Chapter 19- Extinguish The Flames
The following days, she was asked to stay for observation. That didn't take long. She had passed the tests with flying colors. The baby didn't suffer any damage and was perfectly healthy. Fp wanted to marry Alice so badly. And then he got the call of a lifetime.
"You're going back?" His said into his phone. "Wait you're just coming to take Jughead?!" He wanted to scream. Why now? She wanted to take his only son with her back to Toledo. "Hell no! Gladsy! I don't care if you are more capable! You're not taking my son away from me! You didn't even come back when he almost died, Gladsy! No, don't hang up on me!" He was getting so frustrated. "God damn't!" He cursed he nearly chucked his phone against the wall. How was he supposed to tell his son? He didn't want to let his son go. He almost died in his care. But that didn't make him a bad parent.
"Who was that?" A voice starled him. He looked up to see Alice standing in the doorway. He shook his head. "Uh, it's nothing." She didn't seem convinced. "Are you sure? That sounded tense." She pressed lightly as she snacked on some pickles. He smiled at her. He appreciated her concern. He finally started to give in.
"That was Gladsy. She's coming back." Alice didn't know what to say. She felt heartbroken. She couldn't lose him. "Oh." Fp had heard the concern and worry in her voice. "To take Jughead to Toledo with her." He grumbled as he brushed a hand through his hair.
Alice stood there breathless. She couldn't believe his mother was going to take him away from Fp. "Oh, Fp. I'm so sorry." She said softly before she wrapped her arms around him. She hated seeing Fp down. "How am I supposed to tell Jug? He hates his mother. And Gladsy says she has a right from her lawyer." This just angered Alice even more. Then an idea popped in her head. "Then we get a layer too." Fp liked the idea but he knew that wouldn't happen in short notice. "I can't afford one and and since it's short notice." He reminded her as a sigh escaped his lips.
"Then we get Mary." He sighed knowing Mary didn't exactly like him after he threw Fred under the bus. "Come on." She exasperated. "Don't you want to keep you're son." He knew she had a very good point.
"Fine. But Your going to have to ask her. She's still mad at me for causing Fred to lose money." He explained as he watched her leave the room and into the kitchen.
Alice sat at the bar table, looking at old contacts in the phone book. And yes she still owned one. After searching for thirty-Five minutes she finally gave up. Then an idea popped in her brain. Fred still lived next door to her. She hadn't put the house up for sale even as much as she wanted to. She walked over to the front door, clicking her heels together as she waited patiently for his slow butt to open the dang door.
"Alice?" He says in complete surprise as he opened the door. "What are you doing here?" He asked nicely as he let her into the house. She followed him to his medium sized kitchen, taking a seat on one of the stools at the island. She lightly tapped her nails against the island. "I need a favor." He looked at her with suspicion in his eyes. "Hey don't look at me like. I'm not asking for that favor. I'm insulted that you thought I was asking for sex." It was now his turn to be insulted. "Alice that wasn't what I was implying." He crosses his arms and faked a frown. "Oh no not that either. I'm sorry I asked you to do that. I was jealous of Hermonie flirting with Fp." She confessed feeling her face get hot.
Fred wasn't sure why she stopped over. She hadn't ever payed attention to him after decades living next door to each other. "I know what you mean. And you won't want to tell Fp a few days after you broke it off with him. We hooked up. It's okay that secret stays hidden. Buried for the matter. I don't need Fp using that on me." Alice nodded her head. "I just don't want him to think I was a slut. And that night I was very drunk. And... oh god." That caught his attention. "What? What is it?" She shook her head. "That couldn't be. We didn't have sex." She blushed when she realized that she said that out-loud. "No Charles wouldn't be mine. He was a hundred and forty-Five percent FP's. The hair on that baby and the nose." He confirmed her realization.
"Fred, I came here to ask for a favor for Fp." His eyes went upward. He chuckled, "why didn't you start with that?" She giggled. "Well it was fun to reminisce on memories before everything got complicated." Fred looked over at the pan that was frying his noddles. "Okay what's the favor?" Alice took a deep breath before standing up to help him with his dish. "Gladsy is coming back. And what's to take Jughead to Toledo. She says that she had a lawyer that told her it was her right. But I was wondering—"Fred cut her off. "if I would ask Mary to help?" She nodded her head.
She remembered the pain in his voice when he told her that she was going to take Jughead from him. "Would you? Because Fp's hurt about this. Jughead hates his mother and he wouldn't be for it. And not to mention she abandoned Fp when he really needed her. Granted his drinking was out of control. And I get that. But she left Jughead in that too." Fred frowned at the words. He knew that Fp was struggling with his sobriety. And he just fired the guy. He felt part responsible for destroying Jughead's family. "Yes I will help you." He sighed as he grabbed his phone. He saw her face turn into a grin. "Only so I won't lose my best friend again. He's drinking really scared me." His said dialing the number into his cell.
Jughead just got home from The Bijou with Betty. They went to go see a new movie that only plays on fridays. It only had been a week since the Polly Fiaso. He figured taking Betty out of the house would keep her mind off what happened. When he pulled Betty in for a kiss, he saw his dad sitting in the recliner reading his old manuscript from his writing about Jason Blossom.
"Hi Dad." He greeted as he walked in the door. Fp looked up from his son's old writing works and swallowed the lump down his throat. It was time to get over with. Rip off the bandage.
"Uh Jughead, I have some news." He stated nervously as he patted down on the couch next to the recliner for him to sit down. Jughead looked over at Betty who looked just as confused and concerned as he was. "Here's the thing—" A knock interrupted his thoughts.
Jughead walked over the door, he opened it slowly and felt a hissing pain in his throat. "Mother." He hissed as he stood in the doorway.
Fp walked over to the door as well and his eyes widened. His wife was standing outside his door."Gladsy?" His voice was just as harsh as his son's.
"Well hello, Juggie." She tried to reach out to hug him, but Jughead flinched back.
"Mother, what are you doing here?" She turned toward Fp, sliding a few insults with her eyes before spilling the big news before Fp had a chance.
"Didn't your father tell you? I'm here to bring you back home with me." Jughead looked at his father who was glaring at his mother.
"Is that true? You called her cause you didn't love me anymore!" He snapped, clenching his jaw and fisted his hands. Fp wanted to murdered Gladsy with his eyes. She rolled her eyes. "Yes that's why. He called me saying he was much happier with just Alice and not with you." Jughead couldn't believe his father. "Wow! I guess I will just make it easier for you!" He yelled angrily as he stormed off. Fp felt his heart break. That wasn't even the truth. He wanted to keep his son more than anything. He turned toward Gladsy with a eyeroll. "Gladsy!" She smirked. "You will never see him again! As long as I am his mother! You won't ever see him." She mocked evilly as she walked the way his son stormed off.
Betty stood their in disbelief what just happened. All she knew at the moment that Gladsy was multiplicative. She already hated her more the she had before. She looked over to the shattered man in front of her wipe his eyes. "Fp?" She said gently as she tapped his shoulder. He looked up and eyed her. "Mom went to get help. She's on the phone with Mary right now." She told him right before she heard the door open.
There was Alice standing in heels with Fred by her side. "Fp, I'm still not happy with you." Fp looked at the phone screen and smiled. "I know Mar." He said softly so Gladsy wouldn't hear.
"Oh great the tramp is here." Gladsy groaned as she took her son's arm and pulled him along. Alice couldn't believe the witch could just walk into her life and take away her future son-in law. "Ugh, Gladsy hog. Why in the hell do you have your filthy hands on Jughead?!" She snarled her teeth as she pulled Jughead aside. She looked at him like he was a child again. "Jug, why are you leaving?" Jughead turned to her still confused why she cared so much. "Because my father doesn't want me!" He hissed eying his father with cold eyes. "Jug—" He was cut off by his son. "No! I don't want to hear your sad excuse now! Mom lets go!" He sneered as he grabbed his mother's hand and they walked outside.
Fp couldn't watch his son being taken from him. It wasn't right. His mother didn't even care about him. Jellybean recently emailed him saying that she just wants to make his life miserable for the killing of her lover, Hiram Lodge. He had nothing to do with that. He ran out the door, stood into front of Gladys's car. "Fp! Move or I run you over!" She shouted as he remained his position." No! You want to keep my son away from me to get back at me for the killing of your lover, Hiram Lodge!" He hissed as he banged on the hood of car. Jughead was in the front seat halted and looked his mother. "Is this true? You were just using me for revenge on my dad?!" Gladsy was completely out of words.
She stepped on the gas and drove nearly hitting Fp as she sped off. Fp flew to the ground hearing Alice's shouts and Betty's screams. "Fp?!" Alice cried as she raced to his rescue. Betty was on her phone with Keller alerting him that Jughead has been kidnapped. Fp held his side in agony as he stood up from the ground. "Where did they go?" His voice was becoming hoarse. Alice shook her head not knowing where she went. "Baby, I don't know." Her voice was so soft that his eyes broke away from the gaze. "I just lost my son. She told me I would never see him again!" He growled as he leaned away from his side. "I can't believe she ran me over. My fucking god my side hurts so motherfucking bad." Betty winced at the amount of swears used in one coherent sentence.
Jughead sat there stunned his own mother just ran his father off the road. He knew he had to get out of this car. He looked at the speed gage. They were going 45 miles over the speed limit. He had never been so freaked out in his life. Was his dad okay? He never meant to get anger at his father. Now he knew his mother was a liar and psychotic. He thought about many distractions but he knew his mother was way smarter than yet.
Then all a sudden he heard sirens blaring down the street and saw red blue lights flashing behind him. "Shit!" His Mother cursed as she looked in rear view mirror. He watched as she pulled the Excelerator to its max. Was he going to die? And for real this time? He felt sick as the car sped down the streets. "Mom slow down! Your going to run us off the road!" He yelled as he saw a bridge ahead. He knew he had to do something. He leaned over grabbing the steering wheel fighting her to let go before they crashed. He finally was able to get control of the steering wheel but it was too late. The car was heading for the bridge. He tried to unbuckle his seatbelt but it was jammed with something. Fuck, he mentally cursed. Was his mother batshit insane? Yes he thought so. "Mom let go! You will kill me if you don't let me go!" He felt like his throat was on fire. "No baby! It's okay! We can leave together. Me and you just the two of us." Oh god she sounded like a crazy person.
He had to do something. He grabbed the steering wheel once again. He slapped his mother's hands off the wheel before elbowing her in the throat. He never wanted to hurt anybody but it was his only way on surviving. Above the car he spotted lights hovering over them as he tried to overthrow the balance before it hit the wall.
Instead he miscalculated and felt himself being dragged down with great force. He closed his eyes as he felt the rush of cold blast burned his ears. When he opened them, he saw he was stuck in the car. He looked around and saw water seeping in laying the floors. His eyes burned from the fearful tears exiting his eyes. He looked over at the drivers seat, his mother was knocked unconscious. He didn't mean to hurt her. It was just selfdefense. He wanted his father. He grabbed the keys from the ignitions and sawed through the strap. When it finally broke, he pulled with his strength till strap snapped in half. He looked to see if there was any exit or escape route. Then he figured out that the car had handle windows. He put his hand of the handle and unwind the other direction. When he finally got the window all the way down. He started swimming and swimming until he reached the surface. His arms, Legs and lungs became tired. But he knew he couldn't give up yet. He soon felt someone helping him. As he reached the surface his lungs burned causing him to cough up a whole bunch of water.
Fp had been standing frozen watching the high speed chase on the news. His stomach plummeted when he watched the car fall into the water. What was wrong with his life? He had so many unfortunate things happen to him. His son almost died. And then his girlfriend's daughter almost died. And then his girlfriend slash the love of his life was held captive and now his son was at the bottom on the river. He got into his truck with Alice, Betty and Fred before heading over to the crash site.
When they arrived, the site was crawling with reporters and new vans. He exited his truck and was met by Tom. He was started to hate seeing the guy so much. "Is he okay?" He asked as his heart could barely handle another tragic event. Tom slowly opened his mouth before pulling Fp into his arms. "I'm sorry." What no! He can't! No. "I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner. He's right over there." Tom added as he pointed to the third ambulance.
He broke out of the embrace as he sprinted to his son. His son was sitting on the edge of the ambulance breathing into a mask, his face was bruised and it broke FP's heart to see his son like that. He pulled son into his arms, brushing his hair with his hand and shushing the boy calmly as his son sobs into his chest. "It's okay, Jug. You're safe. She's can't get you." His son responded by crying harder. Betty had been silent as she stood next to her mother who was frozen. Jughead didn't look the greatest. But that didn't matter. All that mattered to her was that he was alive and safe. "Fp? I don't mean to interrupt but there's someone who wants to say hi." Tom said as he pulled Fp to the side. Fp slowly handed Jughead to Betty and Alice as he went to follow Tom.
He walked as if felt like hours. When he finally laid eyes on the girl in front of him. He almost fell to his knees. He couldn't believe his little girl was in front of him and it wasn't his imagination. "Jellybean!" He cried as he wrapped his arms around her. "Daddy." The ten year old cried as she latched onto her father's waist. Tom didn't want to have to tell him this but it was important. "Fp, I found her in the trunk. After we had the tow trucks tow her car out of the her. We heard screaming coming from the truck and I opened it and she was curled up in a ball." Fp held onto his daughter more. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Please tell me that Gladsy is dead. Because if she isn't. Then I want to get her myself."He growled as he stood up to his feet. Tom held out his hands to stop him. "That won't be necessary. She was already dead before the car hit the water." His tone sent shivers down Fp's back.
"Where have you been?" He was rattled by the voice. He looked up to see Alice standing there with Jughead beside her. "Jellybean." He squeaked out as he felt his sister bury her head into his chest. He winced at the impact. His chest was bothering him. "Dad. I can't—" He felt his heart beating fast. "Jug. Are you alright?" Fp asked as he looked over at his son's paled face.
Before he could answer, his stomach lurched causing him to hurl right next to a random car. Fp quickly patted his son's back gingerly but with enough force to get whatever was lodged in his son's throat. Alice looked a bit worried as the mother in her kicked in. "Juggie, it's okay. Here some water." She offered as she handed him a water bottle.
He gracefully took the water pull from Alice's hands, bringing the bottle to his dry lips. A cool rush slid down his throat as his eyes welled with tears. He almost died again. This was the third time he almost died in less than a year. Betty didn't know if she rather slap him or kiss him. She decided instead to kiss him. She took his cheeks into her hand, bringing them closer to her lips and smashing her lips into his reconnecting their love for each other. The crowd erupted with whistles, cheers and rather emotions. Betty broke the kiss, looking into his pained eyes. "Oh Juggie. I was so terrified." She admitted as she threw herself into his strong arms for protection. Jughead was surprised by the kiss and also gratefully appreciated the kiss after yet another near death experience.
The moment was quickly and conveniently interrupted by several of his friends's voices. Veronica, Toni, Archie, Sweet Pea, Fangs and Cheryl all came rushing through the crowds. He could hear a sassy voice. "Let us through, now!" He knew that was either Veronica, Chery or Toni. Veronica was watching her favorite show when she saw a headline that scared her.
...Thirty-Nine Minutes Ago...
Everything was going the way it normally had been for the Riverdale vixens or Southside Serpents. Nobody was worried about anymore chaos. Riverdale was still trying to put themselves back together after Polly Cooper had gone batshit crazy like her father, Hal Cooper. The Northside and Southside started making alliances with each other. They both vowed that none of them wanted another war to break out. And that would stay that way. No matter what was or whom was trying to take them down. They wouldn't allow it.
In the finest Penthouse, Veronica sat down in her leather white sofa lounging around in her princess purple velvet robe watching her favorite reality tv show, Tipton Suite Battles For The Thorn. She had came a crossed when she was scrolling through her loved shows and came uponed it. Hanna Tipton was V's all time favorite Royal. She was sassy, free spirited like Herself. She was about to stand up to make her some popcorn when a strange local new hotline flashed on the screen. Her eyes widened when she saw someone's name she knew dearly and held close to her newfound heart. "Forsthye Pendleton Jones III was taking from his home after 6:30 pm by his estranged mother, Gladsy Jones. If you have seen this boy? Please alert the authorites right away. Thank you. Please stay calm Riverdale. This is Mayor Rose signing off." Veronica couldn't believe her own eyes. Jughead was kidnapped. Her mind kept filling with the darkest thoughts as she grabbed her Louis Vuitton shoes not before she quickly changed into something more comfortable. As she practically raced to her car with her heels in her hands as she sat down, pulling the door shut and turning toward Archie's house. When she arrived, her eyes met with Archie's.
Archie didn't know what was going on. He was going over to check on Betty. When she opened the door with redden eyes. "Betty, are you alright?" She didn't answer. She instead just let him in and pointed to the tv screen. His eyes froze on the image of Jughead in his crown beanie, his serpent jacket and a flannel tied around his waist. Most likely his father's. Jughead had always been known for wearing his father's flannels. So when he saw that picture of Jug printed into his mind. His eyes weakened and he had to fight the tears. His saw his father approaching him and felt his arms surround him. "It will be okay, Arch." He wished he believed the words his father was telling him. But he didn't know if he did.
Cheryl was bonding at the Wrym with her girlfriend, Fangs and Sweet Pea. She was enjoying herself. She loved being able to be herself. But that fun was long over do. "Guys turn on the tv. Some other serpent just emailed me." They did as they were instructed. And what they saw made everyone and their families sick to their stomachs. It didn't matter if they were intoxicated, tipsy, hungover or even sober. Their stomachs were bubbling with worry. Cheryl looked up from her Cherry Cola for a split second and then it was on the bar floor. Jughead was kidnapped. Their king was in danger. Cheryl hopped off her stool and went to find Toni and the others. Toni had heard the tv and saw the car plummet from off the bridge. Her heart shattered and fell to the floor. When she saw the name of the kidnapper, she wanted to kill Gladsy. She knew how much she betrayed Jughead. She was told by him. That his mother didn't even take him in. And now she's wants to. Sweet Pea kept hearing the words he told him in his head. "Coward's Death." He knew how powerful Jughead was and then he couldn't take it. They had to help Jughead. There was no way in hell he would let him leave them.
When they all arrived in Archie's dad's truck, crowds were blocking their way. Cheryl wasn't having it today. She didn't care who she had to hurt to get through. She was going to get through. "Let us through, now!"She snapped as she pushed people to the side. She got a few glances and she glared at them until they gave in. Veronica saw them and raced toward the ambulances. When she saw Jughead standing there. Her heart swelled in happiness. Her brother was alive. He wasn't actually her brother but she didn't care.
...Present...
Fp decided it was time to slowly break away from the reunion. He had to ask his daughter some questions. He gently grabbed her hand and signaled Alice to come along. Alice was confused but when along with it. He took them an secluded area without reporters at his every move. He knew it would be days before he was allowed privacy. That was how it was for Alice with the Black Hood fiaso. Alice was the first to speak since they arrived in their hiding.
"So... why are we here?" She stated as she looked around to see if anybody was ease-dropping on their conversation. Fp got the hint, slowly he turned toward his daughter who looked like she could cry again. "Why were you in that trunk anyway, Jellybean?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Jellybean didn't want to speak. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "I overheard, Mother talking to Hiram a month ago when she was on her phone. She was going to have Hiram stage his death and secretly send him to her while he was unconscious. So I snuck into her trunk when she wasn't looking. I was going to stop her from taking Juggie. But then we were going so fast that—" she cut herself off as sobs over took her words. Fp had to lean in closer to her mumbles and his eyes widened. Gladsy was going to take his son from under his nose. Telling him his son was dead and grieve. While his son was getting smuggled into her life. He wanted to murdered Gladsy even though she was already dead. He didn't bother asking what happened in that car. He knew his son was too frazzled to even open his mouth. Almost dying can do that to someone. Alice's jaw clenched, fists tightens. She was outraged.
"What?!" Jellybean flinched back, shielding her face. Alice softened her face when she saw the fearful look on the younger ones face. "Oh sweetie. I'm sorry." She apologized as she pulled her into her arms.
Later that night, Fp was woken by screams. He ran into the room to see Jughead screaming. "Hey buddy." He said softly as he knelt down by his son's bed. His son continued to scream his lungs off and thrusted, kicking and mumbling something very terrifying to his ears. "Mom slow down! Your going to kill me please slow down!" Fp frowned at the words. His son was truly petrified. Then he heard more words. But this time it was mimicked. "No baby! It's okay! We can leave together. Me and you just the two of us." His stomach dropped and he felt the churning in his stomach intensify. Gladsy's mission was to kill herself and Jughead. He never knew the true terror his son had been through during that time. "Jug." He tried again but still nothing.
Then abruptly his son was up, shaking and hyperventilating. He never had seen his son so scared in his life. Not even when Penny and the Ghoulies in his nightmare. He wrapped his arms around, shielding his son from the pain and horror at he had been through and experienced that night. "Daddy." It was weak but heard the muffled cry. "Shh, it's okay. Your safe. She can't hurt you anymore." He explained to his son softly and full of love. "Dad, can you sleep with me tonight? I just can't—" he just laid down next to his son. "Yes, Jug." He mumbled before closing his eyes.
In the morning sunshine, Alice rolled on to her back, placing a hand out expecting to feel a hard rock underneath, instead she didn't feel him or see. It was empty. She wondered where he wandered off to. Her feet paced through the carpeted hallways until she spotted quite a sight. Her heart melted, she was grateful she had her phone on her. She takes a quick photo on her phone, before slowly opening the door. There was Fp with his arms surrounding his son as his son's head was tucked into his side. She slowly hovers over them smiling before she exits the room to prepare some breakfast.
When she got to the kitchen, Betty was already making some pancakes."Oh hey mom." Her daughter yawned as she flipped the pancake onto the other side to make sure it was equally golden brown. Alice grabbed some orange juice from the fridge and poured herself a glass. "Morning Betty." She responsed back. Betty could tell her mother wasn't exactly up for the morning. "Mom go back to bed. You sound exhausted. And you look like you haven't slept in days." Betty strongly urged as she served the pancakes and brought them to the table. Alice wasn't in the mood to argue. She muffled a Okay before heading back to her bed.
A few mintutes later, Fp's eyes flutter open, drawing in all the sunlight from the drafty old windows. He turns off his side and lies flat on his back staring up at the ceiling. At the sightless movements he looked over to his side to see his son still curled into his side. He can't help staring at his son's face. His features looked just like him. His raven black hair, his jagged nose and his smirk he makes when he laughs. He holds in a snort thinking about the times he had to get the little boy to sleep. Nothing would work. But eventually letting him crawl into bed with his mother and him helped their sleepless nights. It didn't occur to him that his son wouldn't be able to sleep on his own. He didn't think his son would be magically okay. No he knew it would take time.
He slipped away from his son's sleeping form, closing the door lightly behind him before heading downstairs. To his surprise Betty was the only one up. He found it unusual but didn't really get too worried about it. He sat down at the table, occasionally shooting Betty glances at the awkward silence. It became a little too quiet for his liking.
"Betty, how are you feeling?" He asked as he sliced the pancake into fours. Betty wasn't prepared for people to ask her questions. The truth was she felt alone, broken and ashamed. She bit her lip as she felt the weakness from the question. "Uh... I feel odd." She could tell by his raised eyebrow that she should elaborate." I feel alone. And after last night. I thought I was going to lose him." She could hear her own voice breaking as arms comforted her. "Me too, Betty." He muttered in between calm shushes.
It wasn't long before the sleepy bears awoke and came marching downstairs for a helping of pancakes. Jughead winced as the last step caused pain his back. The impact just hurt his back, no damage. He could tell the looks from his dad and girlfriend they were worried for his sake. He approached them slowly and sat down. Alice was next to come down. She stretched her arms up high for walking over to Fp to give a good morning kiss. Betty and Jughead looked at one another to avoid the kisses. They still wouldn't completely okay with openly seeing their parents be affectionate in front of them. They didn't care if it wasn't in front of them. But if they walked in on them again. They would walk out and not come back for quite amount of hours.