Redemption [Sweet Pea x OC]

Chapter 1

I sighed, running my hands through my hair, tugging slightly as the bus rolled past the Welcome to Riverdale! sign.  Was I doing the right thing coming back here?  I had limited family, plus some old friends, but I'd been gone for years now without a word.  Would they even welcome me back?

Before I could change my mind I pulled my backpack on and exited the bus as soon as the doors opened.  The bus station was fairly deserted and I quickly made my way to Southside.  Home.  Was it still home, or just a place that I came from?  Either way, I was going.  

I booked myself a room at the motel.  It was cheap and dirty as I remembered, but still better than some of the places I've stayed over the years.  I took the chance and stretched across the bed, contemplating my next moves.  I didn't know if my cousin still lived in the same place, but I knew where to find out.

I jumped in the shower, washing off the stink of bus travel before preparing to head out.  I dressed in my usual black skinny jeans and black shirt. 

I was making my way down the stairs when I heard someone calling my name.  I quickly scanned the parking lot, spotting a familiar face walking towards me in the parking lot.  "Baby Girl, when did you get back in town?" he asked.

"Earlier this afternoon," I replied, allowing the man to pull me into a hug.  "Thought I'd see if I was still welcome after..." I trailed off.  After being gone so long?  After leaving like I did?  Did they know what I'd been doing these past few years and would they even allow me back?  I didn't know what I was asking, there were too many questions.

Johnny looked at me puzzled.  "Why wouldn't you be welcome?  You've been missed," he said.  "You haven't broken Serpent law have you?" he asked quietly, searching my eyes.

I shook my head, looking away from him.  "It's just been a few years, I didn't know what had been said. Or if I'll have to earn my jacket."

"Come on, Baby Girl, you may not have been here all this time, but you went through the initiation as far as they'd allow you," Johnny assured me.  "If you ask most of us, you're a full Serpent.  But we can clear it with Tall Boy for sure.  I'm headed to the Wyrm right now anyway, want a ride?"

I nodded, following him to his bike.  "Wait, why Tall Boy?  What happened to FP?"

"He uh, your uncle's been arrested" Johnny said.  "Accused of murdering the Blossom boy."

I took the ride to process everything.  I knew FP had started drinking more right before I'd left town, but I didn't see him becoming a murderer.  The guy had too good a heart for that.  And if he was locked up, where did that leave Jughead?  Maybe he'd left town to join his mom and sister wherever they'd skipped town for.  Damn, I was really beginning to question my return to Riverdale again.  Fortunately, Johnny parked his bike then outside the Wyrm and I allowed him to lead me inside and to the bar.

"Get her anything she wants," Johnny told the girl behind the bar with a grin.  "I don't know about anyone else, but I plan to celebrate Baby Girl's return."  

I gave the girl a small smile as she placed the beer in front of me.  "So, you're the famous Baby Girl?" she asked, pushing some of her pink hair back.  "There are stories about you."

"I'm not sure I like being famous," I replied.  "What exactly is it that's said about me?"

She shrugged.  "Not much really.  Mainly that you basically grew up in this bar, put your own spin on the initiation, then left town without a word about a week later and no one's heard from you since."

"That about sums it up," I said when she finished.  "And call me Abigail."

"Toni," she replied with a smile.  "So, are you going to Southside High?"