Fate can be Fatal

Part 21: Rebel With a Cause

Despite keeping it quiet from the Serpents, they all discovered it was Cheryl's birthday just in time to prepare something for her. They all decided a quiet gathering with friends was the way to go. Sweet Pea was in charge of food, Fangs of decoration, Betty the cake, and Jughead the 'getting there on time', since he was always late. Toni also invited Archie, Veronica, Kevin and Josie to join them all. The location was still being decided but with enough time, they chose the old drive-in, which had recently been shut down. 

Toni knew she wanted to do something special for Cheryl, fully knowing how much shit she's put up with over the past few months. So whilst the gang we're putting the final touches on things in the drive-in, Toni goes to pick up her present which was on the edge of town and happily brings it back. 

The gang are finally sorted and Toni gives Cheryl a call to meet her at the drive-in. After some persuasion, she agrees and gets on her way. The gang wait patiently, hoping it'll be a good surprise.

"Happy Birthday" they all yell as Cheryl walks around the corner. 

Left speechless, she smiles widely, "Guys, I--- Thank you"

They all crowd around her, each giving her a hug. She finally makes it to Toni, "Tons--- you're the best" and kisses her passionately. 

Pea cracks open the drinks and they raise a toast, "To Cheryl" he begins, "I was thought you were that straight-laced rich bitch from the Northsider,  but turns out you're pretty fucking cool" and the gang cheers in agreement. 

Toni hushes them up, "So Cheryl, now that you're a serpent, we thought we'd get everyone to pitch in and get you----" and gestures over to Jughead, who rides into view on a black motorbike"

Once again, Cheryl is left speechless, "Wait---- are you guys fucking with me?" and Jug throws her the keys, "Happy Birthday Blossom" and joins the rest of the gang sat on their blanket arrangement. 

"I---- Thank you guys, seriously" and they party on into the night, blaring tunes and downing too much booze. 

Around 1am everyone begins to get tired, but no one wants to leave just yet. "Well guys, I kinda got my dad to let us play one more movie here before it's completely demolished" Veronica states, cuddling up to a very drunk Archie. 

"No... way" Jughead replies, looking over the colossal screen opposite them. 

All of a sudden, 'Rebel Without a Cause' begins to play and everyone settles down onto the blankets in their couples, besides Sweet Pea, who mumbles, "Always the single one", to which Josie agrees, "Story of my life". 

The movie continues and reaches the iconic scene of James Dean on his bike, in the red jacket. "That's gonna be you babe" Toni tells Cheryl, making the both of them crack up laughing, resulting in Jugheads infamous 'shushing'.

Cheryl's birthday couldn't have been better, finally surrounded by people who care about her.