Serpent Princess

Silent Night, Birthday Parties

I sat on the bed as Sweet Pea was getting ready. My thermal leggings, slippers, and an oversized sweater are perfect for staying inside. I watched as my phone buzzed. "Who is calling now?" he asked coming to sit next to me. "FP. Again." I told him and he sighed wrapping an arm around me. A knock came from downstairs and we shared a look.

He got up and went to see who it was, and I held my knees to my chest. When Sweet Pea came back up he sat behind me and I dropped my knees so he could wrap his arms around me. "Who was that?" I asked. "Jones. Asking if I heard from you." he told me and I nodded.

"I have to go to school." he mumbled. "Mom is making me. Just stay up here okay? I'll be a back before you know it." I nodded and he kissed my lips before leaving. I held my knees to my chest again and grabbed my phone to listen to the Voicemail FP left.

"Hey uh T, it's me again. Look i'm sorry for how all of that went down. I talked to Penny and shes pissed, but told me you can come back to town. No charges. No cops. Nothing. You have to stay away from her. I promised your dad awhile ago I'd take care of you like my own. You're my daughter okay? At least come home for your birthday. I love you kid. Bye." Tears filled my eyes and I shut them as tears went down my face.

When Sweet Pea finally got home I packed my bag and change in to some clothes. We walked to the trailer and Fp was outside talking to Tall Boy. "Look who I found" Sweet Pea called out. Everyone turned to me and I rushed over and jumped into his arms.

FP squeezed me and I just said, "I'm sorry." Tears fell and he kissed my head. He sat me on my feet "I'm sorry" I repeated and FP wiped my tears. "It's okay. You're okay, safe and home thats all that matters." He told me. Jughead opened the door and then rushed down hugging me and lifted me up. "Talia you scared the crap out of me" He scolded but hugged me tighter.

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I stood with Toni and Fangs as we wrapped gifts. "What is all this?" Jughead asked walking over to us.
"It's a Serpent tradition." I told him and smiled,

"Every year, we give back to the Southside. Toys for Tots. Meals on Wheels, kids and old folks living alone." Fang then chimed in, "The Hells Angels do it."