Wrong Side of the Tracks

Chapter Five

Kev: I found Jason's Body.

That text ran through my head over and over again as I sprinted home. I tried calling my dad and Kevin, but no luck. I couldn't believe it. Poor Kevin. Why did this have to happen to him? He doesn't deserve to see something like that. I felt a pain in my chest as I sprinted to my house, but I didn't stop until I reached it. I panted as I opened the door. No one was home. I sighed, walking over to the kitchen to get some water. Once I had my glass. I sat down on the couch, waiting for someone to come back.

I finished my water and put the glass in the sink. Tired of waiting, I decided to make my way to the police station. I walked at a steady constant pace, getting there in about 10 minutes. Dad had gotten a house close to the station so he could get there easily for his job. I arrived, and walked straight into my dads office, where Kevin looked as pale as a gohst. He was just staring straight ahead, no doubt scarred. "Oh Kev." I walked over to him and engulfed him into a hug. I felt him hug back, taking a shaky breath. He pulled away, and looked at me, a haunted look on his face.

"H-he was shot. Right in the forehead. I tripped over him at Sweetwater River, and-" I cut him off, pulling him into another hug. I couldn't believe it. Jason Blossom. Shot. Mudered. He was the definition of perfect. If someone wanted to kill him, no one was safe. Then it hit me. The Southside. Many hated us for "being perfect", so they wanted to prove that we weren't. I choked back a breath. Kevin pulled away again, looking at me with concern.

"Are you o-" I nodded, not wanting to bring up the Southside to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just. Wow." He nodded sadly. "You know, I should get you home. Where's dad?"

"Somewhere, he told me I could leave but I, I just don't want to go out alone." I nodded, my lips curling into a sympathetic smile.

"I'll get you home."

Once we were home, I settled him down on the couch. I got us both glasses of cold water.

"Kev?"

"Hm?"

"What were you doing at Sweetwater River?" His face got red.

"Uh Moose and I were going to umm-"

"Go skinny dipping?" His completely red face told me I was right. I started to laugh, getting him to crack a small smile. "Geez. Maybe I should have stayed at the dance," and then I wouldn't have messed it up with Sweet Pea. He laughed a little.

"I'm going to head to bed, its been a long night. Goodnight." I nodded good night to him as he started to walk up the stairs to his bedrokm. I sighed relieved that he hadn't asked where I was. After a few minutes of sitting in silence by myself, I start to notice how tired I am. I check my phone, only to see it was already 1:30. I got up and went upstairs to my bedroom, barely managing to get changed before collapsing on my bed.

Going back to school Monday morning was weird. Everyone was talking in hushed tones, everyone knowing that Jason Blossom was murdered. A murderer was living in our small town of Riverdale. Something that no one had expected. Everyone had hoped that it was all a dream, but unfourunatly it wasn't true. Everyone was on Edge. 

The density of the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.  At Jason's locker, a shirne type deal was built around it, keeping anyone from thinking about something else. I headed to home room as the announcements came on, Principal Weatherbee's voice echoing through the school.

"Good morning students, this is your Principal speaking. There have been many inquireies about the upcoming pep rally, so let me state clearly. It is happening as scheduled. Now on a less felicious note, if you could give your attention to Sheriff Keller." I stood there waiting, curious as to what my father would say.

"Most of you already know the details , but your classmate Jason Blossom's body was found late Saturday night. So as of this weekend, Jason's death is now being treated as a homocide, it is an open and ongoing investigation..." My dad was interuppted as Cheryl's voice took over the system.

"And may I interject, neither I nor my parents will rest until Jason's death is avenged, and his cold hearted killer is walking the green mile to sit in an old sparky, and fry. I for one have my own suspitions, Hashtag, Riverdale strong."

"If you know anything," my father continued, "that could help us find and apprehend Jason's killer or anything about what had happened to him on July 4th, I strongly urge you  to come foward immeadiatly. You can speak with me or Prinicpal Weatherbee..." I started working towards the office, ready to comfort Cheryl. I knew that this was going to be hard for her. To my surprise, Archie was near the office. I shot him a weird look as my father concluded his speech. "A death like this wounds us all, Let's not let Jason down." A few seconds later Cheryl came out, acting her own self. 

"Cher," She looked at me, obviously not in the mood for comfort.

"Save it Sky. I am not an emotional wreck anymore. I know what I have to do to find my brother's killer. I am strong enough to do this."  I managed to grab her arm as she started to walk away. I lowered my voice as I pulled her near.

"Cheryl, we both know that Jason didn't really drown. I know about the scheme you guys came up with in order for him to sneak away." She abruptly pulled her arm away from my grasp, her usual smile gleaming, but I knew it was fake.

"Skyler, I don't know what you are talking about." She whipped around before walking down the hallway.

The day was boring, and my night even less eventful. I went to bed, bored out of my mind. 

That Thursday, I was getting ready in the  locker room, along with all the other girls on the cheer team. The pep rally was going to start in about 15 minute. The nervous energy in the air was electrifying. Cheryl was grilling us hard in practice, makeing sure that every move was right. All of us were nervous as our performance got closer and closer.

Despite the pouring rain, we stood in formation infront of the stage where the prinicpal, football coach, and mayor stood. The mayor said a small speech, making the crowed cheer in excitement and support. I glanced over at Cheryl, seeing the emotion and sadness behind her eyes. I felt my fake smile falter as a small tear fell down her face. She played off as a raindrop and plastered on a smile as the Pussy Cats entered the stage. They started singing and we perfromed our routine very well. I moved my boad to the beat expertly, keeping up with Cheryl. After our routine, Cheryl went up on stage with Josie. Then it all went to shit. She ran off towards the locker room. I quickly followed, seeing Veronia up ahead and Betty behind me. I stopped in the door way as Veronica comforted her. I decided to leave, letting them have their moment. I turned around, only to face Betty. I shook my head a little, letting her know not to go in. She nodded, but didn't moved. I sighed, walking away. I needed a drink. 

Once I had snuck out of the game, I rushed over to my house and got changed. A pair of black ripped jeans, a flannel tied around my waist, a strappy crop top, a leather jacket, and a pair of combat boots. I got my leather back pack and slipped my wallet inside, underneath a sweatshirt. I sighed, not wanting to face Sweet Pea, but I just needed to get a drink to get things off of my mind, and the easiest place to get a alcoholic drink was the Whyte Wyrm.

1395 Words.