Ariana Andrews.

Chapter Ten: Riverdale's "Best"

"Penelope, Thank you for coming. We called as soon as Cheryl told us." Mrs. Lodge said from the other room. Ariana had stayed over with Veronica and Cheryl at the Pembrooke, not wanting to go home, and not wanting to leave Cheryl's side. Even the two had a bad past, Ariana thought that the two connected and that maybe, just maybe they could be friends.

Currently, the three girls sat in Veronica's bedroom, ears next to the door, listening in to the converstation happening between Veronica's Parents and Cheryl's mother.

"I appreciate that. I just wished you stopped her from talking to Sheriff Keller. Lord knows what Cheryl did or said to the St. Clair boy to prevoke him." Ariana was suprised that a mother would say that about their daughter. This was a serious thing, and Cheryl's mother dismissed it like it was nothing.

"According to Veronica, nothing." Hermione said.

"Hermione, Hiram, I want this handled discreetly."

"Well I'm confindent that the St. Clairs feel the same way." Mr. Lodge said. Ariana looked up at Cheryl, who looked like a kicked puppy.

"Then It's settled. I'll talk to that idiot Keller and tell him that we won't be pressing charges. After all, nothing really happened to Cheryl." After hearing that, Cheryl walked away from the door. 

"Cheryl, I'm so sorry." Veronica said.

"Don't be silly. I'm used to it." Cheryl said, her voice high and confindent. "And you heard what mommy said, nothing really happened to me."

"Nick ro-" Veronica started, but was interupted by Ariana.

"Are you serious?" Ariana said in disbelief. "You were drugged. And even the thought that something did happen to you is crippling enough! Believe me, I would know." Ariana stopped, tears prickling the back of her eyes. She didn't look up, knowing that she let something slip that she shouldn't have. 

"I'm fine." Cheryl said slowly.

"If everything is fine, then why did we call Sheriff Keller and make a statment?"

"Momentairly relaspe insanity Veronica. I mean, can you even imagine, me facing off Nick St. Clair in a court room in a battle royale. I'd be a laughing stock." Ariana let out a small sigh of relief, glad that the attention was off of her and her little slip up.

"Cheryl, wait. It's not just you. He's done it to other girls. Hell, he even tried to do it to me, the night before the open house." Ariana looked up at Veronica, who looked at Cheryl pleadingly.

"Did you tell your parents?" Cheryl asked, her gaze softening. Veronica shook her head, causing Cheryl's eyes to harden once more. "And yet you were happy to fill them in on my after dark drama, weren't you. Well, I won't be a puppet for your thirst for vengence. You want justice, you go after Nick in court. Ariana too. She was ready to stand with me, but only because I would go first." Ariana watched as Cheryl marched out of the room after dropping the bomb.

"Is that what you wanted to talk with Cheryl about?" Veronica asked softly. Ariana nodded, tugging at her sleves.

"It's fine. It really doesn't matter. He didn't get as far with me as he got with you guys. I better just go home."

"Ari-" Ariana finished grabbing her stuff.

"I get it, really I do. You want to get revenge. But I just don't think that this is going to be a case in which we win. The judge will probably go Mrs. Blossom's route and it won't go in our favor. I'm sorry V, I really am." With that, Ariana turned and left, thanking Mr. and Mrs, Lodge for their hospitality on her way out.