Always and Forever

Chapter 1: The River's Edge

It was the night before the first day of school, I was on the phone with Joshua when Archie came up to my door.

"I'll call you right back Josh," I said as she hung up the phone. "Going out with Nancy Drew?"

"We're just catching up at Pops," Archie rolled his eyes at me. "And it's Betty."

"Just don't stay out too late Arch, it is the first day tomorrow," I informed. "And you have football tryouts."

"Shhh!" Archie shushed her. "I haven't exactly told dad yet."

"If you don't tell him, then I will," I threatened. "Josh and Reggie are counting on you to be there."

"Fine," Archie sighed. "I better go, I don't want to keep Betty waiting," Archie said before leaving the room. As soon as he left, her phone rang, she looked down to see it was Cheryl.

"Hey," I answered the phone as I sat down in the chair.

"So apparently, we have a new girl in town," Cheryl informed.

"I know, me and Nancy Drew are giving her a tour of the school tomorrow," I reminded her.

"Remember I am the Queen B, and from what I heard that little skank is very rich," Cheryl gossiped.

"Don't worry," I laughed. "I will have it all under control." I looked up to see my dad standing in the doorway. "I will get back to you; my dad's here." I hung up the phone. "Hey, dad."

"Hey pumpkin," Fred Andrews smiled walking into the room. "Was that Josh?"

"Cheryl," I corrected.

"You have been an amazing friend to her, Dani," Fred said leaning against her dresser. "WIth her brother's death and everything."

"She needs support and a shoulder to cry on," I explained. "She may seem heartless, but she is not."

"I know," he nodded. "Your mother would be so proud of you."

"You think?" I was a little agitated at the mention of my mother.

"I know that tone," my dad warned. "I'm leaving you alone before it gets worse."

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At Pop's when Veronica meets Betty and Archie.

"Veronica Lodge," She introduced.

"Archie Andrews," Archie introduced. "Uh, this is Betty Cooper."

"Wait, are you-," Veronica began.

"Supposed to give you your tour tomorrow? Yea. I'm your peer mentor," Betty informed, smiling at her.

"My sister is helping as well, Dani Andrews," Archie informed. "Do you want to join us? Hey, maybe we can un-fill you with dread."

"My mom's waiting for me," Veronica smiled at him. "But, to be continued."

"Yeah," Archie smiled.

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When Archie got home, he came into my room as I took off my face mask.

"How was your date?" I asked.

"It wasn't a date, it was two friends catching up," Archie groaned. "I told her how I grew an interest in music, and she told me about her internship. Then this girl showed up."

"Oh?" I questioned as Archie plopped on my bed. "What was her name?"

"Veronica Lodge," Archie fantasized.