Fear. It's the most basic, most human emotion.
As kids, we're afraid of everything. The dark, the boogeyman under the bed, and we'd pray for morning, for the monsters to go away.
Though, they never do. Not really. Just ask Jason Blossom.
Betty was writing in her journal when Alice came in to put up some clothes.
"Mom, I forgot to mention, I invited Jughead over for breakfast," Betty said.
Betty, Jughead, and Alice ate their breakfast without saying a word to each other.
Eventually, though, Alice spoke up. "So, Jughead, I suppose we have you to thank for Betty's ongoing obsession with this Jason Blossom ghoulishness?"
"Actually, I was the one who asked Jughead to help me write it for the Blue and Gold," Betty corrected.
"Relax, Betty. I'm just making conversation."
After another moment of awkward silence, Jughead spoke next. "Uh, do you guys have a bathroom I can use?"
"Yeah, I'll show you," Betty replied, about to get up.
"No, I'll show him," Alice assured.
She led Jughead to the bathroom.
Seeing her chance, Betty went into Alice's bag to dig up whatever she could find. She found a list of names and addresses, and took a picture of it on her phone.
Another fun fact about fear, sometimes, it grows up with you, or it curls up inside you, tightens around your guts.
Kevin found himself standing on a small stage in the school auditorium, guitar in hand. In front of him, a host sat on a table with a pen and paper.
Each fall, Riverdale High hosts a Variety Show, but this event is no mere student frolic.
"And what will you be auditioning with?" the host asked.
"Uh, an original song that I wrote called 'I'll Try'," Kevin replied.
He tried to play a note, but as he saw everyone in the audience, he felt nothing but fear. He could see other kids laughing at him, whispering things about him to each other.
"Kevin, clock's ticking," the host urged.
"Sorry, I gotta go," Kevin stuttered.
He then ran out of the auditorium.
Valerie found Kevin in the hall, leaning against the wall.
"Kevin, what happened?" she asked.
"When I was up there, looking out…" Kevin replied. "I don't know. I just froze."
"It's just stage fright, Kevin. Singing makes you vulnerable."
"Maybe I'd feel better if I had a partner. What if we sang together?"
"Kevin, I'm a Pussycat. We're hosting the Variety Show."
"What if you sang with them first, and then me, just this once, to help me get my sea legs?"
"Have you met Josie? I can't step out of the cats."
Betty and Jughead were in the Blue and Gold looking up all the addresses on the list.
One place in particular caught Betty's eye. "'The Sisters of Quiet Mercy'? What is that? Like a church, or a charity?"
Jughead looked it up on his computer.
"No, it's a…" he replied, reading what he found. "'Home for troubled youths, where disenfranchised teens will learn such virtues such as discipline and respect, enjoying lives of quiet reflection and servitude.'"
Betty gasped. "Poor Polly."
During lunch period, Betty and Jughead met up with Archie and Veronica.
"It's been months now," Betty whispered to Jughead. "There's gotta be a reason my mom and dad don't want me to see Polly, but I don't care anymore."
"What are you talking about?" asked Archie. "Anything I can help with?"
"What we're attempting is a stealth operation, Archie," Jughead replied. "If we go in with the entire Scooby gang, forget it, we're compromised."
That's when Kevin showed up.
"Kevin, what are you doing here?" Betty asked him. "Don't you have to practice for the Variety Show?"
"Uh, no, I don't," Kevin replied.
"Except that yes, you do, thanks to a certain Veronica-ex-Machina," Veronica butted in.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing. Just that I had a few words with our director/host, and reminded him that he's heard you sing on numerous occasions. Cutting to the chase, you have a slot if you want it."
"Veronica, thank you, but you saw what happened. All of you did. Playing my songs in front of you guys is one thing, but getting back up on that stage by myself? I'm not sure if I'm ready for that."
"If it's a partner you're looking for, Veronica Lodge is more than willing and able."
"Wait, you can sing?"
Veronica nodded. "Like a nightingale. What do you say, Kev?"
"I appreciate the offer, Veronica, but I feel I'm gonna have to say no."
In the music room, Josie and the Pussycats were practicing their song.
"Oh, when the sun goes down, we light up this town," Josie and Valerie sang together.
Josie stopped when she realized Valerie was singing along with her.
"Hold up, hold up," she said. "Look, Val. You don't sing on the bridge."
"Actually, the bridge is meant to be sung by two voices," Valerie corrected.
"What is up with you today, J?" asked Melody.
"What is up with you, Mel?" Josie retorted. "You're asleep in the snare drum."
"Relax, Josie," said Valerie. "It's a Variety Show in a school auditorium, not show time at the Apollo."
"Whether you're performing at Madison Square Garden or Ace Bowling Alley, you do it at 150%," said Josie.
Valerie was about to say something else, but she stopped herself.
This didn't go unnoticed by Josie. "I'm sorry. Did you want to say something, Valerie?"
"It's just that I don't have to deal with this diva crap when I'm working with Kevin," Valerie replied.
"Working with Kevin, how?"
"Co-writing songs, singing with him."
"Unacceptable. You can sing with the Pussycats, or you can sing with Kevin, but not both."
"In that case, I quit." Valerie threw off her Pussycat ears and headed for the door.
Josie waved goodbye. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Hermione was balancing books when Fred came in.
"How's the, uh, first day going?" he asked.
"Um, it's your books, Fred," Hermione replied. "You only have enough in the bank to cover three more weeks of payroll."
"I just can't let my guys go. The last time I fired someone, it wasn't good. I trust those guys. That's worth everything."
"Yeah, but, I mean… even putting your business at risk?"
"I'm waiting to hear on this huge bid. It's a long shot, but, you know that new development where the old drive-in used to be? I'm thinking that the construction could put me back in the black. If I knew who the buyer was, I would plead the case myself. So, I'm gonna do the next best thing. Mayor McCoy is handling all the arrangements for the buyer, so I'm gonna invite her to dinner. Figure I can try to woo her into giving me the contract. I was thinking, maybe you could be my co-host."
Hermione smiled. "Yeah, of course. Actually, why don't we have dinner at my place? It's nice, no offense."
She unintentionally touched Fred's chest. When she realized what she was doing, she tried to pull away.
But Fred didn't mind. He held Hermione's hand.
Veronica was planning to pay Hermione a visit. When she reached Fred's trailer, though, she saw something terrifying.
Fred and Hermione were making out.
Oh my god, Veronica thought to herself.
Riverdale
Chapter 6
Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill!
Archie was getting ready for bed when Fred came in.
"Hey, I wanted to tell you…" Fred hesitated, but he eventually managed to speak up. "I don't really know how to say this, and I don't want you making a big deal out of it…"
"Dad, it's fine," Archie assured.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Good. I like her and I think I'm ready."
"If you're happy, then I say good for it. You're good. Mom's good. I'm good."
"Alright. Goodnight."
Fred walked out of the room and shut the door.
"Mom, Val quit the Pussycats," Josie told McCoy.
"Then replace her," McCoy said.
"Val writes our songs. She's irreplaceable."
"No, Josie. You're irreplaceable. Everyone else is disposable. You know, maybe it's time to try a different voice, a different sound. You know how your father feels about pop music."
"But it's not pop music."
"Well, he's catching a red eye and missing two concert dates to see you in this Variety Show. I would hate for you to let him down."
"I won't."
"Good, 'cause if you do, he will somehow blame me. Find yourself a new cat. Someone skinny and beautiful, but not more so than you. Also, a woman of color, please. Don't forget our branding."
"Okay, Mom."
In the Pembrooke, Veronica waited for Hermione to return.
When Hermione did return, Veronica confronted her. "Are you gonna leave Dad when he gets out of jail?"
"Ronnie, why would you ask that?" Hermione asked.
"I saw you with Fred Andrews in the trailer."
Hermione realized she was caught. "Honey, I'm so sorry that you did, but I want you to know that we've never kissed before until today."
"What about Dad? What happens when he comes home?"
Hermione sat herself and Veronica down. "I'm not sure. I'm so sorry, baby. It just happened, Veronica, and I know that this must be confusing."
"Yeah, it is."
"So what can I do to help?"
Veronica thought about it for a moment, before eventually deciding, "You know what, Mom? There's actually nothing."
The next day in the lounge, Kevin and Valerie just finished practicing another song. Veronica came in and heard them.
"Not to be that girl," she said. "But I thought you didn't have a partner, Kevin."
"Oh, Veronica, great news," said Kevin. "Valerie quit the Pussycats."
Given everything that's been happening up to that point, an amazing idea popped into Veronica's head.
"Yeah, that's great news," was all she said before walking out.
Josie and Melody were in the music room putting up flyers for a new Pussycat.
That's when Veronica came in with a flyer in hand.
"Your hunt for a new Pussycat is over," she declared. "I can sing, and I've got a lot of aggression that needs channeling into something positive."
Josie gained a good feeling about Veronica.
Archie, Betty, and Jughead reached the Sisters of Quiet Mercy.
"Don't judge a home for troubled youths by its facade, right?" Jughead remarked.
Betty tightened her ponytail, and the trio entered the building.
Once inside, they went to the front desk. There was an old woman, at least eighty, working there.
"Hi," Betty greeted. "I'm Elizabeth Cooper. I'm here to see my sister, Polly."
"May I see some identification, please?" the woman asked.
Betty gave the woman an ID card. The woman inspected the card for a moment, then gave it back.
"Sign here, please," she requested, handing Betty a sheet of paper. She then turned to Archie and Jughead. "You two will have to wait."
The woman led Betty down the hallway.
"Polly's room is right this way," she said. "Though right now, it's silent reflection time, and she usually spends that time in the Garden of Deliverance."
Betty looked through the eyehole of the small room. It wasn't as bad as she was expecting. There was a small, made bed, a cross on the wall, and a dresser.
Betty headed to the garden. There, she saw a familiar blonde girl admiring the scenery.
It was Polly.
She turned towards Betty, and she was ecstatic.
"Betty?" she said. "Oh my God!"
Betty and Polly hugged each other.
"You found us!" Polly cried.
Betty pulled away, confused. "'Us'?"
She looked down at Polly's abdomen. Everything became clear at that moment. Polly was pregnant.
"Please be happy for me, Betty," Polly pleaded.
"I am, Polly," Betty assured. "I'm sorry, Polly. I should've come sooner, but Mom and Dad… they stopped…"
"No. What did they tell you? That I was on drugs?"
"They said you were sick, that you tried to hurt yourself."
"And they told me that you didn't want to come and see me, which I knew was a lie."
"So they locked me up because you're pregnant?"
"Because they couldn't control me. Mom and Dad hated that Jason and I were dating. They were thrilled when Jason dumped me. His parents forced him to break up with me. Of course they didn't want a Blossom dating a Cooper, but when I told him about the baby, our baby, he was so happy. We were gonna run away, start a family in a beautiful place. On July 4, I woke up, packed a bag, and went downstairs to start a new life. We were gonna meet on the other side of Sweetwater River, but Mom and Dad found out about everything. When I was downstairs, there was a woman I didn't know sitting at the table, drinking tea with two men behind her. They threw me in the back of a van. I was screaming. I don't think I stopped until I got here. Have you talked to him? Does he know that I'm here? If I give him a message, will you make sure it gets to him?"
Betty didn't know how to give Polly the news, but she knew she had to. "Polly, Jason…"
Polly started to get all nervous. "What does he think happened? He knows I'm here because of Mom and Dad, right?"
"Polly, you don't understand."
"I can fix this, Betty. I know I can. You just have to help me get out of here, and then I'll go meet him. I'll go to the car on the Lost Highway off of Route 40. 'Once you passed the Maple Syrup sign, you'll know you're almost there.' See? I remember. I'm packed. We're packed. We'll go to the farm, just like we planned."
Betty grabbed Polly's hands tightly. "Polly, stop! Jason…"
"Wait, did something happen to Jason? Something bad?" The realization hit Polly like a bus. She started to cry. "Oh my God! He's…"
"Come with me, young lady," came a voice.
The two turned around to see that the woman was back.
"Now," she demanded.
Josie tried to practice one of her songs, but then she noticed Veronica was on her phone.
"Uh, sorry Duchess," she said, snarkily. "Is our practice interrupting your texting?"
"I'm just stressed out about…" Veronica replied.
"What do you have to be stressed out about, rich girl? We're covering a disco song, and my dad is skipping jazz fest to hear it."
"Well, I'm sorry you have daddy issues, but at least he can be in the same room with you. I haven't seen my dad in three months because he's in jail, and my mom is…" She stopped herself. The knowledge of Hermione's affair was too painful. "You know what? It doesn't matter. You don't care, and it's not important."
Josie felt guilty for the way she just acted before. She gave Veronica a sympathetic smile.
"Veronica, I'm sorry about your dad," she apologized.
It didn't completely help Hermione feel better, but it helped a bit. "Thanks."
Play "You Got Me" - Riverdale Original Song
Kevin and Valerie were practicing at Valerie's place.
Both:
I get a little bit overwhelmed
But I find you when I need you most
You are the compass I have always held
Because around you, I can be myself
Kevin:
I'm trying though, I'm turning the page
Valerie:
We're animals, breaking out of our cage
Both:
There's nobody, no one, no way
Who gets me like you do
And I know it ain't gonna change
You always pull me through
We're as wild as we can be
I got you and you got me
I got you, you got me
We grew tall in the same small town
Stealing shopping carts that we'd race around
Late at night, looking at the stars
Carry moonbeams home in a mason jar
Kevin:
I'm ready now, I'm turning the page
Valerie:
We're animals, breaking out of our cage
Both:
There's nobody, no one, no way
Who gets me like you do
And I know it ain't gonna change
You always pull me through
We're as wild as we can be
I got you and you got me
I got you, you got me
Kevin:
Moving up, moving on
Valerie:
Headlight go till the dawn
Both:
We're future kings and riot queens
Kevin:
Oh, we're turning up, turning on
Valerie:
Nothing's right when you're gone
Both:
We're future kings, riot queens
Valerie:
And nobody, no one, no way
Kevin:
Nobody, no one, no way
Valerie:
And I know it ain't gonna change
Both:
There's nobody, no one, no way
Who gets me like you do
And I know it ain't gonna change
You always pull me through
We're as wild as we can be
I got you and you got me
I got you, you got me
I got you, you got me
End "You Got Me"
Valerie noticed the way Kevin was playing his guitar.
"Are you gonna do that on stage?" she asked. "Because if I'm to perform with you, we need to be on the same page."
"Yeah, and we will be, Val," Kevin assured. "What's wrong? You've been in a mood."
"I'm just… taking a risk, a big one."
"By quitting the Pussycats?"
"I met Josie and Melody when we were all working at Power Records. We used to practice in the stock room. I'll never forget the day Josie came with those cheap cat ears from the Halloween store. I found my voice with them."
Archie and Jughead sat in the waiting room. Things were awkward between them, as neither of them knew what to say.
Eventually, though, Archie spoke. "Jug, can we talk?"
"About what?" Jughead replied.
"Everything. All those things I said to you all those years ago were… horrible. You didn't deserve to hear all of that."
Jughead sighed. "Archie, a simple apology isn't enough, especially if you waited years to apologize. You'll need to do more for me to even consider forgiving you."
"I'll do anything, Jug. Honest."
Before the conversation could escalate, they heard the front door open. They turned around, and who they saw surprised them.
Betty tried to call Archie. For whatever reason, he didn't answer.
That's when Alice burst into the room. She glared at Betty.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Betty asked.
"I pay the sisters good money," Alice replied. "You think they don't notify me when Polly gets a visitor? Come on."
Alice forced Betty to follow her down the hallway. A security guard carried Archie and Jughead along.
They found Polly heading to her room. When Polly saw Alice, she was livid.
"Mom, Jason's dead!" she shouted. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"Baby, it was for your own good," Alice assured.
"You always say that, and it's not true!"
A couple other guards saw what was happening and grabbed Polly.
"Polly, I'm gonna get you out of here!" Betty promised. "I love you!"
But whether or not Polly heard that, Betty didn't know.
At the Pembrooke, Fred and Hermione ate dinner with the McCoy family.
"So, Myles," said Fred. "You being a professional jazz man, you must be living the dream, right?"
"Well, yes and no," Josie's father, Myles, replied. "The real struggle is always art vs. commerce."
"You know, I've never really about the big paycheck."
"But if we're talking about the future and long-term security," said McCoy. "It can't always be about following your bliss."
"Personally, I'm just excited to see my daughter perform with the Pussycats at the Variety Show," said Hermione.
Myles turned to Josie. "I beg your pardon. When were you gonna tell me about this?"
"It just happened," Josie replied. "And Dad, she's really, really good. Alos, Val quit, or more like, we were Yoko Ono'd."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"That's unfortunate. She was the real deal. Gave your act some much-needed integrity."
"Well, so long as the kids are having fun, right?" asked Fred.
"Except it's more than just about being fun for us," said Myles. "Isn't it, Josephine?"
Not wanting the tension to escalate further, Hermione decided to change the subject. "Fred, you wanna get started on that presentation?"
"Yeah." Fred stood up and got ready to present.
"Polly needed to hear the truth," Betty defended. "And I did, too."
"So, did you find what you were looking for?" asked Hal.
"To be honest, no I didn't. You hate the Blossoms, you hate Jason, and Polly is pregnant with his baby. That gives you a motive."
"A motive for what?"
"The night of the drive-in, did you break into Sheriff Keller's office to steal his case files?"
"What?"
"You weren't at the drive-in. You weren't with Mom when she put Ms. Grundy on trial. Where were you?"
"Betty, what do you think I did?"
Betty teared up as she admitted what she was thinking. "Did you kill Jason Blossom?"
Hal looked like Betty said the craziest thing in the world.
Alice started laughing her ass off.
"Him?" she asked. "You think he killed Jason? You think he has the stomach for that? I wish he killed Jason. I wish I had after what Jason did to Polly. I swear, Elizabeth, you're sounding crazy, just like your sister."
Betty bolted up at that. "Stop saying that, Mom! She's not crazy!"
"She is, Betty!" Hal snapped. "She is depressed and delusional. Did you actually believe what she told you about running off to Neverland and raising a family? That's a fantasy."
Betty shook her head. "I don't believe you."
"You don't have to believe us!" Alice retorted. "We're your parents!"
Alice and Hal left the room and shut the door, leaving Betty alone.
"And with the labor force coming from Riverdale," Fred presented. "Andrews Construction would be stimulating the local economy. It's a win for the entire town."
"After all that salt-of-the-earth talk, I didn't expect you to be another dollar-chasing gentrifier," Myles remarked.
"Myles, Fred Andrews is a working man who lives in the real world," McCoy argued. "I think his bid was refreshing. In fact, I'd like to award him the contract."
Fred felt a glimmer of hope, but McCoy wasn't done yet.
"I'd like to, Fred," she clarified. "But the buyer's already in the process of accepting another bid. It would take two shareholder signatures to stop the process."
After the meeting, Josie met up with Veronica at Pop's.
"Pop music isn't jazz," she rambled. "Beyonce is not Josephine Baker. It's an impossible target. I keep trying, but he just…" She calmed down before things could get out of hand. "Anyway, what's your sob story?"
"Nothing so glamorous," Veronica replied. "I caught my mom and Fred Andrews in an intimate moment."
"Are you gonna tell your dad?"
"Josie, the only thing that keeps me going is the thought of how, when he gets out of jail, we can all be together again and we can go back to the way things were. If I tell my dad about my mom, that all goes away."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"You don't know my father."
"No, but I do know about dysfunctional families. I'm not saying that what your mom is doing is right, but maybe there's another side to the story. Maybe one worth hearing?"
The next morning, Veronica examined her new Pussycat uniform.
That's when Hermione came in.
"I can't wait to see your debut as a Pussycat, Ronnie," she said.
"Mom, I've been thinking…" Veronica tried to say.
"Meanwhile, I was wondering if you could help me with something." Hermione showed Veronica a folder.
Veronica got worried. "Are those divorce papers?"
"No, it's a motion to award the construction contract on your father's land to Fred Andrews. I know you're not his biggest fan right now, but I was hoping you would sign it."
"Why would I need to sign it?"
"When your father was arrested, we made you a legal officer of Lodge Industries, and two out of three signatures are needed to award the contract which your father wants to give to a less-than-legit outfit."
"And you want my help giving it to your boyfriend." Veronica scoffed. "And I thought I was going to apologize to you. If I sign that, will you stop seeing Fred Andrews?"
"Ronnie, I can't agree to that."
"In that case, Mom, I'm sorry, but no. However you're rationalizing what you're doing with Archie's dad, I want no part in it."
Veronica took her uniform and walked out.
The moment Veronica was gone, Hermione opened the folder, took out a pen, and signed Veronica's name on the paper.
Kevin heard Valerie playing the keyboard in the music room.
"You sound perfect," he complimented.
"We wrote a good song, Kevin," Valerie said.
"I can't wait to sing with you in public, but not tonight. Val, you should play with the Pussycats. I don't wanna be the guy who broke up the Beatles. In your heart, you're a Pussycat. You'll always be a Pussycat."
"Maybe, but singing with no vote, no agency…"
"Well, after hearing what you said before, about finding family in the Pussycats, I felt like a jerk for taking that away from you. I'm betting you can negotiate new terms."
"Where does that leave you?"
"I was born alone. I'll sing alone. I'll be okay."
Betty was sitting in her room when she heard a knock on her window. She turned and saw Jughead was there.
She opened the window, letting him in. Archie came in not long after.
"You haven't gone full Yellow Wallpaper on us yet, have you?" Jughead asked.
Betty sighed. "They're crazy. My parents are crazy."
"They're parents, Betty. They're all crazy."
"But what if Polly's crazy, too? The way she was talking to me, the way she looked at me, and now all I can think of is, 'Maybe I'm crazy'!"
Jughead held Betty's shoulder, giving her a sense of comfort. "Betty, we're all crazy, but we're not our parents."
Betty hugged Jughead without a second thought.
Archie saw the look on Betty's face as she was hugging Jughead. It was the look one would make when they were gaining feelings for someone else.
Archie still had some lingering feelings for Betty, but he knew he had to move on from her, like she was moving on from him.
Though it wasn't like…
"The car," Betty realized.
That knocked both Archie and Jughead off guard. "What?"
"Polly talked about a car Jason had stashed for them down Route 40 near some sign. If we can find it, we can confirm Polly's story."
That night was the start of the 75th Annual Variety Show.
Josie was in the greenroom, getting ready, when Valerie came in.
"What do you want, Val?" Josie asked. "I thought you quit."
"I'm not singing with Kevin tonight," Valerie replied.
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I already filled your spot."
"Yes, but while the new girl may be pretty, no way does her voice blend with yours like mine does."
Josie sighed. "I suppose there's always room for one more kitty in the litter box."
"But Josie, every now and then I want to sing lead."
"Co-lead, and only on the bridge."
"Fine."
"I have this killer arrangement of Miss Donna Summer's, 'I Feel Love' if you're up for that tonight."
"I so am."
"Alright, girl." Josie handed Valerie her old Pussycat ears. "Go change, 'cause we're gonna rock it."
The two hugged each other.
Play "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer
When it was time, Josie and the Pussycats got on stage to perform.
Josie:
Ooh, it's so good
It's so good
It's so good
It's so good
It's so good
Ooh, heaven knows
Heaven knows
Heaven knows
Heaven knows
Heaven knows
Josie and Veronica:
Ooh, I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
Archie, Betty, and Jughead were out in the woods, looking for the sign Polly mentioned.
They eventually found a sign for the Blossom Maple Farms.
Next to that sign was a car covered in a tarp. The trio hurried and removed the tarp.
They opened the trunk to reveal a whole bunch of items, including a varsity jacket with Jason's name on it.
Ooh, falling free
falling free
falling free
falling free
falling free
Though one other thing caught Jughead's eye. He picked it up.
"Drugs," he realized.
Ooh, you and me
You and me
You and me
You and me
You and me
"Wait, put that down," Betty said. "That's evidence. This is all evidence. We need to get Sheriff Keller, then we need to get Polly."
Jughead took out his phone and started taking pictures.
Archie looked at the jacket as horrible memories of Sweetwater River and everything else played in his mind.
Ooh, I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
McCoy watched Josie with a smile on her face, while Myles just shook his head in disappointment.
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
Josie saw Myles get out of his seat and walk away. She almost lost her focus, but she forced herself to finish the song.
She turned away when she struck the final pose so no one would notice her crying.
End "I Feel Love"
The crowd went wild. Josie put on the best fake smile she could as she turned back and bowed.
She and the Pussycats then went backstage.
"You guys killed it out there," Kevin complimented.
"Thanks," Valerie replied. "So will you."
When it was Kevin's turn to perform, he got on stage and sat in front of the microphone.
He looked at the large audience in front of him.
Like the auditions, he saw people whispering to him, laughing at him.
But then he saw his dad smiling at him. That genuine, reassuring smile was enough for Kevin to muster the courage he needed to start playing his guitar.
Play "I'll Try" - Original Riverdale Song
Kevin:
Can you hear me?
Am I drowned out in the crowd?
Are you listening
Or is everyone else too loud for you to hear anything?
Are you just gonna walk away?
'Cause there are so many things I can do
But instead I'll say
As Kevin sang, he saw Tom check his phone, then walk away. While Kevin was a little upset, he knew he couldn't blame his dad, given he was the sheriff and all, so he kept his focus on his singing.
I'll try, I'll try to let it go
Let a row right off my back
So yes, I'll try, I'll try to let it go
Let it go and never look back this way
Archie, Betty, and Jughead made it to the school and found Tom.
"I got your text," Tom said. "What is it?"
Do you wanna be
The one who points and blames
That makes us feel many things
'Cause in a word, I can't explain
Jughead showed the pictures he took on his phone.
Why it hurts so much, you see
We weren't born with all this pain
I guess that's anything
That keeps you living day by day
"That's Jason's jacket," Tom realized. "Where'd you get this?"
"We found this in the trunk of a car," Betty explained. "Jason was running away with Polly."
"Where's the car?"
"Follow us."
The three kids ran out. Tom struggled to keep up with them.
Kevin saw Valerie in the crowd, smiling at him. It gave him this warm feeling.
It didn't deter his singing, though. If anything, he sang louder and prouder.
I'll try, I'll try to let it go
Let a row right off my back
So yes, I'll try, I'll try to let it go
Let it go and never look back this way
End "I'll Try"
The crowd applauded.
Kevin got up, bowed, and got off stage.
After the show, Kevin found Valerie in the hall.
They approached each other and locked lips. It was the best thing Kevin ever felt.
Veronica found Fred and Hermione talking to each other.
"Hello Mom, Mr. Andrews," she greeted. "What's going on?"
"I was just telling your mother," Fred replied. "You know the contract for the SoDale Project? It's being given to Andrews Construction. The buyer, whoever they are, they approved us. Thanks to my lucky charm."
He gave Hermione a hug.
Veronica knew better. She snuck Hermione a glare.
"Congratulations, Mr. Andrews," she said in the best way she could. "Looks like you won. Excuse me."
She turned around and headed the other direction.
Josie cried in the bathroom while her mother comforted her.
Tom and some of his officers drove to where Betty directed them. They found the car, alright.
Only, it was on fire.
That's the thing about fear. It's always there. Fear of the unknown, fear of facing it alone, fear that those closest to you are the monsters.
Fear that once you slay one monster, there's another waiting to take its place. Fear that there's one more boogeyman waiting at the end of the dark hall.
Archie, Betty, and Jughead went back to the Sisters of Quiet Mercy. They went to Polly's room…
Only to find out she wasn't there. The window was open, implying she escaped on her own.
She was out there, alone, bereft, unmoored.
Where was she going, and what would she do next?
Riverdale
A.N.
Already halfway there.
I'm really enjoying writing the romance between Kevin and Valerie. I almost want them to be endgame, but we all know they can't last.
You know, I swear Betty and Jughead felt more natural when I first watched this show. The fact they got together in episode SIX just baffles me.
Well, again, Bughead isn't happening here. Betty has gained a crush on Jughead (or at least, she THINKS she is), but it only needs to last long enough for Archie to move on from her so he can get with Veronica for the first half of the story.
And the most notable thing was the original songs. I don't know who wrote the original songs for the show, but they did really well. These songs deserve more praise.
Thanks for reading.