Scars

Not-So-Happy Birthday

Defeated. Tired. That's basically how I felt, I had no further evidence that would somehow link Clifford Blossom to my dad's death. There was nothing, no paper trail that would help me. Not even FP found out anything new, but I was still set on Mustang possibly being the one who actually did the deed. I wanted to keep looking but I was running on fumes. 

I was relaxing at Archie's with Jughead playing some video games when Fred came in, "I'm...uh...I'm heading out," he bid looking at his son laying on the bed before looking at Jughead, "Sorry to be missing your birthday this weekend, Jug."

Jug looked completely uninterested, "Oh, you will not be missing anything, Mr. Andrews, I barely acknowledge my own birthday."

I gave my friend a sad look while Archie left to talk with his dad, "So is there anything you would actually like to do on your day of birth? Other than pretend it doesn't exist?" I asked.

"Well, I hate parties but I wouldn't mind us getting a booth at Pop's and just hang out."

"Are you sure? You don't want to do anything else?" I asked.

He sighed, "Tori, my birthday in the past was my family doing something together and pretending our lives weren't falling apart. I don't like parties, I won't ever want a birthday party. Usually Archie and I watch a double feature at the Bijou, and this year I'd like my best friend there too."

I nodded in understanding, "Whatever the birthday boy wants he shall receive," I smiled which he returned, the two of us returned to the game.

~

The next morning when Veronica and I were leaving for school we saw Tía sitting at the dinning room table with a man we didn't recognize.

"Who's this?" "What's going on?" We asked at the same time.

"Girls," Tía introduced getting to her feet, he followed suit, "This is Paul Sowerberry, Hiram's attorney. He's here to prep us for our statements and help at the hearing."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not giving one," Veronica sassed.

I agreed, "Me either. He can rot in that cell for all I care," I muttered about to walk away when Tía grabbed my arm to stop me

"You won't be asked any questions about Mr. Lodge's business arrangements. We just need the three of you to speak to his character. It'll humanize him, which could mean a lesser sentence. If you don't make a statement, well, that's problematic and damaging" Sowerberry informed us.

Tía looked at us, "I've already told them all of this," her tone was almost scolding, like we'd done something wrong. 

I shook my head, "You can't force me to give a statement. I'm not doing it. I refuse!" I yelled.

"Dad made his bed, and we're late for school. Excuse us," Veronica always had the elegance and professionalism when it came to business discussions. She grabbed my hand lightly and led the way out while I gave the attorney a dirty look.

~

On the ride to school, Betty sent me a text saying Archie wanted to tell Veronica about what he heard while at the Blossom's, so I was supposed to bring her to the lounge so she could hear the story. 

"Alright, we're here," I announced obvious as I plopped onto the sofa.

Betty looked slightly worried, unsure of how Veronica was going to react to the news, Archie was looking from his folded hands to my cousin wearily, "Okay...well...Archie was with the Blossoms while their Board was in town. He...Uhm..." she looked unsure of how to continue.

"You should tell her," I looked at the ginger.

He sighed, "I overheard Mr. Blossom say he's the one responsible for your dad being arrested and put in jail."