Within the next few days, things between Archie and Mariah had been nothing but awkward. Or at least they would have been if they were actually communicating. After their kiss, the two went home and haven't spoken since that night.

Mariah was avoiding him as best as she possibly could. She didn't know how to approach him or even what to say. It just happened so unexpectedly and her mind couldn't function properly enough. She wondered what Archie thought about the whole situation.

Their kiss would change everything, that much was obvious. But whether or not the change would be good was the problem. Which is why Mariah was avoiding him, much to her mother's dismay.

"I don't understand why you won't just talk to him," Amara said to her daughter who groaned in response. "No seriously, it's not a big deal," the woman continued. "It's a huge deal, mother," Mariah responded. Amara rolled her eyes, "All you did was kiss."

"It wasn't just a kiss though. It was more than that. That kiss can make or break my relationship with Archie. It can ruin everything," Mariah explained.

"You know what else could ruin your relationship? You avoiding him," Amara said and Mariah sighed. "Just talk to the boy, see where his head's at and where he wants to go with everything," Amara continued.

"I don't know mom," Mariah mumbled. "You told me that he said that he liked you," Amara said and Mariah nodded. "Yeah, so?" She questioned. "So that means that he wants to be more than just friends," her mother answered.

"Or it means that he likes me but wants to remain friends and told me so that I know and our friendship wouldn't be ruined," Mariah claimed and then cringed. Amara scrunched up her face, "If that were the case, then he wouldn't have kissed you. He wouldn't have even admitted his feelings either."

"How do you know?" Mariah asked. "Because I'm smart and I know how boys work. They're idiots," Amara replied.

Just then the door opened and Mariah's eyes widened in shock. Her head whipped around in the direction that the door was located. "You have some explaining to do Mariah Adeline Coleman," the voice of Cheryl Blossom said. The blonde turned to the girl, "How did you get into my house?" She asked in shock. Cheryl held up her keychain and shook it.

"Your mom made me a key," the redhead answered simply. "Now, why didn't you tell me that you and Archibald Andrews kissed?" Cheryl exclaimed. Mariah turned to her mother with narrowed eyes. Amara laughed sheepishly. "I'm gonna go get ready for my day," she said, rushing off in the direction of her room.

Mariah turned back to Cheryl who looked at her expectantly. "I was going to tell you," Mariah claimed. "Oh really?" Cheryl asked, eyes narrowed. "Yes?" Mariah replied. "That 'yes' sounded like a question," Cheryl stated.

Mariah smiled at Cheryl who only looked at her in distaste. "Grab your things, I'm taking you to school. And you are going to tell me everything," the redhead said and Mariah nodded.

The blonde went upstairs to her room, grabbed her bag and shoes, and walked downstairs to where Cheryl stood. The two girls left the house, Mariah locking the door behind her, and got into Cheryl's car.

····

By the time they got to school, Mariah had told Cheryl everything and Cheryl was scowling at the girl. "You're stupid," she deadpanned. "How am I stupid?" Mariah asked, slightly offended. "Because you're ignoring Archie," Cheryl replied as if it was the most obvious answer, which it was. "I'm not ignoring him. Just avoiding him. There's a difference," Mariah defended.

"No, there isn't. And not answering his calls or texts is considered ignoring. And you're a moron," Cheryl said as the two walked into the school. "I mean, it's so obvious that Archie likes you and wants to be more than just friends. You're just too stupid to see it," Cheryl continued.

Mariah glared at her friend who shrugged in response. "What? You are," Cheryl defended and Mariah sighed. "I don't know what to do do, Cher," she said. "Um, talk to him," Cheryl said in a 'duh' tone. "It's not that simple," Mariah stated. "Yes it is," Cheryl deadpanned and Mariah groaned. The two reached Cheryl's locker.

"You need to talk to him. Like, right now," the redhead spoke up. Mariah was thoughtful for a moment and then sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right. I'll talk to him when I see him," Mariah replied. Cheryl smirked, "It's good that you say that, because he's right over there," she said, closing her locker door. Mariah turned her head in the direction that Cheryl was pointing to and, sure enough, Archie was there talking to his friends.

Cheryl nudged Mariah and began shooing her toward the boy. Mariah shook her head in dismissal and whisper shouted a bunch of 'nos'. "Hey Archie, get over here," Cheryl yelled over to the boy.

Archie turned to Cheryl, his eyes landing on Mariah, before turning back to his friends to say goodbye. He speed walked over to the two and Cheryl smiled in victory. "See you in class," she said to Mariah before walking away and disappearing into the mass of students.

"I should probably go too," Mariah said as she began walking away, only for Archie to take a hold of her arm. "Hey wait," he said and she sighed. "You and the arm grabbing," she muttered. She turned back to face him and the two stood in silence. "You've been avoiding me," Archie spoke up.

"No I haven't," Mariah was quick to deny. Archie rolled his eyes. "Yes, you have," he said. Mariah shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said. "Yes, you do," he said back and she sighed. "Okay, maybe I have," she mumbled.

"Why?" He asked in confusion. "I think you know," she answered. "No, I really don't," he said. "Because of the thing. The thing that happened. Between you, and me," Mariah said. Archie looked at her in confusion before a look of realization crossed his features. "You're avoiding me because of the kiss?" He asked and she nodded.

"So you were just gonna what, pretend like it never happened?" He asked next and she remained quiet. "Wow, so this whole thing is all just a game to you," he accused and she shook her head. "This isn't a game to me, Archie," she said.

"Then what is it? Because to me, this is serious," he said. "It's serious to me too. That's why I've been avoiding you," Mariah replied. "That doesn't make any sense," Archie said. Mariah glanced around the hallway before grabbing his arm and dragging him toward a janitor's closet. The two entered and Mariah continued. "I was scared. I thought that maybe we weren't ready to have a relationship and that the kiss would ruin our friendship," she said.

"But I like you and you like me. Isn't that enough?" Archie said. "It's not that simple Archie. There are factors that we need to consider," Mariah said. "There are no factors. I like you and I want to be with you. And I know that you like me too," he said.

"I do like you, Archie but--" She began but he cut her off. "No buts," he said. Mariah sighed in exasperation, "Oh my God you're so annoying. Will you let me finish my sentence?" She exclaimed. "No," he refused, shaking his head and she glared at him. He gave her a hard look back.

"Come on Mar, what are you so afraid of?" He asked. "Well for one, I'm afraid of getting hurt," she admitted. Archie's face softened and he took a step closer to her. "I would never hurt you. Ever," he assured. She shook her head and looked down. "You don't know that," she whispered.

"Yes I do. Because if I do, I'd never forgive myself. Plus Cheryl would kill me," he said and Mariah laughed softly. He took her face and his hands and looked her in the eyes, "You trust me?" He asked. "Yeah," she whispered. "Then trust me on this. And know that I will do everything I can to make you happy," Archie said.

"You're such a dork, Archibald," she said. "Only for you," he said and she laughed. "Yup, you're definitely a dork. And a loser. And you're corny and lame," she said. "All right, it's not attack Archie day," he replied.

The door to the janitor's closet swung open and a man, whom Mariah presumed was the janitor, walked in. He looked taken aback when he initially saw them before scowling. "Shouldn't you two be in class?" The man asked. The two jumped apart and quickly headed for the door.

"We'll continue this discussion later," Mariah said before walking to class.

····

After class, Veronica caught up to Mariah in the hallway. "So, Betty and Jughead are kind of a thing now," the dark haired girl said. "When did that happen?" Mariah asked.

"Who cares? All that matters is that Betty is finally over Archie, thank God. Speaking of the ginger, what's up with you two?" Veronica said. "Archie and I kissed," Mariah somewhat blurted, eyes widening as she did. Veronica gasped. "No way," she muttered and Mariah nodded. "This is the best news I've heard all day," Veronica exclaimed.

"What is?" Betty asked, walking over to the two. "Mariah and Archie kissed," Veronica said. "No way," Betty gasped. "Yes way," Veronica exclaimed. "Okay, you need to tell us everything," Betty said, hooking her arm through Mariah's. Veronica did the same on the girl's other arm.

"So you're not mad?" Mariah asked. "Why would I be mad. Archie and I never dated and you two like each other. I'm happy for you guys," Betty replied. "Plus, she has Jughead now," Veronica piped in.

Kevin ran up to them, then, and began telling them about Cheryl's tweet. "Cheryl really thinks that Polly killed Jason?" Mariah asked. "It seems so," Kevin replied. "We need to find Polly before the Blossoms do," Betty said.

····

After school, Mariah was in Eversgreen Forest along with her friends and a group of other people, including Betty's parents and her own mother. They were all going to look for Polly. She was freezing but determined to find Betty's sister. Betty and Jughead were giving out instructions and the group began looking for Polly.

After a while of walking, the Blossoms, Sheriff Keller, and another group showed up with search dogs. Mariah rolled her eyes at their dramatics and sighed in annoyance. "Alice Cooper, where is she? Where's Polly?" Mrs. Blossom asked and Mariah scrunched up her face in disgust.

"You think if I knew that, I'd be out here with the mosquitoes?" Mrs. Cooper replied. "Face the facts Mommie Dearest, Polly killed Jason," Cheryl deadpanned. "You don't even know if that's true," Mariah pointed out.

"She escaped from the asylum once, who's to say she didn't before? Say, the day Jason got murdered?" Mr. Blossom spoke. "The noose is tightening around your murdering daughter's neck. I know it, Sheriff Keller knows it," Mrs. Blossom started. "Hold on now," Sheriff Keller interjected. "And I promise you, when we find her, and we will find her, the entire town of Riverdale will know too," Mrs. Blossom continued.

"When we find her, and prove that she didn't kill Jason, you people are gonna look really fucking stupid," Mariah said angrily. Amara pulled Mariah away from the Blossoms, who glared at her. "It's no surprise that you would take their side," Mrs. Blossom said. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Cheryl asked.

Amara walked closer to Penelope Blossom. "We're not doing this here. But if you have something to say about my daughter, say it. I dare you," she said dangerously, her eyes narrowed in anger. Penelope smiled falsely. "Nothing, never mind," she said and Amara nodded. "Yeah, that's what I thought," she replied.

····

Alice Cooper was addressing the public concerning the rumors about Polly. She said that Polly was pregnant with Jason's child which caused Mariah to freeze in shock. Jason was going to be a father.

When she looked around the crowd, the Blossoms were gone. A little while later, the two Colemans went home. "Did you talk to Archie?" Amara asked as they sat in the kitchen. "Yeah, but we didn't get to finish our conversation," Mariah answered.

"Are you two gonna date or what?" Amara asked next and Mariah groaned  "I don't know, mom," she said. "I hope you guys date. I've always wanted you two to date," Amara admitted. Mariah smiled and rolled her eyes at the woman.

Mariah's phone rang and Veronica's name was on the caller ID. She stood up and walked up the stairs to her room.

"Hello, Ronnie."
"I'm going clubbing tonight. Are you in?"
"But it's a school night."
"That's never stopped you before."
"Veronica, if this is your way of trying to get back at your mom, I'd rather not participate."
"Boo, you're no fun."
"Sorry, Ron."
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Fine, why wouldn't I be?"
"You know why."
"I'm fine Veronica."
"I don't believe you."
"That's not my problem."
"Okay. Well when you're ready to talk, just call me. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Maybe--"
"Do not say it."
"All right fine."
"Bye Veronica."
"Adios pequeña rubia."

Mariah hung up and flopped backward onto her bed. She sighed and contemplated on whether or not to call Archie before deciding against it. She decided to call Cheryl but the redhead didn't pick up.

She sighed again and looked up at the ceiling, contemplating her life.

°°°°

Chapter sixteen is complete. Sorry if the chapter's a little all over the place. This is only episode seven so we're a little ways away but, I have plans for this book that I'm excited about. Be sure to comment and vote. Also check out my other books (Midnight Decisions, Who You Are, Valkyrie, and Plethora) and vote and comment on them too. Until the next chapter.