Fate can be Fatal

Part 24: Two Unlikely Campaigns

The gang, now all at Veronicas house, sit in shock at the news. Mayor McCoy was very influential in this small town and you never have thought anyone would dare run against her, more or less Fred Andrews. Archie was the most taken-a-back at the news. 

Despite the shock, it works to their advantage since he supports the Southside. The teens discuss this new development but rapidly get on with their cause. 

A few hours and some Pops food later, the gang are pretty happy with how things are coming along. 

Kevin and Fangs made banners, despite their constant flirting. Jughead helped Betty out with writing some persuasive speeches. Toni and Pea wrote their own, about how Riverdale has helped them as people. And the others filled in the gaps. 

Veronica was due to hold the assembely tomorrow morning, in front of the whole school. Therefore, everyone went home and slept early, ready for the new day. 

The next morning came quickly, the gang got ready and headed to school. Once there, the Serpents met up with Veronica, Kevin, Archie and Josie. 

The students pour into the hall and take their seats, all mumbling among themselves. Behind the curtains, the gang wait patiently for the cue to go on, after Reggies speech. 

"Riverdale, Northsiders, true people of our town. Here today we have two sides. The one who wants to keep the Northside North, and the Southside scummy" he yells, with few voices agreeing. 

After his prolonged message of intolerance, Principal Whetherby calls Veronica onstage. Cheryl, Kevin and Josie take their seats in the audience, since they weren't making a speech. 

"All Riverdale students, North and South alike. Welcome to this, unnecessary vote to keep our new students in this school. For too many years the sides of Riverdale have been split, made to fight, and made to not get along. Relationships and friendships between the sides were almost forbidden. Views have changed, the Southsiders, including the Serpents, deserve to be here, they make our school and our town better"  Veronica says, many students cheering and clapping. "But before we vote, some people want to say a few words" gesturing to Sweet Pea, walking out on stage.

He takes the mic, gulps and speaks. Looking at the gang for reassurance. "Hey, um---I'm Sweet Pea and I tranferred here from Southside High a few months ago------ this school has been the best thing that's ever happened to me, I've met some of the greatest people, and everyday, I actually look forward to coming here---"  - he talks for a few more minutes before finishing on a high note, "Thank you" as more people start clapping and he walks off the stage. 

Next up was Toni, Cheryl's face lights up at the sight of her girlfriend, ready to verbally kick ass. 

"I'm Toni Topaz" she begins, speaking slowly and awkwardly, not used to things like this and ignores the creepy whistling coming from the boys at the back. "I transferred here with my two best friends and other Serpents from the Southside. When I came here, I'll admit I hated it. I met this really annoying red head" she chuckes, "But turns out-- she wasn't that bad. I've had a better schooling over these 3 months, than 3 years in the Southside. This place had genuinally taught me to give everyone a chance, and I hope you will do the same for us" as almost the whole hall claps in her favour. She smiles widely at Cheryl and winks before joining the rest of the gang.

A few more people speak, including Jughead and Fangs, before the voting starts and the assembely ends. 

Principal Whetherby then says, "results will be cast tomorrow at 9am sharp. Have a good day students" and school carries on as normal. 

The gang think about the voting all day, already knowing they have an advantage to Reggie. Who was recently put on house arrest for 3 months; he had an even worse rep than before. 

The bell rings for the end of the day and Cheryl heads out to the parking lot, where Fangs is waiting for her. Toni had some work to sort out at school and then was meeting her grandpa who was back from his work trip so she wouldn't be around all night. 

Just before she makes to the doors, she's approached by a Bulldog. "Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asks. "About?" Cheryls school exterior returns whilst talking to people she doesn't know or like. 

"You wanna go out one night?" he asks, but it comes more forceful. "Cause... you're single right?" he repeats. Cheryl chuckles, "No, but either way I'll have to pass" and continues to walk. The random boy follows her out of the gates and into view of Fangs, waiting by her car.

"Don't ignore me" he continues, Cheryl still unfazed by him. "I mean it". Fangs notices the exchange and begins to walk over, subtly.

"Not interested sleazball" making it very clear. By this time, his friend joins him, "Didn't you hear, she's turned..." and they start to poke fun and Cheryl. Fangs is only a few feet away, "What's going on here?" he asks, standing next to Cheryl.

"Everything's just fine, so Cheryl what do you think?" the boys friend repeats. 

"Leave me alone" and turns around. 

The boys carry on their jokes, "Whatever dyke, this is why the Southside are scum. Forcing our girls-----" but is cut off by a protective Fangs.

"I suggest you shut the hell up" edging closer, clenching his fist. 

"Or what? You're willing to protect a bitch like her?" the boy says sarcastically.

Before either boy could react, Cheryl turns around, planting a fist into the boys face. Making Fangs crack up laughing. "Who's the bitch now?" she says and walks off, owning it. 

"Holy shit" Fangs mutters, seeing the blood pour from the boys mouth as he wipes it away. "That'll teach you, grow up and stop being arrogent pricks. I'm sure you've got a little secret if you bully people for what they are" and winks at the boys. The other friend goes to swing but Fangs ducks, hitting him in the other side of the face, making the damage equal. 

He smiles at their pain, knowing full well they deserved it and joins Cheryl in the car.

"This is what it's going to be like now isn't it Fangs?" she asks sincerely.

"It's only the jealous ones, the ones with the same secret we used to have, they have to take out their pettiness somehow" he resassures, "How'd you learn to punch like that?" 

"Growing up in my house, you learn a few thing" she says and starts up the engine.