Chapter 6: Try New Things
Archie was pleased that Fred approved of his and Cheryl's relationship. It felt easier to breathe now that others were becoming aware of this new romance. Still, Archie had to keep this relationship a secret for as long as he possibly could. It would be the best option in that current situation.
Archie kissed Cheryl goodnight and they decided to text each other the following day. They hugged each other so tightly. Archie was holding on to Cheryl and smelling her hair at the same time.
Cheryl's parents seemed determined to ignore her for as much as they possibly could. It was irritating, but it seemed better than getting berated and ostracized. At school the following day, Cheryl winked at Archie as they passed each other in the hallways. Archie winked back.
Archie hadn't spoken to Betty since their conversation after Cheryl's party. He didn't know what to say to make their awkward situation any better. He knew that he would have to do something to make restitution for their argument. What could he tell her? That he didn't have those same feelings for her? That he was in love with someone else? Never mind that the person he was in love with was someone Betty loathed. This certainly was a situation that he would much rather have avoided.
He decided he would have to speak with Betty privately about the matter. After third period, he saw Betty talking with Veronica.
"Veronica, you don't mind if I speak with Betty for a few minutes?", Archie asked.
"Sure", Veronica said. "Go ahead."
Archie pulled Betty into an empty classroom.
"Betty, we need to talk", Archie said.
"I agree", Betty said. "Look, about the other day, I'm sorry. I never intended for you to have feelings about me you didn't have."
"Betty, I totally understand. It isn't your fault. You know, we've been friends since childhood. You should never be afraid to tell me anything."
Betty smiled, then hugged Archie tightly. As Archie embraced her back, he noticed Cheryl watching through the window. She then walked away from the window angrily.
"I've got to get going", Archie said. He then headed to his next class.
Archie texted Cheryl, I was just comforting Betty like a friend would. It wouldn't be suspicious since we've been friends for a long time.
After school, Archie headed to the Blossom residence. He headed to Cheryl's room and saw Cheryl sitting on the bed, looking upset.
"Cheryl", Archie began. "I hope you're not upset about my meeting with Betty. She needed some comfort. We didn't speak since our conversation after your party. Talking with her would not look suspicious in the slightest."
"I know", Cheryl said. She then sighed. "I wish we could have moments like that."
"But we can't have any publicly", Archie said. "At least not yet."
Then, an idea seemed to be forming in Archie's head.
"You know, my dad always wanted to go fishing with me", Archie said. "Maybe I can take him up on his offer. Maybe you can come with us, if you want."
"Really?", Cheryl asked. "But I've never gone fishing before."
Cheryl didn't say it, but Archie was pretty sure that Clifford and Penelope didn't even consider taking their daughter fishing. Archie knew what he had to do.
"There's a first time for everything", Archie said. "If you came fishing with my dad, I'm sure you would have fun. You should try new things."
Cheryl nodded. "Fine. We'll go fishing. This weekend."
"Sounds good", Archie said.
Archie headed back home. When he was there, Fred was busy assembling his tools.
"Hey dad", Archie said. "How is everything?"
"Everything's fine", Fred said. "I was talking with Hermione Lodge. Her daughter, Veronica, is currently attending Riverdale High School."
"I've talked to her", Archie said. "Dad, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Archie", Fred said. "What is it?"
Archie then said, "Can we go fishing this weekend? And can Cheryl come with us?"
"Sure", Fred said. "It might be a fun experience for her. I remember taking you fishing with Oscar and Frank when you were two years old…"
Fred's voice trailed off after mentioning his brothers. Archie wished he could say something to comfort him. When Oscar had been killed in that car accident, Fred hadn't talked to anyone in over a week, according to Mary. He was too heartbroken and filled with grief. Frank had left Riverdale and Fred had no knowledge of where he was currently.
Archie then decided to change the subject. "Cheryl will love fishing. We should find a river in Greendale to fish at. That way, no one from Riverdale will see us."
"Sounds like a good plan", Fred said.
The rest of the week passed by like seconds. Archie and Reggie went over to the Blossom estate to be tutored by Cheryl every chance they got. The experience was rewarding, no doubt.
Finally, Saturday arrived. Cheryl arrived at the Andrews household to go fishing with Fred and Archie. Archie had all the fishing gear and equipment in the back of Fred's truck.
"This will be a fun experience", Archie said.
When the truck reached Greendale, Archie pulled the equipment out of the truck. Archie then threw the fishing rod into the river. Cheryl and Fred threw their rods into the river as well.
Twenty minutes passed without much activity.
"Here's a suggestion", Fred said. "How about putting some bread as bait on the fishing rod. This will catch the attention of the fish."
Archie and Cheryl listened to his suggestion and used the bread to lure in some fish. Sure enough, one of the fish started biting Cheryl's fishing rod.
"I think I got one!", Cheryl shouted.
"Here, let me help you", Archie said as he gripped her arms. His touch felt so comforting to Cheryl. It felt wonderful to spend time with him when their relationship had to be kept a secret in Riverdale.
It felt so wonderful and so amazing. There was no doubt that Cheryl felt sheltered and jovial when Archie was there to assist her. It truly was a pleasant experience.
A minute later, the fish came out of the water, with its mouth stuck on the fishing rod.
Fred caught four fish within the next thirty minutes. Archie caught three fish. Cheryl caught one more fish. After they were finished, Fred put all of the fish inside the truck.
"Cheryl, maybe you want to eat dinner with us?", Fred asked.
"Sure", Cheryl said. She knew that her parents didn't seem to care about her, so she didn't ask them about that once she arrived back in Riverdale.
Dinner at the Andrews household was certainly enjoyable. Cheryl was clearly feeling happier than she did when Penelope was yelling at her or when Jason went missing.
Still, Archie had to wonder who would murder Jason. The killer was still out there in some unknown location. Archie would have loved to murder the killer with his bare hands after causing Cheryl this amount of pain.
The fish tasted wonderful, no doubt about that.
"You know something, Archie", Cheryl said. "Maybe I can teach you about archery."
"Archery?", Archie asked, smiling slightly.
"Yes", Cheryl said. "Archery is a sport that traces back over 60,000 years."
"Please", Archie scoffed. "Archery doesn't count as a real sport."
"Actually, it does", Fred said. "Archery was turned into a modern sport in the 1840s. Competitive archery in the United States is operated by the USA Archery and National Field Archery Association."
"You learn something new every day, I guess", Archie said. "But I still think archery is overrated."
"Maybe you should come by Thornhill tomorrow", Cheryl said. "I can show you the basics of archery and give you pointers."
"Fine", Archie said. He then rolled his eyes.
Still, the idea of spending more time with Cheryl was certainly enthralling.
The following day was Sunday. Archie and his family weren't really religious. Still, it felt strange to be spending time with Cheryl on a Sunday. Fred had given his permission, but Archie had to wonder if he was making a wise decision.
Archie shook his head as he headed to Thornhill. He was being too paranoid.
Archie headed to Cheryl's backyard. She was waiting for him, holding her bow and arrow. Archie could see several targets in the background.
"Hello Archie", Cheryl said, smiling.
"Let's see what makes archery so challenging", Archie said. He then grabbed the bow and arrow.
Archie tried to point the arrow at one of the targets.
"You need to correct your stance", Cheryl said. "Try moving your shoulders down and moving your arms backward. You should also make sure your feet are drawing a line making a 90-degree angle towards the target."
Archie tried to correct his stance, then he released the arrow. It came nowhere near the target.
"This really sucks", Archie said.
"Don't worry, you'll get better", Cheryl said. "You just have to practice it. Here, let me help you."
Cheryl got behind Archie so she could move his arms in a more convenient position to fire the arrow. Her touch made Archie feel warm inside.
Cheryl found herself within centimeters of Archie's face. She leaned over and kissed him. He then started kissing her.
"We should probably get back to archery after this", Archie said as he kissed her cheek.
Cheryl then kissed Archie's cheek. The two of them continued kissing. Everything seemed to be fine until…
"CHERYL? ARCHIE?"
Cheryl and Archie quickly stopped kissing and turned to see who had said that.
It was Kevin Keller.