I knew it was time to go home the second I got the news. My cousin Julianna begged me not to go back. She'd say, "there's nothing there for you there in that old scummy town." She was probably right. But I knew in my heart, it was time to leave.
I spent my whole spring semester and most of my summer in Bay Springs. The big city was beautiful and it was never boring. But I guess it isn't meant for everybody because my mind always wandered to Riverdale. I know Josie would call me stupid for not staying but I don't want to start my life out there just yet. She's always wanted to move away to a big city and become a star. But Riverdale needed me.
The fate of Fred Andrews is in the hands of god now. Last night I got a text from Josh telling me that he was shot last night in Pop's diner by some masked killed who called himself, the black hood. I know it's an odd time to go back home when there's a serial killer on the loose. But sometimes, you just know when somethings right. I instantly asked my aunt to call my mom and book me the next train out.
During my time in Bay Springs, my brothers and mom came out to visit during spring break. But the only one of my friends that texted me was Archie. Reggie has me completely blocked from every social media site. I couldn't help but wish, things were better with him. I also saw Jughead and Betty were in a steady relationship now. I guess she finally figured out who she wanted to be with.
I see the smiling faces of my brothers and mom as I step off the train. Josh gets my bags as I follow the others out to the car.
"You look so different, Henny." My mom exclaims as she pulls me into a hug. I guess she was right. My hair did get lighter from the sun and my tan was going strong. The Minnesota sun did nothing for me when I lived here.
"Mom, it's only been a few months since I last saw you." I smiled back at her as I get in the car. Josh piles in the back with me as my mom starts the car.
"We missed you, bring it in!" Josh leans in for a hug.
"I missed you guys too!" I respond.
"We were thinking about going to Pop's before we bring you back to the house," Grayson responds as he looks back at me.
"That sounds amazing. I've missed Pop Tate's milkshakes." I smile.
I couldn't help but wonder what happened to everybody since I left. Obviously, I worried the most about Jughead and his dad. The whole time I was up there, I haven't heard a thing from the police. They never asked me questions. I guessed they kept me out of it, thankfully.
As we sit down at the booth, I begin to flood my brothers with questions.
"What happened to Reggie?" I asked as I flipped through the menu.
"Nothing too much, I think he might be the next caption. It's a toss-up with Archie or Reggie." Josh responded, also digging his nose in the menu.
"What about FP and Jughead?" I asked again.
"FP is in jail still, his trial comes up in a month or two." My mother answers.
"And what about-" I start, but Grayson cuts me off.
"There's plenty of time for questions. But now we eat." Grayson scolded. I stayed silent for a minute before speaking again.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for your graduation, Grayson. I was selfish for leaving, I should've been there." I sighed.
"Hey, don't beat yourself over it. I don't blame you for anything, we've been through a lot." He says as we maintain eye contact.
Grayson is supposed to be going to community college for something like welding. I'm still proud though, he's the first in our family to go to college.
The waiter comes around and takes everyone's order. I ordered my usual, a cheeseburger, a large fry, and a mint chocolate milkshake.
Waiting for our food, I hear the bell on the door ring. My head snaps to the door and I gasp to myself. It was Jughead. Instantly smile and surprisingly, he smiles back. I jump up and run over to him. We clash into a hug and spin around once.
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"Jughead!" I exclaimed.
"I didn't know you were coming back." He says. His voice was soft and sweet. He smelt of that cheap cologne he liked to wear when we would hang out. The smell took me back to those cold winter months.
We were interrupted by someone coughing. I let him go and look behind him and see Betty, Archie, and Veronica staring at us in shock.
"Guys!" I exclaimed! I pull Betty and Veronica into a hug.
I know they probably didn't liked me and were going to talk shit once I leave but I didn't care. I wanted to start my junior year off with a clean slate. No more bullshit or drama. This is the perfect opportunity for a new beginning.
"I didn't know you were back." Veronica says as I pull away from the hug.
"Yeah, I just got back today." I smiled.
"So you'll be starting school back at Riverdale High?" Betty asked. I could hear the anger in her voice as she spoke. I know she was probably jealous and upset. I didn't want to take Jughead from her, I just wanted to start over. Although, I did still have feelings for him, I'll stay out of their way.
"Yeah, I'm so excited to be back. I really missed this crappy little town." I giggled.
"That's amazing, we're glad you're back." Archie smiled back at me.
"We'll see you around, Hennessy." Jughead winked at me as he lead the group to their booth.
I turned my my heel and went back to my booth. I ignored my family's questions and just ate my food. This time, no body needs to know my business.
