Always and Forever

Chapter 11: To Riverdale and Back Again

It was now homecoming week, and Riverdale would still be versing their arch-rivals. In the morning I sat at the table eating breakfast with Archie and Mom.

"Archie, Dani, the reason why I came..." Mom began.

"You came because of the divorce," I stated.

"Because I called dad," Archie added.

"You know, I thought that Riverdale would be better for you two than Chicago," Mom told us. "It would be safer..."

"It's okay, Mom," I assured her. "Really we're okay."

"And I mean, it hasn't been all bad," Archie pointed out. "My friends are amazing."

"Mine are too," I said.

"Dad, Dani, and I are closer than ever right now. And also..." Archie trailed off.

"You've been singing and Dani is getting back to singing," Mom smiled.

"Songwriting, yeah. And singing," Archie said.

"And your dad tells me that you're great," Mom smiled. She then turned to me. "And your dad also told me that you are a pretty good singer and cheerleader." She looked at both Archie and I. "I hope you both will play some songs before I go, and I'm excited to see you cheer this Friday."

"Yeah, for sure," Archie agreed.

"I hope you can make it," I added. "Archie is playing at the dance. So, if you want to see him play live..." Mom nodded happily.

***********************************************************************

Later at school, I was talking happily among people, having mom back in ton put me in an extremely good mood.

"Do you want to do anything tonight?" Josh asked.

"Not really," I answered as we made our way down the hallway.

"Why? Did I do something wrong?" Josh asked as he pulled me off to the side.

"My mom is in town," I answered with a smile.

"That's amazing rose!" Josh hugged me. I received a text from Betty.

"I gotta go, babe," I said. "Betty wants me to meet her in the Blue and Gold room."

"I will see you later," Josh said kissing my head before we went separate ways. I walked into the room to see Veronica, Betty, and Mrs. Cooper.

"Oh, finally, close that door," Mrs. Cooper ordered, I backed up and closed the door. "Ladies, I need you to look around the room. Whoever is not in this room is on the table as a possible murder suspect."

"That's relieving that I am not one," I stated.

"It's including those Pussycats," Mrs. Cooper continued.

"Oh, my God, Mom," Betty began.

"Now, let's talk about your father," Mrs. Cooper suggested to Veronica.

"He had an epic grudge against the Blossoms, so yes. It's totally within the realm of possibility that he hired someone from jail to kill Jason. Maybe Jughead's dad."

"You really believe that?" Betty asked.

"My dad paid Jughead's dad to trash the drive-in," Veronica defended herself. "Maybe he paid him to..."

"To commit murder," Mrs. Cooper finished. "And, for all we know, that gay Greasey Serpent is an accomplice." I don't think Joaquin would murder someone. He is such a sweet soul, it would tear him apart. Well, I haven't seen him in a few years, but would that change who he is?