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

To Die For - Part 3

"Hey, Princess," Sweet Pea knocked on the door, peeking his head in to find Aminity staring at herself in the mirror. "Are you ready to come down? People are starting to show up."

"You know, Dad talked to Mom, but he said she couldn't make it," she said as she continued to look at her black dress. Sweet Pea sighed, walking in the room and closing the door. "I mean, I know it's a long drive, but you would think... She didn't even call."

"Maybe she's not ready to face it," he told her, sitting on the bed and taking her hands in his.

She finally turned away from the mirror and looked at him. "What if I'm not ready either?"

"Then you don't have to go down. We can stay up here or go somewhere else," he offered and she looked down at where his thumbs rubbed circles on her hands. "We can do whatever you want, Aminity."

She thought for a second, pulling away from him and staring at a picture on her desk. It was a collage of different pictures of her and Jughead over the years. "I have to." She turned to face him. "Can you go with me? Please?" He nodded, standing up and holding out his hand. She took in a deep breath before taking it. He started to lead her out of the room before she stopped him. "Wait." She let go and rushed back to her desk, picking up her beanie. She glanced at the mirror, taking a breath before pulling it on her head. She smiled at herself, not noticing that Sweet Pea was smiling at her too. Aminity turned back around, clutching his hand before they walked down the stairs and saw her living room full of people. Kids from school, Serpents, and people from the town.

"Aminity," Mr. Keller said as he saw her.

"Hi, Mr. Keller," she said, accepting his hug.

"I'm so sorry."'

"Thank you." She got caught up in conversations quickly after that, Sweet Pea making sure to stay close, but give her some distance. He allowed himself to step back a bit more, leaning against the wall as she ended up with Mary and Archie. He turned as he heard the door open, seeing Donna, Bret, and Joan walk in.

"You got a lot of nerve coming here," he said, coming over and crossing his arms. Aminity looked up, trying to find Sweet Pea. She excused herself from Mary, going and finding him standing near the doorway.

"Pea?" she let out as she came to stand by him. His stance wavered as he looked down at her and she grabbed onto his arm gently.

"Aw, look at them," Donna mocked and Sweet Pea tensed, getting ready to say something before Betty came over.

"Sweet Pea, it's okay. Mr. Jones said that they could come in." He glared at them, but Aminity intertwined her fingers with his as they stayed crossed over his chest. He looked down and she gave him a small nod. He took a deep breath before stepping back so they could come in.

"Closed casket," Donna let out as she looked over the room. "Call me a doubting Thomas, but that seems like a suspect choice with such a handsome cadaver."

"Classy as ever, Donna. The funeral home didn't even want us to have the casket here, but it's Serpent tradition." She stepped closer as Aminity pulled Sweet Pea away, going to stand on their own. "And if you make a scene or bother Aminity, I will throw your ass out," she whispered.

"You alright?" Sweet Pea asked as they stood over to the side.

She nodded. "I just need a second," she said before sitting on the stairs.

"Is there anything I can do?" She held her hand out and he took it, coming and sitting next to her. She put her head on his arm, closing her eyes as she tried to ground herself.

"Hey, girl," Toni said gently and Aminity opened her eyes to see her crouching in front of her. "How are you doing?"

"It's a lot," she admitted.