The Serpent Queen

5.2

In the solemn atmosphere of Jason Blossom's funeral, the group of friends, Cali, Betty, Jughead, Archie, and Veronica, found themselves seated and lost in their own thoughts. The weight of the occasion pressed upon them, and Veronica voiced what was on everyone's mind.

"Days like this really put things into perspective, huh?" Veronica sighed, her gaze distant. "I mean, at least we're here. At least we're alive."

Betty, ever observant, noticed a sudden commotion by the entrance. Her eyes narrowed as she identified Cali's brother, Simon, entering the room. His tear-stained face immediately drew her attention.

"Is that...?" Betty began, her voice trailing off as she pointed discreetly at Simon. Cali, sitting next to her, quickly followed her gaze, her head jerking toward her distressed brother.

"Oh my god," Cali gasped. "I'll be right back."

Cali rushed over to Simon, grasping his arm gently to get his attention. Simon looked visibly surprised to see Cali at the funeral.

"Simon, we need to talk," Cali said, concern etched on her face.

Simon, his voice stressed, replied, "Cali, what are you doing here?"

Cali explained, "Cheryl invited me. Why are you so upset? We've never interacted with the Blossoms like ever."

Simon hesitated for a moment, then confided, "Look, Cali, what I'm about to tell you, you cannot tell anyone."

Curiosity piqued, Cali pressed, "What is it?"

With a heavy sigh, Simon revealed, "Jason Blossom was my best friend."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as Cheryl walked down the aisle, dressed in the same outfit she had worn the night on Sweetwater River. Simon returned to his seat, leaving Cali standing there in awe, before she eventually made her way back to her own seat.

Betty, puzzled by Simon's emotional outburst, couldn't help but ask Cali, "What's up with Simon?"

Cali replied cryptically, "That's a story for another day."

Cheryl then took the stage, welcoming everyone to Thornhill and thanking them for their presence. 

"Thank you all for coming. If you'll kindly take your seats," Cheryl began, her voice wavering with emotion. She continued, reminiscing about her twin brother, Jason. Cheryl recounted the story of their combined birthdays and how he had protected her.

"I'm so sorry, Jay-Jay," Cheryl cried, walking over to his casket. "We failed you. All of us." Veronica moved forward to comfort her, while Betty, Jughead, and Cali exchanged knowing glances.

As Mrs. Blossom announced the adjournment to the Winter Salon for a light supper, everyone began to rise from their seats. Cali, however, couldn't help but notice Betty and Jughead slipping away, their hasty departure catching her attention.

***

Cali's heart raced as she chased Simon through the familiar halls of their home. Her footsteps echoed against the walls as she called out to him, desperation in her voice.

"Simon, wait!"

But Simon seemed determined to evade her, ignoring her pleas as he continued to move swiftly. Cali couldn't understand why he was shutting her out.

"Simon!"

He reached his bedroom door and shut it firmly, leaving Cali on the other side, frustration building inside her.

"Why do you shut me out?" Cali's voice quivered with emotion. "All my life, I had tried to be there for you, but you just push me away. I don't care if he was your best friend. I don't care that you were totally not who I thought you were! All that I care about right now is if you're okay."

Inside the room, Simon couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. He flung the door open and melted into Cali's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Cali held him close, her concern evident in her eyes.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

Simon shook his head, and they released from their tight embrace. Cali sighed, knowing that some wounds ran too deep to be immediately healed.

With a heavy heart, she made her way downstairs, her footsteps slower now. Her eyes fell upon her father, passed out drunk on the couch. Cali knew she had to take care of him, just as she had tried to take care of Simon. She heaved her father up by his arm, his weight heavy on her shoulder.

Struggling, she managed to guide him upstairs and set him on his bed. She bent down to kiss his forehead gently, her love and concern evident in the gesture.

"Goodnight, Daddy." She softly rubbed his cheek before turning away.

As she glanced at a picture of her mom and dad on the nightstand, a profound sadness washed over her. She sighed deeply, the weight of her family's troubles heavy on her shoulders, and she headed to her own room, closing the door behind her.

***

Dear Diary, 

Every town has one. The house on the haunted hill that all the kids avoid. Now that Jason was buried in the earth, it would only be a matter of time until something poisonous bloomed. In that long, cold shadow cast by his death. Whatever grew in the rich black soil of the Blossom's garden always found its way to the town. Whether it was murder. Or love. Or secrets. Or lies.