TW: A lot of mentions of drug usage in this chapter. No usage is shown, but it's referenced.
Betty and the other cheerleaders were just out of reach of being covered in Reggie's remains. People screamed as they filed out of the stadium. A few people were trampled during the chaos, but there were no known fatalities.
Betty and Veronica waited for the chaos to calm down before leaving the field. "So that's what it's like seeing someone explode in real-time," Veronica said in a shocked tone. "I managed to see the video of Jessica's explosion, but seeing it in person was different."
For five hours after the initial combustion, a video of it was on Youtube. Someone was recording them for their college class. Some sophomore got their hands on the footage and posted it online. They managed to take it down before it went viral, and the sophomore was expelled and was waiting for their court date.
Cheryl walked over to the girls. "I just talked to my brother Jason," Cheryl said. "The after the party game is still on, but it's also going to be a memorial for Reggie. May he rest in peace. There will still be plenty of the good stuff there, so what do you say. Come get lit at Blossom manor."
It was no secret that Clifford Blossom was the biggest supplier of drugs in Riverdale. Jason and Cheryl always did his work when it came to the youth of Riverdale. On any other Friday night, Betty would have said yes, but something in her mind was saying no.
"Sorry, my parents have become very strict about curfew, and they would literally kill me if I'm late," Betty said. "I'm already testing their patience by going on a date tomorrow. I hate it, but it's kind of sweet. If I'm going to spontaneously combust, they'd rather me do it in the comfort of my own home."
"Such a shame," Cheryl said. "What about you, V? You up for some mary jane and partying."
"No thanks, after what happened I just want to go home and take a long shower," Veronica said. Veronica had dabbled in alcohol, but never went past the occasional wine cooler. Betty and Veronica said goodbye to each other and Veronica went home.
"Another one bites the dust," a voice said from behind. Betty turned around and saw Jughead Jones. "When one student explodes, it's a weird tragedy. When a second does it, it's an odd coincidence. But by the third one, there has to be something up."
"Yeah," Betty said. She then let out a forced chuckle. "If we keep this up, prom is going to be canceled."
"Bummer," Jughead said. "Do you still want to hang out tomorrow? Unless seeing a third classmate exploding scare you from leaving your house?"
"Sure," Betty said. "How does noon sound? We can grab lunch on the way."
"That sounds good," Jughead said. She nods and walks off. As she was about to walk through the gate, she turned around. Jughead hadn't moved from his spot. Betty ran to him and cupped his cheeks. She leaned in and kissed him passionately. Jughead kissed back, wrapping his arms around her waist.
She pulled away. "See you tomorrow," she said. That's all she said before walking off. At that moment, she decided she was going to live life like every moment was her last, seeing how she could spontaneously combust at any moment.