The Other Queen - Book 5 (Riverdale Season 5)

Homecoming - Part 1

There's an old adage, you can't go home again, which was certainly ringing true for us. Archie had been in a war, Betty was an FBI agent, Veronica was married, Toni and Aminity were the Queens of the Serpents, Sweet Pea was still together with Aminity, and I was a published writer. So why were we only talking about how the town of Riverdale had fallen and Archie's pipe dream to save it? Probably because it was easier than the conversations that awaited us.

***

"I'm so glad you're back," Aminity smiled as she and her brother walked back to his car.

"It's deeply uncanny."

"That's a way to put it."

"I can't believe you never left."

She shrugged. "My life is here. My boyfriend, my job, the Serpents. Riverdale is struggling. What Archie said is true. The town's falling apart. Mr. Keller and I are the only two at the station and we can't keep this town together. There's crime, drugs, destruction everywhere. I want to save Riverdale, make it a place where people feel safe."

"I just want you to be happy."

"I am." He gave her a small smile. "Where are you staying?"

"I figured I'd hole up in the bunker. Don't really have the cash to pay to stay at the Five Seasons."

"I would offer you a place at ours, but with Sweet Pea, Toni, Fangs, and Kevin, it's a tight apartment."

"I can imagine. And don't worry about me. I spent a lot of time crashing down there."

"Oh, I remember." They stopped at his car. "I know we have tons of time to catch up-"

"Actually maybe not. I need to get back to New York and finish my book. Sam's driving me crazy."

"Right," she tried to hide her disappointment.

"But, um, we'll make time. I haven't exactly been great at returning your phone calls."

"It's okay. I know you're busy up in New York doing fancy author things."

"I'm gonna be better about it. I promise."

She nodded with a forced smile. "Okay."

"I'll see you later." He got into his car, leaning out the window. "Love you."

"I love you too."

***

"So you want me to give you a job?" Toni asked as she poured a drink behind the bar.

"I just need some quick cash. Kinda hoping the two of you could set me up with something short term," he glanced between Toni and his sister.

"You're lucky I'm even willing to serve you, Jones," she sighed.

"What?" he pulled his drink down from his lips. "Why?"

"What the hell is he doing here?" Sweet Pea demanded as he and Fangs walked downstairs with kegs. "No way, Aminity. Toni, come on. No way."

"Pea," Aminity tried.

"Gathering some research for your next book there, Jones?" Fangs asked as he put down his keg and sat next to Jughead.

"Hang on. Are you guys actually upset about my novel?"

"You made the Serpents look like fools in it," Toni said as Sweet Pea came to stand beside Aminity.

"You mean the Vipers? The Vipers were the good guys." Fangs scoffed. "I didn't use your actual names."

"You think people around here couldn't figure out who, what was that one character's name," he snapped his fingers, "Toothy, was?"