The Only Beanie - Book 4 (Riverdale Season 4/5)

The Ice Storm - Part 1

"Alright, everyone bring it in. Come on," Archie called to the kids in the gym.

"Hustle up, hustle up," Munroe clapped.

"Alright, look. We know some of you guys have nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, so Munroe, Aminity, and I- We're gonna keep the center open tomorrow."

"We're gonna have hot meals with all the fixings," Munroe smiled, making the kids cheer.

"Seriously? You guys are cooking?"

"Hell, yeah," Archie told him. "And my mom."

"And me."

"And grandma," Munroe finished after Aminity, ruffling his brother's hair.

"So tell your friends there's an open door policy. Everyone is invited." The kids clapped and the three teens smiled at each other.

***

"Feast your eyes on this, boys," Veronica said proudly as she led them by the crates filled with fresh vegetables. "A true Thanksgiving cornucopia." They rounded the corner to see tables, chairs, and serving stations set up, Aminity and Sweet Pea finishing putting up a banner.

"Woah," Archie let out. "Ronnie, how... Where did you get all of this?"

"I put in a to-go order at the country club. Daddy gave me the idea. I figured this could supplement whatever you and yours are cooking for the kids."

"I'm pretty sure it's gonna do more than just supplement," Aminity smiled as she came over.

Munroe started laughing, picking up the deep fryer. "Red, tell me this doesn't mean you're deep frying a Thanksgiving turkey."

"Yes. I am. It's tradition. My dad would do one every year."

"Best damn turkey I ever tasted," FP said, drawing their attention to where he stood by the door.

"You should come by tomorrow, Mr. Jones."

"Actually, Archie, that's what we need to talk about," he said with a sigh as he came down the stairs. "I hate to do this, but I'm under orders to shut you down."

"What? Orders from who?"

"Let me guess," Veronica started. "The mayor?" FP shrugged, making the teen scoff and sigh.

"Well, you have got to be kidding me. He can't do this," Archie argued.

"Yeah, he can. He's mayor now. He can do anything. And technically, the attack on Dodger is an open investigation, so this is still an active crime scene. Plus, Hiram said with the ice storm coming-"

"He's doing this to punish me," Veronica cut FP off. "To get me to spend the holiday with him."

"Can't we push back?"

"I did," FP told Archie. "For a couple of hours." He started walking back to the door. "Look, I know I'm not supposed to say this, but I know what I would do if I was in your place. Screw him." Aminity smiled in pride at her father.

"Yeah," Archie nodded. "I'm sorry, but Hiram Lodge is not canceling Thanksgiving."

"Good man," FP smiled. "You're doing your dad proud."

***

Aminity, Sweet Pea, Archie, and Veronica finished setting out plates and last minute items as kids and families started to arrive, taking their seats.

"I'm glad you invited me," Sweet Pea admitted as he and Aminity worked together. "The first time, I mean."

"Well, I know how much you love the Christmas project that the Serpents do. I figured this was close enough."

"This place really makes a difference. And I'm glad to be a part of it."

"Maybe you should tell that to Archie," she looked up at him.

"You run this place just as much as he and Munroe do. I'm telling you." She gave him a small smile before going back to her work.

"Hey, guys, come on in," Archie smiled as a new family they hadn't seen before came in. "Welcome to the center."

"And who are you?" the mother asked.

"I'm Archie. I run the center with Munroe and Aminity," he said, pointing to Munroe at the door and Aminity who came to stand beside him.

"Nice to meet you," she smiled.

"We're glad to have you," Archie continued.

"But, you're just a kid yourself."

"Hey, Archie," his mom called, making him turn. "Uh, there's a spill over here. I don't know where the bucket and mop is."

"Uh, I got it, Mom. Excuse me, guys," he told them. "Help yourself to some hot chocolate or cider. Dinner will be ready in a bit." He handed the plates in his hands to Aminity as he went to help his mom with the spill.

"Enjoy, Miss..."

"Darla."

"Enjoy, Darla," Aminity smiled before walking away to deal with the dishes.

***

Archie tapped the gauge on the deep fryer as Aminity checked on the rest of the food.

"Archie," Eddie said nervously as he came over.

"What's up, Eddie?" Archie asked as he continued to work.

"You see those people over there," he continued, making both teens look at him and then at the table with Darla and her sons. "I've seen them before at the arcade. They're Dodger's family."

"What the hell?"

"Are you sure?" Aminity asked and Eddie nodded.

"Alright," Archie sighed. "Thanks for the heads up. Go grab a seat. I'll take care of it." Eddie nodded and went to go sit down. "Hey, be cool." Eddie nodded again.

"You want some backup?" Aminity asked.

"No, I got this," he told her.

"Well, too bad," Aminity told him as she followed him over to the table on the end that they sat at. Archie sat down on the edge of the table next to the Darla while Aminity stood in front of them.

"I'm not sure what you're here for," Archie started quietly, "but you and your boys need to leave. We've got kids here. We don't want any trouble."

Darla reached behind her and pulled out a gun, making Archie and Aminity stand a bit straighter. "We don't want any trouble either," Darla dropped the gun on the table, catching everyone's attention, "but we've come for the man who tried to kill our Dodger. Got a feeling he's you or one of your friends."

"I swear to you, no one here tried to hurt Dodger."

"Well, someone did," one of Dodger's brothers told Archie. "And whoever it is, he's got a real soft spot for this place."

"We think," the other brother started, "if we hang out here long enough, he'll show."

"In the meantime, how about some of that delicious food I'm smelling?" Darla smiled.

I can't wait for you guys to read the next chapter! Some really exciting stuff is coming up! Drop your theories in the comments!