Chapter Two


As Saturday morning approached, Emma's stomach churned with uneasiness. It was her debuted- that she was back in Riverdale for good. And, under the most unfortunate circumstances, Jason's memorial. "You look fine, Em. Just relax."

She turned to see Archie in her doorway, sporting his varsity jacket, holding his now former varsity number. She looked at him with a questioning eye, "It was Jason's number. I want to give it to Mrs. Blossom, thought she would need it more than I would."

Offering her brother a smile, she nodded. "I think so too. It's honorable, Arch." She turned back to look in the mirror one last time before walking towards Archie. He smiled at his sister's antics. "No dress, really? Not even for this?"

"Varity jacket, really? Can you be anymore vain?" She retorted. He huffed and smiled as his sister went down the stairs. She was never one to be super girly, and he was glad nothing had changed. He watched as she wore her high waisted pants, with a shirt and blazer. All black, in respect. She even conformed and wore her block heels and gloves. A typical staple for Emma Theodora Andrews.

He followed behind her, as they made their way towards Thornhill.

He knew she was nervous, after two years of being gone, much had changed. To her she was an outsider, even if she grew up with many of the residents of Riverdale. She had just hoped to get through this day, to hug Cheryl and begin classes once again on Monday.


"Mr. Blossom, I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you must be going through." Emma said sadly to the redhaired gentleman.

"No my dear, that you can't." She heard the familiar voice of Penelope Blossom come from behind. Turning she was faced with the woman who had given Cheryl hell growing up and presumed to still be doing so, but she had always liked Emma. "Though, I hope you never will. Welcome home, Emma. It's wonderful to see you, even on this sad occasion." She nodded, clasping her hand around the woman's hand in respect before leaving.

She walked towards Archie who stood near his group. As he turned, she saw Kevin's bright smiled emerge. "Emmy!" He beamed, pushing Archie out of his way as he hugged the smaller girl. As Kevin and Archie stood proudly at about 6ft tall, she was still 5'3" with an added three, thanks to her heels.

"Oh my goodness, Kev. You're gonna kill me if you don't let go." She huffed as the brunette released her. "How's everything? I missed you. God, it's so great to see your face. Also, those shoes-"

"Please, don't look so happy when we are at a wake. It's distasteful." She chuckled. He smiled and walked her closer to the group.

Archie gestured to the group, "Emma, I'm sure you remember Betty and Jughead, and Val."

"Ah yes, the mystery girl my brother tried to sneak behind my back and forced my dad and I to listen from the bottom of the stairs last night." Val chuckled as Archie face flushed. Emma would never say it but she loved to watch her brother squirm, perhaps she has mentioned it before.

As Archie walked towards Penelope Blossom, Emma began to be hounded by Betty and Kevin on her life in Chicago. Relentless, the two probed as best the could as they took their seats. Leaving her to sit next to Jughead, "Yes, yes it was cold Kevin and no that's not why I'm wearing gloves. You really think I'd be here if I had frostbite, genius?"

As the group turned to watch Penelope stroke Archie's face, Emma watched Jughead's; he smiled, knowing she was staring.

"I can feel your beady green eyes on me, Ms. Andrews." He said quietly not meeting her face, as he watched Archie walk back to his seat. She ducked her head down in between her legs, playing with her hands. He smiled at her, as Kevin questioned Archie and the hair stroke.

"You look good, Thea." She smiled as he used his old nickname for her based off of her, what she thought, old fashion middle name. "I could say the same for you, Forsythe." He rolled his eyes at his name, but she loved it.

"How have you been?" He asked seriously. She played with her fingers once more as she looked down.

However before she could respond, a raven-haired girl had approached the group, solemn as she sat next to Archie. "Days like today really put things into perspective, huh? I mean at least we are here. At least we are alive."

A vision in white had caught not only hers, but the entire room's attention. Silence had befallen the room of dark clothing, with a young red head walking down towards the casket.

Cheryl.

Emma's mouth gaped open slightly, as all eyes trailed behind Cheryl. Mutters of "Oh my god," and "yes" filled Emma's ears but her sole focus was on Cheryl. Emma watched as Penelope attempted to jump up from her seat and stare at what the raven haired girl next to Archie. One, who Emma presumed to be Veronica.

Cheryl spoke about her memories of Jason. Of their shared birthday party and how devoted he was to Cheryl, Emma teared up. Something Jughead had noticed, but understood. Emma was filled with guilt as she wasn't there for her friend but she knew she could be now.

She watched as Cheryl broke down and was escorted by Veronica. "I think we'll adjourn now to the winter salon for a light supper." Penelope said in a cool tone.

Emma stood, along with everyone else, as Jughead and Betty escaped towards Jason's bedroom.


"Cheryl...?" Emma crept in, not wanting to disturb Cheryl. Veronica had turned her head to meet Emma's. Offering a meek smile towards Veronica, Cheryl turned to see Emma. Tears stained her eyes, as her mouth dropped, "Emma?"

"Hey..." She said awkwardly. Veronica seemed to be confused just as Cheryl was, but for different reasons. "I'm uh, Emma. Emma Andrews, Archie's sister."

"Veronica Lodge."

"So I presumed." The two smiled as Cheryl came to hug Emma. Veronica nodded "I'll give you two some time." She had taken her leave. As Emma was left to comfort her friend.