"What the…" Toni exclaimed from where she was sitting beside Ryder. Ryder looked to where her gaze was trained, towards the front entrance. He saw Jughead come in, followed closely by JB holding a bundle of what looked like blankets. Ae the pair walked towards them in Ryder's direction, he could tell that it was not a bundle of blankets, but rather a baby. So many questions were going through his mind, the main one being 'Why is JB holding a baby?'
I was following Jughead through the again crowded bar, focusing only on his feet, and where to step next. I did not want to drop Caddy. Suddenly Jughead drew to a stop, hiding me from whatever was in front of me.
"Hey, Dad", she could hear him greet their father. I remembered that Dad didn't even know that I was back in town, let alone that he had another daughter!
"Jughead! How are you going? Haven't seen you around for a while," I heard Dad greet my brother.
"Dad, I have to tell you something. Can we go somewhere a bit quieter?" Jughead motioned to the office a few feet away.
"Yeah, sure. Is everything alright?" My dad sounded concerned. He started to the direction of the office, and that's when he noticed me. At first, I don't think he recognised me, in his defence though, I hardly recognised him myself, he was so different.
"Oh, is this your girlfriend, Jug? What happened to Betty?" Dad looked at Jughead, very confused. "And why is she holding a baby? Is it yours?"
"Dad, hold it with the questions. Can we just talk in the office please?" Jughead looked concerned.
We walked into the small room, Dad flicking on the light switch as he entered. When he turned and looked at me in the brighter lighting, I could tell he finally knew who I was.
"Jellybean!" He came towards me for a hug but stopping once again noticing the infant in my arms. "Is this… is this your child?" Dad looked into my eyes.
"No, Dad. She isn't." I looked to Jughead for help.
"Dad, why don't you sit down", Jughead motioned towards a seat. My brother proceeded to tell Dad everything I told him yester, about Mum's pregnancy, her death, and finally about me and Jug driving back to Toledo to get Caddy.
"Dad, this is your daughter, Cadence Grace Jones", I introduced father to daughter. The shock was still settling in for him, to no one's surprise of course. He had just found out his daughter was home, his ex-wife was dead and that he had a new daughter, all in one fell swoop!
"Where should the baby stay?" Was the first question out my father's mouth. He had certainly changed since the last time I saw him. "Defiantly not here or at my trailer, it's not safe."
Jughead exchanged a look with me.
"We were hoping to ask Alice", Jug told Dad.
"That's a good idea", he replied, nodding to himself. "How old is Cadence?" He questioned.
"She's 6 months old, and you can call her Caddy for short", I explained, smiling.
"Caddy", Dad tried out the name. "That's a good name. Well, do you want to stay in my trailer tonight? I know I said it wasn't safe, but it's too late to go to Alice's place."
"That sounds good', Jughead stood up, heading for the door. AS we were walking towards the exit of the bar, Dad was stopped by his friends.
"You got a grand-daughter now Gramps?" They asked chuckling.
"No, not exactly," Dad said before changing direction, walking towards the centre of the room, near the pool table, and motioning for Jughead to follow him.
'What is he doing?' I thought to myself. 'I thought we were going to his trailer.'
I felt someone put a hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw Ryder, who looked very confused.
"JB-" he began but was cut off by my father.
"Attention everyone!" Dad called out across the bar. Jughead and I looked at each other, both mirroring the other's look of confusion. The bar went quiet quite quickly, and the occupants focused their attention on FP.
"You all already know my son, Jughead, but I would like to introduce you to my two daughters, JB and Cadence, who I just found out existed." Dad motioned towards me and Caddy who I still held in my arms.
A cheer rose up from the crowd, and as I looked around my gaze landed on Ryder, whose expression looked something akin to understanding and relief.