Always and Forever

Chapter 19: Death Proof

The next morning I woke up to a call, I picked it up and listened. I grabbed a notepad and jot down a couple of words that were exchanged between them.

"You didn't kill him," I heard Betty state.

"Nick isn't one of Riverdale's sons," the Black Hood informed. "And you'd already given me the most wonderful gift. When you said Nick's name, in that moment of nakedness, you let me see the real Betty. And she was beautiful and righteous. Judge, jury, executioner--"

"No, no, that's not, I'm--" Betty cut him off.

"Now that I've seen your true self, Betty, the real work can begin," the Black Hood confirmed.

"What do you mean?" Betty asked, by the line disconnected. I then got up, when I opened the door I was greeted by my brother.

"Archie," I greeted as I rubbed my eyes.

"When were you going to tell me you're a Serpent?" Archie asked angrily.

"I don't know. Like in a few weeks," I answered as I walked past him. "I was waiting for the right time."

"They hurt Veronica," Archie pointed out.

"No, they didn't," I said. "You know that is the truth. And yes they hurt you, Josh, and Reggie, but you guys also hurt them. Do you not remember when we said no weapons for this fight?"

"They are thugs," Archie pointed out.

"They are Serpents," I said. "There is a difference. And if you're calling them thugs you're also calling me one."

"Wait till dad hears about this," Archie threatened.

"You do remember that they worked for dad until your girlfriend's mom fired them with dad's permission," I recalled. "And dad said that they were the best crew he has had in a long time."

"They were the ones that kidnapped you," Archie reminded me. "And you're going to be friends with them?"

"For your information, the Ghoulies were the ones to kidnap me," I corrected him. "Leave me alone."

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I was now walking with Archie and Betty, me and Archie weren't really on speaking terms at the moment. We were walking towards Pops diner.

"I needed to clear my head and I did," Betty explained.

"From what I have heard, this is just a sick game to him," I added. "Psychological torture."

"So, I'm done with the Black Hood," Betty confirmed. "With his letters, with his Simon Says."

"So, what happens when he calls again?" Archie asked

"I won't answer," Betty answered. "I can't...keep playing. I can't."

"Didn't he threaten Polly?" I questioned.

"He did and I talked to her," Betty responded. "The people at the Farm are gonna help her disappear for a while. Just until it's safe again."

"Yeah, whenever that is," Archie spoke.

"And what about Jughead and veronica?" I asked. "We have to tell them the truth."

"And we will. I'll tell them. Let's just, you know, let things settle first," Betty confirmed. "Make sure it's all over." We soon stopped walking when we saw Jughead sitting in the diner, at a table with Toni. Soon Archie and Betty got a call, we walked back to the Cooper's house for a little meeting. With everyone that was at the party besides Cheryl and her mom. I was doing my best to not make eye contact with Reggie, Josh, and their mothers.