Always and Forever

Chapter 15: Nighthawks

The next morning I helped Dad down the stairs, we heard the water running and smelt burnt toast.

"No, no, no," Archie repeated. We saw him running around the kitchen and Vegas eating whatever was on the floor.

"Do we need a fire extinguisher?" Dad asked, getting Archie's attention.

"What are you two doing up?" Archie asked us. "I was going to bring you both breakfast."

"We appreciate it, son," Dad assured him.

"Dad's got to get to moving around sometimes," I added. We saw Archie down an energy drink.

"Little early for that isn't it?" Dad asked.

"No, I'm good," Archie answered. "Dad, the only thing you need to be worrying about is getting better." Then Archie's phone started ringing, he picked it up. "Crap, I gotta take this. I gotta go. Bye."

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Later I was at school, it was time for lunch, I sat at a table with Jughead, Betty, and Archie. "I've been getting an outrageous amount of calls and texts from Josh, I was trying to avoid him. Jughead was explained what happened at Pops.

"It's another win for the bad guys. No one was there. His entire staff quit," Jughead explained. "He says he's not sure how long he'll be able to keep the door open, maybe not even a week."

"It's because of what happened to our Dad," Archie stated. "People are freaking out. And I gotta be honest, guys, I don't see myself going back anytime soon."

"Wait, I'm sorry, am I hearing acceptance?" I asked. "I'm not letting one psychopath with a gun dictate what happens to our place."

"I agree with Dani," Betty spoke up. "Jug, you went crazy trying to save the drive-in."

"I can't take on any more social issues right now," Jughead admitted. "My hands are full."

"With your Dad, of course," Betty said. "And he should be your priority. I'll take point on helping Pop Tate."

"I'll help too," I said.

"Me three, Betty," Veronica volunteered. "Hey, anything to get me away from my parents, I'm in."

"Another Bee, Dee, and Vee team-up," Jughead smiled. "They should really make a video game about you guys." The three of us giggled as Jughead stood up. "I gotta jet. I'm off to meet my Dad's court-appointed joke of a lawyer at the Sheriff's Station."

"I'm gonna come with you, Jug," Archie insister. "I gotta drop some fliers off for Sheriff Keller."

"Bye," Veronica said as the boys left.

"So how are things with you and Josh?" Betty asked.

"No good," I admitted. "He's suddenly become extremely controlling and clingy."

"I hope you guys work it out," Veronica stated. "You are the whole school's otp."

"Cause that's not pressuring at all," I sassed.

"It's the truth and you know it," Betty sided with Veronica.

"And if we do break up, then what happens?" I asked.

"You will break people's hearts," Veronica answered. "But if necessary, do what's best for you girl."

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I was standing at my locker when I felt a pair of arms wrap around me.

"Josh," I smiled, I turned my head to see him, before kissing him. As we pulled away, I saw Reggie and I waved at him. He returned the nice gesture.