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SIX; VARIETY SHOW

     "KALANI, YOU'RE PERFORMING at the Variety Show, right?" Kevin quizzed once he arrived at Kalani's locker.

     She raised an eyebrow. "And who told you that?"

     "Kal, we've all heard you sing when you were still dating Archie. Jesus, being around you guys was always like seeing a live-action Glee episode." Kevin rolled his eyes. "Come on, I'm in charge of auditions. If you sing, I'll guarantee you a spot."

     She heard her boyfriend's booming voice down the hallway. "Beautiful rose! Hey, did everyone here know I'm dating Kalani Rose? Because I am, and no one else is."

     Kevin sighed. "Everyone loves hearing that reminder everyday."

     Kalani shot him a look. She kissed Reggie as soon as he approached her. Usually, Reggie would shoot an insult at Kevin, but because he was attempting to be a better person, he bit his tongue. "Hi, beautiful rose," he greeted formally. "What are you two talking about?"

     "I'm trying to get her to audition for the Variety Show. You can convince her, right, Reggie?"

     He smiled wide. Kalani rolled her eyes. "Of course, Kevin. No need to worry — my beautiful rose will be on that stage, shining like the star she is." Reggie kissed the top of her head and Kevin put a hand over his heart.

     Kevin handed her a piece of paper and looked her dead in the eye. "Auditorium as soon as possible. If it makes you feel any better, Archie will be auditioning too."

     Reggie raised an eyebrow in interest. Kalani elbowed his stomach to prevent his ideas from swirling.

     It wasn't until second period when Reggie dragged her to the auditorium, and Kalani felt like chewing her arm off. "Reg, I really don't want to!" He ignored her pleads and hauled her to the front, where Kevin was sitting at his desk.

     "Here she is, Kevin! Prepped and ready to go!"

     Veronica gazed at Kalani in surprise. It was unknown to her that she was a performer. Josie wasn't so shocked — Kalani was a replacement performer for Josie and the Pussycats. Given, they never needed her to step in unless someone was sick, but Josie still knew of her talents.

     "Kevin, if you put me on that stage, I will not consent to singing," Kalani said sternly. Reggie was still beaming with positivity. He had never heard Kalani sing before, and it was a mystery to him what her voice sounded like. Apparently, she used to sing a lot when she was with Archie, and Reggie was determined to bring out that side of her again.

     "Oh, don't be so dramatic, beautiful rose. Show them what you got!" Reggie nudged her towards the stage and she shot a hard glare at him. She mouthed 'I hate you' and all he did was smile. He returned a few rows back to where his football friends were seated.

     One of them shot a wary glance at Kalani. "Dude, what's going to happen if she's not a good singer?"

     Reggie grasped the fabric of his letterman jacket and pulled on it hard. "Then you'll clap for her and praise her anyway. I swear, if I hear an ounce of disapproval from anyone, you'll regret it for the rest of your life and I'll make sure you remember it."

     But Reggie's threats weren't needed. Kalani was a true performer and a true star. Her choice of song — Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" — was not only powerful, but it surprised everyone in the auditorium, Reggie included. He was completely blown away by the quality in his girlfriend's voice. Kalani received a standing ovation, and Kevin smirked.

     "Spot's all yours, Kal."

     She glared at him and Kevin blew a kiss at her. She exited the stage and sat down next to Reggie. His lips immediately collided with hers. "Beautiful rose, I can't believe you never told me you could sing! I have an angel for a girlfriend, I swear."

     She brushed off his compliments until Reggie began peppering her face with kisses. She groaned, attempting to push him away. She watched as Archie walked across the stage, guitar in hand. He shakily slung the guitar over his shoulder and reached for the microphone.

     Kalani sat up, eager to see what he would play. She knew music was a big part of Archie's life, and it once used to be a big part in both of their lives. Reggie leaned back, cautiously observing Kalani's fond expression. He tried not to feel jealous — she had already established that they were merely friends.

     "Archie Andrews," Kevin announced. "And what will you be auditioning with?"

     "Uh, an original song that I wrote called 'I'll Try,'" he stuttered.

     "Try harder," Reggie hollered. "Maybe try not sucking so much."

     "You better stop it, Reggie," Kalani said sternly, moving away from his touch. He pretended he didn't hear her.

     "Take your time, Archie, though we do have people waiting," Kevin pressed. A few seconds passed and Kalani observed as Archie's fingers struggled to grasp his guitar. "Archie, the clock's ticking."

     "Excuse me," Archie said, dashing for the door. "Sorry, I've gotta go."

     The whole football team began clapping and cheering his leave. Kalani shook her head and stood up. Reggie sat up in his seat. "Where are we going, beautiful rose?"

     "We are not going anywhere," she emphasized. "Come find me when you can get your act together. You don't even understand how hard that was for him."

     Kalani found Archie in the hallway, sitting on the ground next to Valerie. "Hey," she breathed. "Are you alright? I'm sorry about Reggie."

     Archie shook his head. "It's fine, Kal. You shouldn't be apologizing for him."

     Valerie smiled. "I heard you in there, Kalani. You were amazing."

     "Thanks." She squeezed Archie's shoulder. "Arch, come find me if you need me."

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     As soon as her legs swung over the bench, questions were thrown her way. Betty started first. "Kal, you're not sitting with Reggie today?"

     "I'd rather not," she muttered.

     Betty let it go. Jughead wasn't so willing. "Did he finally get to you? I knew it would be a matter of time."

     "Can we talk about something else?" Kalani asked, although it wasn't much of a request.

     "Yeah," Archie agreed. "What were you guys talking about? Anything I can help with?" He looked at Betty and Jughead.

     "What we're attempting is a stealth operation, Archie. If we go in there with the entire Scooby gang, forget it. We're compromised," Jughead brushed off.

     "Well, don't you have to practice for the Variety Show anyway?" Betty questioned.

     Valerie and Archie exchanged an awkward glance. "Uh, no. I don't."

     Veronica approached the table. "Except that, yes, you do. Thanks to a certain Veronica-ex-machina."

     "What do you mean?" Valerie said as Veronica took a seat beside her.

     "Oh, nothing. Just that I had a few words with our director/host, and reminded him that he's heard you sing on numerous occasions." Veronica looked at Kevin.

     "Even though it compromises by artistic integrity," Kevin added.

     "Cutting to the chase, you have a slot if you want it."

     "Veronica, thank you, but you saw what happened," Archie dismissed.

     "We all did."

     "Playing my songs in front of you guys is one thing, but getting back up on that stage by myself — I'm not sure if I'm ready for that," Archie said, unsure of himself and his newfound stage fright.

     "If it's a partner you're looking for, Veronica Lodge is more than willing and able," Veronica said smugly.

     Betty's eyebrows raised in shock. "Veronica, I didn't know you could sing."

     "Like a nightingale. What do you say, Archiekins? Be the Jay to my Bey?" Veronica asked.

     Archie thought about it for a second before he laughed, nodding his head. Veronica's attention diverted to Kalani. "Lani, I heard you sing as well. Pretty amazing, if I say."

     Kalani shrugged. "I was actually forced to, so-"

     "Hush it," Kevin rolled his eyes. "I'm grateful that Reggie pushed you up on that stage."

     "Reggie can shove his opinions where the sun doesn't shine."

     The table grew quiet. Archie and Veronica launched into the topic of the Variety Show, and Betty and Jughead resumed speaking in hushed whispers. None of them bothered to question Kalani's anger towards Reggie, and she was grateful.

     After lunch, she heard Josie's voice drift down the hallway. "Kalani!"

     Kalani raised an eyebrow as Josie stumbled over to where she was. "I need you to perform with the Pussycats at the Variety Show," she cut to the point.

     Kalani sighed. "I wish I could, Josie, but you know I'm already performing solo. Kevin won't let anyone be in two numbers."

     "Says who? Listen, Kal, I really need you. Valerie quit earlier because of artistic differences," Josie said, waving off Valerie's leave of absence. "I mean, what's better? Performing solo or performing with the Pussycats?"

     Kalani felt a tad insulted. "So you're saying I'll be awful on my own, but great if I perform with you guys? That's a bit low, Josie."

     She rolled her eyes and tugged on Kalani's arm. "Kal, please! I'm so desperate."

     Kalani didn't know how he did it, but Reggie always managed to show up when she needed him most. "Beautiful rose, I think we should get started on practicing your vocals for the Variety Show." His arm wrapped around her waist. "Sorry, Josie. We have to get going."

     Reggie whisked her away before Josie could protest. As soon as they rounded the corner and were out of sight, Kalani threw his arm off of her. "Don't touch me, Reginald."

     "Beautiful rose, don't be upset with me. I thought that you'd be over the Archie thing by now!"

     Their classmates stared as they walked by, bickering. Kalani laughed dryly, throwing her hands up in the air. "Why is it always like this with you? Why does our relationship always have to return to me and Archie's? We're different, Reggie."

     "Doesn't seem like it," he boomed. "Everywhere I turn, it's you and Archie. Either you're talking to him alone, you're mentioning him in our conversations, or you're taking his side when we fight! I knew you coerced him to give me the varsity captain spot. Do you understand how demeaning that is? That I have to get someone — more importantly, my girlfriend — to give me the spot instead of earning it? I can't believe you'd go that far, Kalani."

     It was the first time she'd ever heard him call her by her real name since they began dating. It was so odd coming from his mouth, as if he was spitting out the name with hatred. Kalani stopped in her tracks, pausing in the middle of the hallway.

     It might've been nothing to anyone else, but to Kalani, it meant that Reggie was really mad at her this time.

     He continued to walk past her, fuming. Obviously, her relationship with Archie hit him deeper than she originally perceived. She didn't know why Reggie refused to trust her when it came to Archie. There was clearly nothing happening — Archie ignored her all summer, for example!

     She was just attempting to mend their friendship. She tried to see the situation through Reggie's eyes, and came to a sudden realization. Reggie didn't know the years of development between Kalani and Archie. He didn't know that their relationship meant nothing to her, and that was probably Kalani's own fault. She never really talked about why her and Archie failed to work, just brushed it off whenever Reggie brought it up.

     The epiphany caused her to race down the hall, yelling Reggie's name. Everyone had cleared a path for her, not wanting to deal with the Kalani and Reggie drama again.

     She didn't realize her boyfriend was so fast on his feet. She couldn't find his tall frame, and the bell had just rung.

     Another voice called out her name. Weatherbee stood behind her, arms folded across his chest. "Miss Rose, I'm speaking to you. It'd be polite if you turned around."

     Kalani clenched her fists to prevent herself from saying something she would regret. She turned around and offered her principal a fake smile. "Yes, Principal Weatherbee?"

     "I'm going to dismiss the topic of you being late to class because I have to ask a very important question. In case you didn't know, Cheryl Blossom's been temporarily removed from school following the incident that took place at her brother's memorial." She winced at the mention of Cheryl's dramatic entrance. "In order for the River Vixens to continue, they need a captain."

     Kalani's eyebrows shot up. "And you think that I'm qualified to do it?"

     "Of course," Weatherbee chuckled in disbelief. "I've seen you perform, Kalani. You're as good, if not better, than Miss Blossom. I presume you'll take command at practice after school today?"

     She gulped. "I guess."

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     Kalani had been waiting outside the boys' locker rooms for almost a hour and a half. She had seen multiple people exit, including Moose and Archie, but Reggie still wasn't in sight. She was definitely a new fan favorite at River Vixens practice — she organized a stellar routine that all of the cheerleaders loved. Usually, Cheryl would throw something together and the cheerleaders would go along whether they liked it or not. If they chose to voice their opinions, Cheryl would immediately kick them off the squad.

     When Archie exited, he didn't stare at her in astonishment like he used to. "Waiting for Reggie to walk you home?"

     "We had a fight. I need to apologize to him."

     Archie's eyebrows raised. "A fight? Over what?"

     She pursed her lips. "You."

     He could see her bottom lip was quivering, which meant she was about to cry. He didn't know she was so upset over Reggie being mad at her. He stormed back into the locker rooms, and Kalani asked what he was doing. She got her answer a few moments later when she heard both Reggie and Archie shouting.

     "You hurt her, Reggie, and I'll never forgive you. This whole school will never forgive you."

     She could almost hear the grinding of Reggie's teeth in frustration. "And why should I care about your opinion, Andrews?"

     "I loved her. You know what? I still love her. She means the absolute world to me and if I see one tear fall from that perfect face of hers, I'll give you hell."

     Kalani's eyes widened at Archie's confession. She didn't get her chance to confront him before Archie dashed past her, exiting the building.

     Reggie was out not long after. He didn't even have the courage to look at her. "I can't walk you home today, Kalani. I have other duties."

     "I'm apologizing, Reggie. You deserve a solid explanation."

     He huffed. "Yeah, I really do."

     She managed to grab ahold of his bicep and he swiveled around. He tried to avoid her eyes, knowing one look was all it took to pull him in. "Please listen, Reg," she pleaded. When she knew he wasn't going to run away, she dug through the front pocket of her backpack and pulled out a Hawaiian flower. She tucked it over her left ear. "I haven't worn this since I broke up with Archie. The reason I refused to was because I felt like it symbolized a deeper meaning. Like it symbolized a sign of my happiness, and for a long time, I was extremely unhappy. It hurt to get up everyday and go to school. It hurt to see Archie's face lingering in the halls, knowing that I was the cause of the root of his pain. Now, I want to wear it." She took a step closer and pulled Reggie's chin so he could look at her. "I want to wear it because I'm happy. You make me happy, Reggie. Not Archie or anyone else. You."

     Her fingers interlaced with his. Reggie's fingers brushed past her ear, observing the flower. Kalani continued to speak. "When I was with Archie, I have to admit — I was happy. He made me happy for a very long time because not only was he my boyfriend, but he was my best friend as well. Then, times got tough. Being with Archie was exhausting, and it felt more like a job than a relationship. Breaking up with him was the hardest. He was so happy and when he realized that I wasn't, things began to fall apart. We broke up by the end of freshman year and everyone laid the blame on me. I got questions like, 'How could you break up with Archie? He's such a sweetheart!' They thought it was my fault and for the longest time, I lost Archie and Betty as my friends. Yes, Reggie, we had something special. Me and Archie will always have something special because we've been friends since we learned how to speak. I can't blame you for being jealous — I would be too if I was in your shoes. Either way, I'm still going to be friends with Archie. Because in a few years, everyone will go off to different places and different colleges and I would love to say that I am still friends with the people I grew up with." She stroked his cheek. "Is that fine with you?"

     He grinned like there had not been any fight at all. "More than fine, beautiful rose." He leaned down to kiss her. The kiss said more words than Reggie needed to. "Thank you for telling me."

     Kalani suddenly felt hands under her knees and back as she was swung into the air and into the arms of Reggie Mantle. "What the hell are you doing?" She exclaimed, trying to balance herself in his grip.

     "Carrying a beautiful rose home," he proclaimed proudly. "Have you given any thought to what you were going to sing at the Variety Show?"

     She rolled her eyes. "I don't understand why you're so interested in me singing at this show."

     "Beautiful rose, you're like an angel in disguise! As your boyfriend, I'm allowed to be proud of my multi-talented girlfriend."

     "You can add another hobby to that list you're making in your mind," she said, tapping his forehead. "I just landed the gig of cheerleading captain for the River Vixens."

     Reggie almost dropped her, and she shrieked in surprise.

     "Sorry, beautiful rose. I just didn't expect to hear news of my girlfriend getting better than she already is."

     She ignored the blush spreading upon her cheeks. "Enough about me, let's talk about you. We need to get a better handle on your tutoring instead of smacking lips all the time."

     "I've totally accomplished everything needed, beautiful rose! I went from a C minus to a C plus!"

     She laughed and kissed his cheek, eyes sparkling in happiness.

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     "You nervous?"

     "A tad," she confessed, applying more mascara to her eyelashes. Her eyes fluttered over to Josie's. "Sorry for leaving you out to dry. I heard Veronica's taken my place, though."

     Apparently, while Kalani and Reggie had their own drama, Archie and Veronica experienced some of their own. Veronica had intended to sing with Archie at the Variety Show, but once Valerie quit the Pussycats, Archie decided to include her in the group. A few insults were thrown before Veronica made the quick decision to take Valerie's place and Valerie took Veronica's.

     Kalani knew that even though Josie was happy that Veronica was performing with them, she'd much rather have Valerie by her side.

     "She has," Josie hummed in agreement, adjusting her cat ears. "Still, I expect to be counting on you in case one of us is sick again."

     Kalani clicked her tongue and winked. "I'll be there if you need me."

     There was a holler in the hallways. Kalani recognized the voice, and internally curled herself up from embarrassment. "Roses for my rose! Hey, did you know my girlfriend is Kalani Rose? She'll be performing tonight and it'll blow your mind away!"

     Reggie's head peeked into the dressing room. "Beautiful rose, I got roses for you!"

     "I think everyone knows that by now," Josie grumbled under her breath.

     He strode over to where Kalani was seated and pressed a kiss against her cheek. The door swung wide open again, but this time, it was Valerie who was on a mission. She stood behind Josie as she applied her makeup.

     "Why didn't you tell me your dad was coming?" Valerie inquired.

     "Would it have made a difference?" Josie clipped.

     "Um, yes," Valerie exhaled. "Josie, I'm not singing with Archie tonight."

     Josie pretended to look disinterested. "Sorry to hear that, but you know I filled your spot, Val."

     "Yes," Valerie agreed, leaning closer. "And I also know that the new girl may be pretty, but no way does her voice blend with yours like mine does."

     Josie took another good look at herself in the mirror, sighing deeply. She caved into Valerie's request. "I suppose," she stood up, facing Valerie. "There's always room for one more kitty in my litter box."

     They shared a brief laugh before Valerie grew stern. "But, Josie, every now and then, I want to sing lead."

     "Co-lead," Josie corrected. "And only on the bridge."

     "Fine."

     "I have this killer arrangement of Miss Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love.' If you're up for that tonight," Josie suggested. Kalani smiled, glad to see they were making up. Josie could be a little self-absorbed and bossy at most times, but Kalani's met her dad. She knew Josie had every reason to act that way.

     "I so am!"

     "Oh my God," Josie said excitedly, grabbing a spare pair of cat ears and handing it back to Valerie. "Alright, girl. Go get changed 'cause we're gonna rock it!"

     They enveloped each other in a hug and Kevin poked his head in. "Kalani, you're on in five."

     Reggie planted a kiss on her lips. "Showtime, beautiful rose!"

     Josie and Valerie wished Kalani a good performance before she left the dressing room. Her floor length, red gown fit perfectly on her, but suddenly, Kalani felt slightly self-conscious. Reggie's hand gripped hers until Kevin instructed him to join the audience.

     "I'll be watching, alright, beautiful rose? Look at me if you get nervous, okay?"

     She nodded uneasily. He cupped her cheek and pulled her in for another kiss. "Love you, beautiful rose. Have fun out there."

     Kalani's mind was racing. She couldn't even remember Kevin introducing her performance, or the performance itself. Reggie just told her he loved her like it was something they said to each other everyday in a casual manner.

     When she stumbled off stage, Veronica was congratulating her. "Lani, you did great! Why do you look so pale?"

     "Reggie just told me he loves me."

     Veronica didn't have time to react, being prodded on stage by Valerie. Josie and the Pussycats were soon performing, and Kalani was still tense from shock backstage. She felt a hand on her back.

     "Kal, you alright?"

     "Reggie Mantle loves me."

     Archie tried to fake a smile, but she saw right through him. "That's good for you, Kal."

     She didn't forget about his confession in the locker rooms, but chose not to address it.

     She excused herself to search for Reggie backstage. He was leaning against one of the walls, scrolling through his phone mindlessly. Kalani almost wanted to punch him for looking so nonchalant when he just said three words that meant more to her than anything else.

     "Reginald Mantle," she growled, fists clenched. "If you're going to take back what you said-"

     "I'm not, beautiful rose," he chuckled. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and grabbed her waist, pulling her close to him. "I know you're not ready to say it yet, but I am, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I love Kalani Rose, and I'll tell everyone at this school because I'm not ashamed."

     Kalani bit her lower lip to prevent herself from laughing, and shook her head. "Oh, Reggie." She kissed him gently. "You're right — I'm not ready to say it yet."

     "And that's perfectly fine with me, beautiful rose." He kissed her forehead. "All I really need to know is that you're my girlfriend, and that fact won't go away anytime soon."

hey, if betty can say she loves jughead in five episodes since they've been together, reggie can say he loves kalani in six chapters