Chapter 2 : A Touch Of Evil (part three)

We held hands walking through all the halls . My heels pattered on the floor and made a clicking sound , trying to match Betty's fast footsteps . We didn't say a word , not really . I don't think Betty knew what to say and neither did I . All she's already confessed is enough for me to know how hard she's trying to stay sane amongst the madness . My heartbeat is thudding much faster , just like the bounce of my hair off my shoulders and our quick footsteps that came to a halt outside the student lounge .

Before going on , I wanted to say something . Maybe sorry , maybe I'm happy we're friends again ? I just don't want to jinx it . We were both unsure of where to go and paused outside the door . Does she want me to sit with her ? She might have 'forgiven' me or at least come to terms with it but I get if she doesn't feel comfortable totally being friends again .

"Betty !" Kevin yells over . Her blue eyes glance to mine for a moment .

"Do you wanna sit -"

"Hey Veronica , come sit with me"

I'm at a crossroads as Chuck and his Bulldogs walk through the door right at the same time . It was a pretty empty room before , now it's bustling with testosterone and masculinity .

"Oh , catch you later" Betty pulls her bag strap a little higher on her shoulder and smiles a little .

"Okay"

Chuck has throws himself in one of the single armchairs and Reggie has the other one , the rest of the Bulldogs take up the couches too . His dark eyes are still trained on me while I walk to them , my brow raised . Where .. exactly does he want me to sit ? He holds his hand out and I just sit on the arm of his chair instead , trying to hide my smile . So he wants to sit with me at break too now ?

"Hey uh - how do you drink your coffee ?" He asks quickly

"Black with two sugars" I grin at him . "Yo Mason . Black coffee , two sugars ?" He tilts his head in my direction . I raise my brows . Moose just looks at both of us , kind of not believing his fate . But he gets up slowly with a dreadful expression and does it anyway . Reggie laughs and shoves Moose as he walks by .

"Veronica Lodge , meet Reggie Mantle"

"The Magnificent" this Reggie adds . Chuck introduces us though I'm not quite sure why . Is he trying to get us to know each other ? Or does he just want me to know his friends ?

"And Veronica the Park Avenue Princess" Chuck says somewhat braggingly . Moose comes up with my coffee and Chuck takes it first before giving it to me .

"Thanks" I sip the hot bitterness that tastes heavenly on my tongue "and it's just Veronica , but that works too"

Some of the boys laugh as I flip my hair playfully .

"Okay then Princess" Chuck turns to look at me . I just notice looking down at him that he's wearing a Riverdale Football blue hoodie and he smells like soap , his skin baby smooth . "How's Cheryl's practices been for the pep rally ?"

The rest of the boys have faded into their own conversation while we talk . "Alright" I shrug "I'm excited to actually cheer at a football game though , I can't wait"

"Are you into football ?" He looks asks casually , but interestedly

"I used to go to every football game" I nod , remembering it with a wistful smile "I was a cheerleader back at Spence too . And I just remember football games being the most enthralling thing - like the entire evening we'd literally be running on adrenaline . Getting ready , then when I step out and do my cheer it's the most amazing rush"

"Exactly" he shakes his head with wide eyes "and the crowd cheers you on , when they get super passionate .."

"When it's just your moment and everyone's eyes are on you" I continue

"It feels perfect" he's smiling at me and maybe it's him remembering the feeling too . I can just feel how hard I'm smiling back at him too , almost trying to contain myself . I can't deny and say he's one of the most attractive boys at Riverdale High . Out of the corner of my eye Betty and Kevin are side by side on one of the couches in the back engaging in a conversation . I remember suddenly that Archie isn't here yet , with all his teammates .

"I really do wanna take you out sometime" he says casually .

"Oh yeah ?" I raise my brow . He laughs unabashedly . "Yeah , you're really hot and fun to be around"

"Yeah , sure" I roll my eyes . "You probably say that to all the girls huh ?"

"Oh what ? You want me to say it to just you ?"

"Please"

We both laugh but I couldn't help the giddy feeling that this boy that is not only deviously handsome but also charismatic and popular is taking a clear interest in me . I know it's the biggest cliche ever and probably will amount to nothing but I don't mind having some fun , after all .

"Give me your phone"

"Huh ?"

"Give me your phone , I put my number in .."

"Oh yeah yeah" he laughs like a goof and passes me his silver iPhone . While I'm putting it in , he leans up to me and whispers "I'll text you tonight after the pep rally .. if you prefer that to meeting in person" suggestively .

"Worst joke ever" I tell him plainly . Right about then we both kind of fade off the flirting because Reggie is making a pretty serious argument - about who killed Jason , because everything related to Jason's death usually has people's attention . Especially when Reggie Mantle , who from what I've seen in class and in passing is usually quite the focused on pretty light subjects , starts talking about it . He's mentioning that Sheriff Keller was questioning him , and he in turn now questioning why Moose was at the river with Kevin when they found Jason's body to begin with . His voice is exaggeratedly loud drawing everyone's attention . Both Chuck and I tune into his weird rant too .

It sounds mundane enough , but then he started throwing out as many adjectives as he knew to very obviously share his theory that Jughead had in fact shot Jason in the head . I didn't find it that surprising to be honest , Reggie's a prideful pretty jock who's ego has been hurt by Sheriff Keller questioning him . So he pins it on the easiest target . I didn't think anyone would be that bothered by it , other than well , Jughead .

"You didn't do stuff to the body , right ? Like , after ?" Reggie continues , throwing a football back and forth in his hands .

The Jughead boy was leaning against a wall in the back of the lounge , he had dark hair but it was mostly covered by a beanie he was wearing . He looked like one of the hipster lone wolfs of this generation .

"It's called necrophilia Reggie . Can you spell it ?" He shot back smoothly , a glum unbothered look on his face . His arms are crossed over his chest , looking all too used to this treatment . Apparently his response was enough to trigger Reggie , who apparently doesn't like being called dumb .

"Come here you little -" his six foot frame of pure brawny muscle jumps up swiftly from the arm chair and in front of Jughead , suddenly causing everyone in the room to freeze a little . A fight is a fight , but in this case I'm actually worried . Reggie could legit murder Jughead based on the fact that one of his arms were the size of Jughead's head alone .

Chuck and I both straightened up , watching with wide eyes . Jughead looked like he was about to get into it , bad decision dude . But Archie , who I didn't realise was standing nearby stood in front of him .

"Shut the hell up Reggie !" Archie pushes him away from Jughead forcefully . When did he get here ? He wasn't in here when I came in . A part of me shrinks inside because maybe I'm really worried that Reggie might hurt Archie too . Not saying he couldn't hold his own , but Reggie is two inches taller and aptly bigger too . I stand up , not really sure why , just to see if anything happened .

"Boys" I say warningly . Then I feel Chuck's hand brush the inside of my finger . I look back to him , shocked by the sudden warmth of his fingers on mine . He tugs my hand and pulls me back slowly , silently telling me to not get involved .

Everyone , including Betty and Kevin in the back corner have their eyes on the scene at this point .

"What do you care Andrews ?" Reggie cocks his head

"Nothing , just leave him alone" Archie sounds a little held back , a little hesitant .

"Holy crap" Reggie puts in realisation . He looks between Archie and Jughead "did you and Donny Darko kill him together ? Was it some pervy , blood brother thing ?"

At this point , I see Archie just about boil in the anger on his face . Obviously I don't think anything Reggie's saying is even close to true , but something does hit Archie hard enough for him to shove the taller boy in his chest - hard - again .

Reggie doesn't even wait to retaliate , he uses full force and sends Archie into the vending machine behind him with his push . Glass shatters , and now everyone stands up but nobody knows what to do . Oh my god . Archie is expectedly getting his ass beat already .

He tries again to pummel Reggie back , but it only gives Reggie the idea to punch him square in the face before he drops to the ground painfully . It all happened so fast flashing right in front of our eyes . Chuck starts walking over to them , I try to stop him by holding his arm . The fight might be over but Reggie still looks pissed as hell and I wouldn't want anyone getting close to him.

"Chuck be careful" I whisper after him

"Reggie get the hell out of here" He tells him pointedly . The other boy , who looks even angrier at being told off - does so anyway under Chuck's authority . He stomps heavily and anyone blocking his path quickly jumps away before he passes through .

Betty looks really frightened , like me she's trying to see if Archie is okay . I thought she was heading over to see him , but instead she grabbed a fistful of Jughead's jacket and pulled him with her . They were talking quietly , seriously , before I could think any more of it they walked out of the lounge as the bell rang alarmingly .

"Get him to the nurse" Chuck , again ordered Moose to help Archie up . But he wasn't having any of it , he stood back up on his own revealing a nasty bloody gnash on the right side of his face . My heart pounded terribly . All the blood , marring his porcelain skin .

"I'm fine !" He insisted , though clearly not . Moose tried to reach and help him again , but Archie also stormed out of the lounge with everyone moving out of his way . I wanted to go after him . I wanted to see if he was alright , where is he going ?! And make sure he got help . But I couldn't .

"Come on V Lo , let's go to class" Chuck grumbled , not too happy .

"What about Archie ?"

"He'll take care of himself"

He put one strong arm around my waist and we were in the hallway to get to class , all students rushing even though we were already clearly late , when I stopped him . "We don't have any classes together . You should go" I'm trying to get away , so I can maybe find Archie . Though at the rate he was walking I'd probably never catch up to him .

"True . I'll see you at the pep rally , in your cute uniform" he leans down and smirks at me , using one hand to push a stray hair back just like he did before . I just nod , too flustered by the fact that Archie just got hurt and I don't know where he is to be flirting again .

Archie wasn't in any of the rest of the classes , I tried to as Miss Phillips if he had headed home but she says she can't give out that information . He definitely didn't go to the nurses' office either, because I asked them and they did tell me . Defeated , I wonder where he is for the hundredth time . Where does a teenage boy go when he just go whooped in a fight ? Can't think of an answer to that .

I tap my pencil on my chin , still thinking about it - about him - as I do my homework at Pop's after school . There's still homework even on pep rally night when they know we'll have no time , but whatever . I hadn't spoke to Betty the rest of school . She seemed bothered about something , understandably so . I wonder if she's with Archie right now . If she'd already found him and if they're making amends while she ices his wound . It's such a stupid thought , I know .

But it's the only thing that can distract me from what has been lingering through my brain since Archie almost saw that paper yesterday .

Mum is arranging things on the counter . I look at her , swallow and decide to test the waters . I can't not do this . I could barely sleep last night thinking of it .

"Mum .."

"Yes , mija ?" She absently , still arranging . I take a deep breath . "Does Rosalie know ? About .. dad ? About us , moving ?"

Her eyes dart up to meet mine . Her hands drop the sugar packet it was holding . She turned cold as stone .

"Why would you ask such a thing ?"

"I was just wondering" I shrug quickly , hoping she wouldn't get angry at me . Too late for that . "I've just been thinking about her"

"Enough of that Veronica" she slaps her hand down on the counter making a loud -thump- sound . "We stopped thinking of them a long time ago"

"Mum , you know that's not true" I say quietly .

"Enough" she looks me dead in the eye , completely serious "Those Bellevues , they're all the same . I'm sure they were elated when they found out about your father's arrest . So please - no more mentioning them"

"I won't" I gulp . It takes her multiple seconds to relax the clench in her jaw , she couldn't even look at me . This is the mum I knew back in New York before everything blew up with our lives . She was always loving , but when any little thing pulled her strings - especially me it seems - she couldn't be calmed .

"Archie . Yesterday . Was he nice ?" She abruptly asked out of the silence . I thought for a moment , remembering his bloody face and the sound of it hitting the floor loudly .

"Perfect gentleman" I nod , although the image of us kissing and his hands moving on me isn't exactly what I'd describe as gentlemanlike . That was like , the Archie I couldn't believe had been unleashed . The whole boy next door facade fell into pieces when he's grinding against me not so subtly -

"Oh , to have crushes" Mum smiled nostalgically , picking up an order .

"What ?"

"Ronnie , you should have seen your face when he walked in here . Both of your faces . It was like you'd only just got eyes"

"That's ridiculous" I insist , closing my math book and grabbing the econ one . "We - we're mutual friends" I don't dare meet her eyes though . Nothing I'm saying is a lie , we aren't technically friends - but I have felt and seen a lot more than friends do with him .

"Whatever you say Ronnie" she winks at me .

"I'm serious" I say pensively . Mum laughs at my glum face . "In fact , I'm going on a date with one of the boys at school"

"Oh really ? Is he cute ?"

I hum a sound of agreement . "See for yourself"

"Excuse.. me .. chuck - clayton ?" She squints at the screen in my hand . "Yeah , okay I did not say he's the brightest . He's a football player and he's hot - and he seems .. interested" I slouch my shoulders .

"He's definitely handsome , Ronnie . So when is this date ?"

"Well" I bite my lip "he's asked me but I haven't said yes yet"

"That's my girl . Play hard to get , it'll get their attention"

"But I'll see him tonight . So I should go , get ready for the pep rally" I hop up from the seat and gather my books to leave .

"Have fun girly , don't forget to text me when you get home - or otherwise" I scrunch my eyebrows in disgust at her . "Ew mum , no . I'm not going home with him -"

"I know , I'm just saying" we kiss each other on the cheek in farewell . "Fine , Mrs George . Bye"

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

My head hurt almost as bad as the blackish red bruise of my eye . The day started out bad enough , I couldn't sleep all night . Thinking things like safest and most myself , Jughead knowing about Grundy and I . A kid is dead Archie ! His voice saying that rang through my head . Like he was done . Like he was so disgusted and disappointed in me . Her breath , hot against my neck when she told me it's real .

Why did everything have to be so complicated ?

Coming to school to have Reggie beat me brutally in a fight didn't help either . I have no idea how I'm supposed to enjoy the pep rally tonight , or even endure it .

"I hate to ask this , but did you get that in a fight with Jughead ?" Dad walked up into the kitchen . I hadn't even heard the front door open .

"Nah" I put more pressure in the ice pack on my eye "It was with Reggie" dad widened his eyes , we haven't had stupid fist fights since we were kids after all . "It's a long story"

"Jughead and I , we were .. disagreeing about a girl" I know it's risky to even bring this up to dad , but right now I need someone to talk to , desperately . "Because there's this girl"

"There usually is"

"But it's not about me and Jughead . It's about me and this girl" I pause , searching for the right words . "I think we should do something . And it's the right thing , dad . But this girl says if we do or I do this thing , it'll ruin what we have" I realise how vague I'm being and cringe inside . "That doesn't make any sense , does it ?"

"You know , this is the most honest talk we've had in a while" Dad points out . "And I'm glad you want to do the right thing . Archie , if you know it's the right thing to do . Even if it's though , even though it'll cost you . You gotta do it"

There . That's the advice that maybe I've just been wanting to hear someone say . The noise of each what if is deafening , but I bury it as deep as I can . Do the right thing . Do the right thing . I want to , and I can't upset him too . I made the decision right there , staring into space . Do the right thing .

"So where were you last night son ? Not with Jughead , I assumed you were"

"Huh ?"

Dad pours himself a glass of water from the fridge , eyeing me strangely . "Did you have a late practice or something ?"

"Oh ! No , I - I uh .. I went to Veronica's"

"Haven't heard that name before"

"Lodge"

"Oh" he widens his eyes at me . "Hermione Lodge's daughter . Already fighting over her ? Didn't she just move here ?"

"No , no no . Veronica and I aren't - we're just friends . Kind of . That's not the girl Jughead and I were talking about . I don't even think Jughead really knows her"

"She invited you to her house though ?"

"Yeah , we just - wanted to , get to know each other I guess"

"Uh uh .."

"Their house is crazy Dad . She has like an entire wardrobe probably bigger than our kitchen in her bedroom" I stop short when realising I'd just slip that I was in her room . And Dad totally looks at me all suspicious - like too . Just the thought of what he might be thinking makes my face heat up . Her devious smile and the heavy breathing etched in my mind forever since Cheryl's closet . And just like that , she has me day dreaming of her right when I'm talking to my dad for god sakes.

"That sounds like them" he chuckles .

"I should probably go . Coach wants us there early to get some pep talk" I excuse myself quickly so I don't have to sit here any longer and try to not think about Veronica in her little black dress at the party anymore .

"Do you want me to give you a ride ?" He calls after me

"No it's fine ! I'll see you there"

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

A loud anthem is blaring the speakers on the school field before the marching band has started . There's no one really here yet , but just like Veronica anticipated , there's so many people running around and doing sound checks on the stage and the cheerleaders are grouping to do a floor rehearsal . The energy is erratic . It's bliss . It's like home . She loves it .

They bust into routine and some of the kids there for their own purpose of getting the night together stop and stare . Even Mr Grazudi , chatting with a female teacher while watching them practice . Veronica plasters her manic stage smile on and carries the number with tact and fluidity . For a moment , everything borders on perfect .

Students start piling in and the charismatic cheerleaders go up to greet the townsfolk . Like magic, the lights beamed on in loud uproar . Everyone turned to look at it , lighting up the fields for the night beautifully . Just like that , they're in a high school fantasy .

Archie Andrews braced himself mentally before running out there with the team . He's on Varsity football - that's one of the many unexpected things Sophomore year would bring him . Also , he peers out to where the marching band is playing triumphantly and it all makes him nervous still . There is one thing he needs to do .

"Make sure everyone's behind the marked line once the cheerleaders starts their performance . We're on right after that" Coach Clayton shouts into the noise of football players .

"Cool I'm gonna go find Midge ! She said she wants to meet me before this" Archie hears Moose quickly slip away before anyone else .

"I'm going too !" Chuck followed suit , seeming strangely excited . Archie couldn't place his finger on it , but had other things to resolve . He too left the locker room hearing Coach pressing them to not be late !

"Princess !" Veronica whips around . She knows who it is before she even looks , but it still makes her smile widely when he sees him . Running towards her , his football uniform on making him look that much more attractive , lips pressed in a cool smirk .

"Feeling that rush yet ?" He raises a brow .

"Yes , -" she suddenly remembers the conversation with her mom , and how maybe throwing herself into some involvement with another boy will make things less complicated and more fun . And Chuck , he's a definite 10 in the looks department . This could be good , maybe . She doesn't know anything yet . So why is she going along with it ? Because it's fun ?

Yes , it probably will be .

"But I know something that will make it better"

He widens his brown eyes at her implicitly . "I'm taking the offer on that date !" She bats her eyelashes . This feels so familiar to her , all part of the flirting game .

"Tomorrow night" he smiles at her when she bites her lip a little , and takes a step closer . "But for now .. this should get you high enough" then he closes the space between them both , bending down just enough to kiss her deeply .

There's people screaming , music playing , and their world of blue and gold spins around them as they hold together for seconds more . Veronica can't say it didn't feel good , he's clearly very experienced and is just a little too eager of gripping her waist when they kiss . It feels good because of the situation , and when she pulls back they both linger in each other's eyes for a moment .

He has amazing lips , Veronica thinks . She rolls his eyes at him anyway , (part of the game) and makes sure to sway her hips a little more when she walks away from him back to the cheerleaders.

After Archie had dispersed from the locker room there was only one place he needed to go , only one person he needed to see . It was fairly easy to find her , he'd started to pick her out every time they were in a room together . Seems the whole town has already made it here , the camaraderie full vibrant . But it didn't matter because he had to do this before he changed his mind .

She was alone , thank god . He played it cool , hoping people were too busy having fun to notice anything . "I'm gonna come clean with Weatherbee and Keller" he says straight away . There's no point in trying to side step about it . "I was there , I heard the gunshot and I have to own that"

"Archie , slow down" Geraldine raised her hand at him . She looked panicked .

Archie doesn't have time to stall though , not when he has to get back to the team and not when an entire family is waiting in torturous agony . "I'm gonna do it tomorrow . If you wanna come with me , then we can figure that out . If not , I'll respect that and I'll do everything I can to keep you out of it"

He hopes this will stop haunting him . "I'm sorry Miss Grundy but I have to"

When she doesn't say anything and he remembers to act normal , that's when he sees Jughead watching them from next to bleachers . But really Jughead had been watching them since Archie came running up to the table and started speaking . To save him , to see if he's still the same Archie who won't screw things even further . Only a matter of time until he realises what's good and comes back to you too .

Betty is usually right . But Betty also says things like how honest and real and good he is , when nobody could ever utter a word of good in his direction ever .

The red headed boy runs up to his old best friend to let him know how sorry he is . Everything about him yesterday night was out of line , he was too scared of the consequences that just dawned him - brought to light by Jughead .

"Girl troubles ? You ?" Jughead jokes first thing when Archie reaches him . It brings light to his own bright eyes , but not the warm ones of his friend .

"Grundy and me , we're telling Weatherbee . At least - I am . And also , I didn't mean all that crap I said to you . I'm sorry"

"It's cool" Jughead smiles , for real . That makes Archie happy again . Like maybe , he still hasn't lost it all . He hopes he never has to be afraid he will ever again , and doing the right thing will give the right outcome . Archie hesitates for a moment , not sure what to do . What he really wants is to give Juggy a big old hug like they used to and lift him inches off the ground while he threatened Archie to put him down . They'd laugh uncontrollably .

"We're not gonna hug in front of this whole town !" Jughead says like it's obvious . "So why don't we both just do that bro thing where we nod like douches and mutually suppress our emotions ?"

He sounds like Jughead again , but Archie is still unsure .

"But as friends right ?" He asks

"To be discussed" Jughead nods "over many burgers , and many days"

That sounds like enough to make them both feel at peace for that moment . When Archie walks away to be his teenage jock self , and Jughead stays behind to be the loner outcast again , the red head literally bumps into Betty Cooper . They turn around before the other can walk away and brush it off like nothing happened .

Luckily , Betty doesn't . Her heart sinks seeing his terrible black eye and how much he even avoids it because he's more concerned about the fact that he might lose her . That his already lost her .

"Oh my god , Arch . Your eye .." her fingers reach to touch it delicately , he flinches even so . They both know this is probably just instinct to show concern when he's hurt , and it doesn't mean she isn't mad anymore . Before either can ask themselves if they're right , all the football players bring Archie away in their run right before her eyes .

Whatever , Veronica thinks . He's just a hot boy . She's more excited to perform when Josie and The Pussycats sing their spectacular take on Candy Girl . It's so much better doing this live , with everyone's entertained faces and the full fledge singing going on . Veronica feels like flying again . For once , this is what her old life had and although it might never match up - at least doing this again makes her feel like the Old Veronica . She's not too sure if she wants to be that person anymore , but she did have her good parts . She was certain , she was powerful .

All the girls in their blue and gold uniforms , the drizzle wetting their hair , the smell of fresh cut grass and the rush comes back most definitely .

She's in a juxtaposition of being lost in the high and focusing fiercely to make sure everything is perfect . When she does her solo part and all the attention's on her , just like she told Chuck earlier - it feels perfect . Absolutely perfect .

When the River Vixens performance is over , they end it by holding up a huge banner on stilts . It takes almost all of them , with genuine sweet smiles as the music stops and the crowd erupts in cheers and claps . Veronica is right upfront opposite Betty , but she doesn't really have time to notice . When Coach Clayton takes the mic to announce The Riverdale Bulldogs !

All the football players - including Chuck , and Archie who is right in front of them all like a leader , runs out on the field . He takes her breath away . For a minute , he literally takes the air out her lungs that she just stops and stares . Her body completely betrays her if she ever said something about this boy didn't make fireworks go off in her head . Not really sure what she's feeling , or what just happened . It's just , Archie .. with his bright fluorescent hair and just as bright smile , even with his face partially black by the punch - he still shines . Then , Veronica thinks he's smiling at her too . Or it could just be the direction she's standing in , maybe . But it doesn't stop her from going completely still in awe , staring at him . And even if he's not , she holds it in her heart and pretends he is . That it could be real one day .

Apparently Veronica isn't the only one who's heart stopped when she saw Archie , but this was for a completely different reason . Cheryl . If it weren't for the fact that so many eyes were already on her that night , and the collective gasp of her running off the stage - her footsteps were loud enough running across the field to be heard anyway .

Oh no . Something in her has snapped . It was the briefest moment that Veronica saw her face . And it was etched in pain crumpled up right before she took off the stage . Nobody had any idea what to do . Cheryl is the queen of preservation , she will never let her guard down . Everyone knows that . But right now , she thinks Cheryl has finally snapped . Or burst , more like .

In the freeze of the event Veronica knew she had to do something . She didn't know why , but the image of an untouchable girl finally cracking under pressure , right in front of everyone's eyes is one she knows all too well . Like the girl who's dad just got ripped from her life , and nobody even cared . People hated her more . Despite all that Cheryl has already brewed in her life , Veronica remembers what that feels like .

She wished there had been someone to be there for her .

Veronica let go of the stilt without a second thought and ran right after the head cheerleader , as fast as her legs could take her . Cheryl was way ahead of her though , but Veronica finally found her in the girls locker room . She was hunched over and crying into her hands . She feels like she's almost intruding because Cheryl has never shown weakness or even vulnerability . But she takes the next step and sits down next to her anyway .

Cheryl's whole body is shaking , trembling with sobs in an unseeable end . "Cheryl ?" Veronica asks gently "Cheryl what is it ? What happened ?"

"Jason" the other girl barely sniffled out . It caught in her throat the most heartbreaking way . "He's gone"

"I know" she's completely stumped on what to say .

"No , you don't . He was supposed to come back" her words come out torn in a whisper and a cry for help . But then , Veronica is confused .

He was supposed to come back ?

"I'm alone" Cheryl repeats again "I'm alone"

"You're not alone" Veronica assures , rubbing Cheryl's back in a hopefully comforting way . She still wouldn't turn around to face her , Veronica thought she never would . So she wonders how to get to somebody who was just as closed up , used to being that way , as she knows how strong that feeling is to not see any possible light .

Unbeknownst to both of them , Betty had taken off the field herself and came to find them . I don't know , Cheryl Blossom and Veronica Lodge alone together doesn't seem like the safest situation , she thinks . So it's more than a shock when instead of seeing them at each other's throats like she'd expected , the two girls were sitting next to each other with Veronica saying "it's okay"

Cheryl spun around in her seat fast enough no one expected it , wrapping her arms around the raven haired girl in a cry for help . Just like when Betty hugged her for the first time , Veronica froze for a second before softening and leaning in back . Poor, poor Cheryl . You'll get through this I promise .

Betty jerked back , shocked by their embrace . She turned back around quietly as possible to leave them alone .

Minutes later , Cheryl finally lifted her head off Veronica's shoulder . The collar of her clean cut cheer uniform is now damp with the Blossom princess's tears and her eyes look about as red as her hair . Veronica held her shoulders gently to stable her .

"I don't know what you're going through , but I can tell you that it's okay to ask for help . It's okay to show people who you are , and it's definitely okay to cry for your brother"

"I'm so very sorry Veronica , for suspecting you to be a shadow when you were actually more light. I know you and Betty are fighting because of what I did -"

"Cheryl that's not , what matters right now you're in pain -" Veronica tries to make Cheryl understand . She knows what she's doing , she's avoiding the fact that she just broke down in front of someone .

"I feel wretched about every part of it" Cheryl cuts her off .

She's not going to face her feelings yet .

"And I'm so grateful that you were kind enough to come after me when no one else did" her last words shake in a whisper again . "Even after what I did . You've proven yourself , Veronica . So please forgive me"

She doesn't really know what to say . It's even sadder to see her try and avoid this . "Yes ." She nods slowly

"To new beginnings ?" Cheryl stands up , checking her reflection in the mirror and using her fingers to wipe away the smeared mascara . "God knows I need it" she whispers to herself , not aware Veronica had heard if .

"Yes , a start over" and Veronica feels relieved to do so , despite Cheryl's strange behaviour . There was definitely something up with her .

The pep rally pretty much fizzled out after Cheryl's breakdown , and people were leaving for the night . Veronica got her bag and was about to leave - maybe text Chuck like he said they should or visit her mum for a while . But then Betty clears her throat , coming up Veronica with a stiff expression . "Hey"

"Hey"

"I saw you and Cheryl . Not many girls would have done what you did"

"Full disclosure" Veronica confesses "I've had my share of emotional breakdowns"

After a beat of silence and the two girls walked off the busy field together Betty spoke "If you're not doing anything , do you wanna get a milkshake at Pop's ?"

"Are you sure ?" Veronica asks , there's been much forgiveness tonight .

"Yeah" The blonde girl laughs . Forget Chuck , forget going home to dream about being back at state cheer competitions and reliving the moment . There's something much better right here . "Betty I'd love that"

"Hey Arch , talk about a dedication . Poor Cheryl couldn't handle it" Fred Andrews said once he spotted his son . He was fresh from the showers in the Riverdale letterman and messy hair . "Hey Dad . Yeah , I wish I could help her"

Fred has always been proud of his son for his moral character . Then Jughead came striding to the two Andrews' men with his hand in his pockets . "Hey Mr A" Jughead held his hand out to shake . Fred looked to Archie , silently asking him .

"We worked out our differences , dad" Archie smiles sheepishly .

"Hey ! I did say we need to discuss it over many burgers" Jughead argued

"Pop's ?" Archie suggests

"Never a bad idea"

"Thank god , I missed you two boys together" Fred said into the sky . They all laughed . "Okay let's go ! I'm hungry too" Archie prodded .

"Nah you kids go , I'll drive ya . But the old man's tired by this hour" Fred excused himself . Archie got in the passenger seat of the truck and Jughead jumped in the back , talking the pep rally and Jug suddenly realising how most schools don't have the Mayor at their pep rally the whole way there .

"Weird huh ?"

"What is it ?" Archie asks as they walk up to Pop's from the truck . "Look where we've come . Betty's a cheerleader , you're playing varsity football , and me .. well , I'm working on my dream of publishing this novel ."

"That's great Jug" Archie chuckles "speaking of , have you talked to Betty recently ? I still feel terrible about everything" Jughead freezes at the question . He's not sure why , but the memory of them curled up together behind Betty's house makes him lose all ability to think . Not quite sure what to answer , either . Luckily the red head pushed open Pop's and when the bell rang , a perfect distraction pulled them both into light .

"Betty , can we make a vow ?" Veronica asks proficiently , after being served their respective milkshakes that ironically match their hair , and Betty sips on hers .

"Sure" she nods

"That no matter what , no boy will ever come between us again . Deal ?"

"Deal" Betty grins , and both girls clink their glasses together to a seal . It felt like a very good start again in their relationship , one that was burned so fast over the boy next door . There had to be positivity now , starting in the right direction .

Betty Cooper watched while Veronica sipped her double chocolate milkshake , they laughed over standard chit chat . Until her friend's dark brown eyes got adverted in a way only once she has seen before . And she remembers it , because the one time it happened , it broke her heart already . When Archie saw Veronica walk into Pop's .

Betty followed Veronica's eyes , turning around not quite surprised to see Archie standing there with Jughead . He was looking at her too . At Veronica . They couldn't say much about why they were drawn to each other , just something about her always stood out . He never had to look for Veronica , Archie always saw her like the only moving , vibrant character in a black and white comic .

Maybe she's looking at me because I walked in , that's most probably the case . But I'd still like to just pretend . She's feeling it too .

"Do you guys wanna join us ?" Betty asks the star stuck looking boys , when she looked at Veronica who didn't really tear her eyes away from him . It took Archie a while to think wether it was a good idea , but Jughead'd rather sit there than have to answer Archie's question .

"Yes" he said finally , walking to them "but only if you're treating"

The girls laughed , Betty moved into the booth to let Archie next to her . But Veronica sat still , holding her hand out in formality . "Veronica Lodge" she introduces

Jughead couldn't bother , he jumped over the next seat into the inside of the booth next to Veronica . "Jughead Jones , the third"

"Jughead Jones The Third ?" Veronica thinks . Suddenly , her mind puts it together . Oh! This is Jughead , the peanut butter jar guy that Josie told her about ! She doesn't know how she didn't realise it earlier , but now him and Betty disappearing after the fight makes a lot more sense . They must be close .

"Will my real name impress you ? It's Forsythe Pendleton" he quirks his brow at his two old friends . Archie and Betty crack up at hearing him say it .

"Sounds very .. aristocratic" Veronica notes

"Not quite the word I'd use to describe myself either" he shrugs in good nature "don't these clothes tell that tale ?"

They all laugh because Veronica's assumption of him is the complete opposite of what he is , and Jughead's joke on himself made it funnier . They're all light and giddy from the just past pep , and though it may not be as ideal as they'd like things still were bright in many ways .

Later , Jughead would write about this moment in his novel . The gorgeous light shone on their hair and skin from the streetlights because it's ten pm . Sitting next to a girl he's never met before , trying to keep his distance because she's all cool couture .

[to someone on the outside , peering in , it would have looked like there were four people in that booth . But I was there , and I can tell you . Really there were only three . A blonde girl , a raven haired girl , and the luckiest red headed boy in the universe]

because he had her by his side Jughead types . The he spaces it back . The luckiest red headed boy in the universe .

[for one shining moment , we were just kids . The bright neon light of Pop's keeping the darkness at bay]

When morning comes darkness isn't as evident as when Sheriff Keller walks into the classroom with Principal Weatherbee walking everyone up from their sleepy state . There had been late nights on everyone's end . Veronica feels her lab partner's fingernails run across the table as she stands up - confusing everyone .

"You're here for me aren't you ? Because of the autopsy ?" She asked with a quiver in her lip .

"Cheryl we don't have to do this in front of your classmates" Sheriff Keller excused .

Now Veronica really didn't know what the hell was happening . "It's all right Principal Weatherbee . They'll find out soon enough" Cheryl held her wrist out together to be handcuffed , every pair of eyes in the room bulged in disbelief .

"Now that won't be necessary"

"Wait Cheryl , find out what ?" Veronica asks the guilty girl , not expecting what she would say next . Her heart stopped when the words left Cheryl's mouth like a knife had sliced her tongue .

"That I'm guilty"

[as shocking as those three words were , they were nothing compared to the secrets that Jason's body had given up during its autopsy . That Jason didn't die on July Fourth , but over a week later]

tbc

Review review review !

Love you guys x

Also , yes I'm adding some non canon plot to make things more interesting . So you'll see where this goes with the new characters Ronnie was talking about . Tell me how you feel