The Serpent Queen

6.1

Dear Diary,

Fear. It's the  most basic, the most human emotion. As kids, we're afraid of everything. The dark... the boogeyman under the bed... and we pray for morning. For the monsters to go away. Though they never do. Not really. Just ask Jason Blossom. 

***

Betty sighed, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and frustration. "It's been months," she confessed, her voice carrying a hint of desperation. "There's gotta be a reason my mom and dad don't want me to see Polly. But I don't care anymore."

Archie, who had been sitting nearby, leaned in with genuine concern. "What are you guys talking about? Anything I can help with?"

Jughead, the brooding intellectual of their group, spoke up. "What we're attempting is a stealth operation, Archie. If we go in there with the whole Scooby gang, forget it, we're compromised."

Betty's attention shifted momentarily. "Well, don't you have to practice for the Variety Show anyways?" she asked Archie.

Archie, usually the confident one, appeared uncertain. "Uh, no. I don't."

Suddenly, Veronica and Kevin made their entrance, their presence as bold as ever. Veronica, with her characteristic flair, slid into a seat at the lunch table. "Except that yes, you do," she chimed in. "Thanks to a certain Veronica-ex-machina."

Valerie, who had been quietly observing the unfolding conversation, couldn't help but inquire, "What do you mean?"

Veronica, her eyes dancing with mischief, leaned forward. "Oh, nothing. Just a few words with our director/host, and reminded him that he's heard you sing on numerous occasions."

Kevin, though a little reluctant, voiced his concern. "Even though it compromises my artistic integrity."

Veronica, ever the persuasive one, didn't waste time. "Cutting to the chase, you have a slot if you want it."

Archie, still grappling with his own doubts, expressed his hesitation. "Veronica, thank you, but you saw what happened."

Kevin, with empathy in his voice, added, "We all did."

Just as the weight of the decision seemed unbearable, a new voice chimed in. "You don't have to sing alone, y'know... you could get like a partner." Cali said.

Veronica, always quick on the uptake, sensed an opportunity. "If it's a partner you're looking for, Veronica Lodge is more than willing and able."

Betty, surprised by this revelation, admitted, "Veronica, I didn't know you could sing."

Veronica, wearing a confident smile, responded, "Like a nightingale. What do you say Archiekins? Be the Jay to my Bey?"

Archie couldn't help but laugh, the tension in the air momentarily dissipating, as the prospect of their upcoming performance took on a new and unexpected twist.

***

After school, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the familiar, weathered facade of the Wyte Wyrm. Cali Everhart decided to make her way to the dimly lit establishment, where the neon sign buzzed to life as dusk settled in. The bar's patrons were a motley crew of Southside Serpents, their hardened faces softened by the warm camaraderie that flowed here like the liquor.

Sweet Pea, leaning against the bar with a playful grin, couldn't resist a jab as Cali entered. "Hey, look who finally decided to show up."

Cali's expression wavered, a mixture of guilt and grief playing across her features. "Sorry, I've been caught up with Jason's funeral, and Simon, and..."

Fangs, perched on a nearby stool, raised an eyebrow. "Jason's funeral? As in Jason Blossom?"

Cali sighed, realizing this was a story for another time, one too heavy for this moment.

As Cali hesitated, a sudden commotion on the small stage drew everyone's attention. Her father, Caspian, stumbled drunkenly onto the platform, his hands hidden behind his back. He clumsily grabbed a microphone.

"Oh god," she muttered under her breath.

Caspian's slurred words echoed through the bar. "I'd like to share some things... and this is something I've been wanting to do for a while." He turned to face the crowd, and with a flourish, he revealed a jacket, adorned with black rhinestones on the collar and spikes on the wrists, and under the Southside Serpent logo, a title boldly proclaimed "The Serpent Queen."

Cali's eyes widened in shock as her father continued, "So, you all know my daughter, Callista Everhart." He pointed to her, and Cali nervously waved. "Well, she is the most talented, beautiful, and amazing daughter ever. And you all know that she would do anything for the Serpents. Anything. So, that's why I decided...To give her this, and the title of 'The Serpent Queen!'"

The bar erupted in applause as Cali stood there, awestruck and overwhelmed.

Caspian's voice rang out again, commanding Cali to join him onstage. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come up here!"

Cali slowly made her way to the stage, her eyes darting toward Sweet Pea with a desperate plea for guidance.

Her father beamed at her as Cali reluctantly accepted the jacket. In a hushed whisper, she questioned, "What about Mom? She's the Serpent Queen."

Caspian's smile faltered briefly. "Don't worry about her; she's not coming back."

With a flourish, he raised Cali's hand high, declaring, "I present to you, the new Serpent Queen!"

Cali and Sweet Pea exchanged shocked glances, their world forever changed by this unexpected turn of events.

***

Cali looked puzzled. "She's not coming back," she said. What's that supposed to mean? She frowned and fiddled with the spikes on her jacket.

Sweet Pea, sitting across from her, in the neon booth at Pops, shook his head. "I dunno. But the way he said it... it felt like he meant it."

Cali sighed, her worry evident. "This whole situation is weirding me out. And my dad's new drinking problem isn't helping at all." She glanced at her jacket, which she was now wearing. "Especially wearing her jacket. I mean, she never took it off. Like ever. And I don't know how he got his hands on it 'cause she never let anyone touch it either. She stayed up for two whole days adding the rhinestones and spikes."

Sweet Pea nodded, a spark of realization in his eyes. "Wait..."

Cali looked at him expectantly. "What?"

Sweet Pea leaned in closer, his voice lowered. "I think I have an idea."

***

Cali and Sweet Pea stepped out into the dimly lit street outside of Pops. They moved swiftly, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night.

Cali, trying to grasp the plan, questioned Sweet Pea as he led the way. "Let me get this straight... you wanna get my dad drunk enough so he'll expose whatever he has on my mom."

Sweet Pea chuckled softly, his pace quickening. "I mean, he is already pretty drunk, and knowing your dad, he won't reject a couple shots." He said, stopping at his motorcycle and pulling out a wad of cash.

Cali's eyes widened with surprise. "Jesus, where did you get that," she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Sweet Pea flashed a mysterious smile, pulling a wad of cash from his pocket. "I have my ways." He stopped by his motorcycle and patted the seat. "Hop on."