Hi...it's been forever :) I've missed you.
I feel like that one Tik Tok meme.

Y/N PoV
4 interactions. Only four times have we even looked at each other since our break up. I've been keeping count.

I've been stuck in a depression that has been worse than the fake break up from the Black Hood.

  It's the same routine every day. Wake up, school, art room, Pops to think, and then back to the Lodges. I can't escape it. The only thing keeping me going is our interactions.

The four interactions have been the only thing I've been holding onto these last weeks. The first two, we locked eyes while passing in the hallway. The third, bumping into each other at Pops.

The fourth..right now.

I take a sip of my milkshake, listening to some awful music. The lights seem brighter tonight because of the Christmas decorations, but I never noticed. Jughead walked in about an hour ago, and we keep finding each other's gaze. We stare at each other, then one gives the other a frown and turns away. Over and over it repeats.

I'm even thinking about walking over there to talk, but I'm stopped when Archie walks in with our dad. Fred sets down a tree, "What do you say, Pop?"

"The best one yet! Thanks, Archie, thanks Fred!" He says cheerfully.

Fred gives the owner a warm smile, "Oh, no. Thank you, Pop, for letting us set up shop right in front of your dinner."

Pop smiles,"It's no problem. Christmas is the season of giving, so milkshakes on the house for you and Archie."

Oh yeah, Christmas. I've never exactly thought about it yet, what I'm getting people. Kevin has made a Secret Santa up between the Scooby Gang and a couple other friends of ours. Luckily, I've gotten the easiest person to buy a gift for, Kevin.

It doesn't take much to please him, so that means I can make something. I check my phone to see what date it is, making sure I have time. The date doesn't make me anxious about finishing on time. I still have a couple more days, meaning it's back to the art room, again.

—————

Betty takes a long look at Veronica's present ideas. She inspects the neatly wrapped gifts, that probably holds expensive things, "Kevin's Secret Santa had a strict twenty dollar limit, V."

"Kevin needs to relax," She paces around the gifts and stops at one, "Also, they aren't just for Secret Santa, obvi. I got a Hermès scarf for my mom," she picks up a small package, "A leather passport case for my dad, now that he can travel, again."

She continues to walk towards it, tracing her fingers over every bow and box, "And a little something for my best girls. And a bauble for Archie."

"Because your getting back together?" Betty queries.

"Because it was purchased pre-breakup." Veronica informs us, "And haven't you heard? We're still friends."

I give her a sarcastic nod, "Oh, yeah. Aren't we all?" The so called bauble makes me think of my gift, "Should I give Jug his present?"

Betty smiles, "Yes! What is it?"

"I drew him his favorite picture of us." I sigh, "But it seems stupid and irrelevant."

"No." V declares, "You give him that drawing. He will love it!"

I nod, "Okay."

—————

Secret Santa time. Kevin gathered us all into the lounge, bursting with excitement to see everybody's gifts. So far, Josie got a gift certificate to the music store, Reggie received a new football, red lipstick for Cheryl, and I painted a picture of the game Kevin showed us at the sleepover for him.

Kevin has been immensely happy these last few days, I'm assuming it's to make me happier. It's not working, "Veronica's turn!" He announces.

V has a small envelope in her hands, "Hmm," she opens it and her face falls, "Oh. A gift certificate for a couple's massage. Thanks, Josie."

"You can go with Betty or your mom." Josie quickly tells her.

"Or," Reggie smiles, "I can go with your mom, if you want."

Cheryl rolls her eyes, "Oh, dear God, can we please just get this torture over with?"

"Y/N, your next." Kevin hands me a small box, "That's from Veronica."

I give Veronica a smile then open it, "Ronnie, no!" Two gleaming crystal clear diamond earrings come into view. They must have cost a fortune, "You didn't have to get me something this nice, you didn't even have to get me anything at all!"

She giggles, "Yes I did. You deserve something super nice for Christmas."

I give her a hug, "Thank you."

She hugs me back, "No problem."

Kevin claps his hands together with a cheesy smile on his face, "See this is what I love about the holidays. Okay, Betty your last!" He announces.

Betty examines the badly wrapped present, "Well, I think I now who picked my name based on these wrapping skills." She teases Archie while unwrapping it. When it's open, she pulls out an old record, "Archie."

"My dad and I were cleaning out the garage and I found it." They chuckle.

Veronica frowns, "Swiss Family Robinson?"

"Yeah, it's this old read-a-long record we used to listen to when we were, like, five. Oh my God." Betty chuckles again, "I love it, Arch. Thank you."

"Hey!" Someone yells from the door, "Merry Christmas!"

Everybody looks over to the door and there stands Moose and Midge. Reggie gasps and runs over to his friend. "Moose!" He looks like a five year old on Christmas morning.

Many other people run over next to the three, giving them hugs. I stay on my seat, unsure what to do. Moose and I aren't anywhere near friends and it seems weird to hug him. The only time we have done something together was getting beat up. That was super fun after a long day at the construction site.

  While Archie leaves with Betty, I go to the Blue and Gold. Betty has been complaining about me forgetting to turn in one of my art pieces. I should get that done before she gets really angry.

  I walk into the Blue and Gold clutching the expensive earrings. I wish Ronnie wouldn't have gotten me anything super nice. It makes me feel bad I can't give her anything, besides my art, considering I have no money.

  "Hey." A voice greets once I shut the door, "I stayed behind."

  Interaction number 5

  I walk over to a desk taking a deep breathe to prepare myself for the first conversation.

  In his hand is a wrapped present, "Because Merry Christmas." He holds out the gift with a sad expression.

  "Thank you." I whisper, grabbing the opposite side to avoid touching him. Both of my gifts, I set on the nearest table.

  He frowns when he sees the lack of connection of our skin, "Look, I'm sorry for how it all went down between us. The Serpents, my dad and I specifically are in a precarious place." I nod, "I-I just don't want you in those crosshairs."

  My eyes narrow at his idiocy, "Jughead, it's not your decision to make." I complain, "Even if you think it's to protect me, it's my choice, what I risk and for whom."

  He sighs, "I know..." The tension makes him think quickly, "I should go check on my dad." Jug squeezes past me.

  I put my hand over my forehead to decide my present's fate. If I give it to him, it'll seem weird since we aren't together. This drawing might be the one thing that will keep him thinking about me. We can be friends still, right? "Jug."

  His footsteps stop before the door.

  "I got you something, too. Or I guess made it." I stroll over to the large cupboard holding my art work, and I take out the large box I put it in. "Here." I hold out the box, with two arms, not caring about contact anymore, I want it. I want him.

  He grabs it with a smile, "Thank you."

  "No problem." I whisper to him.

  The door shuts with a bang making me jump. Betty walks in ignoring the two of us making her way to a desk.

  Jughead gives my arm a friendly pat, "Bye." He leaves the Blue and Gold, almost running into the door frame.

  I take a second feeling the tingling sensation on my arm. It makes me sadder than I already was, damn you Jughead!

  "Y/N? I think Svenson is the Black Hood."

  My head snaps in her direction, "What? Is this another one of your assumptions or is there some truth behind it?"

  "There's proof. He hasn't been at school for weeks and the secretary dropped off soup at his house. He didn't answer the door."

  I shake my head not buying her ideas, "Betty, people get sick. I wouldn't answer the door if I was sick, I barely get out of bed."

  She stands up firmly placing her hands on the table, "He is the Black Hood." Betty says angrily.

  "Geez sorry." I put my hands up to surrenders, "Anyways, I have one of my art submissions ready for print. It's in the cabinet."

  Her hand shoots up with a thumbs up, but her mind doesn't seem to be in our conversation.

  I grab my presents slowly, "I'm gonna go now." She nods, then I leave the office feeling worse than ever. Betty can't be right on this one, I mean it's Svenson! He's only a janitor.

  Later that day, I spot Archie at his locker staring at his backpack. His odd expression makes me decide to ditcg class. "Archibald? What's wrong?"

  His gaze reluctantly faces me, "Do you know our family is struggling with money?"

  "Well, yes Archie. You know I've tried to help Fred with money but he refuses."

  "We are in a bigger hole, Y/N." He tells me with anger.

  I lean against the lockers in slightly puzzled, "How did we manage to get in a bigger hole? You and Fred are selling trees along so we should be getting more income than usual."

  "We are getting more income, but not enough for a $86,000 medical bill."

  My jaw drops, "$86,000?! That's a mistake. It can't be that much." There's no way one bill can be that much and insurance should cover some.

  "It is, my dad already called the clinic and the insurance company. We are in trouble, Y/N. I don't know what to do." He runs his hand through his hair while taking a deep breathe. It remind me of Jughead.

I nod slowly. Life really wants me to roll with all these punches. What's next?

—————

  Since Fred refuses to let me help financially, I've turned to helping physically instead. I began working my first shift at the Andrew's Christmas tree farm after school. Personally, I think I was doing great until Cheryl showed up.

  She immediately made a beeline to Archie with a weird smile. "Teen Paul Bunyan, I'd like to purchase your finest tree."

  Arch was only just hanging up his phone as she approached, "Actually, Cheryl, I was just about to take a break, but Y/N here can help you." He points over to me, "Y/N."

  I give my brother a death glare while he walks off to the car, "Cheryl."

  "Y/N."

  "What can I help you find?" I grit through my teeth.

  She flips her red hair behind her shoulder, "A tree, obviously. I was think big this year and something that would look great with red ornaments."

  "Mmhmm." I walk over to a tree in the back of the lot, "I think this one would be perfect for you."

  Cheryl inspects the tree carefully, "Where is this tree from?"

  "A forest." I reply sarcastically.

  "Haha, very funny. Always you and that humor of yours." Her hand grabs a branch aggressively, "I don't like your stupid jokes. Just like I don't like people saying that your better than me."

  I roll my eyes. No one in there right mind would tell Cheryl Blossom she isn't the best. She's a Blossom, sadly she's on top like always, "Who said that?"

  "Mmm a lot of people. They just don't see you for exactly who you are."

  I nod, "You see, I'm likable and well your you."

  "Here soon people are gonna see the real you. I'm gonna make sure of it. I'm a Blossom, I rule this town." She puts her hand on her hip and stands with authority.

  Luckily for me, I don't care what authority figures tell me, "That ruling ended when your father murdered your brother." Her smile drops and her eyes bore into mine, "Now would that be cash or card?"

—————
Idk if this book series is ever gonna finish so soak up this chapter. It may be the end if I don't get my life together.