Dare [unfinished.]

08 | IMPORTANT DATES

"I'm knocking on the devil's door"

- After Dark, Tito & Tarantula

— — — — — — — —

CHAPTER EIGHT
IMPORTANT DATES

    "WHY?" Veronica asked, leaning back against her chair. "Why would you need to know about that?"

"Please." And maybe it was because of the pleading tone that Veronica finally gave in.

"The Southside is where the gangs of Riverdale reside. Where the Serpents and Ghoulies and countless others roam free without a care in the world. If you don't want to get mugged, don't cross the line that separates the town."

"And where is that?"

"Near the Drive-In. It's fairly close to the Southside and it's where the Serpents hang out to trash it with beer bottles and graffiti."

The line was silent for a few long beats. "Do you know what's going on?"

"How should I? I barely even leave the house."

"Southside High is shutting down and they're splitting them between Greendale and Riverdale."

"And you thought it best to call me for information?"

Did someone find out?

"Well I was right wasn't I? Besides I think everyone knows that you and Jones were close friends before the whole town divide. I'll see you tomorrow Lodge."

•

     BEING on the student committee made Veronica want to pull her hair out.

They had put together a "Welcome Committee," for the Southside students in an hour. An hour. Usually things like this take months to accommodate every base and subject, but they had an hour. So the basics were covered. Barely.

Veronica finally set down the final stack of papers and it was 8:00. Just in the nick of time seeing as the door opened and in walked bodies clad in leather, with Jughead Jones at the center. Beanie nowhere to be found.

"I could say that it's a pleasure being here but I'd be lying."

It made Veronica break out in a grin. "Nice to see you too Jones. You're lucky Cooper isn't here, otherwise she'd be the physical one."

The pink-haired serpent beside him quirked at the mouth, as if hiding her smile. "You've got competition Jones. Are sure you aren't related?"

"Oh I'm sure of it. Mr. Lodge was just a close family friend."

"Alright," Veronica cut in, sensing that the conversation was quickly going off the rails. "Let's get to the real reason why we're all here. Here are some pamphlets and your schedules. We put you all in the basic subjects like English, Algebra, and Biology, until we get you sorted into your appropriate levels."

"Placement tests?" said another.

Veronica nodded. "Since this was in short notice this was what I was able to pull without it being an absolute disaster."

"You alone?" A male voice said from the back, it's cockiness making Veronica very angry. "No teachers nothing?"

She smiled sharply, not missing the meaning behind those words. "I'm sure you've heard of cameras. Or were you too busy with the cops busting your ass?"