Dark Secrets, Big Lies |Toni Topaz|

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ５】

I make my way to the Northside I know I technically shouldn't come to this side of town by myself with all of the negative histories between the North and South. But the truth is I felt somewhat safe here. Jug and I lived here until we were 5 before moving back to the Southside. 

Archie's dad Fred was like a second father to Jug and I growing up, with our dad and Fred being childhood friends. I guess Archie, Jug, and I were always kind of destined to be friends. And it proved to be true when our dad was in and out of jail our escape from our mom was always to run to Fred and Archie's house and we were always welcomed with open arms.

I hadn't heard from Jug in a few days which was unlike him. Our deal always was no matter what we would at least send a text to one another every day just to show each other we were alright. 

So my first stop was Fred and Archie's house, when I pulled up Fred was outside cutting the lawn. "Hey, Jade! Haven't seen you in a while how have you been sweetie?" Fred greets me. 

"Sorry I haven't been around lately pops I've been busy trying to make some cash working on a few cars," I respond to Fred giving him a hug. "It's alright honey we just miss you around here. Don't work yourself too hard your focus should be on school. I want to see you with good grades again this year Jade. You made me very proud last year finishing with A's & B's."

"I know pop I'm definitely going to try my best to keep those grades again this year. But I came here looking for Jug have you seen him?"

 "Yeah, he's been staying in Arch's room for the past few days. The boys should be getting home from school any minute. Go inside fix yourself a snack while you wait for them. I'm just going to finish up out here." Fred says as he gives me a kiss on the forehead.

 "Me and food you definitely don't have to tell me twice," I say as I rub my stomach.

A little over twenty minutes later Archie and Jug walk into the house. "Jug what the fuck dude I've been blowing your phone up for days. Ever thought about answering?!" I yell at Jug. 

"I'm sorry J, Reggie broke my phone. Guess he didn't like that I basically called him stupid at Pops." He said with a sad look on his face. 

"Jug you've been with Redzee didn't you think you could have used his phone to call me? He does have my number after all. I was getting worried man. Look whatever it's fine if you're fine. We can go get you a new phone I need to know my little bro is safe at all times." I tell him as I go and give him a hug.

On our way out of the cellphone store, we stop to grab a smoothie so we can catch up a little. "So how was your first day of school?" Jug asks.

 "Eh, you know same old same old I think I might have broken a Ghoulie's nose at lunch. He put his hands on me so I had to put my hands on him." I say in a chuckle.

 "Jade seriously!? You can't go around hitting people all the time. Mess with the wrong one and you're going to get yourself hurt." Jug says and I know he's pissed. "Aww, my baby bro is worried about his big sister. Don't worry Juggy they don't call me Hurricane for a reason. I can handle myself."

Jughead shakes his head getting more annoyed "I know you can Jade, but you shouldn't have to. Constantly fighting, getting into arguments. See what the Serpents are doing to you? They're making you-"

 "SERPENTS AREN'T MAKING ME DO ANYTHING JUG! I DO WHAT I HAVE TO IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THE SERPENTS DON'T CRUMBLE." I yell then I take a deep breath to calm myself. 

"Jug I don't expect you to understand the life I live. You want nothing to do with being apart of a gang and I understand. I'd never force you into this lifestyle. But whether you like it or not dad is Serpent King, and I'm the Princess. They look to me for guidance, just because I'm young, and just because I'm a girl I have to show them I'm capable of leading them. The shit the younger Serpents used to have to do I'm trying to change. No more drug runs, no more beating for hires. I want them to see we're capable of doing better." I begin to explain to Jug.

"That's why this summer I put so much focus on the car and bike shop. I want the younger Serpents to see we're capable of doing shit legit. Don't you think I get tired of constantly looking over my shoulder? Being a legacy isn't easy Jug. I know I have a constant target on my back and that's something unfortunately I can't change. I always have to be five steps ahead of the game because of that. It's not anything you can understand because you want nothing to do with this, or with us." I feel a weight has been lifted off my chest.

"Jade what dad did to us isn't fair, leaving his kids behind while he's constantly getting locked up that shit got old real fast. You shouldn't have to worry about running his gang while he's sitting pretty behind bars. Your only worry should be what you and your friends do after school. Not leading a gang Jade." He says with a sympathetic look on his face.

 "Yeah Juggy you're right it isn't fair that he's behind bars. But don't forget mom up and left us too $300 is all she left. If that wasn't a bitch ass coward move then I don't know what is."

I know bringing up my mom is a touchy subject because given the choice Jug would choose our mom over our dad any day. "She did what she had to Jade in order to protect Jellybean!" He yells in my face.

 "But she forgot she had two other fucking kids Jug! If she wanted to protect Jellybean, why not us too?! I'm sick of you standing up for her. She's a mom who abandoned her kids while she's living comfortably in Toledo. While you're living with your friend and I'm living on my own Jug. We're seventeen for fucksake this isn't how we should be living." I respond slamming my fist on the table.

"Look we're never going to see eye to eye when it comes to mom and her decisions. In your eyes, she can do no wrong." I say to Jug feeling defeated. "She knows she's done wrong Jade she tells me all the time in her phone calls and letters. She misses us." Jug says as he puts his hand over mine. 

"See right there what you just said. She calls YOU, she sends letters to YOU. She misses YOU." I've never gotten any of those things from her. She's been gone for what almost a year now? And in a year I haven't heard her fucking voice once Jug. She's always treated me differently and don't you dare say it isn't true."

I don't know why but hearing she sends Jug letters and calls him hurts. "Look I gotta go. Hope you like the phone, stay in touch please and if you need anything you know where to find me." I say giving my little brother a hug.

 "Be careful Jade please." He says. "Always am Juggy" I respond as we break apart from our hug.

"To the moon," I say giving him a fist bump. "And back." Jug responds. And then we go our separate ways.