Scars

The Demon Called Fear

Everyone's scared of something. People usually have a list of things they're scared of. Kids are usually scared of a lot more things than adults. Children fear the dark and demons in their closet. Me; I was different cause my demons were in my head, with me everywhere I went. And I never knew when they were gonna come out.

~

Jughead told me about the awkward breakfast date he had with Betty and Mrs. Cooper. I'm just glad I didn't go. I don't think I would've held my composure as well as he did if Betty's mother started talking to me with some shady undertone. 

Thankfully Betty was able to get some pictures to help her find Polly so they could talk, I knew I was right. Her and Jug make a good team.

~

Walking into school that Monday Veronica seemed really excited for some reason that was then unknown to me. Turned outfit was audition day for the school's annual Variety Show. 

"Explain to me why you're so excited about a glorified talent show?" I looked at her confused as she dragged me to the auditorium before our lunch period, "Are you auditioning?"

She smirked, "No me, dear cousin. You."

I pulled away, "Hell no Ronnie. Not happening. Nope!" I shook my head turning to walk out.

"Please!" She grabbed me, "It'll be fun!" I continued to say no trying to get away from her, before she conceded, "Fine! You don't have to audition but at least stay and watch with me! Archie is auditioning," she asked.

I sighed, she knew I would always support my friends, "Fine," I turned and started walking down the aisle. Veronica linked her arm with mine as we sat behind Kevin who was going to direct and host the event. I heard a shuffle and turned to see Josie and her pussycats sitting behind me.

The crowd that came to the audition was small, maybe only twenty people were there to actually audition, some of Archie's teammates were sitting in the middle being disrespectful and annoying. Reggie was leading the charge and I fought every nerve in my body not to go back there and clock him again. 

"And what will you be auditioning with?" Kevin asked as Archie got settled on stage with his guitar in his hands.

It was clear to see that the poor guy was petrified, he had sweat beading his forehead and his hands were shaking as he grabbed the microphone to speak, "Uh..An original song that I wrote called I'll Try."

"Try harder!" I heard Reggie heckle behind me, gaining laughs from all the other jock assholes, "Maybe try not sucking so much!"

I turned my head around, "Maybe try some deodorant next time Reggie, I can smell your desperate attempts to be funny all the way over here," I clapped back and people all "oooooh'ed,"

I looked back at Archie who's hand was shaking on his guitar, he was taking shaky breaths and I knew stage fright when I saw it. 

"Take your time, Archie. Though we do have people waiting," Kevin told him softly.

The mic rang with some feedback and a few people started laughing, Veronica looked up at him shocked, "Oh, my God, what's happening?"

"He's choking," Josie whispered leaning forward and smirking at us amused.

I glared back at her, "Wanna tone down the happiness little-miss pop princess wanna-bee?" She gave me a surprised look before sitting back in her chair.

"Archie?" Kevin caught his friend's attention, "Clock's ticking."

I sighed, him saying that would only make it worse. The microphone buzzed again before Archie spoke, "Sorry, I gotta go," he sped off quickly getting surprised looks and laughs from a lot of people.