Chapter one.
The week of November 5th was like no other in Riverdale. They believed in the British tradition of bonfire night even though no other town did. It was made a celebration that was more than just a fire in the car park of Pop's Choc Shop.
The week started like any other when a event was happening, with a school committee meeting before class at Riverdale high. Every member of the school loved this unofficial holiday, much like any other event Betty Cooper but this event saw a very sour Cheryl blossom taking second command. Something she wasn't used it.
As the leader, Betty took control over the crowded classroom. "Ok guys, settle down. I hate to stop your Monday morning catch ups but you are all here because you either want to help with the bonfire or you just want the extra credit. If it is the latter then please leave, you have already signed in now just sign out as you leave" she didn't want to seem rude but there was no way that she could get the ball moving if the unnecessary people in attendance stayed. "whoah, ladies and gentlemen give it up for brutal Betty Cooper" Cheryl teased. "Very funny Cheryl, now if you don't have any other comments to make we will start the meeting. As you guys are aware bonfire night is only a fews days away, now normally we have everything organised by now but with what happened over the summer there has been a bit of a delay". As Betty was saying these words she couldn't help but look at Cheryl and to her disbelieve she saw something in Cheryl, she saw sorrow.
"Yeah, yeah Betty. We all know that my brother was killed by my father who when caught decided to take his own life". Cheryl was on defence, could you blame her. The Blossom name was one that stood for power and success. Was meaning in the past. Now it stood for shame, guilt and misery, not matter how hard they tried to hide it. The Family had decreased 50% and the effect it had on Cheryl was obvious to anyone who laid eyes upon the red haired beauty. Betty knew that she had to get things moving and fast, otherwise there wouldn't be a bonfire to go to. She needed to started handing out responsibilities, but who could do what.
"So, as I was saying we really need to get on with the planning. Archie, Jughead. I want you guys to design the flyers and then hand them out to everyone in Riverdale. The mayor, the Sheriff, Pop Tate himself. I mean it, everyone". "Yes Ma'am" both Jughead and Archie said in unison. "Do you have to sign off on these flyers or are you giving us the creative freedom that two teenage boys should have?" Jughead jokingly but with all seriousness said. That boy was full of sarcasm and retro movie quotes but it was those traits that made Betty Cooper fall in love with him. "Jughead, you have full creative freedom when it comes to the flyers". Both the boys looked at each other with the biggest smile of the their faces and mumbling something under their breathes. Betty couldn't hear a word they said but she was already doubting her decision to give the boys freedom. Its not like they have let her down in the past, in fact they never failed her. However, there is always a first time for everything.
"Josie, Val, Melody. I think the whole town would love it if the Pussycats where to perform at the bonfire". Betty knew that she didn't have to ask, the Pussycats would already assume that they were performing as they had sang at the bonfire every year. "Of course Betty, the Pussycats would be honoured to perform" Josie replied, she was 9 times out of 10 the one that did the talking.
"Veronica, you will be in charge of decorating the Choc shop. Just like the boys, I give you creative freedom. You will have to run the huge ideas by Pop. He will let you do just about anything but I'd still like you to talk to him about any changes. It is his business after all". She looked at Veronica and could tell she already has several ideas. She just hoped that she didn't go over the top.
"It would be my pleasure Betty, I know you're properly concerned that I will turn Pops' into a mini MET ball but you have my word that I will keep more Riverdale less New York". "Thats great V. Now, Cheryl what is it that you would like to do? I know that no matter what I suggest you will say you don't want to do it". "I actually wanted decorate the tired out choc shop but I should have known that you would give that to your new BFF even if she has only been here five minutes". Betty knew that including the red haired ice queen would be a task in itself.
"Cheryl I am going to be completely honest with you when I say that I didn't think you would care about the bonfire. You haven't cared in the past, so whats with the sudden need to be involved this year" and with that Cheryl stormed out without saying a word.
After an hour before school and one free period everyone knew what was required of them, everyone but Cheryl. The only added job was that Betty wanted Archie to perform at the bonfire before the pussycats but Josie wasn't have any of it. In the end Archie managed to persuade Josie to let him join them in their second song.
Betty was working on the Blue and Gold during her lunch break. Since Jason's death no story was good enough. The whole town was reading the blue and gold during the summer and early fall but now they were back to having a few people at school read their paper. She was so focused her work that she practically jumped out of her seat when she heard the door close, especially because she didn't hear it open in the first place. The culprit of the fright was none other than Veronica Lodge.
"Permission to speak freely" Betty Nodded "I understand that you and Cheryl don't see eye to eye but you were a bit harsh on her earlier this morning". Veronica said, she wanted everyone to get along, sing Kumbaya but that wasn't how Riverdale worked.
"I just don't don't get why she is so determined to take over the bonfire, its not like she took this much interest in previous years" Betty confessed to Veronica. Cheryl's behaviour has confused Betty and that was a rarity. Angered, embarrassed, upset, disgusted but never confused.
"Maybe, this is a new side of Cheryl. Ever since the attempt to be with Jason at sweet water river she has been acting different" Veronica was trying to justify Cheryl's behaviour or at least trying to convince herself and anyone that would listen that Cheryl could have changed. Its not that hard to believe, heck Veronica was the Cheryl of New York. If she could change surely Cheryl could too.
Everyone seemed to be on board with the idea of a new Cheryl Blossom. Less ice more fire. Everyone except from Betty Cooper. You can't Blame the girl though, Cheryl wasn't exactly warm and welcoming when it came to the youngest Cooper.
"Veronica, you don't understand. Since you came to town Cheryl has been nicer then ever, even on her nastiest days" Betty was trying to explain but was interrupting by her friend. "If this past year was Cheryl at her best then I would dread to think of her at her worse". "Anyways, as I was saying. I want to believe that Cheryl has changed, turned over a new leaf, shed her old skin. But thats not how it works Veronica. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, especially not in this town. Something else is going on with the last remaining Blossom Spawn and I will find out what it is". "Last remaining Blossom spawn. I think you may have been reading too much of the Veronica Lodge handbook, maybe you should put it back on the shelf and go back to Betty Cooper 101".
Maybe Betty has been acting a little bit like her BFF but she is starting to learn the hard way that being nice doesn't always get you what you want. She really wanted to sit down with Cheryl and ask her exactly what is going on but Betty knows better to ask Cheryl a straight question, she knows that her response will be full on insults and sarcasm.