Always and Forever

Chapter 30: The Noose Tightens

Days later I sat in the auditorium with Sweet Pea and the rest of the Serpents. On stage were the presidential candidates and their running mates for next years. It was Jughead and Betty, Veronica and Archie, Reggie and Josie. Mom was on stage directing the debate.

"Okay, now just a quick reminder, that this is a PTA-sponsored event," Mom announced. Sweet Pea then stood up. "Oh, looks like we have our first question."

"Yeah, no offense to the, uh, current administration, but it doesn't feel like anyone's looking out for the students who are being bussed in from the Southside. Is that gonna change?" Sweet Pea asked.

"Besides you of course," Fangs whispered to me before standing up with Sweet Pea.

"Absolutely, Sweet Pea, that's our priority," Jughead answered. "ANd no one should feel marginalized or excluded here."

"Jughead and I will be representing all students, North and Southside alike," Betty informed. They then sat back down.

"Next question," Mom said. "Yes, Midge."

"My question is for Archie and Veronica," Midge announced as she stood up. "Rumor has it that your parents will soon be on opposite sides of the Mayoral election, won't that negatively affect your relationship?"

"Archie and I adhere to the old maxim that "politics are never discussed" at the dinner or cafeteria table," Veronica answered, earning some laughs. 

"Veronica and I are on the same page about everything, including her family's plans for a prison on the Southside," Archie added, which made me roll my eyes. 

"In the meantime, however, we're committed to improving the quality of life at Riverdale High, which means more extracurriculars--" Veronica continued. 

"Reggie and I agree," Josie cut her off. "Except, add that fact that we can and will deliver the results."

"And we're chill, unlike these guys," Reggie added. Everyone started laughing. After the debate, everyone stood in the hallway socializing. 

"Why don't you run for president?" Fangs asked me. "You would represent the Southside better than those two?" 

"Why don't you run?" I asked. "You would represent the Southside the best." 

"Maybe next year," Fangs said. "And you can be my running mate." 

"Sounds like a plan. Pea can even be my first man," I said making Fangs laugh and Sweet Pea glare at me. "Did you guys be chance see Cheryl?" 

"No," Sweet Pea answered. "Toni has been looking for her as well." 

"Dani!" Mary called me from down the hallway. 

"I will see you guys later," I said, before kissing Pea and walking away. When I got there, the Lodges also approached the Andrews. 

"Mary, Fred, all of Riverdale is buzzing about your decision to run against my wife for mayor," Hiram stated. 

"I've lived here my whole life, never went to prison," Fred stated. "There no one more qualified than me." 

"You know, Hiram, we're still waiting for you to sign those papers finalizing Fred's separation from Lodge Industries," Mary brought up. 

"Huh. You mean like how we're still waiting for you to sign the NDA that we sent over?" Hermione brought up as she took a couple of steps forward. 

"Parents, there's no need to become the Montagues and the Capulets just yet," I advised. 

"Yeah, Veronica and I were saying, can't this be a fair fight?" Archie asked. "With no hitting below the belt? And everyone signing whatever it is they need to sign?" They then stepped away from each other. I then walked away to join Fangs and Sweet Pea again, before Mom came up to me.