Unveil • Cheryl Blossom

Chapter 6

"This is why I don't want you hanging around that girl." My mother walked into my room, tossing the morning newspaper in front of me as I sat on my bed.

I furrowed my eyebrows, having no idea what she was talking about until I picked up the paper and read the headline, 'Cheryl Blossom Guilty As Sin' my eyes scanned over the bolded letters.

I rolled my eyes, "Mom, I'm sure there's a perfectly good reasoning for this." I followed her out into the kitchen where she ignored my defense for Cheryl. "They're probably just trying to make her look bad."

"Making who look bad?" Veronica walked in making me close my eyes in annoyance at her imperfect timing. Nevertheless I handed over the paper, waiting for her reaction.

She shook her head, "There's gotta be an explanation for this." her eyes flickered between me and my mom.

My mother had finally decided to join in on the conversation after a long silence, "Look, I get it, she's your friend and you want to see the good in her but not everyone is who they insist they are." She took notice in my expression of disbelief and continued, "How much could you possibly know about this girl, hm?" She raised her eyebrow before leaving the room.

I exchanged looks with my sister before scoffing and leaving as well.

...

"So, are you a suspect now?" Veronica asked Archie, who had just informed us that he had heard the same gunshot on July 4th that Cheryl had claimed she heard.

"My dad says we all are," Kevin spoke up from besides me, "including me." He turned the licorice in his hand so that it was facing him. I couldn't help but let a small laugh slip.

"Not me, girl." Veronica shook her head in disagreement and down at the coffee she was holding in her lap, "I don't know these people."

"Guys, should we maybe re-binge Making a Murderer on Netflix tonight?" Kevin gasped dramatically and I rolled my eyes playfully before laughing along with Betty.

"Sorry. Can't. Gotta stay late to work on the paper." The blonde informed us all.

"Count me out, too. I've got a date tonight." Veronica said with a smirk making my jaw drop.

"And you didn't tell me?" I slapped her leg lightly, "Which Riverdale hottie made the cut?" I bit my lip.

"Hey, Vee-lo, I'll swing by the pembrooke to pick you up at 8:00?" Chuck freaking Clayton said, as if right on cue making me gasp involuntarily.

"No freaking way."

"Chuck Clayton?"

"You're going on a date with Chuck Clayton?"

Kevin, Betty, and I said all at once making Veronica laugh.

"Well, on that note, I guess I'll just hang with Cheryl tonight or something." I shrugged, mumbling as my finger circled the cap on my coffee, waiting for my friend's statements of disapproval.

I looked up nervously to be met by all of their stares on me. "What?" I laughed nervously.

"So, what, are you like a lesbian or something?" Archie broke the ice in an unflattering way, making me glare at him.

"Excuse me?"

"Archie!" Veronica slapped his arm. If looks could kill..

Archie glared at Veronica, holding his arm before finally speaking, "I only asked because she's always hanging out with her and when she looks at her she's practically drooling."

I felt slightly embarrassed and a little angry towards the ginger. I felt pressure as they all stared at me, waiting for some kind of blowup. "Excuse me." I whispered before getting up and leaving the room.