Youngblood // Sweet Pea

13

The night went on, Hunter left after a while. I stayed at Toni's for the rest of the night.

It was morning now, and I laid awake, staring up at the ceiling. It wasn't very late, the birds hadn't even chirped yet.

My phone dinged once, and then twice. I unlocked my phone, scrolling on the notification tab.

(xxx)-xxx-xxxx: I know your secret.

I almost threw my phone. I clicked the message icon. This could be anyone talking about any secret I could possibly have.

(xxx)-xxx-xxxx: haha oops, probably scared ya, it's Archie.

I signed in relief. I added his contact before texting back.

M: yeah that was quite a scare.

After I sent that I realized it was 7 in the morning.

A: Meet at the diner? Dad's coming too.

I contemplated, but agreed. My mother would not want me to isolate myself from my father and half brother.

M: yeah, I'll be there.

I stood from the couch looking for scrap piece of paper to write a quick thank you and explanation to Toni, so I didn't scare her.

I walked out the door and looked both ways before I crossed the street (safety first children). I walked towards my truck, going for a more casual look than usual, a yellow romper, replacing my pants.

I slid into the truck and changed there. I slid my bobby socks on my feet and then my ankle boots. I finished the look with my mom's jacket and my dog tags.

I started my bike and proceeded out of the trailer park. With all the things I could've thought of was how I wasn't really a serpent. My mom was, but not me. I wasn't part of them, but I sure in the hell wasn't a northsider.

The drive consisted of many things. Like how Archie knows Fred is my dad, did he over hear us talking about it or did it accidentally slip out? My ponytail whipped around in the wind, hanging out from the helmet.

I turned into the diner parking lot, parking my bike, and soon walking in. Fred and Archie sat at the booth furthest back.

I walked towards the booth, sliding in next to Archie.
"Hello Andrews"

Archie gave a smile while Fred told me good morning.
"I ordered for you."
"Thank You."

Fred sipped coffee and I folded my hands together.
"How's your summer going?" Archie asked.

"It's going good. How's yours?"
"It's good, secrets keep unfolding."

I shifted in my seat, thinking he was probably pissed about his father having a child with another woman while he was married.

Fred cleared his throat. Both of our attention snapped to him.
"So FP mentions you were house hunting."

I nodded sipping water before I spoke.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I already made my decision."

He nodded with a smile.
"Your mom would be proud of you."
I smile looking down.

"I also got a text from FP last night, maybe you can help me understand." I nodded my head, swallowing hard.

"Mina, some ones after you, first the shots fired towards you, and now this." I nodded my head, not looking up from my cup, nor trusting my voice.

"Mina, we're you family now. We'll protect you, if you give us a chance." Archie said, putting his hand on my arm.

I felt the tears threatening to leak.
"I know, I do, I'm just scared. I have a feeling Mac is coming back, I don't want you guys to get hurt because of me." Fred sighed as Archie moved his hand from my arm.

I had a feeling no one knew what to say or do.

Pops walked towards us with the plates. "Mina, i didn't see you walk in."

"Just got in not even 5 minutes ago."
He nodded before setting two of the three plates down.

He walked back to the counter and returned with Fred's. Fred thanked Pops before we started eating. Not many words were exchanged during breakfast.

I sipped water as I finshed the last of my eggs. Fred and Archie had finished a couple minutes before I did.

"What are you two doing this weekend?" Fred asked looking between the two of us.

Before anyone can answer, my phone rings from my pocket. I pull it out to see Jugs caller ID.

I looked at Fred, who simply nods. I stand from the booth, walking out the door.

"Hello?"
"You need to get back here quick."
"Why?"
"Hunter is fighting with Swets again and Toni believes you can knock some sense into her."
"Shit, I'll be there soon."

I rushed inside, putting a twenty on the table, quickly giving an explanation to Fred and Archie on why I needed to leave. Which they understood.

I rushed back to my bike, putting my helmet on and starting my bike. I pulled from the parking lot, driving into the direction of the Sunny side trailer park.

Thoughts raced through my mind as I sipped down the road.

Toni volunteered me to break up a fight between two people I barely even know.

My speed was picking up without me even noticing. I snapped out of thoughts as I pasted a parked police car.

I slowed myself down, getting my mind cleared so I can be focused on my driving.

I turned into the trailer park, there they were at the end of the road, arguing. This time, Sweets was fully engaged.

I drove my bike down so it sat behind my truck. Toni, Jughead, and Fangs sat on the sidelines, watching.

"Maybe if you weren't such a dick all the time."
"At least I'm not fucking different people."

I slowly turned my head back towards the three, Toni lightly pushing me towards his lawn.

I walked further towards them.
"We should calm down and have a nice conversation."

"Who are you? The grounds keeper?"
"No, I'm a respectable human being. Take it inside before I make you."