Issues ▷ Reggie Mantle

SEVEN

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SEVEN; A SEARCH PARTY

     KALANI PICKED UP the fresh bouquet of roses at her door, chuckling softly to herself. She took out another vase from underneath her sink, filling it with water and placing the roses inside. She smiled at the thought of Reggie, eager to see him at school.

     There was another knock at her door, and Kalani rushed to answer it. Lucas stood on her doorstep, smiling wide. "Hey, I thought we could walk to school since we haven't done so in a while." His eyebrows furrowed as he examined her appearance. "You're wearing the flower in your hair again."

     Kalani blushed at the comment, fingers moving behind her ear to graze the Hawaiian flower.

     "Yeah. Someone's made me feel happy enough to wear it."

     Lucas smile grew wider, filled with happiness for his cousin. Kalani began the journey with him to Riverdale High, heart finally feeling mended. "So how are you and Cheryl?" She asked. Lately, she had been tiptoeing around the topic. Lucas was obviously sensitive about his relationship with the Blossom girl, but mainly because it was his first real relationship.

     "A little rocky," he confessed, feet padding along the sidewalk. "Her parents haven't exactly been the best or the most welcoming."

     "The Blossom family aren't people filled with emotion. I think they have a motto — money is power."

     Lucas shrugged. "Possibly. I try to stay away from Cheryl's parents as much as humanly possible. But Cheryl needs me, Kal, especially during this time."

     "I know." Kalani knew he was indirectly addressing the reason why he wasn't so present in her life lately. "Cheryl needs you more than I do."

     As soon as they entered the hallways, both were whisked away from one another. Kalani, by Reggie, and Lucas, by Cheryl. "Hi, beautiful rose," Reggie greeted sweetly, leaning down to peck her cheek.

     "Hi, Reg," she grinned, pulling him down so she could kiss him properly.

     Someone cleared their throat, and Kalani was surprised to find Archie standing in front of them. "Sorry, guys. Can I talk to Kalani for a minute? It's important."

     Reggie, who was trying to get past his jealousy over Archie, offered a small smile. "Sure." He kissed the top of her head. "I'll see you later, beautiful rose."

     Kalani was spellbound by Reggie still, captivated by him. Ever since he admitted he loved her, she was seeing him in a whole new light. She stared after him as he walked away, a dopey grin painted upon her lips. She diverted her attention back to Archie, who was patiently waiting for her to get knocked out of her trance.

     "Did you know that Jughead was sleeping here?"

     Kalani furrowed her eyebrows. "What? Why would Jughead be sleeping at the school?"

     Archie sighed. "He can't go home because-"

     "Because of his dad," she finished for him. She knew that Jughead's dad had always been a problem around town. He was never a great father from what Kalani recalled. "Well, what do you want me to do?"