Resilience | Sweet Pea.

26 - Snake Charmer.

Christmas time in Riverdale, oh a time to be alive. Around this time of year, Fred and Archie start selling fresh Christmas trees, decorations start going up in people's homes and outside businesses, snow begins to settle on the ground as the winter chill hits the air. Everyone always wants to play happy families when Christmas comes around, pretending like their tragic life events no longer exist.

"You coming to Kevin's secret santa thing?" Archie asks, knocking on the door to my bedroom.

"I mean I was actually invited this year, so why not?" I chuckle.

Every year, Kevin hosts this 'secret santa' thing. Most years, I'm not invited, nor Jughead. But this year, since we both had definite ties to Betty for the most part we're both invited, or at least that's what I assume. Part of me is excited by this, seeing as I'd never actually been invited but the angsty part of me wants to say its lame. I tolerate Christmas, I always have, but holidays are always just a little bit harder for me.

"Well hurry up and meet me downstairs." Archie says.

"Alright, I'll be down in a minute." I say, Archie nods and leaves my room.

I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment inspecting the outfit I'd chosen for myself. A somewhat-tight grey long sleeve shirt, my high waisted black jeans matched with a grey slouch beanie, my serpent jacket and my combat boots. Cold is something I definitely am not a fan of, and you bet your ass I'm gonna combat the cold to no ends.

I grab my stuff and head downstairs, overhearing Archie and Fred talking as I enter the room.

"Eighty-six thousand." Fred says.

"Dollars?!" Archie gasps.

"No, Archie. Paper clips. What's going on?" I ask, joining the conversation and assuming Fred had been talking about money.

"Dad's hospital bill." Archie tells me.

"Wait, what?!" I gasp. "Surely that can't be right?! Doesn't your insurance-"

"You two don't stress, they probably made a mistake, I'll call them tomorrow." Fred says.

Archie and I look at one and other warily.

"Go on, you both need to get to school." Fred shoos us.

"We'll see you in a few hours, Fred." I sigh.

*

"Veronica, it's your turn." Kevin says, handing Veronica her secret santa gift.

I had fatefully gotten Cheryl, and just gotten her a red lipstick and some chocolates, I'd been unsure of what to get her, seeing as I barely knew her. Veronica had gotten me and had gifted me a new pair of sneakers for cross country. I was grateful, but since her break up with Archie I felt awkward towards her. I didn't want to hate her, and I don't. But as much as she's one of my best and only friends, she broke my brother's heart, which my loyalty lies deep with Archie.

"Oh!" She exclaims as she opens it. "A gift certificate for a couple's massage."

My eyes shift from her to Archie briefly. He looks away from me, knowing I'd be looking.

"Thanks, Josie." Veronica says.

"You can go with Betty... or Nova... Or your mom?" Josie says awkwardly.

"Or I can go with your mom if you want?" Reggie intervenes.

"You're a pig, Mantle." I scoff jokingly.

"You love it, Daniels." He winks at me, I flip him off in response.

"Dear god, can we please get this torture over with?" Cheryl groans.