Chapter 1 : The River's Edge (part two)

I run after her . Ms Grundy ! Ms Grundy !

She's getting away , the staircase space is ambushed with students making their way up and down . She's getting away . Maybe it's a connection and I like her , maybe it's an infatuation and I'm addicted . Whatever IT is yells at me to hold onto this thing we have , this thing I can't let go even if I wanted to .

My own voice fades in and out , mixing with the memory of a boiling afternoon and her long chestnut hair . It gets lost in my feeling of deep , gutteral guilt but I shut my eyes tight and open them again to see if it's still there .

"Geraldine" I call softer . Steadier . She stops. I'm unsteady and almost falling , vision blurry because I can't really see where I'm running .

I'm not in the school stairwell anymore , it's football tryouts and I just fell flat on my back . Being pushed back by some dudes doing our suicide runs . Wow .

"What was that Andrews ?" Chuck Clayton yells my way , the Junior year Varsity player who happens to be Coach's son , and he's made an all too apparent presence at this tryouts . It kills me to be petty , but it's almost like Chuck is trying to shove it down our throats how good he is .

I don't hesitate in jumping to my feet but not before pushing back my longer - than - usual hair , I'd forgotten to get a haircut .

"You were amazing , Archie" she strokes my hair , affectionate and innocent after what we just did . "Are you .. okay ?"

"Yeah , Miss Grundy - I'm great !" I remember putting my shirt back on , the first time . The start of the twisted lost of innocence and beginning of vulgarity stamped into one .

"Archie" she laughs "you can call me Geraldine"

And I did . Every time after that . I always left feeling gross , wallowing in what felt like the biggest sin I'd ever committed . And I hated it . I hated the scratch marks down my back that reflected in the mirror I saw after showering , the first time I stopped myself from wearing a tank top when working at my dad's . There were too many red marks and different colours and reminders and EVIDENCE -

"What can I do for you , Mr Andrews ?"

It's simple as that , she's turned off the heat we felt for each other all far gone . I'm wondering confused how she isn't still longing for it , what is happening .

"Can we talk , Miss Grundy please ?"

"It depends"

"Music . You're the music teacher . Can we talk about music ?" It's mind blowing how I feel like the woman in front of me is a complete stranger , but I KNOW her , I felt her . I touched her and and we - we - we had something . I swear it .

"Of course . Make an appointment , during my office hours . My official office hours"

She walks away at perfectly normal pace , poised and precise . But what it feels is like she's running - no , tornado is talking her away swallowing into the shallows of my mind flicking back and forth from July Fourth and the kisses , to right now and I'm standing all alone .

I do make an appointment , and honest to god wondering how I made it through the tryouts when all I could think was what happened - everything that happened .

"It's very real , very personal" she says after listening to the demo I'd put together , and I can't help the hopeful look that crosses my eyes .

It's about you .

"I took your advice and wrote them down . Polished them"

It's so clear she'd rather be anywhere else - and part of me wants to slam my fist through a wall because she's making go insane . How can you act like what happened never happened ?! How are you so calm and I feel like I'm being eaten alive

She says we can't be alone together , and I understand . But that's not WHAT I want .

"If this is you trying to rekindle something that shouldn't have started in the first place -"

"No , it is about music"

Yes . It - it is .

"But also , come on I need to be able to talk about what happened with someone . What we heard and afterwards , we didn't say anything"

"We heard fireworks" she insists .

I stopped feeling guilty some time after it started . And I started to want to come back , like it was actually okay . You couldn't believe how relieved I was that day falling into bed grateful I could look at myself and not see a disgusting example of a human being . Maybe dramatic , maybe over emotional . But when it struck me that night dozing into my dreams that I need that guilt - to hold me back .

I keep thinking how terrible it is what I'm doing , when she calls me and I remember I'll see her at school when school starts and this will all be a crime . Sometimes I didn't go . And she got upset . And sometimes I told myself the guilt was what refrained me . When it's gone , I couldn't stop myself . She's completely turned herself into something I can't get out of my head and the scariest part is when I realised I couldn't think anything more bad of us being together .

That's where I was mentally when we heard fireworks go off on July Fourth , laying idly by Sweetwater River . When her body jolts up in shock and we both look out , but , it's just -

"Who's lighting fireworks at Six in the morning ?"

"How do we explain why were together at Sweetwater River at six in the morning ?" She counters .

I can't answer that , honestly . But I can't forget it either . The way she hurriedly got dressed and I kept repeating the words over and over .

"Calm down , calm down"

"Someone could see us"

"No one is here ! Whoever it was was far away and we'll just -"

She doesn't spare my words a thought and only looks at me frighteningly .

" - get going . We'll go , now"

I may have been convinced it was nothing then , but not when I found out Jason and Cheryl Blossom had been boating and Jason is missing and we heard something that didn't just infiltrate our being there anymore , it could have been whoever has Jason . Maybe . I don't know .

Back in the music room she still can't look at me straight in the eye , and part of me really wishes she'll just say yes to the tutoring . Even if the means whatever we had is gone , at LEAST I'd get to pursue something that's normal and won't haunt me like other things are as of now . The boy who slipped into Miss Grundy's car and fell for her bambi eyes might've been yearning for her to stay on July Fourth - but I'm trying to block it out now she's tell me it's all a mistake . She's telling me , now .

Attached . Emotion . Unintentional .

We are something that was never supposed to happen .

"And you're right . We didn't say anything , and we'll have to live with our choice" she tells me like it's easy . Seeing Cheryl ; as fake and theatrical as people say she's being , is killing me too when I know a girl's best friend - twin brother - soul mate , as she had said - is gone missing and maybe I could've ( could ) do something to help .

"I think you should pursue your music , but not with me"

"Andrews !" A whistle blow has my head spinning and almost dive right into the ground again . God , I really need to be careful what with these reveries I keep slipping into .

It's gotten significantly colder or maybe I've just noticed . "What's up Coach ?" I ask , jogging up to him while the rest of my teammates continue .

Coach Clayton , much like his son , has a personality bigger than life that can intimidate and manipulate . Not to say Coach Clayton is manipulative, but the way he words his sentences often spells you right where he wants you .

He tosses me a jersey , one I catch and unfold . "Here"

The number , bright yellow and blaring , is a single number 9 . It almost irks me , but then I realise Coach must have made a mistake .

"This is Jason's number" I tell him

"It's yours now . Usually , sophomores only play JV . This year we have an open spot on Varsity . From what you've been showing us , well , I want you to fill it"

No .

Thank god I don't say it aloud , but every cell in me is yelling no . Music , its what I promised myself I'll do this year . Football has been my fall back plan as ridiculous as it sounds , but after what dad said about wanting me working for his company and the only way I know to get to business college is through a football scholarship - it's kind of the only plan I had . Varsity , however ? Was not part of the plan . Jason's gone . Most probably dead . I know something I'll never fess up to and wearing his number not only sends all weird chills up my spine but also makes me feel almost guilty .

I shouldn't have it . I don't deserve it , after how unfocused I was during that try out ? I especially shouldn't have it .

"Varsity's got longer practices . More away games" I try awkwardly , wanting to slap myself for how bad a reasoning that is .

"More commitment , yeah" Coach looks around .

"Well , I need to think about it Coach"

"Oh , you got something better to do ?"

"My dad's company" I reply quickly , spitting out the only thing that may trigger his understanding . "It's our family business , he's sort of counting on me to help out - after school , on the weekends"

"Hold it , Jackson hold the ball !" Coach yells "you know what , why don't you sleep on it"

That sounds easy enough , so I crumple up the jersey and get back in line for our warm down runs . Any of these boys could've been chosen , in my opinion . But Coach chose me .

This just adds another thing to the plate . Varsity football is not something I want to add to the current list - music , dad's company , my turmoiled anger and withdrawal from everything that happened his summer , the gunshot -

"Archie !"

It's Veronica , the mysterious new girl with very dark eyes and some out of place feature ( designer handbags and dresses don't really fit this school ) but she works it so well , and there's something about her that just like last night takes Archie's breath away . Completely . Just like that , he's sent into another reverie .

Things couldn't have ended worse in Grundy's . Maybe it's the rejection or maybe he had some strings attached he'd hoped she'd reciprocate - but most of all everything about the gunshot is pummelling and her refusal to tutor him is pissing him off . There IS no one else in this town to help me !

"Woah , watch it Humpty Dumpty ! Oh - it's Archie"

Veronica realises when she looks up at him , crouched on the ground to get her books .

"Shit , I'm sorry . Really sorry , just - didn't see you" he instantly gets down on his knees to help her , collecting a shiny gold iPhone and her Econ text book .

Their eyes meet when she sees her hands stop scrambling to pick things up , and for once all the hyperventilation happening inside him stops . It's silenced . Veronica doesn't even realise it but she's got him completely focused on her face , her eyes her skin and the close proximity in which jerking his head forward is all it would take to connect their lips .

No . Archie , why is he even thinking like that ? Sure , Veronica is hot and that's what everyone is saying .

"The hot , high maintenance new girl" is what Reggie had kept referring to her as

And she's slightly blushing and he starts to smile , seeing more to her than just a maybe new friend of Betty's . She's … Veronica Lodge .

"Relax , stutter face . In a rush to get to football tryouts ?" She raises a perfectly arched dark eyebrow .

Archie grins . "Do your nicknames ever stop ? And yes , actually . That's why I was in such a rush ."

Veronica doesn't say anything about her everlasting nicknames , but flips her hair back and gathers all belongings in her arms . "Well , don't let me stop you"

With way too much sass in her step and an attempt to escape , Veronica practically bounced up to a standing position that despite years of experience her heels betrayed her - she trips with a small yelp that is something forever etched in Archie's mind , so fast gone in the moment and not acknowledged -

Archie instinctively reaches out to catch her from falling .

His hand is gripping her hip way too tight and she's unconsciously held onto his arms too . From any other aspect , it would have looked romantic. Her back arched and him hovering a little over her , close together like they wanted it no other way .

Neither of them could say a word and for some reason didn't let go , both knowing full well Veronica had gotten her stability back . For a moment Archie risked looking into her eyes , and right then and there was something born he couldn't look back on . The sudden erupt of a firecracker that set their skin ablaze , like the first time he held her hand .

And it's pretty embarrassing how obvious he's being , even curling his fingers more into the dress material covering her left hip , when he swears he hears her gasp a little . With her neck too close , fragrant scent wafting around him of course . He's so tempted to do something he's not sure what , but Veronica's very subtle intake of breath when he slides his hand a little higher , brushing to her waist isn't helping .

He notices all the little things about her , right then . Her eyes blink for a delayed second and when she had her eyes shut , her eyelashes are longer than ever and when she opens them again her eyes are captivating. He looks down and sees the rise and fall of her chest , the blush disappearing into the top of her dress …

Veronica doesn't even know what to do . This boy has some pent up hormones , is all she thinks . but it's okay and she's feeling suddenly very bothered too , aware that he's practically squirming with discomfort .

"Archie ? Are you okay ?"

She lets go of his arms , and they slowly step away from each other . Woah . Archie needs a second to breathe .

"Uhm yeah , just - uh , need to get to football tryouts . Gonna be late !"

And with that he turns around so fast and zooms off , Veronica left stunned and frustrated .

Yep , that was one moment Archie needed sometime to recover from in the locker room before he'd stepped out onto the field . And now , seeing her in a cheerleader's uniform standing right in front of him with that devious expression on her face - she's way too irresistible .

"Hi , Teen Outlander !" She greets joyfully

"Hey . Nice outfits"

"Veronica ! Where were you ? I was worried you weren't going to show" Betty fusses when the raven haired girl came bursting through Riverdale High's gym fifteen minutes after tryouts had begun . Nobody else noticed as the atmosphere was bouncing and blistering with music , cheers , and people's chatter . Betty saw her new friend seemed flushed as she ran up to join her in the lineup .

"Don't fuss , B . Wouldn't miss this for the world . And I just got caught up putting my stuff away" Veronica assures her .

Betty Cooper ; the buxom blonde is visibly nervous , chewing on her nails while observing each girl's movements . Veronica saw this , after looking around for several minutes - noticing that Riverdale High doesn't have half as many people trying out as Spence did . There isn't a number to take or a group routine people gradually get cut from , they actually have time for one on one auditions . From the looks of it River Vixens would be no where in the realm of Spence's Kings , as they'd not only competed nationally but also took cheerleading very serious in general . She doesn't think Riverdale competes in any cheer competitions - they just don't have that same pool of talent to pull from , no boys are on this squad either , which makes it virtually weak .

But Veronica isn't about to admit this , not when Betty is looking like this is the test of the universe and all it holds .

"Betty , really what did I tell you ? Calm down . First of all , I can assure you what we put together is more than enough - yes , even with your less than average skill set , to win Cheryl over . And secondly , even if you don't get this - it's far from the end of the world . There's still the marching band ?"

She jokes when Betty is unconvinced . The blonde girl turns away half exasperatedly . Veronica rubs her arms soothingly but with a refreshing - wake up ! - notion to get Betty's head in the game .

"C for Cooper , and its the youngling this time" Cheryl announces . Contradicting Veronica's thoughts about this being a pretty soft core cheer fest , Cheryl Blossom has actually seated herself like Jesus himself - once again , between her two basics .

Betty walks into the front just as Veronica raises her hand to give her a back - pat , fists balled to her side . Ohh , boy . Here we go

Betty might be a beginner , but she has something in her that immediately flicks a switch when she's performing and she becomes a total stage persona . Charismatic , alive , you name it . Three counts into it and Cheryl raises her hand with a stern glare .

She was getting it ! Veronica wants to call out .

"No , no , no Betty . You've got it all wrong . Listen . I might have given your sister the time of day , and look how that turned out ! But at least she had the common sense to not be as forced as any of my family's marriages" she rolled her eyes .

What ?

"What do you think girls ? Instant disposé ?"

"Maybe she needs something to help calm her nerves . Or someone ?"

"Good thinking , Ginger . Partner try out . Perfect idea ! Let's see this board , hmm .."

Instead of picking just about any other C name or anything even remotely close to that alphabet , Cheryl goes right where she wants and chooses none other than …

"Veronica Lodge ! Get in here and show me what NYC energy is all about"

"Gladly , Paris Geller" Veronica rolls her eyes , attention on her as she struts forward .

Without mistake , the duo finish their routine with a holler and cheer from Veronica , giving everything she's got into every single second . Cheryl isn't amused . Naturally , expectedly . The rim of boredom in her eyes is one Veronica honestly can't stand not stepping forward and giving her a wake up call . She's not liking them on purpose , by choice and while that's understandable - Veronica's here with a new mind set and seeing someone so obviously just like I used to be is scary and irritating the same . She never thought she'd be on the other end of Queen Bitch treatment , if she's being honest .

"Ladies , where's the heat ? Where's the sizzle ?"

With one last saving grace , an idea pops in Veronica's head before she can think it through - and getting Betty on this cheer squad , like she wants , is all Veronica's really thinking .

"Don't freak out , just trust me" she whispers assuredly , pulling the blonde girl in to her side and like expertise , reaches up to cup her cheek and kiss her .

There .

Her first kiss in Riverdale ever . It's short and sweet and so incandescently perfect - just like Betty is . The kind of kiss that doesn't smudge your lipstick or exchanges saliva . It's straight on and precise , their lips colliding gently and tenderness oozing from it . Betty smells amazing , that's one thing Veronica knows now that she's tasted her cherry chapstick .

Pulling away the girls aren't sure what to expect - the look in Betty's blue eyes seems like she's totally bewildered , and in a good way . Veronica responses with a little smirk with her blood pumping strongly .

"Check your sell - by date ladies , faux lesbian kissing hasn't been taboo since 1994" Cheryl states .

Of course .

Really this girl is starting to get on her nerves and it's something about Betty , deeper than just being a shy hen , that Veronica later discovers during the 'interview portion' of the tryouts ( which isn't a thing , it does not exist ) why .

Betty has a sister , Polly ; who used to date the late Jason Blossom . Well if people didn't suspect Cheryl's sleeping with her twin before they sure did now . It still doesn't make sense in Veronica's mind . Polly stays in a group home now , because of Jason . Not the other way around . Why is Cheryl grudging on Betty ?

This dark brutality she's already perfected sickens Veronica when she sees how deep Cheryl will go to make a monster out of someone - like she is herself . So sass and cool may not work , nor boldness , to win Cheryl's respect . Seeing somebody struggle and choke in front of authority you hold is what the Lodge girl used to get a high from , and as Betty stands there fighting so hard and gripping her own hands tight - it all comes back .

"Come on Paige ! Come and get it , I know you can"

"Haha !"

"Oh my god !"

"Veronica !"

Rain patters over her head but last week's salon sesh is still covered by her Harrods raincoat , protective and quality ensured . This is far different than Cheryl's manipulative mind game - this is next level vicious .

"Give it back Veronica !"

Just an eye roll . Oh , please . "Don't give in V"

"You know I won't Kate - watch this"

"Dear diary , I can't believe Chase Arctic totally stared at me at Seminary yesterday . What if he likes me ? The two of us do have matching blue eyes , we'd look amazing together . I can only imagine if he thinks of me the way I do … sexy blond hair I'd kill to get my hands on , his strong arms pinning me down in my bed-"

"Stop it Veronica please , I need my journal there's my metro card in there!" The girl cries , completely drenched from where she stands on the school steps . It was Veronica's idea to steal Paige Evans' diary after seeing her give Chase the goo goo eyes and they all swore she was fantasising about him .

The laughter from Sage , Cameron and Fallon in the limo behind them with the window rolled down , phones out and filming .

"Get it , Paige . And maybe then I won't show this to the entire world"

"Oh just take it bitch you're not going to fall into the ditch anyways , there's a goddamn railing" Katie shouts

In Paige's defence , the railings are pretty far apart . She takes a step forward but hesitates .

"Three seconds and this goes on YouTube !" Veronica taunts "Chase is gonna know you LOVE him , and daddy will see what his holy daughter really thinks about before bed"

"Give it back Veronica !" She growls , running forward at full speed to take that diary . The two brunettes - much too intimidating with how tiny they were , share a look . Katie seems shocked that Paige is about to take it but Veronica doesn't even worry , smirking to her friend before Paige reaches them . It's a little reach to where she's holding the diary out above the drain - heavy rain pouring down .

She should be able to reach it , and she does - skinny pale arm about to grasp her now considerably wet journal before the hooded villain clenches her jaw and eyes glow dark .

"You're pathetic" she tells her , releasing the moleskin from her previously tight grip and letting it fall , down the drain and washed away without a chance of retrieval . Paige almost cries . She can see it . The choke in her throat , dripping from head to toe and freezing like it's snowing , but all she takes it in and enjoys it . And Katie's amazed gasp , the girls squeal and just one moment where Paige Evans breaks into one million pieces . Veronica tightens the coat around herself and locks arms with Katie .

They walk back to the limo , Sage opening it up and welcoming them like champions . "That's going on the school page - NOW" she laughs . "Yeah" Veronica agrees .

They lean back and the car moves , feeling smug and relaxed with leaving behind one very sad girl who has no way home now .

"Don't you think that was , I don't know , a little harsh V ?" Posie says quietly , curled in the corner with too soft a tone to get mad at .

The other girls raise their brows . "What ?" Veronica asks

"I did it for Cameron . He's all yours , babe" she blows the leggy girl a kiss.

"Ugh , thanks baby boo . I can always count on you"

"Besties for life , that's what we're for"

"Jason's probably why Polly had a nervous breakdown and nows lives in a group home . What do you have to say about that Betty ? Go ahead , the floor is yours . Whatever you've been dying to spew about Jason and how he treated Polly , unleash it . Destroy me . Tear me a new one . Rip me to shreds

annihilate me"

"I just -" Betty finally speaks . Finally ,

"Finally"

Veronica watches with eyes looking back and forth , every word Cheryl said every piece Betty took , the jump the cut the hurt the fire - this room is building with pressure just unbearable - means much more than just being mean .

"I just wanted to say sorry about what happened to Jason . I can't imagine what you and your family are going through" Betty dares not meet the head cheerleader's eyes .

"Right" Cheryl looks down . She might be surprised Betty can't stand up and fight back , but Veronica's not . Betty has something - something golden and pure that for now at least , isn't going to tarnish so easily . Ans that alone is something Veronica finds worth fighting for .

"Veronica , welcome to the River Vixens . Betty - better luck next time" She decides on the spot .

"Wait , what ? Why ?" Veronica has to step in . Betty won't be another Paige left to rot alone , she won't let that happen again . As hypocritical as it is . "Because you couldn't bully Betty into being a bitch ?"

"I need girls with fire on my squad" she defends

"I know what you need , Cheryl because I know who you are" Veronica surprises everyone in the gym with her words . "You would rather people fear , than like you . So you traffic in terror and intimidation . You're rich , so you've never been held accountable . But I'm living proof that certainty , that entitlement you wear on your head like a crown ? It won't last"

The shock on Cheryl's face is one so quickly replaced by rage and fuming , inner turmoil .

"Eventually , there will be some kind of reckoning" Veronica continues , getting braver in her speech and walking up closer to Cheryl as she says the next words

"Maybe that reckoning is now , and maybe that reckoning is me . Betty and I come as a matching set , you want one , you take us both . You wanted fire ? Sorry , Cheryl Bombshell . My specialty is ice"

Veronica knows she's slipped back into that girl in the pouring rain humiliating someone innocent by biting back at Cheryl ; but that's the only way she knows how and she also knows this is the only way it'll work . So of course Veronica is right , proven by the applause all around and Cheryl's look of absolute disdain . It comes back into her , terrifyingly fast , that high . Of ruining someone who's overstepped and she's so proud of herself - the only thing that brings her back is turning behind .

And for once it all blanks out in an instant , it's not important , not anymore . Not when she sees Betty Cooper smiling so brightly it lights up every part of them both , and when she runs over and envelopes Veronica in the tightest of hugs - she's frozen for a moment . Just realising how grateful Betty is and how simple having friendships should be , Veronica finally reaches out and hugs Betty back . And that's how she knows , maybe changing will be easier than I thought .

She's still convinced it's the best thing to ever happen when Betty and her both try on their brand new cheer uniforms and she zips it up . Turning around , the familiar sparkle in Betty's blue eyes is one she knows now she can't ever get tired of .

"Perfect" Veronica grins back "very Betty Draper season 1"

The two girls relish in the bliss of it all , jumping and squealing in the girls locker room long after everyone has left . In Betty's mind , she's wondering how this loud enchanting socialite all the way from New York City actually picked her - her! To be her friend . And feeling that without even really knowing Betty , she's gone out of her way to get something she wants is more than any jealousy she might have had seeing Archie Andrews' eyes follow her around everywhere she goes . How did this happen to me ? It seems like the most tremendous of miracles .

"Veronica ," she asks , gentle and out of curiosity "why did you defend me ? I know the crowd you ran with in New York . Why are you being so nice ?" a part of her really wants to know the reason , how complicated it would be if the love of my life fell for this new girl I don't think I could ever hate

Veronica takes a deep breath , thinking for a while "when my father got arrested , it was the worst . All these trolls started writing horrible things about us . We'd get letters and e-mails saying my father was a thief , my mother was a clueless socialite and I was the spoiled rich - bitch ice princess . And what hurt the most ," She remembers , Paige in the pouring rain , crying in her bedroom the night of her twelfth birthday party while everyone partied downstairs because mummy and daddy didn't get to make it - like they promised . Even after all this she still sees so clearly Cameron Pierre giving her the dirtiest of looks when she showed up at her home after Hiram got arrested , and slamming the door in her face .

"Is that the things the trolls were writing were true . I was like Cheryl . I was worse than Cheryl . So when my mom said we were moving to Riverdale ; I made a pact with myself to use this as an opportunity to maybe , hopefully , become a better version of myself"

"That's a lot of pressure" Betty frowns . They're walking outside and Betty tells her exactly what Cheryl was grilling her about before at tryouts- the sad beautiful tragic love story of Jason Blossom and Polly Cooper . Relationships like that are one Veronica can recall a few people back at Spence dabbling in too , the constant on - and off , always fighting and making up and that's what they called true love . She herself always stayed away , much too caught up in cheer and friends and flirting to care about finding her 'true love' .

She also learns that Betty's mother might be a cause for her daughter's spiralling - and right when Betty says that Veronica spots an unmissable mop of red hair in the midst of the jocks . Step two , she decides and calls Archie over right away . As he runs over Veronica is reminded of their run in before tryouts , like she could ever forget . No , Betty likes him. He probably likes her too , how couldn't he ?

"Nice outfits" he tells them . It doesn't help the awkwardness that Veronica and Archie can barely look each other in the eye . Cheerleader and the football player , one cliche still appealable . But which cheerleader ?

"Betty here has something she wants to ask you about the back - to - school dance" Veronica tells him and watches the confused look draw into his face , and the 'really ? really ?! Thanks so much' expression on Betty's . "Go on , Betty , ask" the shorter girl probes .

Is she really making me do this ? I can't possibly ask Archie Andrews to the dance myself ohmygod what will he say ?! What if he hates me after ?

"I was wondering if you wanted to go … with both of us !" Betty says instead of just telling him outrightly of her feelings . It's easier this way , I mean I might have made the River Vixens but asking Archie out is a whole other thing .

"Huh ?"

"What ?"

Both Archie and Veronica are stumped . "It's your first dance at Riverdale" Betty turns the attention to her friend instead "you should have someone to go with , even if it's just a friend"

Oh Betty , why are you doing this ?! Veronica silently screams . She's just making it harder .

"I'd love to , I'm just not in the headspace for a dance right now" Archie replies .

You're a fifteen year old boy not in the headspace for a dance ?

"Oh . Okay" Betty looks down .

"Totally unacceptable Archiekins !" Veronica contradicts . I'm doing this for Betty , she reminds herself "We need an escort . Take a break from being a tortured musical genius and come spend a blissful evening with not one , but two newly minted River Vixens"

Is she for real ? Archie wonders but how could he even say no ?

"We'll text you time and place"

"Okay" he chuckles , looking right into her dark eyes again pinned right to the spot - unable to look away .

"Yeah" Veronica stares back "Okay"

Going home afterwards was tiring , as Veronica had not only practically forced two situations into happening on the very first day of school . But the encounter with Archie in the hallway was one she couldn't stop thinking about . It's weird , every boy she's ever messed around with or dated surely liked her more than she liked him . But why is she even thinking like that ? Veronica curses at herself and shakes it off , when she arrives in front of The Pembrooke .

She's so caught up in her phone and slowly clicking through Riverdale High students' Instagram and Twitter , following ones she cares about and seeing a little more background of their life . Cheryl apparently tweets about literally everything ( yes , she checked CherylBombshell even after dissing it ) but there's nothing really too interesting .

The suggestions on Instagram display @excusemechuckclayton after she'd followed Reggie and Archie , and she smiles to herself a little because this boy seems like the kind she'd love to date back in New York. Football player , parties pretty frequently …

"Mrs Lodge !"

"Huh ? Yes it's …"

"Oh apologies Miss Veronica , I mistook you for your mother . It's uncanny how similar you look to her in her teen years" the elderly butler looked hasty yet graceful .

"Smithers , is there anything I can help you with ?"

"Just a forgotten bag , miss but it's your mother's"

"Oh . Okay" and suddenly about ten texts blew up at once on Veronica's phone from Betty Cooper . Something about her mother going bat crazy about the River Vixens and just needing to find a dress for the dance right now . Veronica smiled , and took the elevator up to their apartment .

That was weird . No , it was beyond weird . Betty just asked me to the semi formal ? And … with Veronica ? That makes no sense . The two seem pretty pally with each other , god knows what their up to . Probably some girlish insider thing . And I love Betty , unconditionally , but why did she really have to ask me to a dance right now ? It seems as though over summer we've been on two separate pages . Still the same chapter of the same book , but honestly with everything that's happened some stuff are bound to change .

The thought of finding a suit and actually going to a dance where I'll have to be in the same hall as her , and pretend everything is totally normal . It's so complicated , he thinks while strumming the guitar lazily . How do I even -

"I , um , I got a call from your coach today" Fred Andrews tells his son , whose ears immediately perk up . ugh I'm screwed .

"He's under the impression that you can't play varsity football because I'm making you work for me . Which is odd , because you made it seem like you couldn't work for me because you're playing football"

Archie sighs , tired and ashamed at being caught in a two way lie . He knows dad would never force him into anything , but it's still what he wants from Archie - to run Andrews Co. It's not that simple , because of -

He wish he could say . He wish he could say everything . Even Fred knows his son is keeping things but he won't budge . As much as he wants to please everyone , there's also … himself . And that's selfish . And it's hard . He wished he could just be enjoying himself getting ready for the dance with his long time best friend and her bizarrely intriguing beautiful friend . He stopped being the good boy a long time ago , since summer and stolen moments with someone he cared for . But amidst it all , he does hear one thing . One thing Fred says that in all the madness and typical parent talk , stands out

"The decisions you're making now , son , have consequences . They go on to form who you are and who you'll become . Whatever you decide , be confident enough in it that you don't have to lie"

tbc

Chapter 2 woohoo ! Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed last chap and follows this story , keep reviewing and sharing the f outta this - it makes me so happy Here's a few things about this chapter , again I can't say thank you enough

1. Sorry if this chap was kinda boring , it was lots of angst and flashbacks . The only part I enjoyed writing was cheer tryouts . ArchiexGrundy makes me wanna puke but its necessary so

2. What do you think of the flashbacks ? Is it much ? I find it the easiest way to get into characters emotion is to flash into thwir mind for a moment

3. Archie's really dumb . He's being asked out by two girls and is completely oblivious to their feelings

4. Did you catch when Smithers mistook B for Hermione was when he found the bag of money from Hiram ?

5. To look forward to next chap : the dance , Varchie's first kissss ! , chasing Betty and Kev and Moose find JJ's body ...