Riverdale Poet

               Sweet Pea’s smirk caught my attention and I held his gaze, daring him to make fun of me. We had known each other our entire lives, but could never quite master the art of civil conversation. Sweet Pea ignored my weak attempt at intimidation all together and laughed, “That I would’ve paid to see.”  

               I flipped him the bird in retaliation, refusing to look at his smug face.

               Despite my urge to argue, I took a minute to think their offer over.  As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I barely got away from the Ghouls that night, and that was before they were after revenge. Truthfully, I had been worried about what might happen if they caught me. This morning was too close of a call. Having Sweet Pea there with me would be annoying and we’d probably fight a hundred times before morning, but for some reason it made me feel safer, so I reluctantly agreed to the Joneses plan.

               “Princess, you made the right choice.  We’re going to have a great time,” Sweet Pea murmured in my ear as he followed me to where his bike was parked.  I reached back to smack his shoulder, disgust evident on my face.

               “Disgusting pig,” I muttered stopping in front of his motorcycle.

               “Annoying hard ass,” he shot back straddling the seat and shoving his helmet in my direction.  “Your place or mine?” As much as I longed for the comfort of my bed, my instincts were screaming against it.

Sweet Pea huffed as I thought it over, shifting his balance from one leg to the other. He never did like to be kept waiting, and the cold did nothing to help his patience.  “Any day now, princess!”

I bit back the insult that was hiding just behind my teeth and answered him sheepishly, climbing on the bike behind him, “I think we better go with yours.  It’s possible that they might know where I live.”

Immediately, Sweets went rigid, turning his head to eye me suspiciously.  “Yeah, Jughead told me that. But I’m curious. How, pray tell, would they have figured that out?”

I hid my head behind his shoulder, hoping to miss the judging look that was sure to follow my explanation.  “Because I might have hooked up with Mordecai last summer at my house.”

“His brother? Do you have a death wish? You must.” Sweet Pea immediately got off the bike to face me with his eyes matching the fire in his voice.

“Hypocrite,” I fired back, standing chest to chest with him.  “You sleep with Ghoulies all the time! Nobody ever gives you shit for it!”

He reached for the lapels of my jacket and clutched them tightly.  “I don’t take them home, that’s a damn rookie mistake. And I sure as hell don’t break their brother’s arm. I just want to keep you safe, but you make it so unbelievably hard.”

A slight blush spread onto my cheeks.  Sweet Pea didn’t scare me. While most shrink under his steely glare and the intensity of his voice, I always fought back. I could handle his rage, but his sincerity caught me off guard. “Sorry you’re stuck with me tonight,” I mumbled, unable to think of anything else to say.

To my surprise, he chuckled softly releasing his hold on me.  “I volunteered, actually. Come on, we can keep arguing back at my place.  At least we’ll be warm.”

I staggered back behind him, stunned. The short ride to his trailer was silent as I mulled over why he would ever volunteer to spend an entire night with me.  I hadn’t noticed we had arrived until a large hand reached for my chin, lifting it slightly to meet my eyes. “What’s got you quiet? This might be the longest you’ve ever gone without saying anything.”

I ignored the insult altogether.  “Why?”

His crooked smile faltered slightly, and I could tell that he knew exactly what I was talking about. “Cause I didn’t trust anybody else to do it. Can we please go inside now?”

I laughed and nodded, accepting his answer… for now.  Sweet Pea’s trailer was not what I expected.  The living room was immaculate; no piles of laundry or discarded beer cans.  Instead, there were neatly folded blankets and a lemon scented air freshener.  A small smile grew on my face and he laughed at my reaction.  “Shocked that I know how to clean, princess?”

“Actually, yes, I am. Very.”

He shook his head, shrugging out of his jacket and reaching to take mine.  “Do you need anything? I know you didn’t really have much time to grab your stuff.”

My mind raced and I reached for my bag, rummaging through to see what I did manage to snag as I was rushed out of my room.  “You don’t have any sweat pants I could borrow, do you? I brought clothes for tomorrow and an extra t-shirt, just not pants.”

His grin made me nervous for what he was about to say next.  I backed away slowly as he matched my steps.  “Oh I don’t mind if you go pantless.  In fact, I encourage it.”

I snorted at his dirty comment and chucked a pillow at his head.  

He held his hands up in surrender, making his way back to the bedroom.  “Kidding, kidding.  I’ll grab you some. Make yourself comfortable.”

line break?

After a quick shower and changing into the clothes Sweet Pea found for me, I joined him back in the living room.  He was stretched out in the recliner, one arm slung over his head and scrolling through his phone.  “Feel better?” he asked as I plopped on the couch.

“Like a new woman. It’s been a long damn day.” I reached for the blanket on the back of the couch and snuggled into it.  

“So I heard.  Jughead said he just barely got there before the Ghouls showed up.  That must’ve been a hell of a wake-up call.”

“God, was it ever.”

“REESE? REESE! Get up!” Jughead yelled, yanking my bedroom door open and jolting me awake.  His eyes were frantic and he grabbed my bag to stuff random things from my drawers inside.  Quickly, I reached for my robe and scrambled from the safety of my bed to confront him.

“Jug, what’s going on?” My toe found the menacingly sharp edge of the bed frame and a slew of curse words came tumbling from my mouth stopping Jughead in his tracks.

“They’re coming! They’re pissed! We’ve got to get you out of here.”  My stomach dropped at the realization of the “they” he was referring to and I instantly joined him filling my bag and throwing on clothes before following him out to his truck. I knew exactly who was after me and why Jughead was so panicked.

Something had told me to stay away from the Quarry last night, but Toni stubbornly insisted.  The uneasy feeling only worsened as thirty minutes went by with no sign of my favorite pink-haired Serpent.  When the Ghoulies had started to pile in, I shot Toni a quick text and stood up to leave before any of them noticed that I was the only Serpent there.

Unfortunately, Malachi spotted me right as reached my car.  “Not so fast, darling.  Reese, isn’t it?”

I groaned, opening the door and trying to get inside, only to have Malachi reach out to stop me. “You know…Mordecai speaks of you all the time…in great detail.  Maybe, I’d like to see what he sees in you, baby snake.”

Before I could stop myself and before Malachi had the chance to grab me, I reached for the crowbar under my seat and swung it him.  I heard the crunch as soon as it made impact, but I didn’t stop to look.  I threw the car in drive and took off, making sure to call Jughead and tell him how royally I had just fucked up.  

“Why were you even out there? You knew they’ve pretty much taken it over,” Sweet Pea asked jarring me from my thoughts.  

“Oh…Toni wanted to hang out. Said she was feeling nostalgic, but she never showed.  Something must’ve come up.”

Sweet Pea’s jaw tightened. “Remind me to talk to her about that. Last night could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse, and she just left you there.”

The same unfamiliar nervousness from earlier tonight crept over me and I scrambled to speak. “No--no.  Please, Pea, she feels bad enough.  It was fine.  I’m fine!”

He shook his head, mumbling about the code and being distracted, but I was too busy trying to figure out why he cared.  “Come on, Reese, I’m beat.  Let’s go to sleep.”

“Where am I sleeping?” I asked, hopping up from the couch and returning the blanket neatly to its rightful place.  

“In my bed.” Sweet Pea tossed me a bottle of water and I caught it with a confused look on my face.

“Then where are you sleeping?” Clearly I had missed something.

“In my bed,” he answered with a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, clearly entertained by the rosy blush in my cheeks.

               My eyes widened, and I barely managed to muster up a strangled, “why?!”

               “Because I like my bed.” He coughed to cover up the chuckle that was building in his chest. “Look, if I sleep in the living room and you sleep in my room, I’d be worried someone would come through the bedroom window and I wouldn’t be able to get there in time.  If you sleep in the living room and I sleep in my bed, I’d be worried that someone would come in through the front door.  If we both sleep in the living room, we’d both be miserable, so what’s the point? That only leaves one logical solution…bed buddy.”

               I huffed dramatically, hating to admit that he had a point more than anything.  “You don’t sleep in the nude, do you?”

               He erupted into laughter and trudged over to sling his arm around my shoulders once he caught his breath.  “Only if you ask nicely.”

               Sweet Pea’s room was cozy and surprised me just as much as the living room and kitchen.  There were lamps and throw pillows and worn books on the nightstand. I sat my bag on the chair by the end of the bed and ran my hand up the bedspread.

               “You like it?” Sweet Pea asked, tugging his shirt over his head and turning the sheets down. “Fangs’ Abuela gave it to me for my birthday.  She really helped me fix up this place.”

               I smiled at the mention of that woman. Abuela was an angel to the lonely kids of the Southside- the orphans, the rejects, the rebels--she loved them just the same. She always knew the right things to say and do.  “I’m proud of you, Pea.  Really, it looks amazing in here.  I can barely keep up with laundry since my mom split.  I don’t know how you do it.”

               As he sat on the bed, he reached for my hand to pull me down beside him.  “I forgot she left, shit, I’m sorry.  Wait, who has Noah? Should we go get him?”

               I shook my head at his worried expression, leaning gratefully into the pillows behind me. “Abuela has him actually. Noah and Enzo are best friends.  Besides, Fangs is there too, so I know he’ll be safe.”

               “Still, I’m gonna call Fangs to check in later. It was hard enough when my folks left and I had to take care of myself.  I don’t know if I could’ve taken care of a kid too.”

               I thought of my kid brother--cherub faced and golden-haired--and my heart tugged.  He was my Achilles’ Heel and as hard as it was to keep him safe and happy and healthy, I wouldn’t change a thing.  “I love him, and I didn’t want him to feel like he was missing anything. I would do anything for him.”

               To my surprise, Sweet Pea’s arms reached out for me to pull me into his side.  “You’re a good sister, you punk.”

               I giggled against his chest and glanced up at him, curious about the sudden change in our chemistry.  “You’re a good housekeeper, apparently.  Are you hiring?”

               He jokingly shoved me away and we both sank deeper into the bed on our sides facing each other.  “You couldn’t afford me.”

               “Darn.”

               His face, still bright from laughter, went serious again and my stomach instinctively tightened.  “If you ever need help with the house or with Noah, please call.  I guess I didn’t realize how much you had on your plate.”

               I stiffened, uncomfortable accepting help of any form.  “I’m doing the best I can.”

               For the second time tonight, his hand snuck under my chin and I tried desperately to fight against his hold as he made me look at him.  “Hey…I know. All I’m saying is that you don’t have to do it alone.”

               I sat quietly for a moment as he slowly relaxed his grip on my chin. I thought back to the arguments and snide remarks we exchanged over the years.  I had known this man for as long as I could remember and dreaded being in the same room as him, but tonight something was different.  It was like I had never really known him at all.    “Why are you being so nice to me?

               The rough tips of his fingers brushed against the lines of my face before he answered and I held my breath in anticipation. “Maybe I’m starting to realize you aren’t the worst person to be stuck protecting.”

               The blush that was ever present tonight returned, but I scooted closer to him earning a smile in the process. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

               “I really should’ve known something was up when I didn’t hear FP drive through,” she started twisting her hand out of Sweet Pea’s grasp to face him completely. Ever since Jughead’s dad became sheriff, he made a point to do a sweep of Sunnyside like clockwork at exactly seven p.m.

               “I just thought maybe he got caught up with something on the Northside. It was the one night that week that I didn’t have to work, so I was trying to catch up on school work.  I couldn’t focus, so I took a study break. I went to the porch with my guitar, but when I opened the door, they were there.  Three of them stood in the doorway and one of them hit me,” she paused and took a breath, still feeling the ghost of the impact that bruised her cheek.

                Each knuckle of the enemy’s hand ingrained into her memory from the moment they made contact with her face, and the cool sting of his ring branded her like damaged goods.

                This was the most Sweet Pea heard her talk since Fangs found her that night, but her words sounded strangled and her breaths were labored.

               Callie tried to run, slamming the door and making a beeline for the window in her room. Right as she was wiggling free, a hand reached for her foot to sling her to the other side of the room, effectively breaking her ankle in the process.  The impact of her back bouncing against the wall knocked the wind out of her.

               Remembering vividly the breathless sensation, Callie clutched her abdomen willing her heart beats to slow. “They liked seeing me struggle for breath and the bigger guy started to kick me just to watch me panic.”

              Tears were streaming silently down Sweet Pea’s cheeks as he clenched his eyes shut. He knew by how quickly her words were starting to spill out that she was struggling to recount her attack.

               The callouses on Pea’s hands that were outstretched for her when she needed him comforted her.  She’d grown to expect the roughness and the scars when he held her.  The rough grip of Malachi’s fist was vastly different- greasy, menacing, and lacking any mercy.  The hands that clawed at her throat that night burned through her skin setting her on fire and she still couldn’t figure out just how to extinguish it.

               Malachi watched as Dimitri crossed the floor to drag Calloway up against the wall by her throat.  She thrashed against them- begging him to stop and insisting that she had nothing to offer, but her resistance only encouraged them. Malachi grew bored of her defiance and sunk the tip of his blade into the very arm that slapped desperately at Dimitri. His grin widened as she slumped forward- her body finally giving into the torture.  Fueled by her blood that trickled to the floor, he slashed an exposed area on her leg for good measure.

             Callie moved her trembling hands under her thighs to stop their frantic movements from betraying her composure.

              When Callie finally regained the strength to pry her eyes open, she found Malachi hovering over her. He had her trapped under his weight.  Callie had to find something to focus on to keep from screaming out knowing that would get her killed. Musty cologne hanging heavy in the air violated her senses just as Malachi violated her, body and soul.  

               The abrasive smell of each Ghoulie joined together had her fighting back the urge to gag as she continued with her story.

               Sweet Pea sat up, resting one arm on his knees and bringing the other to cup her face.  “You don’t have to say it, angel.”

               Callie grabbed his hand, holding it steady to her face to remind herself that she was safe.  “I could tell the other one was in front of the trailer, probably keeping watch, when I heard him playing my guitar like nothing and it just another day. I listened to him strumming MY guitar while they- they….How could they do that, Pea?” Callie’s shaky voice broke into a fit of hiccups. The courage she mustered up for the sake of this very conversation was wavering.

               “How could they hurt me and do something so vile yet be so calm about it?  They ruined me! They ruined my life, and just went on with their day like nothing had changed once they were done with me. They ruined me, Pea, what do I do now?” She fell into Pea’s open arms feeling as vulnerable and as terrified as she was that night.  

               The sound of the strings of her battered guitar always made her feel calm; but hearing the Ghoulie bend the strings to his will just as they bent her until she broke exploited the one thing she could count on.

               Sweet Pea’s world was shattered.  His biggest fear about what happened to her was confirmed and he felt lost.  Afraid to speak and reveal the tremor in his voice, he merely rocked her as she cried into his chest.  

               She cried until her voice was thick and her throat was raw.  She was tired of feeling broken and tired of the pain she was left to deal with.

               “Can I have some water, Pea?” she asked timidly.

               With a kiss to her head, he untangled himself from her.  He closed the door gently and turned around to see Fred and Archie Andrews.

                The older man was taken aback by the red-faced appearance of the teenage Serpent and instantly led him to the kitchen.

                “Hey, kid, what’s wrong?” Archie’s presence made him nervous, but he needed someone to talk to.

               “It’s- it’s just a lot worse that I thought, Mr. Andrews.  She just told me everything and now I know there’s no way I’ll ever be able to fix this. If I had just been there- I shouldn’t have ever left her alone.  God, why am I such a fuck-up,” he ranted, tugging at the ends of his hair as he shakily ran his hands through it..

               Fred clutched the edge of the granite and shook his head- sad for what had become of his old pal’s daughter. Archie, whose fists were clenched tightly, spoke up, “Man, you can’t let yourself go down that road, trust me.  There’s no way to change what happened in the past, you’ve just got to help her move forward.”

               Reaching for the water, Sweet Pea politely declined his suggestion, “I’ve gotta get back in there. Thank you again.”

               Sweet Pea and Callie didn’t speak much for the rest of the night.  Both of them were fine with simply holding on to one another and listening to the white noise from the television.  Callie admittedly felt better now that her she had gotten everything out in the open, and that her worst nightmare existed outside of her nightmares.  

               Telling her childhood best friend of the horror that she endured made her feel more secure than she had in a while.

               Sweet Pea, however, was boiling with rage.  He focused his attention to Calloway while she needed him, but once he was sure that she was asleep he ducked off to the corner of the room and grabbed his phone to dial Jughead’s number.

               “Hey, Jones.  You’ve got an ax to grind with Malachi, right? Good…so do I.”

               A quick rap against the frame of the door alerted Sweet Pea to Archie’s presence.  Archie glanced back quickly to make sure he didn’t wake up Callie and went to where Pea was eyeing him cautiously.  “If you’re planning revenge for what the Ghoulies did to your friend, you can count me in.”

               Fangs scoffed in reply, “If you’re trying to shut me up….it’s working.  Hey, can I get a scotch please?”  They stayed at the bar until Toni text them that it was time to go. Once Toni caught his eye when they arrived, he knew that she knew.  “Fix it,” she mouthed at him before turning her attention back to her girlfriend and her big moment.

                 Sweet Pea barely noticed when FP announced Jughead as their new leader or when Cheryl got her cherry-red jacket.  He tried his best to stay in the moment, but his mind was about ten miles away.  “Wanna grab another drink before we go? We’ve got our bikes back.” Fangs elbowed him in the ribs bringing him back to reality.

                 With a slight jerk of his head towards the lot where he hadn’t realized his bike was, he nodded.  “You go ahead man, I think I’m done for the day.”  Fangs ran off to where Cheryl was tapping the keg as Sweet Pea mounted his bike.  As it roared to life beneath him, he made a mental note to thank whoever was responsible for retrieving their motorcycles.

                 He thought seriously about taking the long way back to the Andrews’ home but quickly decided against.  Whatever damage he had done wasn’t going to fix itself. With his morning buzz wearing off, he was feeling the regret that had been creeping up on him all day.  Mr. Andrews met him on the porch with crossed arms and a stern look that didn’t quite match the kindness still shining in his eyes. “I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but she has convinced herself that it’s entirely her fault. Now I’m not an expert, but considering that guilty look on your face I’d bet that you could share a good chunk of the blame right along with her.”

                 Sweet Pea’s stomach churned at the idea of her, still in pain, shouldering a burden that he left her with.  “Mr. Andrews, I didn’t-”

                 A firm hand clapped his shoulder and stopped him mid-sentence.  “It’s not my business, but I hate to see anyone beat themselves up like that. Does she always do that?”

                 The teen smiled wistfully, “Yes sir, she’s got a knack for it.”

                 “I figured as much…Just go make it right with her. The two of you are good together.” Sweet Pea nodded and Fred ushered him through the door.  “I’m gonna go upstairs for a while.  Holler if you need anything.”

                 He hesitated in front of the door, afraid to face what he hurt on the other side.  Calloway had been asleep since Toni came in to make her take her medicine. She felt horrible for what she said to Pea and was convinced him leaving was a sure sign that history would repeat itself, so when Mr. Andrews suggested she needed to manage her pain, she went ballistic.  Toni was patient but firm and finally persuaded her into believing that sleep would be better than sitting there waiting for the ball to drop.  When the drowsiness became too much, she shrugged off her jacket and slid under the covers.

                 Sweet pea’s eyes landed on her sleeping form right as she flipped to her other side.  Her sudden movement caused the bottom edge of her shirt to ride up revealing the shocking blues and purples that painted her abdomen.  He knew the general severity of her injuries, but he hadn’t seen the bruises hidden under her shirt and couldn’t imagine they would have ever been this bad.  The Ghoulies couldn’t have been just out to hurt someone that night, they clearly wanted to send a message and he wasn’t there to stop them.  Before the shame burst from beneath the surface, he turned on his heel out the front door and to the side of the house.

                 Shaky hands dug quickly in his pockets to pull out a crushed pack of Marlboro Red’s and a beat-up lighter as he leaned against the firm frame of the home. When the first drag filled his lungs, he let out a ragged breath.  His mind wandered instantly to why he fought her so hard on that damn guitar, but it didn’t make him feel any better.

                “Callie, I can’t do it,” Sweet Pea giggled at her flustered face.  She was trying so hard to get him ready for the middle school’s talent show, but it was no use.

                 “Of course you can, Pea, you just have to really focus on where you put your fingers.  You’re just playing around.”

                 Sweet Pea shot her a pointed look, shoving the guitar in her hands.  “I can focus all day, Callie, my fingers are too clumsy.” She sighed in response making him laugh again.  “You know I’m right. Play something for me.”

                 A faint blush crept onto her face.  She still wasn’t used to playing for anyone other than the trailer park cat that roamed the lots at night. “Like what?”

                 Sweet Pea didn’t care what she sang for him. As soon as the melody started, he knew he would be hooked.  She would have his complete attention and adoration with every note until the very end. That’s one thing that never changed.

                 He hadn’t realized he was crying until Betty and Jughead walked up looking concerned.  He swiped furiously at his eyes and stubbed his cigarette out on the hell of his boot.  “What the hell? Are you sick or something?” Jughead scoffed.

 Betty sent a sharp elbow into his side making him backtrack.  She reached out for Pea’s arm to keep him from bolting away.  “Is something wrong with Calloway?”

 He shook his head trying to keep his composure but just the mention of her name had tears spilling onto his cheeks against his will. “I can’t seem to figure out how to fix this. I just want to take it away for her. This never should’ve happened.”

 “Pea…”  Betty murmured, motioning for Jug to back her up. “She just needs time.  You are exactly what she needs right now.  Jug says he’s known about Callie as long as he can remember and he has never seen her open up to anyone like she does you. All you have to do is be there.”

 Jughead stepped forward looking Sweet Pea square in his eyes.  “I remember before you joined up when Callie’s mom and my dad used to drink together nearly every night.  Around the same time, they’d head out, I always saw you walk three trailers down to her. You never let her sit there alone.” Jughead looked at Betty out of the corner of his eye and she nodded in approval.  They had discussed the idea of bringing this up to Sweet Pea but wanted to wait for the right time.  “I want you to know that Callie has our full protection.  I’ve already given the orders.  I don’t want you thinking you have to keep her safe all on your own.  Focus on her, man, we won’t let anyone touch her ever again, I promise you that.”

                 “I- I really appreciate that, Jones,” Sweet Pea reached for his hand to shake it.  Jughead and Sweet Pea didn’t always see eye to eye.  They had a rough start and Sweet Pea constantly challenged his decisions, but in this moment they both felt like brothers fighting the same battle for the same side.

                 Betty stepped back towards her boyfriend once Sweet Pea regained his composure and smiled at him before saying, “You know, Jug and I could sit with her for a while if you need a breather.  We don’t mind.”

                 Sweet Pea shook his head and looked back towards the front door.  “Thank you, but I really don’t want to be away from her any longer than I have to.”

  The couple nodded as Jughead waved.  “If you need anything, Pea, just call.  We’ll do whatever we can to help.”

 With that Sweet Pea said his goodbyes and rounded the corner of the Andrews’ home hauling himself up the front steps. This time when he opened the door to the guest room, he found Calloway awake.  When her eyes landed on his face, they welled up with tears. He hesitated at the door resisting the urge to go to her still struggling with the fact that he was the one to make her feel this way.

                 Bare legs dangled from the edge of the bed moving to stand, but Pea was quick to stop her.  “Hey, you,” he murmured reaching for her hand.  A timid gasp escaped her mouth as the bed sank under his weight.  “I’m sorry, angel.”

                 Callie took watery breaths trying to keep herself from falling apart.  “I didn’t mean it… Sweet Pea, I swear I’ve missed you so much.  I was just upset and scared and I…” Her rambling turned quickly into sobs and had Sweet Pea pulling her to him.  He tucked her head securely under his chin taking a deep breath of his own.

                “Callie, it’s okay.  You were right.” He stroked her hair thinking back to the bruises littered across her abdomen.  “Baby, you know you can talk to me about anything, right? I know what happened to you was awful and I don’t want you struggling with that on your own.”

                 Callie wrapped her arms around Pea pulling herself as close to him as she could.  Taken aback by the sobs that wracked through her body, he let a few tears of his own spill over and pulled back slightly to look into her eyes as she spoke, “I don’t want you to think less of me, Pea, it’s…it’s just too much.”

                 She shrunk at the sight of his red face and puffy eyes and the brokenness in his voice that peaked through for the first time since his mother left.  “I could never think less of you. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. I just want to know how I can fix this for you, Callie! I wasn’t there to stop it. I should’ve been there, I’m so sorry.  I’m sorry, Callie this is my fault,” he cried, shaking with every breath. Callie lifted her hands to either side of his face wiping away the tears and holding him steady like he had done so many times for her.  Her eyes swept over the pain evident in his tear-stained face.

               He begrudgingly agreed but made a mental note to make sure she ate something before the day was through.  He locked the truck and ran to the counter.  In about five minutes he had his bag of food and was back on the road to the Wyrm.  When they saw the vacant lot, Callie visibly relaxed.  “They’re rounding up traitors and looting the trailer park.  Toni’s trying to get as much as she can out of your trailer for you. They shouldn’t be back until later,” Sweet Pea answered her silent question as he helped her out of the cab of the truck.

               “Is that safe? What if the Ghoulies show up?”

               “They’ve got weapons and none of them are alone.  They can take ‘em.”  Sweet Pea flinched as soon as he realized what that sounded like and saw the look on Callie’s face.  “Wait… I didn’t-”

               “I know.  It’s fine.”  Her forehead creased and he reached out to stop her from turning away.

               She tried to wiggle from the hold he had on her, but it was no use.  “No, it’s not.  What happened to you didn’t happen because you couldn’t hold your own.  They attacked you, Callie, that’s not your fault.”  He tried to hold her gaze, but she averted her eyes, shrinking under his intensity.

               “I know…” she mumbled hoping to placate him and escape to the upstairs room.  He didn’t believe her one bit but saw the way she swayed on her feet.  Maybe she wasn’t lying about wanting to sleep.  He carried her up the steps to lay her on the bed.  Immediately, she kicked off her shoe and slid happily under the covers.  He chuckled at the smile that tugged on her lips when he reached for the remote and turned the fan on high.  “You’re staying again, right?”

               “You still want me to?”

               “I do,” she answered snuggling into her pillow.

               “Then I’ll be right here.”  He kicked his own boots off and plopped down beside her.  “Only I do have one condition…”

               One of her eyebrows quirked up in surprise and she waited for him to elaborate on his terms.  “You’re gonna have to eat at least twice a day so you can take your medicine.  I know what you’re doing Callie, but you’re not your mother.  You need those pills so your body can heal. That doesn’t make you a junkie.”

               She deliberated for a moment before slowly nodding in agreement to his compromise.  “Good, then I’m all yours, Camden.  You still like the Golden Girls don’t you?”

               For the next half hour, they giggled together at her favorite show and split Pea’s French fries before the medicine numbed her pain allowing her to drift back into the comfort of sleep.  After making sure she was out cold, Sweet Pea joined her, not realizing how tired he still was.  However, a piercing scream yanked him from his sleep.  “NO,” Callie screamed out.

               Instantly Pea shook her awake.  She sat up too quickly, frantic from the memories that harassed her dreams and yelped in pain.  The nightmares, the burning in her chest, the fear that lingered was too much for her.  She clutched a pillow to her and melted into it, sobbing.  Sweet Pea’s gentle hands pried the pillow from her grasp to pull him to her.  She flinched at his touch, and he had to remind himself of the patience Dr. Ellis told him to exercise.

               Carefully, he reached out his hand to stroke her hair and she finally relaxed under his hand.  “Talk to me,” he begged her.  “I can’t fix it if I don’t know what happened.”

               “That’s just it, Pea, you can’t fix it.  No one can fix it.  They took everything.  They just took it,” she cried miserably.  More than anything he wished he could make this easier for her.

                   Just when her breathing began to slow, the door burst open and Fangs came strolling in.  With the lights off, all Callie could see was a shadow and she screamed instantly.  Fangs jumped in surprise while Pea calmed her hysterics. “No, no! I know, but it wasn’t them.  It’s just Fangs.  Remember how he brought here?  It’s okay, baby, come here!”

                  Fangs was frozen in the doorframe.  He flicked on the light and Callie squeaked when she realized he wasn’t a threat. She shook still, taking steadying breaths and feeling embarrassed for her outburst.  “Fangs, I’m sorry.”

                 He shook his head and waved his hand before grabbing the chair by the bed and propping his feet up.  Callie still clung to Pea who was still whispering comforting words in her ear.  “No worries, Calloway. I’m just glad to see you conscious.”

              She smiled in response.  Relieved that Callie had calmed down and noticing a pattern of her being easily frightened, Sweet Pea turned towards Fangs swinging his legs off the edge of the bed.  “Have you heard anything about how it’s going or how Jug’s doing?”

            “They were able to get a good deal out with no complications.  Jughead woke up this morning and should get sprung sometime today, but that’s not why I’m here,” Fangs leaned forward piquing Pea’s interest.  “Did you hear about Cooper?”

            “Betty?” he questioned.  That’s just what they needed- another damn injured Serpent- adjacent or not.

           “No, Hal Cooper, Betty’s dad.  He’s the freaking Black Hood,” he whispered trying not to disturb Callie who had gone back to sleep.  Sweet Pea jumped up from the bed motioning towards the door.

           Once they were down the hall a good ways, he replied, “What the hell? Riverdale Register’s Hal Cooper? Mr. Northside himself? There’s no way.”

          Fangs was just as surprised by the news as he was and shook his head in disbelief.  “I know, man. But it’s true.  He’s sitting his creepy murdering ass in jail as we speak.”

         It was hard-fought, but Sweet Pea finally tolerated Betty after a lifetime of despising her and her family, or rather what he thought they had that he didn’t.  His mother abandoned him and his father was a sack of alcoholic shit, but having a serial killer as a father took the cake.  Despite himself, he actually felt bad for the girl with the ponytail.  “Poor Betty…”

          Toni walked up with a few bags over her shoulder and slung them on the ground at his feet.  “Yeah, I know.  That sucks about her dad.”  Sweet Pea reached for the guitar case she was just about to throw down carelessly.

        “Easy there, Topaz,” he warned. “Damn, you got a lot of her stuff.”

         She looked offended by the surprise in his tone.  “Duh! This was a one and done.  No way we’ll be able to get in again.”

       “Well, it means a lot to me.  I really appreciate you doing that for her.  I would’ve gone myself, but-,” he started only to be interrupted by her rolling her eyes with an amused expression on her face.

       “I knew we wouldn’t be able to pry you away if we tried. Seriously, don’t sweat it.  How’s she doing?”  Sweet Pea rubbed the back of his neck.

       “I don’t know.  I mean, Ellis says she’ll be okay, but as far as what’s going on in her head…I really can’t say.  I’m hoping this will help.”  He tapped the top of the guitar case for emphasis.

               Fangs and Toni shared a knowing look before Fangs spoke up.  “Yeah, every time I drove by her trailer she was sitting on the porch with that guitar on her hands.”

               Toni agreed remembering the first time she caught Pea staring at Calloway from across the lot.  “It’s just gonna take time, Pea.  Just listen. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Suddenly, the door swung open and Cheryl Blossom came blazing in.  “Where’s TT?” She bounded up the stairs breathless and reaching for her girlfriend.  “They’re coming!  Hiram, Minetta, the whole Godfather-esque clan.  They’re raiding the Wyrm.  We need to get you- all of you- out of here now!”

Sweet Pea and Fangs wasted no time shouting orders at the Serpents below.  “Grab what you can! No bikes, we can’t be heard or seen!”

“SHIT!” Sweet Pea’s mind went to the girl sleeping down the hall.  “How are we supposed to move Callie?  Her crutches are as loud as hell.”

“I can help with that,” a voice called from the door.  Fred Andrews with his keys in hand was standing behind Archie and Jughead looking vastly out of place. The crowd went silent. “I can take her in my truck along with some of the heavier stuff you might want to bring.  You are all welcome at my home, but we have to move now.”

Sweet Pea contemplated for a split second before nodding curtly and rushing to grab Callie.  With his approval, the Serpents went back to gathering the few belongings they had left.  Fangs helped Pea load the truck, hiding the loot by securing a tarp around the bed.  With a kiss to Callie’s forehead, Sweet Pea closed the door jarring her awake.  Her eyes widened at the sight of Fred beside her, but Sweet Pea was quick to react.  “Look at me! It’s not safe here anymore. Mr. Andrews is going to drive you to his house, and we’ll all meet you there a little while later.”

“No, Pea, don’t.  I want to-,” she argued reaching for the handle, determined to stick to his side.

He stroked her hair through the window leaning into the frame of the truck to block the door from opening. “You still trust me?” Hesitantly, she nodded.  “I promise I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He turned his stare to the man in the driver’s seat. “Mr. Andrews?” He didn’t know much of anything about Archie’s dad, but he trusted Jughead and didn’t see any other option.

“I’ll take care of her, son, don’t worry.  You be safe yourself.  Stay out of sight,” Fred answered acknowledging the obvious worry that was clear as day on Sweet Pea’s face.

“Thank you, sir.” With one last look at Callie, he retreated into the bar to get the Serpents ready for escape.

Callie eyed Fred suspiciously and saw the questions that he was biting back.  After pulling onto the highway steering towards the Northside of town, he finally asked. “Who did that to you?”

“Ghoulies,” she mumbled, clutching her bag tightly.  He merely hummed in response.  Fred Andrews was not blind to the troubles of the Southside.  He knew what they were up against, but he never thought it would leave someone in the shape this girl was in.

They rode in silence until the flashing of red and blue lights rushed past them bound for the very place they just left.  Panic ripped through Callie as she whipped around to watch each car speed towards the Southside and towards Sweet Pea.

“Hey now, they’ll be okay,” Fred murmured reaching to pat her shoulder.  She jumped at the contact and he quickly retracted his hand.  “My boy and Jughead will make sure they know where to go.”

“Archie?” she croaked out, surprised at the strain in her voice.

“Yeah,” he answered.  “You’re Cliff Camden’s kid, aren’t you?”

Calloway flinched at the association and Fred shot her a sympathetic smile.  “I’m sorry, kid.  I sure hate what he did to you and your mom.  I really hate that Leah did the same thing to you- leaving a fifteen- year old like that.  I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.”

“You knew my mom?” Callie questioned, shocked.  The last time she heard anyone say her mother’s name, it was when FP came looking for his favorite drinking buddy after he hadn’t seen her in a month nearly two years ago.  It stung just the same way it did back then.

“Psh, knew her? I was a groomsman in the Camden’s wedding,” he chuckled.  Callie blinked a few times putting a few pieces together from stories her mom told her.

“You were in a band with my father, weren’t you?” she gasped realizing why he looked so familiar in the first place.

“Oh no, she told you about The Fred Heads?” he laughed, turning onto Elm Street.

“Only when I started playing his guitar.”

“So you play, huh?” Callie avoided his eyes, staring instead at a small crack in the windshield.

“I used to.”  By the tremor in Callie’s voice, Fred knew to let it go.  Soon enough they were pulling into his driveway.  He made his way around the truck to help Callie into the house.  Once they crossed the threshold, he started fussing around the house arranging pallets and blowing up air mattresses.  “I’m thinking you and Fangs are the only ones seriously injured-aside from Jughead, but he’ll be staying with Betty- so I’m gonna have the two of you in the downstairs room. It’s got two beds.  You’re gonna want Sweet Pea with you, right?”  She nodded.  “Yeah, that’s what I thought.  Archie can bunk with me to leave his room open, there are a few couches in the music room out back, and the rest can fill up the couches and air mattresses in here.  I just wish I could do more…”

“Mr. Andrews,” Callie started, moving to sit at the barstool to relieve the pressure in her leg.  “This is more than anyone else would do.  Thank you.”

He smiled at her but insisted on calling in pizzas for when the rest arrived.  Once he hung up the phone, he collapsed against the counter.  They sat comfortably for a few moments worrying about the people forced to race towards the Northside like refugees in their own town.  “Callie, I’m sorry this happened to you.  Riverdale never should’ve let the Ghoulies gain so much control over our town.  You didn’t deserve this. I just wish I could do something about it.”

Callie fidgeted with a loose thread in the upholstery before replying, “Thank you, Mr. Andrews. If you ever run for mayor, you’ve got my vote.”  Fred chuckled in reply.

“Callie?” Sweet Pea’s voice called from the front door, her eyes snapped up and met Fred’s and they both smiled in relief.  Fred helped Callie to her feet as Sweet Pea walked in the kitchen, sweaty and still revved up from the adrenaline of fleeing the Southside. Pea wrapped her up in his arms, dropping his duffle at his feet.

Fred cleared his throat, gruffly and went to tend to the others that were piling in.  “I’ll be in there if y’all need anything.  Hey, Jughead, do not grab an entire box of pizza for yourself!”

“Are you okay?” Callie asked looking him over for any sign of trouble.  Sweet Pea grabbed her hands successfully stopping her and laughed lightly.

“What are you worried about? Of course I’m okay.” He rolled his eyes slightly, making Callie scoff. He pulled her towards the living room.

“Mr. Andrews has me, you, and Fangs in the downstairs guest room.  I think I’m gonna go to sleep. He made me take more medicine and it’s kicking in. I’m glad you’re safe.” He nodded as she went to bed and made sure to shake Fred’s hand before turning in himself.

The next morning, Callie woke up to Fangs and Sweet Pea chattering excitedly over stacks of pancakes.  “Can you believe they got Cheryl’s jacket ready that fast?”

“Dude, I’m not surprised.  Rusty’s excited to have another redhead in the Serpents. Cheryl’s her new favorite.  Hell, Cheryl’s my new favorite after last night.  She really saved our asses.” They carried on like that for a while before Callie realized that sleeping in would not be an option.

She rolled to her side, clutching the comforter and letting her eyes adjust to the sunlight.  “Good morning,” Fangs sang animatedly making her giggle despite her hatred for anything before noon.  “Want some breakfast?”

He ran off to grab her a plate, giving Sweet Pea the opportunity to show her what Toni was able to salvage for her from her trailer.  She gasped at the sight of her favorite clothes, some pictures, and her mother’s necklace, but she was not prepared for Sweet Pea to bring out her guitar with a wide smile plastered on his face.  “She got Cliff’s guitar?” Her breath caught in her throat and she bit her lip to maintain her composure.

His smile faltered slightly.  “No, she got YOUR guitar.”

“Tell her thank you, but I don’t play anymore.  Just- just give it away.”  She reached for her bag and tried to make her way to the bathroom, but he stopped her. What Callie couldn’t tell him was that looking at that guitar made her mind race back to being attacked in her own home.  Just the sight of the battered instrument that once gave her a voice only made her sick, and she couldn’t bear to touch it.

“What? I’m not going to give it away.  This guitar means so much to you. I know that if you played it, you would feel better. Callie, just try it,” he pleaded shoving the guitar towards her.

“Why does it matter? Why can’t you just leave it alone? I don’t want that thing anywhere near me, Pea, please,” she sputtered out backing away from him.

His shoulders visibly stiffened as he matched her steps.  “Why does it matter?! Callie, I just want you to get back to yourself again.

“You have no idea who I am anymore, Sweet Pea.”

“Are you kidding? I know exactly who you are Calloway- better than anyone.”  He was struggling to keep his voice level with each passing minute.

Callie stood her ground letting the pain of the last two years finally show.  “Really? Were you there when I started working two jobs because mom left and I was alone? What about when I got mugged walking home from a nightshift at Pops? They got five hundred dollars off me that night. Where were you? Oh, I’m failing at Riverdale.  I can’t catch up to their standards and keep the lights on. Did you know that? You were out making a name for yourself around here, and good for you. But don’t you dare pretend that nothing has changed since you left me on my porch.  You don’t have a clue who I’ve had to become since that night, Pea, there’s no way you can.  You. weren’t. fucking. there!”

With fire in his eyes and his jaw clenched tightly, he reached for the doorknob to yank it open.  “You know what? I’m gonna go do something I do know about.”  He slammed the door catching Fred’s attention as he left with a very confused Fangs in tow to grab drinks before Cheryl’s jacket ceremony.

                 FP motioned for him to go. He wrangled his shirt haphazardly over his head, taking the steps two at a time.  He heard the screams from the other side of the door along with the gentle shushing from Toni.  “PLEASE! Just let me go!”

                 He raced in, grabbing her thrashing arms and holding them firmly over her head.  “Callie, come on…” Toni was at a loss.  “Pea, she just woke up like this.  If she doesn’t calm down, she’ll pop those stitches.”

                Calloway fought against his hold desperately, eyes wild and nostrils flared. “Look at me, Callie,” he pleaded as Toni tried to still her legs kicking under him. He grunted with effort surprised at the fight left in her despite her injuries.

                 “No!” she cried out.  “I don’t want this.  I didn’t ask for this!”  Sweet Pea and Toni exchanged a grim look.  They recalled Dr. Ellis’ suspicions- terrified that he might have been right.  Sweet Pea knew that what Toni said was true.  If Callie didn’t snap out of this and quick, she’d be in worse shape than she started out in.

                “Calloway Camden, look at me right now!” he raised his voice using a little more force to restrain her arms. Slowly, she stopped her frantic movements.  Her eyes finally stilled on his face.  “Pea,” she choked out.  Sweet Pea released his grip on her arms, moving his palms to the bed on either side of her face.

                 “I’m right here.”  Nothing could have prepared him for the leap in his chest when her breaths started to hitch.  He scrambled to hold her, pulling her securely into his side and rubbing soothing circles on her arm.  Toni remained stock still at the foot of the bed, watching the scene with awe.  She couldn’t remember ever seeing Sweet Pea this compassionate.

                 “They hurt me, Sweet Pea.  They hurt me, and I thought they’d never stop,” she sobbed breaking his heart in the process.  He gently brushed his aching knuckles along the soft lines of her cheek.

                 “I know, angel.  I’m so sorry.  You’re safe now.  You’re here with me,” he murmured.  Her hands gripped his forearms as if at any moment he’d be gone again.  Callie flinched when Toni reached out a hand to pat her leg.  “Hey, it’s just Toni.  Do you trust me?” She nodded weakly.  “Good. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you again, Callie, I swear.”

                 Her gaze shifted to Toni and her eyes widened with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“.

                 Toni held up her hand in reply and smiled. “Don’t sweat it.  I’m gonna go, though.  See you guys tomorrow.  Callie smiled at her and Sweet Pea followed suit.  The girl still wrapped in his arms was sinking deeper into the warmth of his chest.  He dragged his hands lazily up the length of her arm until she was almost out.  “I’ve missed you,” she mumbled falling back to sleep.

                 Sweet Pea smiled pressing his chin softly into her the crown of her head. “I’ve missed you too.”  The sweet smell of her shampoo took him back to the first time they met a little over ten years ago.

                Southside Elementary sucked. Sweet Pea hated the lunches, the library, and most importantly, the older boys that pushed him around at recess. His dad told him to suck it up and use his fists if he needed to but they never gave him a fighting chance. He learned that if he hid, they would find someone else to tease and he would be in the clear.

                 As soon as Mrs. Singer’s second-grade class made it outside, he made a dash for the safety of the blue slide.  He crouched down at the mouth of the slide and snuck further behind it walking backward until he bumped into something. “OW!” a small voice called out.

                 He whirled around ears burning bright red to see who had called out.  A tiny girl about his age with blonde hair and bright blue eyes stared back at him with a timid expression mirrored on her face.  “I- I’m sorry.  I was just-“

                “Hiding from the big kids, yeah, I know. You’re Sweet Pea, right?  I’m Calloway, but you can call me Callie.” she finished for him, wiping her nose on the sleeve of her dress.  Her arms reached to yank him against the curve as some other kids ran by.  He shuffled to her, clutching her arm in fear.

                 “Do they pick on you too?” he asked after the coast was clear.  After looking at her, he realized she was in his class.  She sat in the back and didn’t talk to anyone, but always doodled on her papers.

                 “No, but I saw them with you yesterday.  They shouldn’t be so mean.” The crinkle in her forehead made him giggle. It was the same look his mom made when she was mad.  Right as he opened his mouth to thank her, he saw the older boys approach them.

                 “Well if it isn’t Sweetie Pie…” they taunted. Sweet Pea cowered against the slide.

                 “His name is Sweet Pea,” Callie answered for him, rising to her feet.  Sweet Pea tried with all his might to keep her from going toe to toe with them. When he realized there was no stopping her, his hands gripped her shoulders, hiding behind her.

                 “Who asked you?  You letting little girls fight for you,” the oldest boy hissed out.

                 “I’m not all that littler than you.  My mommy told me if someone is being mean to stop them. His name is Sweet Pea and you need to leave him alone.”  Sweet Pea could not believe that she was standing up for him.

                 The group of boys tried to worm their way around her to get to Pea, but she wasn’t having any of it.  When one of them shoved her, she brought a sharp knee to his stomach sending him to the ground.  The others scampered off looking back at her with wide eyes.  Sweet Pea giggled at the sight of them running away looking as frightened as he did just yesterday.  There, with his face hidden safely in her hair, he knew that the quiet girl who went out of her comfort zone to defend him would be his best friend.

                 When she stirred slightly in her sleep, he adjusted his position to make himself comfortable. In that moment with the smell of strawberries soothing him the same way it did when he was seven, he followed her lead slipping right off to sleep.  

                 The morning came far too early for Callie. The sun streaming through the curtains woke her, and she moved to stretch like she always did before remembering what that would feel like to her battered body.  She felt fingers twirling the ends of her hair and jumped slightly. “Shhh, it’s just me,” Sweet Pea’s sleepy voice whispered in her ear.  She instantly relaxed back into the bed before turning to face him.

                 “You didn’t have to sleep on top of the covers, I’m sorry.” She lifted a fist to rub her eye, but Pea reached out to stop her before it connected with the bruises that painted her skin.  The light of day did nothing to fade the violent blues and reds that covered her and the very sight of them made Sweet Pea want to hit something again.

                 “Don’t be, you know I’m hot-natured. Hey princess, we gotta take you to Dr. Ellis today.  You up for it?” Her face scrunched up at him before she remembered her ankle.  The doctor had it bound up tightly to keep it in place, but the compression wasn’t doing much to lighten the throbbing.

                 “Yeah, can we get it over with?” He nodded, moving to get up from the bed. She rolled gently to her side finding the right way to stand without causing too much pain.

                 His hands helped her to her feet and she offered a simple smile in return.  “Whatever you want.  I’ve got your bag right here.  If you want to get ready in the bathroom, I can wait right here.  Just please yell if you need me.”  Callie thanked him shyly. As she limped her way to the bathroom, she could feel Sweet Pea’s worried eyes following her every move. From what she remembered of his protectiveness, he hadn't changed one bit.

                 After she was ready, Pea took his turn before he came out in his usual jeans and flannel.  He reached his hand out to lift her from where she sunk back into the bed. He went to lift her up in his arms and chuckled when she protested.  “Callie, how do you think I got you up here?  You really want to try going down the stairs on your own?”

                 Callie sighed giving into his hold on her and letting go of her argument.  “Okay, okay. Let’s just go.”  As they reached the bottom step, Callie looked at all the Serpents sleeping soundly on the cots cramped together.  She looked pointedly at Fangs and Toni, tears welling up in her eyes.  Sweet Pea followed her stare and squeezed her slightly.  “What are we gonna do, Pea?”

                 He turned heading for the door before answering her quietly, “We’re gonna make it work, Cal, we always do.”  When he didn’t turn for his bike, Callie questioned where they were going.  “Well FP just got back from seeing Jughead, so he offered us the truck while you were in the bathroom.”

                “Where’s Jughead?” Callie questioned as Sweets sat her on the bench seat.  “I thought he’d be here.”

                 “Penny Peabody and the Ghoulies left him for dead. He’s in bad shape.” Sweet Pea started the truck and merged onto Highway 14 towards uptown.  Callie looked out the window tracing the bruises on her arms. The Ghoulies hurt more than just her last night and that made her feel so much worse.

                 The drive to the clinic wasn’t long and soon she was being carried in the back door straight into an examination room.  Dr. Ellis prodded and poked until he was satisfied, ultimately deciding against surgery.  Once she was put into a stronger cast, the doctor started listing off instructions.  “Alrighty, Callie.  You’re gonna be on these crutches for the next six weeks and then we’ll see where that ankle is at, okay?”

                 She nodded noticing Sweet Pea typing notes quickly into his phone from the corner of her eye. “I’m gonna give you some meds for the pain, but make sure to eat something when you take them.  Otherwise, you’ll get sick.  Now those stitches and bruises… let’s see you back in a week. If you need me before then, Sweet Pea…”

                 Sweet Pea shoved his phone in his pocket and rose from the chair to shake the doctor’s hand.  “I’ve got your number.  Thank you, man, for everything.”  Once Dr. Ellis was out of the room, Sweet Pea slumped against Callie’s shoulder. “Thank God, I just knew he would want you to have surgery for that food,” he moaned.

                 She swung her legs against the table, examining the blue cast and testing her balance on the crutches that the nurse brought for her.  “Sweet Pea…”

                 His eyes snapped up immediately to her face and her bottom lip that was trapped between her teeth.  “What is it?”  Despite the years, he knew by her tone of voice that she was on the verge of tears.

                 “I’m clumsy enough on my own two feet.  How am I supposed to get around with these?” She pouted when he laughed at her question and indignant expression.  She felt helpless and as much as she was grateful for Sweet Pea, she hated having to depend on anyone.

                 Fangs had been released from the hospital earlier that evening.  After recovering from the initial shock of discovering that the young Serpent had not died from the gunshot, FP ordered him to rest.  When Fangs insisted that he had to do something, he was tasked with rounding up any Southsiders that might’ve gotten tangled up in the crossfire. He knew deep down what he might find, but the sight of what they did to this girl made him sick.  He laid her across the backseat so he could get to the Wyrm where the other Serpents and, most importantly, Dr. Ellis were camped out.

                 Sweet Pea was defeated.  In one fell swoop, the Ghoulies nearly took out his leader, stole his home, and ruined the only family he ever knew.  No matter how hard they fought, their numbers were just too much to overcome.  Dr. Ellis fussed over him as soon as he walked in, begging Pea to let him examine the wound on his head and the knuckles of his fists, but he refused.  Instead, he sunk into a barstool on the far side of the Wyrm, letting the pain, that he felt he deserved, drown in as much whiskey as Hog Eye could pour.

                 He was a few glasses in when a shock of blonde hair caught his attention, pulling him instantly from his seat.  Seeing her barely conscious, hanging limply in Fang’s arms had his stomach in knots and he couldn’t quite figure out why.  Fangs laid her carefully on the pool table that Ellis was using as his station.  Sweet Pea gravitated to her and crouched down close to her pale face.  One eye was swollen pitifully shut, but the other one fluttered open.  A piercing blue eye confirmed what he knew deep down from the moment she was brought in. “Oh God, Callie,” he groaned, reaching for her hand and dropping his head onto the table beside her.

                 Toni’s head snapped to his face at his mention of her name, and she made her way through the small crowd that gathered. The doctor wasted no time calling out orders for supplies to be gathered.  “What happened, Fangs?” he asked.

                 “I don’t know.  I found her like this on Highway 12.  She thought I was one of them…told me to just let her go.  She was so scared she wouldn’t even stop to look.” He dragged his sleeve across his face quickly before continuing.  “Whatever they did…. It wasn’t good.”

                 “Yeah, they did a number on her.  Her lip is split, there are contusions everywhere… I’m most concerned about the ones on her neck and her ribs- my guess is that there are a few that are cracked.  Oh and the concussion she likely sustained.  Hell, they even swiped her a few times with their blade.  I need to get this one stitched on her leg before she bleeds out. It’s too close to a major artery for my comfort.”

                Ignoring the sting of his own injuries, Sweet Pea refused to leave her side.  Around the pull of the second stitch, tears began to well up in the corner of her eye as she let out strangled moans.  Pea rubbed the back of her hand tenderly with the pad of his thumb and stroked the hair away from his sweaty brow.  “I’m sorry, Callie.  God, I’m sorry.”

                 Toni dropped a hand to his shoulder and he smiled slightly at her.  “You’re safe now.  We’ve got you, girl.” She spoke to Callie before turning her attention back to Pea. “Can we talk?”

                 “If you can say what you gotta say right here. I’m not leaving her again.”

                 Toni nodded, expecting as much from him.  She understood what Calloway meant to Sweet Pea. The two might’ve grown apart over the years, but Toni knew he kept a watchful eye on the girl in trailer 2b that only talked through her guitar.  “I thought someone was assigned to evacuate the remaining Sunnysiders.  What happened to that?

                 Sweet Pea’s jaw clenched as the wheels in his head started turning.  “I sent Lonnie and Madden myself hours before the fight even broke out.  Have you seen them?”

                 “Come to think of it I haven’t…” she trailed off.

                 “Get the recruits to find them.  I want them both here in front of me before the night is over.”  Toni hugged his shoulders, sympathetically.

                 “I’ll take care of it, Pea, I promise.”

                 He grabbed her hand and squeezed it.  “Thank you, Toni.”

                 She playfully fake punched the corner of his jaw and winked before calling for her girlfriend.  “Babe, we’ve got a few more skulls to crack.”

                 Sweet Pea turned around to Callie again to see Dr. Ellis finishing up.  “Sweet Pea, are you going to stay with her?”

                 “Yeah, doc, I am,” he answered quickly wiping away the sheen of sweat on her face.

                 The doctor sighed and nodded swiveling in his chair to face Sweet Pea completely.  “Okay then here’s what you need to know.  From my assessment, your friend was beaten and choked.  Two of her ribs are definitely cracked and they’ll need to be wrapped.  Her ankle is broken and I have reset that.  I don’t think surgery will be necessary, but you need to have her in my office for an x-ray first thing tomorrow. Come in through the back.  We can keep an eye on her stitches.  They can probably come out in a few days. Tonight, you need to be mindful of her concussion.  She’ll need to rest, but make her answer a few questions every now and then.”

                 “You got it, doc.” Sweet Pea nodded, looking over at Callie briefly.

                “Another thing…” Dr. Ellis trailed off. “Sweet Pea, I think that one of the Ghoulies might’ve tried to…take advantage of her.  I don’t think they were successful, but just remember to be very patient with her okay?”  Sweet Pea gulped, feeling sick and fighting mad.  “Call me if you need me, yeah?”

                 Sweet Pea thanked him and reached for the drink Hog Eye set on the bar for him after hearing the exchange.  Callie was sleeping soundly, thanks to the medicine Dr. Ellis provided.  Hog Eye shuffled around the bar to stand beside Pea, tipping back a glass of his own. “Listen, kid, there’s a room upstairs to the far left.  It’s got a nice bed, a few chairs, a bathroom, and a t.v.  FP used to crash there back in the day, but since he’s been sober, it’s been kept clean.  Why don’t you take her on up there? We’ve gotta pack everyone in here anyways, and she’s in the worst shape. Wouldn’t feel right giving it to anyone else.”

                  The tired Serpent was relieved, hoisting Callie up gingerly cradling her head safely in the crook of his neck.  Toni spotted Pea and Callie and followed the pair up the stairs, opening doors and turning on the lights in the makeshift apartment.  “Fangs gave me her bag. It’s got some clothes in it.  She might be more comfortable if she was out of those sticky things. Want me to help get her changed?”

                 Pea sat her carefully on the bed and reached for his own bag.  “Yeah, thanks, Toni.  I’m gonna hit the back showers anyway.  I won’t be long.”

                 “No worries, man.”  He shut the door carefully behind him.  The heat of the water pounding down on him was exactly what he needed.  He let the blood and the muck from this horrible day wash down the drain.  His head, however, was still heavy with guilt. If he had just gone to Sunnyside himself, this never would’ve happened.  If he had never lost touch with Callie in the first place, he would’ve found a way to keep her safe…he felt that he should’ve found a way regardless.

                 Thankfully, he managed to bring his sweats and he pulled them gratefully from the bag along with his toothbrush.  Feeling a thousand pounds lighter, he padded back across the hall. Toni had Callie bundled up in clean clothes and managed to get her long curls tamed into a bun.  Despite the visible injuries that worried both the Serpents in the room she looked more comfortable.

                Slowly, he sat on the bed next to her as Toni gathered her bloody clothes to throw in Hog Eye’s washing machine. As he was lifting his hand to cradle her own, she stirred.  Her stare focused on him, and she let out a weak, “Hey, stranger.”

                 He chuckled softly at her.  “Hey, you. How are you feeling?”  She moved to sit up too quickly, hissing as her ribs protested. His hands went to her shoulders immediately, guiding her back into the pillow.

                 “I’ve been better.  Where are we?”

                “Upstairs at the Wyrm.  Hog Eye offered it to you for as long as you need it.” She nodded and smiled slightly, crinkling the glue the doctor used to secure her lip.  Sweet Pea moved to the spot next to her, leaning into the pillows himself and turning on the television, remembering how comforted she was by the background noise.

                 “Sweet Pea…”

                 His eyes snapped up, hearing his name fall from her mouth for the first time in years.  “Yeah?”

                “You’re going to stay here with me, right?” she asked, shaking slightly. He reached his hand out to cup her cheek. He remembered how it felt to be trapped in her gaze. Clearly, time hadn't weakened the spell it put him under. Sweet Pea learned very early on that nothing could grip him quite like the ever-present desperation in her thousand-yard stare.

                 “As long as you want me.”  She accepted his answer and drifted back to sleep.  A few episodes of Cheers later, Toni slipped back into the room.  He moved to meet her by the door, avoiding waking Callie up.

                 “What’s up, Topaz?” he whispered.                

                 “We’ve got them downstairs- Lonnie and Madden. They betrayed us and jumped ship. You want me to sit with her while you handle them?  FP said you have complete authority over their punishment.”  Sweet Pea grinned.  Finally, an opportunity to do what he does best and let off some steam. He looked back at Callie and reached for the doorknob.

                 “Yes, if you don’t mind.  I’m going to enjoy this.” He was halfway out the door when he hesitated and added, “If she wakes up, come get me.  I don’t care what I’m in the middle of, okay?”

                 Toni agreed and he bounded down the steps eagerly. The entire bar was waiting in anticipation around the two Serpent Traitors tied to chairs.

                 “Six a.m.” He chuckled at the whine I gave him in response. Sweet Pea loved the mornings.  The quiet, the stillness, the anticipation of the day ahead.  I, on the other hand, took about two hours to fully wake up.  “Jug called. Apparently, Lauren’s sister is Cassie Mantle.”

                 “Shut up!” I halted, my hand hovering over the Folgers can.  “I never knew that.  Oh, Sweets, that’s great. The kids really will be in good hands.  Cassie’s as good as gold!”

                 “Yeah, I was relieved.  They’re on their way here now.  Didn’t even hesitate when Jones got in touch with them.  They dropped everything and hit the road.”

                 I squeezed his shoulder as I walked by to grab last night’s soup bowls to throw in the dishwasher.  “Where are they living now?”

                 “Bout two hours north of Greendale- a small town called Pleasant Ridge.  They’re gonna stay with Reg’s parents until Dr. Ellis releases Blazer.”  He rubbed his palms together, fidgeting.  My eyebrow shot up suspiciously.  I waited for him to spit whatever it was that had him stalling out.  “Also…they found Lauren.  Emma, she was so messed up, she didn’t even know she had kids.  Hell, she barely knew her own name.  Jug said that Cassie plans to get her in rehab as soon as she can manage it.”

                “Good!  Maybe with Cassie and Reggie helping out, she can take the time she needs to get clean, and do right by her kids while she still can.”  Sweet Pea nodded.

                 “I’m gonna take them over to the Mantle’s in a bit.  I want to talk to Reggie.  Rob won’t be locked up forever, and I want him to know exactly what he’s got to protect them from.”  His eyes squeezed shut, no doubt as images from last night’s rescue mission came flooding back.  “Fangs is coming here to keep you and Carter company.”

                “Babe,” I groaned.  “We don’t need a Serpent Sitter.  I can take care of us just fine.  That is not necessary.”

                 He fixed me with a hard stare that silenced my objections immediately.  “This is not up for discussion.  I want someone here with you and that’s final.”

                 “Yes sir,” I kissed his cheeks and snaked my arms around his broad shoulders.  “Come on, bodyguard, let’s go get Ax and Sienna up and moving before Carter starts screaming.”

                 He followed me, packing up their things while I got them up.  Sienna’s freckled nose scrunched up as she stretched.  The light of day made the violet bruises look so much worse than I remembered from last night.  My eyes lingered on her face before catching Sweet Pea doing the same with an angry scowl heavy on his brow.

                 Waking Axel up was a challenge.  His sister told me he was not a morning person.  We had that in common.  Eventually, he joined us for breakfast.  They ate quietly until Sienna spoke up, “Where do we live now?”

                 Sweet Pea answered before I could, “Your Aunt Cassie is coming to get you guys, so you all can stay with her.”

                 Axel’s chubby hand reached up to rub his eyes.  “Mommy said Aunt Cassie doesn’t like us.”  Sienna’s shoulders slumped forward and Pea reached over to tug at the ends of her hair.

                “That’s not true.  She got up very early so she can get here to be with you. She’s almost to Riverdale now.”

                “Mommy’s not coming back, is she?” My heart shattered at the desperation in his little voice.  Sweets scooped him into his lap and held him close.  “Not yet, buddy, I’m sorry.”

                 Carter woke up shortly after breakfast, fighting mad.  I tended to him while Sweet Pea loaded the truck up and got it warming up.  Axel was content in front of Puppy Dog Pals, but Sienna was very excited to see the baby awake.  Soon enough his fussiness was ebbed away by the excitement of a new, smiling face to give him attention.

                 “He’s really wiggly,” she giggled watching me struggle to get him dressed.  Carter let out a squeal of his own, thrilled to have another finger to grip in his fist. Sienna stretched up on her tippy toes to smile at him.  He matched her grin with a drooly mirror image of hers.

                 “I think he likes you,” I chuckle, noticing a soft blush creep onto her cheeks and the very tip of her nose. I put Carter in his bouncer in the living room.  Sienna kneeled right beside him, fussing over every belly laugh and gurgle he threw at her.

                “Alright, kiddos, the truck’s warmed up and ready to go,” Sweet Pea announced clapping his hands together. Axel jumped right up, clutching the same blanket he clung to all night.  Sienna, however, lingered, fiddling with the small toys on his bouncer. I straightened Ax’s jacket while Sweet Pea went straight for Sienna, covering her tiny back with his hand.

                 “Hey, you.  You know you can come to see him anytime.  We can come to see you too, how does that sound?” I melted at the tenderness in his voice.

                 “Mr. Wilson?” She squeaked nervously.

                 “Hmm?”

                 “What if Aunt Cassie’s husband is like Daddy?” Sweet Pea turned her around to face him.

                 “He will not be, we will make sure of that. We’ve got you, okay?”  She nodded and stood to her feet stealing one last smile from my baby and running to give me a hug.  Pea kissed Carter on the head and made his way to the door.  He kissed me briefly just as Fangs came rumbling up the driveway.

                 I watched the trio as they walked to the truck. Fangs ruffled their hair as they passed by before bonding up the steps to the front door.  Carter wiggled happily at the sight of him.  Fangs didn’t hesitate to free him of the constraints of his bouncer.  “Hey, little man.  Did you miss Uncle Fangsy? Mommy and Daddy aren’t nearly as fun, huh?”

                 “Watch it.”  I smacked him on the shoulder and sat down beside him.  “What’s new?”

                 “Oh, you know: saving children, beating up complete assholes, guarding the Wilson clan with my life- the usual.”

                 I snorted in response.  “I told him that we would be okay.”

                 “Yeah, well, talking to a brick wall is damn hard. Trust me, I know.  At least we get to hang out.”

                 I smiled, crinkling my nose at him and the nearly passed out baby in his arms.  “ True that, Fogarty.  I know you’re hungry.”

                 “True that, Wilson.”  We chuckled so hard at his reply, we almost didn’t hear my phone ring. I got to it just in time, putting it on speaker so I could plumage my cabinets for the dishes I needed.

                “Hello?”

                 “Emma,” a chillingly familiar voice answered.  Fang’s eyes snapped up to my pale face.  “Why if it isn’t my favorite pain in the ass.  It’s been too long.”

                Swallowing the lump in my throat, I shot back, “Not nearly long enough, Peabody.”  Fangs sat Carter in his chair and rushed to my side, hovering over the phone quietly.  He pressed record on his own phone to capture the conversation.

                 “Not feeling very friendly, are we?  I bet if I got a hold of that sexy hubby of yours, you’d change your tone.”

                 “You leave him the hell out of this, you miserable bitch!  What do you want?” I growled.  Fangs instinctively threw his arm around my shoulders to calm me down.

                 “Well, I happen to be feeling…generous. You can either hand Larry over to me or pay the $5k he owes me.  The choice is yours, madam.  You’ve got 72 hours.”  We sat there stunned for a beat.  “Oh and Emma? Congratulations on the baby.”  With that, the line went dead and I chunked the phone across the room.

                 “What the fuck? What the fuck, Fangs?! She knows about Carter.  She’s gonna hurt him to get to Larry.  OH my god!” He grabbed my shoulders and jerked me roughly around to him.

                 “HEY! We’re going to figure this out.  Pack some of yours and Pea’s and Carter’s things. I’ll call a meeting, and we’ll head to the Wyrm.  It’s going to be okay, I promise.  Do you want me to call Sweet Pea?”

                 “No,” I muttered.  “He needs to make sure that the kids are going to a good place.  It can wait until he’s finished.”

                 Fangs shot me a look of doubt, “He’s not going to like that.”

                 I groaned and started stuffing our things into a duffle.  “I know, I know.”

                 By the time we made it to the Wyrm, Jug was pacing. Rusty swooned at the sight of Carter, and I kicked myself for not bringing him to meet her sooner.  “He’s beautiful, kid.”

                “Thanks, Rus. We kinda like him!” I smiled passing him to her.

                 Sweet Pea came in a few minutes later, clearly perplexed about why this meeting was called and why his child was in a bar.

                 Before he could ask any questions, I eagerly interceded, “How’d it go?”

                “Really well.  They hit it off pretty quickly.  Reggie was just as worked up about the whole thing as us, so I feel a lot better. We’re going to keep checking in on them though.”  He sighed.

                Jughead called for our attention and I tensed up immediately.  “Penny has contacted Emma this morning.  There is a bounty on Larry’s head.  If we don’t bring him to her, we’ll have to pay his debt.  My initial reaction was to say ‘fuck off’, but she mentioned that she knows about Carter.  She’s threatening one of our own if we don’t deliver, and I will not stand for that.”

                 Sweet Pea turned to face me, fire seething from his eyes, his tight-lipped mouth, and his rigid shoulders.  My sheepish grin did nothing to placate his rage.  “Emma,” he hissed.  “Outside, right now!”  I was certainly in trouble.  

                 Fangs shot me a look that screamed ‘I told you so’ as I snuck behind him through the doors of the Wyrm. Clutching Carter to me as a 15-pound shield of cuteness, I shrunk under the intensity of his glare. “You wanna tell me why you didn’t call me first? Isn’t this something I would need to know about?” He smoothed the gravel in his tone slightly when Carter squeaked in protest.  “How am I supposed to protect my own family if I don’t know what’s going on with them, Emma, how?”

                 “Oh, is that my cue? Am I supposed to talk now, or do you want to yell at me some more?” I sputtered.

                 He groaned, shifting his weight from one foot to another and pinching the bridge of his nose.  “If I didn’t love you so much, I swear… You drive me insane.”

                 “The bitch called me about ten minutes after you left.  Fangs was there, so we were safe.  You were right and I was wrong, doesn’t that make you feel better?”

                 He simply flattened his lips into a flat line in response.

                 “No? Ok then… anyway, if I had called you, you would’ve come straight home, so no I do not regret not calling you.”

                 “Of course I would’ve come home, Emma.  I would’ve dropped everything and been back with you as soon as I could.  To hell with…” he trailed off, avoiding my stare.

                 “To hell with what?” I quipped.  “With Blazer? With Axel? What about Sienna? You would’ve said to hell with them and their safety to come chasing an empty threat? Is that what you’re saying? Cause I would not be okay with that.”

                Huffing, he answered after a few minutes, “I guess I see your point.”  His posture visibly relaxed.  I was bouncing Carter around animatedly, resisting the urge to shout “HA”. “I’m sorry for getting upset, baby. I just don’t like you being threatened. The sooner we turn Larry in the better.”

                 “Well, we don’t know what they’re going to vote to do yet, cause you made us leave.”

                 “I don’t give a rat’s ass.  He’s my problem.  This is my choice.  It’s clear to me that he’s in it with Peabody.  They just want the cash, I know it.”

                 I blanched, trying to find the best angle to approach this conversation.  “But what if that’s not the case?  Would it be worth handing him over if he was innocent?”

                “Innocent?” he scoffed.  “He could do good deeds for the rest of his life and still not be considered innocent.  Do you know what he put me through?”

                 I leaned into him instinctively, balancing Carter with one arm and forcing Sweet Pea’s arm to circle me with my other.  “I do, and I wish I could take it all away. I just don’t want this decision to torture you if you make the wrong choice.  I really really really think you should talk to him first.  Then we can figure it out.”

                 He stiffened against me and took shallow breaths. I hated to see him this vulnerable. “I guess.”

                 “Do you still love me?” I muttered, smoothing out Carter’s hair.

                 His chest shook slightly as he chuckled. “Always, Emma.”

 On our front step was a bloody, bruised, and nearly unrecognizable Blazer. I shoved Sweet Pea to the side and reached my arm around him to help him through the door.  Sweet Pea went to grab the first aid kit and pulled the door to as I sat the shivering teenager on the stool.

 Sweets came back in the room and handed the kit to me, sitting on the stool beside him.  He put a firm hand on his shoulder as I went straight to work.  His lip had split, his left eye was black and swollen, his neck bore scratches from what looked like a knife, and finger-shaped bruises covered his arm.  I prodded gently at his ribs earning a sharp hiss and decided to wrap him up, hoping they were merely bruised.  After I was sure everything was secured and sanitized, I grabbed a few ice packs and motioned for Pea to lead him to the couch.

 Blazer was still shaking like a leaf so I wrapped two thick blankets around him before asking, “Do you want to talk about it, or do you just want to sleep.”

 His bloodshot eyes snapped up to glance nervously between me and my husband. Suddenly, he was on his feet, pacing the floor and trembling still “I left them! I left them! Oh my god.”

 I jumped slightly at his outburst, but Sweet Pea sprung into action. He stopped his pacing by taking him by the shoulders and guiding him to sit again. He kneeled with him and asked gently, “Who, Blazer? What happened?”

 A few tears escaped from the corners of his eyes mixing with the sheen of sweat that was already covering his face.  “My brother and sister, sir.  My dad is gonna hurt them.  I can’t believe I left them.”

 Sweet Pea looked over his shoulder at me, clenching his jaw and taking a few deep breaths before turning back to the boy.  My stomach tightened. I knew exactly where this was going.  “Did your dad do this you?”

 Blazer looked around frantically before hanging his head.  “Yes, sir.  He’s drunk, and I should’ve known better.  I should’ve gotten them out before I made him mad.”

 With that, I went to sit at his side carefully putting a hand on his back. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a rare occurrence on the Southside.  The Serpents tried to stay vigilant and look for any signs of this kind of abuse so they could squash it from the get-go.  Sometimes, though, there was just no way to know leaving kids like Blazer defenseless.

 Sweet Pea rose to his feet shooting a look at me before grabbing his jacket and his keys.  He wanted me to stay here with Blazer and Carter, and I didn’t argue.  “Blaze, listen to me.  We’re going to get your brother and your sister out of there, okay? Where’s your mom?”

 “She left about a week ago,” he answered, weakly.  I squeezed my eyes shut and bit back a few tears of my own. I would never understand mothers like his and Gladys Jones, especially after having Carter.

 Sweet Pea shook his head and made his way towards the door.  “Promise me that you’ll stay here with Emma.”

 Blazer nodded, avoiding his stare.  “Yes, sir.”

 Knowing that Sweet Pea’s first call would be to Fangs, I dialed Jughead’s number. After a few rings, he hopped on the line sounding groggy but vigilant nonetheless, “Are you okay?”

 “I am, but Pea’s gonna need back up.  I’ll text you the address.”  I heard shuffling in the background and Betty’s sleepy voice.

 “I’m heading out now.  Call me if you need us,” he answered, ending the call.

 I sat my phone down turning my attention back to the young Serpent. “What can I do for you?”

 “I don’t think I can sleep.  Could we turn on the t.v. or something to distract me?”

 “Yeah,” I stood to grab the remote and plopped down on the recliner already ready for my husband to be back.  My mind was racing as I clicked through the channels, praying the Serpents could get there in time.  

 Blazer sat tensed on the couch and tapped his leg anxiously.  “I’m really sorry to show up in the middle of the night.”

 “Please don’t be. We’re here for you whenever you need us, okay?  That goes for you and your sister and brother.”

 He nodded and relaxed significantly into the sofa.  Every few minutes he winced, no doubt his ribs causing the discomfort.  I wanted to make sure the shock had worn off before I gave him anything, but now seemed as good a time as any.  I was in the bathroom to grab the extra strength Tylenol when my phone rang. Glancing to make sure Blazer wasn’t paying attention, I snuck into the bedroom and answered.  “Please tell me they’re okay.”

 “Ax seems to be okay.  He’s scared and upset, but he’s okay.  Sienna protected him.”  His voice was strained.  I could tell something was wrong.

 “What is it, Pea, talk to me?”

 “Sienna’s barely five years old and she looks just about as bad as Blazer does,” I took in a sharp breath at the news.  “She’s just a baby.  How could someone do this to their babies, Emma?

 “I don’t know.  I don’t get it either.  I just keep thinking of Carter…and god, it makes me sick.  Is Dr. Ellis there?”

 “Yeah, he’s getting her fixed up.  He wants to come check Blazer out too, just to make sure nothing else is going on with him.  I don’t want them out of my sight while this gets sorted out Emma.  Do we have room for them?”

 I smiled slightly.  I was thinking the exact same thing.  “Blaze and Ax can take the guest room.  We can move Carter to the bassinet in our room, and Sienna can take the daybed in his nursery. I want them here too, Sweets. We’ll make it work.”

 I could hear the relief seep through his end of the line.  “I love you.  We’ll be there in ten.”

 Blazer’s demeanor relaxed when I told him that Axel and Sienna would be here soon.  He asked how they were, and he could tell by my face that something had happened.  “I don’t want you to be upset, Pea says she’s going to be fine.” He tensed up immediately.  “He got to Sienna, but he didn’t get to Ax.”

 His head rolled into his hands and his shoulders shook miserably.  “Blazer, look at me right now.”

 Slowly his head lifted up and his watery eyes met mine.  “This is not your fault, you hear me.  She is going to be just fine; so is Ax, and that’s all because of you.  They’re going to be here soon, do you really want them to see you like this?”

 His hands wiped furiously at his eyes just as Carter let out a cry.  I handed Blazer the Tylenol and a bottle of water and went to check on my baby.  A clean diaper and a few cuddles later, and he was good as new.  Carefully I rolled his bassinet to our bedroom and laid him in it.  Right as I was closing the door, headlights swept across the house.

 I rushed to open the door right as they came in.  Dr. Ellis and Fangs went straight for Blazer.  Sweet Pea crossed the threshold carefully.  Ax was sleeping on Pea’s shoulder, and Sienna was walking beside him tucked under his other arm.  Jughead carried their bags inside and plopped down by the kitchen table.  

 Sweet Pea went to lay Ax down and little Sienna followed his every move.  I made my way to Jughead who was fiddling with his beanie.  “How’d it go, Juggie?”

 His huff gave me all the answers I needed.  “Rob had passed out by the time we got there.  He didn’t have any fight left to put up, so my dad got him out of their fast.  The kids had barricaded themselves in the back room.” His voice hitched and it took a few moments before he could continue.  “Emma, I’ve seen some awful things since being all in with the Serpents, but I’ve never seen anything like this.  Rob was one of ours.  Blazer was a legacy recruit.  We should’ve seen this.  We should’ve stopped this from happening a hell of a lot earlier.”

 I squeezed his hand, but my attention went right to Blazer when he made a cry of pain.  Every adult in the room was on their feet hovering around him.  Dr. Ellis sighed and turned to us.  “One of his ribs are broken.  I’m gonna have to take him in.  Fangs, why don’t you come with me?”

 Fangs agreed instantly and helped Dr. Ellis lift Blazer to his feet.  His skin had turned a sickly gray and he was wobbly on his feet.  I was grateful Dr. Ellis came when he did.  Sweet Pea walked back into the living room, Sienna still trailing him.  She clung to the hem of his jacket and looked around frantically for Blazer.

 “Sienna, Dr. Ellis, just took your brother to make sure he was okay like he did with you.”  She nodded, little tears shining in her eyes.  “Are you hungry?”

 Sweet Pea took the open seat beside Jughead and I pulled the soup we made earlier out of the fridge.  At first, Sienna ate timidly but was soon scarfing down the bowl like it was her first meal in quite a while. Jughead ate his share before standing up to leave. Sweet Pea walked him out giving me the opportunity to get Sienna cleaned up and in bed.

 The fight she was still clinging to faded quickly when her head hit the pillow. I stayed with her for a bit, watching the tension that was evident in her face even when asleep.  Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I snuck out of the nursery meeting Sweet Pea at the front door.  “She alright?”

 “She’s asleep.  That’s the best thing for her right now.  Axel’s still out like a light, too.”

 Sweet Pea snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me flush against him. His shaking hand kept my head firmly tucked under his chin.  

 “Fangs called while we were outside.  Blazer is going to be okay, but he does have to stay a few days so Ellis can keep making sure he’s healing properly.  Jug said he knows their aunt.  She’s out of town right now, but he’s gonna see if he can’t get in touch with her. He thinks she’d be good for them.  She’s got her shit together, ya know?”

 I nodded into his chest and burrowed closer into the warmth of his neck. The vanilla, tobacco, leather aroma that simply was my husband always made me feel safe.  “Somebody should tell Lauren.”

 Sweet Pea stiffened against me.  “She left them, Emma.  Besides who the hell knows where she is.”

 I rubbed my hands along the rigid muscles in his back.  “I’m not saying she should be the one to get them, I just think she should know.  If tonight proved anything it’s that we have no clue what’s going on.  Based on what we do know now- sure she might not deserve much, but we can give her the truth, babe.”

 He pulled me tighter to him, running his hands anxiously through my hair. “Yeah, okay.  We can start making calls tomorrow.  Somebody’s got to know something.”  He tugged me towards our room, locking the deadbolt and switching off the lights as he went.  He moved Carter’s bassinet carefully towards our bed and sat on the edge of the mattress. ”How has this little guy been?”

 Smiling softly, I went to join him, leaning my head on his shoulder and lacing my fingers through his. “He woke up once right before you got back, but he was just hungry.  He went right back to sleep.”

 His shoulders slumped slightly in relief before he moved to get ready for bed. “At least one kid under this roof has had a good night tonight.”

 After showers and freshly brushed teeth, we dragged ourselves quietly under the covers.  Clutching tightly to each other, we fell asleep.  A few short hours later, a scream from the nursery had us on our feet. “DADDY, NO.”

 Carter was, miraculously, unbothered.  We checked the windows and doors on our way to the nursery.  Axel had clamored to Sienna’s side where she was curled in a ball shaking like a leaf.  I crossed the floor and gathered her in my lap as soon as I laid my eyes on her. Sweet Pea scooped up Ax, getting him out of the room.  I stroked her auburn hair and held her frail frame securely.  “Sienna, you’re safe now, baby, I promise. Shh, we’ve got you. I’m here.”

 It took a while, but she finally calmed down.  She agreed to go back to sleep but asked if she could sleep with us. I carried her towards our room to find Sweet Pea and Ax already there.  Ax was curled up against his side while Sweet Pea had his arm slung over him protectively and flipped through the channels on the television.  Once he saw us, he decided to move Carter back into the nursery before climbing back into bed carefully.

           Before I could finish a sentence, he was shaking his head and fiddling with a strand of my hair.  “Not here, okay?  Not now.” He saw my skeptical expression and continued, “Let’s get this over with and go get Carter.  I promise we’ll talk about it when we get home. I just want to make sure both of you aren’t in any danger first, okay?”

           I nodded reluctantly slipping my hand into his and letting him lead me into the Whyte Wyrm.  Sweet Pea took a deep breath running his hand through his hair before going to stand by Jughead.  The tremor in his hand was slight, but I noticed it and it made me sick to my stomach with worry.  Toni slid up beside me and squeezed me into a one-armed hug as Jug got everyone’s attention.

           “Serpents, some of you know, as of March 2nd Lawrence Wilson has come back to Riverdale.”  Shocked gasps filled the bar and more than a handful of our fellow gang members turned to look at me, but my eyes were trained on Pea and his clenched jaw. “In exchange for his immunity, he’s agreed to offer up some information about Penny Peabody and the Ghoulies. Let me make one thing clear: he has our protection, but not our trust.  Assignments have been posted so when it’s your time to keep watch, do just that- watch his every damn move.  He is still an enemy of the Serpent State, don’t forget it.”

           The chatter in the bar picked right up where it left off, and Toni turned to me.  “I’m sorry, Sweet Pea asked us to keep it under wraps.   He wanted to ‘figure out some things’ first.”

           I shrugged and laughed it off, “No, trust me, it’s okay. I’m just worried about him.” Sweet Pea was hunched over the bar, more than likely strategizing with Jughead.  

Toni followed my gaze and rubbed my arm. “I know, but we got him, okay? We’ve got all of you.  Hopefully, he won’t be here long.”

Sweet Pea made his way over to us and clapped Toni on the shoulder before wrapping both of his arms around me.  “You ready, Em?”

I nodded giving Toni a hug and throwing Fangs a farewell over my shoulder. “I’m gonna follow you to your parents, so no texting and driving.”

“I can make it just fine.  I won’t stay long if that’s what you’re worried about…and I don’t text and drive.”

Sweet Pea shot me a pleading look and warned, “Emma…” I sighed but halted my objections.  He kissed my forehead and opened the door of my car for me.  “Oh, by the way, looking for a song is just as dangerous as sending a text.”

“Not if you’re good at it,” I smirked and slammed the door.  I could hear Sweet Pea’s chuckle over the sound of my car cranking and caught the wink he threw my way in the side mirror.  As unnecessary it was, I waited for Sweet Pea before pulling out of the parking lot and making my way to Parker Drive.

Carter was clingy and wouldn’t settle for sleeping in his crib just yet. Sweet Pea and I took turns passing him back and forth, trying our hardest to get him to rest.  We moved to the kitchen, expertly managing to get something on the table in thirty minutes.

Sweet Pea just took Carter and had him happily bouncing around.  As much as I wished we could forget the Larry sized shadow hanging over our heads, I had to know where my husband’s head was at. I sat the casserole on the table and leaned against him as he sat in the chair at the table. “Pea… we’re home.  We’re safe.  One of us might be cranky, but I think it’s because he’s worried about you too. What’s going on?”

He stiffened almost immediately, shoulders tightening under my touch, and took a few minutes to play with Carter’s tiny fist.  My fingers anxiously raked against the familiarly rough flannel as I watched each breath he took to calm himself. ”I think he’s up to something, and I don’t want a damn thing to do with him.  He’s not just here to get the Snake Charmer off his back, I know it.”

I moved to the seat beside him, but kept my hands on his arm, careful not to wake up our baby.  “So how do you want to handle this?  You know if you want him gone all you have to do is say the word.  We already have the upper hand on the Ghouls.  It’s not like we’re starving for leverage.”

Sweet Pea stood to walk Carter to his crib and I followed.  “No,” he whispered, lowering Carter down and flicking on his nightlight.  “No, no, at least not yet.  I’d like to figure out what the truth is first.”

We slipped out of his nursery and collapsed, molded together, onto the couch. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

He pulled me closer to him and leaned against the top of my head.  “Don’t worry about me, sweetheart.  I know how to dodge him. I’ve got years of practice, but you don’t.  Please stay cautious while he’s here.  If neither of us can keep Carter, leave him with Toni and Cheryl.  They know how to fight.”

I sat up and met his eyes.  “You don’t think he’d try and get to Carter, do you? Does he even know about him?”

Sweet Pea rubbed my back comfortingly but didn’t dispute my fears. “I don’t know, angel, I just don’t want to risk it.”

“Okay.  Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.  How are you feeling?”