The Serpent Princess (Sweet Pea Love Story)

3

2 days later

Jughead's POV

      Picking up the phone that links to the other side of the glass a tear finds it's way to slide down my face. Dad hurriedly picks up the phone on the other side, "Jughead, what happened?" A sob racks me, I suck at trying to be strong. "It's Lili, she was attacked by Malachai-" Looking into his eyes they filled with rage and panic, "-She's in bad condition Dad, we haven't even been allowed to see her this past two days.-" Glancing at the floor for a few seconds, before I look up to hold his eyes, "-It's all my fault Dad, I ditch our science class to go with Betty. After the class was when she got attacked." Holding my face in my hands not knowing what else to say. "Jughead this isn't your fault, look at me boy.-" With the firm voice ringing in my ears, I look up "-The only person who is at fault and will pay for this is Malachai." Fury scatters through his eyes as he stares into mine, nodding to him he continues. 

       "Do you know what exactly happened to Lili?" Asking as his fist clenches the plastic phone, "Toni just said that when the Serpents found her in the hallway Malachai was punching and kicking her and when they had tried to get him off her, he stabbed her. The other Serpents held him back while someone beat him." Knowing which Serpent had beat Malachai I let a small smile tug at my lips knowing how protective he is of my sister, "It was Sweet Pea, wasn't it?" shock fills me. 

"How did you know?" 

        "Sweet came to visit me about 4 days ago asking for my permission to date Lili, he takes care of those he holds dear to him, Jughead." It was my Dads turn to let a smile tug at his lips.

          "Your time is up Jughead" Looking up at Sheriff Keller's sympathizing look I nod, getting ready to say goodbye to Dad. "You come back here when Lili wakes and let me know, what had happened. I love you Jughead, take care of her for me until I get out." Giving him a nod and barely getting the words out, "I love you too Dad, I'll come back soon." with a smile I get up and make my way towards the exit, not looking back.

*

        "Jughead!" With my name being called I glance up from the floor and am met with a smiling Toni, "The doctors told us we could see her now, but-" She let's a saddened look appear on her face, "- she's in a comatose from a head injury and the stabbing." Letting out a sigh I knew this was going to be hard, "-None of us have gone to see her yet, we're waiting for you to visit her first." Nodding towards her, I send a small smile to Sweet Pea and Fangs, returned by some curt nods. "She's in room 15." With my heart racing, I walk cautiously down the hall until I stop in front of the door, standing there for a minute I turn the nob to letting the loud sound of creaking bounce off the walls.

      Finding the courage to look up at the bed, another of many sobs shakes me. My precious sister laying in the bed with bruises and blood covering her swollen face, taking the seat next to her bedside I hold her hand in mine. "I'm s-sorry, Lili, I failed you I was supposed to be there to protect you but I wasn't. Please wake up Lili you have so much to do." Laying my head on the bed I held her hand close to me. "Who are you?" Looking up in surprise, hope course through me  Lili's awake, only to be disappointed by a nurse. Wiping a tear from my face I explain to the nurse that I'm Lili's brother, "You should talk to her more, it helps coax them out of the comatose keep it positive though." Nodding to her I watch as she exits the room.

      "I wasn't able to tell you but I convinced Mr. Philips to open up the Red and Black again, under the condition to not write about gangs or Jingle-Jangle." Forcing a laugh to try to lighten my mood proves to backfire, "I'm gonna go out into the waiting room and let the Serpents see you." Not being able to be in the room for much longer I rush out to the hall, meeting Sweet Pea's gaze I nod. Staying in the waiting room seems like the most logical thing but alas emotions take over leading me to the exit of the hospital.