Always and Forever

Chapter 16: The Watcher in the Woods

The next day I laid in bed, tears staining the pillow. I heard a knock, I looked over to see Archie.

"Go away," I sniffed as I looked away.

"What exactly happened?" Archei asked, ignoring my request and sitting on my bed.

"Ever since I got back from being kidnapped, Josh had been acting weird," I began. "Mor like ever since I told him how that Serpent walked my home. He threatened me, lost trust in me, there his drink at me, and last night at Pops. He was not happy that I was being nice to the Serpents that came in, so he told me that he hopes I end up like dad. Shot."

"Are you alright?" Archie asked.

"I think so," I sniffled. "Anyways I broke up with him."

"He is just some dumb silly boy," Archie tried to comfort me.

"Yeah, but according to Betty and Veronica, we were to school's top, couple goals of the school," I stated. "They said people at school will be sad about it."

"Your relationship with Josh started getting toxic," Archie pointed out. "It was smart for you to get out early before it escalated."

"You're right," I smiled at him as I sat up.

"Maybe you should stay home today," Archie advised.

"What?" I asked. "No, I will go to school."

"You are hurting real bad Dani, the last thing you should do right now is going to school and risk seeing Josh Mantle," Archie argued. "Stay home and rest, do not jump right back into the school."

"Fine," I gave in as I laid back down.

"I will text you about everything that is happening," Archie assured me.

"Thank you," I smiled. "Now get to school and don't be late." Archie kissed the top of my head before leaving my room.

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Later I get a text from Archie about Moose and Midge getting shot up at Lovers Lane, Moose shielded Midge, and that he is in the hospital. I have been crying mainly all day, barely ate anything, I was then going to go brush my hair when I got a call from Veronica.

"Hey," I answered.

"Why aren't you at school?" Veronica asked.

"Archie didn't tell you?" I asked.

"No, you can tell me later tonight," Veronica insisted. "I want you and everyone to meet my dad while watching the season of The Matcherette."

"Who is all going to be there?" I asked.

"Me, Archie, Betty, Jughead," Veronica listed.

"You know," I began as tears formed in my eyes. "I think I will just sit this one out."

"Are you okay?" Veronica reminded me. "You sound upset."

"I'm fine Veronica, I just came down with the flu and do not want to get anyone sick," I said as I hung up the phone. I then sobbed into my hands, she sat down at her desk, as the tears poured out of my eyes. I then thought about Midge, then Moose, and finally Dad. I wiped away some tears before opening my laptop and doing some research.

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(Jughead's POV)

After I got a tour of Southside High from Toni, I met a couple of Serpents. I was in the library with Toni a few chairs down when someone sat next to me. I looked over to see Sweet Pea.