Escape From Riverdale

I

Sun beams down on me, making my skin feel warm. FP and I lie in the bed of his truck, looking up at the clouds. His arm sits behind me, his fingers brushing the top of my left shoulder. I squint up at the sky, holding my hand above my eyes.

"It's so nice out here, isn't it?" I comment, taking in the fresh, warm summer air.

I notice a butterfly stop on the top of an open flower, it's wings fluttering to display multiple patterns within seconds.

"Sure is," FP agrees, bringing his face to my neck.

His other hand falls to my abdomen, cradling the growing bump of a baby. I smile at him, placing my hand over his. I've only recently started to show, but we like to feel close to the life I'm incubating.

"I can't wait to feel it kick," I beam, turning my face and kissing FP.

I'm about fourth months along now, which means it'll start kicking around by the time we reach Mom's. These last few weeks on the road have been trying, but it's nice to be alone with FP away from the drama of our hometown. It's freeing to step away from it all and take in the beauty that life can have.

"Me either, Doll." FP says with a grin.

He sits up and runs his hand through his hair, letting his feet dangle over the edge of the truck. I join him, nestling myself into his side. I can hear his heartbeat and his breathing as my head rests against his chest.

A breeze picks up, making pollen and petals migrate through the air. A bit from a dandelion falls on his cheek. I grab it, letting it rest on the pad of my finger.

"Make a wish," FP whispers.

"I wish we could stay out here forever." I say, blowing the dandelion seed back into the air.

FP kisses the side of my head, and leaps down from the bed of the truck.

"On that note, we should get going. We've still got about 600 miles, and plenty more sights to see."

I pout, hopping down from the bed of the truck, careful to keep myself steady.

"If we have to," I sigh, returning the passengers seat. 

We get back into the truck, me with FP's help. He lets the windows down, and turns on the radio. 

"Have you heard from Jug?" I ask, wondering how he's holding up with the serpents without us. 

FP chuckles. 

"Yeah, things are just as crazy as when we left, but in a different way. He says he can handle it. I'll check in again next week. I think the boy likes his space." 

Thinking about home and Jughead brings a smile to my face. I might be enjoying our separation, but it's still familiar. Imagining Jug heading the serpents warms my heart. He's stepping up and becoming more trustworthy. More than just a kid. 

"Kevin finally texted the other day..." I remember. 

Kim, I hope your road trip goes smoothly. Send postcards! Jug and Betts miss you, but I miss you more. 

It made me cry. I spent so long missing him, and then I left him again. But I couldn't be around Dad, or Riverdale, and he knows that. 

Love and miss you too, Kev. Hope you're doing well.