Epilogue time! I'd like to thank all y'all who read and reviewed, especially those of you who reviewed every chapter! Thank you so much! I hope you all enjoy the last installment!
Thornhill- Sunday, 12:00 A.M.
In a matter of seconds it was over, the only sign of struggle ashes on the hardwood floor.
Betty stood, eyes wide and alert. "Did we do it?"
Cheryl nodded, openmouthed. "I think so."
"You okay?"
"I'm okay, you?"
"Just seriously freaked out."
Cheryl turned to Betty, eyebrows drawn. "How did you know the ghost wasn't gone?"
Betty licked her lips. "I was thinking about it, I couldn't sleep. He said we summoned him. This was never about him needing to be laid to rest. This was something we did. I did. He said it was my blood. And then I realized it all started after I cut myself and my blood got on his picture. So I figured we should destroy it."
"Good thought," said Cheryl flatly.
"Thanks."
Cheryl bit her lower lip. "Stay here, Betty." She left the room, leaving Betty alone in the room where it started.
When Cheryl came back moments later, she was carrying the expensive box from the secret study.
"I want you to have this, Betty," Cheryl said. "Jughead told me what you did for him and you just saved my life. So I think it's fitting that you're rewarded."
"Oh, no," Betty shook her head. "I couldn't accept that. I just found a whole treasure, I don't need that."
"I insist."
"Cheryl, I won't take it. But thank you. That means a lot."
Cheryl shrugged and rolled her eyes, trying to downplay her gratitude. "You did a lot," she said simply
Betty stepped forward and hugged Cheryl. "I'm just glad we're safe, cousin."
"Cousin," Cheryl said thoughtfully.
"Of course," Betty said. "Distant cousin, but cousin nevertheless."
"Does this mean someday that bummed-out Danny Phantom you call your boyfriend will be related to me, too?" Cheryl asked, faux dread in her voice.
Pop's Chock'Lit Shoppe- Sunday, 7:00 P.M.
"I slept for thirteen hours," Veronica announced. "And I'm still tired. And scared. All-around shook."
"Same," Cheryl said.
Veronica leaned forward and took a sip of milkshake. "Say, did you ever find out why the guys were in the guest house in the first place?"
Cheryl paused awkwardly, then lied. "No idea."
"Guys are weird," Veronica grunted.
"Amen to that, sister."
Cheryl and Veronica raised their milkshake glasses and gave them a clink, then drank.
"But I actually had good reason for calling you here today," Cheryl started. "Betty refused and you played a pretty big role in fixing this weekend's fuckery, so I wanted to reward you." Cheryl reached to side and, from under the table, produced the jewelry box she'd wanted to gift to Betty.
"Cheryl…"
"I know you and your mom have had to face a substandard lifestyle since your father got arrested and this should get you a couple thousand, at least, for some free spending."
Veronica was much more willing than Betty to accept the gift. In fact, she looked elated.
"Thank you so much," Veronica beamed, "I don't know what to say!"
"Say I'm a kind and generous person."
"You, Cheryl Blossom," Veronica said, "are a kind and generous person. And you're my dear friend." She reached forward and took Cheryl's hands and planted a kiss on them before leaning back.
Then, she knitted her brows and asked offhandedly, "Do you think there's something going on between Archie and Jason?"
Oh shoot that was cheesy! So there you have it! Everyone is happy and safe and friends, especially Archie and Jason, who spent over twenty-four hours going hard on each other!
