Chapter 1 : The River's Edge (part three)

At eight o'clock sharp on Semi Formal night , Archie showed up strangely agitated in front of The Pembrooke . Maybe it's the grand lights and gatsby esque entrance and hallway that he's never felt more extra just picking a girl up for a dance . Two girls . He's still wondering why this feels like such a big deal when a doorman lets him inside the Lodges' instead of anybody living inside . He's legitimately tired from the long cab ride over ( not wanting to sweat in his suit ) and begins wondering indignantly where the hell anybody is - circling the complicated halls .

When Veronica turns around and he sees her for the first time tonight .

Dear god

Is it so bad that all time stopped , fast like a gunshot - no several bullets , yet slowed to an almost halt . Like everything was happening around him all at once , and he's just there watching it all simultaneously combust . Caught in a slow motion hurricane and everything's out of focus .. except her . She's standing there a lot taller in her heels , looking like sex personified and its driving Archie crazy . Her dark , dark hair matches her tight dark dress that's just long enough for a school dance and short enough to get crazy in after . Because Veronica is the kind of girl who likes to get crazy . Her décolletage is alluring and swirling hot , all collarbones and cleavage showing in the strapless dress . Her hair is perfect - perfect in the kind she is ; stylish and trendy and classic , parted deeply to the side and she has dramatic black eye makeup he doesn't really notice . But she's worth a million picture shots and that still wouldn't suffice .

"Archie" she finally says , after finding her voice . From seeing him in the mirror and twirling around , to see the first boy she'd focused on now here in her house . The dim lights of this house mixing orangey and just mute darkness , it's all too intimate she gulps from thinking some too bad thoughts . Whatever Veronica is thinking can be felt by Archie too .. and whatever she's thinking Archie's sure he's into it .

"You made it"

"Sure" he smiles boyishly , the thoughts of this being too big a fuss and everything else clearing out his mind instantly as Veronica shows the tiniest of shy smiles at him , and he finds himself walking towards her like a magnetic pull is unstoppable and there's nothing wrong with it . Veronica feels giddy and static when he looks at her like there's no one else , like awe and thanking every god out there for her beauty . There's nothing wrong , nothing .

Betty arrives at the doorway from Veronica's bedroom . "Hey Archie , just a moment . Veronica can you .. help me ?" She asks

Both teens tear their eyes away almost painfully .

Archie thinks it can't be simpler . He sits on the sofa while Veronica helps Betty finish something with her dress and they take multiple photos together , he even snaps some for them . In the comfortable luxe of The Lodges . Just three pals going to a dance together .

But he knows it's not so easy like that . There's a thin piece of tension accumulating between him and the new girl . And as much as they try to pretend and act it's all normal , when Veronica's arm brushes against his hand as she closes her home door he feels her smooth skin come up with goosebumps . Under his touch and when she turns around while they get into the elevator , eyes like a night owl - watching and watching . It's so much more than just a look .

And with Betty , he can feel something bubbling on the surface . Like their friendship is hitting the rocks ever so slightly because as much as he tells her everything , about football , music , sitting legs stretched at a booth in Pops as they talk for hours . He's holding back about all the secrets and he never meant for it to happen , but Betty is too perfect to dent with his atrocities . She would never look down on him , he knows , but the shame itself carries on when he looks at the girl who - for all their life has never been out of line , never shown defeat , never been second best and never had a mean bone in her body . How can Archie ever let her know what horrible things he's been doing ?

"Well , its not the Met Ball" she says when they walk into the School Hall . Honestly , they went pretty all our for this . Betts and Arch both know this school has seen worse decorations and conditioning issues but they don't respond to the notorious New Yorker because she actually has some reference of what a dance should look like while this is what they've always known .

"When do you have to tell Coach Clayton about football ?" Betty suddenly remembers , tightening her arm around Archie's .

"This weekend" he says somewhat uneasily

"Guys" Veronica exhales tiredly , letting go of her date's other arm and stepping in front of him . Just like that , she's taken the spotlight without even realising it . "Can't we just liberate ourselves from this tired dichotomy of jock/artist ? Can't we , in this post James Franco world , be all things ?"

"I've been working on it Veronica"

The way he says her name makes her feel unsteady and excited , the shame of thinking that way eating out at her . Betty likes him . He always seems so weird , he probably likes Betty too . You can't play with him , Veronica . He's not like the others . YOU'RE not that girl anymore .

"Work faster" she says flippantly "I'm getting punch" and in a purposefully low whisper she adds , "you got this" before sauntering away .

Betty wants to shake her head at her friend's obviousness , but decides it's time to finally make a move anyway . "It's about following your heart , right ? What does your heart say , music or football ?" She gazes up at him and thinks there is no other else . Archie is the boy Betty's known for twelve years , see him at the park and run out of the house at the same time to get to Pre School . Him and his red hair , at recess playing with her and on Saturday nights getting lost with Juggy in their adventures . Chasing the fireflies , enamoured by their brightness and that's how she looks at Archie too . Always been easy to understand her , always been her best friend . He's just always been there , she thinks wistfully and can't imagine ending up with anyone else .

Archie glances over the other side of the hall and sees Geraldine sitting crossed legged , his mind fleets elsewhere . Not with Betty anymore who is so strawberry sweet and fixing his bowtie . "Will you give me one minute ?" He doesn't miss the disappointment in the blonde's blue eyes "and I promise when I get back , I'll be a much better date"

She barely has time to nod or react but the always boy is walking away from her . Slightly flustered she didn't say it yet suddenly Kevin steps out right in front of her with eyes wide as saucers .

"Guess who just propositioned me in the bathroom ? He's name may be Moose , but I'd describe a certain appendage of his as horse like" he says in one quick breath . Neither can hide their mutual surprise .

Cheryl Blossom gets her stage face on as she struts backstage , the posters of Jason draping the dance hall gave her some pep to get out there and shine . Even if Jason couldn't be here tonight , and in her heart Cheryl is waiting … waiting desperately for what she wants and her brain's broken through multiple times since July Fourth thinking what if it never happens . But she reminds herself , JJ loves you .. and it will happen . It has to . In the mean time her heart thuds loudly as she steps on stage , red dress and hair bringing light to everyone's eyes . She's a classic- never boring never obvious , ethereal standing there too good for anybody in this room .

Veronica pulls Kevin with her before he escapes again , but only because she needs someone to stand with in this madness .

Archie finds Geraldine and makes the boldest move he has yet - excluding ripping each other's clothes off and going full zone , but that's different . He has some nerve , she thinks in silent anger; to deliberately hold over her head everything they did that summer in exchange for some tutor time . He's threatening her , essentially . Just another one of the dark secrets Archie can't stand to look in Betty's blue eyes or his father's kind ones and tell them . It's complex though - when fear meets desperation there's only so much a weak human mind can put together to save itself from drowning . She looks scared and he feels bad , but it only comes back when she sharply agrees and storms off . Archie can breathe a little then .

"Good evening , friends . Are you all having a good time ?"

Cheering comes from all over the place , people tuned in to her sultry voice and glorious presence. As honorary chairperson and de fac to queen of tonight's semi formal , it is my great pleasure to introduce tonight's main entertainment . To know them is to be obsessed with them" she stresses , "though they usually perform their own material , tonight they're making an exception and debuting a cover of the song my parents claimed they we're listening to the night Jason and I were conceived"

Somewhere in the crowd Veronica's jaw falls to the ground . What ? Is this gobsmack town ? Nobody even seemed mildly bothered by it .

"This ones for you JJ"

"Sorry about that" Archie cuts through to Betty Cooper standing alone in her full skirted pink dress , every piece of polished .

"I give you Josie and The Pussycats !" Mellow rock music and Josie McCoy's sweet singing voice flows vibrantly and sets the mood for everyone's perfect evening to come . More cheers and Cheryl walks off to find Ginger and Tina , or rather they find her . No one would want to slow dance with Cheryl , but that doesn't give her a reason to not position herself in what was essentially a shrine of Jason swerved with dancing students .

"Hey I'm back" Kevin tips the rest of his cup back before setting it down and standing next to Veronica , who pulls him close with her toned arms around his neck . "Just dance with me Kev" she smiles a little sadly , and he happily obliges . She's seen Betty and Archie move forward to dance together , and now the two were deep in conversation . He's gaze is unfocused , hers stays trained on the smooth skin of his face and they're almost chest to chest , heart to heart , like everything Betty hoped sophomore year with her boy would look like .

"They really are perfect for each other" Kevin comments . Veronica is shocked that she'd had her eyes on them for so long , and had to agree . Not just perfect , but ideal .

"I'll study with Miss Grundy before school , football after school , work for my dad on the weekends . It's going to be nuts" Archie relays to Betty , realising in retrospect how impossible it all seems . This is comfort for him - sharing it with his best friend and talking to her endlessly .

"As long as you don't give up on your passion" she encourages . Archie smiles the genuine half smile , there's exactly what he needed to hear right now . She always knows exactly what he needs to hear . They dance in silent enjoyment for a moment , the million and one thoughts frantic in her mind . She looks at him , hardworking and passionate and kind hearted . And she looks sideways to where Veronica and Kevin are dancing , silent yelling at her to do it now ! Betty almost laughs at them . Yes , this feels right and she has to do it now .

"Now that I'm a River Vixen" she starts naturally , feeling the excitement elate her . "And you're going to play varsity football , I have this fantasy of us as a power couple . Or even just … a couple" she finishes softer .

There . She said it and it feels relieving to let go of the secret she's held onto since they were thirteen , but he furrows his brows and moves back a beat almost like she's always feared . But Archie's confused .

What ? Betty ? She's …. She's Betty ! We've been best friends forever , the girl I love so much . Like a sister . I love her and know her better than mom these days , how could I have ever missed if she's felt like this for me ?

"Is it so hard to imagine ?" Betty can't believe Archie . Did he seriously just react like that ? How could he not have known , I've looked at him as the ONE for so long now …

The song ends before they can say another word , but frankly they don't have anything to say anyway . Archie lets Betty go immediately as everyone starts applauding The Pussycats - the armour of support he's felt from Betty all this time felt so different - every memory they've ever shared , he's looking at it differently now .

And when Archie lets her go is when the anger fades away - his arms slipping off her waist in no time , after obviously looking at another girl far away while they were still dancing . It's only then when all the pain sinks in , terribly fast , she doesn't even want to guess who this other girl is . It's only then she's very close to crying and Betty feels sick to her stomach .

"Make sure those two turtledoves come to my after party" Cheryl tells her sidekicks . It's clear as day sweet Betty Cooper has had the hots for Archibald Andrews and after that borderline rough confession - and - rejection Cheryl just witnessed ? Its too good . From the shadows is where she sees what takes her mind off everything that's grief and abandonment . An opportunity too good to miss . Ginger and Tina agree .

"Veronica too" she adds with a devilish smirk "I'm in the mood for chaos"

I'm too still inside a state of malcontent , resting my cheek on Kevin's shoulder as we danced slowly . This is the first time a school dance meant just … that . No wild dance moves on the dance floor with all my main girls and sending hot looks to the boys across the floor . No hard alcohol and Nick's provided edibles . No after party to look forward to , and showing up in our party vessels together listening to an anthem .

I may be covering it all up by the fact that what I really want tonight is for Mummy and Daddy to have been fussing about me , over the fact that my dress is not perfect yet and taking a million pictures .. saying I'm beautiful , saying they're so happy for me , and relentlessly telling me to be careful . Because there was none of that tonight , instead I experienced what I guess will be my new normal , a too quiet home and a close friend to keep me company .

My eyes are glistening with tears till I can feel Kevin's jacket covered shoulder slightly dampened . He doesn't notice though , busy eyeing the camaraderie and singing softly to the music . I miss everything about New York and Spence School right now . The life I once had , although brutal in its own way has been made up in fairy lights and soft undertones that my mind flashes back on - insisting things back then were so much better .

There may be something wrong with my mood today , maybe the fact that Betty and Archie are probably whisking off away into the sunset together right this moment and while they deserve happiness I can't help wish I had it too . I'm so filled with nostalgia and longing that when one of Cheryl's basics and my fellow River Vixen taps on my shoulder and says I've been specially invited by the hostess to her after party at Thornhill , which I'm unsure what is - it seems like the best and perfect opportunity to let go and live . So I wipe my tears and quickly agree .

The ride there is relatively awkward and silent , Betty climbs in right after me and shuts the door immediately . I'm asking her what's wrong but she's mumbling something about Archie getting a ride with one of the boys . It shocks me suddenly that things must've not gone well with them , and here I was thinking they'd already made a fairytale .

"Oh Betts , its okay . He's just a dumb boy" I try to console uselessly , the girl is a blubbering mess who doesn't look like she's in the right state for a party .

"No it's not ! He's totally with someone else Veronica , and I don't even know who ! I don't want to know , oh my god I mean I just can't believe him …" her words get muffled into my lap as she cries against me . It surprises me to say the least , Archie is with somebody else ? There was a hard hitting against my heart like , for a moment , maybe , if I allowed myself I was hurt too . For no reason . He's nothing to you Veronica . And he hurt Betty .

I still can't help feeling even more sad than when the evening started though , unable to speak to Betty any further . She just kept sniffling and I kept looking out the window , searching for solace . Tonight he looked at me like something was different , something was shifting and as dangerous as I know that is my stupid heart betrays every part that promises he's for Betty . The two of us are hurt enough for an entire party by the time we arrive , and get out with weary faces .

"Don't worry Little B , go in there and be your best self . Any boy who can't see just how special you are isn't worth the time of day" I tuck her hair back nicely and caress her cheek softly . She leans into it slightly , with a small smile . "Thank you , Veronica . You're too good a friend"

We spend the first few minutes lost in the halls of Thornhill , I notice this house is very medieval and wonder how people are even enjoying being in here . It's a beautiful estate for sure , large with a barn and pool , acres of green land wrapping around it . But the human portraits and cupid - esque decor has me pretty irked .

Soon enough Cheryl has everybody she wants sitting on the couches facing each other . I can name everybody here , Bulldogs and River Vixens for the most part . It's going just like every teen party - red solo cups not even spiked , hormonal tension living up the room . Cheryl and Chuck Clayton - who brag about being older than all of us ( just eleven months , Cheryl ) are almost buddy buddy , he flirts with her briefly before she flips her hair and turns to everyone else . They remind me a little of what Nick and I used to be like , only we were so much closer in more ways than one , we'd smoke together and spill all these after hour secrets and pent up frustrations , then fuck around and that's what our 'friendship' was . I could never explain what was between me and the St Clair boy , but we'd known each other since infancy and he was like my first everything … first kiss , first time I smoked weed behind Spence one long day after my dad did something , Nick sat there and offered it to me . When we had mutual enemies it was us against the world , nobody could fight our power together .

My first time to third base , and countless times after that - my first time . I knew where to cross the line with us and I think he always wanted something more out of it , treated me like his girlfriend when I clearly wasn't - and he'd try things I wanted to stop and he'd go crazy . But he was also there every time I felt sad and lost and did something terrible that even the girls wouldn't talk to me , he stuck by my side telling me how perfect I was . I guess that's what made leaving so hard - I still had good things worth holding on to . Although boys like Nick St Clair and Chuck Clayton are probably the same .

"It's game time at Chez Blossom kiddies" the crimson haired mystery ran her long arms around all the couch backs as she walked . There's something about her , elegance and layers you'd probably die if they came uncovered . "We're going old school tonight . Seven minutes in heaven"

Oh , these country kids really are such sweet innocents . Seven minutes in heaven ? Sophomore in High School ?

"Who wants to tryst in the closet of love first ? My vote is 'A' for Archie" she licks her lips . This smells like trouble . And bad news . "Anyone care to second it ?"

"Wait actually -" Archie , who's looking too much like a hot mess to be taken seriously tries to intervene his own fate .

"Yes , Andrews ! YES !" I suppress an eye roll at the total bro that is Reggie Mantle , pumping his fist in the air with a goofy grin .

"All right" Cheryl snickers "gather around kids ." Nobody moves , we're all already in position . It feels like such a stupid game to even be attempting . "Lets see who's riding the ginger stallion tonight" she does that thing again , the walking and swerving thing . The music in this place feels distinctive I'll probably remember it forever , I'll remember this forever ; sitting with shaky knees and anticipation as a group of teenagers watch a bottle spin . It lands . Right . On me .

No , no this has to be the worst night ever . Absolutely not . I cannot go in a closet with Archie Andrews ! Not after what he did to Betty , not after all I don't think I can trust myself to be near him .. close to him .. just the thought makes me woozy .

Reggie cackles when it stops . I don't even need to look at Betty to know she's crushed . She mustn't know whatever it is - lust ? I feel for the stupid Andrews boy . But this night has been bad enough for her , and this only pummels it further . All I can hope is that they cheer the girl next door to get it on and maybe they'll go in the closer together , the bottle is inching to Betty a little bit .

"It's clearly pointing to the new girl" Cheryl smirks . Okay . No . This can't happen . Normal me would've jumped at the chance , to show all these boys smug faces something to remember , but the circumstances are pretty enticing .

"I'm not doing this" I say flatly , making it known to everybody . I can feel Betty's breath release beside me . And I dare not look at Archie right now , it might just change my mind or derail it or make things awkward .

"That's up to you" Cheryl shrugs . "But if you don't , house rules decree the hostess gets to take your turn"

She really left me no choice . Betty looks torn apart , and I don't want to hurt her any more . My first instinct is telling me , whatever happens do not get in that closet . It would break her . But time is ticking and I know deep inside me , at least if I go in there there'll be a guarantee I can make sure nothing will happen . But if Cheryl does ? Things might go the wrong way , it's not like I really trust Archie to be in a close proximity with Cheryl Blossom and not give in to something . It has to be the hardest I've ever made , or maybe not . I know this will hurt Betty , but she has no idea what the alternative will make her feel .

So that's how I pick up my pride and walk into Cheryl's appointed closet with Archie close behind me , ignoring the cat calls and wolf whistles following us . The look of disbelief on Betty's face is what I tell myself I'll hold on to if things get too … heated and just hold out . Do it for her .

The door closed and the last thing I see is Cheryl's satisfied face , locking the door from outside ! When she does all the light is zapped out and we're standing there with only Archie's phone illuminating some space between us . It feels like exactly what I thought it would feel .

"I know her brother died , and all .. but Cheryl Blossom truly is the anti Christ"

Archie chuckles , trying to break the awful tension but it's not working . We fall back into silence . "So , uh , do you miss New York" he asks , the most basic question ever .

"It's been less than a week , but yes" I say truthfully . If only you knew how much , if only anybody did …

"Six minutes twenty seconds"

Archie is not hiding his nervous awkwardness at all , in fact the boy is bouncing on his two feet . It's endearing as I watch him , almost like were the only two people here … only we are . I just can't believe it and can't tear my eyes away from him , I've seen him in morning light and the dark ambiance of Pop's and sweating midday after football tryouts , but now he looks timeless . Like peace , like goodness that is everlasting .

"You turn . Ask me a deep , probing question . To kill time" he finally looks me in the eye .

"It looked like you and Betty were having fun at the dance" I tried , mustering up the most basic of basic things to say . I could barely hide the quiver in my voice , were standing inches away despite the closet being big enough for us to be feet apart .

"Definitely . We've been friends forever" oh , doesn't he think I know ?

"My turn"

"I didn't ask my question yet . Is that all it is , just .. friends ?"

He seems taken aback in the calmest way . "We're not just friends , were best friends"

The classic boy answer . I smile a little deeper .

"My turn . Did you have a boyfriend in New York ?"

This time he shocks me . Why would he be asking that ? Why would it even matter ? Oh Archie , don't even do this while you're in the middle of losing a best friend and supposedly being with someone else . Does he know , do I even know , it makes me happy that he's asking like he wants to know about me ..

"No" is all I say .

"My turn . Could it possibly ever be something more ?"

"Are you asking for Betty or for yourself ?" He raises his brows .

The words get stuck in my throat . I'm not sure , I'm curious . And I'm wondering , if he feels for her but maybe it is for ..

"For Betty . And you didn't answer my question" I quickly say . He looks like he doesn't believe me . Our feet are getting closer . Or his are , because my heels are stuck on the ground but Archie in his suit and sneakers has taken two steps close and I can smell him , some cologne I'm not familiar with . I can feel him , like warmth when you've just come running in from the snow , you want to come closer and feel it more .

"I have never felt whatever is I'm , supposed to feel , for Betty" he sounds genuine .

"Have you felt it though ?" This is when I know Betty's hurt face is far from my memory and it's me truly asking , it's me that's curious and it's me talking . "With anyone ?"

"Yeah" he looks down . So Betty was right , he is with someone else . Or at least likes someone else . "This summer . Have you ?"

My mind flashes to innocent childhood crushes and Justin Cage who was my first 'real' boyfriend , but then it swifts away and memories of Nick and I sitting there on the school steps smoking together with salty tears streaming down my face , my head a mess of agony and despair moments before we lean in to each other and find release right there in the open air . It definitely felt strong , but not like a wildly falling in love kind of feeling . I'm not sure what that feels like , then I remember walking towards Archie my first day here in that run down diner … I'm not sure which one makes sense .

"Maybe once" the memories linger through one at a time again .

Archie looks down , the expression of innocence makes me feel like a kid again . Like one not yet corrupted by big streets and crushed fairytale lives . It's refreshing with a tinge of doubt in his features , almost like maybe he had been corrupted once too . But where .. in this peppy town of Riverdale ?

"You're a little more dangerous than you look , aren't you ? All boy next door - ish" I tease

"You have no idea" he says , his eyes turning shades darker . It feels like this room is closing in on us . And suddenly he doesn't look back down at the timer right away , no , he keeps his eyes trained on mine . They're travelling down to my lips , they're driving me insane . He is driving me insane .. with every part of him much too close to ignore now .

"Your turn . Ask me a question Archie" it feels like our grip is slipping away , everything is , I can't stop this force pulling me into him . "Ask me anything you want" I whisper softer , unintentional in its sultriness but I don't mind anymore . Do anything you want .. just anything

"We shouldn't do this" I whisper when our heads are too close already , like there's anything stopping us now .

"We definitely shouldn't do this" he agrees . But that's exactly what I'm best at , what I shouldn't do , nothing holding me back as I move my head forward and capture his lips with my own .

Veronica is kissing me . She's put her arms around my neck , pulling me closer and I wrap mine around her waist . This isn't foreign to me . It isn't weird . I was sure I'd felt something before with someone , but not when I'm kissing Veronica .

Maybe it's the fact that she's a skilled New York sophisticate who probably knows how to do everything , or she's born with a natural ability to pour everything into a kiss and still not over do it.

They say when we're falling in love we hear Puccini in our heads , so why am I hearing music start to play that isn't there ? It doesn't it make sense . The slow strum of a guitar starts and it doesn't end as she's riling me up . I feel up her back where the skin is softer than I'd ever felt anyone's skin before , hot underneath my hands . Her hair is just as silky wonderful I feel the tips between my fingers and the music doesn't stop playing , lyrics tumbling into my head .

Cut me like a rose , turn me like a beast , hold me on the floor , heavy like the force between us .

I was a ghost halted in flight , kneeling .

There of the heart , God undertow , feeling .

Right then …

I was only falling in love .

It wipes out immediately when Veronica pulls her lips away , panting heavily for breath between us. The softest whimper , almost a whine "baby , don't stop" against her lips . I couldn't resist that, I couldn't resist any part of her from the cerulean eyes to her tight little body .

We came together again , my phone fallen a long time ago . This time her hands run up along my stomach and she presses harder , feeling my abs under her dainty fingertips . When I slip my tongue into her mouth it's delved into warmth and she moans , the softest thing unheard if we weren't in this silent closet . Her head tips back and I hold her closer , getting braver to move up from her waist .

Does she know how crazy she's made me since the very first time I saw her , since that day in the hallway . I want to get further and faster and harder and she seems to want it too , taking my hands in her own and placing them low on her ass .

Oh god .

Her confidence is impressive , I'm noticing how sensual she is as she shows me what she likes . I don't even know how far this will go but right now I don't really care , eager for anything she's willing to give me . It almost feels like a dream when I pick her up and she gasps , recovering quickly enough to wrap those impossible legs around my waist . With how short that dress is , it's gone hiked around her hips and if I could only get my pants off .. I'd feel heaven .

Our mouths don't stop kissing while I prop her against the wall and support her there , moving lower to pepper light kisses on her neck . It feels risky to suck any harder in case she might get a hickey , god knows how we'd explain that walking out of here . She looks like she's experiencing the greatest pleasure right now , eyes closed and those perfect pouty lips parted amazingly . It's the way I'll always want to remember Veronica Lodge . Panting and squirming for more , under my touch .

It's only so long until the loudest sound to ever be heard came between us , and it surprises Veronica so bad she practically shrieks . I instinctively hold her tight against me as she falls from her elevated position against the wall , my hand cradling her neck protectively . We both look around . Eyes wide . It's my phone .

The timer is ringing with a blare , the seven minutes are up . Us staying in here any longer would immediately look suspicious . I set her down carefully , then pick up my phone and turn it off . As I turn back around , I think I'm seeing heaven -

Veronica is pulling her dress back down into place and adjusting it so her assets don't fall right out , my jaw is practically on the ground . She looks amazingly sexy standing there in her heels and shining despite wearing all black ; lips swollen and her face flushed .

I can't even move .

"Archie , we just - we can't say -"

"Relax baby" I repeat the word she used for me earlier "I won't say anything if you don't want me to" my hand goes up to tuck back a stray piece of black hair , and she looks up at me in silence . I don't know what she's thinking , but I'm happy for multiple reasons . One of them being that these suit pants are a good disguise for very prominent hard ons , because there's no way I'm getting it down now . For a moment I think she's mad , or regretting it or whatever , but then her face breaks into a sweet smile and she leans her head into my hand the slightest bit . My heart moves .

"Thank you Archie"

Before I can ask her why she's thanking me , she takes my hand down slowly and turns around , opening the now unlocked door and facing all our friends . It's like we've just walked off space - some are impressed and smug and others wear looks of disbelief . I'm still feeling like the ground is shaking after what Veronica did to me , made me feel , to even acknowledge it .

Her mind snaps right when she sees Reggie smirking at them like he's the proudest dad , weirdly , and she realises a missing face .

"Where's Betty ?"

Cheryl swerved right in front of us from god knows where , her face very pleased and matter of fact . "She spiralled and left" Cheryl says like it's totally ordinary . "Between us , she's a lot more high strung than she looks"

Veronica is anger . Angry at herself for getting in that closet and betraying Betty , thinking stupidly that she was trying to protect the girl . She's angry at Cheryl who right now , like always , has absolutely no integrity and empathy . She's heedless in her prowl , burning anybody in her way .

"You shady bitch" she spits in anger , ignoring when Chuck and Reggie saying woahh Cheryl got burned and feisty mama! when she's already turning on her heel to get out of this hell house .

Archie was right behind her . "Crap , Betty's cell is off" he says to Veronica , the girl going far too fast for somebody in heels but she found herself lost where all the halls looked pretty much the same .

"I'm getting an Uber"

"Can I come with you ? We should probably try and find her"

"Believe me" Veronica turns to Archie and almost yells , exasperated . "The last thing Betty wants is us tracking her down together . We messed up" she tells him , and he can see the glisten of tears coming to her eyes . It all feels so messed up she can't understand for the life of her what possessed her to be so , so - evil .

"Hey calm down" Archie puts his hand on her shoulder , and she sighs and takes it off . "Betty and I aren't together -"

"That's not the point Archie !" He sees her defeated and not knowing how to fix this , something he didn't think girls like Veronica could be capable of . Then again , he didn't really know girls like Veronica .

"I didn't finish my sentence"

Veronica stops a little embarrassed for blowing up at him . They look at each other a second too long

"But I've known her a really long time , and I think I'll know what to do and where to find Betty . I'm not saying you wouldn't , but I think I'm the one who's hurt her more tonight honestly . And Betty would want me to find her"

The way his eyes bore into hers is tempting , but she shakes her head anyway . "She'll be so mad at me" her voice is caught between a whimper and a cry , so small and shaky . He pulls her into his chest and envelopes her in a hug , holding her tight . The physical contact is way too much comfort to not make her overcome with tears , like it doesn't matter how hard she's trying to change , she's still just wrecking things .

"She won't . I mean , yeah , she probably is right now but tell you what , Betty has a heart of gold . She couldn't hate you forever if she wanted to , she can't even hate Cheryl"

They almost crack a smile when he says that . "And if it means anything to you Veronica , I don't think it's possible to not be crazy about you - from anybody's perspective"

Her heart is in her throat . Why is he being so nice ? Since when has anybody ever said anything so kind to me , so heartfelt it hurts . I've messed up , but he's thinking I'm such a good person , and that's not true . It's not true , Archie .

"Go home and rest . I'll find Betty and talk to her" Archie looks down at her , still between his arms , stomachs and legs pressed together , only apart to look at each other .

"It's probably for the best . She might be too overwhelmed with us both trying to talk to her anyways" she agrees , but mostly because she needs to get out of his arms before things happen again . "Thank you Archie"

She moves to leave , but as Archie watches her walk away down the long hallway it haunts him to say something . The thing that's been kept on his mind . To make sure she doesn't break herself over this 'mess up' .

"Veronica" he calls . She turns around , the tall figure of him staring at her from far across a silent , long hallway .

"I don't regret what happened .. what we did"

For a moment she wants to say something too . But she can't , just not when she's already screwed over tonight and the situation doesn't give much room for the right things to say - if it ever will . Her eyes glaze over him and her mind thinks a thousand different words , she just turns back around and walks away .

"Hey , you're home early" my cellphone reads 12.00 am . Mummy is sitting on the sofa elegantly , even at this hour of the night with her hair all loose and perfect . I guess usually our parties carry on until dawn , she doesn't even see me until I call her saying I crashed at a friend's the morning after sometimes .

"How was the dance ?"

"It was fine" the tone in my voice suggests something is wrong , which it is , I can't handle it . "I mean it's not the Met Ball or anything" I add so she doesn't get suspicious .

"Tell me about it" I go ahead and sit on the spot where Mummy patted next to her on the sofa , just realising how tired my legs are .

I tell her I'm super tired , the same excuse every teenager uses when they just don't want to speak of what's really bothering them . Maybe I don't give her enough credit , because she notices . She looks at me and can see there's something wrong , and she cares .

"Is everything okay , Ronnie ?" She asks quietly , and I just want to burst into tears at how far from okay things are . "What is it ?"

"I miss daddy !" I cry , hiding my face in my hands . "Oh , Ronnie" she pulls me into her and caresses my back soothingly . "Don't despair mi amor , we will be together again one day"

"When ?" I sob , still not letting go of her . There's silence . For a long time , the silence is even more heart breaking every second it goes on . And I can't help but cry harder , because even she doesn't know . She can't help me , and no one can .

"Only time will tell" she finally says .

This life is only a passing phase and death will put an end to all its hardships , however great , but the sufferings for which there is no end , will be everlasting .

Jughead Jones is an enigma , a paradox of brass honesty and repressed emotion . He's too good for even the school's semi formal is what one would think seeing him walk into Pop's Choclit Shoppe right at 8 when the festivities were beginning . Some people , like those who actually think they are too good for school events and never bother with suchlike , present themselves only at the after party . Where no rules involved , broken hearts come alive and hiding in a shell of party madness . That's not Jughead Jones . He really doesn't go to any of it , you'd think - social anxiety . Not that either , in fact , the young Jones can be very socially adapt when he wants too . All the eleven letter words and smart ass sayings aren't just on paper , after all .

So what is it about him ? Maybe he's mature beyond his years , seeing no point in the happiness that his peers seem to find at these gatherings . Or maybe he's scared that getting comfortable will curse him , like it always does . They say home is where the heart is - but really , where is home ? Does it mean you then lack of a heart ? But it's not the obsession of finding a home , it's the crucial point that so many teens are wasting their time chasing cheap thrills , never brave enough to acknowledge their own emotions . Do you have depth ? Or are you just afraid ? To feel , to get in touch with yourself . So you hide and you play and you drink , until the next time and the next time and the next time .

Jughead isn't too fond of any of Riverdale High's student body either , they're either all too pretentious or actually are as peppy as they appear . And while the innocent may be fun to corrupt , these fools aren't even worth making acquaintance to Jughead . Maybe deep inside he's still too innocent , he's still a little Riverdale . Either way the ink haired boy always find reason to distance himself - one way or another .

He's wrapped up in jackets and his favourite beanie , favourite being irrelevant because it's the only one he wears . He's been done eating for a long time , the only object on Pop's table is his laptop . And he's wrapped up in that too . The novel . The story of Riverdale , or should he say Jason Blossom , who's intriguing half life is still affecting others' so much so that he feels a need to put it into words before his eyes . Every paragraph , every meaningful and redundant detail makes its way in somehow . His bright eyes focus on the screen as he types in , every single thing.

It was at midnight , when my old friend Archie Andrews arrived at the one place in town that was still open . And he was looking for the girl next door . Instead , he found me .

When Archie asks Jughead if he can take a seat , like he wouldn't have slid right in just two months ago or been there to begin with ; Jughead can't deny him . Ever since eight , when Archie had asked Jughead if he wanted to play house with Betty and Jughead made the most disgusted face in the world at him - the two boys have always been a little different . Of course , there was that The Andrews were a loving family of redheads who stayed in the big white house with a picket fence , opposite the the infamous Coopers . Jughead Jones came on his bike to school from the Southside , sometimes staying late at the Andrews until Fred decided to drive the tired boy home instead .

But it was also that Archie wanted to go to Josie McCoy's tenth birthday party at the bowling alley while Jughead complained that every kid from school would be there , and Archie had said "that's what'll make it fun ?"

Then when they were twelve , Archie got out of school way too late to Juggy's cross face and told him about the most extraordinary experience of kissing a girl behind the class doors . He had also added , almost scoldingly , "don't tell Betty !" which Jughead couldn't even think for the life of him why he'd want to ever talk about it again in the first place .

He should've seen their road trip summer before sophomore year getting cancelled by Mr A himself as another one of these instances , where Archie couldn't resist and Jughead couldn't understand . Instead , like morons , the two teenagers turned against each other and didn't talk it through . Neither of them could pull away for a moment and see , that the other was hurting . That something so simple could've helped .

"What are you working on ?" He had asked , and Jughead notices the tie on his shirt is undone and hanging around the collar - he now looks and acts too much like the jock for even Jughead to defend him . Done partying , looking lost , that's how it always goes .

"My novel . It's about this summer and Jason Blossom" he replies , not saying too much .

"Seventeen years old and how will he be remembered ? As captain of the water polo team ?" Archie ponders , much too high strung hasty at this hour of the night .

"The Aquaholics ? Considering how he died , probably not" obviously .

"No , what I mean is - was he doing everything he was supposed to do , everything he wanted ? Did he even know what that was ?"

Jughead can't answer that , but it seems like Archie is more of asking for himself . "Coach Clayton was in here talking to Pop Tate . Varsity huh ?"

Archie looks blank . Totally . Completely .

"So what does that make you now , Mr Popular Football God ?"

Why doesn't Jughead understand ? I'm not TRYING to fit some stereotype , is that really all he sees in me anymore ? Does it still matter ?

"No , in fact I'm kind of terrified I lost my best friend tonight"

His eyes narrow . "If you mean Betty , whatever happened , just - talk to her . It'll go a long away" he pauses "would've gone a long way with me"

Again , like a moron , Archie can't bring himself to talk about happened with Jughead . Why that summer road trip had to be called off . Yes , he was a douche , but right now he's withholding evidence from the cops and that's even more terrifying to think about . Talking about it will only leak the secret , which as stupid as Archie knows it is , he promised Geraldine he'd keep . And it all seemed so complicated and far from grasping like Jughead would react well to Geraldine and I and too many maybes , so many frustrated I can't just talk about it Jughead ! he just wants to yell , but one thing Jughead does know .

Jughead always knew how to handle things when it came to Betty . He knew exactly what present she'd like for her birthday when Archie totally forgot and Jug already bought the best gift . He knew how to calm her down when Polly was gone and Betty couldn't contain herself , he always knew what to turn on the TV that would instantly make Betty cheer up . It's like the blonde haired girl found herself saved by Jughead Jones one too many times without even noticing it .

"I messed up tonight , Jug . Real bad . I don't know how I let it get this bad .."

"What do you mean ?" Jughead tuned in closer to his friend when he buried his face in his hands defeatedly .

"I mean Veronica" Archie said quickly .

"Huh ?"

"Veronica" Archie sighs . "Lodge . She moved here last week , from New York and she's like -"

"I know" Jughead stops him . "We do go to the same school , Archie . And though I'm not one to really stick around after PE ; I've heard those hornballs talk about her"

Archie looks at his friend like that was the worst possible thing to say right now . He didn't say anything else either , not sure how to follow up .

"So what about her ?"

"I just .. we might have .."

"Okay , maybe you should just go talk to Betty instead"

"No , Jug . Sorry things are just so complicated right now" he sighs . Jughead understands .

"We kissed . And Betty got mad , and I think I just lost them both tonight" he admits finally .

So Betty loves Archie , like that , and she's finally admitting it to herself ..

Jughead leans on the table , doing that expression where he's about to say something pretty harsh but honest .

"No offence , because I don't really know what you have to lose from Veronica Lodge . You don't know her . But Betty ? Take my advice and fix this before it gets too late"

"You're right"

"Duh"

"But Jug , how do I make sure Veronica doesn't try and .. distance herself from me ?" He really doesn't know a thing does he ? Jughead stares at him in disbelief .

"Why ? Veronica Lodge is a former private school princess , her father's in prison - sharing a kiss doesn't make you attached to someone forever Archie"

"No , Jug she's more than that"

He waits for Archie to explain .

"I , I don't know what it is . But she's made me feel so different lately . Like - every time I see her she just makes the whole world brighter . She's the one who made me go to this dance in the first place . And maybe she's making me stupid too because I would've never done that to any other girl in Cheryl Blossom' closet for gods sakes -"

"What ?" Jug's blue eyes bugged suddenly .

"Nothing" Archie looked away

"So I'm guessing it was more than a kiss ?"

"We didn't … if that's what you're asking"

The beanie wearing boy shook his head , genuinely surprised at how air headed his old friend can be sometimes .

"God , Archie . You're really getting places aren't you ? Veronica Lodge in a closet at Cheryl Blossom's ? Sounds like the worst kind of trouble"

"You're right . It was . Because Betty ran away . And you're right , again , that I have to go find her. What should I say ?"

Jughead Jones stares up at Archie Andrews , who just stood up from his seat . His caught between two girls - one who's loved him since they had baby teeth , and the other who he's assuming just has good skills in guys and galas . It's ridiculous , because the kids next door will always end up together . And Jughead thinks briefly that this is the hundredth time Archie has asked him how or what to do for , about , with Betty Cooper . But yet , when the night is dusting grey on a pivotal moment of all their lives - where they won't just be three musketeers anymore , no , growing up and apart has taken place . Even then , Jughead knows just what to tell Archie .

"Tell her your feelings . Your true feelings . And if you love her tell her . And if she runs away stick around , even if it is with Veronica by your side . Because she needs you ."

Archie looks back at Jughead , think over and over again . He needs me too . I need him . When did things become so hard to just say ?

"I will" he nods , and the bell rings as the door on Pop's Choclit Shoppe opens and closes in one swing .

He arrives outside the big white Cooper house walking after midnight , feeling cold air hit his face like a windstorm waiting to happen . This town is so silent it almost makes him want to scream , petrified by the things kept inside him rumbling and blazing forbidden truths . Before , maybe it was frustration . Maybe it was fear . He had messed up , being with his teacher and causing the rift between his broken best friend .

However , now it was grief . Emotional torment , at least before Jughead hadn't blocked him out all at once and at least he had control over his secret with Geraldine Grundy . Betty ran . She's completely sad , and it's his fault . No , it can't be . He'd hit himself so hard until it wouldn't hurt anymore , if he could .

He thought he was going to fix something . Instead , all he saw was what he'd ruined . Betty Cooper came out of her house wearing the full skirted pink dress from the dance , a lighted pink cardigan over it now to shield the cold . He'd ruined something perfect . What a douche bag I am huh ?

They walk to each other slower than ever before , but time stood still as they did . Everything stood still . Not a leaf rustling in sight , no running squirrels or stray cats , neighbours turning their lights off . Nothing . Just a boy and a girl , a red head and a blonde , too done up on the outside and mistreated on the inside too hold themselves together . He looks like everything she'd wanted tonight , he is everything . And oh god when Mum forbad her from being a Vixen , from befriending Archie and Veronica , she'd rebelled and believed it was to have something of my own. She believed he would be her own , and she believed she was just on the verge of getting him .

Unfortunately , she thinks now , standing here motionless , perhaps being perfect is all I'll ever be good for . Perfect . Perfect . Perfect . No ! Do you know how many times she's heard it in her life , how many times a day people imply it ? No . The boy I wanted was my choice , but he didn't fit the picture , he's not part of perfect , so it can't be .

"I'm not going to ask you what you did with Veronica at Cheryl's" although she's been crying about it on her carpet , disgusted and heartbroken for the past half hour .

"But I'm asking you now , right now , if you love me Archie . Or even .. like me ?"

It sounded so helplessly desperate , but this is what boys do to you as her mother had said . She's holding on to any last scrap of hope that he will say yes , maybe , if even this wouldn't be the ideal story to tell one day . But screw ideal - if this is how it has to be to get him , she's willing to try .

"Of course I love you Betty !" Archie takes a step closer , still very far , but his voice is like a million bullets to her heart saying those words , because she knows what will come next . "But I can't give you the answer you want"

"Why not ?" She can't understand , after all her life of learning the art of quintessential , how could he not want her ? What is really wrong with me , really ??

He thinks about what Jughead said . I told her I love her . I do , I always will . Tell her your feelings . Your true feelings . Is there any reason other than I don't feel that way for you ? Is it Grundy ? Or Veronica Lodge ? Or nothing at all because I would've felt this with Betty years ago if I did , like she has . He can't think for the life of him why he wouldn't be crushing on Betty Cooper, miss perfect , and he wants to blame himself for it .

People who've caught his eye have been the centre of problematic , so far . Wouldn't it be easy if her could just fall in love with her instead ? After tonight though , Archie doesn't think that's possible . Not after what he felt , not just in the closet , but in the hallway afterwards , lying to Betty would be the biggest lie he ever told .

"You are so perfect" he realises . He's not built for perfect . Just not .

Betty looks away from him , of course . How is it that all this work has gone to waste ?

"I've never been good enough for you . I'll never be good enough for you ."

She hears his dismal reasonings and they sound like bees buzzing , she's too crushed and caved inside to feel any more . It's at the point you're so hurt that you can't even cry anymore , you're just tired . And you're done . And Betty Cooper turns around and walks back into her perfect house , accepting the aggravation once and for all .

And so , it wasn't one heart that broke that night . It was too . And the night was far from over . While two next door neighbours mourned the loss of each other , across the forest at Sweetwater River the Sheriff's son and his closeted companion made their way out to experience the wonders of late night rendezvous . The water was no longer sweet , as was their time together , when Kevin Keller was horrendously met with the sight of Jason Blossom's stone cold corpse floating on the shore .

With a gun shot between his eyes .

An experience that would take quite some time for both young men to recover mentally from , seeing one of their peers in the most gruesome form .

By morning , everyone would be texting , talking , posting about it . We'd all be feeling it . That the world around us had changed , maybe forever . That Riverdale wasn't the same town as before . That it was a town of shadows and secrets now . On Monday , the autopsy on Jason's death would take place . And on Tuesday , halfway through fifth period , the first arrest would be made .

tbc