Resilience | Sweet Pea.

40 - Theatre and threats.

"Wait, what? You're helping Kevin direct the musical?" I snort, as Fangs and I walk through the halls.

A few weeks have passed since Fred's announcement, and my accident. Toni had recruited Veronica of all people to save Cheryl from the sisters of quiet mercy after the menace that is her mother sent her away for gay conversion, which is a horrific thought.

Since her rescue, Cheryl had been spending a lot of time with the Serpents because of her connection to Toni and their new, fast-blossoming relationship. It's nice seeing them both happy. To add on, Archie and I remain strained as time goes on. With Mary back in Chicago and it back to being myself, Fred and Archie with the occasional Sweet pea, the walls have never felt so closed in.

And with this year's musical fast approaching, I had made sure to steer clear of Kevin, if he needed my help, sure, but there is nothing you could do to rope me into singing especially on stage.

"I'm more like his assistant. I asked if there's anything I could do to be of assistance... He hummed about it but let me help!" Fangs says.

"Since when are you into musicals?" I ask.

"I've always liked musicals!" Fangs protests.

"Or do you like preppy gay boys that like musicals?" I ask him with a grin.

"Kevin's attractive, no doubt about it. But... It's not him I'm interested in..." Fangs admits.

"What?! Who then?" I gasp, Fangs looks at me in hesitation. "What? You're seriously not going to tell me?"

Fangs face changes to a more worried expression, grabbing my arm and pulling me aside.

"Woah, Fangs... Why so serious?" I ask.

"If I tell you, you have to promise you won't tell anyone. Like... Not even Sweet pea." Fangs says in a hushed voice.

"Jesus Fangs, this isn't life or death." I chuckle.

"I'm serious, Nova!" Fangs hisses.

"Fine, fine! I promise." I say, my curiosity forcing me to cave.

"Okay... Well the real reason I wanted to help with the musical is because I've been fooling around with-"

"Nova! Quick!" Betty says, running up to me.

"What's wrong B?" I ask.

"Sweet pea's trying to fight Reggie!" Betty informs me.

"Wait, what?!" I yell.

I grab Fangs' arm as Betty grabs my hand, pulling me along until I see on the football field coming into view, then Sweet pea and Reggie puffing their chests at each other.

"Keep talking shit, Mantle. I'll break your face more than Lodge already did! How does it feel getting your ass kicked by a girl?" Sweet pea yells at Reggie.

"Shut up you disgusting snake." Reggie snaps.

"What are you gonna do about it, mutt? Give me fleas?" Sweet pea snaps.

"I'll give 'em to your girlfriend." Reggie taunts back. Yeah, Reggie, as if.

"Don't fucking talk about her." Sweet pea warns. "Fuck, I'm scared if you even breathe near her, she'll catch something!"

"I bet all the snakes have had a turn with your bitch, why can't-"

Sweet pea has clearly had enough of Reggie's degrading comments because he shoves Reggie back before punching him right in the face. This breaks out a full-on fight between the two, Fangs and I take to his side as another Bulldog tries to butt in, I punch him in the face, sending him flying.