Jellybean Jones

Chapter 24: Problem

Jellybean POV
It was a normal Tuesday at school. There were two weeks until winter break, so nothing big was really happening. A while back, however, Mr. Cassidy had said that he had an announcement. We were going to find out this Thursday. When Thursday finally came, the time before drama couldn't have went by faster. Drama was at the end of the day for a change.

We all eagerly took our seats. Seth, Rosie and I had been making theories about what this announcement could be all week. "Welcome students!" Mr. Cassidy called as we all settled down. "As I'm sure you all remember, one week ago I said I had an announcement. If I'm not wrong, I think all of you want to know what it is, correct?" He asked. Many people called out exclamations.

"We are going to be having a play. Auditions will be the week after winter break." He announced. I was excited, I had always liked theatre, that's one of the differences between Jughead and I. The whole class started talking. "Attention please!" Mr. Cassidy had to shout over us all. "There will be more information after the break, but now, we are going to return to our usual lesson." He said calmly. The class went by too quickly for my liking and soon enough, it was the end of the day.

Jughead POV
It was a typical Thursday. Classes were the same as always and nothing dramatic, or exciting in Kevin's words, was happening. The end bell had just rung and I was exiting the building with Betty. "I'll see you tomorrow Juggy." She said sweetly as we parted ways. "Bye Betty." I replied and began walking to the middle school. As I reached the old brick building, Jellybean walked over. "Hey." She said. "Hi." I responded.

"So," She began in an I-need-you-to-tell-me-what-to-do voice. "after winter break, we're putting on a play. And I was thinking, maybe I should audition. Maybe. I don't really know." I knew that that actually meant that she really wanted to try out, she just wanted my approval. "I think you should. You've always loved acting." I told her. She smiled and nodded. That's the thing with my sister, sometimes all she needs a little bit of reassurance.

Jellybean POV
Jughead could totally tell that I really wanted to audition and I just wanted to know what he thought about it. He always saw straight through me. Sometimes it's a blessing and other times it's a curse. I was always extremely grateful that I was so close to my brother. I knew that some siblings just weren't like that and I knew I was lucky.

Today was Wednesday. It had almost been a week since Jughead had told me that I should audition. I was at school right now and it was lunch. "Hey Beans?" Rosie said. I looked up at her. "Are you auditioning for the play? Because I'm trying to convince Seth to." She said. I nodded. "Yeah I'm auditioning, but it's kind of ironic that you're trying to convince Seth to since you said there's no way in hell you would." I laughed.

"That's besides the point." Rosie exclaimed. "Anyways Seth, you totally should!" I told him. "I'll think about it, I'm not a very good actor." He said nervously. After a glance from Rosie, I said. "I'm sure you're great!" Seth smiled at me. The rest of the day went by in a blur. I was already walking home with Jughead. "Dad is going to be home, maybe we'll be able to find a movie this time." He said, smirking.

I giggled. "Yeah right, apparently all of my suggestions are to much of my taste." I said, putting air quotes around my taste. "You know they are." Jug said laughing. "I know." I replied, failing to think of a sassy comeback. He smiled. We reached home quickly. "Hey." Dad called from the kitchen. "Hi." Jughead and I said in unison. We had a knack for doing that.

"Jughead was just saying that maybe we could actually find a movie tonight." I said smiling. Dad laughed. "Fat chance, but we'll try. You guys should go do the homework I'm sure you have and then we will try to find something." He said, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips. I nodded and Jughead and I both went to our rooms. I was content and very happy knowing that I was going to have a great evening.

Jughead POV
Jellybean and I finished our homework quickly. Much like the last time we had tried to find a movie, we didn't end up picking one. This time, we had decided to play board games and just be around each other. It's safe to say that all three of us had a great time. The next day came and went. It was Friday morning and I was eating breakfast, while waiting for Jellybean to get up.

I heard her door open. "Morning." She said sleepily. "Hi Jelly." I replied. She grabbed a muffin. "I just wanted to remind you that I'm going to Betty's after school so you'll walk home by yourself, okay?" I had told her this at least five times already, but I didn't want her to forget. "I know Juggy and I promise I'll walk with caution." She said. I knew she was mocking me.

We began to walk to school. It seemed to take longer than usual. "Have fun at Betty's." Jellybean said, when we finally reached her destination. "Have fun at school." I said. We bid each other goodbye and went our separate ways. Something didn't feel quite right. I knew she would be fine to walk home yes, but it almost felt like something was going to happen, something bad.

Jellybean POV
It was towards the end of the day when I had to separate from Seth and Rosie to go grab my textbooks out of my locker. I didn't think much of it, it's not like anything would happen. Then I realized that I was going to be late to class. When I finally reached my locker, I fumbled with the lock and struggled to get my things out.

I sighed, as I was a long ways away from the math classroom. That's when the bell rang. "Shoot." I exclaimed and started walking faster. It was frowned upon to be late to class and I really didn't feel like drawing attention to myself. I was walking down an abandoned corridor when I realized that I wasn't alone.

Jackson Millstone was right behind me. "I'm late to class, piss off." I snapped as he put a firm hand on my shoulder. This seemed familiar. He smiled at me. "So, I have this cousin." He said, the smile on his face doubling in size. "I think you know him. He goes by the name Ryan Birch." His words sent chills through my body. All of the colour drained from my face. I was completely and utterly terrified.

"He asked me to do him a little favour. I mean, since we both hate you and everything." My anxiety had completely taken over. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I couldn't think. I was shocked. Jackson and Ryan were cousins? I felt tears prickle at my eyes. I wanted to yell, I wanted to scream. Hell, I wanted to punch him, but before I could do anything, he shoved me against the wall and wrapped his hands around my neck.

Author's Note
Plot twist! Okay, so this is a little bit dark and I'm not sure I love it, but next chapter will be the climax! Sort of. Anyways, sorry about that slight cliffhanger. Thank you all for your support and I promise, the next chapter if coming soon!