Hold Me-Beronica

Chapter 2

Veronica's POV

It's 7:00 pm and I'm lying in bed at home, after a mostly successful first day. I like Riverdale, I really do, but it's my newfound friends that make me feel so happy here already. In New York, it was always a competition between my other friends and I, due to the fact that we were all rich snobs. But ever since daddy got arrested, I've had a change of heart. I started worrying less about my reputation and more about if people actually like me. I hear my phone buzz, and I startle, not expecting it. I see it's from Betty and I'm quick to respond.

Betty: hey what ru doing?

Me: nothing much hbu

Betty: same, wanna go to Pop's for some milkshakes?

Me: I'd love to, see u in half an hour? :)

Betty: yayy great! :)

Something about Betty sparks a feeling in me unlike any I've felt before. I push it aside for now and focus on getting re-dressed, as I had gotten my PJs on after a long first day. As soon as I arrive at Pop's, Betty waves me over to the booth she saved us. "Hey V," she says. "I thought we could discuss our Vixens tryout tomorrow over milkshakes." "Gladly!" I respond, before taking a seat. "I'd take any opportunity to get to know you better." I say with a smile.

•

Betty's POV

My legs shake a little as I approach the gymnasium after school. It's finally time for my second Vixens tryout, and after last year's rejection I'm not exactly feeling confident. However, Veronica is, and I think for about the millionth time today how grateful I am to have her by my side. I don't know what she, a funny, beautiful, popular girl sees in me as a friend, but she seems to have taken a shine to me and I adore it. It's been a while since I've had a friend who's a girl, my closest friends being Archie and Kevin, and I like it, a lot. Veronica interrupts my thoughts asking me if I'm ready to go in. I nod and she pushes open the door. We stroll to the centre of the room where Cheryl and her minions are waiting impatiently. "It took you long enough," the red-headed girl snaps. "I've seen all the other performances and I'm just waiting on you now." I hook up my phone to the speaker and pull up the song Veronica and I chose last night. I press play, and the sound fills the room. I jog over to Veronica and she counts us in. We begin our dance and I get so lost in the rhythm that I forget about Cheryl's watchful gaze for a minute. But then the music stops signaling the time for our quick little cheer about Riverdale Bulldogs winning. Then all too quick it's time for the verdict. "Better luck next year!" Cheryl says with a smirk. I'm speechless, I thought we did so well. It's all my fault, I'm not good enough, Veronica was perfect though. "But you haven't even seen our grand finale yet!" Veronica exclaims. I look at her in confusion, we didn't plan any grand finale. "Trust me." She whispers, before delicately cupping my face in her hand and pressing her lips to mine. Her lips are soft and tender, and my heart is beating rapidly. She pulls away with a smile. I'm about to say something when Cheryl interjects. "Faux lesbian kissing went out of style years ago, but Veronica, welcome to the Vixens, Betty, better luck next time!" My mind is racing with several thoughts. Was that kiss just for show or did it mean more? I sure as hell felt something from it, but that doesn't mean it was mutual. Also, I'm facing the embarrassment of rejection from the cheerleading squad again. All of a sudden Veronica is arguing with Cheryl, saying we're a matching set so she can't take her and not me. I can't believe she's going up again Cheryl Blossom all for me. I can't focus on the conversation, my mind is going crazy, but I do catch the last bit: we're both on the squad, Veronica has done it. She grabs my hand and pulls me away from the ginger girl and her posse, to the locker room. We change in silence until she breaks it. "We're on the squad B, we did it!!!" "It's all thanks to you!" I respond. And it's true, if it weren't from her, I'd be denied a spot for the second time in a row. "Why did you do that for me?" I ask her. "You're my best friend now Betty, I'd do anything for you." I feel a flutter, but that must be because she actually wants to be friends. There's no way she reciprocates any potential feelings I may have. Besides, until now I've had no reason to believe I'm anything other than straight...I tell myself to get my head out of the clouds and respond to her with a hug. We're friends. Best friends. And nothing else.

•

Veronica's POV

Okay, I admit it. That kiss wasn't all for show. I like Betty, more than a friend. But the look of shock on her face clearly laid all her feelings on the table. She's straight, and clearly had no idea I was actually bi. Not that she knows that now either. So there's no way I'm ruining this friendship because of one kiss, even though it's been all I can think of since it happened. If I was my old reckless self, I would ask her to upcoming school semi-formal, but instead I'm planning to help her ask Archie. Who is very obviously her crush, I mean the first time I ever saw her, she was at Pop's with him. So even though it goes against my feelings, I'm here right now with Betty, planning to help pair them.

•

Betty's POV

Veronica insists I ask Archie out to the semi-formal. I want to tell her I'd rather go with her, but that's definitely not an option. But as we walk across the football field, she calls him over. "Archiekins, Betty has something to ask you," she says. "She's wondering if you'll go to semi-formal with-" "Both of us." I interject. Now at least I'll get to go with who I want to, even if she doesn't know. He looks at us confused before telling us he doesn't plan on going at all. "C'mon, take a break from all your extracurriculars." Veronica pleads. For all I know, Veronica is deeply interested in this boy, not me. She finally persuades him into coming, at which she squeals and says to me, "you're welcome!" She has no idea...