Juvenile Affairs

C H A P T E R O NE

" This town is literally taken out of a horror movie. Where teens go missing because some crazy hermit took them to his basement to be sex slaves. Do you want me to be a sex slave, Mother?"

Mary chuckled slightly, trying to hide her grin behind her 3rd cup of coffee. Archie tried not to roll his eyes. He offered to drive when they were driving through North-Dakota, but of course she said no.

" I think he'd just bring you back."

" He? Why not she? You think women aren't capable? That's pretty sexist, Mary."

A sudden break was pulled, and his head bumped against the glove department. He groaned. " No first names. I forgot. Sorry mommy."

" You know, everyday you make it a little easier to leave you behind," Mary sighed. Time has been kind to her, but it was like the wrinkles she did collect over the years blossomed when they entered Riverdale. " Now, Archie..."

" Yeah, yeah I know," as if she didn't make him memorize the entire list of rules over the car ride. " No drinking, no partying, no drugs. No fun. Just staying with Fred and acting like I enjoy being around him to spare his feelings. Yay."

" Archie, he's your father."

Archie snorted. " Does HE know that?"

" We're not having this discussion again," Archie was glad. They've been having this talk since he could remember, and frankly, it was getting old. " And remember: No. Fighting. I won't be there to hold your hand in the courtroom this time."

" I won't start anything; I'm just gonna finish it."

The redhead left it at that, plugging his earbuds and staring out the window, hoping his mom wouldn't lecture him about violence being unreliable.

He solved more problems in his life with fists than he ever did with words. Even if Mary always told him Archie's hands were made to hold guitars, letters don't leave the same bruises.

A guitar to the face was also effective, he supposed.

" Alright, we're here."

" Here where?"

" School."

Archie closed the doors. " Take me back."

" Archie. Out."

" Archie in."

" Archiebald..."

" Uh oh. Full name. I feel the holy powers of motherhood coming to smite me."

" Archie, I swear, - "

" Does it smell like potato salad in here? Or maybe it's pilates classes that don't actually work."

Mary glared, long and hard. Archie sighed, unlocking the doors slowly and eyed the building with disdain, along with everyone in it. He exited the vehicle, grabbing his guitar case on his way.

" I can go myself. Wouldn't be the first time,'' Archie told his mother, whom tossed the schoolbag he made sure to leave at home before leaving. " I'm not gonna run away."

" Wouldn't be the first time."

Archie clicked his tongue. That was one time. Though it only takes one deed for a lifetime of lectures, in his mother's case.

Without further arguing, he went ahead, trying to at least act he wasn't the only kid there with a parent in tow. Archie inspected his

Clean enough. Students walking in packs, or duos, either rich kids or middle class judging by the clothes and cars. Adequate neighborhood. Not a sight a graffiti or cigarette smoke or trash littered on the ground.

Everything looked pristine and perfect.

Archie hated it.

But then, he paused. A blonde girl, a bit smaller than himself, walked up to him. Her smile was unsure, almost nervous, but still pretty and pink on her lips. Her pale green eyes were round with wonder as they scanned over him.

She looked soft. Like the kind of girl who had a curfew and put her head down when adults spoke to her. Followed all the rules, never out of line.

Archie licked his lips. Maybe this won't be so bad.