The Serpent Queen

7.3

Betty, her determination shining through, declared, "I don't want Polly to run away. But if she can't live at home, then... I don't know, I can rent her an apartment."

Cali, her voice tinged with uncertainty, replied, "I would say that she could stay at my place, but I'm not sure that's the safest environment for her right now."

Veronica offered a potential solution, "How about I talk to my mom?"

Betty, however, quickly dismissed the idea, saying, "No, you have your own stuff you're dealing with right now, V."

Cheryl, always one to voice her opinions loudly, interjected, "She needs her family."

Cali, growing increasingly frustrated by the complex situation and Cheryl's presence, couldn't contain her exasperation. "God, Cheryl, would you just stay out of this for once in your life?"

But before the heated exchange could escalate any further, the school's intercom interrupted their conversation, announcing, "Callista Everhart, please report to the main office immediately."

Cali sighed in annoyance, her heart heavy with the ongoing challenges in her life. She left her friends at the lounge table, navigating a sea of hostile stares and hurtful comments from her fellow students as she walked toward the main office.

***

"So, I heard you're a 'leader' of a gang now?" the principal remarked, his tone carrying a mix of disapproval and concern.

Cali, unfazed by the accusation, responded defiantly, "Yeah? And?"

The principal continued, "I've also heard you've been getting bullied pretty bad lately."

Cali narrowed her eyes, a sense of frustration building within her. "Okay, what's your point?"

The principal leaned forward, his expression serious. "We think it would be best if we moved you to Southside High."

Cali's eyes widened in disbelief. "What...? Why? I'm fine here."

The principal explained, "Well, your Serpent gang is giving us a bad reputation. We've had a few students leave school because they heard there was a leader of the Southside Serpent gang here."

Cali couldn't believe what she was hearing. "That's ridiculous! I've never even done anything remotely wrong."

The principal acknowledged her innocence but remained firm. "Yes, and we understand that. But we think it's best for all of us if you move."

Cali's mind raced as she tried to process the implications of this decision. She couldn't comprehend why she was being forced to transfer schools simply because of her association with the Southside Serpents. The unfairness of it all left her frustrated and angry.

"What—" Cali began to protest, but the principal interrupted her.

"We're offering you a ride over there now," he declared, his decision final.

As Cali stood up and reluctantly followed the principal out of his office, she couldn't help but feel like she was being unjustly punished for circumstances beyond her control. Her life, once again, was taking an unexpected turn, and the uncertainty of what awaited her at Southside High loomed ominously on the horizon.

Walking back through the hallway, Cali's thoughts raced. She knew she would have to break the news to her friends, especially Betty, who was dealing with her sister's pregnancy and the growing chaos in Riverdale.

Outside the school, she spotted Betty and the others waiting for her, their concerned expressions turning into a mixture of surprise and worry as they saw her exit the principal's office.

Betty rushed forward, her voice filled with concern. "Cali, what happened in there?"

Cali took a deep breath, knowing that her friends deserved the truth. "I've been transferred to Southside High."

Veronica's eyes widened in shock, while Cheryl couldn't hide her smug satisfaction. Betty's face fell, realizing the magnitude of the decision and how it would affect their plans.

***

Cali ventured into Southside High, a realm that felt strangely oblivious to her presence. There were no lingering stares or judgmental whispers; the students simply didn't seem to notice her.

Upon arrival, the security personnel instructed her to place her belongings into bins, and Cali complied, depositing her backpack and jacket. After passing through the metal detector, she encountered another student.

"The Serpent Queen," the girl declared, as if it were common knowledge.

Cali acknowledged this fact. "Uh, that's me."

Toni extended her hand for a handshake, offering her name formally. "Toni Topaz."

Cali accepted the gesture, still processing the situation. "You're wearing a Serpent jacket. How come I've never seen you around?"

Toni explained her recent arrival. "Just moved here. Thought I'd try something new."

Cali nodded in understanding. "What's your first period?"

"Bio," Toni replied.

"Same," Cali noted with a friendly smile. "Mind if you walk me there?"

Toni welcomed the company. "Not at all. I could use some friends here."

As they strolled through the unfamiliar hallways of Southside High, Cali couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance. Perhaps this new chapter in her life wouldn't be as intimidating as she initially thought, especially with a friend like Toni by her side.

Their conversation continued as they reached their first-period classroom. Cali's eyes landed on a familiar face.

"God, finally some familiar faces," she exclaimed, enveloping Sweet Pea in a warm hug.

Sweet Pea grinned in response. "There she is. I see you've met Toni?"

Cali nodded, her enthusiasm apparent. "I think she'll fit right in with us."

***

Toni couldn't resist the curiosity bubbling within her. "So... is Sweet Pea your boyfriend?"

Cali's gaze drifted toward Sweet Pea, who was engaged in conversation with another student. She returned her attention to Toni, her uncertainty evident. "I'm not sure. We haven't made anything official yet."

Toni offered an observant nod. "Mhm. Well, the way he looks at you makes me think he wants to be more than friends."

Cali's cheeks flushed a shade deeper, and she glanced over at Sweet Pea once more. He seemed to sense their conversation was about him and looked back at her, offering a warm smile.

Cali grinned in return and turned her focus back to Toni. "You might be right. We've been through a lot together."

Toni winked, playfully teasing, "Well, I'm just saying, it's hard to miss that kind of chemistry. Keep me posted on your love life, Serpent Queen."

Cali laughed, appreciating Toni's candidness. "I will, Toni. You're officially on the gossip train."

As they chatted about school and life, the new friendship between Cali, Sweet Pea, and Toni began to bloom, and the mysteries of Southside High slowly revealed themselves.

Dear Diary, 

Hope. A word so close to home, and as tricky. As much as we wanted Jason's killer to be caught, and the town, our home, to feel safe again, with every day that passed, our hopes are dimmed more and more. There's that  old, cliched saying, "It's darkest before the dawn." But sometimes... There's just darkness.