SERPENT KISSES | JOAVIN / BUGHEAD / CHONI

TWELVE

Monday, October 8th

6:50

Cheryl woke up on Monday morning with a smile on her lips.

It was an foreign feeling for the redhead. As sad as it sound, she couldn't even remember the last time she woke up smiling. She had a feeling she and Toni's kiss was the cause of her morning happiness. It was certainly not because she woke up in a luxury suite, the trailer far from glamorous. No offence, Sweet Pea.

She rolled over, long ginger locks fanning over the pillow, and noticed Toni was already awake beside her. ''Morning Bombshell,'' the petite Serpent greeted.

''Bon matin, TT.''

Toni reached out and stroked Cheryl's cheek with the back of her index, feeling the soft, creamy skin. From this close, she could see the freckles on Cheryl's face, usually covered by makeup. ''How can you look this good in the morning. It's unfair.''

Unlike cheesy couples, Cheryl didn't return the compliment or started a debate on who looked best in the morning. She went with a more Cheryl Blossom-like response.

''Tell me something I don't know,'' she said with a mild-pretentious smile.

Her response amused the pink haired girl. ''Did you sleep well?''

''Considering no springs were stabbing my back like the previous night, I'd say I slept alright.''

''You're bed feels like a cloud compared to Sweet Pea's raggedy couch.''

Cheryl pulled a face. ''It's itchy too,'' she added honestly.

''What do you say we go to Pop's for breakfast? I doubt Sweet Pea has anyhting breakfast-ish in his cabinets. And, I still have to try their strawberry milkshake, right?''

Cheryl's lips turned up into a grin. She remembered.

The two girls got up from the pull out couch and got ready for the day. Naturally, Cheryl took too long in the bathroom, trying to do a makeup miracle with Sweet Pea's mediocre lightning situation and Toni had to wait on the couch.

They got in Cheryl's convertible and, as the redhead drove them to Pop's, she shyly reached for Toni's hand. A smile formed on the pink haired Serpent and she took Cheryl's hand without saying anything.

.

7:30

For the first time since middle school, Polly walked to school with her sister. They hadn't walked to school together since middle school so Betty was very surprised when Polly asked her to wait for her.

''I don't need a protector, Pol,'' Betty said as they walked down Elm street, about to turn the corner.

''Wow, I'm hurt, Betty. Is it that impossible to you that I want to spend some time with my sister?'' Polly said, the cool October breeze blowing on her hair and making Betty's ears turned pink.

Betty shook her head. ''No. It's just- We haven't walked together in so long, it took me by surprise.''

''I'll admit, not every seventeen years old ask their sister to walk them to school.'' Betty laughed and Polly frowned. ''What is it?''

''You made it sound like we're holding hands.''

Polly agreed, laughing too. She stopped abruptly, all amusement gone. ''Betty. The real reason I wanted to walk to school with you this morning isn't only because I wanted to spend time with you. You've been there for me when I needed you and I just wanted to return the support. I know I haven't been the best sister lately. I've been distant with you and, although I understand the thrill of a bad boy, I can't understand how you went from football star Archie Andrews to a Southside Serpent. I feel like I've miss so much of your life and-''