"Mom! Oh my god this can't be real."

I jump up from Jugs arms looking around the room. Suddenly the scene of pure horror melts into the dark comfortable room around me. I see Jug peacefully sleeping beside me and the girls sleeping on the small futon against the wall. Its quiet but the sounds of peaceful snoring makes me feel slightly better. They are all okay. I need to focus on them I can't torture myself with thinking about them. But my mind won't stop. I'm not one for believing in after life but if there is I wonder if my mother enjoys having Fred with her. She finally has one of her friends back. I hope he lectures Adam about how he acted and makes Amanda feel better about all the shit that happened.

"Hey?" I hear a soft whisper. My eyes move to the door to see Archie in my doorway. "You awake?"

"Nightmare," I tell him as I wave him towards me, "you?"

"Nightmare," He says, "listen I- I have to go get him. I can't let him sit there. Its early I know but I need to go get him. Will you come with?"

"Of course," I say to him, "but how would we even do that?"

"Reggie apparently has a hearse," He tells me, "He says we can use it. He's gonna bring it over. Just you and Jug come okay?"

"Of course," I say to him. He nods then slips back out the door. I shake Jug's arm causing him to sit up at once.

"Whau- whats going on?" He asks. His voice groggy and his hair sticking up in every way.

"Get dressed we are getting Fred," I say to him, "come on."

"Babe-"

"Archie needs to get his dad," I say sternly, "just get dressed." He sighs knowing there is no point in trying to argue. We both switch into day clothes and make our way up from the basement to meet the others outside. Apparently Veronica had texted Betty meaning she too would be joining us making it a true sad breakfast club adventure. Before us Reggie stands with a hearse tossing the keys to Archie.

"She's all yours bro," Reggie says to Archie. He's trying so hard to be supportive. It's nice. No fighting just trying to be a good friend.

"How do you even have a hearse, Reggie?" Veronica asks.

"It's been sitting on the lot for two years," He informs us, "No one wants to buy it."

"I'm surprised you aren't trying to make it into a new pussy wagon," I say mocking him slightly, "I mean look at all that space."

"You are sick," Veronica groans. I smirk lightly at her disgust.

"Well, I owe you, Reg. Thank you," Archie says, "And you guys, I'm sorry for calling so late."

"It's really not a problem, man," Jug says to him.

"I just I don't want my dad stuck in some weird town," Archie explains, "And I can't wait for after July 4th for them to bring him back. He'd want to be home, I know that."

"Alright game plan," I say to him, "who's driving?"

"I am," He says, "do you want to bring your truck?"

"Uh maybe I'll just ride along," I tell him, "it'll be nice not to be the one driving for a change." He nods. We all do a last minute check for our necessitates then pack into the hearse. Once in the car I lean my head onto Jug's shoulder starting to doze off as the soft music from the radio fills the car. I wasn't the only one with this idea though. Jug and Betty both were making themselves comfortable too in order to attempt to sleep at least some of the long ride.

By the time we arrive the sun has risen. Jug shakes me from my nap at the police station where Archie explains he's going in to ask. We decided to follow him through this.

"Hi, I'm Archie Andrews," Archie says as we all huddle in the police station, "My dad, Fred Andrews was in an accident off the freeway yesterday." Betty, Jug, and I stand back. Not wanting to be too invasive but I want to know the same answers.

"Oh, yeah, I heard about that," The officer says, "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, ma'am," Archie says, "I was wondering if you found the person responsible yet."

"We got a description of the car that hit your dad," She informs us, "The make and the model, but no plate number. Nothing yet. But, we're not giving up."

"Okay," Archie says softly as Veronica moves off to answer a call. "Uh, what happened to my dad's truck?"

"It's still at the accident site, parked on the side of the road," She informs him.

"Okay," He says, "Would you mind showing me where that is?" I pull away from Jug and move to Archie's side. I place my hand on his shoulder protectively. I can tell he's really struggling. Small actions are one of my only ways to help though. She pulls a map and circles a stop then moves it towards us.

"It's a few miles south on Route 80, right about here," She says showing us, "The keys are with the rest of your father's belongings at the funeral home."

"Okay," He nods.

"That was them actually," Veronica says rejoining us, "They're ready for us."

"Thank you, Deputy," Archie says.

"Of course," She says, "You hang in there, okay?"

"Thank you," Veronica says as Archie nods. I pull away from him and move towards Jug reclaiming his hand. The group returns to the hearse and piles in.

"Arch," I say softly, "do you want me to drive? You know give yourself a break?"

"No I've got this," He says to me, "promise." I nod allowing him to do this and climb into the drivers side. As we pile back in Jug looks to me.

"You doing alright?" He asks.

"I'm managing," I say honestly, "but I'll live." He nods squeezing my hand reassuringly. "You?"

"A solid okay," he says to me. I nod allowing ramblings of Veronica about this place in New York we should check out to overtake the car. I couldn't agree less with the statement however she seems to just be filling the air. She doesn't even stop until we reach the funeral home. As we all get out she takes Archie's hand leading them ahead. Once again she's there to help him cope but also makes it about her and how great she can be. That or perhaps I'm looking for some reason to dislike her. Someone to push my feelings of anger on. Like somehow I can warp the situation in my mind to pin the death on her. But it won't happen.

"Hi," Veronica says signalling our presence as we get inside the home. The director I presume stands to greet us.

"Good morning."

Terrible choice of words.

"Uh, I'm Veronica Lodge," Veronica says taking over, "We just spoke. This is Archie Andrews. He is-"

"I'm Fred Andrews' son," He says.

"Yes," The director says, "Of course, my condolences. How can I help you, Mr.
Andrews?"

"I want to bring my dad home," Archie says simply.

"It was my understanding the deceased would be transported to Riverdale on the 5th," he says confused with the situation.

"I know," Archie says, "That's- It's not right, I I want him home. And I want to be the one who brings him home. Today."

"I understand," The director says, "But I'm afraid that's not possible."

"Why the hell not?" I ask harshly, "you got a problem with it?"

"Well I just can't release him into the custody of minors and-"

"That's a load of bullshit and you know it!" I exclaim.

"Babe," Jug says softly.

"Come on we just lost someone really close to us and we want to bring him home," I say annoyed with his pushback.

"Who are you?" He asks me.

"I'm Fred's adopted daughter thank you very much," I say to him, "18 years old actually. So can you release him to us?"

"Do you have an ID on you?" He asks me.

"Oh for the love of-" I exclaim as I dig for my wallet. As I reach inside I notice a lack of my ID. I growl slightly remembering I took it out so I would remember to go to the DMV to get my new licensee. "Archie call your mom."

"You're asking me to call my mom?" He asks.

"Yeah that little fireball can help us," I tell him. He nods then moves off dialing his mother's number.

"Hey, Mom," we hear him say. I look to Jug as Archie talks to his mom.

"Of all the times to forget something now would be when it happens," I say slightly annoyed, "whatever. Hopefully Mary can help."

"Uh she wants to talk to you," Archie says handing the phone over to the director. The man awkwardly takes it then starts his exchange with Mary.

"I see. No, that won't be necessary, Mrs.
Andrews," He says, "Of course, I'll just need you to sign an authorization form No, I'll do it right now. Thank you." He looks to us as he hands the phone back to Archie. "I'll just go get your father's personal effects then."

"There was a set of truck keys," Archie says.

"They're in there," he says to us, "I'm going to need two to three hours to get him ready for transport. You can wait here or you can come back at noon."

"Can I see him?"

"Arch," I say softly knowing how hard it will be for him.

"Archie, you don't have to,"

"What if they made a mistake, you guys?" He says to us. We sigh as he looks more sternly to the man. "I'd like to see my father."

"Of course," the man says, "He's just in the next room, if you'd like to follow me." He starts to walk towards the door following the man but stops. He looks down desperately.

"Archie," i say softly, "you don't have to. I'll do it."

"You sure?" He asks me. I nod. He sighs. I leave Jughead with him and lead Betty into the room with me. I needed some support but out of all of them I feel like i Can handle it the best.

"I thought-" the director says upon seeing Betty and I.

"Archie changed his mind," Betty says.

"But he asked us to make sure it's him," I say to the man. He nods then moves the sheet down. I can't bring myself to move forward and tears are already gathering in my eyes.

"You gonna be able to do this?" Betty asks me. I move taking her hand in mine.

"Yeah," I say, "I have to for Archie." She nods and together we move towards the casket. As I get closer I see the cold figure of the man who was almost my father. He's beat up but he's peaceful. It could be as if he were sleeping. I feel the tears escape my eyes and streak down my cheeks. "Fred," I say softly as I look down, "oh my god." Betty pulls me closer to her as I attempt to remain together. "This is real."

"Come on," she says to me. The man hands her his belongings before we leave completely. As we walk back out Archie meets my eyes looking almost scared for what we'll say. I bite my lip slightly not wanting to make this all a reality.

"Is it him?" Archie asks finally.

"Yes, it is," I say sadly. I move wiping my eyes as Betty moves she arms wrapping me in a side hug, "I'm sorry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, Arch," Betty says, "It's your dad."

He struggles with grasping those words for a second. As if it was almost a slur. I wipe my eyes on my sleeve as I avoid meeting his eyes. I can't look at him and justify how sad I am. Nothing about this makes sense.

"We should get his truck," Veronica says as she collects Freds things from Betty, "when you are ready Arch." He nods then moves off. Betty and Veronica follow but Jug keeps his eyes on me.

"Do you need a minute?" He asks.

"Its just hard actually seeing it all," I tell him, "you know it always just feel like I'm back at all the other funerals. It makes me feel like death just follows me around." He moves towards me just pulling me into a tight hug. As if to show that as long as he's around nothing in this world would touch me. He holds on for a while and doesn't let go until I break the hug. It's nice. I feel better.

"Any better?" He asks. I nod softly. Lacing my hand with his as he leads us out to the hearse. We climb in to see Veronica now at the wheel. I assume she wanted to give Archie a minute. They don't say anything about us taking a while. Instead as soon as we are buckled in she takes off towards the directions on the map. The rides silent. The only noise heard is the sounds of the road and your typical driving noise. Once there Archie moves to the truck first. I keep myself at the rear trailing my fingers across the hot metal. Dents and scratches from us playing baseball as children. My hands move over the one I put in the truck with a mighty little curve ball aimed for Archie's face. I can remember how mad Fred was but in the end he just laughed it off saying that he'd have to give me some lessons. Fred Andrews didn't deserve this.

"Can we help you?" I hear Archie ask harshly. I look over to see a lady holding flowers.

"No," she says, "Uh, I'm just paying my respects." She sits down the flowers but Archie doesn't seem satisfied in the answers.

"How do you know what happened here?" Archie asks harshly. I step towards him.

"Hey Arch relax," I say to him.

"Wait, are Are you Archie?" She asks him, "so you must be Y/n."

"How do you know our names?" He asks.

"Your father told me," she says to us, "One of my tires blew, and, uh I was stranded out here."

"You're the one he was helping."

"I think cars, just you know, they kept They kept whizzing by, nobody would stop, but your dad did," She tells us, "He talked about you both the entire time. Just his kids. How He couldn't believe that a man like him was blessed with such a thoughtful, kind boy and such a smart, caring girl." I move towards Archie. Once again with my heart aching. He talked about us? He mentioned me? His kids.

"You were with him when he-"

"We were working on the tire and a car just It came out of nowhere, speeding and-" she stops tears now streaming down her face, "Sorry.
I just I froze in its path and your dad, he just He pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.
And If he hadn't done what he did, there is no way that I would be here right now. I know that. I am so sorry. There is nothing I could do to ever repay him, but But I would like to say a prayer for him. May be you'd like to join me." Archie nods and leads us towards her into the circle. He takes my hand making sure I'm included. I shift awkwardly. Faith is always something I struggle with but for Fred. I'd do anything. "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us for our trespasses as we forgave those who trespass against us. Lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."

"Amen," we ring out. She moves pulling Archie and I into a hug then apologizes once again before returning to her car. It's heavy but helps a bit. To know he talked about us. Archie decides that while waiting we should go eat. So he takes his dads truck and I take the hearse. Something I was a bit hesitant about.

"I'm that goth now," I say to Jug as we trail behind Archie in the truck, "seriously I never wanted to hit this point of outcast I was driving a hearse."

"I didn't know it concerned you so much," he says chuckling lightly. I roll my eyes at the words.

"It doesn't bother me it's just lame," I explain to him, "I don't want to be that weird goth girl everyone is afraid is going to murder them."

"Then I think you should have fixed that years ago," he says chuckling. I punch his arm and move to return to the wheel. "Ow!"

"You are sleeping on the floor," I say to him, "curled up with the spiders while I cuddle with Vegas."

"Rude," he says to me. I roll my eyes once again.

"I guess this is the place," I say as we pull in behind Archie, "it's no Pops but it'll have to do."

"You said it not me," he says as I park. We climb out and follow behind the trio ahead of us. Jug practically bouncing with excitement for his meal. Honestly this boy never stops eating. We are lead to a booth and automatically as we sit he starts at the menu. After ordering each of us exchanged a tense look. Not knowing what to say and where to start. Even as the food arrives and we start to dig in it's only small chatter.

"Guys, my dad saved that woman's life," Archie says changing the topic from Veronica's hair, "A total stranger. I mean, he sacrificed himself for her."

"That's an incredible thing, Archie," Veronica says, "He died a hero."

"Why did he have to be one?" Archie asks, "Why this time? Why Why did he have to stop? Why couldn't he just kept driving like everyone else?"

"Because your dad helped people," Betty says, "That's just who he was."

"Yeah, and it got him killed," Archie says, "He died on the side of the road waiting for an ambulance. Without his family, without his friends. I'm sorry, but that's That's not heroic, that's That's senseless."

"I promise you, that is not true," Veronica says.

"Archibald that's the dumbest thing you've said in a while," I tell him, "seriously you know that your dad was a hero and dying one would have made him proud. He was a good man. He didn't die for nothing." Archie stands from the table. I sigh loudly. "Archie."

"I'm just going outside," he tells us, "Need some air." We decide to let him go. As I dig into my French toast.

"You've got to work on your support," Veronica says to me.

"As an orphan," I tell them, "I think I know what he needs and that right now is for him to not get away with making his dad into the bad guy. Fred was an amazing man and honestly that should be worth so much to Archie."

"He's just struggling," Jug offers.

"Im trying not to make him upset honestly," I tell them, "I'll leave it alone if that's what you think is best."

"None of us know," Betty says to me, "we all grieve differently."

"I know," I say softly, "that's the worst part."

"Oh It's my dad," Jug says as he pulls his phone out. I nod as he starts ro talk to his father.

"Moral of the story is he'll be okay with time," I tell them, "and that's a good thing."

"Yeah," Veronica says, "I just wish I could do more."

"Oh shit," Jug says, "yeah we'll look." He hangs up the phone then grabs a fistful of bacon. "My dad says he thinks Archie is on his way to the mans house."

"Archibald the good is about to get my foot up his ass," I growl. I stand up from the table and march towards the door they follow behind me. "Get in i have a red head to strangle." With that we were off to the address FP gave to Jug. As we reach it we see Archie sitting outside a house on a rock we all make our way to him. I kneel beside him looking him over. "You alrighty Archie?"

"You had us really worried."

"You okay?"

"How'd you know where I was?" He asks us.

"My dad called," jug says, "He had a bad feeling. What happened?" I watch cautiously.

"I, uh I came looking for But he's just this dumb kid," Archie whimpers.

"Who is?" I ask him.

"The kid driving the car, hit my dad He's this stupid terrified It's something that I would've done," he says to me, "Taking the car out without permission. Hell, I did it a dozen times, and his dad was Was protecting him.
The same way mine would've. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, you guys. I can't believe I'm here, I can't believe I did this.
I'm a terrible son."

"Hey hey no You're not a terrible son," I tell him, "don't say that Archie."

"I just went into a stranger's house and almost hurt an innocent man," He sobs.

"I think your father would understand under these circumstances," Veronica says.

"All we ever did was fight, Ronnie," Archie says, "I lied to him constantly. He would be ashamed of me, I'm ashamed of me."

"Archie, listen to me," she says, "Your dad loved you more than anyone and anything else.
Whenever he looked at you, there was pride in his eyes. He was proud of you."

"You were in a bad spot we've all been there," I tell him, "he understood. He still loved you Archie. No matter what you were the light of his life."

"I don't know what to do," he whimpers.

"I do," says , "You're gonna finish what you started. You're gonna bring your dad home."

"Okay," he says. Betty takes Fred's truck with Archie and Veronica while I drive the hearse. We reach the funeral home where the employees take the hearse to prepare it so we can leave.

"What happened to you being mad at Archie?" Jug asks me.

"I can't be mad at him not like this," I admit, "he's really struggling."

"The hearse is behind the funeral home, ready to go," Archie tells us, "Ronnie and I will take it. You guys take my dad's truck back?"

"Of course, Arch," I say to him.

"Yeah We'll just follow you guys," Jug says.

"Thanks," Archie says. I nod as we split up once again. I climb into the drivers seat of the truck. My heart sinks as I feel the leather of the wheel against my palms.

"You okay?" Betty asks. A soft smile covers my face.

"I just remembered when Fred taught Archie and I to drive that Christmas I came back to Riverdale after I went into foster care," I say sadly, "we were 13. I almost recked the truck. He was so patient with me."

"Do you need me to drive?"

"No I've got this," I say to them, "I'm not upset I just remembered it. He was always so great. He taught me to drive over that whole break. Then the year after that when I came to stay with Archie for spring break he made sure I still knew."

"He was a great man," Betty says.

"He was," I say softly. I follow Archie through the roads until we are stopped just out of Riverdale.

"Everything all right, Mr. Jones?" I hear Archie ask just ahead of us.

"Everything's good, Red," FP says, "I, uh, heard what you, and Jug, and the girls were up to, and I wanted to be a part of it. I'd like to give your dad a police escort the rest of the way home, if you're okay with that. He deserves it."

"Yes, sir," Archie says.

"All right. Follow me then," FP says. He climbs into his crusier and starts us towards the town once again. As we enter the main road we see the town lined up along the side walk with signs all for Fred.

Everyone seemed to be there to show their support. No longer was this a Fourth of July parade it was a welcome home for Fred Andrews himself. The man who made Riverdale his place and helped everyone improve.

In the middle of it all Cheryl smiling at us. Showing her support something I didn't know I needed.

As we reach our house we see Mary, Lily, and the girls standing together on the lawn. As I hop out from the car I run towards Lily and she wraps her arms around me holding in tightly.

"God don't ever leave without telling me again," she says whimpering, "but this was sweet."

"I hope he likes being home."

~~~~

I stand with my rose as the men move towards us carrying the casket. Biting my lip to suppress the sobs wanting to escape.

"Amazing Grace How sweet the sound~ That saved a wretch Like me I once was lost But now am found T'was blind But now I see T'was blind But now I see~"

Josie voice carries along as they sit down the casket. Jug takes my arm leading us to our seats. Beside me Lily holds onto her girls tightly trying to comfort them while ignoring her one oncoming sobs.

"And now Fred's kids Archie and Y/n would like to say a few words," The priest says. Archie and I move. I wipe my eyes then take a deep calming breath.

"Obviously I'm not Fred's biological daughter," I start, "but in my 18 years Fred's always been my father figure. I might be the only one he officially adopted but he was a father figure to almost all of us kids." I look around taking another deep breath, "I have so many stories about how he made me into the person that I am. One that sticks out more than anything else is when I was 12. After everything that happened with my mom I just wanted to shut down. They took my siblings off to Chicago with some family and I run off so hoping they'd let me stay. Fred hid me in his house for a week. Finally he pulled me aside and told me that they were gonna make me go. After weeks of keeping it all in I broke when he said that. He told me I was okay and he'd be there for me no matter what. Fred Andrews is the reason I got into art the reason I'm still Alive and here today. I'm grateful I got the pleasure of getting to know. He will always be the best Riverdale has ever had to offer. I'll miss you Fred. I love you so much." I wipe away the tears covering my cheeks. Archie moves wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

"Uh, earlier I was thinking on the drive over here how much of Riverdale my dad built or just fixed up," he says as he holds on tightly to me, "Houses, office buildings A bit of everything. He helped build this town. And one day if I'm lucky enough to have a son or a daughter of my own I'll be able to point to a building or even just a brick in the building, and say, 'Your grandpa made that with his hands.' It's  the 4th of July. I remember this one 4th it was raining. The fireworks show was canceled, and, uh, I was so bummed, I remember sitting in the backyard just bawling Until my dad came home with all these fireworks. I mean, enough to burn our house down, you remember that, Mom? And, uh we lit them in the backyard, it was just it was the best night. My dad was here for every high and every low. He's the greatest man I've ever known. It hurts me that I never got to say goodbye. That I won't get to see him again or talk to him. But his spirit and his memory lives on in this town, and in everyone he's met. Fred Andrews will always be a part of Riverdale. I love you so much, Dad."

As the service ends I walk along the path alone to the familiar grave. I sit down beside it reaching out to trace my fingers along the engraved letters.

"Hey mom," I say softly. "I hope you're doing alright up there."

~~~

"How do you sum up the life of a man like Fred Andrews? You could start with the facts. That he was born at Riverdale General Hospital. That his parents were Arthur and Virginia Andrews. That he led the Riverdale High baseball team to two consecutive state championships. Took over the family business at 18. Got married, had a son, settled down. And while others were rushing to get out of Riverdale, Fred was setting down roots. When our town saw a pariah, and closed its doors, Fred saw a lost soul, and opened his. There was always room at his table, in his home, for others. Whenever our town was under attack, Fred was on the front line, fighting for it, defending it. He was our Good Samaritan. Our George Bailey. Our knight in flannel armor. Oh, and by the way, he was a hell of a good tipper. Fred left Riverdale better than when he found it. That's his legacy."

"It's perfect Jug," I say to him. He pecks my shoulder as I shuffle through the paper. "You did him justice."

"He deserves it," He says softly.

"He does," I say taking his hand, "now lets go watch these fireworks."

Fred Andrews was a great man. He made room for everyone in not only his home but his heart. Every single thing he did was for others. He lived the type of life others craved. A man full of love for his family, his friends, and his neighbors. He'll live on in the hearts of many and the lives of us all. Every last person owes him the world. I'd be lying if I said I won't miss him. In fact I'll miss Fred more than anyone else in this world. He truly cared about me something so rare in the people who are supposed to be taking care of me.

To Fred Andrews.

----------------

I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the talent and kind soul Luke Perry was. He truly was someone we all could strive to be. He'll be remembered through so many. May our thoughts be with his family who are still coping with the loss and his friends and castmates who still miss him every day.

Thank you for reading this series and I thank each and every one of you. I'll be right back here thursday so don't you worry.

From Your Tired Author - Emma