Notorious Hope

18. Devil Child

North Side Hospital-Friday, 2:43 pm

''Why the hell am I keeping this baby? I haven't even told my parents yet? Shit they're going to kill me''

Pacing back and forth while Lucas glares worryingly from the chair in the nurse's room. Her arms wrapped securely around her stomach. Halting her, pulling the brunette into his lap. 

''Riles, stop pacing for two seconds and look at me. You are going to be a great mother. And you know how I know that? Because of how you take care of Auggie even though he doesn't realize it. You let him live with your Aunt and Uncle to give him a better life. That's the best sacrifice that anybody could've ever made. So I absolute faith that you will be a wonderful mother.''

 She wasn't this nervous before. But with 4 more months to go until the baby is born, everything is so much more real. Despite being 5 and a half months pregnant, she barely has a bump. Hiding the pregnancy behind baggy sweaters and shirts. Much easier to do considering the colder climate.

''Riley?''

Hitching her breath. Her mother's voice making everything so much worse.

''Mom?''

Riley isn't allowing eye contact. Not wanting to feel the guilt of her mother's disappointment.

''Jughead told me about what happened. Riley I am going to do everything in my willpower to track down however did this, honey.''

Caressing her offspring's chocolate curls. Feeling like a slut as she watches the clock tick ever so slowly.

''I just, I feel so guilty. I'm sorry for not telling you the truth sooner.''

Gladys crouches to eye level with Riley, squeezing her daughter's hand with sympathy. 

''Riley, this isn't your fault. None of what has happened to you is your fault. All we need is a name. And then I can take him down and give him what he deserves.''

Knowing stress isn't good for the baby, Riley looks over to Lucas. His soothing smile instantly calms her down. 

''It was Chris. Luke, do you remember the day you dropped me off at my Aunt and Uncle's house to babysit Auggie?''

The dirty blonde Texan doesn't answer. Knowing exactly where the story is headed. Instead, his grip hardens on her hands.

''Well...''

***

Lucas' pickup truck rolls around the corner of the road. The emerald Texan worries about the emptiness of the street.

''Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off closer?''

Still, in a daze from the day together, her shoulders covered with his jacket. A blanket of comfort rests over her mind.

''Luke, I think I'm going to be alright. Call me when you get home, okay?''

Although she's grateful for his caring attitude, she's a big girl, she can handle walking around the corner.

''Course sweetheart''

Kissing her forehead, giving Lucas one last loving gaze before walking down the street. Wisps of the midsummer evening breeze graze against her arm. Goosebumps slowly arising.

''What do we have here?''

Her back clenches at the echoes of his voice. Regretting her decision to walk alone.

''What do you want Christopher? Haven't you tortured me enough?''

Standing her ground to a person who she considers, the devil on earth. Not even a flinch as his face lies inches away from hers.