Notorious Hope

21. I Fall Apart

North Side Hospital, Reception-12: 54 am

''C'mon, Riles, I need you to stay with me here''

As they roll up to the hospital carpark, Riley's condition continues to deteriorate. The opening ahead of her becomes disoriented at a rapid pace. Resting all of her weight against her boyfriend.

''I know, it's just...hard to keep....my eyes open''

Before she crumples to the concrete, he catches her in his arms.

''Riley...stay with me...I..can't...lose...you''

Those are the final words that are utter before she slips out of consciousness. Her body limps in his arms. At that moment, he knows what's coming next. There's no need to alert the receptionist at the front desk. He goes through an out of body experience as his heart plummets to his stomach.

***2 Hours Later***

''I'm so sorry I took so long. I just got held up at home when I received the text a-''

Josh catches his breath at the sight of Riley. His brotherly instincts kick in, anger and fury take over his body.

''What happened?''

Seeing his baby sister's unconscious body is like a punch to the throat.

''Some guys beat her up. I did everything I could to stop her from going to face the Goolies, but she was adamant. I wish I could've done more. If I had, she wouldn't be here.''

The brunette's boyfriend reaches for her pale hand, kissing her knuckles affectionately. Resting his forehead on her hand.

''You really do love her, don't you?''

Over the past 6 months that they've known each other, Lucas has grown to love her, even more, every day.

''Course I do, I've learnt so much from her. I love her so much and I can't lose her. not now.''

Caressing Riley's limp and pale knuckles, her mother's ring in particular. 

''You'd do anything to protect her, right?''

The wheels begin to turn in Josh's mind. Connections in Riverdale that could know more about why Riley was targeted in comparison to anybody else. 

''Yeah, I would, why?''

A knock disrupts the pair from their scheming. Officer Carpenter strides into the room with confidence.

''Mr Friar, Mr Jones? We'd like you two to answer some questions''

Carpenter Residence-1:54am

The trio rolls up in the police car to the officer's residence. Rushing towards the house as the rain pours down on the three of them. The boys glancing nervously at each other as they sit down on the couch. 

''You dragged us out of Riley's hospital room to play tea party at your house?! Are you fucking serious right now!?''

The brunette is enraged with the officer. Dragging him away from his twin sister, in order to be questioned about something that he doesn't know shit about.

''We just want to see what you know about Riley's case''

Mrs Carpenter brings the boys each a hot chocolate, a chicken soup and covers them with a blanket. 

''How're you doing boys?''

Despite public belief, Mrs Carpenter or Karen is a very private person. After her son, Elijah's abrupt disappearance 6 months ago, she's been a little too happy. Some believe that she's responsible for his disappearance.