"I don't want Polly to run away." Betty admits, sitting across from me and Veronica as we sat in the Student Center. "But if she can't live at home, then, I don't know, I can rent her an apartment." She suggests.

"Let me talk to my mom." Veronica offers.

"No! You have your own stuff you're dealing with right now, V." Betty argues.

"Then what about my place? If I move my fabrics, sewing machine and my dance mats, she can fit in my room because it's bigger." I assure her but she shakes her head again.

"First place my mom would look is anywhere with you, she knows how much we trust each other.
Besides, I don't want to stress you any more than you already are." She admits.

"Betty, Polly needs doctors, she needs prenatal vitamins," Veronica begins to list off.

"She needs her family." Cheryl states, walking in. "Mind if I borrow blondie?"
Me and Veronica share a glance but Betty gets up grudgingly, following Cheryl out of the student lounge.

"This place somehow has more gossip than a New York wives club." Veronica admits to me.

"I don't understand that." I reply, furrowing my brows and she sighs dramatically, planting her head on my bare shoulder while I ate some of my sour Airheads.

"Reggie and Josie will be picking you up from Pop's 'kay? Are you bringing clothes with you?" She asks but I shake my head.

"Josie will be bringing some clothes I left in my room." I explain and she grins.

"Tonight will be fabulous, just you wait." She assures me.

~~~~

*Jughead*

"Anyway, we spent the whole summer fixing up that old VW bus. Remember what we called it, Fred?" Dad laughs and Fred Andrews chuckles.

"The Shaggin' Wagon!" They both recite. Dad slams his fist down.

"The Shaggin' Wagon!" He cheers, Fred laughing.
"This was before your dad had game, Senior year, he started a band, and then the girls were all over him."

"We were awful." Fred admits.

"Yeah, yeah, we were." Dad agrees, chuckling.
"But it was great. Best time of my life. Jimena on the bass, absolute machine with a great singing voice." He laughs and I look at Archie, who's brows are furrowed too before we look back at him.

"Jimena?" I ask as my dad takes a sip of his drink.

"Jimena Cortez. Carmen's mom." Fred admits.

"You guys were friends with Carmen's mom?" Archie asks, sitting up straighter. My dad looks away for some reason, seeming suddenly uncomfortable before shrugging.

"Eh, we were close when we were young, sorta parted ways around the time you kids were born. Not Fred and her though." He points out and Fred snorts, shrugging.

"Eh, Jimi was like a sister. She was feisty, Carmen takes after her in that respect." He admits before sighing. Everyone talked about Jimena Cortez.
"You know, your dad was what is commonly known as a BMOC, Jughead." Fred tells me.

"Come on, the hell I was." Dad argues.

"In what way?" I ask.

"Football, for one. He single-handedly defeated our arch-rivals, the Baxter High Ravens." Fred begins to explain but Dad quickly cuts him off.

"He doesn't care about that stuff, Fred. Football, sports. Takes after his mom in that respect. And I mean that as a compliment, I'd rather see you spending your time writing, thinking up stories, you still do that?"
He asks and I look down at my food, eating more of my fries. "Nose in a book? Typing away?"

"Yeah, yeah, Jughead works on the school paper with Betty and Carmen." Archie interjects and I stop mid-bite.

"Betty? Ooh," My dad taps the table and I snort slightly.
"Who is Betty? Is that your girlfriend?" He laughs and I scrunch my nose before he suddenly leans back.
"You said Carmen? How's she adjusting to being in Riverdale? After that Cartel gang ran her and her family out of Mexico." I open my mouth to answer.

"You have to be joking, that's double the price it was last week." I look up and see Carmen on the phone and Manny trying to calm her down.

"No, no, don't put me on hold! Don't- -Damn it!" She screams and throws the phone down and tugs on her Pop's waitress dress, the mustard yellow fabric covered in all sorts of ketchup and soda stains.

"Hey, Carmie!" Archie calls before I can stop him and she turns, her eyes widening when she saw my Dad. "Come over here real quick!" She stiffens, still looking at my dad before approaching, plastering on a waitress wanting tips smile which was covered in cherry lip gloss.

"Hola, Mr. Andrews. Archito, Juggie...FP." She greets and Dad smiles at her.

"Hey, kid, how's everything going for you? Still as energetic as ever?" He chuckles but Carmen's not interested in-jokes and I can tell and Archie can too if his stiffened form is anything to base it off.

"You know, doing what I can, not that I can say the same for most." She responds bitterly and he furrows his brows. "Javier and you been hanging out again?"
Realization dawns on my Dad and he laughs, playing it off.

"Ah, you know Jav, still a protective ass hole but he still likes to have a few beers with the guys, you know?" He jokes.

"No, I don't, I hardly know him despite having been quoted on quote raised by him and mom.
Don't know what he likes or dislikes. But I know, and I'm sure you do too, don't step on a snake, they have no reason to bite." She mocks.

Damn it, he's pressing buttons. He's playing Devil's Advocate with my dad and with my dad, it wasn't clear on who would win.

"You know, I didn't know that." Dad answers stiffly.

"Oh yeah, it's really interesting. I could explain it to you, pero I've never really had an interest in... snakes. What about you, FP?" She asks.

"Can't say I do." Dad answers and she frowns.

"What was the call about, Cam?" I interrupt and all her self-confidence and wit seems to disappear instantly.

"Nothing important." She answers quietly, feeling close to tears and I furrow my brows. She's not looking at me or Archie who wanted to run over and engulf her in a bear hug, but I can tell she's unnerved and panicked.
She tapped her foot impatiently and brushed the hair loose from her ponytail.

"I should go, a few friends are coming to pick me up so we can hang out. I just punched out so they should be here any minute."

"Yo, Cortez!" I stiffen and Carmen sighs, turning to face Reggie Mantle. "You ready to party?!" He laughs and Josie McCoy walks in.

"I got your clothes in the car, girl. Come on!" She laughs and Carmen smiles before looking back at us.

"I'll see you guys later." Her and Archie share longing looks until he spins her around to face him, tilts her head up to look at him, uses his thumb to wipe each tear that slowly fell down her face and then she and I bump fists.

"Bye, Mr. Andrews," They hug and she looks at my dad when they pull away.

"Bye, FP." She mutters before running to Josie and Reggie, hugging Josie immediately and leaving Pop's with both of them.

"Well... Still the same spunk as ever." Dad laughs. I glance at him, seeing his knuckles clenching tightly.
Carmen used to get along with my dad when she visited during the summer, but she hasn't since she found out about his involvement with the Serpents.

Honestly, you'd think he was her father. Even with my mom married to her dad, Carmen's distanced herself even further than I have from her Cartel roots. She never told me why, but it was like she walked on eggshells whenever she was around a Serpent.

~~~~

*Carmen*

I was dressed in a White Cowl Neck Halter Top which showcased my cleavage, a Black Back Zipper Vinyl Plus Size Pencil Skirt. My heels were Black Ruffled Open Toe Wrap Around Chunky High Heels and my hair was carefully curled which Veronica had done, a black choker and silver bracelets on both hands, one on my upper arm too.

I danced to the loud music of the club with Josie, swinging my hips and raising my arms, taking in the sheer bliss of it all, the weight of my family and everyone else off my shoulders.

Veronica stole me away and we danced together, the two of us laughing and smiling the entire time. I spun her and she laughs, hugging me as we still swayed to the loud music.
She danced with Kevin and I was happy to just see her smiling and laughing.

Reggie danced with me, lifting me off my feet and spinning me at some point and I laughed the entire time. When I got to dance with Kevin, god, our summers of being each other's dates to dances paid off.
I knew each step he would take and he knew each step I would take. Eventually, we were dancing with Veronica and Josie, and Reggie came around, wrapping us all in a group hug, the five of us jumping and cheering.

We all took a break from the dance floor and walked towards one of the corners of the club, where a very lovely couch was awaiting. I groan, sitting on the couch before pointing at Reggie.

"You, my dude, are a beast." I laugh and he grins.

"Compliments to the great Mantle are always appreciated." He assures me, his own way of saying thanks and I laugh. Veronica laughs, ignoring her drink but Josie pushes it towards her.

"Mm-Hmm, girl, you better hydrate. You practically left your body on the dance floor." She admits. I sit between her and Veronica, sipping my own drink.

"I wish, Josie. I wish I could leave my body sometimes. Leave Riverdale, leave everything."
Veronica admits.

"Is any of this helping?" Kevin asks and I straighten, looking at Ronnie.

"Yeah, going out, the whole going Black Swan, any of it?" I ask, chugging my drink, my entire body covered in sweat.

"When my dad got arrested, the police, the lawyers, the judge, the courts, they took everything from us. Our houses, our cars, our club memberships, our yacht," I raise my brows at the yacht, and Josie and I glance at each other, sharing the same surprised expression.
"Even, I'm not kidding, the clothes off our backs."

Veronica admits and my eyes widen.

"Anyway, my mom sat me down on the edge of my canopy bed and she told me not to cry.
Because there was one thing in this world that no one could ever take away from me. Not ever."

"Your trust fund?" Reggie asks and Veronica purses her lips.

"My name, Reggie. Which after telling me no one would ever take it, that is exactly what she did.
Like it meant nothing. Like it was nothing.
Like I was nothing."
Veronica admits before taking her drink. We all look away but a man approaches us.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Lodge, but your card's been denied." He admits.

"Really? And let me guess, it's been reported stolen." Veronica suggests.

"It has, in fact." The man agrees.

"We're supposed to call the cops." Veronica looks at me and smirks. I look at the man, leaning back on the couch.

"Sure, call the cops. We'll be ecstatic to tell them how old we are. Or maybe Josie could call her madre, the mayor, about you fool." I suggest and the man stiffens.

"This should cover it." Veronica holds out a wad of cash and the man takes it, handing her card back before quickly walking away.

"Veronica, did your mother cut you off?" Kevin asks, grinning at the new gossip.

"She did." She admits, smiling proudly.

"And that's a good thing?" Reggie asks.

"Oh, Reggie. This is how we Lodge women roll. We feint, we parry, we approach, we retreat. We're like a cobra and a mongoose dancing. She blinked, which means, I suspect, that Hermione Lodge is ready to negotiate." Veronica admits, slipping on her faux fur coat and grabbing her purse.

~~~~

I walk into the house, shutting the door gently behind me, and my brother and dad's sitting on the slightly old couch and lazy-boy in our living room.
It was just the first couch abuela ever bought, and even though it's been over ten years since abuela passed, dad and mom refused to get rid of it.

"Hi, dad, mom." I greet and he looks up at me, while mom was in the kitchen prepping dinner, wearing the exact same apron that abuela used to wear.

"Anything good on?"

It was pink with a white border and colorful stuff around it.

And this song was playing during mom's cooking:

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Just some old novellas." He answers, practically muttering while Manuel was busy texting Veronica. I nod, peeling off my black trench coat.

Manuel stopped mid-text to stare in shock at my outfit.

"What the hell? Carmen Jimena Cortez! Go and cover yourself up. You are not walking around this house with your tits almost out!"

I glare at my brother in disbelief.

"Are you fucking serious?! Mom!" I whined.

"Manuel. Dejala." Mom reprimanded.

"WHAT? MA! Come on! You're not seriously going to let her walk around the house dressed like that?" Manuel yelled.

"Mijo, let it go." Dad said calmly.

"Carmen, why don't you go ahead and take a shower.
There's something we have to discuss with you afterwards." Dad said, while I rolled my eyes and flipped my brother off and trudged up the stairs,
while deciding to text Veronica to thank her for inviting me out and she replied back with a you're welcome text and a few smile emojis.

Then after I texted Veronica, I texted Archie to show him my outfit from the club:

Archie replied back with: 🤤🤤🤤🔥🔥🔥

Carmen: So, I'm guessing that you love my outfit?

Archie: Hell yes. I'm just mad that I wasn't there with you. I would've been all over you. 😉

Carmen: (In a flirtatious tone) Well, why don't you come over and help me get clean. I'm such a dirty girl. 😏🚿🧼🍆🍑

Archie: Holy sh-! I'm coming over right now!

After I texted him to come over, I proceeded to strip down to my bra and sexy underwear until I was naked from the waist down and turned on the shower and got in, the hot water immediately washing away the sweat from my body.

As I proceeded to wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner, I felt a pair of strong and manly hands grope my wet boobs and massage them.

I leaned my back against a hard chest and looked up to see Archie smiling at me, his red hair completely wet from the hot water.

I moaned while he continued to do his job while whispering dirty things into my ear.

After we had our fun in the shower, we were in my room wearing our pajamas.

Archie's consisting of nothing but his underwear, leaving him shirtless and me wearing a sexy pink teddy with a matching pink thong and my hair in a braided ponytail.

We were laying in bed in my room until my bedroom door was busted open by Manuel, looking clearly pissed.

"WHO TOLD YOU TO INVITE HIM?" He yelled, about to launch himself angrily at Archie, until I stopped him and kicked him out of my room.

"Mom, Dad! Carmen has Archie in her room!" Manuel complained.

"I know. She asked if he could spend the night." Dad replied.

"And you let her?!" Manuel yelled.

"Yes! She deserves just as much freedom as you do."
Dad replied.

I got dressed for school with Archie doing the same thing and we both snuck out in different ways:
Archie sneaking out the window and me sneaking out the door with Manuel getting a ride from Veronica and Smithers.

~~~~

*Jughead*

I enter the Blue and Gold, expecting Carmen or Betty or both, but instead see Sheriff Keller and Principal Weatherbee. I slow my steps.

"Hey." I greet.

"Hey." Sheriff Keller responds.

"Uh, what's up?" I ask.

"I'm going to need you to come down to the station with me." He answers and I take a deep breath before following him and Weatherbee. I see Archie and Carmen.

"Call my dad." I command and they agree quickly.

~~~~

*Carmen*

I sit across from Jughead in the station interrogation room and he stares at the table before finally looking up at me.

"Is Betty upset that I sent her out of here?" I ask quietly.

"No, she already listened to my... Cry of innocence." He mutters and I nod. "You look like crap, like you haven't slept all night."

"Wow, it's really no surprise how you caught my best friend's heart." I laugh quietly, rubbing my eyes.

"The other night, that phone call," I stiffen but he persists. "Carmen, what was that?"

"My brother's therapist is doubling her cost. And it was already hard enough for me to pay her. To make matters worse... My brother found out I wasn't letting dad pay the bills.
He's pretty pissed."  I laugh dully but he tilts his head.

"We'll get through all of this, Jug, I swear." I promise  and he nods, but I don't know if I was trying to convince him or myself of that.

~~~~

I walk out of the station with Jughead, Betty, Archie and Mr. Andrews. Betty was holding Jughead's hand and the two walked behind us while Fred led me and Archie ahead, while Archie himself, put his blue and yellow clad arm around me and I sighed in content and put my head against his chest.

"Jughead!" We all look ahead and see FP. "I'm sorry. I came as soon as I got your message. My phone, friggin' battery. I forgot to plug it in last night. What the hell happened?"

"Nothing. It's fine now. Mr. Andrews took care of it." Jughead assures him.

"What jacked-up crap did they accuse you of in there, huh? Those bastards throwing you in jail like they did your old man? Well screw that! I will rip Keller a new one for trying to pull that!" FP begins but Mr. Andrews holds him back.

"This is my son, he is my son, Fred! You'd do the same for your boy!"

"Dad." Jughead stops FP. "Don't make things worse. Please."

"Yeah. Yeah, alright then. You, uh, coming home with me?" FP asks, walking away.

"He can stay with us, Mr. Jones. We already offered." Archie admits.

"That what you want?" FP asks and Jughead looks at the ground. "Maybe that's for the best. If you don't mind, Fred."

"Whatever you want, FP. It's between the two of you." Mr. Andrews assures them.

"I'll go with you dad." Jughead mutters, walking up to FP.

"Son, listen to me. I'm gonna do what you want, get my act together. I'm gonna get your mom and Jellybean home so we're under the same roof. I promise. But I... I just need a little time to do that. Not a lot, not long, a month, two at the most.
Hey, and then we'll be back on track, all right? You... You believe that, don't you?" FP asks quietly.

"Yeah, I believe you, dad." Jughead agrees and they embrace. After a few moments, FP chuckles.

"Alright." They pull apart and FP walks away.
Betty hugs Jughead before they walk away. But I can't help but keep watching FP, my brows furrowed.

~~~~

"My Cooper chicas' favorite shakes." I slide them each one and Polly giggles.

"I missed your shakes, Carmen." She admits and I smile brightly.
"Do you have any of your chocolate flan?" I grin,
opening my mouth before freezing as the bell over the door jingles and Cheryl rushes in.

"Cheryl, where are your parents?" I ask.

"You have to leave. Now. My parents, I don't think they want to help you." Cheryl admits.

"What are you talking about?" Betty asks.

"They want you out of the picture, Polly. It's not safe for you with them. It's not safe for Jay-Jay's baby." Cheryl admits.

"What am I supposed to do? I can't go back to the attic." Polly cries.

"No, you don't have to, Polly. And don't worry about my mom, Betty, she'll want to help." Veronica assures her.

~~~~

"Of course you can stay, as long as you need. Anything for Alice Cooper's daughters." Mrs. Lodge assures them. I stood next to Polly and Betty, smiling at Hermione in appreciation.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lodge." Polly sighs.

"And thank you, Veronica." Betty thanks and Veronica nods.

"You're welcome, girls. And please, now that we're gonna be roommates, Polly, it's Hermione. Come, sit, make yourself at home." Mrs. Lodge offers.

~~~~

*Jughead*

Hope. A word so close to Home, and as tricky.
As much as we wanted Jason's killer caught, and the town, our home, to feel safe again, with every days, that passed, our hopes dimmed more and more. There's that old cliché saying, "It's darkest before the dawn." And sometimes... there's just darkness.
___________________________________

A/N: And that's it for Part 2. And don't worry, that shower scene between Archie and Carmen is just a little taste of more hookups to come until episode ten.

Which will be the birthday party where Archie and Carmen will be officially dating and where #Andrez will rise.