Biology was by far my favourite subject, especially anatomy. The amount of biological and medical books I had at home was ridiculous, but I would constantly trawl through every one, picking out new medicinal practices every time. My mom owned the majority of them, but she was used to finding one or two of them tucked away in my school bag.

"So, I here you want to study medicine." Mr Radcliffe said. He was my Biology teacher and like me, enthused about the living science. I nodded.

"Yeah, my mom does it and I've always had an interest in it." The classroom trickled out, its last students itching to get home. In my first couple of days I was exactly like them, wanting to escape straight home or to the hospital, but it was now my second week here and I'd managed to start settling in somewhat.

"Well, I'm sure there's not a lot I could teach you that your mother probably hasn't already," he sat behind his desk, pushing his glasses up his wrinkled face, "But it would do well to think about some kind of work experience. Medicine is about practicality, not theory."

"Oh I already am; my mom asked if it would be ok if I worked at the Northern General hospital. I've been going there most times after school." His thick eyebrows raised.

"Impressive. Well, make sure to keep it up. And if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask."

"I won't, thank you sir." I reciprocated his smile and grabbed my bag before making my way out into the corridor. As usual there was a stampede of students battling to get to their lockers to dump their day's work. I meandered between them, careful not to knock anyone, and made my way to my own locker, discarding the books I wouldn't need for homework. I wasn't on hospital duty tonight so was free to go home straight away, but I decided to take a detour across the sports field. I didn't want to go home just yet.

I stayed on the path, heading around the back of the school. My Biology textbook was sitting in my bag, and I was eager to get it out and finish the homework Mr Radcliffe had set. The sun was still shining in Riverdale, so I decided I would procure one of the bleachers and study there for a bit. Soak up some of the remaining sun. However, my decision to study here was put on hold as I watched Riverdale High's football team, also known as 'The Bulldogs' run onto the pitch in uniform. Great. Maybe it would be best if I went home; there was no way I'd be able to study with the whistles and yells of football practice. I stood awkwardly by the side of the pitch as the team warmed up, and was about to turn and start walking home when someone suddenly whistled.

"Mia!" I stopped in my tracks and saw none other than Reggie Mantle jogging towards me. Reggie was captain of the football team and all round school jock. Betty and the rest of the group had a disliking to him, especially Veronica, but whenever I passed him in the corridor all he did was smile or wave. I'd heard rumours about how horrible he could be, but he hadn't done anything to me personally and it would be wrong of me to judge him on hearsay.

"Hey," he smiled, stopping in front of me, donned in his uniform, flashing his straight white teeth. I wasn't going to deny that Reggie was good looking, with his charming looks and fit physique, especially as his uniform broadened out his shoulders. Hell he probably had a whole hoard of girls just dying to talk to him.

"Hi," I smiled back.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Oh I was gonna study on the bleachers while it was still warm. But I don't think I'd get much done with practice going on." I shrugged.

"Ah, see I thought you were here for try-outs. Shame." He grinned, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Erm, no thanks," I found it quite easy to talk to Reggie, despite his apparent bad reputation among the others.

As Reggie continued talking, something over his left shoulder caught my eye. It was Betty and she was talking to a guy. He was wearing mostly black with a grey beanie on his head. And I thought I stuck out being the new kid? I would have left her to it, but Betty looked quite upset as she was talking, well, now arguing with this guy. I frowned a little; Betty was the happiest, brightest person I knew. What on earth would make her look so upset?

"So, what do you think?" My eyes snapped back to Reggie, and he was looking at me expectedly. I blanked for a few moments, realising I had completely deafened what he'd just said.

"About what?" He laughed awkwardly.

"Me and some of the guys are going out into town next weekend to, you know, let loose. Just wondering if you wanted to come? Some of the cheerleaders will come too so you won't be the only girl there."

"Erm, aren't we a little young to be drinking?" I asked, still keeping the occasional eye on Betty and the mystery guy, "Don't think the club would let us in."

"Ah you see now that's what fake IDs are for – I can hook you up."

I was torn. The rational part of me immediately wanted to decline. Under-age drinking was against the law and I would have hell to pay from my parents if I got caught. However, the adolescent part of me was jumping at the opportunity. I was actually invited out somewhere by people, and if I flat out rejected them they might not want anything to do with me. I guess if I showed up at least once they'd still be friends with me. As I was pondering this, I watched as the guy behind walked away from Betty, and I could swear she was trying to hold back tears.

"Look, I'll think about it, ok?" I smiled at Reggie as I walked passed him towards Betty, leaving him to re-join his teammates. As I got closer I could see her clearly scrubbing at her eyes. She looked more frustrated than anything.

"Hey," I said softly. She jumped slightly as she looked at me and relief flooded her face.

"Hey," she smiled back sadly. I nodded in the direction of the guy that had walked away.

"Who was that?"

"That would be Jughead," she sighed, "Things are just…a little complicated right now." She began massaging her forehead, almost in defeat.

"I'm sorry. Anything I can help with?" Before she could reply, a new voice entered the conversation.

"Sorry to interrupt the dull tragedy that is Betty Cooper's life," I turned as Cheryl Blossom stood behind me, all dressed up in her Vixen's cheerleading uniform, "But I would like to talk to Mia if that's ok." She didn't exactly give me a choice as she linked her arm through mine and pulled me away, back towards the school.

"Cheryl, now's not a good time-"

"Oh I know. Betty is having trouble with her Southside wannabe boyfriend, but we have a lunch to arrange. Shall we say…I pick you up at 11 this Saturday and we'll go into town?"

A lot was racing through my mind at that moment, but if there's one thing I had learned it was that it was useless to try and argue with Cheryl Blossom.

"Sure," I sighed.

"Perfect," she clapped her hands together, "Mind if I have your number then so I can text you?" It sounded a lot more demanding than a regular question, but I relented, handing her my phone and watching as she tapped away into in.

"Marvellous," she handed it back to me, "See you on Saturday." She turned, whipping her wavy red hair back in the process, and clicked away. I turned back to Betty, only to find that she had gone.

Great.

Initially, my mom was thrilled that I would be going out to lunch with a new friend. She gave me this big speech on how she knew I'd settle in and how great it was that I was making new friends. However, her good mood bubble was burst at the knowledge that the friend I was talking about was Cheryl Blossom.

"Be careful, Mia." She warned, leading us out of the hospital and to the car park. The days had started getting darker now.

"What do you mean?"

"The Blossoms are dangerous people. Always have been, always will be. They're driven by motivation and greed, and are only interested in what they can get out of something, or someone. Don't trust them."

"Well, it's not like I had a choice," I sighed, hopping into the passenger's seat of the car. Needless to say the conversation when dad found out didn't go much better.

Nevertheless, Saturday came. I had been badgered all week by the group not to go to lunch with Cheryl, 'the enemy', but like Reggie, Cheryl hadn't done anything to me personally. Plus I had already text her my address. I knew not to say anything that she could use as ammunition, but there was nothing stopping me making conversation and being polite to her.

My phone had been buzzing all morning with texts from the group, wishing me good luck on my venture with the 'psycho'. I really didn't see what the problem was. I applied the last bit of lipstick in the mirror and stood back, deeming my purple playsuit and heels worthy enough to be in the company of Cheryl Blossom. Plus it wasn't often I had an excuse to dress up and feel like a girl. I made sure to pack my small handbag and, giving myself one last look over, I headed downstairs.

"You look nice," Mom commented from the sofa, sipping a tea. I know she was against the idea, but I had sworn to her that I would be careful and not give any gossip to Cheryl Blossom.

"Thanks," I stood awkwardly by the door.

"How are you getting back?" I checked my phone; 10:58.

"I think Cheryl's dropping me back off."

"Wonderful." She nodded. I rolled my eyes and was pleased to see a red open topped sports car pull into the drive. It couldn't be anyone else's but Cheryl's.

"She's here, bye mom!" I called, heading out into the now cooler climate. I wrapped my coat a little tighter around myself and waved at Cheryl who was reapplying her usual red lipstick in the rear-view mirror. I had to give it to her; she said she'd be here at 11 and she's bang on time.

"I love your house," She smiled as I climbed in to the leather seat, "I knew you were one of us."

I put my seatbelt on in silence, not sure how to respond to the backhanded compliment. I wasn't one of anyone, and basing people on their parents' income was totally uncalled for.

"So, where are we heading?" I asked as she revved up the car.

"Well first we're going to do some retail therapy. Lord knows it's been a tough week with mummy's mood swings. And after that we'll grab lunch somewhere."

We drove through the streets, blaring music through the speakers. It's not like we could exactly talk with the wind blowing through my ears. Everyone we passed took a glance at the car, and they probably knew it was Cheryl's. It's not often a car like this was seen in such a small town.

The drive to the border of town took around twenty minutes. Apparently it was where the main shops and restaurants were. Not many people were particularly comfortable there as it was often where North and Southsiders mixed; it was like no man's land, the stretch where the two sides of town met. However, Cheryl said the retail and food was worth being risked for. It didn't seem particularly dangerous; a long stretch of road covered in shops and restaurants on either side. But I occasionally glanced the odd person whom I could tell didn't dress like the Northsiders did.

Cheryl pulled up into one of the car parks behind a Macy's, which I was surprised a small town like this had.

"This is literally my temple," she sighed as she climbed out of the car.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed shopping with Cheryl – she seemed to be at her happiest here. Of course though, she was honest, and didn't hold back with some of the outfits I tried on.

"It makes you look like an orange."

"I don't think mauve is your colour, Sweetie."

"That hat makes your head look square."

However, I simply smiled and soldiered on.

After what felt like only 10 minutes, but had in fact been two hours of dress trying on and shoe shopping, Cheryl took me to an Italian place, shopping bags in hand.

"I don't usually eat carbs," she linked her arm with mine as we entered, "But for you I'd make an exception." The restaurant was warm and bustling with the most delicious smells coming from it. We were seated in a booth by the front window, allowing us a nice view of the street.

"You know," she said as we got comfortable, "You'd make a perfect addition to the Vixens. Being cheer captain I could always swing it in your favour?"

"No thanks," I smiled, pouring us each a glass of water, "As fun as it looks, I'm not as flexible as the rest of you are." That and I couldn't think of anything worse than cheer leading.

"Pity," she pouted, "But you are going out with the team next weekend aren't you?"

"I…haven't really thought about it," I answered honestly.

"Well why do you think I've brought you outfit shopping?" she enthused, reaching out and grabbing my hand across the table, "It'll be a great opportunity for you to meet new people, and properly integrate yourself into our Northern lives. Here," she practically threw her phone at me, "Find Reggie's number and text him."

I caught the phone and rolled my eyes a little. I still was on edge about going, but what harm would it do to make new friends and have a new experience? Besides I could always cancel if I really wasn't up to it. Relenting, I found Reggie's number, put it in my phone and sent him a text.

Hey, it's Mia. I'm down for next Saturday :)

"See? Now was that so difficult?" she battered her eyes innocently, tilting her head. I could see now why the others didn't like her, but I was here now and wasn't going to kick up a storm with her.

"You going?"

"Unfortunately not. I am needed elsewhere next weekend, but you can have double the fun on my behalf." She put her phone away and mine immediately buzzed.

Reggie:

Great! I'll let you know the plan during the week :)

We ordered our food and began eating, with Cheryl complaining about how the Vixens weren't going to be ready for the first game of the season, when something out of the window caught my eye.

Opposite the restaurant was an empty plot of land between two buildings. There was probably an old shop there that had been demolished some time ago and covered over in concrete. But leaning up against the walls in this plot were a gang wearing leather jackets and motorbikes. There must have been about five of them. They weren't doing anything wrong particularly, just talking and hanging out. But I noticed that when they turned, their jackets were embellished with a green snake on the back with some writing.

"Who are they?" I asked, nodding subtly over to the group. Cheryl turned to look where I was before making a disgusted noise in the back of her throat.

"No one," she returned to her pasta and smiled, "Just some inbred Southside scum, also known as the Southside Serpents." Serpents? Well that would explain the snake heads.

"So what…are they like a gang or something?" Cheryl rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Yes, they're a gang. The Serpents hang out on the Southside of Riverdale, and they're nothing but trouble." She took a sip of water, "They're violent, dumb criminals who deal in drugs and help with murder. The people who dumped my dear brother's body in the lake were Serpents." Her tone had gotten darker, and I noticed the grip on her knife and fork had tightened. However, before I could ask about it, she suddenly snapped a cheery smile on her face, looking back up at me.

"But you don't need to worry about them. As long as you stick to the Northside and us, you'll be fine." She continued eating. I glanced back over at them, still curious to learn more, but it was clear that Cheryl didn't want to breach the topic anymore. So, I continued eating as Cheryl brought us back to more important topics, like the Vixens.

"This was fun; we should do it again some time." Cheryl waved as she sped off my drive. It was only around 4:30, and I was ready to crash. After eating, Cheryl took me around a few more stores, and my legs were aching with the amount of walking we did. How that girl still had energy is beyond me.

I let myself in the house, dumped my bags by the door and walked into the lounge, collapsing on the sofa.

"Good day?" Mom asked, coming down the stairs. I merely groaned in response, "Sorry for asking."

"No, it was fine," I hauled myself up to a normal seating position, "I'm just shattered."

"I'll make you a tea," she smiled, heading into the kitchen. I somehow managed to summon the strength to pull myself off the couch and follow her in, "So what did you girls get up to?"

"Shopping, lunch, more shopping." I leaned against one of the counters when a thought occurred to me, "Hey mom, have you ever heard of the Southside Serpents?"

I jumped as one of the mugs smashed in the sink, "Who told you about the Serpents?" Mom slowly turned to me, eyes narrowed. I became quite uneasy at her accusing tone.

"No one," I said quickly, "I just saw a couple of them in town. Cheryl said they're no good criminals."

"Well," Mom laughed bitterly, "I never thought I'd see the day where I'd agree with a Blossom, but she's right. Stay away from them."

I held my hands up in surrender, "Hey I don't want to go near them. I'm just curious is all." Mom regarded me for a moment before sighing.

"The Serpents have been a gang on the Southside of Riverdale as long as I can remember. They normally keep to themselves, but if they're aggravated, they will show no mercy." She slowly sat down on the island, eyes boring into mine, "We once had one come into the hospital needing surgery. I was a student at the time, sitting in with two others and the main surgeon. He tried to help the Serpent as he needed stitches, but the Serpent didn't want to know. He lashed out at the doctor, screaming about how he was wrong and going to kill him, trying to grab a scalpel. Thankfully security came and hauled him out of there. I have never seen anything more terrifying in all my life."

"Oh my God. Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't know." She laughed breathlessly, blinking her wet eyes.

"Of course you didn't. I've only ever told your father that story. He's had his own run-ins with the Serpents."

"But…why are they like that?" she shrugged.

"Why is anyone like that?" There was a pause.

"Have you…ever had any in the hospital after that?"

She nodded, "A few. I always exercise caution with them though. They usually come in with a police escort now; they've normally attained wounds from gang behaviour or fights the police have broken up. Knife wounds, gun wounds."

"How do you deal with them?" She took a deep breath.

"Mia, it is my job to save lives, regardless of whether I think the person deserves saving or not. And most importantly, by remembering that these people are human, just like the rest of us. They look like us, they feel like us…they bleed like us." She paused as I drank it all in. If I stayed in Riverdale, no doubt I'd have to treat some of these Serpents. I shuddered at the thought.

"Anyway," Mom smiled gently, "Let's get on with that tea." She stood and put the kettle on, acting as if nothing had happened. But what she had said struck a chord in me.

These people are human, just like the rest of us.