills. He did want him dead. Was he a bad person for wanting him dead? He didn't think so. He tried destroying his life, but failed. Then a voice stirred the three of them.
"I might of had something to do with that." They turned toward the voice. It was no other then Hermione Lodge. Alice turned toward the fragile women, slowly guiding her to a chair to sit down. "He tried attacking Veronica after she told him she and I were done. I just saw my daughter in danger. He had a gun to his daughter's head. I couldn't le-t him hurt her. She was innocent." She explained in a shaky voice. Fp felt bad for her. They used to be all best friends. She started leaving them hanging for Hiram and that wracked their friendship.
"Hermonie, I'm so sorry. Is she okay?" His voice turned soft, he actually cared a lot about Veronica. She nodded her head.
"She just shaken. She might be a little embarrassed to tell you this. But she called me last night telling me what happened and basically prided me to pay for Jughead's skin graft. I'm so sorry, Fp. I had no idea he was going to hurt you guys." She stopped, looking right in Jughead's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Jughead. I used of known. Maybe I could of stopped it. I always liked you kid." She confessed as tears streamed down her face. Fp was completely stunned. He got up and hugged her. She was shocked by his forgiveness. She treated him like crap. She made him do her husband's dirty work and destroy his son's favorite place in the world.
"Moniy, I forgive you. I know you were tricked and maybe we all can repair our friendship." Her eyes teared up. Forgiveness was all she heard before she blurred out his words with her sobs. Alice was even more shocked, she joined in on the embrace. Jughead smiled and slightly chuckled.
"Alice, I heard about Hal. I can't believe he did that to you guys." Mrs Lodge's words made him freeze.
"W-hat?" He stuttered, his heart broke for Betty. What had he done? "So Betty was telling the truth? Oh god I'm such an ass. I thought she was joking." He facepalmed himself, lowing his eyes to the ground ashamed. Fp saw the realization on his face, he could tell that he was upset with himself.
"Hey, Hey, look at me, Jug." His son looked at him, tears slid down his cheeks. "I didn't know either. It all happened last night. After you called her. She just dealt with her father telling her. She's okay. That's all that matters." He reassured him, squeezing his hand gingerly. Hermonie looked down at Jug's arm and gasped. Oh Hiram you monster, she mentally thought as she covered her mouth in shock.
"H-e had T-hem do this to you. Oh Jughead, my god I'm so glad I shot him near the heart." She incensed as she gridded her teeth. She snatched her ring off her finger. "This enough to last you guys a long time." She stated she dropped her ring into Fp's palm. Fp felt the ring in his palm and knew she was done.
"Moniy this is a lot. You don't have to—" She caught him off by a flick of her hand.
"No, no, I can't let you rot. I know he stole your home. So this ring can get you a nice place. I got to go, Veronica texted me that Our house is getting reprosed. We have no money. Fuck, damn't Hiram. At least I have some money saved up." With that she was out of the room, leaving everyone with shocked faces.
Betty was woken up from a nightmare she was having. It was her dad killing Jughead and everyone she cared dearly about it. She looked at her phone, she had one voicemail from V, a Text from Cheryl and a Twitter notification. She clicked on Twitter. Her feed was filled with trillions of tweets. "Wow doesn't surprise me. Riverdale always has been sketchy with dad's." There was another she read. "Leave the poor family alone. They were tortured mostly the two Daughters. Also her boyfriend was attacked by a rival gang he's in the Serpents. Give the girl some space." That tweet helped Betty cope. She felt a little better but that soon was gone. "She's a freak. She's going to be just like her father. Did you know she sent some guy to him? What a psycho wanna be." Her eyes blurred with tears. Why were there so many hateful comments? Why did they hate her? It wasn't her fault. Yet she felt like it was. She decided to shut the app and look at her messages. First she opened Cheryl's.
Cher- Oh Betty. How are you feeling? Don't hurt yourself. I'm always here if you want to talk.
B- I'm feeling shitty, Cher. Did you see what they are tweeting about me and my family and also Jug.
Cher- oh yeah I saw. Betty you should stay off Twitter. It doesn't help. I'm telling you from experience.
B- I know... Its just hard. And I looked out my window and there's reporters right outside my window. Can you sneak me out? I want to see Juggie.
Cher- Oh God are you fucking kidding me? Do I need my bow?
B- okay calm down, Cher. No bow needed. Get Archie to help you. Or Toni. Please?
Cher- I just texted Toni she's coming. She's going to borrow Fangs old truck. I don't know how she's doing. I keep asking if she's okay and she just replies yeah.
B- okay I will see you soon. I'm also so sorry for what my dad did to you.
Cher- don't sweat it, Cousin. It's okay. I'm right outside your door. The back one.
She read the text and started making her way to the backyard, she spotted Cheryl from behind the bushes. She almost screamed when Cheryl pulled her arm. How much worse could her life get? She followed Cheryl to the truck. As she sat down in the backseat, she received glances from her Cousin and Toni. She hated the way they were treating her. It was like she was a glass doll and would shatter in any second. She knew her cousin was just looking out for her. The drive seemed like hell.
As soon as she stepped out of the truck, reporters surrounded them. Toni was biting back her nasty response. Just what they needed. She was grieving and they were targeting her. She knew all about the nasty, seditious comments on Twitter, Facebook and even on the Blue and Gold Website. "Miss cooper, were you aware your father was capable of murder?" A short blonde woman stuck a microphone in Betty's face. She tried her best to avoid all their comments, there was one that really tugged her in the wrong way.
"Were you aware our your mother's affair? That she was secretly seeing Fp Jones. And you and his son are dating with a secret brother in the mix. Wow your family is full of bananas." Betty couldn't take it anymore. All the nasty comments were making her so furious. Cheryl noticed how she was clenching her fists, turning them. She was afraid this would happen.
"Betty don't. That's what she wants." She said getting her cousin to stand down. The reporter turned to Cheryl, getting closer to her. She tried to keep her eyes from rolling back.
"Oh Sweet Blossom isn't true your gay now?" Toni was now on the verge of going basaltic.
" Excuse me miss, you need to leave before I call security." Toni said as nice as possible. The woman rolled her eyes and added a scoff.
"Oh I know all about you Serpents. You ruined my life." She snarled.
"What did us Serpents do to you, Sweetheart." Toni mocked. This only arrogated the reporter more.
"You shot my godfather!" She screamed, causing people to gasp and whispers started. Toni had no idea what she was taking about. Serpents didn't use guns, only switchblades.
"Ok chill, Us Serpents don't even use guns. I don't know where your getting your false information. And who's your godfather?" She stated as she held her anger in.
"Hiram Lodge. He was shot and killed last night and now I want to know why you guys did it. Is it cause he blackmailed and payed your rivals? It was a smart move. You Serpents are nothing but dirt." The reporter stated, swapping her microphone for a black pistol. Betty's eyes widened in fear. She didn't want to die.
Back in hospital room, Jughead was scanning through the channels as Alice and his father talked something caught his attention. Shit, shit, Betty. "Oh god, Betty!" He cried in fear, causing his father and Alice to lock eyes and then meet the tv. Fp's eyes locked in place with tv. Oh shit was right. He had to get them out of there. Alice recognized the reporter it was the same one from earlier in the morning. Fuck, she mentally cursed.
"Okay, Okay... I don't know anything about him dying. It wasn't us." Toni pleaded in fear for her life. She knew she was breaking one of their laws. But she couldn't help it.
"Bullshit, you had it out for him!" Hiram's goddaughter yelled stoically. Cheryl wished she would of brought her archery set. She saw Betty look down at her phone and then she felt her phone buzz. It's said "Go get back up. Sheriff Keller, Mr Andrews. I will try to sneak Toni and I out." Cheryl wanted to scream. This plan was stupid. She wasn't going have her cousin risk her life. "No, Betty it's too dangerous. I will call Mr Keller, and Mr Andrews that's it." She texted back. "Fine hurry." Betty sent back.
"We didn't hurt him pl-ease let me go." Toni's teeth chattered. Lodge's Goddaughter laughed.
"Oh please, Topaz. Not going to work. Try again, Sweetheart." Goddaughter mocked twirling the gun around her two fingers.
"Siena, what are you doing?!" Someone shouted, the crowds expanded revealing Veronica, with Mr Keller standing beside her and The Serpents.
"Oh we meet again, Veronica. It's sure a pleasure to see you again. Unfortunately it's going to be on death conditions. Your daddy told me about your rebelling against him. Now your going to deal with me." Siena grilled as she moved the trigger, hitting Toni in the shoulder. Luckily the bullet didn't even hit her, instead it hit a tree.
"Why did you become one of them? My dad wasn't a good man you know. He tried killing one of my best friend's. He even tried killing his own daughter!" Veronica yelled. The crowd filled with murmurs and gasps.
"Because, Veronica. This town was nothing before he came." Siena smirked. Cheryl watched from behind Veronica. She was honestly worried about her. But she also knew that she was wearing a Bulletproof vest.
"That's bu—-" She was caught off by a loud gunfire, sending her backward, Betty screamed. Sheriff Keller stormed in, grabbing Siena by the arms roughly, handcuffing her hands behind her back.
Fp had watched Veronica get shot, pushed his way through the crowd, earning furious grumbles from them. Betty had tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe her best friend was shot. Yet again she was losing her friends in the harshest ways. Veronica felt a little shaken, but the bullet didn't go through her vest. Betty started racing toward her. Fp watched as he slowly looked around, the crowd was no longer there. His mind told him they didn't want to be Accessory to attempted murder. "I'm alright. See it's a vest. I was over at Archie's with my mom. And Cheryl called telling Mr Andrews what was going on. I'm sorry to scare you, B." She explained as she wiped her best friend's cheeks.
Alice was standing shook to the floor as she watched the screen. Jughead sighed in relief. Sheriff Keller actually did his job right. He saw his dad appear on the screen. Veronica was wearing a vest. He almost had a heart attack. Betty smiled through the tears. She squeezed V into a tight hug. " I almost lost you. After what my father did. I can't lose anymore of you guys. v, never do that again.". "Not unless you tell me first." She snapped her lightly on the arm.
After Betty helped V up, she was guided by Fp back into hospital with Cheryl and Toni tagging along. They weren't going to leave her alone after that. Fp held open the glass hospital door for them, Archie sent a weird smile to him. He was still trying to get over the fact his girlfriend and Dad were shot in a matter of hours from each other. Arriving at Jug's door, they are met by his dorky smile.
"You guys terrified me. And I'm the one in the hospital bed." Jughead let out a chuckle feeling the tense pain from his injuries. Betty almost feels her eyes burn again. "What's wrong, Betts?" He says as he sees the tears forming in her eyes.
"My life is falling apart. My dad was the Black Hood. He was the one who tortured me. Like it was some sick twisted game." She confesses as her eyes darken. "He took everything I ever knew. Now I can't even think of him as my dad. The memories Of iceskating are long gone, Juggie. Reading my favorite books are gone. My childhood has disintegrated into nothing." She was now sobbing. Cheryl saw her cousin slipping the truth. She knew exactly how Betty felt. Maybe she didn't have the best relationship with her father. But she did remember she used to call him daddy when he would bring her maple syrup. She recently learned that it was an cover up for the real business. Selling jiggle jangle to the Ghoulies. Her childhood was based on a lie too. She slowly rested her hand on her cousin's shoulder in comfort it might make her feel somewhat better.
"Betty?" She turned toward Cheryl, eyes low to the floor, drowned, pained. She felt like her cousin's pain was burning into her. "I know it's going to be hard. You will get through it, okay?" She nodded her head, Cheryl pulled her into her arms, letting her tears fall into her jacket.
Parts of Fp were boiling. He still couldn't believe that Hal Cooper tortured his own daughter. For what? To prove he was sick? He was so sick in the head. It took everything in him not to drive down to the station where they were holding him, and not kill him himself. Tears rolled down her cheeks, Cheryl kept her cousin close, Toni wrapping her arms around the both of them. Betty and Cheryl had gone through so much. Cheryl was almost raped, Betty was almost killed. Twice. Cheryl almost died, Betty was tortured for months. They took comfort in one another. Nobody knew pain like them. Nobody felt the pain like them. It was just two cousins trying to keep each other up and going. Archie moved over to Jughead, smiling. Jughead looked directly at Veronica, signaling her over with two flicks of his sore fingers. Betty, Cheryl, Archie, and Alice left the room leaving Fp, Toni, Jug and Veronica together in the silence, dead silent continued to mock Veronica. Why would they want just to talk to her. As she closed the door, she saw tears forming in the older man's eyes. His eyes stared at her heart. She was surprised when he came close to her, basically throwing his arms around her. She was confused at first and a little hesitant, quickly returning the favor. He mumbled something in her hair. She didn't quite get until he pulled back, wiping his eyes. "Thank you." She didn't know what she was talking about. So he elaborated. "Thank you for what you did. I didn't think anybody would of done such a act of kindness, not even a Lodge." He smiled gentle, she felt uneasy. He knew. But how?
"Mr Jones, I don't know what your talking about?" She denied as she fingered her hair nervously. Jughead knew this was typical Veronica Lodge, doing something good. But not wanting to take credit. Toni was confused. Why was he thanking her? Fp saw tears burning up in her eyes.
"Hey, Hey don't cry. Veronica paying for Jug's surgeries. I can't even tell you how much this means to me." He looked her in the eyes. Toni was completely thrown off. Wow she payed. That really warmed her. "And I'm sorry about your father. I did want to kill the bastard for what he caused and going after their own daughter. I don't get what's up with this town and hurting their families. First Clifford, then Hal and now Your father." He finishes before she collapsed in his arms.
Veronica felt her life slipping from her. She had been receiving hate mail, and there wasn't anything she could do about it. After her father's Goddaughter went insane and shot her. It could of been Archie or B or even Cheryl. She heard all about Cheryl's epic rescue of Toni from the Ghoulies. She wouldn't surprised if Cheryl joined the Serpents. She's bad ass. She felt the leader's hands rub her back in soothing motion, his whispers to calm her down. "Shh, it's going to be okay." She didn't know what was going to be okay. Her father was dead, she didn't care about that. She cared about how she was going to save this town from destruction.
Betty had finally calm down, she didn't want to go home. She just wanted to move. Move far away from this town. All she heard in her head was "we must do better." It was her father's words. She hated being related to him. She missed him. Not the serial killer him. The one who would cheer her up when she was sad. Give her treats when she got the best grades in all of her classes. Take her on trips, camping, ice skating. Pop's chicken noodle soup. Most of all she missed building cars with him in the garage or him telling her everything was going to be okay. Instead all she thought of him was how he tortured her. Made her physically sick to her stomach every time he called as the Black Hood. At the time she had no clue it was him. How could a father do that? Why would a father do that? Was there something wrong with her? She kept repeating in her head "why daddy? Why did you do this to me? What did I do to deserve this?" She burned all his pictures. Maybe she should of kept them. But she didn't think she could ever. Ever. Ever forgive him. He caused too much damage. All Betty knew now... it was beyond repair. Their relationship was burned to the ground, no reviving, no Recovering. She never thought that she could be used. Used like a doll. Nothing but a toy. He toyed with her. Ruined her. Ruined ... Ruined... Ruined her to the nothing. The memories were nothing. That's just how it was. No... never... going...back. She hated herself. She would stalk twitter looking at more stomach altering tweets. "Go die." Or "Dark Betty more like Serial Killer". The more she looked the more she felt sick. Destroyed. Distorted.
Her mother would occasionally look up at her as they drove to their home. Her home didn't feel like her home anymore. She had a hard time facing the demons. All she could think of her house was the tainted demons still lingering. The brained guy in her kitchen, crying in her window seat as she broke it off with Juggie the first time. It was all her dad. All of it. The last memory, image was her father choking her mother, grabbing the fireplace stick and wracking him over his head, watching her mother finish him off. That right there was when she lost all faith of her childhood. Seeing the cipher was only triggered her. She didn't think it was a possibility. No one thinks their own family would give them. She knew exactly how Cheryl felt finding out her father murdered her brother. She thought of Polly. How he drove her out of town. Would she ever come back? She hoped her sister would come back. She really needs her. Maybe they could cope together. She could see Juniper and Dagwood. Even if their names weren't what she should of picked? She loved her niece and nephew.
After Fp was called to the Wrym for a Serpent meeting. He was still going to war with the Ghoulies just now for different reasons. Fp on the other hand wanted blood for his son. His son will recover but his mind will forever be changed. He knew the things and words they were calling his son. It made him want to find out where they lived and make them regret what they were saying. He remembered the first time his son came home with a busted lip. He wanted to kill the little bastard who did it. But he knew he wasn't no killer. He even said it to his son when his son straight asked him if he killed Jason Blossom. If he was being honest himself. Those words killed his heart. His son thought he had the capability to be a killer. Yes he may look like he has killed, that wasn't his hobby. Killing wasn't suppose to be an hobby. But for some it was. It made him sick to his stomach discovering Jason Blossom tied to a chair, bullet hole in his forehead, floor drenched in his blood from his lifeless body. He could remember feeling his insides twisting as he disposed his body. He remembered the threat against his son. As he looked at his body. He felt like hell won. Now his son was alive. But barely was. He could of died. He was pretty sure that he had died. In the split second his eyes closed after being left for the dead. He still couldn't get over the fact his son. His own blood sacrificed himself for him. He knew his son thought it was courageous, brave. In reality it was stupid. He knew his son now knew how precious life was. How he could of died. He could remember holding his son the first, tears of joy blurring his eyes as he kissed his little faced forehead. He was only an hour old. He remembered the first time he picked up a bottle, to release the painful, stressful day. It was right after he was fired. His son looked at him with disappointment, shame and teary eyes as he realized his father was an alcoholic.
His long thoughts were disturbed after Cheryl came into his office in Whym. He was thrown off. It wasn't an Blossom scene. He heard about her emancipation. He was honestly happy for her. He wasn't aware what happened in that house. He didn't run it passed her as she waited patiently for him to close his notebook. Cheryl knew she wanted this. When she saved Toni, she felt a rush. One that made her feel like something other then a rich girl. "Mr Jones?" She softly called for his attention. He looked up at her full of surprise in his brown eyes. Her red hair sparkled in the dark lit room. He sat up in his chair, placing his hands on his lap, looking her in the eyes.
"Yes Cheryl." His voice wasn't in normal, she could hear the stress in his voice. She had heard about his struggle with drinking. She heard about Jughead moving out. She honestly felt bad for treating him the way she did.
"I was thinking about joining." His eyebrow raised, she took a breath. "I never had a family. Yes I had one. I just never felt like I had a family. A real family." He got where she was going from. He joined the Serpents because he never felt like he had a family. His father told him to go to hell and kicked him out. Families don't just kick their kids out.
"Are you sure, Cheryl? Once you join. It's very hard to leave. Are you ready for that commitment?" He asked softly. She nodded her head, she licked her lips.
"Yes, I am. It's not cause Toni is either. This is for me. And after what happened to Betty and Jug and even The BullDogs. This town needs to be united. When I spoke at my father's secret will reading. I told them no more madness. No more blood. And I meant it. I still do. I know I have been unfair to you and the Serpents in the past. But Toni showed me a new light. You guys aren't bad. Maybe I was jealous." She explained, his eyebrow raised when she said the will reading. Damn that bastard really wasn't leaving in peace. "Oh as a request I want my jacket Red, thanks." She said with her red lips in a tight smirk. He didn't roll his eyes. He knew it was her color. Nor was he going to fight over colors. It wasn't a battle he was interested on going on to war.
"I made a rule about the serpent dance. You will not be doing that. I decided after Betty's" He cringed at the thought, shaking his head. "I won't be doing that anymore. It's demeaning to women and sexist." Cheryl's face stayed in a smile. She knew from Toni about the dance. She was grateful he was banning such a sexist tradition.
"Thank you, Fp." It felt strange saying his name off her tongue. "I really appreciate all of this. And can I use my bow?" He didn't miss the smile forming on her lips again. He heard about that and thought maybe it would be fun.
"I don't see a problem with that. Maybe only for the Ghoulies. I heard you don't miss. Is that true?" Her smile widened.
"Yes. I only miss when I mean too. And I will bring those nasty plebs down." He chuckled. "Someone has to prepare for battle and it's not me. Hoblin and Serpent Hag will cease to exist after I'm done with them." She smirked evilly, engaging him to smirk and laugh along. He stood proudly from his seat, reaching over to shake her hand.
"Well, Cheryl will deliver your Jacket to you after you join properly. First, you will recite all the six laws and then I add a dummy to the course and you will have to throw knifes and for bonus you can use your bow." He explained as he shake her hand.
"Toni doesn't know. Neither does Betty. I worried about her. She has been torturing herself by reading the tweets on her twitter page. I have seen some of them. Here take a look. And try not to throw my phone." She said as she handed him her phone. He took it in his hands, scrolling until he saw one that really boiled his blood. "Betty, just go on kill the rest. You have the madness. I wouldn't be surprised if you snap. I heard about your chuck drowning. Adderall mishap I see. Go into your bathroom, lock the doors and slit your wrists. The world would be so much better without you. I bet your boyfriend doesn't love you. I have seen the images of you crying. And your little stunt at home. Burning your pictures. You might want just to burn yourself. Sorry not sorry. Go die." His blood was over-boiled. How could someone write this? He read other comments. There were some really nice and down to earth. And others just made him want to strangle the commenter.
"Are you kidding me?!" He handed back her phone, shoving a drawer closed and yelling. She flinched at his anger. He turned toward and noticed her stepping back in fear. It reminded her of her mother. Her mother hated her. "Oh I'm sorry. It's just Betty is like a daughter. Family. I hate seeing her like this. Does Alice know?" She shook her head, he sighed.
"I should go. Alice invited me over for dinner. She doesn't want to be alone. She actually asked me to come down here to invite you to stop by. She said something about pie." The word pie made his mouth water. She knew how much he loved her pies.
"I think will think about it. I will see you tomorrow." He waved her goodbye and watched as she closed the door behind her. He sighed as he rubbed his temples to reduce to the urge to drink. It was going to be a long night.
Archie met up with Sweet Pea outside the locker room. Sweet Pea was for sure it was another threat. Archie just wanted to help take down the Ghoulies. After hurting his best friend he was enraged beyond belief. Now that Hiram was dead. It was only the Ghoulies he wanted to make bones with. Nobody was aware how much Archie was willing to risk for his best friend. Jughead had no clue what he was doing. "Okay Bull Dog, what am I doing here? If this is another threat with your gun? I will get back up." Archie held up his hands in surrender.
"No, it's about us teaming up." Sweet Pea just laughed.
"You think is teaming up? Oh Red what are you smoking?" He laughed sarcastically. Archie stood there defending his idea.
"I know I made a mistake. I'm sorry I truly was just trying to find the guy who shot my dad. And there's still another Black Hood. I just want this to be over. And get revenge for Jughead." He explained, Sweet Pea wasn't sure if he should trust the guy. He did sound serious.
"You want to go war. Possible die for your best friend." He wasn't laughing now. He was still deeply affected by the loss of Fangs.
"Yes, I am." He answered by nodding his head.
"I wish I would of took the bullet. Fangs would still be alive. He didn't do it. And it was the Black Hood who killed Midge. I had no idea Fangs was seeing her. I would of warned him. Mantle really hates us southsiders. Do you guys know? We just want to mind our own business. We are tired of the looks." Archie looked over at Sweet Pea. He could tell that he was still dealing with the loss.
"I'm sorry about Fangs. I know I got my best friend back. I know yours won't and I'm really sorry about that. I stopped Reggie. But I failed to protect him from the other." Sweet Pea could feel the tension slowly disappearing.
"It will be soon. The war. Be ready. And be prepared for not coming back." He warned, sticking out his hand. Archie thought about one more thing.
"Let's end the feud between the south and north. That's all Jughead ever wanted. He always felt like he was from the wrong side of the tracks. He didn't feel like he belonged." They shook hands.
"No more war. I guess we are sticking together. This reminds me of the capulets and the montgues. The war, hate in Romeo and Juliet. I heard Jughead talking about it one day. He's not wrong." Sweet Pea sighs, guilt from accusing of him being the reason Fangs was dead. Archie knows what he's talking about.
"Yeah, he loves reciting words beyond anybody's vocabulary." He chuckled before looking at the clock.
"I heard from Toni what your girlfriend did for Jughead. I'm surprised. Tell her thank you. Paying for his recovery. No Lodge would ever do anything like that." That statement stunned him. It also made him realize something. It wasn't Hiram who paid it was Veronica who paid for his dad's hospital bill.
"She did? Wow! I guess I'm lucky then." He said before walking away. He had to thank her. She had done so much for him. It never dawned on him. It was her. He didn't know how he was going to thank her.
Alice was in the middle of preparing dinner when her doorbell rang grabbing her attention. She stopped cutting the meat in half, washes the uncooked meat on her hands and opened the door. He actually came. She was surprised. Cheryl was standing right next to him holding a box of expensive looking Chocolates. She held the door open, ushering them inside, it was still freezing outside. She didn't want to let cold air into the warm toasty house. Fp looked around the living room, he could spot a few little red specs on the fireplace. He wasn't sure exactly what happened. But just by the description he could tell it was a rough night. He couldn't imagine them sleeping in the haunting house. He excused himself to the bathroom. He looked in the mirror he could see the pure exhaustion all over his face, body and soul. He couldn't actual see the one in his soul. He still thought about Hermonie's offer. Should he take it? Find a place for him and Jug. A nice place. Safer then the Trailer.
Betty sat in her room, staring at the blank walls. She had slammed every picture frame off the walls. She still didn't feel the relief. Staring at the walls, she still felt the memories aching her stomach. A knock made her freeze, she didn't move. The door opened, Fp looked around the room, saw nothing but glass shards. He instantly raced over to her, kneeling on the patch of carpet that wasn't covered in glass. She felt his arms wrapping around her, patting her head, holding her close. She could hear his calming voice, as tears slipped from her eyes. She felt safe. In his arms. It reminded her of her father. How he used to comfort her. She was struggling with the memory imprinted in her head. She tried to make out words. It only came out as incoherent. He held her closer until she finally stopped hyperventilating. She pushed back, wiping her sore eyes, breathing had returned to normality. "You okay now?" He asked softly. She looks toward the destruction she caused and nodded her head.
"I couldn't look at the walls with Hal his pictures on it. I kept wanting to burn down my room. I wish I could go back. And not said speech at the Jubilee. None of this would of happened. J-ug wouldn't be in a hospital bed. He's okay now. But what happens if the other Black Hood hurts him. I can't let t-hat happen." Her voice was strained, she didn't want to be home. She didn't want to live period. He watches her carefully, he can feel his heart break for her. She had been through so much.
"Betty, this wasn't your fault. He has mental problems. Even if you didn't say the speech. He might of still went crazy. I didn't know who is the other. But blaming yourself isn't doing anything for you. Is just hurting you." He says while standing up. "Why don't we just eat and then you can bring Jughead some pie after. Sound like a plan?" She nodded head, he helps her up and closed the door behind them.
Plates were set, drinks were poured, food was served. Laughter filled the room. Cheryl sat around the table, noticing how comfortable it felt to have a true family. She wished she had this as a kid. Betty tried her best to forget her breakdown earlier. The causal glances across the table between her mother and Fp weren't going unseen by her. She already knew they loved each other, there was history. All she wanted was her mother to be happy. No more broken, no more evil and no more Hal Cooper distinction. He couldn't ruin her anymore. Alice felt her smile from her lips effortlessly shining through the room. She felt at peace. She still hated the feeling she had deep down. The reporters were just the beginning. Would her pain ever go away? Fp noticed Alice hadn't touch her wine sitting right beside her plate. She had been know to soak her feelings in alcohol. Maybe that was something they had in common. Cheryl noticed Betty haven't touched her food. "Betty, you haven't touched your food. Are you okay?" That question felt stupid falling through her lips. Of course she wasn't okay. What kind of question was that? Betty bit her bottom lip, taking her eyes off her plate.
"Yeah I'm fine." She said as she got up." If you excuse me I'm going to bring this to Jug." She softly stated as she picked up a piece of apple pie and headed out the door.
Alice bit back a pained sigh. She knew her daughter wasn't doing good. Good wasn't even the word she would say to describe the situation. Cheryl felt stupid for asking. Maybe she should go home. Nana rose needs her and school was tomorrow. Also joining the Serpents was then too. Alice noticed that Cheryl had stood up.
"Oh your leaving. You can stay if you want. It's fine with me. Polly is coming this weekend." Cheryl thought about it. It would be nice to see her niece and Nephew.
"I will have to decline the offer, Ms Smith. But I have to go back to Thistlehouse." She nicely declined as she threw on her red jacket. She then turned to Fp. "See you tomorrow. Jug's getting out of the hospital. I was thinking we could throw him a welcome back party." Fp felt a little hesitant about the idea. Jughead wasn't know for liking parties.
"A small one. I mean small. Just the Serpents and Veronica, Archie and Betty. He doesn't like having too many people. Alright. That's all you can invite." He answered frankly. She nodded her head and left the house.
Betty arrived at the hospital, she was happy to be out. Luckily the reporters weren't there. She felt her chest beating rapidly in her chest, she missed him. She wanted his arms around her. She hated her father. The damage he caused was catastrophic, piercing, destructively impacted her in such a way. She reached his room, pulling the door open smoothly. She spotted Jughead curled up with his arms laying against his head, the brand new beanie meant for his birthday on his head. She set the pie on the bedside table, she carefully kissed his cheek. She could his loud snoring in the silence of white walls. She stared at the clock on the right side of the bed, striking the numbers 10 pm. She didn't even really ask permission to see Jug. The nurses knew how close they were. She wanted so badly to lay next to him, pretending they were somewhere faraway from this dead town. Her memories of the place she used to call her home, her safe haven, her security blanket. She wondered how it would of been if she never lived in Riverdale. Would she still met V, Arch and Jug? She already knew the answer. It would be a hard no. Was she okay? Okay wasn't even a word she would use. Okay was just the reminder she was barely holding herself together. With her body pressed against his, laying her head on his chest, she felt his body start to stir in his sleep.
"Oh hello Juliet." He said in a raspy groggy voice, smile burned onto his lips. She turned her head, facing him. She felt his arms hold her closer.
"Hey Juggie." She whispered into the night, kissing him softly on the lips. His lips felt warm, soft, and a little dry. He shifted his weight, kissing her passionately. He spotted a piece of pie waiting on his bedside table.
"I see you brought me food." His voice shifted as she sat up from him. "You know Juggie loves pie." He stated as he rubbed his rumbling stomach. He was very hungry. He had been craving Alice's pies since homecoming. She held in her giggles. She loved this Jughead. She thought he even loved food more then her.
"Yeah, I know you love my mother's pies. Maybe even more than pop's burgers." She teased as giggles escaped her lips. He rolled his eyes causing her to burst out laughing.
"No burgers are my top. Sorry Betts, I love burgers more." She huffed out, rolling her green eyes. "Oh Betts you have no clue." She pouted her lips. That caused him to sigh. "I'm kidding. Maybe." He cried out in pain when she smacked his chest. She looked in fear and worry.
"Oh Jug, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I know burgers are on the top." She sighed, kissing his cheek delicately.
"It's okay, Betty. I'm alright." He smiled as he accepted the pie and indulged into the sweet whip cream. She smirked as he licked his lips to get the extra whip cream off.
Alice finished cleaning up the table, exhaustion over took her body. She laid her head against the back of couch, head pounding, nausea overtaking her body. Thoughts entered her brain. She had been feeling like this for weeks. Since after the Play. There was only one logical answer.
Fp heard someone puking in the bathroom as he passed by. He was concerned and then cries sprang through the closed the door. He decided to knock on the door, softly he called over the cries. "Allie, what's wrong?" He heard her throat clearing, felt the panic starting to get more intense.
Alice stared at the test in her shaky hands. How could she had not known? She had been feeling nauseous for weeks now. She had first thought it was the Stomach flu. Then it started to go away. But then started to come back. She thought it was the stress, finding out Chic wasn't her son, and to then finding out her husband of 20 years was the Black Hood. In all of the events it never occurred her. It never occurred she could of been pregnant. How was she suppose to tell Betty? Her daughter had enough terror for a lifetime. She knew her daughter would be happy for her. It had to be before the Play. Their one amazing day. Showing up to his door, dressed in a low cut snake-printed top, exposing her just enough skin to make him squirm. She knew he couldn't resist. How would she tell Fp? She just told him she had his son years ago. And kept it from him. And now he's dead. She felt sick to her stomach again, causing her to hurl even more. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, and soft whispering. "Allie, What's wrong?" His concerned voice rang into her ears. She cleared her throat.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She lies as the echo escaped her mouth. She could hear him sigh, she wiped her eyes and mouth with the rolled up toilet paper in her hands.
Fp wasn't sure if she was okay. She didn't sound okay. The way she said she was fine. He could tell she wasn't. "Are you sure? Was it Hal?". Alice felt her heart being stabbed. She hadn't thought of what he would do. He was locked up. But that didn't mean he didn't have spies. She sat up, unlocking the door.
He watched as the door opened, he saw the true color in her face. Why did he have to open his mouth? Damn he felt like an idiot. Of course she was still upset. She collapsed his arms, sobbing into his chest. He held her close as he picked her up and carried her to her bed. His heart broke for her. She was in devastation. He loved her so much that it killed him to see her like this.
He laid her on the bed, helping her get dressed. It took everything in him not to kiss her body. He knew she was vulnerable. He couldn't take advantage of that. That would be very fucked up. She felt safe in his arms. He thought it was about Hal. He wasn't aware it was about her pregnancy revelation. She still didn't know if she could tell him. "Fp can-" her words were interrupted by a soft voice.
"Mom, I just got back. Jug liked his pie. He wants to go Pop's first thing when he gets out. I tried to convince to wait. But you know Jug." Betty's voice rang. Fp and Alice were quiet as Betty stared at the image.
"Betty, that's sounds good." Alice softly opened her mouth. Betty smiled, she actually felt her heart beat steady beat. Her mom was happy. She hadn't seen her mom so happy. In... she can't even remember how long it had been. Of course her mom smiled. Maybe it was all fake smiles. But this Smile was her true smile.
"Jug said he didn't want to be alone. He was too embarrassed to ask." She turned to Fp, he nodded his head in understandment. He knew his son was too embarrassed to ask. He also knew about his son's frequent nightmares.
He got up from laying on bed next to Alice. He didn't want leave her alone. He knew she was hurting. But his son was hurting too. Choosing your girl over your child. You always choose your kid. It's the number one rule of parenting. He hadn't followed all of the rules, he didn't think it was necessary. He kissed her on the cheek before turning for the door. As he drove he saw the sunset turn into a pretty rose purple color. Maybe it was a sign. He didn't believe in signs. He had never.
Jughead kept tossing and turning as he tried his hardest to escape the Ghoulies, he wanted to fight back. But he knew that it was inevitable. There were way too many of them and only one of him. He felt the burning sensation of steel toe combat boots slamming hard into his ribs, kicking with all their strength, ripping his body from inside out. The burning intensified into multiplies or Five thousands. He wanted to open his mouth screaming "I'm sorry." Nothing came out of his throbbing mouth. No scream could break out of the tight shut surface. "Please let me go!" It only came out as whimpers. His eyes released the tears quicker then he could suck them into his tear ducts. The stabbing heels stopped jabbing and vanished. Foot steps faded as his cries drowned his thoughts. All he thought was pain, the agony.
"Jug" the voice sounded familiar. Who was it? Jughead couldn't put his mind to it. "Jug, it's just a nightmare. It's me your dad. Jug please wake up. It's okay." Calming voice rang through his ears. This had to be his dad. He tried to open his mouth and cries filled his throat.
Fp had just made it to the door, earth shattering cries broke his concentration. He bolted into the room, not caring even he disturbed the other patients next-door or hallways away. He spotted his son thrusting around in his bed, screaming, alarms were set off, nurses rushed in. He hadn't seen his son this panicked since his mom left. He spent days trying to get him to sleep regular, on top of the drinking. He wasn't the best father. He wished had been. It would of made him regret less. He had so many regrets. It wasn't even funny how many he wouldn't be able to count them on his fingers, or multiple by trillions. Maybe he was exaggerating by tons.
"Jug" He tried breaking him out of the nightmare. Nothing worked he just kept screaming. He kept mumbling "Im sorry". Then it clicked. It was about the Ghoulies attack. He knew his son would be affected. But this drastically. He never came close to thinking about the severity of the attack could cause such pain. "Jug, it's just a nightmare. It's me your dad. Jug please wake up. It's okay." He tried again. He watched as Jughead started to shake loose. He sighed in relief.
"D-ad." His son croaked out, wiped his son's tears away.
"Jug, it's okay. You're safe." He whispered calming into his son's raven black hair, beanie had been scattered across the room.
"Dad, th-ank god. I was so scared." He stammered nervously. He then looked up at his dad's face, hoping for comfort. "Dad, can you please lay with me? Just like when I was sick and little." Fp had sworn something else had came out. He was stunned, his son had asked for him.
"Of course, Juggie." His eyes brimmed with tears, happiness in his voice as he moved closer to the bed. He tried to make it seem like his vulnerability didn't show through his strong build exterior he shelled up on the outside.
He held his son close to him, shielding him from the darkness spreading out around him, suffocating his soul. He looked over and saw his son's eyes were now closed. He sighed, looking at the precious boy, laying in his arms. He saw his Jughead. His Juggie curling into his chest, just he had done when he was little, with 103 fevers. He closed his eyes, smiling at the boy in his arms. He leaned closer, quietly whispering. "Don't worry, Jug. Burgers from Pop's. They are waiting for you. Sleep tight, Jug." He softly whispered into his ears as closed his eyes, thinking of all the times he had gotten Burgers for his son.