Youngblood // Sweet Pea

River Of Regrets

We all have regrets.

Archie's was getting involved with Hiram. He was now on trial for a murder he didn't committ.

Veronica's was allowing Archie to get to close to her father. He was a monster and she was his offspring.

Betty's regret was her constant denial about her father. She held her pain on her arms.

Jughead's regret was the on going war with the ghoulies. He was scared to let the serpents down.

My regret was everything I did in the past four months. Everything from the dairies to my current situation.

________

I sat in the heated courtroom. Mary was up expressing to the jury about how no evidence that pointed to Archie, or how no evidence was ever found.

"I'm giving this until after labor day. Andrews, you better spend these three days with friends and family."

I watched as Archie and Dad walked from the courtroom. Hiram must've said something because Dad punched him in the jaw.

I watched as people detained the two, so a fight didn't break out.

Betty and Veronica came on each side of me and laced my arms with theirs. We walked out, linked arm in arm.

I walked to my bike after Betty and Veronica split from me. We all arranged to meet up at Pops.

Cheryl and Toni were on a three month road trip on their bikes, leaving me here with the core four.

I followed the cars to the diner. I had a lot to think about, there was a lot to process. I couldn't even imagine what Dad and Mary are feeling.

Archie and V linked arms as they met infront of Archie's car, Betty waited next to the side she climbed out of for Jug.

I parked my bike and walked in first, already sick of the love fest going on.
I sat in a seat waiting for the other four.

Veronica had called ahead to order our milkshakes. Pop brought them over and set the on the table.

"Rough day?"
"Like you wouldn't believe."

Veronica came over with the others to thank Pop, who kindly waved her off.

"Ok so what are we going to do?" The table fell silent as Betty began talking after Veronica.

"We can go back to shadow lake and look for more evidence."

"No. I've looked there a million times and nothing showed up. We have to search the lake."

I watched as they all composed thoughts while I sipped my milkshake.

"No, you heard what the judge said. I'm not spending my last weekend looking for evidence."

The bell rang above the door. Cheryl walked towards the table.

"After my three amazing months with Toni, riding our bikes cross country, we've decided to have a pool party at thornhill. You are all invited. Toodles."

We all watched her walk away, I sipped down some more milkshake as everyone proceeded in conversation.

I walked to my bike after I paid for my drink. I was going to go home before Cheryl's party.

I felt the heat beating down on my skin. The warm air feeling suffocating.

It almost sucked that summer was ending, it was just something that had to happen.

I pulled into the driveway, pulling my keys from the ignition. I walked the steep path to the door, feeling uneasy.

I unlocked the door, setting my keys on the table in the hallway. Proceeding past the kitchen and living room.