Annabelle's p.o.v.
I sit beside Archie in the courtroom, holding his hand. He's staring straight ahead, emotionless. Now and then, a nervous tremor goes through his hand. I clutch it softly in mine and offer him a reassuring squeeze. He turns his head and smiles sadly. I smile back nostalgically and remember what I told him this morning in the garage about how I'll always love him no matter what. I sigh. It's been a long day. His mom has defended him since after lunch, bringing up all the good things he has done for Riverdale, even solving the murder of Cheryl's brother. The judge listens to Ms. Andrews plead the case for her son. I glance behind and see our friends sitting in the back in support. I turn back and face the front. Court is drawing to a close as the jury is hung on giving a verdict, just as Archie leans over and whispers to me in my ear, "I can't put you, my family, and our friends through this. I'm going to accept a plea deal."
"What?" I ask. Archie stands up and says that he pleads guilty to the murder, resulting in getting a two-year sentence to Juvie.
"No!" I yell, standing up abruptly.
"Ms. Lodge, sit down!" the judge shouts, slamming his grabble down. But I don't listen. I clutch Archie's arm,
"Please, don't do this! It's a trap!" I cry. I'm shaking like a leaf, overcome with anxiety and fear. Archie whips his head around to face me, confusion in his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" he asks. I open my mouth to spill the truth when the cops appear behind him, pulling his arms behind his back and cuffing him.
Archie leans over and kisses me on the cheek, telling me he loves me before he's marched out of the courtroom. As he's led away, he tells Veronica, Jughead, and Betty to take care of me. The two girls hug me as I sob and guide me out of the courtroom.
As I walk away, I sneak a forlorn, crestfallen glance at Archie's dad. His eyes are full of hope as he says, "Don't worry, Annabelle, we'll get Archie out soon." I nod my thanks numbly. I turn my head away and lock eyes with the victorious gleam of Hiram Lodge. His eyes have a victorious glint that conveys, "I've won. Since this entire town is in the palm of my hand, I can have your boyfriend locked up for as long as I want, and there's nothing anyone can do about it." I glare at him as I go by.
"You've failed, and now I got you right where I want you." I hear him quietly gloat. I lower my head as tears begin to fall. He's right. I think, defeated. I lost Archie, but now I've lost my freedom as well. I never should've come to Riverdale.