❪ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴇ ᴏꜰ ɢʀᴀᴄᴇ ❫

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
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𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨.

Three months later.

As FP Jones lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling fan spinning in circles, anticipation filled the air. He willed himself not to look to his left, yet every moment felt charged with an unspoken hope.

When the alarm finally buzzed, he couldn't resist glancing over. In that instant, he was struck by the emptiness around him. The familiar scent of Camilla was nowhere to be found, leaving a bittersweet ache in his heart. The space beside him was vacant, but he couldn't shake the feeling that soon it might not be.

He held onto the possibility that Camilla Cooper would return, bringing laughter and warmth back to his life.

Three months earlier.

"Call my Dad," Archie urges as he's led out of the high school gym in handcuffs.

"Of course," Jughead responds, eyes wide with alarm as he fumbles for his phone.

"Where's Cami?" Betty asks, scanning the crowd, which is buzzing with whispers and pointed fingers.

"I'm trying to reach her," Veronica replies, holding the phone to her ear, only to be met with Cami's voicemail again. She tries once more, but the result is the same.

"She's not picking up," Veronica informs Betty, who looks increasingly anxious.

"Mr. Andrews is heading to the station. He mentioned calling Mary," Jughead says, glancing back at the two of them, but he quickly stops when he catches sight of their worried expressions.

"What's going on?" Jughead presses, and Betty turns to him, her concern palpable.

"We can't get in touch with Cami," she reveals, and Jughead's confusion deepens.

"I just saw her. She was putting on her jewelry when I left. She said she wouldn't be long after me," Jughead insists as he pulls out his phone and dials his Dad.

"Everything okay, Jug?" FP's voice comes through the line as Jughead searches the gym, his heart racing.

"Archie was just arrested for murder," Jughead states, and he can hear a chair scrape as FP reacts.

"Did you call Fred? Are you safe? Cami?" FP starts questioning, and Jughead recognizes the sound of keys jangling in the background.

"That's why I'm calling. We can't reach Cami. When did she leave?" Jughead asks, glancing at Betty, who seems to be spiraling further into panic as she types a message to her sister.

"Not long after you. She got a call and said she would see me later. It was about forty minutes ago," FP explains, slamming the trailer door as he steps outside.

"Well, she never showed up," Jughead responds, catching sight of Cheryl, Toni, and Sweetpea moving closer. He turns to Sweetpea.

"Have you heard from Cami? None of us can get through," Jughead inquires, and Sweetpea hesitates, his expression serious. Meanwhile, Veronica's gaze drifts to her Dad lurking in the shadows, an unsettling smirk on his face that sends a chill down her spine.

"What if... someone's taken her like they're trying to do to Archie?" Veronica voices her fear, and Betty's heart sinks as she follows her gaze.

"I'll find out if he knows where she is," Sweetpea says, rolling up his jacket sleeves as he starts to walk away, but Toni and Jughead quickly grab him to halt his advance.

"Wait. That won't help anyone. When was the last time you saw her?" Jughead asks intently, studying Sweetpea, who is glaring at Hiram.

"At the trailer. She was on the phone when she left. She waved and drove off," Sweetpea recounts, causing Betty to turn to him urgently.

"Who was she talking to?" Betty presses, her worry escalating.

"Your Mother," Sweetpea answers, and Betty's face drains of color.

"Betty," Veronica says, concern etched on her face as she watches her friend react.
"Cousin," Cheryl acknowledges, her gaze fixed on Betty.

"I'll go check if my Mom knows anything. You all head to the station, and I'll call if I find out anything. They could have been arguing and not heard their phones ring," Betty decides, her determination solid.

"I'll be fine. Go," she reassures them, heading toward the gym exit, her heart pounding with the hope that her sister is just caught up in an argument with their mom. The uncertainty looms heavily, raising a tide of anticipation for what might unfold next.

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As Betty pulls up to her house, she notices Cami's car parked out front, her heart racing in anticipation. Without a second thought, she parks and dashes inside.

"Cami! Camilla!" Betty calls out, throwing the door open, a mix of hope and anxiety swirling within her.

"Elizabeth. Please, don't yell," Alice responds, drawing Betty's attention to her mom, who is busy piecing together a pie in the kitchen.

"Mom, where's Cami? We've been trying to call her. I saw her car outside!" Betty hurries toward her mom, who remains focused on her task.

"Mom!" Betty exclaims, slamming her hands against the countertop, making Alice finally look up.

"Where is my sister?" The question hangs in the air, and for a moment, Alice just stares at her before averting her gaze again.

"You're going to wake the twins," Alice replies, but Betty narrows her eyes, frustrated.

"Where is she?" Betty presses, her voice steady but laced with urgency. Alice sighs, turning away momentarily to wash her hands.

"She's safe. Where she is meant to be," Alice finally answers, but it does little to ease Betty's growing sense of dread.

"And that is where exactly?" Betty inquires slowly, cautious but determined.

"She's getting the help she needs. Just like I did," Alice states, and Betty's heart drops. She steps around the corner, forcing her mom to meet her gaze.

"Tell me you didn't!" Betty implores, searching Alice's eyes for denial, but all she finds is silence.

"Tell me you didn't!" she insists, and Alice shakes her head, grabbing a towel to dry her hands, a sign that this conversation is more serious than she wants it to be.

"She needs help! Just like I needed help, Elizabeth! Just like Polly!" Alice raises her voice, but it only fuels Betty's growing anger.

"No, it seems you still need it! Or maybe you both are the ones who are crazy!" Betty shoots back, slamming the front door behind her, determination guiding her steps as she heads to her car. She can feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her as she drives off toward the Sisters of Quiet Mercy.

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"What do you mean no?" Betty questions Sister Woodhouse, disbelief rising. The outcome of this moment feels pivotal, as if everything hinges on it.

"You are not able to see your sister. She is in for a 72-hour hold for the time being. No visitors allowed," Sister Woodhouse informs her, and Betty's heart sinks deeper.

"She shouldn't even be here! I want to see her now!" Betty exclaims, voice rising in urgency.

"No. And if you do not leave, we will have to get security involved," Sister Woodhouse warns, and Betty takes a moment to compose herself. She imagines what Cami would do if the roles were reversed, drawing strength from that thought.

Turning her back to the sister, Betty pulls out her phone, her breath steadying as she prepares to make a call that could change everything.

"I'm sorry, but I need your help. It's Cami," Betty says simply, her gaze fixed on the door that stands between her and her sister, anticipation and worry swirling within her.

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Sitting in one of the uncomfortable chairs, Betty bites her lip, her heart racing with anticipation as she waits.

When she hears the door crack open, she looks up, a sigh escaping her as she stands, her mind swirling with hope and anxiety.

"Thank you for coming," Betty tells Fred Andrews, who nods at her, concern etched on his face.

"You okay?" Fred asks, and Betty shakes her head, knowing their situation is far from fine.

"Just stay here. Give me a second," Fred instructs her, and she nods, watching as he strides toward the door. In a sudden burst, he begins banging on it, making Betty jump, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Men are not allowed," Sister Woodhouse asserts, meeting Fred's gaze with defiance.

"Neither is kidnapping," Fred replies calmly, the conviction in his voice hinting at what's to come.

"We do not kidnap. Parents bring us their children to help them. That is what we do," Sister Woodhouse counters, but Fred stands firmly, determination radiating from him.

"Well, I'm more than sure that dragging an 18-year-old girl against her will counts as kidnapping," Fred states, stepping closer in a show of resolve.

"So unless you release my daughter to me right this second, I will be calling the cops and even the governor to let them know you kidnapped someone. I wonder what else they might uncover here," Fred warns, his eyes locked on the sister as she stares back, caught off guard, while Betty's anxious fingers worry her thumb.

"Come with me," Sister Woodhouse finally relents, opening the door for Fred, who promptly steps through, hope surging in his chest.

"Her mother told us she was seventeen," Sister Woodhouse says while they walk, but Fred firmly replies, "Well, her mother also has no rights over her daughter." They continue down the dim corridor, arriving at a closed door that reads 'Solitary Confinement.'

Fred's jaw tightens as Sister Woodhouse unlocks the door and swings it open. The scene inside fills him with dread.

His Cami-Cam is lying on a tiny twin-size bed, her arms and legs strapped down, staring up at the ceiling, her eyes fluttering open and closed, dried tears spilling over her cheeks.

Without hesitation, Fred rushes to her side, swiftly unfastening the straps as he whispers comforting words, "Hey, you're okay, Cami-Cam. I gotcha you. You're safe." He brushes her hair from her face, watching her struggle to focus.

Gently, Fred scoops her into his arms, cradling her close to his chest as he glares at Sister Woodhouse, who remains indifferent.

"F-fr-Freddy," Cami mutters, and he holds her tighter, ready to protect her at all costs.

"I gotcha you," Fred reassures her, carrying her toward the lobby. As they step into the light, Betty's pacing halts, and the color drains from her face in shock at the sight of her sister.

Desperation fuels her as she rushes forward, scanning Cami for injuries, her heart sinking at the sight of the red marks around her wrists, already beginning to bleed.

"Come on. We need to get her to the hospital," Fred insists with urgency, and Betty nods, determination setting in as she hurries to open the door. Fred carries Cami out, Betty following closely behind.

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A door swings open, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing, and Betty looks up, quickly wiping her eyes just as Veronica enters with FP and SweetPea right behind her.

"Where is she?" FP asks, scanning the room earnestly, but Betty can only shake her head.

"Fred is with her. She still won't wake up, but they're doing a CT scan and some blood tests," Betty explains, her voice laced with worry as Veronica rubs her back gently, offering comfort.

"What the hell happened?!" SweetPea suddenly exclaims, earning a stern look from FP.

"Boy," FP warns, and SweetPea nods, the weight of the situation settling heavily.

"It was our mom. She had the sisters take her. I thought I could get her out, but they said it was a 72-hour hold. That's why I called Fred for help. He threatened to involve the law and the governor to get her released. But when he carried her out, I feared the worst—," Betty admits, her voice breaking as tears spill down her cheeks. Veronica pulls her closer, trying to keep her grounded.

"She wouldn't wake up. They had her strapped down like an animal," Betty continues, the emotion overwhelming her, while Veronica takes a deep breath, bracing herself as she observes SweetPea's tension and FP's departure down the hallway.

"Where are you going?" Veronica calls out, but FP keeps walking, focused on finding the girl he's so determined to protect.

As he moves through the halls, he scans the windows, searching for a glimpse of blonde hair. Suddenly, a familiar figure emerges from a room, pushing a hospital bed.

"Fred!" FP calls out, catching Fred's attention, but his gaze is fixated on the girl in the bed.

Rushing closer, FP's heart races as he assesses Cami, anxiously taking in every detail.

"She's talked a little, but she's still out of it. The doctors think it's from the sedative, but they're doing a head CT just to be safe," Fred informs him, and FP's eyes drop to Cami's bandaged wrists, fearing the scars that may linger.

"They said they shouldn't scar, but it will be sore for a bit," Fred continues, and together they follow Cami as she's wheeled back to her room. Fred leans against the door, allowing FP a moment alone with Cami, who looks so fragile but so alive.

Carefully, FP shifts her just enough to lay her against his chest, the warmth of his embrace enveloping her. "I gotcha, baby. I'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I'll protect you," he whispers, kissing the top of her head repeatedly. "I love you," he adds, determination filling his voice as he holds her tightly.

Fred watches the scene unfold, a complex mix of emotions crossing his face before his phone buzzes in his pocket.

"It's Mary about Archie, I—" Fred starts, hesitating as he looks at FP.

"Go. I've got her now. If anything changes, I'll call you. Just go take care of your boy," FP assures him, and Fred nods, walking in to gently kiss Cami's forehead.

"I love you, Cami-Cam," Fred whispers before letting her go, the weight of his worries hanging in the air as he leaves to check on his other child.

FP leans down closer, whispering into Cami's ear, "You have to wake up, baby. They need you. I need you." He kisses her forehead softly, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against hers, filled with an unwavering hope for the future. Now, they must wait—wait for the moment she will awaken and all the possibilities that will unfold beyond these hospital walls.

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Three months later

"Hey, Baby! Do you know where my strapless bra is? I really need it for court," Cami asks, her tone tinged with urgency as she rummages through the drawers. FP walks in, towel in hand, drying his hair, and he looks over at her with a gentle smile.

"I'm not sure what that is," FP replies, moving closer to Cami and wrapping his arms around her waist, wanting to comfort her.

"Baby," Cami sighs, feeling his kiss on her neck, which brings her a little solace amidst her stress.

"Why don't you just move back in? I hate waking up without you next to me," FP says, his eyes filled with longing, making Cami sigh again as she hugs him tightly.

"I do stay here, but I'm constantly helping Mary and Ms. McCoy with Archie's case. It keeps me out late, plus I'm trying to figure out living arrangements for Betty and me. The Pembrooke would be ideal, but living with Hiram Lodge is not something I want to deal with ever. I would be charged with murder then," Cami explains, her worries evident. FP nods, leaning in to kiss her softly, and a warmth spreads through her as she pulls him even closer.

"Ugh! There's a door! Use it!" Jughead exclaims, shaking his head in mock disgust, but there's a smile on his face.

"What do you need, boy?" FP asks, turning to Jughead, who is holding a basket with something sticking out that catches Cami's eye.

"I totally forgot to get my clothes out, didn't I?" Cami realizes, glancing at Jughead, who nods knowingly as he hands her the basket.

"Thank you so much!" Cami beams, gratitude lighting up her face as Jughead waves and walks away.

"I really have to go now," Cami says, hastily extracting her bra from the basket. FP watches her carefully, his gaze lingering on the still-healing marks on her wrist, a wave of concern washing over him.

"Just call me when you get there, okay?" FP requests, his voice filled with warmth, and Cami smiles, leaning in for a quick kiss.

"I will. I love you," Cami says, a soft smile on her lips as she heads for the door.

"I love you too," FP calls after her, worry lining his features as he listens to her say goodbye to Jughead before the door shuts.

❀ ༄ ❀ AUTHOR NOTE ❀ ༄ ❀
And season three begins! Thought I would start it off with where it ended before starting the true beginning of season three!

Please ignore any spelling mistakes! I beg you! Don't forget to comment, lovelies! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I love you all! <333