././𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓻'𝓼 𝓔𝓭𝓰𝓮/./.

Our story is about a town. A small town. And the people who live in the town. From a distance, it presents itself like so many other small towns all over the world. Safe. Decent. Innocent. Get closer, though, and you start seeing the shadows underneath.

The name of our town is Riverdale.

And our story begins, I guess, with what the Blossom siblings did this summer. On the fourth of July, just after dawn, Jason, Cheryl and sweet Adelaide Blossom drove out to Sweetwater River for an early morning boat ride.

The cold air nipped at my milky skin, which was exposed due to the dip in my white dress. Although school hadn't even started yet, Riverdale had become quite chilly and I found myself regretting not bringing my fur coat. I let my hand fall from my strawberry-blonde locks and out of the car as Jason drove over to Sweetwater River.

My brother held his hand out and helped me out of the car.

"Are you scared, Jason?" Cheryl asked our brother.

Jason shook his head, revealing his charming smile everybody loved.

I put on a smile rubbing his shoulder, trying to ignore the sick feeling bubbling in my stomach. My big brother has never been scared for as long as I have known him. He wrapped his arm around me to pull me into a short hug.

We all clambered into the small boat. Jason grabbed the oars and began pushing the water back to move the boat. We sat in silence looking at the trees pass by, appreciating the beauty of Riverdale. Our home.

There was a crack of thunder. A strong breeze moved my hair in front of my face. Cheryl screamed for her glove. I turned to grab my brother. Everything went black.

The next thing we know happened for sure is that Dilton Doiley, who was leading Riverdale's Boy Scout Troop on a bird-watching expedition, came upon Cheryl by the river's edge hovering over Adelaide's body. Riverdale police dragged Sweetwater River for Jason body but never found him.

So, a week later, the Blossom family buried an empty casket and Jason's death was ruled an accident as the story that Cheryl told made the rounds. That Cheryl dropped a glove in the water and Jason reached down the get it. And accidentally tipped the boat. And panicked. And drowned. Adelaide was accidentally hit in the head with an oar and passed out unconscious.

As for us, we were still talking about the 4th of July tragedy on the last day of summer vacation, when a new mystery rolled into town.

~❃~

"Are you excited? Nervous? Both." Kevin shuffled closer to Betty, hungry for gossip. We were in Betty's room talking about Archie and her relationship.

Betty tightened her ponytail before twisting to look at us, "I haven't seen him all summer."

I smiled, getting off the bed and applying Betty's red lip gloss onto my lips, before squeezing my half sister's shoulders, "Which is why nerves are acceptable."

Kevin nods with me, "But we agreed, Betty. It's time. You like him, he likes you." Kevin motions his hands, putting them together.

Betty sags her shoulders, "Well, then why, hasn't he ever said or done anything?"

"Because Archie's swell, but like most millennial straight guys, he needs to be told what he wants," Kevin easily responds.

I brush Betty's hair, taking out the tangles from the Cooper family curls we both share, "So tell him, finally."

"Well, we'll see," Betty sighs, "I mean, it depends."

Kevin walks over to the window, "Oh, my God! What? Game-changer. Archie got hot! He's got abs now" Betty and I walk over to the window to see Archie's well-defined abs. I blush, looking away. He did get hot, but he is still like a brother to me.

 Kevin smirks, "Six more reasons for you to take that ginger bull by the horns tonight."

~❃~

"So, what was the highlight?", Archie asks Betty and me.

"Of my internship?" Betty speaks first.

"The Toni Morrison book release party I organized, by far", Betty gushes. She has been talking about it all night. "At the end of the night, Toni Morrison, who is, as you know, - my literary hero, says to me," Archie nods her along, "'Don't rush this time, Betty. It goes by so fast at your age. One summer can change everything.'"

Archie nods along, "Wow. That's so true." Archie looks at me, "How was France?"

I smile. Last year I was offered to join a program in France with my sister, Cheryl. I was more than happy to talk about France, rather than the other thing that happened this summer. "It was amazing. I worked with the best professors I have ever had and I learned so much. And touring France was an added plus."

Archie laughs, knowing that I was not lying. He stared behind Betty and me again. He seemed really distracted tonight. "That's cool."

I bit my lip, trying to think of something to diffuse the awkwardness. Betty speaks up, "How was working for your dad?"

"It was pouring concrete, every day, all day long. To pass time, I would start composing these poems, in my head," Archie says leaning closer as though it was a secret, "And at night, I'd go home, I'd write them down."

I interrupt him, "You don't even like reading poetry." I think back to when Jughead and I would read poetry during lunch. He was the only one who appreciated the same literature as me.

"They weren't poems, they were song lyrics. And working on them made me feel like...It made me feel like I'd finally broken through to something real. About my life and what I should be trying to do with it. Music. Starting this year, tomorrow."

"Amazing," I smile, happy he has finally found something to enjoy.

"Will you ask Ms.Grundy to tutor you?", Betty questions him, batting her eyelashes.

Archie doesn't seem to notice, "I'm not sure, maybe."

Betty presses on, "What about football? Can you do both?"

Archie shrugs, "I'll try out, at least."

"Well, have you told your dad?"

"No," Archie finishes, "Until I've got things more figured out, you two, are the only person I'm telling, okay?"

I smirk trying to diffuse the intensity of the situation, "Well, I'd love to hear them sometime."

Archie blushes, "Yeah?"

Betty laughs, "Yes." Why wouldn't we want to listen to his music?

"Yeah, I'm finishing a couple of demos tonight."

I nod my head, "Great."

Betty plays with the straw of her vanilla milkshake, "Also I've been thinking about us, Archie, and our friendship, and how it's time we..."

I move to leave and allow them some personal space when I am blocked by a dark-haired girl in a black cape. "Hi."

I look up with a smile, "Hey."

"How are the onion rings here?"

"So good." Archie smiles like some lost puppy who just found a new owner.

"Can we get some onion rings, too, please?" she calls over to Pop who mutters a 'Yeah.'

"Thanks," Veronica smiles, "My mom and I just moved here, so"

Archie looks infatuated with the girl in front of us, "From where?"

"New York."

"Wow", Archie dazedly smiles.

"Do you guys go to Riverdale?"

"We do. Both of us. Together," Betty jumps in, "We're sophomores."

"Me too," she smiles, "I'm filled with dread."

"Why is that?" I ask her.

"Are you familiar with the works of Truman Capote? I'm Breakfast at Tiffany's, but this place is strictly In Cold Blood."

I laugh. I like her. Any girl who can make a reference to Truman Capote without a second hesitation in a diner is worth my attention. I also notice Archie, pretending like he understood a word of what she just said. He is totally into her. Poor Betty.

"Veronica Lodge."

"Archie Andrews."

"Adelaide Juliette Cooper-Blossom, nice to meet you", I hold my hand out and shake hers. I turn to my sister who is shooting daggers at the back of Veronica's head for interrupting her moment with Archie, "Uh, this is Betty Cooper. My sister."

"Wait, are you..."

"Supposed to give you your tour tomorrow?" Betty smiles, I can tell she feels guilty already, "Yes. I'm your peer mentor."

"Do you want to join us?" Archie asks her moving to make room, "Hey, maybe we can un-fill you with dread."

"My mom's waiting for me," Veronica frowned, "But, to be continued."

"Yeah." I wave her goodbye.

"What were you saying?" Archie turns back to Betty, after watching Veronica walk out of the room.

Betty smiles, shaking her head. I can tell she is upset. "Nothing."

~❃~

I was excited to go back to school, cheerleading was going to begin again and we were going to receive more advanced classes. I was packing my purse when my mother walked in.

"This coming year is critical. Grades are important, extracurriculars, athletics. Maintaining a decent character is hugely important, they do look at that."

I laugh, pulling two locks of my hair and tying it with a bow for my usual half-up hairdo, ignoring my mother's insanity. "Mom, I know. I'm only a sophomore."

"You've accomplished so much, I don't want anything jeopardizing that. I mean, a year ahead of your age. And top in your class with that..."

I knew what she really meant. About how poor Polly was ruined by Jason, who took everything away from her. Or thank goodness that he was dead because it was one less Blossom for me to be swayed by, even if he was my brother. She would never say these things about my siblings in front of me, but I knew she felt them.

I twirled a piece of my hair, thinking about Jason. I missed him so much. I had taken this entire summer to mourn his death and accept it. To put myself together, but now that I am thinking about him, I don't know if I will be able to go to Riverdale High without him constantly in my head.

"I love you so much, Adelaide." Mom brings me out of my thoughts as she brushes my hair behind my ear. She gave my outfit a once over and frowned.

I had dressed in a plaid red skirt, matching with a thin sweater, since I had been so chilly lately, and nude stilettos. I had on my iconic red strawberry lip gloss and a light layer of mascara. I knew that if I did not dress to Blossom standards on the first day, Cheryl would skin me.

~❃~

Betty and I ran to the office hoping we weren't late for Veronica's tour. Mom had stopped us to remind us to take out Adderall. We had intentionally left them at the Pharmacist. Thankfully we made it in time for her to walk up to the office.

I let out a deep breath, "We made it."

Betty nodded at me, relieved before smiling at Veronica and jumping right into the tour, "So, I usually start off my tours with a little history and context. Riverdale High first opened its doors in 1941 and hasn't been-"

"-redecorated since, apparently." Veronica looks at the walls in disgust. Betty and I look at each other a bit taken aback as she continues. "Honestly, I feel like I'm wandering through the lost epilogue of Our Town."

We giggle before Veronica smiles at us, "So what's the social scene like here? Any night clubs?"

Kevin jumps into our conversation after pretending to stand by the water fountain, probably waiting for us to pass, "A strip club called the Ho Zone and a tragic gay bar called Innuendo. Friday nights, football games and then tailgate parties at the Mallmart parking lot. Saturday night is movie night, regardless of what's playing at the Bijou, and you better get there early, because we don't have reserved seating in Riverdale. And Sunday nights Thank God for HBO." Kevin wraps his arms around Betty and me.

I try to hide my smile, "Veronica Lodge, Kevin Keller."

Betty gives Kevin a strange look, "Veronica's new here. Kevin is-"

"Gay, thank God" Veronica finishes before Betty can continue, giving her hand to Kevin, "Let's be best friends."

Kevin looks around the halls before leaning forwards, "it true what they say about your dad?"

Veronica raises her eyebrows, "That he's the devil incarnate? I stand by my father." She looks around the students with a look in her eyes she didn't hold before, "Does everyone here know?" We look anywhere but Veronica not wanting to lie to the new girl, "Wonderful. Ten minutes in and I'm already the Blue Jasmine of Riverdale High.'

She walks off causing Betty and me to walk quickly to catch up with her. I try to regain her attention, "Oh, and of course there's the Back-to-School - semiformal dance this weekend."

Veronica stops staring at Archie, "Oh! There's the hottie we were with last night. The red-headed Ansel Elgort. Is he your boyfriend?"

"No, he's not my type."

Kevins says, "No, he's straight."

While Betty says, "No, we're just friends."

"In that case, mind putting in a word?" Veronica stares hungrily at him, "I've tried every flavor of boy but orange."

"Actually, to clarify," I interrupt, "Betty and Archie aren't dating, but they are endgame."

"You should ask him to the semiformal then," Veronica tell Betty.

Kevin walks with us, "She should, but I heard it might be getting canceled."

"Because of what happened to Jason."

My eyes flicker to Betty as she says those words and I walk away not wanting to burst into tears. If only I had known that the minute I returned, Cheryl would drag me over to the gym where she would have an entire speech for Jason. Luckily all I had to do was stand behind her while she spoke.

"Thank you for that moment of silence. Many of you were lucky enough to have known my brother personally. Each and every one of you meant the world to Jason. I loved my brother. He was and always will be my soulmate. So I speak with the confidence only a twin could have Jason wouldn't want us to spend the year mourning. Jason would want us to move on with our lives. Which is why I've asked the School Board not to cancel the Back-to-School semiformal," everyone began cheering, "But rather, to let us use it as a way to heal, collectively, and celebrate my brother's too, too short life on this mortal coil. Thank you all."

I notice Jughead in the back, rolling his eyes. He stretches his fingers before he begins to furiously type on his computer. He must have felt my stare because he looked up and his eyes met with mine for just a few seconds before he looked away.

~❃~

I was walking with Cheryl during lunch. We were about to sit down at her usual table when she harshly pulled me away. I dropped my lunch on the table before rushing over with her.

While we were walking I heard Veronica asking about me.

"What's the deal with the tiny ginger?" Veronica said.

"She is Betty's half-sister. Part Blossom. Part Cooper. The oldest families of Riverdale. Loved by all," Kevin smirked before looking up at Cheryl and me.

"It's actually strawberry-blonde," I bat my eyelashes at her. I don't enjoy people prying into my personal life or getting my hair color wrong.

"Veronica Lodge. I'd heard whisperings. I'm Cheryl Blossom. This is my sister, Adelaide Cooper-Blossom. May we sit?" Cheryl pushed Betty to move to the side so we could all fit on the small bench.

"So, what are you three hens gossiping about?" Cheryl chirped. I began analyzing the many rings that are always on my fingers, trying to not include myself in whatever Cheryl is starting. "Archie's Efron-esque emergence from the chrysalis of puberty?"

"Extracurriculars. Weatherbee wants me to sign up for a few." Veronica replied.

"Cheerleading. You must." Cheryl told her. "I am senior captain of the River Vixens, Addy being my co-captain."

"Is cheerleading still a thing?" Kevin sassily asked Cheryl.

"Is being the Gay Best Friend still a thing?" Cheryl quickly snapped. 

I look at her shocked, "Cheryl!"

Cheryl smiled back at Veronica, "Some people say it's retro, I say it's eternal and iconic. At Spence, I sat at the top of the Elites' pyramid."

Veronica smiled, "I'm in. Betty, you're trying out, too."

I smile hugging Betty, excited for her to try out again, "Of course, anyone's welcome to try out."

Cheryl wore a nasty smile on her face, "But Betty's already got so much on her plate right now and being a Vixen is kind of a full-time thing. But open to all!" Cheryl popped out of her seat, "Follow me on Twitter and I'll do the same. My handle is @cherylbombshell. Addy's is @JulieBombshell with a capital B."

Veronica looked at Betty, "Okay. Go ahead and hate on cheerleading, but if Hipster Prince Harry..."

Betty shook her head with a sad smile, "I'd love to be a cheerleader. It would look great on my college applications. But last year, when I tried out, Cheryl said I was too fat."

I looked down at the table feeling guilty. I had completely forgotten about Cheryl's comment.

Veronica quickly jumped in, "Well, you're a total smoke show now. I mean it. As hot and as smart as you are, you should be the Queen Bey of this drab hive."

"Look, Bets, if you want to be a River Vixen I will help you prep, I have moves", I shrug, taking a fry from her plate. I shiver as a cool breeze comes in and fold my arms together, the other's don't seem bothered.

Betty looked at Veronica and me with a smile before nodding, "Okay. You know what? Show me your moves."

~❃~

Cheryl and I sat in the gym as we watched girl after girl try out for the team. I was glad that we weren't doing any physical activity because lately, I have been having these awful headaches. When Veronica and Betty walked up, I straightened my shoulders happy to see my sister tryout.

They walk up and immediately began the small cheer, "We're blue! And gold! We're dynamite! We'll take you down, and fight the fight! Whoo! Go, Bulldogs!"

"Hmm," Cheryl looks at the clipboard, "Ladies, where's the heat? Where's the sizzle?"

Veronica hesitates, "Well, you haven't seen our big finish yet." She turns to Betty and pulls her forward connecting their lips in a short kiss.

My jaw drops looking at my goody-two-shoes sister kiss Veronica in front of the entire cheer team.

Cheryl yawns, "Check your sell-by date, ladies, faux lesbian kissing hasn't been taboo since 1994."

"So let's see if you do better with the interview portion of our audition," Cheryl smiles. I look at her confused. We don't have an interview portion.

"Betty, how's your sister doing?"

I glare at my red-haired sister. How dare she?

Betty answers, "Um, Polly's fine, thanks for asking."

"Veronica, has Betty told you about her sister yet?" Cheryl asks Veronica with a smirk.

"Uh, no."

"Go ahead, Betty."

"Tell Veronica about your sister and our dear brother."

I ball my hands into fists, trying to remain calm in front of my team. I feel a warm liquid run down my palms, and know that I tore the skin in my hands and I was bleeding.

"Polly and Jason dated", I grit out, not wanting to torture Betty the way my other sister Cheryl was.

Cheryl scoffs, "I wouldn't say 'dated'."

"It didn't end well," Betty frowns.

Cheryl smiles, "In fact, Jason's probably why your sister had a nervous breakdown and now lives in a group home, isn't it? That's what my parents think. What do you have to say about that, Betty? Go ahead, the floor is yours.

Whatever you've been dying to spew about Jason and how he treated Polly, unleash it. Destroy me. Tear me a new one. Rip me to shreds. Annihilate me."

I swear I could hurt her right now. Why would she do this? I feel sick but manage to look up when Betty speaks, "I just-"

"Finally," I hear Cheryl mutter under her breath.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened to Jason. I can't even imagine what you and your family must be going through."

Cheryl puckered her lips, unsatisfied, "Right. Veronica, welcome to the River Vixens. Betty, better luck next time."

I snap my head towards her ready to argue but Cheryl beats me to it, "Co-Captain can't allow people to join the team. Sorry sister."

Veronica scoffs, "Wait, what? Why? Because you couldn't bully Betty into being a bitch?"

Cheryl stands up, walking up to the two girls, "I need girls with fire on my squad."

I am practically boiling in my seat. I move over to argue but Veronica beats me to it.

"I know what you need, Cheryl because I know who you are. You would rather people fear than like you, so you traffic in terror and intimidation. You're rich, so you've never been held accountable, but I'm living proof. That certainty, that entitlement you wear on your head like a crown? It won't last. Eventually, there will be a reckoning. Or Maybe that reckoning is now. And maybe, that reckoning Is me. Betty and I come as a matching set. You want one, you take us both. You wanted fire? Sorry, Cherrybombshell, my specialty's ice."

Cheryl turns to me expecting me to defend her but I roll my eyes and stand near Veronica, "Jason and Polly are my siblings and so is Betty. You messed up this time." I walk away. I stop when I make it to the double doors, "Betty consider yourself part of the team. Uniforms are in the back." I give Cheryl a final look daring her to test me before storming over to my house.

~❃~

I had gone home after the entire debacle with the River Vixens. I plopped down on my bed and cried. I let out everything that I had been holding in the entire time. Cheryl may be able to act like Jason's death isn't a big deal but it is for me.

Betty had come to take me to the dance with Archie, Veronica, and herself but I declined not feeling up to it. I didn't want to see Cheryl or deal with her drama. I decided to stay home in my pajamas and watch Red Shoes instead.

Once the movie ended, I was hungry so I decided to walk over to Pop's. I walked up to Pop with a smile, "Could I have my usual"

Pop gives me a rare smile before winking at me, "You are the only customer who orders red velvet milkshakes."

I laugh before turning to find somewhere to eat. I find Jughead typing on his computer, shoving a fry in his mouth every now and then. I slowly walk over to him, before stopping at the booth across from his own. The pause of the clinks from my heels gains his attention. He looks up, wearing his signature crown beanie.

"Juliette," Jughead looks up at me, with something indescribable in his eyes. I forgot how much I loved hearing him say my name. He was the only one who used my middle name.

I think back to when we were just kids and I introduced myself to Juggie, after Archie pressured me to do so. The dark and gangly boy said that Juliette was a far more appropriate name for a girl so pretty. I vaguely recall my cheeks turning beet red before I ran away. It wasn't until lunch that I had gained the courage to talk to him. That day was the day that we became best friends.

I am immediately hit with a wave of guilt for ignoring him. After learning of Jason's death, I pushed him away because he was there for me the most. I didn't mean to but I needed someone to let my pain out on and he was there.

I smile at him, before looking down at the floor, not being able to look into his eyes without seeing the pain I caused.

"Do you want to sit?", his bored voice breaks the silence. I look up at him, my eyes lined with tears, as I silently nodded my head,

I sit down in the seat across from him and we stare at each other.

Pop brings my red milkshake over to me. I give him a silent thank you before gaining the courage to speak to Jughead, "What are you writing about?"

"About this summer...And Jason's death" Jughead explains warily, testing my reaction. 

I feel my heart thunder in my chest at the mention of his mysterious death, "Jason?"

"Jason was the captain of the water polo team and he drowned. It's a little suspicious, don't you think?" Jughead asked me, leaning forward to make sure no prying ears would hear. I take a slow sip of my milkshake, knowing he was right. Jason was practically raised in water and would never drown from shock. I had been trying to deny the proof however because it was easier to believe that he died because of some freak accident. 

"I wish I could help" I strain to put on my brightest smile, wanting nothing more than to earn back Juggies friendship. I was willing to dig deep into my own brother's death to do so.

"Shouldn't you be with Archie?" Jughead muttered, and I swear he looked jealous. 

I shake my head, causing my messy ponytail to fall, "Why would I be with Archie?"

"You two are besties, right?" Jughead said finally looking up at me to meet my eyes.

I shake my head with a small laugh, "Yeah, but I don't have to be with him every second," the smile on my face falls when I realize what is going on, "Do you think I didn't want to be friends anymore because of Archie?"

Jughead looked at me with a glower before sarcastically saying, "Well it was either that or because I was so nice to you that you couldn't bear our friendship any longer."

I feel a sharp sting in my chest at his words. I really messed up when I pushed Jughead away but I didn't realize how much until now. "Jughead, I am sorry. I didn't mean what I said. I was angry about Jason's death and I took it out on you. Which was wrong. And I know I should have said this before but, I guess I was scared you would say you don't want to be friends. So I-"

"Juliette," Jughead's soft voice interrupts me with a grim smile on his face, "There is nothing that will stop us from being friends. You were the one who said you didn't want to see me anymore because I-"

"I didn't mean what I said," I quickly tell him, feeling the guilt roll over me like a landslide. I knew what I said, but I couldn't hear him repeat it.

"Your brother died. I get that," Jughead sighed. I smile, knowing that Juggie had already forgiven me. He never could hold a grudge. 

At least in my experience.

"So, what have I missed?" I ask him leaning over the table to look at his computer. Jughead smiles at me, not able to keep up his grim facade,  and turns towards me. I blush when I see how close we are if I leaned a bit closer our lips would touch. I lean back, taking a sip of my sweet drink, trying to diffuse the awkwardness.

I had forgotten how easy it was for us to connect. We easily slipped back into old habits. Jughead typing away on his computer while I made small notes, reading what he wrote, or brought up a something that we could talk about. The amazing thing about being with Juggie was we didn't need to fill our time together with movies, conversation, or anything, all we needed was each other.

Eventually, we both silently sat in the booth, simply enjoying each other's company. I rested my head on Jughead's shoulder and allowed the lull of Jughead breathing to calm my nerves.

I missed this. I missed relaxing with Juggie or talking about a new book I finished. I had spent an entire summer away from him and knew I could never bear to do it again.

I noticed Archie walking in and begrudgingly moved off of Jughead's shoulder and sat up, much to his protests. "Where are you going?"

I smile before nodding to Archie, "I think you two need to talk, alone. See you tomorrow?"

Jughead nodded, looking solemn, "Yeah. Have a good night."

I smile giving him a final wave goodbye before walking out the door. Going home knowing that I finally had my best friend back, unaware that I wasn't walking the right way. I had only realized where I was going once I bumped into a frozen Moose. I looked up at him confused before following his line of sight to see my brother's decayed body floating to the shore with a single bullet wound in the middle of his forehead. 

I feel something bubble in my throat and before I can try to contain it, I let out an ear-piercing scream.