𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 | 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐚

chapter twenty-four

✴︎°༄

"First your dad buys the drive-in, now he owns Sunnyside Trailer Park. As I suspected, he's gobbling up the Southside, piece by piece!" Jughead exclaimed.

"Wait, slow down. Mr. Lodge is the one evicting people from the trailer park?" Kiara gritted her teeth.

"No, technically, he cleared us of our debts and revoked the evictions," Jughead replied.

"Wait, does that mean we get to keep our trailers?" Sweet Pea smiled widely and wrapped his arm around Kiara.

"Yes, so why are you outraged, Jug?" Veronica frowned.

"Because it's a tactic! It's a smokescreen; PR-101! He's trying to buy my silence again!" Jughead all but screamed.

"Good Lord, Jughead, how much of a narcissist are you?" She scoffed

"Jughead, you wrote an article attacking Mr. Lodge and demanding that he makes amends," Archie stated. "It sounds like that's what he's trying to do."

He looked at Betty for support. "They do kind of have a point," The blonde shrugged.

"Look, Jug, I know you love conspiracies, but take the win, bro, and let's celebrate," Archie suggested.

"I have to agree with Jug, this is kinda sketchy," Kiara stepped in. "But, if it means all the Serpents can keep their trailers, then I think we should celebrate."

***

"Ew! It's my mom," Betty giggled. "Should I answer it?"

"No!" Everyone replied in unison.

"What if it's about Chic? Let me just..." She stood up and answered the call. "Hey, Mom, what's up?"

"By the way, when are we ever gonna get to meet Chic?" Veronica questioned.

"I actually did before we left," Jughead said.

"Honestly, he's kinda creepy."

"Guys..." Betty exclaimed.

"Everything okay?" Kiara asked.

"No, actually. My mom is freaking out because Hiram Lodge just bought the Riverdale Register. My mom is losing her mind. My dad isn't answering her calls!"

"Veronica, did you know your dad was buying the Register?" Kiara scoffed.

"What? No, of course not-" Veronica tried to explain. They argued and it got pretty intense.

"He's trying to silence the free press, Archie. He's trying to keep Mrs. Cooper from coming after him."
"I am so sick of your vendetta against my dad. He's done plenty of good things."

"Oh, like what? Name one thing."

The argument continued until a loud crash broke it up.

"Where did that come from?" Kiara gasped.

"Who else knows we're here?" Archie exclaimed.

"Why'd you say it like that?"

"Oh, my god," Kiara's eyes widened and she bolted behind Sweet Pea. She gripped his bicep as if she was holding on for dear life. Her breath quickened and she closed her eyes. A group of masked, weaponized, teens walked into the room.

"You rich summer folks never learn," One guy mocked. "You just keep walking around town, flashing more cash than we see in a year. We're gonna take what we want, and then we're gonna go. If you guys behave yourselves, nobody gets their skulls knocked in."

"Fine, take what you want," Archie said. "We won't give you any trouble."

Veronica led the guy up to her bedroom. They were up there for a minute until Kiara started breathing heavier and louder.

"Whoa, whoa, love," Sweet Pea exclaimed and turned to help her stand.

"Sweets- I- I'm freaking out- I- I'm- I'm sorry!" She gasped for air. "I- I- I can't breathe!"

"Look at me," he cooed and sat her on the couch behind them. She looked into his calm brown eyes. "You're gonna be okay. I promise I won't let anything happen to you-"

"I'm not worried about me," She whispered and lifted her hand to graze his cheek. "If anything does happen, just know that I love you more than anything."

"What the hell, get up," The guy had gotten back downstairs and pushed on Sweet Pea's shoulder. The two Serpents stood up and Kiara leaned on Sweet Pea.

"Why don't you all get down on your knees?" The guy smirked.

"Come on, man, let's not do this," One of the other guys said.

"Shut up! I said, on your knees. Hands behind your backs," The guy commanded again. "Except for you, ponytail," He smirked, pointing at Kiara. "You come on up here."

"Hell no, she's not going near you, you bastard," Sweet Pea hissed, gripping Kiara's hand tightly.

"Shut it," The criminal replied. Kiara slowly stood up and walked toward the man. "You are cute, little girl. But, I think you'd look much cuter without that uncomfortable outfit," He smiled. "Take it off."

"Wh-What?" She gasped.

"Take off your goddamn clothes or I will land this axe in your boyfriend's head," He shouted.

"You don't have to Kiara," Sweet Pea exclaimed. "Love, look at me, don't!" She turned and looked him dead in his worried eyes.

"I love you," She mouthed and began to unzip her hoodie. The phone suddenly went off and Kiara ran back to him.

"The hell is that?"

"That would be the security company calling to check on the silent alarm I hit in my bedroom. I'd say you hillbillies have about seconds to run for it before this place is swarming with guards who will shoot first and ask questions never."