CARMEN, riverdale.

' pastiche '

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   THE ELEPHANT in the room wasn't acknowledged immediately that morning in the lounge, but it was almost like the two girls hadn't minded.

"Veronica, there's something we need to talk to you about," Betty broke the silence.

"Bring it," Veronica shrugged, as Carmen rubbed her shoulders affectionately. "After the morning I've had, I'm ready for just about anything."

"Okay, well, Archie was with the Blossoms. I know you were there, too, Carmen, but you only in the beginning before you had to leave. While their Board was in town, he um—Why don't you tell her? You were there," Betty tossed the matter to Archie, who subtly shot her and incredulous look.

"Why is this suddenly feeling like a friendtervention?" Veronica cut in.

"I overheard Mr. Blossom say that he's the one responsible for your dad being arrested and put in jail. There was one more party involved but he wasn't sure who," Archie admitted.

"That would probably be my dad, but I think Ronnie knows that. It's because he threatened me, and you've all seen how pissed he gets in matters regarding my safety," Carmen added, looking at Veronica, who had nodded affirmatively to confirm that she did know.

"Are you kidding? Why the hell would Clifford Blossom have anything to do with why he's in prison?" The raven continues.

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   "ANYWAY, ENOUGH about my drama. Betty, you were saying something about Jughead's birthday?" Veronica starts up. Carmen flickered her dark eyes fron the raven to the blonde as she sat beside Veronica.

"Yeah. Just that Mr. Jones told me Jughead's never had a birthday party," Betty replied. Her eyes lit up, "Let's have one for him. Like a low-key surprise party."

"Uh, no, no," Archie starts.

"That's a fantastic idea," Veronica grinned.

"Leave the food to me," Carmen mused.

"Jughead doesn't like his birthday," Archie deadpanned.

"Everybody says that, nobody means it," Kevin interjected.

"Jughead's a lone wolf," Archie shot back.

"Okay," Veronica said. "Ignoring the negativity. Betty, Carmen, you know me. Any excuse to wear a cute party dress."

"Yeah," Carmen said softly with smile.

"Okay, so I'm thinking a quaint little gathering, inner circle only."

"Oh, my God, don't turn around," Kevin gasped. But they did, and strolling in the high school cafeteria was none other than Chuck Clayton, wearing a smirk. He winked at a glaring Carmen as he passed their table, her hands balling in a fist underneath it.

She watched him take a seat at Ethel's table, and glowered once more, wishing for him to leave the harmless girl alone. To her surprise, Betty had stood up, protectively snapping at him.

"I'm not going—!" Betty banged on the table subconsciously, and swallowed, looking around before she said something much quietly.