CHAPTER FOUR
" We're the boys in black smoking cigarettes chasing girls who didn't know love yet "
I dragged my feet to Pop's but unfortunately the walk from the bridge to Pop's wasn't far. Granted, getting to any side of Riverdale wasn't far, it was a small town anyways.
I dreaded going to Pop's ever since the shooting. I get uneasy whenever I entered the diner, which was why I usually avoided the place. I go anyways as it was a way for me to combat the uneasiness.
As I approached Pop's, a group of obnoxious bikers hanging outside the diner caught my attention. When I got closer to the diner, I could tell that it was the Southside Serpents. There was no sight of the Sweet Pea guy. Thank god, I didn't need another problem to be the cherry on top of my anxiety.
I sped past them and towards the double doors. I gulped as I placed my hand on the door of diner. Feelings of uncertainty building up inside me. Pop's was crowded with people at the moment, and the idea of the Black Hood attacking a diner filled with people seemed unlikely.
I thought "Fuck it" and pushed open the door that rang the bell that would forever send shivers down my spine. I winced and froze at the entrance. Like a flashback, I was immediately reminded of the day that my father was shot by the Black Hood.
An array of images started flashing in my head. I arrived at Pop's early in the morning with my dad and waited for Archie. When Archie arrived, he went to the washroom, and the door bell rang again then there was shouting. My first instinct was to duck behind the seats after seeing the hooded figure waving a gun around. Hoping that my dad would do the same but instead he stepped out of his seat at the same time when Archie came out of the washroom. Things happened so fast. I lunged to pull my dad aside right as Archie dove in front of the Black Hood. However, the bullet travelled faster than our actions and our dad was hit.
I snapped back to reality, and realised that I've been standing at the doorway of the diner, blocking the exit. I shuddered and shook away the thoughts, and approached the counter where Pop was standing.
The only thing was, Pop was not the only person standing by the counter. My eyes fell upon the Southside Serpent jacket that a very tall gentleman was wearing.
It was the Sweet Pea guy. Fuck.
I should probably start growing used to the routine of bumping into Southside Serpents where ever I go.
"Evening, Kenna," Pop cheerfully greeted.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see the Sweet Pea guy side-eyeing me, which meant that he was aware of my presence as well.
"Evening, Pop," I greeted back. "You should really get rid of that bell it's triggering bad memories."
"Sorry bout' that," says Pop. "What can I get you?"
"A double polar burger with everything and two turkey burgers. To-go," I ordered.
Pop took down my order on a piece of paper. "Sure thing, Kenna. Your order will be right up," said Pop before he left to attend other diners.
I could feel the tension building up between Sweet Pea and I. By the looks of it, he was vexed to have me judging him, and vice versa. One of us was going to break and start a fucking riot. I knew it was a bad idea to fight for my brother, now I'm dragged into the same mess he is in.
I should probably move now before his other Serpent friends come after me as well. It would be very obvious if I moved now though, and I did not want to make him even more angry than he already is.
I had to face him now or never, or we were just going to spend forever chasing our tails. I didn't need Lzzy to tell him to lay off of me. I can do that myself.
"I can literally hear you rolling your eyes," I finally said a word.
He sniggered. "You Northsiders always get away with everything."
Was that what this was about?
I got annoyed. "That's just prejudicial," I replied. "I'm sorry if Northsiders had treated you badly, but I'm not like that."
"Did you know that after the fight, the Serpents got called in by the police?" He turned his posture to face me, "While the Northsiders got away scot free?"
I stared at him, not knowing what to say. Because I actually did not know that.
"You didn't know that, did you?"
"No."
I understood his anger towards the Northside, but honestly I didn't know that that has been happening. It was unfair that the Southside was being treated like this. I felt bad.
"That's really unfair," I admitted.
"That's prejudicial," he said.
I sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. Okay? But how many times must I say for it to get into that thick skull of yours? I did not attack the Serpents. Just you because you were beating up my brother. So don't bring me into the Northsider and Serpent drama."
"You think you're so smart, huh?" He furrowed his brows, and stood more upright.
I took a step closer towards him, "Well unlike you, my name doesn't represent the size of my brain―"
Sweet Pea clenched his fists, ready to square up. His face boiling with anger. I did not regret a word I said. For once I was standing up for myself without anyone else intervening.
"―Hey kids," Pop stepped in, "if you're gonna fight, please take it outside," He must have overheard our conversation.
I took my eyes off of Sweet Pea and turned to face Pop. "Sorry, Pop," I apologised.
"By the way," continued Pop, "how's your dad doing, Kenna?" Pop glanced back suspiciously at Sweet Pea once in a while.
"He's fine now but still recovering," I replied. "Which is why he sent me here to get dinner."
Pop sighed. "I can never thank him enough for standing up to the Black Hood."
I nodded.
"Your order will be ready soon," said Pop. He glanced back and forth from Sweet Pea to me, "You two better not cause any trouble."
Thankfully Pop stepped in before things got out of hand. I pretty much pushed Sweet Pea over the edge with that last line. I still don't regret anything. I stared into space, waiting for time to go by faster.
The door bell rang which cut off my train of thought, and made me cringe. Can't believe the door bell is my kryptonite. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.
As much as I hate to agree, the prejudice towards the Southside was just uncalled for. Why were they even targeted for? Because they have drugs and crime? Northside is no fucking different and I hate that it is being pushed under the rug. They did not deserve this kind of treatment.
I hated myself for being dragged into this drama. I didn't want to be seen as the Northsider who gets away with tormenting the Southside, they already have enough. I just wanted to clear things up.
Pop came by the counter again with Sweet Pea's order. Sweet Pea paid for the meal and I heard him faintly mutter, "I'm paying for her meal as well."
What.
Is that 'her' he said referring to me?
I turned my head to catch a glimpse of Sweet Pea and he was staring at me. Our eyes locked together. He took his order and walked towards the double doors where we broke our gaze.
"He paid for your meal, Kenna," said Pop when he noticed me glancing around confusingly.
But why? Did he totally forget the part where I insulted him or was he just funning?
Well honestly I shouldn't think much of it, he did pay for my meal and who could refuse free food?