Deadly || Sweet Pea [2]

2

Chapter 2 || Pool Party

I stepped out of my trailer dressed in some shorts and a black crop top. I tied my hair up into a ponytail, keeping the strands off my face and neck in this heat. I wore my black Converse and sighed as the heat from the sun hit my skin. Immediately, Jughead, Fangs, and Sweet Pea were by my side.

"What's going on now?" I sighed, walking away from my trailer.

"We know that Hiram Lodge has taken over the Southside, 'cause he's been colluding with the Ghoulies." Jughead announced. I nodded, holding back a shudder at the thought of Malachai.

"I need to know what he's up to exactly." I stated. "Fangs."

"Yes, Kitty?" Fangs asked.

"I need you to find the Ghoulies' new lair, okay?" I instructed. "If you see them, I don't want you to engage with them. This is just a recon mission, and we can't be risking another gang war."

"We just need a confirmation that whatever Hiram's up to, has nothing to do with the Serpents or Riverdale High." Jughead added. I nodded at my brother as we weaved through the Serpent's camp.

"Will do." Fangs nodded.

"You got it." Sweet Pea muttered.

"Thanks." I smiled at Fangs. He nodded and smiled before walking off with Sweet Pea.

"Hey, boy, Kitty, come have a look." Dad called. I smiled over at Archie as I stepped behind him, looking down at the Serpent tattoo dad inked on his arm. "Might be my best one yet."

"Well, how does it feel to be an honorary Serpent?" Jughead asked, pulling up a chair. I kissed dad's cheek and sat beside him, looking to Archie for an answer.

"Pretty savage, Jug." Archie chuckled.

"Archie, the first thing I learned at Southside High was that you need to roll with a crew to survive." Jughead stated. "There are going to be Serpents in juvenile detention. Find them. Sit with them. That tattoo is going to get you in. But it's also going to get you protected."

"Yeah, Jughead's right." Dad nodded. "Up to a point. That Serpent ink will help keep your body safe but you still gotta worry about protecting this, eh?"

Dad tapped his temple, indicating he was talking about Archie's psyche.

"I speak from experience, alright." Dad added. "Your mind is the first this that goes when you're locked up. If you can keep your head on straight, you can get through anything. You just... You gotta keep your wits about you, Red."

"If they give you any trouble in there," I sounded, reaching for the beer in my father's hand. "You let them know you're one of mine. They should make it easier for you."

"Thanks, Kitty." Archie nodded as I gulped down dad's beer. "It means a lot."

"Anything for family." I smiled, nodding for John to get my dad a new beer.

"Like being queen?" Dad teased, accepting the cold bottle of beer that was handed to him.

"Love it, daddy." I beamed. "I was made for this."

"It's a good look on you." Dad agreed.

"Just don't go getting yourself killed again." Archie added.

"Nah, I won't." I shook my head. "While this scar is really cool, I'd rather not deal with dying to get another one."

We all laughed, and I savored the sound of Archie's laugh. I didn't know if I'd ever hear it again, especially like this. Here, he let loose. He was among family and friends and he let out a laugh that can only be described as pure. And while I had all the faith in the world in Mrs. Andrews, I couldn't help but feel upset that this might be the last time I hear that laugh.