Love is Forever [Jughead Jones] [2]

Silent Night, Deadly Night

Used to be, in ye olden days, every December, a lord of misrule presided over the winter holidays, called, back then, the Feast of Fools. So, Christmas was happening. Even though this year's lord of misrule was none other than the Black Hood.

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I held the door open for Dad and Archie while they brought the Christmas tree in for Pop. I saw Pop and said "What do you say Pop. Is it ok?" "The best tree yet. Thanks, Skylar. Thanks, Archie. Thanks, Fred." Dad then turned to Pop. "Thank you Pop, for letting us set up shop in front of the diner." I noticed Jug sitting in a booth so I ran over and tackled him in a hug. I heard Dad and Archie chuckle while Jug just kissed the side of my head.

I sat the side Jug was sitting while Archie sat the opposite. Jug asked the first question. "You guys gonna stay in town for break?" Archie decided to answer. "Yeah. We were gonna visit our mom, but she booked a single's cruise so..." "How are you and Veronica?" "We've been better." I hopped into the conversation. "If it's any consolation, Betty and Ty haven't been in the greatest place either."

Dad then talked from the door of Pop's."Jughead, you want a Christmas tree? You and your dad, on the house?" "It would have to be a small one, Mr. A." I spoke. "So, we'll see you at Kevin's Secret Santa thing Jug?" "Yeah, cause that sounds like a great idea." We all chuckled and Arch and I left the booth to help Dad.

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We were doing the Secret Santa thing and it was V's turn. My turn was over already and Betty got me and she gave me a Bluetooth microphone that connects to my phone so I can play music and connect the microphone and sing. "Veronica it's your turn." Kevin gave Veronica her present. Veronica looked at it. "Oh, a gift certificate for a couple's massage." She looked at Archie before looking at Josie and saying "Thanks, Josie." "You can go with Betty, Sky or your mom." Reggie then adds "Or I can go with your mom." Cheryl was fed up and said "Dear God, can we please get this torture over with?"

"Betty, you're next and mercifully last." Betty got her gift in her hands and looked at the wrapping skills of the present. "I think I know who picked my name based on these wrapping skills." She chuckled and so did Archie and U. She opened it up. "Archie." "My dad and I were cleaning out the garage and I found it." She showed it and Veronica said "Swiss Family Robinson?" Betty chuckled before answering. "Yeah, it's this old read-along record we used to listen to when we were, like 5. Oh, my God. I love it, Arch. Thank you." I went up and ran out of the room after because I need to practice.

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Earlier in the morning we got mine and Dad's hospital bill. It cost $196,000 dollars which means it was $86,000 each. I was practicing my singing just to keep distracted when their was a knock on the door. It was Jughead. He saw that I was upset straight away. "Hey. I saw you rush out of the lounge earlier along with Archie. What's wrong? Why are you upset?"

"Jughead Dad, Archie and I are selling Christmas trees just to keep our heads above water. Today in the post we got our hospital fee." He looked at me worried almost like he was sensing what I was about to say next. "Sky... How much?" "$196,000." He didn't say anything to me, he just came up and engulfed me in a hug and I sobbed into his chest while he tried calm me down.

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I was at the Wyrm wrapping gifts with the other Serpents and then Jug came in and was confused on what we were doing. "What is all of this?" I spoke up. "It's Serpent tradition. Every year, we give back to the Southside. Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, kids and old folks living alone." Fogarty spoke up after me. "The Hells Angels do it." He made a little joke as per usual. "I'm always down for charitable works. Hey, have you seen my dad?" I looked at him before pointing in the direction I saw FP.