When Jason Blossom is presumed dead, Riverdale shifts on its axis. Letting in the horror, and darkness that had been held at bay.
Archie, Veronica, Clary, Jughead, and Betty grapple with desires, love, drama, and murderers all while coping with the...
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Clarissa Cooper
"HEY YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW HIS, BUT IT'S JUGHEADS BIRTHDAY"
Archie said as we walked to class
"What? And he didn't say anything?" I said surprised.
"It's tomorrow, and he doesn't like making a big deal out of it. Every year, he goes to a double feature at the Bijou. It's like this tradition. Last few years, I've been his movie-buddy. But now that he has a girlfriend..." Archie insinuated I would go with him, "Well, of course, I'll take him. But you should still come with us."
"No. I don't wanna be a third wheel." Archie chuckled
"Come on. It'll be like old times." I joked "The Three Musketeers." Archie said and I stopped us. "Actually, Archie, there were four Musketeers."
"I'll see you later, Clary." Archie chuckled and I smiled nodding.
After third period, I headed to the blue and gold room to make an important call.
"Yeah, this is Jones," FP's voice came through my phone.
"Mr. Jones, hi, this is Clary Cooper. Jughead's..." I started, but he cut me off.
"Girlfriend, yeah, I remember."
"Great. Well, I'm calling because it's Jughead's birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to see if maybe you would come see a movie with us, maybe grab dinner?" I asked, hopeful.
"Does he know you're calling me?" FP inquired.
"No, I thought maybe I'd surprise him," I admitted, skeptical now.
"Oh, man. There's one thing that Jughead likes less than surprises, and that's his birthday. Kid's never even had a party, never wanted one..." FP explained.
"What? Never?" I exclaimed, shocked.
"Mmm-hmm. Anyway, I think the best gift that I could give to Jughead would be to stay away. But I appreciate the call, Clary," FP replied.
"Okay," I said softly, hanging up, my mouth still open in disbelief.
Veronica spent a good chunk of lunch venting about her father and their ongoing issues until she grew weary of the topic.
"Anyway, enough about my drama. Clary, you were saying something about Jughead's birthday?" Veronica redirected the conversation.
"Yeah, just that Mr. Jones told me Jughead's never had a birthday party," I replied, while Archie nodded with a mouthful of cheeseburger.
"Let's have one for him. Like, a low-key surprise party," Betty suggested eagerly, but Archie interjected with a muffled protest.
"Jughead doesn't like his birthday," Archie muttered as he chewed.
"Everybody says that, nobody means it," Kevin chimed in dismissively.
"Jughead is a lone wolf," Archie reasoned, but Veronica was already on board.
"That's a fantastic idea," Veronica said, smiling.
"Okay, ignoring the negativity. Girls, you know me, any excuse to wear a cute party dress. So, I'm thinking a quaint gathering, inner-circle only," Veronica began planning enthusiastically.
"Oh, my God, don't turn around," Kevin warned, but naturally, we all glanced over to see Chuck Clayton walking in.
"Holy Chuck, I think his lats got bigger," Kevin remarked as Chuck passed us and headed to Ethel's table.
"Not that I care, because he's evil incarnate," Kevin added with disdain.
"What's Chuck Clayton doing back?" Archie asked.
"He got suspended, not expelled," I explained.
"Even though he should have been drawn and quartered for what he did," Veronica added sharply, prompting Betty to abruptly stand and stomp over to Chuck's table.
"Oh, my God. Betty, no," I groaned, worried.
"Get away from her, Chuck," Betty's voice rang out, and then their conversation continued, heated but out of earshot. My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my skin.
Betty returned to our table and Veronica asked, "What was he doing? Accosting her?"
"No, he was... apologizing," Betty explained quietly, and I glanced up to see Chuck wink at me.
"Oh, I'm so sure. Chuck Clayton doesn't have a contrite bone in his muscle-bound body," Veronica retorted.
"You know what, can we talk about something else?" I interjected, releasing my fists and noticing the bloody divots in my palm. "Like... like Jughead's surprise party."
"Clary" Archie tried to sway me.
"Look, there's a lot I can't do, a lot I can't control. But I can damn well make sure my boyfriend has the best birthday of his life," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Screw it. I'm with Clary. My dad's away. We can do it at my house," Archie offered suddenly. "We could all use a good time."
"Now you're speaking my language,"Veronica chuckled.
"It's gonna be epic," Kevin added enthusiastically.
In the Andrews Construction trailer, I waited anxiously for FP to arrive. When the door finally swung open, I greeted him with a chuckle.
"Mr. Jones," I said, meeting his gaze. "I didn't mean to ambush you. I know you don't do birthdays, but Archie and I are gathering a few of Jughead's friends at his house. It would mean a lot to Jughead if you could join us."
"Man, you don't quit, do you?" FP remarked with a hint of amusement.
"Rarely, if ever," I admitted, smiling earnestly. "I really want to do something special for him. And having you there... that would be special."
FP chuckled softly and nodded slightly. My excitement bubbled over, and I couldn't help but clap my hands together in anticipation.
"Great news, Clary," Mom's voice echoed through the empty Blue and Gold room. "I just had a terrific meeting with Principal Weatherbee. He agrees that the Blue and Gold can benefit greatly from my professional guidance as your new advisor."
"That's great, Mom," I smiled as she settled down beside me.
"So, what are we working on?" she inquired.
"A list of supplies for Jughead's birthday party," I replied, glancing down at my notes.
"You're really falling for this Jones boy, aren't you?" Mom asked with a knowing smile, her eyes gentle.
"Mom, when you and Dad started dating, did you tell him everything about yourself?" I asked, curious.
"I sure did, and I wish I hadn't. I shared things with your father—my secrets, fears, doubts. And he ended up using them against me," Mom revealed, her voice tinged with regret.
"What secrets?" I pressed, intrigued by her honesty.
"Let's just say that there are some things about myself that I struggle with," Mom replied, her thoughts drifting to the past.
"I trust Jughead, Mom," I reassured her, earnestly.
"Of course you do. And you should. But just not with everything," Mom cautioned gently.
