The Serpent Queen

9.1

Dear Diary, 

Thicker than blood. More precious than oil. Riverdales big business is maple syrup. Since the towns founding. One family has controlled its lucrative syrup trade, the Blossoms. They were part of the fabric of our daily lives. Rich or poor, old or young, we consumed Blossom syrup by the bucket. That sickly, sweet smell was inescapable. The death of Jason Blossom precipitated a crisis. With the heir apparent gone, who would inherit the family business one day? Certainly not Cheryl. It was a question that brought the wolves into Riverdale. And now, the Blossoms were circling the wagons against possible attack, from within their own ranks. 

***

Jughead, Betty, and Cali entered the student lounge, where they found their friends, including Archie, celebrating something.

Veronica was quick to share the news, her excitement palpable. "Just in time, we're celebrating. Archie was just telling us how he's going to some super-exclusive music program this summer."

Archie, a mix of confidence and uncertainty in his demeanor, chimed in, "Maybe. If it happens, though, it would be huge for me."

Jughead couldn't help but inquire, his skepticism showing, "Do you have to audition for it?"

Archie explained, "Well, not exactly. Mrs. Blossom came by earlier and said she'd put in a good word for me."

Kevin expressed amazement, "Amazing."

Veronica, however, voiced a hint of concern, "Terrifying."

Jughead pressed further, his detective instincts at work, "What's she getting out of it?"

Archie divulged, "I told her I'd take Cheryl to their family's tree-tapping thing. I already talked to Valerie, and she's cool with it."

Jughead couldn't resist a witty comment, "Cool with you being a Gigolo now?"

Archie justified himself, "I'm doing someone a favor for my music, Jug. I need to make connections outside of Riverdale."

Veronica, the voice of worldly wisdom, noted, "That's the way of the world. It's all about connections. But, Jughead's right. These kinds of favors always come with a price tag. Betty, Cali, back me up here. Wait, Cal, why are you even here? You don't go to school here anymore."

Cali clarified with a hint of humor, "They said I couldn't go to school here anymore, but what they didn't say was that I couldn't come to hang out here anymore. And you know my place with the Blossoms."

Betty, in a supportive tone, endorsed Archie's idea, "I think it's a great idea."

Archie, grateful for the support, replied, "Thank you, Betty."

Betty made a request, showing concern for her sister, "Yeah, and while you're there, would you talk to Polly for me? I just want to make sure she's okay."

Archie, promising to help, agreed, "Definitely."

Betty expressed her gratitude, "Thank you."

Archie reassured Veronica, "And don't worry, Ronnie, I can take care of myself."

Veronica had the final word, teasing him, "Famous last words, Archiekins."

***

Sweet Pea and Cali continued their exploration of Freya's diary, faces reflecting a mix of intrigue and concern. As Cali flipped to a new section, Sweet Pea noticed an entry that caught his eye.

Reading aloud, he revealed, "The winding path led me into unexpected encounters, and amidst the twists and turns, I found solace in the arms of another serpent."

Cali's brows furrowed as she glanced at Sweet Pea, sensing that this discovery might hold a significant revelation. He continued reading, "His name, an echo in the night, FP – a fellow serpent, an accomplice in the dance of secrecy. A decision made, a forbidden refuge found."

Cali's eyes widened with shock as the gravity of her mother's words settled in. Sweet Pea looked up from the diary, meeting Cali's gaze.

Whispering, Cali said, "FP... my mom was involved with FP?"

Sweet Pea nodded. "I guess so... Do you think she planned on running off with him or something? And FP didn't show?"

Distraught, and ignoring Sweet Peas questioning, Cali whispered, "Caspian... my dad. How do I even tell him?"

"We need to tread carefully, Cali. There might be more to this story." He grabbed her hand. "We'll finish this another day. We need to find out what this means first, okay?" 

Cali nodded, still absorbing the shock of this revelation. 

"WW?" she asked.

"You read my mind." Sweet pea answered as they set off for the Whyte Wyrm once again.

***

Sweet Pea and Cali made their way to the Whyte Wyrm, determined to share the revelations they had uncovered in Freya's diary with Caspian. The dimly lit interior of the bar echoed with the murmur of conversations and the distant strumming of a guitar.

As they entered, Cali's nerves tensed. The atmosphere seemed heavy with secrets, and the shadows played tricks on her mind. Sweet Pea squeezed her hand reassuringly, sensing her apprehension.

They spotted Caspian at the bar, chatting amiably with FP. The two Serpents seemed relaxed, sharing a moment of camaraderie. Cali's heart sank, realizing that revealing her mother's secrets might disrupt the newfound friendship between her father and FP.

Cali hesitated, her eyes flickering between Caspian and FP. Doubt clouded her mind, and fear held her tongue captive. Sweet Pea noticed her unease and leaned in, whispering, "You can do this, Cali. They deserve to know the truth."

Taking a deep breath, Cali nodded, trying to muster the courage to approach them. Yet, each step felt heavier, burdened by the weight of the secrets she held. As they drew nearer, Caspian looked up, a warm smile on his face.

"Hey, Cali, Sweet Pea. Join us," Caspian called, gesturing to the empty seats beside them.

Cali managed a weak smile and took a seat, her eyes darting between Caspian and FP. The camaraderie between the two men was evident, making her heartache.

Sweet Pea spoke up, "Caspian, we found something in Freya's diary. It's about FP, and it's crucial that you know."

Caspian's expression shifted, a mix of curiosity and concern. FP's gaze remained steady, waiting for Sweet Pea to continue.

"Where did you get Freya's diary? What are you kids up to?" Caspian questioned.

Cali thought for a second before coming up with an excuse. She knew it would break her dad if he knew. "Oh, it was nothing. Just a bunch of symbols we couldn't understand. Just paranoid is all." Cali uncomfortably smiled. "Excuse me." She said before leaving the Whyte Wyrm abruptly.

"Cali, wait." A voice said behind her.

Cali's sobs echoed through the dark alleyway.

"Cali." Sweet Pea repeated.

"No, Sweet Pea. just leave me alone."

Sweet Pea suddenly grabbed her shoulder and turned her around to pull her into a hug. 

"I don't know what to do anymore, Sweet Pea." Cali sobbed.

"I know, it's okay. I think I have a plan."