THE SOUTHSIDE TAPES (RIVERDALE 2)

the ides of march - 02

"What? Why?" Jughead asked in awe of this kid's ability to say it with a straight face."
"Because I wrote On Featherless Wings."
"No you didn't. I did."

"I read the first draft of that story in Greendale over the summer!" I defended, stepping toward Jonathan

"Then why do I have a time stamp that says I wrote it 2 months ago?"

"No." Jughead said, "I wrote it and sent it to Nicolette over the summer! It's on our computers."

Bret scoffed, "A story you wrote in the summer is on the laptop and iPad I got you three weeks ago?"

Jug sighed, "No. It's on our old laptops. Do you still have-?"

"Which one?" I whispered.
Jughead's voice rose, "The one you didn't want your father to find."

"Yes, I have it in my bedroom at The Pembrooke but it's an hour drive, Jug. And he's home."

"Can we go get them?"

Mr. DuPont nodded, tired, "Very well. Hurry up. We'll be waiting."

"Be safe, Starlet."
"I always am, Jughead."
-
"I'm disappointed in you, mija."
"I didn't do it. We didn't do it. I swear on my life. Jughead and I did not plagiarize our stories. They were based on our personal experiences, Daddy. How could anyone else have known that? We live in a small town."
"Mija-"
"Listen to me, Daddy, please!" I begged, "That boy who you so openly welcomed into your study was here the day my laptop went missing. I don't trust him. He's been out to get me and Jug since day one. I'm asking you to believe me just this once because it's all facts."
My father sighed, exasperated, "You said this boy was here when your laptop went missing?"
"Yes." I said, "He gave me this iPad because I proved my loyalty to the Skull and Quill or whatever. I haven't seen my laptop since."
"Has he hurt you?"
"No, but the other day he said he'd do anything to get me to be his girlfriend instead of Jug's."
"He what?"
"He-"
"I heard you the first time, mija." Hiram said, "At this point, I'm actually on board with your little investigations. I know how hard you and Jughead have been working on this manuscript. Luckily, Hermosa is back in town to help you plead your case."
"Thank you, Daddy."
"No need to thank me, mija. I'll do anything for blood just like your mother."
"What?"
"Nothing, mija. Your mother would be proud, that's all."
-
"Well, at least all three of us are virtually suspended, right?"
"Not helping, KeKe."
"Just trying to lighten the mood, cousin."
"Ugh!" Jughead groaned, "I am so done with this stupid uniform!"
"Like I was saying. Now that all three of us are suspended and on the verge of being expelled, we have all the time in the world to plan our revenge and finish our investigation."
"Revenge?"
"Yeah... That bitch Donna lied to Betty and Bret clearly paid Jonathan to lie about you plagiarizing your own manuscript."
"KeKe-"
"She's right, Juggie." Betty agreed, "We-"

Knock-knock...

"Mom! We're busy!" Betty yelled as the door proceeded to open, revealing FP. 
"Starlet and Jughead, we need to talk. Now. Downstairs."

"You think he's gonna kill us?" I asked Jug.
"No," He said, "He might arrest us though."