Chapter 2: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

"I never imagined myself as a college kind of guy," Jughead mused. He was sitting lazily on a chair in the Blue & Gold office, eating a bag of chips. "Besides, I already have a scathing wit with a pen to match. Why would I need a college to tell me that I'm not writing the way they want me to?"

"Jug," Betty gave her boyfriend a side smirk, "College is to help you become a better writer. High school's about conformity, not college." She stole a glance at her open laptop - a page to one of her own college applications displaying a nearly completed loading bar – before turning back to Jughead. "There! Uploaded." She gently closed her computer. "Don't you want to be the first Jones to go to school?"

Jughead shoved another handful of chips into his mouth. "I mean, I guess. I'm pretty sure my dad wants that more than I do. No matter where I go, it would probably still be too expensive. We, - I don't want to use any of my mom's blood money on it."

Betty sighed. "I would still think about it. You have so much potential, Juggie. College would just help nurture that, open you up to new opportunities…new things to write about. While Riverdale has become eventful the past few years, it will eventually run out of stories." She looked up at him with soft eyes. "Please? Just think about it?"

"Fine," he said. "But don't expect me to be thrilled about it." Betty clasped her hands together and smiled. "Great! Now, let's get going. We don't want to be late for the meeting." Jughead adjusted his gray knit cap and folded his arms. Betty narrowed her eyes. "Still?" She asked in a quiet voice. "The DNA test proved true this time. He's 100% our brother. And he's good, he's sweet." She reached a hand out and rubbed Jughead's arm. "You really need to get to know him. He's a lot like us! Which is sort of scary, but nice."

"Forgive me for still being a bit hesitant. Our last Boo Radley turned out to actually be a murderer."

"I know, but Charles is different. He really is trying to help. It's just a quick meeting with him and your dad, and then we can focus on Archie's community center, okay?"

Jughead nodded as Betty got up and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Well, almost. I did squeeze another session in with Dr. Glass before the opening ceremony."

It was Jughead's turn to narrow his eyes. "Are you okay? This is the second extra session you've had this month."

"Yeah, yeah, Jug. I'm fine. It's just - counseling is a lot more helpful than I thought it would be."

Jughead sighed. He was prone to suppress his emotions, all the Jones men were, but after seeing the way the shine had begun to return to Betty's eyes, he had to admit that it didn't seem so bad after all. "Okay, Betts. Just don't sign us up for couple's counseling just yet, okay?"

"Deal."

"What the hell?"

Graffiti littered the side of the former El Royale Gym and broken glass glittered on the ground in the afternoon sun.

Archie rushed from his truck to the destroyed window, his shoes crunching powdered glass, and carefully looked over the jagged edges. A brick lay in the shadows on the floor of the gym, the words "HOPE IS DEAD" written sloppily across it.

Anger surged through Archie, his face quickly matching his hair.

How could they? he thought, How could they write something like that?

He pulled out his phone and held it to his ear. "Ronnie? Hey, something happened at the center. Some thug threw a brick through the window." A pause. "I know. Is there time to get this fixed up? I mean, we're opening tonight!"

xxx

"What?" exclaimed Veronica from the other side of the phone, sitting at the kitchen table in her apartment. "Scoundrels. The lot of them."

"Is there time to get this fixed up?" came Archie's voice over the phone.

"Let me make a few calls. Nothing, I mean nothing, will keep us from opening tonight."

"Ronnie..?" Archie's voice trailed off for a second. "Is it possible that…?" He let his words trail off.

"No. He wouldn't! He may be a modern Machiavelli, but he wouldn't attack a children's center!"

"Not even because it's me?"

Veronica paused. She honestly couldn't be sure. Her father stooped to some very low levels. "No. These were probably just some ruffians."

"The brick said HOPE IS DEAD, Ron."

Veronica's heart dropped. She sucked in a shaky breath, quickly smiling to herself. "Archiekins, it's alright. Let me make the calls and I'll be right over."

She hung up. He wouldn't, would he? He's not that heartless. Veronica swiped to her contacts and walked briskly out the door of the Pembrooke.

Officers milled around the lobby of the Riverdale Police Station, carrying paperwork and answering calls as Betty and Jughead entered. FP and Charles were standing in the lobby waiting for them, the men standing a few feet apart. They turned towards the teens as they walked through the doors.

FP coughed as he adjusted his belt and motioned towards his office. "Finally. Let's get this started."

"We have men in a number of surrounding towns - Greendale, Centerville, Athens - and still nothing. They haven't noticed any activity that corresponds to The Farm or to the Evernevers." Charles explained, placing tacks onto the map hanging on the office wall. We can rule out the possibility of them heading closer to New York, they wouldn't risk being so close to such a large city. They prefer small…quiet towns."

FP was lounging in his chair, gazing up at the board. Betty and Jughead were leaning against the desk, both of them with arms crossed. The four had been meeting off and on regarding The Farm for a few months now. Charles had initially approached Betty and Jughead about helping with the investigation, allowing FP and the Riverdale police any updates. He continued, "Our field operatives are moving into other towns now. We believe they may have headed north, possibly even to Canada. But so far, we still think they are in the state."

Betty groaned. "My mom is still out there with that creep." She tightened her ponytail. "I was able to get in and out of their facility with no problem. How could they just disappear without a trace?"

"From what we've gathered, Edgar is very good at covering his tracks once he's moved on from a place. No loose ends, just always one scared person, deceived into believing The Farm had ascended and moved on without them so they wouldn't follow."

Betty and Jughead exchanged a sad glance. Kevin had been the deceived.

"Kevin?" Betty's question rung through the quiet hall. Kevin was sitting alone, hugging his legs, surrounded by empty white outfits laid out in a 'U'. Orange hazy light hung thick against the shadowy walls. "Where's my mom?"

"Gone," he said, his voice broken and eyes swollen. "They're all gone. They left me. They said someone had to stay behind, to tell them what had happened." Betty stared at him in disbelief, tears welling at the corner of her eyes. "They're gone and we'll never see them again."

Jughead pressed his tongue to his cheek. Even Fangs, one of his Serpents had given into The Farm and now he too was missing. He couldn't imagine how Betty must have been feeling though - believing her mother to have been brainwashed by The Farm, learning that she was actually an FBI informant only to have her go missing with the rest of the cult.

"FP, are you sure no one else can give a testimony about The Farm? There still might be something we are missing."

FP sighed, looking at the floor. "Unfortunately, not right now. Cheryl and Betty were the only two willing to go on record." Jughead glanced at Betty; her eyes were swimming. He couldn't tell if she was sad or angry.

Charles nodded slowly. "Okay. Well, if Kevin decides he would like to speak out about his experience, please let us know." FP nodded. "Now, in the meantime - Jughead, Betty - I got you two clearance to investigate at the Sisters of Quiet Mercy with me. You two are known for spotting details others have missed." He handed them two badges.

Betty's eyes brightened, grabbing the badges. "Of course, Charles. We are all for that, right Jughead?" Jughead looked at his girl, then to his half-brother.

"Yeah, I'm in." Betty squeezed his arm. Charles gave them a smile and walked out of the room.

"You two be safe with him." FP retorted, casting an upturned eyebrow at Jughead.

Betty slipped her badge into her jacket pocket and handed the other to Jughead. She looked between the two Jones men. "And you two really need to stop acting so coldly towards Charles. I know it's weird, for all of us, but please try. He's family."

Father and son both turned their stares toward the ground, finding sudden interest in their shoes.

Betty tilted her head, her mouth a straight line. "I've got to go, see you at the opening ceremony." With that, she marched out the door.

"Thank you so much for coming on such short notice." Veronica said to the maintenance man installing the new window. "I know it's technically after hours for you."

"No problem. Ya' know, I was so excited to learn that a new community center was openin' up. And on the Southside, too! This is what we need right now." Bhrrr, bhrr! His drill surged to life, anchoring in a screw.

"Yeah Mad Dog, everything's going to be fine. Yeah. See you in 10." Archie hung up the phone as Veronica approached him. "Mad Dog will be here in 10 minutes to help set everything up."

"Excellent. See, Archie? Everything is going to be just fine."

"Yeah..." He lifted his eyes to a flowing red sheet hanging over the newly installed front sign. The two were silent, then Archie piped up. "So, are you going to talk to him?"

Veronica slipped her arms in between Archie's. "No. If this was him - which I don't think it is - that's what he would want me to do. Ruffle feathers and watch me blow in like a storm just to see him. No, I'm waiting him out for as long as possible.

Bhrrrr! Clank. "I'm finished, Ms. Lodge!"

"Thank you, Mr. Daniels! Will you be here tonight?"

"Wouldn't miss it!" He picked up his drill, tipped his hat, and turned to leave. Archie looked down at Veronica.

"Thank you. For everything you've done to help me and Mad Dog out."

"Of course, Archiekins! It's what I'm here for. Tonight is going to be perfect. We'll make it perfect. For him. No one can ruin that, no matter how hard they try."

"For him," Archie repeated, glancing over at the building, the fresh coat of paint glowing in the evening light.

Betty walked into the therapist's office, closing the door behind her gently. "Hi, Dr. Glass."

The counselor looked up from his desk as Betty opened the door. "Ah, Betty! So good to see you. How is everything?"

"Good, Dr. Glass."

"Sit down, sit down," he motioned her towards a chair, "What's on your mind today?"

Betty sat and curled her fingers, tracing thin white lines on the inside of her palms. "Jughead and his dad still won't welcome Charles."

"Ah, I see." He pulled open a drawer and drew out a small notebook. "It is hard. You adapted so quickly, but you were looking for a brother, after feeling abandoned by your other family. But, from what you told me, even though Jughead may want a family, a brother might not be what his mind is set on."

"I know. He's not good at trust - trusting quickly – that is. But it's been almost three months! He should at least try to be warm towards our brother."

"Has that knowledge done anything to your relationship? Knowing that he is an 'our' brother?"

Betty furrowed her brow. "I…I'm not...I don't know. He's said that it doesn't weird him out, and it doesn't weird me out either. I think it's something else. He's very protective, and I think he still sees Chic when he looks at Charles."

Dr. Glass nodded, writing a quick note down. "How does that make you feel?"

She shifted uncomfortably, turning her head slightly. "We've grown. I've grown. But sometimes I think that Jughead still sees me as I was at the beginning of sophomore year. My mom was trying to control me and I was painfully shy. Scared of everything. Sometimes I feel as though he still thinks of me that way, needing protection."

"Do you?"

Betty looked at her therapist. "Well, yeah. We all do. But…I can handle myself. He tries so hard to be strong and unbothered at times, but I think Jughead needs to be protected sometimes. From himself."

Dr. Glass raised an eyebrow. "So, what I'm hearing is, you feel as though he protects you too much, still seeing an earlier image of yourself at times, just as he still sees an earlier image of Chic in your brother. And it sounds like he's afraid of losing you. That image of you."

"But I was weak and scared. I was alone."

"Maybe to you, but to him you were strong and brave, just as strong and as brave as you see yourself now, Betty. Maybe he just needs to be reminded that you aren't looking for protection from him, but – validation - perhaps?"

Betty nodded. An alarm rang on her phone. "Oh, uh, I've got to go, Dr. Glass. Thank you."

"Of course, Betty. Same time next week?"

Betty nodded, heading for the door.

"Betty?"

She turned back around. Dr. Glass was staring warmly at her. "You are strong and brave. And you are a good person. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Betty nodded, turning quickly out of his office.

Jughead raced down the stairs, helmet in hands.

"Hey Jug!" He heard his dad call. He turned around to see a thoughtful expression etched on his dad's face. "I've been thinking," FP began, "about what Betty said earlier."

Jughead leaned against the doorpost. "Dad, I know that Charles came to us - to me - first, but I just can't look at him and not think about the last time Betty's brother came home."

"I know," FP said, nodding his head and pouring a cup of coffee. "But everything checks out with this guy. And he's a good cop."

Jughead cocked his head. "You trust him?"

"I do."

"Then why are you so cold to him? I've seen the way you look at him."

FP sat down on a stool, placing his mug on the kitchen counter. "Jug…your mom wants to try again. But she has no idea. I can't tell her about Charles."

Jughead's face fell. He hadn't even thought of that. He'd been so swept up in the thought of the possibility of a normal family, he hadn't even considered that thread. "Oh..."

"She's been legitimately shaping up, Jug, and I'll be damned if I'm the one to screw this up." He looked into his cup of coffee. "You better get going boy, better not be late."

Archie and Veronica stood on a large platform outside of the community center. A podium was mounted towards the front of the stage and instruments were lined up next to it. A huge crowd had amassed for the event, vacant chatter buzzing in the air. Mad Dog walked up to the stage and Archie beamed. "Nice suit, dude. I feel like all I've ever seen you in is athletic gear."

"Thanks, Red. Veronica hooked me up with a sweet tailor. Your girl is amazing."

Veronica smiled and adjusted Archie's bowtie. My girl, Archie thought. We kissed, but are we together? He smiled at Veronica, then turned his gaze over at the crowd. Mr. Daniels was standing off to the side of the stage and Archie gave a small wave. He waved back then eyed the crowd, skittering away towards the actual center as Betty and Jughead weaved their way to the front.

"Guess it's showtime." Veronica beamed and walked up to the podium. She tapped the mic once, small feedback emanating from the touch. "Welcome, fair folk of Riverdale! My name is Veronica Lodge and I am so pleased to be a part of this new chapter for the town. As you know, Riverdale has needed some real change - a new tomorrow - for a while now, and these two young men behind me are helping usher in that new tomorrow."

She waited as the crowd applauded. She looked down at Betty and Jughead; both were smiling back up at her. "And now, without further ado, I give you the man of the hour, Archie Andrews!"

The crowd cheered as Archie stepped forward. "Thank you." A small shrill of feedback ushered from the microphone and Archie took a step back. He took the moment to cough, than leaned back into the mic. "Thank you so much, everyone, for coming out tonight. This means so much to myself, as well as to my friend and co-owner, Mad Dog. We've put a lot of work into this place over the past few months. About a year ago, I was wrongfully imprisoned, as were many of my friends from the Leopold & Lobe detention center."

Archie met Betty's eyes and she gave him a reassuring grin. He looked out over the rest of the crowd; FP's cruiser was parked in the back, Mrs. McCoy and Mr. Keller standing near it. Mr. Keller gave Archie a nod.

"That was a place full of pain and despair. The guards and staff there didn't want us to heal, didn't want us to bond, and after seeing how hopeless some kids were, Mad Dog and I decided that something needed to change when we got out. Kids and families alike sometimes just need a place to go to get off the streets and away from dangerous situations. That's our hope for this community center – for it to be a safe space for anyone who is hurting and in need. Somewhere where people can learn how to be a community and a family again."

Archie paused and looked down, his lip trembling. He looked back at Veronica, who put a hand over her heart. Archie turned back to the mic and adjusted it slightly. "And no one knew more about how to take care of a community and family than my dad, Fred Andrews."

"Veronica said that we were ushering in a new tomorrow. Well, last year, when my dad was running for Mayor, he showed me a plan he made for Riverdale when he was my age. 'Riverdale 2020' he called it. He was so happy looking at that bright future he had always imagined for his hometown, but he never got to see it happen."

"So this-," he indicated towards the building behind him, "is dedicated to him. So, in honor of my dad," he walked over to the hanging red sheet and pulled, revealing a shiny new sign. He stepped back as applause and cheers emitted from the crowd. "I present to you the new Andrews Community Center of Riverdale!"

Betty and Jug cheered as Veronica ran up to give Archie a hug. His cheeks were warm. " Now, before we open for tours, to celebrate this occasion, I'd like to invite up the Pussycats!" The crowd grew even more boisterous as Val and Melody climbed the stage. Veronica shuffled over to the standing mic as music filled the night.

As a more upbeat version of "Time After Time" floated over the crowd, Archie hopped down from the stage. A few students patted him on the back as Jughead and Betty approached.

"Arch, this is great! That was such a good speech!" Betty wrapped her friend in a hug. Jug grabbed his shoulder. "Yeah man, you sure you don't want to be a writer, too?" Archie smirked.

xxx

Betty pulled away and looked to her left. Kevin was standing by himself. "Archie, Jug, I'll be right back." She shoved her way through the crowd to Kevin. "Hi, Kevin."

He looked up for a split second, then turned away. "Betty."

"Kev, come on. Talk to me. It's been so long since we talked. I know you're hurting."

He puffed out his chin. "No thanks to you, Betty. The Farm left. Fangs left. Everyone left me."

"But I came back, Kevin. I still care about you. I'm sorry I hurt you." Normally Betty would be firing right back at him, but she's been able to catch herself lately. Stopping. Thinking before talking. "I know it hurts. Maybe you could try talking to someone about what happened?"

"Like a therapist, Betty? Like yours?"

"Or your dad! Kev-"

"No, Betty! The Farm was helping me!"

Betty took a deep breath. "No, Kevin! Edgar wasn't helping you! He was stealing organs! Just tricking you into thinking he was taking your pain away. You're in pain now! Can't you see that? He didn't take it!"

Kevin gave Betty a side glance, then began looking around. "I have to go, Betty, my dad is waiting for me." He pushed past her into the crowd.

"Well hello, cousin! Splendid evening, isn't it?" Cheryl materialized next to Betty, making her jump slightly.

"Hi, Cheryl," Betty said, still staring after Kevin.

"Shame we couldn't get Kevin out of that hell hole in time." Cheryl cooed, following Betty's gaze. "I realize I was blinded by Edgar's devilish promises for a while, but poor Kevin was simply infatuated with the thought of leaving all his pain behind."

Betty turned to Cheryl. "I wanted to thank you again for testifying with the FBI, it's been very helpful for them."

"Of course, cousin."

Betty opened her mouth, a small thought coming to her. "How have you been doing, Cheryl? After learning about what Edgar did to Jason, and then everything with your mother..."

Cheryl rolled her eyes. "Please, don't speak of that hag. How dare she try to hunt you and the others like animals. She's the animal. As for JJ, he's back home again." Her eyes flashed.

"Have you been getting any help, Cheryl? I mean, it's a lot to take in, and now we've both lost our parents."

Cheryl straightened up. "TT and I have talked through it. She's such a good listener."

Betty nodded. "Yeah. Well, I've been going to counseling and thought that you might benefit from it. I find it enlightening."

Cheryl's eyes raced and her red lips twisted. "The Blossoms are a strongly rooted family, Betty. You have our blood, I don't need to tell you that. I don't need another quack telling me what to feel." Her tongue snapped, a viper against her pale cheeks.

"Cheryl-," Betty knew Edgar had gotten into Cheryl, but this was a much more vehement response than she had anticipated.

"Toodles, Betty." Cheryl smiled, whipping her hair as she whisked back off into the crowd. Jughead walked up beside Betty.

"Betts, you okay?"

She sighed, "Yeah, I was just trying to help Cheryl. And Kevin. They still won't listen. I think Edgar's twisted version of help is scaring them from trying to find real help."

"They'll come through." Jughead rubbed her shoulders. "And if not, then they're foolish for not taking advice from the smartest girl I know." He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. He held himself there for a moment, then leaned back and stared into Betty's eyes. "Speaking of advice…I'll try harder. With Charles."

Betty held his hands in hers. "Thank you, Jug. That means so much to me." They began to walk back towards the stage. The Pussycats had finished their set and now Veronica was standing next to Archie. "You don't have to protect me, you know," Betty continued. "I can take care of myself. I'm stronger, Jug, stronger because of what we've gone through."

"I know you are, Betty Cooper. I just, I just don't want to see you get hurt by family anymore."

"You neither, Jug."

"B! Jughead! So glad you guys could make it!" Veronica squealed, rushing Betty with a hug.

"Such a good night, V. And Archie-," Betty looked over at the redhead, whose eyes sparkled from unshed tears. "Your dad would be so proud."

"Thank you, Betty." The four friends stood silent, staring up at the new sign, fresh and clean. Unmarked. Pure. A maintenance worker was gathering up the sheet that had been over top of it, standing nearby the group, his hat pulled over his face as he fumbled a bit with the large expanse of fabric.

Archie pulled away, noticing Mad Dog motioning towards him. "Hey, I have to start the tours. Are you guys staying?"

"Archie, this is yours. We'll let you have some time with Mad Dog. I'm heading home to finish up some of the paperwork." Veronica smoothed out the shoulder ruffles on his suit, then turned to Betty and Jughead. "Shall we meet up at Pop's tomorrow for a celebratory breakfast?"

"How about lunch? I think I'm going to work on a Blue & Gold article about the grand opening and I'll probably be up awhile," Betty replied.

"What? Tonight?" Archie asked. "Betty, it can wait."

"There ain't no rest for the written, Archie," Jughead laughed, throwing his arm over Betty's shoulders. "I think I'll head home too. I'm sure I'll be stopping by the center quite frequently, though. Serpents welcome?"

"Everyone is welcome."Archie grinned. Betty and Jughead grinned back."Goodnight, then!" he called as he jogged towards Mad Dog and the small crowd awaiting entrance.

"See you tomorrow!" Veronica chimed to the friends as she headed towards her car.

"Jug, I need to swing by the school," Betty said as they began to walk past the sign and toward their vehicles. The maintenance worker shuffled behind them with the sheet, heading toward the back of the center. "I left my laptop in the Blue & Gold office. I'll meet you at home?"

"There really isn't any rest for the written word with you, is there Betty?" Jughead smiled, hugging her one last time.

"Nope." She smiled.

"Dad will be out late on patrol. I'm going to say goodnight to him. Want me to stay up?"

"No, I'll be fine. Get some rest. You look exhausted. You've been staying up to write again too," she said, running a finger over the dark bags under his eyes. "And like I said, you don't have to worry about me."

Jughead nodded and kissed her. Betty pulled away and the two began walking in opposite directions.

The four friends parted ways that night, smiles as bright as the new coat of paint on the Andrews Community Center of Riverdale. The center gleamed, shining into the night like a lighthouse, shining as Riverdale's beacon of hope, now open and ready for life to teem within it.

Little did they know that, as the four walked into their separate shadows, the light shining over Riverdale that night would lose its hold on the friends. The darkness was retaliating, tightening its grip once more. Veronica's offhand exclamation of "See you tomorrow!" would linger like a solemn echo over three of the friends.

Veronica swung open the doors to her apartment. Throwing her purse down on the couch, the girl stopped. Something felt amiss. Her eyes scanned the apartment, landing on the door to her father's study, which stood slightly ajar.

Jughead brought his motorcycle to a halt outside the house on Elm Street.

He looked up as one of the streetlamps flickered slowly. On and off. On and off.

Betty climbed out of the station wagon and stared up at the dark silhouette of Riverdale High School. A breeze rustled a nearby bush and Betty shuddered, looking up into the black night at two distant stars staring right back at her.

Archie waved goodbye to Mad Dog and headed towards the back of the building to lock up. The air had considerably cooled and the unfamiliar shadows stretching from the new furniture and wall hangings gave him further chills.

He pushed the keys into their lock just as a crash rang out in the empty building.

Jughead trotted into the living room. Jellybean was sitting on the couch watching television. "Why are you still up?"

She shrugged. "I wanted to watch TV. That lamp outside has been flickering all evening and I can see it from my room."

"So the light from a television was better." He heckled as he headed upstairs. "Get to bed!" he called down as he reached the top. Jughead climbed into his own bed, slipping off his shoes and jacket, and opened up his laptop.

Veronica crept slowly towards the cracked door, removing a heel and holding it out in front of her like a knife. Approaching the door, she gently reached for the handle. As soon as it was within her grasp, she flung it open and jumped inside the room. Nothing. Just scattered papers strewn on the desk. She let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes.

She had been working in there earlier. She liked working in her father's study; it felt as if she was affronting him from afar. Veronica glanced up at her father's portrait, up into those always watching eyes.

Archie twisted around in the air, his breath catching in his throat, and landed with fists raised.

"Woah, Woah! Just me! Sorry, Red!" Mad Dog had dropped a sandbag on the ground. "Sorry, there were still a few things to bring inside from the stage. Didn't mean to scare you."

Archie relaxed. "No, it's okay, Mad Dog. Ever since I found that brick, I've been a little on edge. Veronica thinks it's just some punk kids, but the message felt personal."

"I got you. I was jumpy too after getting out of juvie. There seems to always still be someone with a grudge out there. No matter how hard you try to shake them."

A breeze rustled the bushes outside the dark silhouette of Riverdale High School. Laying on the concrete ground next to a parked station wagon was a set of keys and a cracked phone with a light blue case, the owner nowhere to be seen.

Author's Notes: Phew, that was another long one! Such a fun one to write though! So many interactions, so many relationships! Love planting the seeds for things to come in this story!

Even though Josie is gone, had to get the Pussycats back in the game!

How are you liking it so far? Is the cliffhanger already too much? Review please and let me know what you think!