𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 | ˢʷᵉᵉᵗ ᵖᵉᵃ

F O U R

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          CLEMINTINE HAD skipped breakfast with her family but stopped by Pop's to pick up a meal for herself and Jughead, just as she had the morning before. Pulling up to the old trailer, she noticed a second motorcycle parked beside Jughead's, which closely resembled his own. The only other person she could imagine being there was FP, leading her to briefly wonder if he'd been released early.
She knocked lightly, clutching the Pop's bag to her chest. She was surprised to see Toni open the door, who shared the same expression. Toni's presence at least explained the extra bike.

     Clemintine quickly recovered, clearing her throat. "Is Jughead home?"

     "Yeah." Toni stepped aside, and Clemintine moved past her into the trailer.

      Upon seeing Jughead, she noted that someone, probably Betty, had tended to his facial wounds. Clemintine made a mental note to offer her cousin proper instruction on wound cleaning. "I brought food," she said, a little too chirpy given the night she'd had. "I remembered what you like."
She pulled a large cheeseburger from the bag for Jughead, then offered a second one to Toni. The girl was reluctant but gave in when her stomach protested. Clemintine stuck with her box of fries. All three teens ate in a strangely comfortable silence.

     "Do you want a ride to school, too?" Clemintine asked awkwardly.

     Toni shook her head, a grateful smile gracing her lips. "My bike's out front."

     The students soon exited the trailer. Toni mounted her bike, and Jughead slid into the seat beside Clemintine. "Thanks for the food," he said, smiling kindly.

     "Anytime you want free food, let me know and we'll get whatever you want." The smile remained on both their faces.

     Jughead removed his beanie, running a hand through his dark hair, mussing it slightly. "Don't say that. You know I'm going to take you up on that offer someday. You know how much I eat."

     "I know," Clemintine chuckled. "I just want to hang out with people more. Get my mind off things."

     Jughead let out a breathy laugh. "Your life's perfect. What could you possibly have to get off your mind?" He instantly regretted the rudeness. "Sorry. It's just, you've had your life mapped out perfectly since the day I met you."

     The young girl's smile vanished. "Not anymore," she muttered, so low it was almost to herself. Jughead noticed, but fought his better judgment and let the comment pass.

     Upon reaching Southside High, Jughead grew confused when Clemintine killed the engine and opened her door. "You coming?" she asked, seeing his stare.

     He stepped out to stand beside her. "You need to go to school, Clemmie."

     Clemintine turned to the imposing brick building, then back to the eldest Jones child. "I'm here."

     Jughead pinched the bridge of his nose. "We talked about this."

     "We talked about me not going to school with you the next day. It's not the next day." She held up two fingers, wiggling them. "It's been two."

     Sighing, Jughead dropped his hand and motioned toward the school. "Let's go."

     Clemintine was not prepared for the scene inside. She'd seen the metal detectors and trashed halls when empty, but the school, now filled with students, was a shock. Jingle Jangle was being consumed in every corner. Students aggressively shoved each other into lockers, punches were thrown, and others openly smoked cigarettes and blunts while staring at the Northsider. Jughead wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side.