DISMANTLED | riverdale

ii/

two (ii.) || syd plus one

I was sitting in math class when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I didn't know many people in this class for anyone to be asking me for anything. I turn around and see a girl with curly-coiled hair and big brown eyes.

She's usually not here, I would know if she was behind me all the time.

"Sorry to bother you but do you have a pen?" At her request I pulled one out of my bag and handed it to her. "Thanks, I'm Bowie by the way."

"Syd." I answered her back and then turned back around to face the board.

-

I walked into the bakery to find both my grandma and Harry serving people coffees and treats. I didn't know we were that understaffed that they both needed to work. I would have thought she would have told me and I would start working.

"Hey we need to talk." He calls me over as he heads into the kitchen.

I follow him with my book bag. Last time he said those words- texted those words, it wasn't that bad. Well it was. His aunt is somehow not in town yet and I can't help to think that it's because she's planning something. 

But we've been handling that well. 

What else has life got in store for us?

"So Archie was caught tagging southside turf last night and theres talk of a fight going down. Soon." He put vaguely to me and I put my hands on my hips. 

"Are you going to be anywhere near that fight Harry?" I asked- already knowing the answer. I'd just like to see what he could say to make this okay. But there isn't anything that could make this okay.

"Syd I have to be. He pulled a gun on Sweet Pea and a few others." Now that's- that's definitely a reason to retaliate and fight. It makes sense. Doesn't mean I like it though.

I look at him without saying anything. 

"I'm telling you because I wanted you to know beforehand when you see me with a black eye and a busted lip again." 

I scoffed at that.

I hate this. I hate this whole northside versus southside rivalry. I hate that Harry is caught between this. And now he's gonna have to use his fists to make a point. I hate that he's fighting like this.

I hate even more is that he's not even confident.

"So you're already admitting that someone is gonna beat you up?" I questioned but it was more rhetorical. "Harry if you're gonna go into that fight..."

"What?"

I turn to walk out of the kitchen but before I leave I stop at the doorway. "Make sure you hit Reggie Mantle right in the eye. Don't miss." 

Walking out of the kitchen I pass by a few costumers and accidentally knock into two of them. I can faintly remember one of them from my science class, I think her name is Kimmy. 

"Sorry. Did I spill anything?" I ask the two of them and they shake their heads. "Okay good."

With that I'm headed up the steps and straight into my room. I needed to study for this quiz coming up in science class.  I kind of wish that I had a study group to do this with though, to make it easier.

Kimmy.

Quickly I grab my textbook and my notes and run down the stairs. I see a few heads turn at the sound of my fast footsteps coming down but other than that it's business as usual. I can see Kimmy and her friend sitting at the table near the window.

I walk over to them slowly and approach.

"Hey so, I'm pretty sure we have the same science class and the quiz that's coming up. Do you guys want to study together?" I don't know why but this made me nervous. I didn't do much studying back upstate. I didn't do much of anything really.

This could be an opportunity to make friends. An opportunity to be a good person.

Kimmy looked at me with a bright hopeful smile. "Yeah sure. This is my best friend Izzy. Syd, meet Izzy."

Izzy looked at me and held out her hand for me to shake. "Hey."

I took it.

-

I was fighting my sleep. I know Harry is out there fighting and I just wanna make sure he's not bleeding out in a ditch somewhere. I mean I don't think fighting could be that bad but there is alway someone who brings a knife. Or a gun.

I just don't want things to go left.

Rolling over in my bed I reach for my phone which is charging. My screen is blank. If something was wrong he would have texted me by now. Right? Would he text me?

We are friends. And we do tell each other secrets. 

And he did tell me about the fight. So he did want me to know. This wouldn't be the first time I patched him up. He can't be scared to come here.

If he's not here then maybe everything went okay. As okay as fighting can go.

My phone starts buzzing and I take it off the nightstand quickly. Don't want to wake grandma. I immediately think the worst. I hide it away from my eyes as I debate on whether or not to pick up the call. He could be in danger- pick it up! He could be dead- don't pick up!

But pick up!

I look at my phone and the caller id give me a sense of relief. It's not Harrison. But it actually is the worst. My mother.

Calling me this late? Usually she calls in the mornings. Why would she call this late.

Only one way to find out. My finger pressed the green call button.

"Hello?" I speak into the phone.

"Sydney?"

"Yes mother I finally answered your call. It's really late."

"I know and I wouldn't have called if it wasn't important."

"I beg to differ but continue."

"I heard the news about the black hood. I don't think it's safe for you there all alone."

"I'm not alone. I have grandma."

"Sydney she is an elderly woman, what can she do to protect you against a serial killer?"

"You'd be surprised. Anyways is that why you called? Because you're worried?"

"Yes but also. I'll be coming to Riverdale in a week."

"You're what?!"