Annabelle sits by the edge of Cheryl's pool, legs dangling in the water and strumming her guitar. She watches Archie throwing a football at Reggie, smiling at his charming, boyish smile. He's only wearing his red shorts, meaning that his hot body is on full display, which causes her face to heat up. Not only is Archie nice, but also attractive. He looks so happy, unaware of the nightmare that will happen after tomorrow. Her heart breaks at the thought of her boyfriend rotting away in some cell, all because she didn't leave town when she had the chance. Her uncle had threatened to frame Archie for murder if she stayed.

"Hey," a voice said from behind. "Are you okay?" She turned her head and saw Veronica approaching her. She sniffled back tears.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Annabelle said. Veronica sat down beside her cousin, cross-legged. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I was thinking about some things." Annabelle answers. She turns her gaze back to Archie to catch the football as Reggie throws it.

"He looks so happy, so content," she says wistfully with a watery smile.

"Yeah, he does." Veronica smiles. Annabelle turns to her, eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Ronnie, I don't know what I'd do if he goes to jail. I'd be heartbroken." Annabelle sobs. Veronica puts her arm around her.

"He won't go to jail, Annie. That boy of yours is too good for prison." Veronica comforts.

"I know, but my uncle is cunning, and you know he has it out for me since I came here," says Annabelle.

"My dad is no match for the love and courage you and Archie have. Trust me, everything will be fine. You and Archiekins will live and love until the end of time." Veronica hugs her. Annie smiles.

After the party, Archie and Annabelle go back to his house.

Later that night, the two sat in the living room quietly; the mood was heavy with dread; tomorrow would be awful, and Annabelle wished there was a way to stop it, but she knew it was too late.

"Annabelle, I just want you to know no matter what happens tomorrow at court, you are the best thing that has ever happened to this town, to me; I love you so much," Archie says, breaking the silence. Annabelle turns to him.

"I love you, too, Arch. I'm so sorry you'll go through this," she says.

"Hey, everything's going to be okay. Trust me." Archie puts a hand on her arm. She lets out a small laugh. "That's what Veronica said at Cheryl's party."

"See? Don't worry," he says. Annabelle lays her head on Archie's shoulder, enjoying her already-fleeting moments with her love.

Annabelle found Archie in his garage, tinkering with his old jalopy that morning. He was underneath the car, wrenching a part on the bottom. She hated the car. To her, it looked like a piece of crap, but Archie loved it, and it's been a much-needed distraction for him from the crap that's been going on lately, so oh, well. Anyway, it was almost time for the court hearing. She checked her watch.

"Archie, sweetie!" Annabelle called out. "it's almost time to go. Don't want to be late!"

"Okay. I'm just about done here." Archie called back.

After a few minutes, he crawled out from under the car and got up. He wiped the grease on his hands on his jeans; his white t-shirt smudged in grease stains; his red hair was sweaty and matted, sticking up all over, and his face streaked with car exhaust.

"You look like a mess," Annabelle said with a smile. She grabbed a nearby grease rag and started towards him.

He smiled back, "And yet you still find me so irresistible."

Archie went to kiss her, but she put a hand up to stop him. "Easy there, love," Annabelle giggled. "Shower first."

He playfully pretended like he was offended. "What, you don't want your boyfriend to kiss you now?"

"Not when he reeks of car exhaust and grease." Annabelle laughed softly. She cleaned the grease off his face. Archie's expression changed from playfulness to one of doubt.

"Annie, will you still love me when I go to prison?" he asked.

"Archie..." she trailed off sympathetically. She hated that this stupid court trial forced Archie to question everything, including himself and her love for him. She tenderly scratched the back of his neck and head. "Of course I will."

"Yeah, but I'll be a convicted criminal."

"You're not a murderer. Archie." Annabelle said.

"But what if I am? " Archie said doubtfully.

"You're not a killer; you're a kind, brave, smart, and caring boy, and I love you so much." She pecked his cheek. "Now, go take a shower, lover boy." She gently pushed him in the direction of the garage door.

As he's walking off, Archie turns his head and gives her his usual charming smile, which causes Annabelle to roll her eyes good-naturedly.

"You're such a flirt," the princess chuckles as she follows him.