Rule - Sweet Pea (1)

Sloth Running Team

1 Month Later

Soft thuds echoed through the streets of Northside Riverdale, a pair of black sneakers speckled with white hitting the pavement. Labored breaths fell in between, the frigid morning air making it harder for lungs to expand. Two Dutch boxer-braids slapped against a black running jacket, the owner slowing and resting her palms on a pair of matching leggings, a sharp pain in her shoulder making her sit on a nearby bench.

Rule Jones unzipped her jacket to reveal a grey tank top with a sloth and the words sloth running team on it, shrugging off the thin material to get a better look at her arm. A puckered pink scar about an inch and a half long rested in plain sight, the mere appearance bringing back memories of the night she died. Obviously, also being the night she came back to life.

Digging through her previously zipped pocket, Rule pulled out two pain pills and popped them with a sip of water, pausing the music playing from her phone. Her entire body ached, despite the fact it had been a month since the night at the docks, as she praised the fact her new apartment was just down the street. Although, an apartment may not be the best word to use.

One bathroom, two bedrooms, a kitchen the size of a breadbox with a living room to match. The white apartment on the second floor was all Rule could afford since getting a new job and spending everything on the house she'd gotten to share with her ex-boyfriend. A ringing broke through the air, her phone signaling she needed to get back and shower before school. 

After showering, Rule slipped on a pair of jeans, a black long-sleeved v-neck, a pair of doc martens, and a leather jacket, she walked into the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of black coffee, Rule snatched a granola bar from the countertop, going over the plan for her first day at school in her head. Just as she was grabbing her keys, the front door burst open to reveal an overly cheerful blonde with shoulder length hair, rootbeer brown eyes, and a tall, limber figure. "Rule! We're gonna be la- are those my boots?" 

Grinning cheekily, Rule discretely filled up her solid holographic white bottle with 'water' and grabbed her bag. "Good morning to you too, Liv," Olivia Green, more commonly known as Liv, gave Rule a megawatt smile, something that came naturally to her, and followed her downstairs. Liv and her fraternal twin, Aaron, lived a few houses down with their parents, Dr. Annie Green and Zoe Green, a teacher at Riverdale. 

"Morning, ladies." Aaron leaned against Rule's truck, his sandy brown hair falling into his eyes and a cheerful smile on his lips. Rule, who was a year younger by age than the seniors despite being more mature than Aaron, reached out and ruffled the top of his hair, laughing quietly when he spluttered in outrage. "Get in you two, and Liv, you can control the music today." The three drove squished together while listening to Ariana Grande, Liv's idol and celebrity crush.

Pulling into Riverdale's parking lot, the trio escaped from Rule's truck. "I like your hair and makeup today, by the way." Rule had her hair in a braided crown, her eyes accentuated by dark eyeshadow and red lipstick on her mouth. "Thanks, Liv. Cute sweater," Liv had always been a rather cheerful person, opting for a mustard yellow sweater, high waisted jeans, and brown boot wedges. With her blonde hair in perfect waves, golden eyeshadow, and pink matte lipstick she was the natural embodiment of sunshine. Otherwise known as, the complete opposite of Rule. Aaron stuck to graphic t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers. "Are you ready for this?" 

"No, but let's do it anyway."

Rule pushed through the front doors, head held high with a full-blown aura of confidence surrounding her, the twins smiling as they followed. The eyes watching Rule made her even more determined, a smirk on her lips as she opened her locker door. Taking out what she needed, Rule shoved everything else inside and bid Aaron and Liv goodbye, since they were due in class. Walking towards the student lounge, Rule paused in the doorway, waiting until everyone saw her.

"Miss me?" A crowd of teenagers rushed at Rule, each taking their turn to hug the girl minus two people in the room that were sitting close enough on the couch it made her heart hurt. But Rule could build walls, she knew how and she'd done it before, so that's exactly what she did. Tearing her gaze from Sweet Pea and Josie, Rule built a wall so high that she was sure nobody was getting inside any time soon.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Toni squeezed Rule's hand when she noticed where her eyes had been, watching as the latter took a generous sip of her 'water'. "Damn, Rule. Still looking as good as ever," Reggie Mantle winked at Rule, the girl smirking at him. "Not so bad yourself, Mantle. Wanna give me a piece of that candy bar?" Reggie's mouth was opened partially in surprise at the returned compliment, simply watching as she leaned over and snatched the chocolate from his lap with a seductive power in her eyes. Everyone in the room had gone back to their own conversations, but a few had seen the interaction with mixed reactions. 

"How's that shoulder? It's gonna scar really bad and uglily," Josie smiled innocently at Rule, the latter simply cocking her head and sitting on the arm of Reggie's chair. "Mmm, no need for insults, Josie. Your face does that all by itself," Reggie choked on a laugh, turning it into a cough as Josie huffed angrily and moved so she was basically sitting on Sweet Pea's lap. Moving inconspicuously, Reggie put his arm behind Rule's waist and rested his hand on her hip. Glancing down at the boy with an innocent look on his face, Rule smirked at Reggie. "At least take me on a date first, Reginald."

Nobody could hear the sound of broken hearts that fillled the room.