Peculiar Interest

Chapter 5

Archie drove me and Veronica to Pop's where they were supposed to meet up with the gang.

"Hey guys! Guess who we found!"

I saw many faces ranging from Moose and Midge, Dilton, Ethel, Chuck and Nancy. They all turned around and many were surprised to see just who it was. The guy that was either simply disliked or completely unable to be tolerated. I turned my head away in shame, recalling all the times I wronged these people. But then I heard gasps and exclamations of excitement.

Moose, someone I used to target often, was so happy the moment he saw me that he immediately ran towards me and lifted me up in the air, saying, "Reggie! I missed you so much!"

I was taken back. How did the pretentious bully Reggie Mantle manage to garner this much love? I didn't think anyone would even care that I was back, or worse, I thought they would have dread to see me back. I recalled all the times I was mean to people, and it's funny how I failed to understand what was going through my mind back then.

"I missed you too, Moose," I shakily told him, I felt he deserved to hear that.

"So tell us all about New York! We wanna hear it!" Veronica cheerily demanded.

"It was alright. I think I prefer Riverdale by far, it's a lot more calm. I actually feel like somebody. In New York, I felt the opposite. I'm just glad I'm back here again."

I gulped as I then said, "I really did miss you guys. I'm sorry that I never made it clear how much you all mean to me."

Then there was silence. I suppose no one really expected me to say what I did, and it's only fair considering how much I used to enjoy showing that I didn't care. The door to the shop opened and sound of the bell ringing filled the silence. Everyone turned around to see Betty Cooper walk in.

"You guys wanted me to come here?" she said softly, then her eyes met with mine.

"Our old pal Reggie is back," Archie explained with a smile.

Betty in turn smiled, "Good to see you again Reggie," and she walked over to the table everyone was at and sat down. There was, however, one figure that was still missing.

"Where is Jughead?" I asked.

"He's not here yet but he'll come sometime this month, he's been pretty busy with his job," Ethel explained.

"Juggie also left? How come you guys are still in Riverdale then?"

Ronnie rolled her eyes, "Oh trust me. We all want to leave. In fact, I envy that you were able to leave Riverdale for a place as extravagant as New York! If anything, we should be the ones asking why you came back to this boring place."

I wished I could tell her that New York wasn't as good of an experience as she was making it out to be. Maybe it could have been, but what does a snobby rich person like her know anyways? They get everything they want in life then greed for more. They're never satisfied even when they truly have it all.

But I had to quiet the raging in my head. As much as I might have changed, I still had issues with my anger. The worst part is that I got it from my father. No matter how much I tried to be different, I was just like him: angry, narcissistic, and always causing people pain.

I simply laughed at her comment and somehow the topic changed to one that allowed me to forget everything and have fun. But even then, the one thing I couldn't help but notice was the fact that the usually cheery and talkative Betty wasn't saying anything. She maintained enough of a smile, but anyone noticing could eventually tell she was lost in her own thoughts.

Archie had his arm around Veronica's shoulder, but he was the first person to notice. "Hey Betty! Do you need a ride home?"

She shook her head then got up, "I'm fine, thank you. I have to help my mom with some chores so I'll be heading off. Goodnight everyone."