They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. What happens when life gives you an organ-stealing cult, a horror game come to life, and drug-dealing drama all while you're trying to have a normal junior year of high school? Savanna Marrows is...
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To my shock and surprise, Hiram actually listened to what I was saying and requested the three of us to be present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I was grateful for his consideration and change of mind, at least on behalf of Veronica and Mom to rethink what he was going to do.
Somehow I ended up rushing to pull myself together while Jughead watched, completely relaxed and amused from under the covers of my bed as I scrambled to get an earring through my ear.
"You promise you're going to be okay?" I asked as I pulled a shoe on while hopping across my floor. "I'm worried."
He waved off my concerns. "Come on. This is gonna be easy. Any training my dad's given us has been extremely helpful and Archie's bringing the whole crew with him. We'll be fine." I leaned down to give him a kiss, leaving a pink gloss on his lips.
"Call me if you need me, okay? And please be careful."
Jughead gave me a thumbs up in response before flopping back on the bed as I made my way out of the apartment. Veronica had texted me that she and Mom were here, waiting outside. I pulled my jacket on, tying the belt around my waist while I opened the door to the car.
The ride there was quiet between the three of us with minimal conversation, mainly on Veronica's behalf as she attempted to calm our nerves. It didn't take long before we were climbing out amongst camera flashes as we made our way to the stage where Hiram was standing waiting for us.
"Thank you," I whispered as Veronica and I gave him a hug. He nodded in response before stepping up to the microphone to address the crowd.
"Today not only marks the opening of the Lodge Detention Center, but it also represents a milestone for our town. This building is our promise to you for a safer future. Today, we put our beloved families first. And on that note, I wouldn't be here today if not for the love and support of my daughters Veronica and Savanna, and that of my wife, Hermione, the love of my life." He looked over at us where we stood side by side. "Or, as most of you call her, Madame Mayor."
Veronica and I shared a glance at the statement before posing our best smiles as cameras flashed at every angle of the ribbon-cutting. Thousands of pictures followed, and reporters were shoving microphones in our faces as my sister and I attempted to remove ourselves from the chaos.
"So, how'd you pull it off?" Ronnie asked after we made it out of the crowd.
I gave her an innocent look. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I just had a simple conversation but made sure to get my point across, that's all."
Veronica shook her head as she smiled. "Well, whatever you did worked, Van. So, thank you."
"I wouldn't thank me yet. We're still not out of the woods until we get them to come together, or at least in agreement."
Veronica and I took one of the available cars to make a stop at Pop's before heading to the Five Seasons where Dad asked for a so-called family conversation. However, the moment we walked through the door, we were met with another individual who I recognized instantly.
