OK! SO I DECIDED TO DO A HEARTBREAKING EPISODE SO LATER EPISODES WOULD MAKE SENSE LATER AND BE EASIER TO DO! ENJOY, AND REMEMBER TO COMMENT, FOLLOW, FAVORITE, WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO!

Chapter 60: Good Boy!

*Aria's POV*

"Aria! Order up!"

Pops called out from the kitchen.

"Right away!" I call back, setting drinks down on a table, before skating over to the take out bags. I heard a small bark next to the counter and smiled.

"I know Allegro. I'm sorry." I say and give him a quick pet before grabbing the bags. Now, normally Pops doesn't allow dogs but, I had to be with Allegro right now. See, a day after I returned, and after my grandpa visited us, Allegro had gotten sick. I was worried so I had taken him to the vet. I had them scan him, blood work, the works! I was happy to know he was going to be ok but I found out why he wasn't feeling well. Remember when, I got him about over a year ago, I was told he was a year old? So he was supposed to be 2 years old now?

Not true!

Turns out, He's actually 12 years old!

Blood work and the scans of his bones proved it.

I couldn't believe it.

The vet told me that, while I had taken very good care of him, he was still old and in a bit of rough shape. The vets never fully noticed until now since these mild problems recently started occurring and had stayed hidden at the time. I had to give him medicine, feed him chicken with rice and had to watch him carefully. They had to shave his fur a bit, not naked but a light buzz cut, because of the heat and to check him over. I teared up when I saw all the scars that his fur hid and my heart broke. I loved animals to no end. I wish I knew who his owner was so I could beat them. After an I.V. and some meds, I was told to be close to him always so we could monitor him. I was to do this for 2 weeks just to see how he does. We figured he wasn't feeling good because he was ageing. Now, dad and I work, so I explained the situation to Pops. Pops knew Allegro meant everything to me, and bless his kind heart, allowed me to bring him to the shop. I couldn't thank Pops enough. Allegro would stay by the counter, unless he had to go out or when I made deliveries outside, never moving from the spot aside from either sitting or laying down, barking or anything. He'd eat there, take a nap, watch me and even let people, especially kids, pet him. The kids loved Allegro and he was great with them. He'd only growl when Vinnie would walk in, to which he'd walk away quickly, as Allegro stayed well behaved. Pops even fed him chicken and rice while I put his meds in it. Back to where I am now, almost a week later, and Allegro got up to follow me outside. I went to the car, seeing an old beat up truck pull in, and handed the food over then collected the cash.

"Have a fantastic day!" I say cheerfully as they pulled away. I turned to Allegro but saw he was scrunched back in fear.

"Allegro? What's wrong?" I asked as I knelt down to him. He whimpered and showed fear as I heard footsteps behind me. I looked and saw a burley mad walk up to us.

"Mutt! I thought that was you!" The man said as he eyed Allegro.

"Excuse me?" I asked him as I felt uncomfortable.

"That's my dog." He tells me with a fake smile.

"Um, no. He's my dog." I tell him as I had a bad feeling.

"No, that's my dog. Mutt. He ran away a year ago." He tells me suddenly. I realized that, Allegro had been found outside of town over a year ago from another state, as my blood was starting to boil.

"Prove it then!" I nearly snapped as I stood up.

"Miss, that's my dog! He's a German/Australian Shepherd and he's been mine for years! I demand him back now!" He tells me as he started getting entitled. I was close to snapping.

"Sir, I legally own him as he was legally adopted for me. He is my dog, not yours, and I will not be returning him. He has a good home, a loving family and I will not let him be removed from it." I say in a firm voice as Allegro backed up and hid behind me.

"You think I care? I want Mutt back right now!" He nearly yelled as his face went red.

"No! You were his owner?! Then you abused him! How dare you! How dare you! You abused him! You abused him to the point of nearly going feral! You're a monster! Now leave before I call the cops for dog napping, assault of a minor and anything else I can think of!" I yelled out, loud enough for everyone to hear, as the man snared. He put his hand up, ready to hit, when Allegro got out from behind me and began barking loudly, snarling as he bared his teeth, making the man back up in fear for a moment.

"I'll be getting him back, one way or another." He said in a dark tone before walking off. I watched him until he was out of sight. I sighed and had Allegro follow me inside the shop, seeing Pops looking at me worriedly, as I asked to borrow the phone.

"Well sure, but what happened?" He asked me worriedly.

"That man claims he owns Allegro. I'm calling the cops to have them keep an eye out for him because I don't trust him." I say as Allegro went behind the counter, laid down and began whimpering. He was spooked. Pops saw this and nodded, letting me go on break, so I could take care of this. I called them, a familiar sheriff answered, as I made my statement, gave a description and informed him when it happened. I didn't remember the beat up car, especially since he walked away, so I couldn't give anything more than that other than he called Allegro 'Mutt'. The sheriff would keep a look out, knowing Allegro had been abused, and I thanked him. After the call, I comforted Allegro until he felt better. I worked the rest of the day without problems until I left in the evening. That man showed up again, started harassing me and threatening me, as Allegro growled.

"Leave me alone! He's my dog and I won't give him up!" I yelled as I got ready to defend Allegro and myself.

"Stupid teenager. He's my dog so give him back!" He scolded me harshly.

"Like I'd return him to an abusive man! Do you feel like a big shot hurting an animal?! Another living being?!" I screamed at him.

"He's a dog! Dog's don't feel shit!" He screamed at me. I lost it.

"Get back or I'll hurt you!" I called out loudly.

'Smack!'

I got smacked. Right then, Allegro jumped and bit hard into his arm, breaking the skin, as the man screamed. Before he could hit Allegro, I punched him in the face and he stumbled onto his butt. Allegro let go, me giving a command to run, as we booked it.

"I'll get my dog! One way or another!" He yelled out as he didn't follow me. Once home, I cried. I cried because I was scared. Dad was home, heard me crying and rushed over to comfort me. We called the cops, the sheriff showed up, and I gave my story.

Will Allegro be put down?" I asked as the tears kept falling. That's what I was scared about. I knew, in some states, once a dog bit anyone they would immediately be put down.

"Don't worry, he was only defending you. Everyone in this town knows you and Allegro. I will keep an eye out for dog attack reports to chock it up as assault and attempted theft." The sheriff tells me as he gave me a reassuring smile. I tried to smile, but I couldn't as the tears still fell. Allegro, after his mouth was cleaned of the blood, started licking my cheeks as he whimpered. The sheriff had found skin in his teeth, taking it for a DNA sample as well as the small amount of blood that was tracked in, for evidence. I hugged Allegro close as I traced his scars gently. The sheriff left and I was too depressed to eat.

After a couple days of nothing I had to babysit. Betty already had her hands full so I agreed. I was going to watch Timmy Boyston and the twins, Luke and Duke. I didn't mind. I walked to the Boyston home, Allegro following me, and took the kids out to go get ice cream. I saw the Ice Cream cart, seeing Geoff there, as I looked at the kids. I went wide eyed as I saw two. I turned and saw Timmy running across the street.

"Timmy!" I called out, giving the leash to the twins, and started bolting across the street. Timmy made it across as Geoff saw him then his eyes went wide.

"Aria! Look out!" Geoff cried out. I looked and saw a car, the same dingy one from Pop's, driving full speed at me. My eyes widened as I knew I wasn't going to make it. I then heard a bark before being shoved out of the way, hitting the ground, followed by a screech and a yipe. I rose up and saw I was on the ground. The car was away from me, Timmy was held back by Geoff, the twins on the opposite side of the side walk, but no Allegro. I saw a lump of fur in front of the car and my heart shattered.

"NOOOOOOO!" I screamed out, causing everyone to see this and a crowd to form, as I bolted up and right to my friend. Allegro was there, limp, laying there. He wasn't moving as I checked him.

"Allegro?" I whimpered out as I shook him.

Nothing.

"Allegro?" I called out a bit louder as I shook him again.

No movement.

My eyes watered as I put my hand in front of his nose and mouth. No air at first until I felt a breath.

A single breath.

He was barely alive but wasn't conscious. I didn't notice Geoff was calling 911 as someone stepped out of the car. I was prepared to hear 'I'm so sorry!' or 'I lost control!' but not the words I heard next.

"Stupid dog! Oh well, now you won't have him!" I heard the familiar voice of that man! I looked up, tears falling from my eyes, as I saw that man, looking down at me, with a smug grin like he would get away with his crime. I was in such shock, I completely blacked out. I didn't remember anything. It wasn't until a bit later, when I came back into reality, that I realized I was in pain, the guy was in cuffs with bruises all over him along with a busted lip and bloody nose, and a vet helping to get Allegro into the vehicle. I had been held back by two cops and looked between them.

"Why am I being held?" I asked as I felt my voice was rasped and tears still fell from my eyes.

"Miss Andrews, you attacked him. I'm afraid we have to bring you into the station to interview you." They tell me suddenly. My eyes widened as I had no idea what was going on. I saw Geoff and the kids were being taken into a car as well so I followed obediently.

What could I do?

They called my dad, aunt and uncle and I sat in a room alone, looking down at my bandaged knuckles, before the sheriff came in.

"Legally, you need an adult or lawyer with you, but do you want to talk still?" He asked me as he gave me a can of soda. I nodded as I opened the can.

"I don't remember what I did. I only remember that man calling Allegro stupid and that now I wouldn't have him. What did I do?" I asked as I never looked up at him.

"You don't remember anything?" He asked me as I heard him sit down.

"Nothing after those words." I confessed. I heard him sigh.

"You lunged at him and started punching him repeatedly." He tells me. I jolted my head up, eyes red from the tears and wide, as I grew shocked.

"I've… I've never blacked out like that. Ever. Not once in my life." I say in a shaky soft tone.

"The man said your eyes changed colors and we just got a call from the hospital saying his cheek is broken. There's no way possible for that to happen with just your fist." He explained to me. I started shaking as I felt fear. Was I turning into a monster?

"Sheriff… I need to tell you something." I say in a whisper.

"But not is I'm recorded and with someone behind the mirror." I tell him, knowing there was a camera and someone watching behind the mirror because of the cop shows/movies I watch. Sheriff nodded and signalled to cut everything.

"They will only see us, no recordings." He assured me. I took a shaky breath.

"Do you read the weird mysteries still?" I asked him.

"Yes, why?" He asked me. I then explained about the Morphalamew but told him about the DNA in me, the bones healing quickly in my arms, everything. The sheriff nodded as he listened to me. Now, any sane person wouldn't believe my story and send me to the loony bin, but not the sheriff who was once a werewolf. Once I finished, he made a signal.

"You are being recorded again. Is that fine?" He asked me. I saw his eyes said 'Trust me' and I nodded while saying yes.

"So, you acted out the way you did because you felt threatened by this man who had attacked you once before?" He asked in a firm voice. "Yes." I say quietly to him.

"When he stepped out, you feared for the safety of yourself, your dog, and possibly the children as well?" He asked me. I got the hint and nodded.

"Yes, that's correct." I say as I tried to calm myself.

"Then you acted in defence, to you, the children and the dog, as his words felt like a threat as well as him leering to close to you." He tells me.

"Am… Am I in trouble?" I asked him in fear.

"No. Not for defence. The broken cheek was caused by the accident, you punching him to knock him out and restrain him made it worse, and he is being charged with many things. We called up where he lived and, turns out, he was abusing multiple animals. He will be in court, to which you have to appear if you wish to sue him and since he is suing you as well, so you are free to leave for now." He tells me. I didn't know what to do though.

"Trust me, to keep that monster locked up longer, say yes and I have a lawyer friend who could handle this easily." He tells me.

"How bad were the animals hurt?" I dared to ask. He told me he wasn't allowed to show me, but because of Allegro, he showed me and I nearly threw up. Some were missing a limb or an eye, some had scars and were nothing but bones, while some were just about dead.

"Yes. Yes! I'll press charges! Anyone who does this to a sweet animal deserves it!" I say as I felt broken. Then I realized something.

Allegro.

"Sheriff… Where's my dog?" I asked him as I hoped he was alright.

"At the vet's in surgery. As soon as your father shows up, or your aunt or uncle, you may leave." He tells me. Then the door was knocked on.

"Sir, her aunt has arrived." The deputy I had met before informed us. The sheriff nodded and guided me out. I saw Aunt Mary and Archie outside, while the man sat in a cell away from us, before rushing up to them and hugged them sobbing. I noticed Betty had showed up and was leaving with the kids, Archie probably letting her know what had happened, and saw Geoff no where in sight. Once in the car, I explained what had happened as we rushed to the emergency vet clinic.

*one hour later*

Allegro had been in there for two hours, he was in there an hour when I arrived, and I was worried beyond all belief. Allegro, my best friend, a part of my life, my family, the dog I loved, cared for, was able to rescue thanks to my aunt, uncle and Jughead, the one to protect me and love me as I did him, was now in a life or death situation. He could die because of me. His stupid owner had to come here. I had to cross the street without looking. If I had just left him at home, if I had kept a better eye on the kids, if I wasn't so reckless…

It was my fault.

I started sobbing again as Archie comforted me.

"It's my fault… I should've left him home… I'm such a stupid, reckless kid." I sobbed out as my heart held so much pain and suffering.

"No it's not. He saved you like the good boy he is. You loved him and took care of him, of course he would save you! Love is a wonderful thing, your love for him and towards him caused him to be loyal toward you. Never! Blame yourself for all the love you gave." Aunt Mary said as she rubbed my back. I stood up and began pacing again, I was doing this for 5 minutes every 10 minutes or so, until the doors to the back opened. She froze in her spot as the vet came over with a look on his face. My heart sank as the look showed distraught.

"Miss Andrews." The vet said, sadness etched his voice, as I feared the worse.

"Please tell me he's going to make it." I begged very softly as I didn't want to hear anything bad. The vet looked at me dead in the eyes before shaking his head no.

I.

Broke.

I fell to my knees and cried out as I covered my face with my hands. Archie rushed over to help me up but my body wouldn't move.

"We tried all we could, but between the old bones being broken and the internal injuries, we couldn't save him." The vet explains as I sobbed. Every kind of emotion was hitting me. Sorrow, anger, regret, sadness, fury, rage, hatred, despair, all of it at once. I choked on air and my tears as all color drained from me.

"Do you want to see him before he passes?" The vet asked me. I nodded, squeaking out a sobbing yes, before getting up. I followed the vet into the back to see poor Allegro on the bed, I.V. put in him, sheet gently covering his body, laying there as his breathing was soft. I rushed over but stopped myself from hugging him.

"Allegro?" I whimpered out as I knelt down in front of his face. Allegro didn't move as he gave a small breath.

"Allegro?" I whimpered out a bit louder. I saw his eyes slowly open as his ears perked and tail wagged.

"H-hey boy." I whimpered out as he moved his face gently to look at me. He gave a whimper as he looked at me. It was like he knew what was happening, and probably did too. I, very gently, stroked his head as he licked his mouth.

"Hey boy." I said softly as I tried to give a smile. He whined and licked my hand to comfort me. I let out a small sob as my tears fell more.

"I… I have to say goodbye." I say softly to him as I choked on a couple of my words. Allegro lifted his head and looked right at me.

"I-I can't take you home with me. Y-You have to go." I choked out as the tears fell faster down my face. Allegro looked like he wanted to move, but couldn't, as he gave a small whine.

"I'm sorry!" I sobbed out before gently hugging him close to me. I cried so hard, the tears falling onto his fur, as I held him close and felt him breathe. I felt him lick my cheek.

"It's my fault. I'm a bad person. I wish I could take you home." I sobbed out as I never let him go. He licked my cheek as he gave a weak bark.

"You're gonna go to a good place. I promise you'll be taken care of. I promise to be there with you when it's time." I whimpered out as I kissed his face. He gave a groan and just laid there.

"Miss Andrews, it's time." The vet told me. I buried my face into Allegro as I sobbed.

"I'm sorry. Please, don't let him suffer nor feel pain." I begged through my sobs as I refused to let Allegro go. The vet injected the first shot into the I.V., making Allegro groggy, before putting the second one in. As Allegro laid down, he closed his eyes to never opened them again. Aria said her goodbyes and I love you's as his eyes had closed. After he passed away, Aria only held his body as she sobbed. She had lost a very close friend, a guardian, a family member, all because of her.

No!

All because of that man!

"If you want, we can trim some fur, use ink on paper and clay to imprint the paw prints before cremating him and put his ashes in a container for you." The vet then offered. I sniffled and nodded yes as I let my dog go. Aunt Mary and Archie guided me to the car before driving.

"Do you want something to eat?" Aunt Mary asked me sweetly.

"No." I sobbed out as I curled up into a ball in the back-seat.

"How about a movie at my place?" Archie asked me.

"No. Just home." I lightly sobbed out. Archie wanted to say something, but Aunt Mary stopped him, shook her head no and Archie dropped it. They took me home, I trudged inside sadly, before Aunt Mary left. Not Archie though. Archie decided to stay to try and comfort me. I stayed in my bed and didn't move. Archie asked if I wanted food, but I rasped out no as I laid under the covers. Archie had came up an hour later.

"Hey, I got pizza." Archie told me.

"I'm not hungry." I squeaked out as I hadn't moved the whole time.

"You have to eat Aria." Archie commented as I heard footsteps come over.

"I just wanna be alone." I say softly as I ignored the footsteps.

"But I made it just for you." I heard another voice.

Jughead's.

"I just wanna be alone. Please." I commented softly as I refused to move. Jughead's hand rested on my back and gently rubbed small circles on it.

"I know how you feel." Jughead said to me as I tried to hold back sobs.

"He died because I was dumb. I ran out into the road without looking both ways." I choked out as I tried not to cry again.

"Betty told us what happened. I'm so sorry." Jughead said softly to me.

"Jughead. Allegro died because he saved me. It's my fault." I say as the tears threatened to fall.

"No it's not. It's that man's fault! He was intentionally trying to hit you with the car! Allegro was a good dog and loved you enough to protect you. You gave Allegro a second chance at a good life and he repaid you. That one year of kindness meant more to him than anything in his 12 years. You were his angel and, today, he was yours." Jughead said as he did his best to comfort me. I broke. I jumped up, hugged Jughead tightly and bawled as I buried my face into him. Jughead hugged me and held me close as he comforted me.

"It's alright. I'm here." He said in a calm tone as he pulled me on his lap, wrapped my blanket around me, then rocked me back and forth as he rubbed my hair and back to comfort me. Archie left us alone as Jughead comforted me. I don't know how long I was crying for, but after all of that, I had fallen asleep out of exhaustion. I didn't know Jughead had tucked me in, how he had left work early to comfort me since Dilton was out of town until next week, how my dad came home, checked on me, thanked Archie and Jughead for helping me, how dad's eyes watered in sadness since he also loved Allegro, how he worried about how sad I was, how Betty and Veronica called to see how I was doing, how Grandpa called and felt horrible about Allegro because he too liked Allegro, since this hit the news, dad had gotten calls from basically the whole town to make sure I was alright and no one knew that the small hand mirror, the same one 'mom' left without anyone knowing, had started glowing for a moment before a woman's laugh echoed from it for a small moment. No one had seen nor heard any of that.