AN: Any recognisable dialogue belongs exclusively to the Netflix Original T.V Show; Riverdale
Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice
Forsythia Jones; Jellybean to her family, JB to her friends. To him, she's always been something else. Riverdale AU (Aged-up Jellybean)
Chapter IV – Rosemary
JB's school spirit is non-existent.
She stands on the edge of the football field, hands deep in her pockets, surveying the gathering crowd as the cacophony of sound washes over her. The steady beat of the marching band intermingles with the noise of the cheers from the people on the bleachers above her, the shouts of the River Vixens as Cheryl leads them through a chant for the gathering Bulldogs. It's surreal, JB thinks, how normal it all seems, the mess of sunshine yellow and bright blue and the all-encompassing need to pretend, that everything is exactly as it was before the fourth of July. The underlying air of solemnity is hard to shake, despite the forced levity and carefully faked smiles.
Her eyes follow Archie speculatively as he hovers stiffly beside the drink station, neither taking a cup nor moving to fill his water bottle – a female teacher JB vaguely recognises stands opposite; it's clear, even from a distance that the woman would rather be anywhere else. Tense is the word that springs to mind as JB watches the woman clutch a solo cup tightly to her chest and shift awkwardly on the balls of her feet. She notices she's not the only one watching the pair as she moves closer to the crowd; Jughead lingers in the space between the bleachers, back pressed against the chain links, blending in seamlessly at the perimeter of the grounds. JB recalls their conversation only days ago – and wonders what about Archie had worried Jughead so much, that he had attempted to consult her?
He sees her coming and offers her a wry grin as she sidles up beside him. "I thought we weren't speaking." He says without preamble.
JB shrugs. "I'm curious." She answers. "What is it about Archie Andrews that has you in such a tizzy?"
"Nothing I can repeat right now." Jughead frowns as Archie jogs in their direction.
"Jughead," Archie nods, "Jellybean."
"JB." She corrects, and eyes the heavy bruising on the left side of his face. "That's one hell of a shiner Andrews."
Archie winces, reflexively touching the darkened skin. "Uh, yeah. Reggie's got a hell of a right hook." He mumbles.
JB nods; she'd heard about the fight in the common room, of Archie's defence of both Jughead and himself – and thinks that even if her aim had been slightly higher, Reggie still would have hit him, no matter the pain it would have caused.
"You know JB, you can call me Archie… you used to."
"I used to do a lot of things." JB retorts.
He nods but seems to let it slide. "Can I, uh, speak to Jug for a sec… alone?"
JB rolls her eyes. "Sure. I know when I'm not wanted." Jughead and Archie start uncomfortably and JB smiles, taking the sting out of the words in an instant. "Calm down boys, it was a joke. I make them, occasionally."
Neither laugh, but the tension drains nonetheless. "Thanks Beanie." Jughead murmurs.
She nods and turns to leave – Archie catches her arm. "I'll see you round yeah?"
"Our lockers are literally right next to each other," JB states, "I'm sure we'll cross paths Archie."
His smile is brilliant, the first she's seen from Archie in what feels like forever and it catches her off guard – they aren't friends, but suddenly, she's reminded of when they were. Loneliness washes over her, and she nods curtly, turning her back on the both of them and leaves them to the conversation they so obviously need to have. She moves again, to the edge of the crowd, watching as the River Vixens step into formation in front of the stage.
"Now, to kick off this Pep Rally," Principal Weatherbee starts, "I would like to hand it over to our very own Mayor McCoy."
Mayor McCoy, resplendent in a purple dress, smiles winningly as she holds an umbrella aloft and steps up to the microphone. JB looks upward – she hadn't even noticed the rain. "Thank you Principal Weatherbee. It is heartening to see so many of you here, even in weather like this, but a lack of heart and school spirit has never been the Riverdale way. Tonight's Pep Rally isn't like any other we've had in the past."
JB's eyes are drawn immediately to Cheryl, who stands to the right of her Vixens – she looks… small and painfully alone. JB attempts to meet her gaze, but Cheryl ducks her head, and avoids her eyes.
"And we shouldn't pretend that it is. Which is why I would like to dedicate this evening to the memory of one of our brightest; Jason Blossom… we're with him tonight." Mayor McCoy pauses, and the brilliant smile again crosses her lips. "Now please, join me in welcoming to the field, our very own River Vixens and their special guest stars, my daughter, Josie and her Pussycats!"
Josie, Valerie and Melody saunter onto the stage, their signature glittering cat-ear headbands adorning their crowns and take their positions with the air of practiced performers; Josie in her mother's place at the microphone, Valerie to her left behind a keyboard and Melody seated directly behind her, on a raised platform, drum sticks in hand. Their set is flawless, as their usual, the song is catchy, not exactly to JB's taste, but it works, in addition to the marching band and is perfect for Cheryl's Vixens to cheer to – she's unsurprised to see the new girl has joined the River Vixens, what is surprising however, is Betty, high pony and all, bopping alongside her. JB finds Mrs. Cooper in the stands, and wonders if somewhere in her neurotic head, when she looks at Betty in the iconic blue and gold of the Vixen's uniform, Alice sees Polly. Cheryl breaks away from the rest of the Vixens and climbs easily onto stage just as Josie finishes the last verse. The crowd roars, and JB claps along with them as Josie sweeps Cheryl up into a tight hug.
Coach Clayton jogs across stage and takes the microphone. "Alright! You all ready? Let's make some noise! Put your hands together, for the Riverdale Bulldogs!"
JB's eyes remain on Cheryl as she claps happily, the Bulldogs tearing through the bright yellow banner held by the River Vixens; Archie runs at the head of the pack, helmet in hand, and JB feels the wind knocked out of her as she stares at Cheryl whose expression crumples painfully at the sight of him – Archie, red-haired and baring the jersey emblazoned with the number nine, is the spitting image of Jason. JB moves an instant after Cheryl pushes the microphone into Josie's hand and flees, stumbling from the stage and sprinting from the field. JB's only seconds behind her as Cheryl bursts into the locker-rooms, and collapses, bonelessly onto the first bench she comes across, sobs wracking her body. Silently, JB kneels at Cheryl's feet and reaches upward, wiping away the smudges of mascara beneath Cheryl's eyes.
"Jason." Cheryl whispers. "He's really gone."
She's unsure how to respond, how to say anything other than; "I know."
Cheryl lurches forward, arms snaking around JB's neck and JB catches her easily, stopping them both before they tumble onto the linoleum. Cheryl's next words are muffled, but JB hears them clearly nonetheless. "He was supposed to come back JB, he promised." Cheryl sniffles, and JB feels her tears soak into her shirt. "I'm alone. I'm all alone."
"You're not alone." JB whispers, but she knows the words are hollow – she can't imagine a life without Jughead, the other half to her whole… she can't imagine how empty Cheryl is, without Jason. "I'll never let you be alone."
"It's not enough."
JB tightens her hold – she can't say she understands Cheryl's loss, and by god, she prays she'll never have to, but she knows at the least, Cheryl's words are without bite. "I know... but I'll be here anyway."
Cheryl buries her head in the space between JB's shoulder and neck, and sobs anew – heart-wrenching, guttural sobs as the realisation that Jason, her twin, the other half to her whole, is truly out of her reach. Her fingers card soothingly through Cheryl's fire-red hair, in the way that JB remembers her Dad would, whenever she'd had a nightmare as a child. It's not enough, to chase away the devastation, but it's all she can offer – soft footfalls catch JB's attention, and she looks toward the doorway; Betty and the raven-haired new girl hover nervously in the threshold, stricken expressions on their pretty faces. Minutely, JB shakes her head and Betty nods, taking the new girl's hand, and pulling her away.
She's not sure how long they remain there, tangled on the cold floor, but eventually Cheryl's sobs fade into hiccupping breaths, and her grip on JB loosens. Silently, JB watches as Cheryl attempts to put herself back together again, her expression transforming into something bright and bubbly that doesn't meet her red-rimmed eyes.
"Cheryl…"
"I'm fine." Cheryl smiles winningly as she wipes her fingertips beneath her eyes, clearing away the last of her ruined makeup. JB reaches for her hand, but Cheryl moves it from her grasp. "I'm fine."
JB nods slowly but doesn't reach for her again. "You don't have to be."
Cheryl shakes her head. "Yes, I do."
"Not with me." JB disagrees and stands, brushing off her knees.
It's subtle, the change in Cheryl's posture, the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly and her megawatt smile falters as she too, gets to her feet. "Please, JB…" Cheryl pleads, and reaches for her hand, lancing their fingers together. "Let me be fine. Let me pretend."
JB glances downward, at their intertwined fingers and against her better judgement, agrees. "Okay." Cheryl squeezes her hand, and JB squeezes back. "But only, for tonight."
They go to the Southside – it's odd, having someone on the back of her bike, but Cheryl needs the escape, and selfishly, JB doesn't want to go home alone. The trailer park is just as quiet as she expected, most of the occupants are Serpents, and JB knows of a night, they prefer the White Wyrm, to anywhere else. There are still a few lights on – Joaquin's, the trailer she knows belongs to Sweet Pea – but her family's trailer is as dark as it was when she stood on Joaquin's doorstep.
Cheryl slides off the back of the bike like she's been riding one for years, and eyes the trailer curiously. "Where's your dad?"
JB turns the ignition off and scowls. "Out."
Cheryl raises an eyebrow. "Out?"
Jellybean shrugs uncomfortably and unlocks the front door, switching on the light. It's a mess, empty beer bottles litter the floor and dishes are piled high in the sink – it's only been a little over a week since she left, but her lack of presence is clear.
"Oh." Cheryl murmurs, bending down and picking up a discarded bottle. "Out." She picks up another, and another, depositing them in the too full bin. "JB... Is this why you came to Thorn Hill?"
JB shrugs again, slowly emptying the sink of dishes, filling it with water and detergent. "Gladys left. At the start of the summer. Didn't even say goodbye, she was just… gone." It's monotonous, the washing of each plate, cup and bowl but it doesn't distract her in the slightest. "Dad fell off the wagon not long after and Juggy." She lets out a weary sigh. "Well, Juggy left too."
"JB, I'm–"
"Oh god, don't say you're sorry Cheryl." JB shakes her hands dry as she places the last dish on the rack. "I'm fine."
Cheryl shrugs, her smile watery. "So am I."
She snorts a laugh, tears well in her eyes and suddenly JB's not sure if she's laughing or crying – caught somewhere in the middle of morbid humour and crushing sadness, JB reaches for Cheryl, who leans on her like she's the only thing keeping her standing. It's crushing loneliness and unavoidable reminders of what life used to be, it's the lack of warmth when the sun is shining and the darkness that never seems to fade – but in this moment, they almost understand the other's pain.
They wake to the light of the sun, in a pile of tangled limbs, on the bed Jellybean shared with Jughead until he left. It's late, and they're incredibly hungover, having pilfered the remains of her Father's cache of alcohol – and drank the lot of it.
JB stumbles from the bed, tripping over Cheryl's leg and barely catching herself on the doorframe. "Fuck me." She groans, and watches as Cheryl groggily rubs her now smarting thigh.
"Oh, my head." Cheryl complains, sitting up slowly.
"Food." JB mutters, "We need food."
"Pop's?"
JB nods. "Pop's."
"Clothes first." Cheryl points out, as JB attempts to leave half dressed.
JB nods again. "Good call Blossom." She says, and reaches for her jeans, pulling them over the fishnets she's still wearing, and tucks the oversized white t-shirt into the front. "Acceptable?"
Cheryl scowls, and rakes her finger through her red hair. "Barely."
"Bite me." JB mutters – there's an easy kind of familiarity in their banter, a sense of normality that they've both been craving.
Cheryl leers. "Don't tempt me, Jones."
JB smirks and returns her stare. "You couldn't handle me, Blossom."
Rolling her eyes, Cheryl stands – attempting, and failing, to smooth the wrinkles out of her River Vixen uniform.
It's a lost cause, JB thinks, eyeing the skirt critically. "You could borrow–"
"Please, I wouldn't be caught dead in flannel… or ripped denim." Cheryl sneers and JB laughs uproariously as she searches for her bike keys.
"I'm sure you'd be more than happy to take them off though." JB winks, finding them finally beneath her unadorned leather jacket.
Cheryl fixes her with a cool glare and JB snickers, ushering her from the double wide, stopping almost abruptly beside her bike, her eyes drawn distractingly to the trio hanging outside Joaquin's trailer. Sweet Pea meets her gaze head-on, a sultry smirk crossing his lips as he rakes his eyes slowly over her – and hits the ground hard, when Joaquin pulls his attention from the neck of the boy nestled comfortably between his legs and shoves Sweet Pea off the second lounger.
The boy between Joaquin's legs laughs loudly, unafraid as Sweet Pea jumps to his feet, a light dusting of red on his cheeks.
"The fuck was that for?" Sweet Pea growls. The sound is deep and low in his throat and JB wonders suddenly just what other sounds he would make at that timbre – now she thinks, it is her cheeks that are flushed red.
Joaquin raises an eyebrow, not intimidated in the slightest. "You know what that was for."
JB snorts as she starts her bike, ducking her head when the sound returns their attention to her. "Get on Blossom." JB orders and Cheryl complies, sliding onto the back of the bike comfortably.
"Your Southside skyscraper is jealous." Cheryl purrs into her ear, and JB smirks, her eyes flicking back to where Sweet Pea stands, alternating his glowers between Joaquin and Cheryl.
She revs the bike then, speeding from Sunnyside without deigning Cheryl's observation with a response. The diner is busy, but Pop fills their order quickly, raising a single bushy eyebrow at the clock above the soda machine and packs it in a takeaway bag without reprimand. They're only just on time and scoff down a serving of fluffy pancakes doused with Blossom Maple syrup as Cheryl dresses in the change of clothes kept in her locker – they sit together in biology today and Archie, conspicuous in his absence, does not start a call to change the seating arrangements.
"Today," Doctor Phylum starts, underlining 'the circulatory system' on the blackboard. "We will be reviewing new systems of biology starting with the…" He trails off unexpectedly, his attention, and that of the class, drawn, to the imposing figures standing in the threshold.
JB thinks she's never seen Principal Weatherbee look so grim as he surveys the room, Sheriff Keller standing stiffly at his side. JB hears a sharp breath to her right – and almost chokes, when Cheryl slips from her stool and addresses them both.
"You're here for me aren't you–"
"Cheryl." JB hisses.
"–because of the autopsy."
"We don't need to do this in front of your classmates Cheryl."
"It's alright Principal Weatherbee." Cheryl replies, holding out her wrists. "They'll find out soon enough."
Sheriff Keller raises a hand. "That won't be necessary."
"Wait, Cheryl," The new girl asks, "find out what?"
Cheryl looks to her, and JB realises suddenly, what exactly Cheryl had meant, when she said that Jason was meant to come back. "That I'm guilty."
"As shocking as those three words were, they were nothing compared to the secrets that Jason's body had given up during its autopsy… that Jason didn't die, on July fourth as we believed, but over a week later."
AN: Rosemary, for remembrance. JB and Cheryl's friendship just begged to be written, so, here it is. If you can guess who is between Joaquin's legs, you get a gold star.
Thank you, to everyone who has favourited, followed and reviewed - all of you are utterly wonderful, and I am so thankful you are enjoying this!