Lost Souls (Archie Andrews)

Chapter Thirteen- Investigating the Farm

Cally's POV

Me and Betty went to go see Veronica on her shift at Pops. I'm happy me and Veronica are back where we were before, there's no awkwardness or tension.

We were talking about Veronica's parents.

"Is there any way you can see this divorce as a good thing?" Betty asked.

"I'm trying to find a lining of even tarnished silver, but my parents raised me to believe that family is the most important thing in the world" Veronica replied.

"I'm so sorry, V" I said.

Evelyn came in with a load of fliers.

"Veronica, hey. Do you mind if I hang a few fliers? The farm is having an open house tomorrow" Evelyn said.

"An open house?" Betty asked.

"Yes, we are opening our doors to visitors. Everyone is welcome to tour our renovated premises, meet with Farm elders and learn about our values and practices" Evelyn replied.

"Go ahead, Evelyn" Veronica replied.

Evelyn thanked Veronica, put some fliers up and left the diner.

"I wish I could go but I'm meeting with Cheryl tomorrow" Betty said.

"I'll go. Maybe I could do some snooping" I said.

"I'll come, keep them distracted while you sneak off" Veronica smiled.

-

The next day I met Veronica outside the old sisters of Quiet Mercy.

We went in and joined the group that Kevin was leading.

He did a tour of the building.

We walked past a few farmies who were painting on the walls.

"At the Farm, we like to nurture everyone's unique talents" he said, before moving on.

"It's like Hockney meets Heaven's Gate" Veronica whispered.

"Now, would anyone like to guess what this room is used for?" Kevin said.

"Ritualistic drownings?" I asked.

Veronica chuckled.

"Sorry, Cally I didn't hear you" Kevin replied.

"Hey what's behind this door?" I asked, pointing to a door with '317' on the front.

"Just a janitor's closet. Now if everyone will follow me, I'll show you the garden" Kevin said, leading everyone in the opposite direction.

My mom came through one of the doors.

"Cally" she said, surprised to see me.

"Mom.. uh you can go ahead V, I'll catch up with you in a bit" I said.

Veronica went off, following Kevin.

"I didn't think you would come" my mom said.

"Well, everyone's welcome so.." I replied.

"Well, enjoy the rest of your tour" she said, walking past me.

"Wait, wait. That's it? We haven't talked in forever and that's all I get?"

"You and your sister forsook me, Cally. Not the other way around. So if you'll excuse me" she said, walking away.

I watched her go off until she was out of sight. I never had the best relationship with my mom but I didn't think it would turn out like this.