"The hell are you doing here?" FP demanded, staggering up to Lauryn and Sweet Pea who were the first back out of everyone. He pointed a finger at Sweet Pea. "You're lettin' her do this? What kind of responsibility is that?"
"No, this was all me," Lauryn insisted over what was about to be a rant between them. "I wouldn't go home. It's not his fault. He doesn't want me to do this."
"So, why are you?" he asked, and she could tell he was on the edge of his nerve. He then stammered, reconstructing a calmer sentence. "Look, I'm not your dad, Lauryn, I can't tell you what to do."
"I've already gotten this far," she defended, hating the fact that he was visibly angry with her. "Midday and I'm done. I promise."
FP scoffed, rubbing his chin. "Good, because I can't endorse this. It's my job to look out for you, and you pull a stunt like this."
"Dad, don't get mad at her," Jughead called from where he was sat on the wall, catching their attention. He screwed up a burger wrapper. "I didn't stop her in the first place, and this was my idea. I'm sorry."
"Boy, part of being a leader is knowing everyone's limits," FP lectured, turning towards his son. "You know damn well she's got a reason not to do this."
"This wasn't your fault, Jughead," Lauryn assured him, yet somewhat thankful that he stood up. "I knew I didn't have to, but I chose to. I know it's stupid and I'm sorry."
"She had her reasons," Sweet Pea added on, catching a sharp glance from FP which made him feel small. "I'm not all in with this either, boss. I've tried, but this is up to her."
FP took a final look at the two teenagers in front of him, and they could tell that he had a lot more to say to them. He gestured towards where the abandoned chains hung outside the building. "Very well, then."
Pursing her lips together, Lauryn made her way past him. Disappointing him was one of the worst feelings she could have, but she wasn't about to give in. She wrapped the chains back around herself, Sweet Pea helping her to secure them in place.
He rested his hands on her shoulders, studying her. "You're sure about this?"
She wasn't. "Yeah."
Unable to last ten minutes with the weight pulling her downwards, Lauryn sat back down. The sidewalk was just as uncomfortable as she'd left it, and she leant her head against the wall. FP gradually ambled over, crunching down beside her. "Hey, Doll. Do we need to have words?"
Hesitant to look at him because she knew whatever he could say would be right no matter the context, her eyes flicked in his direction. "I know what you're gonna say."
"What's making you want to do this?" he asked her calmly, making sure her hands weren't too cold. "Surely it's not your loyalty to the Serpents alone."
"It's not," she said, shaking her head. "It's for me. I'm taking care of myself, I promise."
"Are you?" he repeated, all of the seriousness in his body plastered on his face as he studied the remnants of eyebags beneath her eyes. She looked better than she was, but her illness still lingered.
She nodded sophisticatedly, as if she was trying to convince herself as well. "I'll be fine."
Tapping her arm, FP got up. "Ain't no way I'm joining this, but I won't be too far. Holler if you need anything."
"Thanks, Dad," Jughead said as he tied himself up once again.
Soon enough, everyone had returned from their coffee break. The air had no smell to it, and there was no breeze, all until it began to rain softly. The Serpents were sent into an even gloomier mood than they were already in, just as time slowed down again.
YOU ARE READING
fierce ↠ sweet pea [1] [✔]
Fanfiction❝why do you do such crazy shit, huh?❞ | ❝because i'm in love with you, lauryn fogarty.❞ - lauryn fogarty never took any shit. she was one of the most notorious serpents in switchblades and silk until an ill-fated street brawl with the ghoulies snaps...