Summary:
After the events of the party, Cheryl's mind is in a haze. What can be said though when her and the girl she'd thought she lost are forced even closer together?
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Cheryl sat in the principal's office for what felt like hours. Of course, only a few minutes had passed due to the principal's tardiness, but Cheryl could've been easily fooled if not for the repetitive ticking of the desk clock in front of her.
She hadn't been told what the conference was about prior to coming, but she had a good idea what would be discussed. The grave look Kevin had given her when she'd entered the office area was particularly telling. This could only concern one thing, Toni. Cheryl could only think of one thing in her life that had recently concerned that individual.
When Mr. Weatherbee came in, Cheryl couldn't even meet his eyes. Her head stayed bowed without much want to do anything else.
"Based on your current reaction, I assume you've heard what this conference is about." A shiver travelled through Cheryl when she heard him speak. It was without a doubt certain that she'd been correct concerning the content of this impromptu student conference.
"I regret that you're so upset with me, but I'm afraid this is what's best for the school's image." That surprised Cheryl. What did she have to be upset with him about? It's not as if he'd punished her yet or anything. The timing of the phrase caused too much confusion for Cheryl not to raise her head.
Mr. Weatherbee had his back turned to Cheryl seemingly staring absently at the books littering the shelves behind his desk. This allowed him to miss the look of confusion that sat on the face of the one he was addressing.
"You have to understand though. With graduation coming up at the end of this year and the first batch of Southside kids set to graduate, we can't afford to not show a united front for alumni and potential investors in the school. It might seem strange at first, but I'm certain any differences you have from the Southside kids are material at best." Weatherbee's words continued to confuse Cheryl. It was as if he'd forgotten who was in his office and was instead talking to be someone else.
"I don't know what you mean sir." Cheryl finally spoke, but her words barely came out above a whisper. Thankfully, Weatherbee was still capable of hearing her as he turned with a look of confusion now settled onto his face.
"Excuse me then. Your actions when I entered made it seem as though you'd already been informed of my decision." Cheryl leaned forward at the mentioning of a decision being made. Somehow, leaning forward seemed like the fastest way to understand the meaning behind that statement.
"Ah right, you still don't know what I'm referring to." Weatherbee chuckled to himself before sitting down into his chair and settling before looking back at Cheryl. "I've decided that you and Toni Topaz will be the ambassadors for your class this year. It will be a coming together of different lifestyles in a way and in that it is expected of you two to..." Weatherbee continued to speak, but Cheryl drowned him out. Her mind had been stuck on the mention of Toni.
"Cheryl. Cheryl?" Finally her name reached Cheryl's ears and she looked up to see a look of concern painted onto the principals face. "Are you alright?" Cheryl nodded her head vigorously before ceasing the motion and paying attention to everything that Weatherbee was saying.
-'-'-'-'-'-
Apparently, Toni's position as being a de facto leader of the Serpents, or at least the most recognizable female who was occasionally in charge, had gained the attention of Weatherbee. Supposedly, Riverdale High was attempting to end any stigma going into the new year in regards to the Southside kids that had existed since the group had joined the school. Although there would be no official show of good spirits, Weatherbee hoped that the pairing of the most Riverdale girl out of the students -- aka Cheryl -- and the most Southside girl -- aka Toni -- would show an acceptance and bring an end to the bitter classiest rivalry that remained between the two groups.
