***WARNING: Please read this chapter with caution. Someone makes a choice that they end up regretting greatly. And I understand that even if someone does something consensual, that regret afterwards, or even during, isn't easy to go through or read. And the other person involved isn't so nice. ***SEXUAL CONTENT and LANGUAGE
It was almost the end of football season, excitement in the air as everyone decided to go to the last away game. The other team's quarterback was throwing a house party and he'd invited whoever wanted to come from Riverdale. It was no surprise that almost everyone decided to go. This didn't happen often.
Cheryl was actually in a good mood too. It was the end of the week and she was going to have fun at the party – leave her worries behind. Toni would be there, and there was nothing like teasing glances from across the room to get them both worked up. Maybe they'd find a room to lock themselves in when no one was looking.
Veronica had texted that she was on her way to pick her up. So Cheryl did a last minute check to make sure she had a change of clothes for the party before heading down. She knew Veronica would be by any minute. She was happy she and Veronica were forming more of a friendship.
"Will you be home tonight?" Her mother asked, emerging from the afternoon glow of the sunroom with a glass of something alcoholic.
"I don't know. We're all going to a party afterwards. I might sleep over Veronica's if we get back late."
"Oh, the new city girl as well?"
She frowned; suddenly a little worried, her heart skipping a beat, "As well?"
"You think I don't know you have something going on with that girl from the south side? The one with the trashy pink hair."
She stayed quiet, no idea what to say or how her mother would even know.
"We have security cameras, Cheryl," he mum explained smugly. "It makes sense, I guess. You're always looking for new ways to disappoint us."
"She's just my friend, mother." Cheryl tried. If anything her mum had seen Toni on the outside security camera, it wasn't evidence of anything other than Toni coming over. "She's nice."
It hurt to always be called a disappointment. She tried to be everything her parents wanted. She hated that she always failed so greatly.
"I bet she is."
The knock from the door made Cheryl sigh with relief, going to answer it before her mother could say anything else. Her heart was beating out of her chest. This couldn't be happening. There was no way she could know Toni was anything more than just a friend. Cheryl just had to stay cool about the whole thing. Denial was key.
"Hey, you ready to go?" Veronica asked with a smile. "Oh, hello Mrs. Blossom."
"Veronica," Penelope greeted. "I trust you girls are going to find some cute boys at the party tonight?" she asked, very subtle if nothing else.
"That's the plan!" Veronica smiled.
"I remember when I was young. I had many young gentlemen callers fighting for my attention."
Veronica smiled with amusement.
"Goodnight, mother. We're going to be late." Cheryl said, pushing Veronica gently against her shoulder and trying with all her might to get away from her mother.
Veronica smiled and waved goodbye to Penelope, "Your mum's weird." She stated as soon as they were in her car.
"I know," Cheryl sighed, happy to at least be away from this mess until tomorrow. She couldn't worry about her personal life right now. She had to make sure all the girls were there and ready on time. She group texted them all, counting off their replies as they came in.
