LOST (CHERYL BLOSSOM X OC)

005. the pep rally

     The entire town gathered once again at the edge of Sweetwater River when Jason's body was found. Everyone had been hoping against hope that Jason didn't drown, he just washed up on the other side of the river and took his time getting home. Now, there was indisputable evidence to prove that Jason was truly gone forever. Riverdale was buzzing with rumors about who shot Jason. You see, before it was just a simple drowning. But now, now it was a mystery.

     The police had no idea where to start, which made everyone a suspect. Some people believed the Cooper's, whose daughter went mad after Jason ended their relationship, shot the town's golden boy in the head and dumped his body in the river. Some swore it was those pesky Southside Serpents, upping the ante from dealing pot to murdering rich high school students. Some thought it was Christopher Carrington, who came back to town the weekend of the murder. He said it was for a Fourth of July celebration, but it just might have been to murder the heir to his neighbor's fortune. A few people even bet their last dollar it was the Blossom's themselves, for some reason or another.

     "Pretty crazy, isn't it?" Elliot looked to his left and Veronica appeared out of nowhere. No one suspected her, she was in New York when Jason died.

     "I guess so. Deep down everyone knew he was dead, but now it's really real."

     "I never knew him, but it's still a shame."

     "I think you two would've gotten along well."

     "Speaking of getting along well," Elliot turned to Veronica at this. "Have you talked to Betty?"

     "No. But I'm pretty sure she's pissed at you."

     "I only went in that closet so Cheryl didn't!"

     "That's exactly what Cheryl wanted."

     "What was I supposed to do?! If Cheryl went in there she would've done much worse!"

     "Yeah, but that's the thing, it wouldn't have mattered what Cheryl did. Betty already didn't like her, she would've expected her to do shit with Archie. But you're her friend, she expected you to not do that kind of stuff."

     "Oh, so now you're mad at me too. Great."

     "No, no, I'm not mad at you. I'm just trying to help you understand things from Betty's perspective."

     Veronica didn't say anything, she just gave Elliot a firm look, like she wanted something.

     "Fine, I guess I'll talk to her for you."

     Veronica smiled at that, and walked away. She got what she came for, and Elliot now had to talk to Betty, who was probably-no, definitely- still fuming.

***

     "Hey, Betts."

     This should be fun.

     "Are you here to defend Archie and Veronica to me? Because you don't have to bother."

     "Betts, Veronica doesn't know-"

     "It doesn't matter what V does or doesn't know! Because, believe it or not, I forgave her! And Archie!"

     Elliot didn't know how to react to this news. He was making confused faces until the loudspeaker crackled on and Principal Weatherbee's voice broke the silence.

     "Good morning students. This is your principal speaking. There have been many inquiries about the upcoming pep rally. So let me state clearly, it is happening, as scheduled. Now, on a less felicitous note, if you could give your attention to Sheriff Keller."