Citizen of Riverdale

You arrive in Riverdale late at night, packed into the passenger seat of your father's tiny red Honda. The majority of your worldly possessions are jammed into boxes and bags in the backseat, piled so high that it's impossible to see anything out of the rearview mirror. But you don't want to see anything out of the rearview mirror anyway. All that's behind you now. [[Now, you live in Riverdale]].

"How are you feeling?" your father continues. "We've been driving all day. [[Are you hungry?]] It's late, but we could also [[drive around and get more of a feel for the town]]?"

"Look, it's perfect timing," your father says. "Here's a diner." He pulls into the parking lot and parks. Everything is illuminated by the unearthly glow of the diner's neon sign: [[Pop's Diner]].

"I think it's just time to go home, dad." In the fog and the dim beams of streetlamps streaking in through the windshield, your father suddenly looks as weary as you feel. All at once, you realize that he doesn't want to move to Riverdale any more than you do. "You're right," he says, finally. "We both have a big day tomorrow. Better to get a good night's rest." And with that, he points the car towards [[your new home]].

Your father grins, and for a minute it feels like old times. "That's a great idea, kiddo. You call the shots: tell me where to turn and we'll get a little lost." [[You tell your father to turn north.]] [[You tell your father to turn south.]]

You pass through a series of tidy suburbs before spying a tall, bright neon sign rotating in the distance. In the dark and the fog, it paints everything in sight with a dreamy mix of colours. "Hey, an all-night diner," your dad says. "Let's stop and pick something up for dinner. [[You can just //tell// they have the best onion rings in town."->Pop's Diner]]

(set: $southcomplete to 1) As you head south, things seem to get shabbier and shabbier. Streelights are out, and broken glass sparkles on the pavement. You spy more than one shifty character lurking in the shadows of doorways and alleys, and shiver. Even your father looks uncomfortable. "Maybe it's time we turn the car around," you suggest. (if: $dinerfood is 1) ["Things certainly seem to have gone downhill in this part of town," your father says, and [[points the car towards home->your new home]].] (else:) ["Are you hungry at all?" your father asks. "I think I can still find my way to the [[old diner->Are you hungry?]]. I could dig into something deep-fried right now."]

"What do you think?" Your father asks, pushing open the door. "Burgers? Onion rings? Milkshakes?" You nod in agreement, and he heads to the counter to order. You stay by the door, trying to suss out the diner - and its [[inhabitants->this new world]].

Despite the late hour, on a school night no less, the diner is full of people - mostly people your own age. [[To your right,]] you see two girls - one dark-haired, one blonde - sharing a milkshake in a corner booth. [[To your left]], a table full of jocks in football jackets are horsing around, pouring salt all over the table. And [[in the very back]], you see a disinterested, tousel-haired boy staring intently in his laptop.

You nervously approach the two girls in the booth. The dark-haired one looks like a real-life version of Snow White, with the palest skin and reddest lips you've ever seen. The other one has hair the colour of wheat fields in summer. You're suddenly aware of how sweaty you are from the ten-hour drive. How do you even start a conversation with two such gorgeous girls? [["Hey, do you come here often?"?]] How cliche. [["Hi, I'm new in town"?->girl friendly]] Maybe too simple. Maybe it's better to [[back away as quickly and quietly as possible]].

You stride up to the table as though you have confidence, which you don't. But hey, fake it til you make it. But then again, it's hard to fake it when you have no idea what to say. [["Football any good in this town?"->jock conversation]]? Hardly scintillating conversation. Maybe some kind of power play where you just [[reach over and start eating their food?->jock awkward]] None of these ideas sound great, even to you. Maybe it's better to [[back away as quickly and quietly as possible]]. But that one red-headed player is smiling at you, as though he thinks you might have something to say... (set: $archiecrush to 1)

You approach the boy with the touselled hair, but he continues to stare intently at his laptop. There doesn't seem to be any good way to interrupt him. "Hey," you say, finally. His green eyes flash up at you from the screen. "You're new here," he says, still typing. It's not a question. "I guess so, yeah," you say, finally. [["Have a seat,"]] he says. His eyes have already darted back to his screen.

The two girls stare at you like you just sprouted gills. Yeah, it was probably the right choice to [[back away as quickly and quietly as possible]]. (set: $girlcrush to 1)

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," you mutter to yourself, repositioning yourself by the door of the diner. Luckily, before anyone in the diner can point or stare or openly laugh at your feeble attempts to fit into a new town, your father heads your way with two huge brown bags of takeout. Promisingly, grease stains are already blotting through the paper. "Ready to go?" [[You definitely are->back to the car]].

As stiffly and as awkwardly as a T-Rex in a candy shop, you reach out two clawed fingers and deliberately pick something breaded and greasy from the plate belonging to the biggest, burliest quarterback-type guy at the head of the table. All motion stops, and every head slowly turns to look at you. The onion ring you've chosen as your prey is cold and oily in your hand. Slowly, as though in a nightmare, you place it in your now-dry mouth and bite into it, trying to maintain eye contact. Is this working? One of the football players, a red-head, stifles a laugh. The rest of them stare at you, stony-faced.This clearly isn't working. You have made a horrible mistake. What were you thinking? Time to [[retreat, and quickly->back away as quickly and quietly as possible]].(set: $archiecrush to 1)

(set: $dinerfood to 1)(if: $southcomplete is 1) ["What do you say?" your father says, hoisting his greasy bags into the air in mock-victory. "Time to go home and feast on our spoils?" "Absolutely," you say, and your father points the car [[towards home->go straight home?]].] (else:)["Now that we have supplies," your father says, hoisting his greasy paper bags in mock-victory, "where shall we go? What shall we achieve? The world is our oyster. Do you want to adventure into the far reaches of [[the south side of town->You tell your father to turn south.]], and see what there is to see? Or should we pack it in and enjoy our spoils in the kingdom of [[our new home?->go straight home?]]"]

Swallowing your own nervousness, you slide into the booth across from him. "Jughead," he says. Seeing the confusion in your eyes, he gestures towards himself, and you realize it's his name. "Casey," you say. "Casey," he says thoughtfully, as though testing it out. "What brings you to Riverdale?" You stifle the urge to [[laugh]]. How to explain the sudden barrage of images firing in your brain? How to explain your mother's death, or your father's sudden romantic notion to start over in a new town? Is this the time to [[be blunt]], or to [[blow off his question,]] or to [[extract yourself from this conversation entirely?->back away from juggie]]

And you can't help it: you laugh. It bubbles out of you - genuine and slightly manic and more than a little terrifying, until you're clutching your ribs and leaning your forehead against the cool, cool formica top of the table. Jughead eyes you cooly. [["You done?"->more jughead]]

"I fucked up in my last town," you say flatly. "Now we're here. And what about you? What's your story? [[What pulled you into this diner->more jughead]] in the middle of the night?"

"Who's to say," you say, staring him down. "And you? [[What's your deal?->more jughead]] It's kind of sad to be sitting in the back of a diner in a dead-end town, alone, at 12:30 a.m. on a Thursday. Don't you think?"

Neither of you speak for a minute, and finally he sighs. "Look, you might think that Riverdale is going to be simple because it's small. But the opposite is true. You have to watch your back in this town. And you've already set yourself up for a certain kind of reception by sitting here with me." You glance casually around, and see that the two cheerlearders and the table of jocks are both keeping a wary eye on your conversation. "And this means you have a choice," Jughead continues. "You can [[blow me off]] and maintain some kind of street cred, or you can keep sitting here, throw your lot in with me, and [[learn what Riverdale is really like.]]"

(set: $jugheadcrush to 1) "Look, this was a mistake," you say, backing away from the booth. "Just - nevermind." All the same, you can't shake the sense that his intense green eyes follow your path to the front of the diner. There's something uncanny about them, something striking, something just so - "Ready to go?" your father asks brightly, a greasy paper bag clutched in each fist. You mutter something unintelligible and follow him [[back to the car]].

(set: $jugheadcrush to 1) You're both silent for a minute. "I'm sorry," you say finally, "but I'm new here, and I can't afford to burn bridges." He nods, as though he expected this. You stand. "I don't have time to hang out with a weirdo in a diner," you say, loudly. "I don't know what your deal is, and I don't want to find out. Have fun hanging out with your laptop, loser." And with that, you turn your back on him and head back to the front of the diner, where your father is waiting with two greasy bags of takeout. "Ready to go?" he asks brightly. You mutter something unintelligible and head [[back to the car]].

(set: $jugheadfriendship to 1) (set: $jugheadconspiracy to 1) It all sounds so dramatic, but it's clear that this tousel-haired, intense teen is dead serious. "I'm in," you say, before you can really think about it. "Tell me what Riverdale is really like." You spy the ghost of a smile on his face before he tamps it down and spins his laptop towards you. [["This you?"]] he asks.

{(if: $dinerfood is 1) [Once at home, the two of you dig into the take-out. It's good - really good. "I haven't had a burger like this in years," your father says, his eyes far away. "I know this is going to be a tough change for you, kiddo, but maybe moving us back to Riverdale was a good idea after all."(set: $dinerfood to 0)] (else:)[The house is dark, and piled with the boxes the movers delivered during the day. All in all, entirely inhospitable. "I know this is going to be a tough change for you, kiddo," your father says. "And it's a tough change for me, too. But we'll get through it together."]} {(if: $jugheadfriendship is 1) ["Yeah, maybe," you say, thinking of the strangely intense eyes of the boy in the back of the diner. "It might not be so bad here." Your father is visibly relieved. "Anyway," you say hurriedely, eager to avoid an awkward sentimental moment, "I'm [[off to bed.->off to bed2]] ] (else:) ["Sure, whatever," you mutter. "I'm [[off to bed.]]"]}

You rip the movers' plastic off of your mattress, and dig some sheets and blankets out of a box on your bedroom floor to make the bed. It's not much, but it's home. You strip out of your clothes and get into bed, too tired to figure out where you packed your pajamas. (if:$jugheadcrush is 1)[But when you close your eyes, all you can see is the face of that strange boy in the back of the diner. His intelligent green eyes seem to stare deep into your soul, even now. But this is bizarre - you hardly know him! Half-heartedly, you tell yourself not to get overly attached to the first person you meet - yes, they seemed nice, but if you're not careful, you're going to come off as a kicked puppy who imprinted on the first person to show them kindness.](if: $archiecrush is 1)[But when you close your eyes, all you can see is the face of the red-headed football player in the diner - his kind eyes, his freckles, his easy smile. Ridiculous! You hardly know him. He was probably just being polite. Half-heartedly, you tell yourself not to get overly attached to the first person you meet - yes, they seemed nice, but if you're not careful, you're going to come off as a kicked puppy who imprinted on the first person to show them kindness. ](if: $girlcrush is 1)[(either: "But when you close your eyes, all you can see is the face of the dark-haired girl from the diner - her easy smile, her kind eyes, her pale, almost luminous skin.(set: $veronicacrush to 1)(set: $girlcrush to 0)", "But when you close your eyes, all you can see is the face of the blonde girl from the diner - her kind eyes, her bright laugh, her perfect smile.(set: $bettycrush to 1)(set: $girlcrush to 0)") Ridiculous! She was probably just being polite. Half-heartedly, you tell yourself not to get overly attached to the first person you meet - yes, they seemed nice, but if you're not careful, you're going to come off as a kicked puppy who imprinted on the first person to show them kindness.] And you'd better get to sleep, because it's [[the first day of school tomorrow.]]

As soon as you make it into your room, you sit down on the nearest box, pull your laptop out of your messenger bag, and log into Facebook. The boy in the diner - Jughead - seemed more than a little paranoid, but maybe something //is// off in this seemingly quiet town. Sure enough, there's a message request waiting for you. You accept, and Facebook pops the message up on your screen - a series of links, newspaper articles, screenshots, [[and more]].

You arrive at Riverdale High School the next morning a full hour before the bell will ring for your first class. It's weirdly huge for such a small town, and stately - all brick, ivy, and shining glass. You wander around the main floor of the school, trying to figure out where all your classes are going to be. You were hoping that there would be a map posted somewhere, or that the room numbers would be intuitive, but it turns out neither is the case. (if: $jugheadfriendship is 1)[Luckily, the one room you //are// able to find is the library. You wander around the stacks until you spy a familiar tousel-headed figure in the very back. "Hey," you say, trying to play it cool. Jughead looks up. His eyes are even more intense than you remember. [["Hi," he says.->Jughead library chat]]](else:)[You're on your second lap of the school, just as lost as when you started, when someone [[taps you on the shoulder.]]]

Jughead has only written a few lines. //Like most small towns, Riverdale has a drug problem. Unlike most small towns, the drug runners aren't members of the local gang. They're players on the high school football team. And no one's going to figure it out unless we tell them. Are you interested?// You lean back on your makeshift chair. [[Are you?]] Or does this sounds like the ramblings of some lonely, friendless loser in the back of a diner, which you should [[just ignore?]]

(put: 1 into $jugheadconspiracy) //What the hell,// you think. //Why not.// You can't explain it, but there's something about this weirdly intense green-eyed boy that you implicitly trust. //Tell me what's next,// you type into the chat box before you can change your mind. //I'm in.// To your surprise, Jughead (link-reveal: "responds instantly.") [ //Great. Meet me tomorrow before school in the back of the library. I'll explain more then.// You tell him you'll meet him there, and sign off for the night. It's almost one in the morning - it's definitely [[time for bed.->off to bed.]]]

Sighing, you shut your laptop. This is all a little too much, especially from some weirdo you just met. You rip the movers' plastic off of your mattress, and dig some sheets and blankets out of a box on your bedroom floor to make the bed. It's not much, but it's home. You strip out of your clothes and get into bed, too tired to figure out where you packed your pajamas. And you'd better get to sleep, because it's [[the first day of school tomorrow.]]

(set: $archiecrush to 1)One of the jocks closest to you turns and eyes you up and down. "It's something to do, anyway," he says. "There's not much to do in Riverdale. It's the kind of suffocatingly small town where everybody knows everybody. Are you new here, or just traveling through?" "I'm new, unfortunately," you say. "I'm Casey." "Hey, Casey," the jock replies. "I'm Archie. Archie Andrews." He sticks out his hand and you shake. "Look, we're just leaving," Archie says, "but I'm sure we'll see you around. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about Riverdale, okay? I don't mind showing you the ropes." "Thanks," you say. "I appreciate it. [[See you around."]]

To your immense surprise, the two of them turn and look at you with beautiful, kind smiles. "I know how //that// feels," the brunette says. "I only got here a couple of months ago myself. I'm Veronica, and this is Betty." "I'm Casey," you say. "We just got into town [[an hour ago.]]"

And with that, you head back to the front of the diner, where your father is waiting with two greasy bags of takeout. "Ready to go?" he asks brightly. You nod and follow him [[back to the car]].

"Did you have a chance to look over the files I sent you?" Jughead asks. You nod - you only skimmed them, but you got the gist of it. [["What do you think?"->what do you think?]] he says, guardedly.

(if: $bettycrush is 1)[You turn around, and the blonde girl from the diner last night is standing behind you, her head cocked to the side and a small smile on her face. "Need a hand finding your way around?" she asks, a small smile on her face. "Desperately," you say, trying not to sound too desperate, and she laughs. "Let me help you find your classes," she says, taking the list out of your hands and motioning you to [[follow her.->betty at school]] This seems like the smartest choice - unless you'd rather [[ask someone else for help.->definitely lost]]] (if: $veronicacrush is 1)[You turn around, and the dark-haired girl from the diner last night is standing behind you, her head cocked to the side. "Need a hand finding your way around?" she asks, a small smile on her face. "Desperately," you say, trying not to sound too desperate, and she laughs. "Let me help you find your classes," she says, taking the list out of your hands and motioning you to [[follow her.->veronica at school]] This seems like the smartest choice - unless you'd rather [[ask someone else for help->definitely lost]]] (if: $archiecrush is 1)[You turn around, and the red-headed football player from the diner last night is standing behind you, his head cocked to the side. "Need a hand finding your way around?" he asks, smiling. "Desperately," you say, trying not to sound too desperate, and he laughs. "Let me help you find your classes," he says, taking the list out of your hands and motioning you to [[follow him.->homeroom with archie]] This seems like the smartest choice - unless you'd rather [[ask someone else for help->definitely lost]]] (if: $jugheadcrush is 1)[You turn around, and the touselled, dark-haired boy from the back of the diner last night is standing behind you, his head cocked to the side. "Need a hand finding your way around?" he asks, a small smile on his face. "Desperately," you say, trying not to sound desperate. To his credit, he doesn't laugh at you. "Look, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot last night," he says. "Can I [[talk to you for a minute]]? And then I can help you find your classes." This seems like the smartest choice - unless you'd rather [[ask someone else for help->definitely lost]]]

By some stroke of luck, you and Betty have homeroom together. "We have Biology together before lunch, too," she says, studying your schedule as you walk upstairs together. "That's all, though. Unless you want to come to the student government meeting after school." She says this with a wry grin as though [[she's joking->crushing on betty]] - but weirdly, some small part of you hopes [[she isn't->crushing on betty]].

By some stroke of luck, you and Veronica have homeroom together. "We have History together in second period, too," she says, studying your schedule as you walk upstairs together. "That's all, though. Unless you want to come to cheerleading practice after school and watch me run drills." She says this with a wry grin as though [[she's joking->crushing on veronica]] - but weirdly, some small part of you hopes [[she isn't->crushing on veronica]].

(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 2) "I'm in," you say, locking eyes with him. "If someone's running drugs in and out of this school, I want to stop them." Jughead's face cracks with a giant, sudden grin. He grasps your shoulder and squeezes, and lets go just as quickly, embarrassed at this sudden show of emotion. "The first thing I need you to do," he says, in a low voice, "is [[become friends with Archie Andrews."]]

"Look, Jughead," you say, as gently as you can. "I'm not saying it's not true - but are we really the people to break this thing open? I just moved here - I don't want to get knee-deep in a drug bust conspiracy before I even know how to get to homeroom." Jughead sighs. "You're right," he says. "It's unfair of me to ask this of you." He turns, and gazes out of the window. "To be honest," he says, still looking away, "It's probably best if you don't associate with me. You'll do better in this school if you have... normal friends." Your heart breaks, just a little bit. You hate to agree... but you have to [[agree->find some high school friends]]. Unless... you want to [[change your mind->blow the whistle]] and throw your lot in with Jughead's unlikely conspiracy anyway.

Maybe it's the stress of the move, or the fact that you've landed in a suffocating small town, or maybe it just finally hits you that this kid might be handsome, but he's certainly not all there. Whatever it is, you laugh - and you make no effort to hide the fact that you're laughing at //him.// "Do you //know// what you sound like?" You ask him, still laughing. "How could you //ever// convince yourself that this bizarre theory is true? And why would //ever// think I would believe you? That //anyone// would believe you?" For a split second, Jughead looks hurt - but almost immediately, his face closes off, like a door slamming. He brushes past you roughly, without saying a word, and your laughter follows him out of the library like a [[cruel echo->directionless.]](set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 9)

You leave the library, only belatedly realizing that you still have no idea how to find your homeroom. You hate to fall into the cliche of the new student lost on their first day - but you're [[definitely lost]]. (set: $jugheadconspiracy to 9)

Jughead leans in closer, flicking his eyes around the room to make sure nobody else is nearby. "Archie's the captain of the football team," Jughead tells you in a low voice. "If there's something fishy going on with the football players - and there almost //definitely// is - Archie will know for sure. "He'd never trust me enough to tell me," he continues. "But you? The brand-new student? He might just take you under your wing. And that's what needs to happen. Do you think you can do it?" You're not sure, but you nod anyway. "Great," Jughead says, hoisting his bag over his shoulder. "We really shouldn't be seen together if this is going to work. I'll message you later, okay? Good luck with Archie." And with that, he brushes past you and [[out of the library.->directionless.]]

Unfortunately, you belatedly realise this means you're still on your own in trying to find your classrooms for the day - and still extremely lost. The sound of the first-period bell hammers this home, chiming gently and yet somehow mocking you for the fact that you have no idea how to find your homeroom. You wander out into the hall, buffeted by the swarms of student who all seem to know where they're going. A red-headed boy knocks into you, sending you sprawling. //Perfect,// you think, scrambling to pick up the contents of your messenger bag before they get pounded into dust by the rampaging crowd. To your surprise, the red-head gets to his knees and helps you [[collect your possessions.]]

(set: $archiefriendship to 1)(set: $archiecrush to 1)"I'm so sorry," he says, as the two of you collect the seemingly endless sheets of paper spilling from your binder. He hands you the last one, and then pauses, squinting at your face. "Do I know you?" he asks. At the exact same moment, you blurt, "I'm new here," and the two of you smile at each other. "Do you need a hand finding your way around?" he says, finally, and you realize you've been staring into his eyes for a lot longer than is generally polite. "Desperately," you say. He has irises the colour of warm wood, of mahogany, of rippling tree trunks in an old growth forest under summer sun. "I'm Archie," he says, reaching out a hand to help you up. "Where's your first period? Let's [[get you on your way->homeroom with archie]].

By some stroke of luck, you and Archie have homeroom together. "We have music together in the afternoon, too," he says, studying your schedule as you walk upstairs together. "That's all, though. Unless you want to come to football practice after school and watch me run drills." He says this with a wry grin as though he's joking - (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[but this is actually perfectly in line with Jughead's plan to [[infiltrate the team->football practice]],] (else:)[ weirdly, some small part of you hopes [[he isn't->crushing on archie]],] but maybe it's better just to [[brush this off->crushing on archie]] rather than get involved with anything bigger than yourself on the very first day of school.

"Hey," you say, approaching him and cutting right to the chase. "I hate to ask, but this is my first day. And I have no idea where I'm supposed to be." To your surprise, he smiles at you. "No worries," he says, reaching out for the class schedule in your hand. "We'll get you on your way in no time. I'm Archie." "Casey," you say, and [[he smiles.->homeroom with archie]]

"Hey," you say, approaching her and cutting right to the chase. "I hate to ask, but this is my first day. And I have no idea where I'm supposed to be." To your surprise, she smiles at you. "No worries," she says, reaching out for the class schedule in your hand. "We'll get you on your way in no time. I'm Veronica." "Casey," you say, and [[she smiles->veronica at school]].

"Hey," you say, approaching her and cutting right to the chase. "I hate to ask, but this is my first day. And I have no idea where I'm supposed to be." To your surprise, she smiles at you. "No worries," she says, reaching out for the class schedule in your hand. "We'll get you on your way in no time. I'm Betty." "Casey," you say, and [[she smiles->betty at school]].

(set: $archiecrush to 1)Your first day passes without incident. Archie keeps appearing, as if by magic, every time you find yourself lost or turned around. Finally, the last bell of the day rings, and you pack your things up to leave. (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[Despite Jughead's urging to befriend Archie and infiltrate the team, you find yourself wondering how likely it is that Archie really //is// at the heart of some dark conspiracy. He's been nothing but kind and helpful to you all day - above and beyond mere politeness. On the other hand, wouldn't that be the perfect cover for someone trying to hide something - to come off as an extremely helpful guy? You find yourself torn between heading to football practice to try to [[infiltrate the team->football practice]], and just heading [[straight home-> accidentaly archie]]. And, in the deep recesses of your brain that you're not sure you even want to admit to yourself, part of you wants to head to football practice [[just to see Archie->football practice]]](else:)[But then you remember what Archie said at the beginning of the day - something about football after school. Why not [[drop in?->football practice]] It's not like you to get involved with extracurricular activities, but you virtuously tell yourself that this could be a new chapter in your life - definitely not just a chance to spend more time around a kind, funny, and extremely handsome guy.] On the other hand, maybe it's time to talk some sense into yourself and [[just head home-> accidentaly archie]]

(set: $bettycrush to 1)Your first day passes without incident. Betty keeps appearing, as if by magic, every time you find yourself lost or turned around. Finally, the last bell of the day rings, and you pack your things up to leave. But then you remember what Betty said at the beginning of the day - something about student government after school. Why not [[drop in?->student government]] It's not like you to get involved with extracurricular activities, but you virtuously tell yourself that this could be a new chapter in your life - definitely not just a chance to spend more time near a kind, intelligent, and very pretty girl. On the other hand, maybe it's time to talk some sense into yourself and [[just head home->run into betty]]

By sheer luck, you spot Betty in the hall just as you're leaving your locker. "Hey, Betty!" you say. "Wait up! Are you heading to student government? Mind if I tag along?" She turns and smiles at you. "Of course!" she says, with genuine enthusiasm. "The more the merrier!" Together, you [[head down the hall]].

You get in the door and feel the weight of the day settle on your shoulders like that lead blanket dentists put on your lap before they x-ray your teeth. "Hey, kiddo!" your father calls from the kitchen. "How was your day?" You have a nice dinner together, and by the time the sun sets you are well [[ready for bed]]. "Early to bed and early to rise makes Casey healthy, wealthy, and wise," your father jokes. "In fact, you should probably go to bed early more often! Smarten up! Get it?" Yes, dad. We get it.

(set: $veronicacrush to 1)Your first day passes without incident. Veronica keeps appearing, as if by magic, every time you find yourself lost or turned around. Finally, the last bell of the day rings, and you pack your things up to leave. But then you remember what Veronica said at the beginning of the day - something about cheerleading practice after school. Why not [[drop in?->cheerleading practice]] It's not like you to get involved with extracurricular activities, but you virtuously tell yourself that this could be a new chapter in your life - definitely not just a chance to spend more time near a sharp, funny, and very pretty girl. On the other hand, maybe it's time to talk some sense into yourself and [[just head home->accidental cheer]]

Without really meaning to, you find yourself wandering towards the gymnasium. Just as you get there, a familiar dark-haired figure jogs out of the changeroom and comes your way. "Hey, Casey!" Veronica says, a beautiful smile on her face. "Coming to watch us practice?" You could lie and say that this just happened [[to be on your way home->way home Veronica]], or you could lean in to being a new Casey and just admit you're here to watch Veronica [[kill it in formation]].

You've never belonged to a sports team in your life, but all the same you find yourself wandering towards the football field at the back of the school. Just as you get there, a familiar red-headed figure jogs out of the changeroom and comes your way. "Hey, Casey!" Archie says, a grin breaking over his features. "Coming to watch us practice?" (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[You try and play it totally cool. [["That's why I'm here,"->hot and sweaty]] you say, with a grin you hope isn't coming off as totally fake. "Lead on to the football field!" Maybe not your smoothest moment, but it gets the job done.](else:)[You could lie and say that this just happened [[to be on your way home]], or you could lean in to being a new Casey and just admit you're here to watch Archie get all [[hot and sweaty]].]

As you follow Betty down the hall, she chatters excitedly about all the projects student government is overseeing. You only understand about half of it, but it's clearly something she's passionate about. You still have some doubts, but you also find yourself [[weirdly excited->following Betty]] to attend the meeting with her.

(set: $studentconspiracy to 1)You follow Betty into a room crowded with a variety of other students, none of whom really seem nerdy enough to be in student government. But hey, it takes all kinds to make a world - or a democracy - and you never thought you'd be at a student government meeting, either. "Okay, everyone," Betty says after a few minutes. "I'd like to call this meeting to order. With something bordering on awe - why are you impressed by this?? - you realize that Betty is [[the president of the council]].

"Well, welcome to Riverdale!" Betty says. "It's small, but it's okay." "It's great to meet you," Veronica adds. "If you have any questions or need help finding your way around, just ask. We're happy to help." "Thanks," you say, feeling truly grateful. Just then, you catch sight of your father hoisting two greasy bags of takeout [[by the door]].

"Hey, I've gotta go," you say. "But it was nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too!" Betty says brightly. "[[See you around."]] (set: $girlcrush to 1)

The screen is open to your Facebook profile. "Y-Yeah," you stammer. He spins the laptop back towards him and begins clicking and typing. "Check it when you get home," he says. "I'm sending you the files now. Meanwhile, I think someone's waiting for you." He nods behind you, and when you turn to look, your father is waiting at the door with two greasy bags of take-out and smiling at you. "Catch you later," Jughead says, intent on his screen. "Yeah," you say, getting up from the booth. [["Catch you later."->back to the car]]

He leads you to the library, to the very back of the stacks, looking around as though he's afraid of being overheard. "Listen," he says in a low voice. "There's something rotten at the heart of Riverdale High School, and I need your help to root it out. I wouldn't ask if I weren't desperate, but there's no one else who can help me." You can't help but feel a little bit sorry for this tousel-haired boy - and a little bit intrigued. [[you gesture]] at him to continue.

Jughead only has a few talking points, but they pack a punch: Like most small towns, Riverdale has a drug problem. Unlike most small towns, the drug runners aren't members of the local gang. They're players on the high school football team. And no one's going to figure it out unless you and Jughead tell them. [[what do you think?]]

Who are you going to ask for help? The [[red-headed football player]] horsing around with his friends? The [[terrifyingly chic brunette]] who looks like she just walked off a runway? The [[blonde girl-next-door type,]] smiling and clutching a stack of books? (if: $Jugheadlibrary is 0)[The [[tousel-headed boy]] who seems deeply intrigued by something on his laptop screen, sitting on a bench in the far corner?]

"So?" Jughead says, guardedly. What //do// you think? It sounds at least a little farfetched. Then again, that might be exactly why you and Jughead are exactly the right people to [[blow the whistle]] on the whole operation, since no one else in their right mind would believe his theory. But even if it's true - is this really something you want to get involved in on your first day in a new town? Maybe you oughta [[let him down easy.]] Hell, maybe you oughta [[laugh in his face]], get the hell out, and tracks down some normal friends. (set: $jugheadlibrary to 1)

"Hey," you say, approaching him and cutting right to the chase. "I hate to ask, but this is my first day. And I have no idea where I'm supposed to be." To your surprise, he smiles at you. "No worries," he says, reaching out for the class schedule in your hand. "We'll get you on your way in no time. I'm Jughead." "Casey," you say, and [[he smiles.->jughead shares the conspiracy]]

"You're new here?" Jughead says, closing his laptop and standing. You see an odd gleam in his eyes - which, by the way, are a stunning shade of green. //Casey, get a grip!// you tell yourself. "This just might be perfect," Jughead says. "Before I help you find your way, can I have [[a quick word with you in the library?"->talk to you for a minute]]

The meeting clips along, and is simultaneously intensely boring and surprisingly interesting. One thing is for sure: Betty is a natural-born leader, knowing just how far off track to let the council meeting get before gently wrangling everyone back to the agenda. Before you know it, the meeting comes to a close, and Betty turns to you with the bright smile that twigs your heartstrings just right. "How was that?" she asks, with a mischevious grin. "I always love watching someone pop their [[student government cherry]]."

Before you can think of an answer - for some reason you find yourself wondering if Betty can tie the stem of a maraschino cherry into a knot using only her tongue - one of the other council members breaks into your conversation - a serious-looking brunette with bangs and large glasses. "Betty, hey," she says, "Jordan and I were wondering if you had a minute to talk about our special project. In private." Betty's smile flickers for just an instant. "Thanks, Jocelyn," she says, brightly. "I'll be right with you." You've forgotten all about cherries by the time Betty turns back to your conversation - you're [[dead curious]] about this special project - but you also know [[it's probably rude to ask.]]

You can't stop thinking about the secret project, even with Betty's warm smile directed your way again. It's probably dead boring anyway. What does student government even accomplish? Teacher appreciation nights? Soc hops? Recycling drives? But also who would keep a recycling drive //secret//? "Thanks so much for coming out to our meeting," Betty says, at the exact same moment you blurt out, "What's your secret project?" There's a bit of [[an awkward moment]].

It's not only rude, you tell yourself, but probably boring anyway. What does student government even accomplish? Teacher appreciation nights? Soc hops? Recycling drives? But also who would keep a recycling drive //secret//? "Thanks so much for coming out to our meeting," Betty says, with a warm smile. "Let me know if you ever [[want to get involved]]. And hey, let me give you my number - even if [[you don't have any interest in student government]], I'd love to hang out sometime."

"You know, I never thought I would say this," you tell Betty, "But I think I want to get involved in student government." Betty looks so genuinely excited at this prospect that it makes your heart want to burst - she even gives a little hop and claps her hands together. "It would be so great to have you on board!" she says. "We're actually looking to fill an empty position as soon as possible - would you be interested in being our secretary? It's a lot of responsibility, and in some ways it's the most important and exciting job on the board, but I think you'd be a perfect fit!" You were expecting something with a little less pressure, but Betty is looking at you in a way, weirdly, that makes you believe in yourself. //In for a penny, in for a pound,// you think, and then you tell Betty you'll [[do it]].

"Hey Betty, thanks so much for showing me around," you say. "And don't be offended - while it was really cool to see student government in action, and I'm really impressed and awe-struck that you're a part of it, but it was also dead boring." Betty laughs in two perfect peals. "Of course!" she says. "It can't be everybody's passion. There's not enough room on the board for that! I'm just so glad you came, and so glad that you're starting to feel at home here in Riverdale. Here, let me give you my number - don't be a stranger if you need anything! I'd really love to spend more time with you." You ignore the sudden erratic fluttering of your organs in your chest, thank Betty again, and [[head home->just head home]].(set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $bettycrush to 2)(set: $veronicacrush to 0)(set: $archiecrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 0)

"Well," Betty says, clearly uncomfortable, "Unfortunately I can't tell you. There are some things you can only know the details of if you're on the council." This seems oddly secretive. (if: $jugheadlibrary is 1)[Considering what Jughead tried to impart on you in the library this morning, this also seems oddly suspicious.] You realize you have two choices: you can [[ignore how weird Betty's being]] and accept that you don't get to know everything about everything, or you can [[join student government->want to get involved]] and find out what, exactly, is going on.

You shake off all of your suspicious feelings. You're new in town, and Betty has been kind enough to show you the ropes, and you have no right to butt into her private student government matters. "Thanks again for helping me find my way today, Betty," you say. "It's really been my pleasure!" she says with genuine enthusiasm. "And thanks so much for coming out to our meeting, too. Let me know if you ever [[want to get involved]]. And hey, let me give you my number - even if [[you don't have any interest in student government]], I'd love to hang out sometime."

Betty quickly gathers together several of the council members who are still mulling around and strikes some kind of special meeting. A couple of them look pretty dubious - including Jocelyn - but you smile at them in your most winning manner and the vote passes. "Do you have time tomorrow morning for a breakfast meeting at the diner so I can catch you up on all the old business of the council?" Betty asks. You promise to meet her tomorrow, and then you [[head home->just head home]].(set: $secretary to 1)(set: $bettycrush to 1)(set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $veronicacrush to 0)(set: $archiecrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 0)

Finally you're in your own bed, in your own home - no matter how new and alien both bed and home still feel. First day of school: check. And it was only a little weird. (if: $studentconspiracy is 1)[Think, for instance of that weird student government vibe - you have a weirdly hard time believing that their "secret project" isn't hiding something. Could they be hiding something? Scheming something? Betty seems to have a good head on her shoulders - but you know from experience but it's the smart, put-together people who have the greatest cover for manipulation.](if: $secretary is 1)[How the hell did you become so instantly and thoroughly involved in student government? And what is Betty going to reveal at your breakfast meeting tomorrow? And what kind of high schooler schedules //breakfast meetings?//](if: $footballerforjug is 1)[You thought that Jughead's theory sounded a little wild, but seeing that super strange exchange between Archie and Tony struck a weird chord in you - if there's something going on, you want to find out. And that's weird, too. How did you get so involved in something so quickly?](if: $footballer is 1)[How the hell did you become so instantly and thoroughly involved in the football team? Do you actually like football... or just Archie? And what was that weird vibe around their secret drills?](if: $cheersquad is 1)[How the hell did yo ubecome so instantly and thoroughly involved in the cheerleading team? Do you actually like cheerleading, or just Veronica? And what was that weird vibe around their secret drills?](if: $jugheadcrush is 1)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Jughead - intense, green-eyed, paranoid, whip-smart Jughead - appears behind your eyelids like a boyband poster. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $bettycrush is 1)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Betty - perfect, sunlight-haired, gentle, whip-smart, encouraging Betty - appears behind your eyelids like a siren. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $bettycrush is 2)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Betty - perfect, sunlight-haired, gentle, whip-smart, encouraging Betty - appears behind your eyelids like a siren. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $veronicacrush is 1)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Veronica - perfect, black-haired, stylish, sharp-tongued Veronica - appears behind your eyelids like a siren. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $veronicacrush is 2)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Veronica - perfect, black-haired, stylish, sharp-tongued Veronica - appears behind your eyelids like a siren. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $archiecrush is 1)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Archie - rugged, athletic, quick-to-smile, unendingly kind Archie - appears behind your eyelids like a boyband poster. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//](if: $archiecrush is 2)[And as you close your eyes and try to go to sleep, Archie - rugged, athletic, quick-to-smile, unendingly kind Archie - appears behind your eyelids like a boyband poster. //Casey, Casey, Casey,// you tell yourself. //What did we say about falling in love with the first person who shows you kindness?//] In any case, it's time to [[go to sleep->day 2 begins]]. Tomorrow is a new day, filled with new work and new struggles. Joy.

You head to school the next morning, trying to remember the timing and location of all your classes. (if: $footballerforjug is 1)[But first, you want to track down Jughead and tell him how the investigation is going. Following a hunch - //Gee, Casey, you're pretty much a private investigator already!// you tell yourself sarcastically - you [[head to the library]].] (if: $jugheadchickenout is 1)[But first, you want to track down Jughead and tell him that you're backing out of your. Following a hunch - //Gee, Casey, are you sure you don't want to play at being a private investigator?// you ask yourself sarcastically - you [[head to the library]].](if: $secretary is 1)[But first, you have to meet Betty for your breakfast meeting [[in the cafeteria]] - and with a little luck she can give you a refresher on where your classes are, too.](if: $bettycrush is 2)[Maybe if you [[track down Betty]], she can give you a refresher on where your classes are and how to get around?](if: $footballer is 1)[But first, you have to meet Archie in the football field for [[early morning practice]]. With a little luck, maybe he'll have time to give you a refresher on where all your classes are and how to get around.](if: $archiecrush is 2)[Maybe if you [[track down Archie]], he can give you a refresher on where your classes are and how to get around?](if: $cheersquad is 1)[But first, you have to meet Veronica for early morning practice [[in the gym->track down Veronica]]. Maybe, if there's time, she can give you another tour of the school and help you find all your classes again.](if: $veronicacrush is 2)[Maybe if you [[track down Veronica->track down Veronica2]], she can give you a refresher on where your classes are and how to get around.]

"Hey, Archie!" you say, somehow acting completely surprised to run into him. "I'm just on my way home - is this where you practice?" //God, I'm smooth,// you think to yourself. "Yeah," Archie says, grinning. "What do you say? Want to stick around and [[watch for a while->loving it.]]?

"Ye-Yeah!" you stammer. "I don't know - I've never actually watched a football practice before. Or a football game. Or any kind of sport, really. But I was thinking, hey - new town, new Casey." "New town, new Casey!" Archie repeats. "Hey, it's great to try new stuff - and you might just end up [[loving it.]]"

The practice clips along, and to your surprise, you find it surprisingly interesting. One thing is for sure: Archie is a natural-born leader, calling out different plays, gently correcting the players who make mistakes, and encouraging the team all the way along.(if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2) [//But could he be the leader of a secret drug ring?// you think.] Before you know it, the practice comes to a close, and Archie jogs over to you with a smile on his face that makes your heart twinge. "How was that?" he asks. "I know it can be kind of boring to watch - but it was nice to have someone to show off for!" Luckily, before you have to think of an answer, another football player [[runs up and interrupts]].

"Well," Archie says, with mischevious grin. "You could always join the team, if you're interested." (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[You try your best not to look overly triumphant at this invitation, but this is exactly what you were hoping for - to infiltrate the team and see what's really going on. You must look convincingly unconvinced - or maybe terrified? - because Archie laughs and claps you on the shoulder. You're paralyzed - what do you do? Who do you side with? Do you [[stick with Jughead->get involved]] and infiltrate the team to try and bring it down? Or do you [[choose to believe in Archie's goodness->not at all interested in football]], listening to the odd little fluttery feeling in your heart that tells you he's a good guy?](else:)[You must look as terrified as you suddenly feel, because he laughs and claps you on the shoulder. "You can start out small," he says, encouragingly. "We have a couple of volunteer positions on the team, and that's a great way to [[get involved]] without having to put your body in the grinder. And even if you're [[not at all interested in football]], let me give you my number - it'd be cool to just hang out some time."]

"Hey Archie," he says, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Do you have a minute to talk about--" He catches sight of you and stops short. "--about our special drills?" he finishes, awkwardly. For a split second Archie seems irritated, but another quick smile wipes away the micro-expression. "Sure, Tony," he says. "Give me a second, though, would you?" Tony nods and backs off and [[Archie turns back to you]], smiling.

"Secret drills, huh?" you say with a wry grin. "Yeah," Archie says, sheepishly, running a hand through his hair and looking away awkwardly. "We really have to keep on top of the competition - we like to have a couple of tricks up our sleeves when game day rolls around." This is... almost plausible. All the same, it sounds weirdly suspicious to you - and you're dead curious to find out more. "Well, [[I had a great time,"]] you say, brightly, (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[trying to hide your extreme interest in any sort of secrets this team might be hiding.](else:)[and you're suprised to realize that it's true.]

"You know, I never thought I would say this," you tell Archie, "But I think I want to get involved with the football team." Archie looks so genuinely excited at this prospect that (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[it makes you feel a little bad about your real intentions.](else:)[it makes your heart want to burst.] "It would be so great to have you on board!" he says. "We're actually looking to fill an empty position as soon as possible - do you think you could start right away?" //In for a penny, in for a pound,// you think, and then you tell Archie you'll [[do it->football volunteer]].

(if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[You just can't do it. You chicken out. Jughead is on his own.(set: $jugheadchickenout to 1)] "Hey, Archie, thanks so much for showing me around," you say. "And don't be offended - it was really cool to see the team in action, and I'm really impressed and awe-struck that you're a part of it, but it was also dead boring." Archie throws his head back and laughs. "Of course!" he says. "It can't be everybody's passion. I'm just really glad you came to watch for an afternoon. Here, let me give you my number - feel free to shoot me a text if you get lost again. Or we could chill sometime, maybe, if you're into it." Is Archie Andrews... blushing furiously? Yeah. You definitely like this guy.(set: $archiecrush to 2) You duck your head shyly, copy Archie's number into your phone, and [[head home->just head home]]. (set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $bettycrush to 0)(set: $veronicacrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 0)

Archie calls over the coach and a couple of players who are still mulling around and starts talking in a voice too low for you to hear. A couple of them look pretty dubious - including Tony - but you smile at them in your most winning manner. By the time their mini-meeting breaks, you're officially part of the team. Or, at least, the team's support staff. . "Do you have time tomorrow morning to swing by our practice so I can catch you up on your new duties?" Archie asks. You promise to swing by practice tomorrow morning, and then you [[head home->just head home]].(set: $footballer to 1)(set: $archiecrush to 0)(set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[(set: $footballerforjug to 1)(set: $jugheadcrush to 2)(set: $archiecrush to 1)](set: $bettycrush to 0)(set: $veronicacrush to 0)

"Hey, Veronica!" you say, somehow acting completely surprised to run into him. "I'm just on my way home - is this where you practice?" //God, I'm smooth," you think to yourself. "Yeah," Veronica says, still smiling. "What do you say? Want to stick around and [[watch for a while->cheering.]]?

"Ye-Yeah!" you stammer. "I don't know - I've never actually watched cheerleading practice before. Or any kind of cheerleading. Or any kind of sport, really. But I was thinking, hey - new town, new Casey." "New town, new Casey!" Veronica repeats. "Everyone has to start somewhere - I started as a cheerleader after watching a practice just like this one. You might find yourself loving it [[as much as I did.->cheering.]]

The practice clips along, and to your surprise, you find it surprisingly interesting. One thing is for sure: Veronica is a natural-born leader, calling out different drills, gently correcting the cheerleaders who make mistakes, and encouraging the team all the way along. Before you know it, the practice comes to a close, and Veronica comes to you with a smile on her face that makes your heart twinge. "How was that?" she asks. "I know it can be kind of boring to watch - but it was nice to have someone to show off for!" You find yourself suddenly tongue-tied. Luckily, before you have to think of an answer, another cheerleader[[runs up and interrupts->cheer interrupts]].(set: $cheerconspiracy to 1)

"Hey Veronica," she says, fanning herself to try and cool down. "Do you have a minute to talk about--" She catches sight of you and stops short. "--about our special drills?" she finishes, awkwardly. For a split second Veronica seems irritated, but another quick smile wipes away the micro-expression. "Sure, Gabriella," she says. "Give me a second, though, would you?" Gabriella nods and backs off and [[Veronica turns back to you]], smiling.

"Secret drills, huh?" you say with a wry grin. "Yeah," Veronica says, sheepishly, running a hand through her hair and looking away awkwardly. "We really have to keep on top of the competition - we like to have a couple of tricks up our sleeves when game day rolls around." This is... almost plausible. All the same, it sounds weirdly suspicious to you - and you're dead curious to find out more. "Well, [[I had a great time,"->great cheer]] you say, brightly, and you're suprised to realize that it's true.

"Well," Veronica says, with mischevious grin. "You could always join the team, if you're interested." You must look as terrified as you suddenly feel, because she laughs. "You can start out small," she says, encouragingly. "We wouldn't put you up in the air for a while - just some basic somersaults and pom-pomming to start, so you can [[start small]] without having to put your body in the grinder. And even if you're [[not at all interested in cheerleading]], let me give you my number - it'd be cool to just hang out some time."

Veronica calls over the coach and a couple of cheerleaders who are still mulling around, and starts talking in a voice too low for you to hear. A couple of them look pretty dubious - including Gabrielle - but you smile at them in your most winning manner. By the time their mini-meeting breaks, you're officially part of the team. Gulp. "Do you have time tomorrow morning to swing by our practice so I can catch you up on your new duties?" Veronica asks. You promise to come by practice tomorrow morning, and then you [[head home->just head home]].(set: $cheersquad to 1)(set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $bettycrush to 0)(set: $veronicacrush to 1)(set: $archiecrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 0)

"Hey, Veronica, thanks so much for showing me around," you say. "And don't be offended - it was really cool to see the team in action, and I'm really impressed and awe-struck that you're a part of it, but it was also dead boring." Veronica throws her head back and laughs. "Of course!" she says. "It can't be everybody's passion. There's not enough room on the team for that, frankly. I'm just really glad you came to watch for an afternoon. Here, let me give you my number - feel free to shoot me a text if you get lost again. Or we could chill sometime, maybe, if you're into it." Is Veronica Lodge... blushing furiously? You duck your head shyly, copy her number into your phone, and [[head home->just head home]].(set: $jugheadcrush to 0)(set: $bettycrush to 0)(set: $veronicacrush to 2)(set: $archiecrush to 0)(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 0)

On your way out of the school, who should you run into but a certain dark-haired beauty? "Hi, Casey!" Veronica says brightly. "How was your day? Find all your classes okay?" "Yeah - thanks for all your help today!" you say. "I really appreciate it." "I'm just off to cheerleading practice - want to come?" Veronica says, hoisting her gym bag. And maybe you're distracted by the way her hair so perfectly tucks behind her ears, but [[you can't really think of a way to say no.->kill it in formation]]

Just as you're leaving school, who should you run into but Betty? "Hi Casey!" she says. "How was your day? Did you find all of your classes okay?" "Yeah - thanks so much, Betty," you say, truly grateful. "You were a life saver today. I would have been so lost without you - literally //and// figuratively." Betty laughs, and you feel a warm blush spread over your cheeks. "Hey," she continues, "I'm just off to student government - want to tag along?" Maybe you're dazzled by the glow of sunlight falling through the skylight and gleaming through her golden hair, but you [[can't really think of a way to say no.->head down the hall]]

Just as you leave the school, a familiar red-headed figure jogs out of the main building and towards the football field before catching sight of you and detouring your way. "Hey, Casey!" Archie says, a grin breaking over his features. "Coming to watch us practice?" (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 2)[Jughead's words ring in your ears - maybe you should try and [[infiltrate the team->football practice]] and see what's really going on in Riverdale High School, instead of letting your heart convince you that Archie is ultimately a good guy. On the other hand, maybe you //should// [[let your heart convince you->hot and sweaty]] that Archie is ultimately a good guy.] (else:)[It might be the strangely appealing sight of Archie in a football uniform, but you can't think of a good way to tell him that [[this wasn't at all your plan->hot and sweaty]].]

Sure enough, Jughead is sitting in the back of the library at the same table as yesterday. You slide into the chair opposite him. "Hey, Jug," you say. He looks up, and a huge grin breaks over his face. "Hey, Casey," he says. "So? How'd it go yesterday? I thought I saw you out by the football field after school but I wasn't sure." (if: $footballerforjug is 1)["Things are moving really fast," you say. "Archie invited me to volunteer for the team, and I'm heading to practice right now to meet him and start figuring out my duties." "[[That's great news!]]" Jughead says. "You're doing even better than I hoped."] (if: $jugheadchickenout is 1)["Yeah, that was me," you say. "Look, I've done a lot of thinking about what you said and I just don't think I can spy on Archie, okay? He just seems like a really good guy. And all of the stuff you were saying about the drug ring just makes less and less sense." "Are you sure?" Jughead says in a low voice, narrowing his eyes. "//Nothing// suspicious happened yesterday? Don't back out of this just yet, Casey - I'm begging you. I //know// something fishy is going on. You just have to trust me." He looks so earnest and so serious and, well, so //handsome// that you can't help but reconsider. Are you [[really sure]] Archie Andrews is innocent? Or should you [[take Jughead's advice]] and do some snooping around - just to be sure?]

You head to the cafeteria, oddly excited to see Betty and to be a part of the student government board. Betty is already sitting in the cafeteria when you get there, with two cups of coffee and a plate of scones. You didn't know the cafeteria even had scones. "Hey, Casey," she says warmly. "So glad you could make it. First I figured we'd chat over breakfast, and then we'll get you acquainted with [[betty government schedule]]."

You decide to start your search in the same classroom where student government was yesterday, which seems logical. You wander through the empty room, calling Betty's name, and then back into the hall, which is also empty. However, if memory serves, Betty's locker is just around the corner. When you wander over that direction, you realize that she obviously forgot to lock it the last time she used it, because it swings open by a couple of inches. Do you [[open the locker->open the locker3]], hoping to find a class schedule or some other kind of information that might tell you where you can find Veronica? Or do you [[respect her privacy->respect her privacy2]] and continue looking elsewhere?

You head to the football field, oddly excited to see Archie and to be a part of the team.(if: $footballerforjug is 1)[You're also nervous to start snooping around, but hey, why not just sit back and enjoy the noxious swirl of combatative emotions in your stomach?] Most of the team is already warming up by the time you get there, and you join Archie on the sidelines as he watches a couple of the guys run laps. "Hey, Casey," he says warmly. "So glad you could make it. First of all, let's go get you acquainted with [[the game schedule]]."

You decide to start your search in the gym / sports field / change room area, which seems logical considering Archie's position as captain of the football team. You wander through the empty gym, calling Archie's name, and then into the change room, which is also empty. However, all of the lockers have names on them, and you spot Archie's about halfway down the room. He obviously forgot to put a lock on it the last time he used it, because it swings open by a couple of inches. Do you [[open the locker]], hoping to find a class schedule or some other kind of information that might tell you where you can find Archie? Or do you [[respect his privacy]] and continue over to the field to see if he's practicing with the team?

You decide to start your search in the gym / change room area, which seems logical considering Veronica's position as captain of the cheerleading team. You wander through the empty gym, calling Veronica's name, and then into the change room, which is also empty. However, all of the lockers have names on them, and you spot Veronica's about halfway down the room. She obviously forgot to put a lock on it the last time she used it, because it swings open by a couple of inches. Do you [[open the locker->open the locker2]], hoping to find a class schedule or some other kind of information that might tell you where you can find Veronica? Or do you [[respect her privacy]] and continue over to the field to see if the team is practicing outside?

You catch him up on the whole strange scene between Tony and Archie, and the weirdness around their so-called "secret drills", and Jughead looks triumphant. Quickly, he gives you advice on where to look for evidence, and what to look for. "Most importantly," Jughead finishes, "be careful. I don't want you to get hurt. Okay? Just take care of yourself. It could be dangerous." You feel butterflies racing around in your stomach - but is it the prospect of danger that has them all riled up, or Jughead's intense, green-eyed gaze? It doesn't matter - because you're going to be [[late for practice->early morning practice]] if you don't get going.

"I'm sorry, Jughead," you say, as gently as you can. "Even if there //is// a drug ring at Riverdale High, I'm really sure that Archie has nothing to do with it." Jughead bows his head over the table - the very picture of a defeated man. "Look," you say, awkwardly, "I have to get to practice. But thanks for trusting me, as a new kid in Riverdale. I hope we can still be friends." Before he can answer, you stand up and walk out of the library and head [[to the football field->early morning practice]].(set: $jugheadconspiracy to 9)

(set: $footballer to 0)(set: $footballerforjug to 1)(set: $archiecrush to 1)(set: $jugheadcrush to 2)The memory of Tony running up and interrupting your conversation with Archie runs through your head. All that talk about "secret drills" //was// pretty suspicious. It could be nothing, you tell yourself. But then again, it could be something. "You're right," you tell Jughead, reluctant. "There was [[something kind of suspicious->That's great news!]] at practice."

The locker swings open, but before you can get a look inside, (if: $archiecrush is 2)[Archie slams it shut again. You didn't even see him come in, but there he is - leaning against the bank of lockers and looking like he's trying to look cool. "Looking for something?" he says, and you can't help but notice that he sounds a little defensive. "Sorry," you say. "Didn't mean to probe a sore spot." "Yeah, well," he says. "Anyway. What are [[you doing here?]]"(set: $archielocker to 1)](if: $footballerforjug is 1)[Archie slams it shut again. There's a bit of an awkward moment where you expect him to explain why he had to slam the locker shut, but he doesn't. "Anyway," he says, smiling a little bit too quickly and widely. "Should we [[head back outside?->head back to the team]](set: $archielocker to 1)](if: $footballer is 1)[Archie slams it shut again. There's a bit of an awkward moment where you expect him to explain why he had to slam the locker shut, but he doesn't. "Anyway," he says, smiling a little bit too quickly and widely. "Should we [[head back outside?->head back to the team]](set: $archielocker to 1)](if: $veronicacrush is 2)[Veronica slams it shut again. There's a bit of an awkward moment where you expect her to explain why she reacted so forcefully, but she doesn't. "Anyway" she says, smiling a little bit too quickly and brightly. "Should we head [[outside to the team?->back to the cheer team]](set: $veronicalocker to 1)](if: $cheersquad is 1)[Veronica slams it shut again. There's a bit of an awkward moment where you expect her to explain why she reacted so forcefully, but she doesn't. "Anyway" she says, smiling a little bit too quickly and brightly. "Should we head [[outside to the team?->back to the cheer team]](set: $veronicalocker to 1)]

You ignore the locker and head out to the field, where, to your relief, you see a familiar red-headed figure directing drills on the far side of the field. "Hey, Casey," he says, once you get a little closer. "It's so good to see you! What are [[you doing here?]]"

You follow Archie back into the changeroom, where he swings open his locker and pulls out a photocopy of the schedule before shutting the door quickly. He turns to you, and you realise that you're standing less than a foot away from each other. "Here's the schedule," he says, in his beautiful musical voice. "Thanks," you manage to whisper. You feel like you could [[stare deeply into his eyes]] forever. (if: $footballerforjug is 1)[But wait a second - get a //hold// on yourself, Casey! You should [[be snooping]], or at least trying to see [[what else is in that locker]], or at least trying to [[dig more information->be snooping]] out of Archie! He might be a dreamboat, but staring deeply into his eyes is //so// not your priority right now. Right? //Right?//](if: $archielocker is 0)[At the same time, you find yourself intensely curious about what might be in his locker that she wants to hide so badly - he closed it so quickly after pulling out the schedule. Should you make a move to knock it open and maybe see [[what he's hiding->what else is in that locker]]?]

"So, uh, the games are mostly on Saturdays," Archie says, tearing his eyes away from yours and back to the schedule with difficulty. Both of you take a deep breath, as though you've emerged from underwater. "Practices take place both before and after school," Archie continues. "They're a little more difficult to keep track of, because the schedule is less regular, but that's why it's so useful to have it all written down in one place." "Thanks, Archie," you say, brushing your fingers against his as you take the schedule from his hand. "I'll study this until I know it inside and out." You find his eyes with yours again. God, he has brilliant eyes. "Anyway," he says finally, swallowing. "We should probably [[head back to the team]]."

"Does the team have any other extra-curricular activities?" you ask, as casually as you can manage, tearing your eyes away from his perfect, dark chocolate irises and pretending to study the schedule. "You know - like any kind of volunteering or fundraising? I'd just love to help out as much as I can." "Yeah, actually," Archie says, sounding pleasantly surprised. "I should have thought to tell you about that - some of us volunteer with kids in elementary schools, and some of us fundraise over the weekends, if you're interested in either of those things. //Fundraising, hmm?// you think. //Drug-running would be a lot more profitable than bake sales, I know //that// for sure//. "I'd be interested in fundraising," you say, trying to play it cool. "Who would I be working with on the fundraising team? Are you part of it?" "I am, yeah," Archie says, with that crooked smile you love so much. "I'll ask the other members of that squad and see if we could use the extra hands. But I'm sure that we could!" You find yourself [[staring deeply into his eyes->stare deeply into his eyes]] again. (set: $archiefundraising to 1)

You casually lean against the bank of lockers and study the schedule in your hands. And then, feeling equal parts ingenious and ridiculous, you fake a stretch that just //happens// to knock the corner of his locker door and [[swing it open->open the locker]].

You head back to practice and Archie runs you through some more facts and figures about the team before things wind to a close. "I just have to... talk to some of the guys about our secret drills," Archie says, evasively, "and then I can guide you around to your classes again. I'll just be two secs." (if: $footballerforjug is 1)[You nod, and Archie heads off. You can't help but feel that this might be a good time [[to go snooping->back to Archie's locker]] - and maybe see what Archie's hiding in his locker.] (else:)[Maybe you're just drinking the team Kool-Aid, but you feel the urge to [[offer to help out]] with the drills.]

To your immense surprise, you find yourself getting really into watching the team run drills against each other. You even find yourself letting out a whoop when one particularly beefy guy takes out another particularly beefy guy with a particulary spectacular tackle. Archie looks at you with a wry grin. "It's pretty fun to watch, isn't it?" he says, and you find yourself agreeing. "Hey," he says. "Why don't I give you a copy of the schedule, and then you can drop by other practices or games if it strikes your fancy?" Weirdly, this sounds like [[a nice idea->the game schedule]].

"I was hoping you could help me out again today," you say, sheepishly. "I still don't quite have a handle on where everything is in this school." "Sure, no problem," Archie says. "I can help you around just as soon as we're done practice. Do you mind sticking around until I'm done?" "[[Of course not]]!" you say. Football might be boring, but the prospect of spending time with Archie sends little flutters through your stomach.

The locker swings open, but before you can get a look inside, Veronica slams it shut again. You didn't even see her come in, but there she is - leaning against the bank of lockers and looking like she's trying to look nonchalant. "Looking for something?" she says, and you can't help but notice that she sounds a little defensive. "Sorry," you say. "Didn't mean to probe a sore spot." "Yeah, well," she says. "Anyway. What are [[you doing here->you doing here2?]]"]

You ignore the locker and head out to the field, where, to your relief, you see a familiar dark-haired figure directing drills on the far side of the field. "Hey, Casey," Veronica says, once you get a little closer. "It's so good to see you! What are [[you doing here?->you doing here2?]]"

"I was hoping you could help me out again today," you say, sheepishly. "I still don't quite have a handle on where everything is in this school." "Sure, no problem!" Veronica says. "I can help you around just as soon as we're done practice. Do you mind sticking around until I'm done?" "[[Of course not->of course not2]]!" you say. Cheerleading might be boring, but the prospect of spending time with Veronica sends little flutters through your stomach.

To your immense surprise, you find yourself getting really into watching the team run drills. You even find yourself letting out a whoop when one particularly athletic cheerleader completes a particularly spectacular flip in mid-air and is then caught successfully by her teammates. Veronica looks over at you with a wry grin. "It's pretty fun to watch, isn't it?" she says, and you find yourself agreeing. "Hey," she says. "Why don't I give you a copy of the schedule, and then you can drop by other practices or games where we'll be cheering if it strikes your fancy?" Weirdly, this sounds like [[a nice idea->veronica game schedule]].

You follow Veronica back into the changeroom, where she swings open her locker and pulls out a photocopy of the schedule before shutting the door quickly. She turns to you, and you realise that you're standing less than a foot away from each other. "Here's the schedule," she says, in her beautiful musical voice. "Thanks," you manage to whisper. You feel like you could [[stare deeply into her eyes]] forever. At the same time, you find yourself intensely curious about what might be in her locker that she wants to hide so badly - she closed it so quickly after pulling out the schedule. Should you make a move to knock it open and maybe see [[what she's hiding->what else is in that locker]]?

"So, uh, the games are mostly on Saturdays," Veronica says, tearing her eyes away from yours and back to the schedule with difficulty. Both of you take a deep breath, as though you've emerged from underwater. "Practices take place both before and after school," Veronica continues. "They're a little more difficult to keep track of, because the schedule is less regular, but that's why it's so useful to have it all written down in one place." "Thanks, Veronica," you say, brushing your fingers against hers as you take the schedule from her hand. "I'll study this until I know it inside and out." You find her eyes with yours again. God, she has brilliant eyes. "Anyway," she says finally, swallowing. "We should probably [[head back to the team->back to the cheer team]]."

You head back to practice and Veronica runs you through a couple of drills before things wind to a close. "I just have to... talk to some of the cheerleaders about our secret drills in the locker room," Veronica says, evasively, "and then I can guide you around to your classes again. I'll just be two secs." You wait around for a few second, but then you get to thinking. Maybe you're just drinking the team Kool-Aid, but you feel the urge to [[offer to help out->cheer help]] with the drills.

You head to the gym, oddly excited to see Veronica and to be a part of the team. Most of the team is already warming up by the time you get there, and you join Veronica on the sidelines as she watches a couple of the guys run laps. "Hey, Casey," she says warmly. "So glad you could make it. First of all, let's go get you acquainted with [[the schedule->the schedule2]]."

You follow Veronica into the changeroom, where she swings open her locker and pulls out a photocopy of the schedule before shutting the door quickly. She turns to you, and you realise that you're standing less than a foot away from each other. "Here's the schedule," she says, in her beautiful musical voice. "Thanks," you manage to whisper. You feel like you could [[stare deeply into her eyes]] forever. At the same time, you find yourself intensely curious about what might be in her locker that she wants to hide so badly - she closed it so quickly after pulling out the schedule. Should you make a move to knock it open and maybe see [[what she's hiding->what else is in that locker]]?

The locker swings open, but before you can get a look inside, Betty slams it shut again. You didn't even see her come in, but there she is - leaning against the bank of lockers and trying to look nonchalant. "Looking for something?" she says, and you can't help but notice that she sounds a little defensive. "Sorry," you say. "Didn't mean to probe a sore spot." "Yeah, well," she says. "Anyway. What are [[you doing here->you doing here3?]]" (set: $bettylocker to 1)

You ignore the locker and head back to the classroom one last time, where, to your relief, you see a familiar blonde figure directing a couple of students in moving around some tables and chairs. "Hey, Casey," Betty says, smiling. "It's so good to see you! What are [[you doing here?->you doing here3?]]"

"I was hoping you could help me out again today," you say, sheepishly. "I still don't quite have a handle on where everything is in this school." "Sure, no problem!" Betty says. "I can help you around just as soon as I get out of a quick student government meeting. Do you mind sticking around until I'm done?" "[[Of course not->of course not3]]!" you say. Student government might be boring, but the prospect of spending time with Betty sends little flutters through your stomach.

You follow Betty back into the classroom, where other members of the board have gathered. Betty motions for you to sit to the side, and starts the meeting. To your immense surprise, you find the meeting fairly interesting. YoYou even find yourself clapping softly when one particularly stirring motion successfully passes. When the meeting is over, Betty looks over at you with a wry grin. "It's pretty fun to watch, isn't it?" she says, and you find yourself agreeing. "Hey," she says. "Why don't I give you a copy of our meeting schedule, and then you can drop by again if it strikes your fancy?" Weirdly, this sounds like [[a nice idea->betty government schedule]].

You follow Betty back to her locker, which she swings open. She pulls out a photocopy of the schedule before shutting the door quickly. She turns to you, and you realise that you're standing less than a foot away from each other. "Here's the schedule," she says, in her beautiful musical voice. "Thanks," you manage to whisper. You feel like you could [[stare deeply into her eyes->stare deeply into her eyes2]] forever. At the same time, you find yourself intensely curious about what might be in her locker that she wants to hide so badly - she closed it so quickly after pulling out the schedule. Should you make a move to knock it open and maybe see [[what she's hiding->what else is in that locker3]]?

"So, uh, the meetings are mostly on Mondays and Wednesdays," Betty says, tearing her eyes away from yours and back to the schedule with difficulty. Both of you take a deep breath, as though you've emerged from underwater. "Committee meetings take place both before and after school," Betty continues. "They're a little more difficult to keep track of, because the schedule is less regular, but that's why it's so useful to have it all written down in one place." "Thanks, Betty," you say, brushing your fingers against hers as you take the schedule from her hand. "I'll study this until I know it inside and out." You find her eyes with yours again. God, she has brilliant eyes. "Anyway," she says finally, swallowing. "We should probably [[head back to the classroom->back to the class]]."

Betty slams it shut again. There's a bit of an awkward moment where you expect her to explain why she reacted so forcefully, but she doesn't. "Anyway" she says, smiling a little bit too quickly and brightly. "Should we head [[back to the class]]?"(set: $bettylocker to 1)

You head back to the classroom and Betty runs you through a couple of other administrative things before the meeting winds to a close. "I just have to... talk to some of the board members about a project for a minute," Betty says. "Do you mind stepping out for a minute? And then when I'm done I can guide you around to your classes again. I'll just be two secs." You step outside and lean against the wall for a few minutes, waiting for Betty to be done, but then you get to thinking. Maybe you're just drinking the student government Kool-Aid, but you feel the urge to [[offer to help out->government help]] with the project, if you can.

You wait until Archie has disappeared around the corner of the school and then you duck back into the changeroom. You feel a little badly about snooping - but another part of you is insistently curious. (if: $footballerforjug is 1)[You feel a little ridiculous to get so wrapped up in what is probably an imaginary conspiracy, but a little part of you can't help but wonder - what if Jughead is right?] Heart beating out of control - why is this giving you such an adrenaline rush? - you walk up to Archie's locker and stare at it. And then you [[swing it open]].

You follow Archie into the locker room. "Hey, Archie," you say. "I don't want to get in the way of your specialty drills - but I was also wondering if I could lend a hand? I'm just feeling like I really want to put my energy towards something, you know?" You realize, belatedly, that everyone in the room stiffened immediately as soon as you entered and is now eyeing you guardedly. "Tony," Archie says in a low voice. "You forgot to lock the door." You still don't understand what's going on, until you take a look around... and realize that they aren't organizing secret drills, but sorting through an enormous mountain of drugs. "Can I have a word alone with Casey, please?" Archie tells the rest of the team, and they begin to file out. "Oh, and Tony? Lock the door this time?" Before long, you and Archie are the only ones [[left in the room]].

There's no other way to say it: Archie's locker is packed with drugs. Some of it you recognize. Some of it you don't. Some of it is hidden under dirty jerseys. Some of it is right out in the open. So now you've got a decision ahead of you. Do you [[report this right away->heading towards the office.]]? Do you give [[Archie a chance to explain]]?(if: $footballerforjug is 1)[Do you [[tell the school administration->heading towards the office.]], or do you [[tell Jughead]]?]

Who's to say what's really at play here - maybe these drugs don't belong to Archie, or maybe they were planted here, or maybe he's... keeping them for a friend? You know that these are all pretty flimsy excuses, but you can't help it - Archie has been such a help to you over the last couple of days, and a really decent human being. You want to give him a chance to explain. You close the locker door softly and shoot him a quick text: "Archie - meet me in the locker room? Emergency." His response is quick - and within minutes he appears at [[the locker room door->back towards the gym]].

You shut the locker door and leave the change room, heading towards the library. Before you even reach the hall, you see a familiar tousel-headed figure slouching against wall. Jughead brightens when he sees you, and comes to meet you. "Hi, Jughead," you say, your voice cracking. He takes one look at you and motions you towards a nearby bench to sit down. "You found something, [[didn't you->tell him the truth]]?" he says, quietly. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

You quickly leave the change room, heading towards the office. Who should you even tell about this? The principal? The football coach? (if: $jugheadconpsiracy is 9)[As you leave the gym, however, you see a familiar tousel-headed figure slouching against wall. Jughead rolls himself upright and moves to intercept your path. "Hi, Jughead," you say, nervous. "Hey, Casey," he says in a low, oddly dangerous voice. "Where you headed?" "Uh," you say, too slow to think of a lie. "Just to the office. For... reasons." Jughead darts directly in front of you, stopping a mere six or seven inches away, his intensely green eyes boring directly into yours. "You found something, didn't you?" he says, quietly. "What's going on?" Do you [[tell him the truth]]? Or do you [[try and brush him off]]? (else:)[You walk swiftly towards the main administrative office - but to your horror, a familiar red-headed figure pushes his way through the main doors - right between you and the office door. "Hey, Casey," Archie says, positioning himself directly in front of you. He crosses his arms, and his voice is low and dangerous. "Going somewhere?" "Uh," you say, too slow to think of a lie. "Just to the office. For... reasons." Archie's intense, vibrant eyes bore directly into yours. "Do you want to talk?" He asks, but it's not really a question. "About what you saw in my locker?" He takes you gently by the elbow and steers you [[back towards the gym]], and you're too numb with just how badly this has gone to try and escape.

"You were right," you say in a low voice, flicking your eyes around the hallway to make sure no one can overhear. "There is a drug ring in the football team - and Archie's a part of it. His locker is packed with drugs." (if: $jugheadsconspiracy is 9)[A quick look of triumph passes over Jughead's features before he composes himself again.] "What do we do now?" You ask him, urgency straining into your voice. "Do we tell someone? Do we confront Archie?" (if: $jugheadconspiracy is 9)[Jughead's eyes glitter.] "Leave Archie to me," he says, "and you head to the office - tell Weatherbee what's going on, and to call the cops." With that, you part ways - Jughead back towards the gym, and you towards the office to [[tell Weatherbee]].

"Honestly, it's nothing," you say, trying to break past him - but he's as solid and immovable as a stone in your way. He grabs your arm roughly. "Don't lie to me, Casey," he hisses. "Now tell me [[what's going on.->tell him the truth]]"

Once in the change room, Archie locks the door and turns to face you. "So," he says, crossing his arms. "Judging by the look on your face, I'm assuming you saw the contents of that locker." You nod. There's no denying it now. "Here's the short version," he says. "This school is chronically underfunded, and as a result, the football team is chronically underfunded. If any of us want a chance at a football scholarship, and therefore a chance to get the hell out of Riverdale, we need that money for equipment, for out-of-town games, for a bunch of things. And that means we need to sell drugs. We've tried everything. There's no other way to raise the kind of money we need in the timeframe that we need." You feel like it's a good sign that Archie is trying to explain himself to you and not, say, trying to threaten or murder you. But you're still not sure what the play is, here. "Look," Archie says, moving closer and speaking in a softer tone. "You have to believe me. None of us want to be doing this. But there's no other way." Do you think you can [[come around to his way of thinking->believe him]]? Or do you [[still think this is wrong]]?

You let all of the air in your lungs out in one great whoosh. "Look, Archie," you say, mostly at a loss for words. "I get where you're coming from, I do. But even you should be able to see how far off course you've gotten." His shoulders droop, just a little, and his eyes flick away from yours. You take this as a good sign, and soldier on. "You don't want to be a drug dealer," you tell him, softly, moving just a few inches closer and reaching out to place your hand on his arm. "You know you don't. This might seem like the right choice, but it's //not//, Archie. You need to get out of this racket. There //have// to be other ways. He bows his head, and lets out a great, shuddering breath. "You're right," he says, finally. "I know you're right. Look, please don't tell anyone while we get this sorted, okay? I swear - I can get out of this mess on my own. But please don't tell anyone at the school - not any of the students, and please, please don't tell Principal Weatherbee." You give him [[your word]].

"Archie," you say, forcefully, "this is wrong. And you //know// this is wrong. There's no two ways about it." He bows his head and his shoulders droop, just a little. "If you don't tell Principal Weatherbee," you say, "I will. I don't want to, Archie. But I have to." He nods without raising his head to look you in the eye. "I know it's wrong, Casey," he says. "You have to believe that I never wanted this." "Of course you didn't," you say, as gently as you can. "But this is the position you've put yourself in. And now you have to face up to what you've done." He nods again. "Listen," he says, raising his eyes to meet yours finally, and clearing his throat. "I'll tell Weatherbee this afternoon, okay? Just allow me the dignity of doing it myself. I don't want you to get involved in this." This only seems fair, and you pat him on the shoulder awkwardly before the two of you [[leave the locker room]].

You somehow force your way through the ranks of secretaries and bureaucratic tape and land yourself right in Weatherbee's office, spilling your guts to the principal. His features tighten with every word that falls out of your mouth. "His locker's packed with drugs, sir," you finish awkwardly. "Just... filled to the brim." Weatherbee sighs and stands, suddenly looking ten years older. "Sandra," he calls to the secretary as the two of you leave the office, "please call the non-emergency police line and ask them to send a couple of officers in a patrol car as soon as it's convenient." And with that, Weatherbee [[sweeps towards the locker room]], with you in his wake.

(if: $jugheadconspiracy is 9)[When you enter the locker room, the first thing you see is Archie staring into his locker. "Young man!" Weatherbee booms into the locker room. Archie looks up, startled and afraid. After a split second, he makes a break for it, trying to escape out the door to the field. Unluckily for him, Jughead steps into his path - one arm casually out and blocking the doorway. Archie wheels around like a spooked horse, looking frantically from your face to the locker to Weatherbee and back to you.] (else:)[When you enter the locker room, the first thing you see is Jughead wrestling with Archie on the floor - and losing. Before you know what's happening you've crossed over to the fight, and you soc Archie in the side of the head. Archie falls back, dazed, and Jughead gasps for air.] Meanwhile, Weatherbee walks calmly to Archie's locker and [[throws open the door]].

(if: $jugheadconspiracy is 9)[... revealing, to your surprise, a few paltry ziplock bags of marijauna and nothing more. Where's the ominous stack of tinfoil packets, the oddly medical container of steroids, the numberless tiny bags of white powder? "Archie, you knew better than this," Weatherbee says, sadly. "I have to ask you - is this yours?" Archie looks to Weatherbee, and back to you, and then nods slowly, hanging his head. "Come along with me, Archie," Weatherbee says, taking him by the arm. "This isn't the end of the world. But you'll have to answer to what you've done." Nodding at you and Jughead, Weatherbee leads Archie away. Which leaves you and Jughead [[alone.]]] (else:)[... revealing the same, immense stash of drugs you saw just minutes before. Weatherbee lets out a low whistle. "Oh, Archie," he says softly. "This is bad. This is really, really bad." All resistance goes out of Archie's body at once. "I know, sir," he says, hanging his head. "I know." "Come along with me, Archie," Weatherbee says, taking him by the arm. "This isn't the end of the world. But you'll have to answer to what you've done." Nodding at you and Jughead, Weatherbee leads Archie away. Which leaves you and Jughead [[alone->happy ending jughead.]]]

"What the hell was that?" you hiss. "There was so much more in that locker - it was packed? Where did the rest go?" Jughead's eyes glitter again, and something flips in your stomach. He pats his messenger bag conspiratorially. "The opportunity was too lucrative to pass up," he says in a low voice. "I left enough in the locker to get Archie packed away and out of the scene - and then kept the rest for myself. And Archie sure as hell wasn't going to tell Weatherbee that the majority of stash is missing, because there's no way he wants to cop to the fact that he was packing eighteen kinds of drugs through Riverdale High." You find yourself backing away slowly, scared by something in Jughead's expression, but his eyes narrow and he darts forward and grabs you by the arm. "You don't have to be in on this," he hisses, "but so help me - if you speak a word of this to anyone, I'll set you up the same way I framed Archie, and you'll fall twice as hard. Got it?" You swallow, and nod. Jughead's eyes bore into you for another second, and then he pushes past you and out of the locker room. "See you later, Casey," he says, breezily. "And thanks for all your //help//." His mocking laughter echoes in the locker room long [[after he's gone]].

The next few weeks pass in a quiet, grey blur. You ignore Jughead, and, when Archie gets back into school after being suspended and working his community service, you ignore him too. You should have listened to your gut, you tell yourself, and never gotten involved in anything in the first place. And when you look around you - in class, in the diner, in the hall during the break between periods - you see a crowd of people as grey, as drained, as exhausted as you are. You are one of a multitude keeping their heads down, and waiting for the day when you can escape Riverdale. And maybe, one day, you will. //[[PLAY AGAIN?->WELCOME TO RIVERDALE]]// //this project written and produced by Dessa Bayrock for Riverdale: A Land of Contrasts, a semi-academic conference hosted at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018. Learn more about this project and the conference at fraservalleyriverdale.wordpress.com//

You help Jughead up from the floor of the locker room. He's sporting what promises to be a vibrant black eye tomorrow, as well as several scratches up and down his arms and one almost-bloody bite mark peeking out from the neck of his black t-shirt. "You alright?" you ask, tentatively. Jughead catches your eyes with his intense green ones, and doesn't look away. "I'm so much better, now," he says, quietly, and reaches up to stroke your cheek. Tentatively, his hand moves gently into your hair, and he pulls you towards him. His lips are soft and passionate against yours, and you feel intoxicated - as though your soul is floating out of your body and meeting Jughead's. "I can't even begin to thank you," Jughead says, pulling back slightly but leaning his forehead against yours. His voice breaks, just slightly, and you see that his eyes are shut tightly. "No one else believed me. No one else could even begin to believe me. But you, Casey -" You cut him off again with a gentle kiss. "I believe you, Jughead," you say, "and I always will." Twining your fingers through his, you leave the locker room. [[Together.]]

//[[PLAY AGAIN?->WELCOME TO RIVERDALE]]// //this project written and produced by Dessa Bayrock for Riverdale: A Land of Contrasts, a semi-academic conference hosted at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018. Learn more about this project and the conference at fraservalleyriverdale.wordpress.com//

Late that night, you get a text from Archie, asking to meet outside the school. Silently apologizing to your father, you get dressed and scale out of your bedroom window. When you meet Archie, he's carrying a massive backpack. "Here's the deal," he says, breathlessly. "A couple of the guys have personal supplies, but nothing major. This is almost all of what we have, as a team, fron the locker room, and I staged a break-in and packed everything into this backpack." He pats the strap of his navy blue backpack. "Now," he says, "I thought we could go into the woods and bury it. I couldn't think of any other way to get rid of it. And I wanted you to be here, to see this. I'm coming clean, Casey. I want you to trust me." [[And you do.]]

Later that afternoon, you hear your voice called over the PA system. "Casey Finnegan, please report to Principal Weatherbee's office. Casey Finnegan, you're wanted in Weatherbee's office." With trepidation, you pack up your things and leave your class. //This has to be about Archie,// you think, nervously. //Maybe they just want to make sure they have all the details together? But Archie said he wanted to keep me out of it...// When you walk into Weatherbee's office, as expected, Archie is already sitting there, his head bowed over his clasped hands. "Ah, yes," Weatherbee says. "Casey - come in, come in." Ignoring the flip-flopping of your stomach inside your body, [[you sit]].

The two of you hike into the woods, where Archie has already stashed a shovel, and dig the deepest hole you can manage. Archie throws the backpack in, and you shovel the dirt back on top of it and cover it with branches and leaves until it hardly looks as though the soil has been disturbed at all. "Listen, Casey," he says, turning to you. "I just wanted to say thank you - thank you for believing in me - in my character - in the idea that I could get myself out of this mess." "Burying all this stuff has made me feel like a whole new person," he continues, quietly. "I owe you... everything." Tentatively, he reaches up to stroke your cheek. You lean into it, and his hand moves gently into your hair, until finally he pulls you towards him. His lips are soft and passionate against yours, and you feel intoxicated - as though your soul is floating out of your body and meeting Archie's. He breaks away slightly, and leans his forehead against yours. "It just seemed like the only option," he says, his voice breaking. "And then it just got out of control so quickly, and I didn't know how to get out -" You cut him off again with a gentle kiss. "It's okay, Archie," you tell him softly. "We're going to get through it. We //are// through it. It's already better." And twining your fingers through his, you make your way out of the forest. [[Together.]]

Archie turns to you, and you can see that he's been crying. "I like you, Casey," he says earnestly. "I really do. But I had to tell him." "I know you had to tell him," you say, puzzled. You turn to Weatherbee. "I'm //glad// that Archie told you." "That's a wonderful attitude to have, Casey," Weatherbee says gruffly, shuffling some papers on his desk as though he doesn't know quite what to do with his hands. "But the problem is that we simply can't have a drug dealer in our school." Again you turn, puzzled, to Archie. The earnest look is still plastered on his face - but something darker is lurking [[underneath his expression]].

"I told him about the drugs I found in your locker," Archie says. His voice is soft, with an edge of something vicious. "I told him how I liked you so much that I invited you to join the team - and on your first day, showing you around, I discovered that you were using your locker as a headquarters for your drug dealing." You've risen halfway out of your chair before you even realize it. "That's impossible," you say, mind whirling. "I - I'm not the drug dealer. //Archie// is!" You point a finger wildly at Archie, who does his best to look confused and hurt - but you can see the wicked vengeance in his eyes. "I think that's enough, Casey," Weatherbee says, suddenly standing behind you and putting his hands on your shoulders. "The police are on their way. We've already retrieved the drugs from your locker. You will have to [[pay for what you've done,]] I'm afraid."

The next few weeks blend together in a grey, anxiety-ridden blur. You realize, now, your mistake. Why, oh, //why// did you trust a guy to do the right thing when you'd only known him for a few days? Belatedly, you realize that there's no way to prove that the drugs don't belong to you - and because you're so new at the school, there's no one to stand up for you. Not even your father believes you. "I thought we'd done with all this when we left our old town," he tells you, shaking his head. "You know I love you, Casey. But you have to shape up. You can't just move somewhere and expect to be better - you have to //make// yourself better." You're lucky that the judge only hands down a couple hundred hours of community service, and you're back to school in just a couple of weeks. Once back in Riverdale High, you keep your head down. You ignore Archie. You ignore everyone. You should have listened to your gut, you tell yourself, and never gotten involved in anything in the first place. And when you look around you - in class, in the diner, in the hall during the break between periods - you see a crowd of people as grey, as drained, as exhausted as you are. You are one of a multitude keeping their heads down, and waiting for the day when you can escape Riverdale. And maybe, one day, you will. //[[PLAY AGAIN?->WELCOME TO RIVERDALE]]// //this project written and produced by Dessa Bayrock for Riverdale: A Land of Contrasts, a semi-academic conference hosted at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018. Learn more about this project and the conference at fraservalleyriverdale.wordpress.com//

"So," Archie says, crossing his arms. "Here's the short version: This school is chronically underfunded, and as a result, the football team is chronically underfunded. If any of us want a chance at a football scholarship, and therefore a chance to get the hell out of Riverdale, we need that money for equipment, for out-of-town games, for a bunch of things. And that means we need to sell drugs. We've tried everything. There's no other way to raise the kind of money we need in the timeframe that we need." You feel like it's a good sign that Archie is trying to explain himself to you and not, say, trying to threaten or murder you. But you're still not sure what the play is, here. "Look," Archie says, moving closer and speaking in a softer tone. "You have to believe me. None of us want to be doing this. But there's no other way." Do you think you can [[come around to his way of thinking->believe him]]? Or do you [[still think this is wrong]]?

You follow Veronica into the locker room. "Hey, Veronica," you say. "I don't want to get in the way of your specialty drills - but I was also wondering if I could lend a hand? I'm just feeling like I really want to put my energy towards something, you know?" You realize, belatedly, that everyone in the room stiffened immediately as soon as you entered and is now eyeing you guardedly. "Gabrielle," Veronica says in a low voice. "You forgot to lock the door." You still don't understand what's going on, until you take a look around... and realize that they aren't organizing secret drills, but sorting through an enormous mountain of drugs. "Can I have a word alone with Casey, please?" Veronica tells the rest of the team, and they begin to file out. "Oh, and Gabrielle? Lock the door this time?" Before long, you and Veronica are the only ones [[left in the room->cheer room]].

"So," Veronica says, crossing her arms. "Here's the short version: This school is chronically underfunded, and as a result, the cheerleading team is chronically underfunded. If any of us want a chance at an athletic scholarship, and therefore a chance to get the hell out of Riverdale, we need that money for equipment, for out-of-town games, for a bunch of things. And that means we need to sell drugs. We've tried everything. There's no other way to raise the kind of money we need in the timeframe that we need." You feel like it's a good sign that Veronica is trying to explain herself to you and not, say, trying to threaten or murder you. But you're still not sure what the play is, here. "Look," Veronica says, moving closer and speaking in a softer tone. "You have to believe me. None of us want to be doing this. But there's no other way." Do you think you can [[come around to her way of thinking->believe her]]? Or do you [[still think this is wrong->Veronica wrong]]?

"Veronica," you say, forcefully, "this is wrong. And you //know// this is wrong. There's no two ways about it." She bows her head and her shoulders droop, just a little. "If you don't tell Principal Weatherbee," you say, "I will. I don't //want// to, Veronica. But I //have// to." She nods without raising her head to look you in the eye. "I know it's wrong, Casey," she says. "You have to believe that I never wanted this." "Of course you didn't," you say, as gently as you can. "But this is the position you've put yourself in. And now you have to face up to what you've done." She nods again. "Listen," she says, raising her eyes to meet yours finally, and clearing her throat. "I'll tell Weatherbee this afternoon, okay? Just allow me the dignity of doing it myself. I don't want you to get involved in this." This only seems fair, and you pat her on the shoulder awkwardly before the two of you [[leave the locker room->leave cheer]].

You let all of the air in your lungs out in one great whoosh. "Look, Veronica," you say, mostly at a loss for words. "I get where you're coming from, I do. But even you should be able to see how far off course you've gotten." Her shoulders droop, just a little, and her eyes flick away from yours. You take this as a good sign, and soldier on. "You don't want to be a drug dealer," you tell her, softly, moving just a few inches closer and reaching out to place your hand on her arm. "You know you don't. This might seem like the right choice, but it's //not//, Veronica. You need to get out of this racket. There //have// to be other ways. She bows his head, and lets out a great, shuddering breath. "You're right," she says, finally. "I know you're right. Look, please don't tell anyone while we get this sorted, okay? I swear - I can get out of this mess on my own. But please don't tell anyone at the school - not any of the students, and please, please don't tell Principal Weatherbee." You give her [[your word-> cheer word]].

Later that afternoon, you hear your voice called over the PA system. "Casey Finnegan, please report to Principal Weatherbee's office. Casey Finnegan, you're wanted in Weatherbee's office." With trepidation, you pack up your things and leave your class. //This has to be about Veronica,// you think, nervously. //Maybe they just want to make sure they have all the details together? But Veronica said she wanted to keep me out of it...// When you walk into Weatherbee's office, as expected, Veronica is already sitting there, her head bowed over her clasped hands. "Ah, yes," Weatherbee says. "Casey - come in, come in." Ignoring the flip-flopping of your stomach inside your body, [[you sit->sit veronica]].

Veronica turns to you, and you can see that she's been crying. "I like you, Casey," she says earnestly. "I really do. But I had to tell him." "I know you had to tell him," you say, puzzled. You turn to Weatherbee. "I'm //glad// that Veronica told you." "That's a wonderful attitude to have, Casey," Weatherbee says gruffly, shuffling some papers on his desk as though he doesn't know quite what to do with his hands. "But the problem is that we simply can't have a drug dealer in our school." Again you turn, puzzled, to Veronica. The earnest look is still plastered on her face - but something darker is lurking [[underneath her expression]].

"I told him about the drugs I found in your locker," Veronica says. Her voice is soft, but it has an edge of something vicious. Weatherbee doesn't seem to notice. "I told him how I liked you so much that I invited you to join the team - and on your first day, showing you around, I discovered that you were using your locker as a headquarters for your drug dealing." You've risen halfway out of your chair before you even realize it. "That's impossible," you say, mind whirling. "I - I'm not the drug dealer. //Veronica// is!" You point a finger wildly at Veronica, who does her best to look confused and hurt - but you can see the wicked vengeance in her eyes. "I think that's enough, Casey," Weatherbee says, suddenly standing behind you and putting his hands on your shoulders. "The police are on their way. We've already retrieved the drugs from your locker. You will have to [[pay for what you've done,->cheer done]] I'm afraid."

The next few weeks blend together in a grey, anxiety-ridden blur. You realize, now, your mistake. Why, oh, //why// did you trust a girl to do the right thing when you'd only known her for a few days? Belatedly, you realize that there's no way to prove that the drugs don't belong to you - and because you're so new at the school, there's no one to stand up for you. Not even your father believes you. "I thought we'd done with all this when we left our old town," he tells you, shaking his head. "You know I love you, Casey. But you have to shape up. You can't just move somewhere and expect to be better - you have to //make// yourself better." You're lucky that the judge only hands down a couple hundred hours of community service, and you're back to school in just a couple of weeks. Once back in Riverdale High, you keep your head down. You ignore Veronica. You ignore everyone. You should have listened to your gut, you tell yourself, and never gotten involved in anything in the first place. And when you look around you - in class, in the diner, in the hall during the break between periods - you see a crowd of people as grey, as drained, as exhausted as you are. You are one of a multitude keeping their heads down, and waiting for the day when you can escape Riverdale. And maybe, one day, you will. //[[PLAY AGAIN?->WELCOME TO RIVERDALE]]// //this project written and produced by Dessa Bayrock for Riverdale: A Land of Contrasts, a semi-academic conference hosted at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018. Learn more about this project and the conference at fraservalleyriverdale.wordpress.com//

Late that night, you get a text from Veronica, asking to meet outside the school. Silently apologizing to your father, you get dressed and scale out of your bedroom window. When you meet Veronica, she's carrying a massive backpack. "Here's the deal," she says, breathlessly. "A couple of the other cheerleaders have personal supplies, but nothing major. This is almost all of what we have, as a team, fron the locker room, and I staged a break-in and packed everything into this backpack." She pats the strap of her navy blue backpack. "Now," she says, "I thought we could go into the woods and bury it. I couldn't think of any other way to get rid of it. And I wanted you to be here, to see this. I'm coming clean, Casey. I want you to trust me." [[And you do.->you do trust veronica]]

The two of you hike into the woods, where Veronica has already stashed a shovel, and dig the deepest hole you can manage. Veronica throws the backpack in, and you shovel the dirt back on top of it and cover it with branches and leaves until it hardly looks as though the soil has been disturbed at all. "Listen, Casey," she says, turning to you. "I just wanted to say thank you - thank you for believing in me - in my character - in the idea that I could get myself out of this mess." "Burying all this stuff has made me feel like a whole new person," she continues, quietly. "I owe you... everything." Tentatively, she reaches up to stroke your cheek. You lean into it, and her hand moves gently into your hair, until finally she pulls you towards her. Her lips are soft and passionate against yours, and you feel intoxicated - as though your soul is floating out of your body and meeting Veronica's. She breaks away slightly, and leans her forehead against yours. "It just seemed like the only option," she says, her voice breaking. "And then it just got out of control so quickly, and I didn't know how to get out -" You cut her off again with a gentle kiss. "It's okay, Veronica," you tell her softly. "We're going to get through it. We //are// through it. It's already better." And twining your fingers through hers, you make your way out of the forest. [[Together.]]

You pop back into the classroom. "Hey, Betty," you say. "I don't want to get in the way of your project - but I was also wondering if I could lend a hand? I'm just feeling like I really want to put my energy towards something, you know?" You realize, belatedly, that everyone in the room stiffened immediately as soon as you entered and is now eyeing you guardedly. "Jocelyn," Betty says in a low voice. "You forgot to lock the door." You still don't understand what's going on, until you take a look around... and realize that they aren't organizing a secret project, but sorting through an enormous mountain of drugs. "Can I have a word alone with Casey, please?" Betty tells the rest of the board, and they begin to file out. "Oh, and Jocelyn? Lock the door this time?" Before long, you and Betty are the only ones [[left in the room->gov room]].

"So," Betty says, crossing her arms. "Here's the short version: This school is chronically underfunded, and as a result, student government is chronically underfunded. If any of us want a chance at a scholarship, and therefore a chance to get the hell out of Riverdale, we need that money to get anything done around here - to really make a splash, as a student government, to improve things, and to put that work on our CVs. And that means we need to sell drugs. We've tried everything. There's no other way to raise the kind of money we need in the timeframe that we need." You feel like it's a good sign that Betty is trying to explain herself to you and not, say, trying to threaten or murder you. But you're still not sure what the play is, here. "Look," Betty says, moving closer and speaking in a softer tone. "You have to believe me. None of us want to be doing this. But there's no other way." Do you think you can [[come around to her way of thinking->believe her2]]? Or do you [[still think this is wrong->Betty wrong]]?

You let all of the air in your lungs out in one great whoosh. "Look, Betty," you say, mostly at a loss for words. "I get where you're coming from, I do. But even you should be able to see how far off course you've gotten." Her shoulders droop, just a little, and her eyes flick away from yours. You take this as a good sign, and soldier on. "You don't want to be a drug dealer," you tell her, softly, moving just a few inches closer and reaching out to place your hand on her arm. "You know you don't. This might seem like the right choice, but it's //not//, Betty. You need to get out of this racket. There //have// to be other ways. She bows his head, and lets out a great, shuddering breath. "You're right," she says, finally. "I know you're right. Look, please don't tell anyone while we get this sorted, okay? I swear - I can get out of this mess on my own. But please don't tell anyone at the school - not any of the students, and please, please don't tell Principal Weatherbee." You give her [[your word-> betty word]].

"Betty," you say, forcefully, "this is wrong. And you //know// this is wrong. There's no two ways about it." She bows her head and her shoulders droop, just a little. "If you don't tell Principal Weatherbee," you say, "I will. I don't //want// to, Betty. But I //have// to." She nods without raising her head to look you in the eye. "I know it's wrong, Casey," she says. "You have to believe that I never wanted this." "Of course you didn't," you say, as gently as you can. "But this is the position you've put yourself in. And now you have to face up to what you've done." She nods again. "Listen," she says, raising her eyes to meet yours finally, and clearing her throat. "I'll tell Weatherbee this afternoon, okay? Just allow me the dignity of doing it myself. I don't want you to get involved in this." This only seems fair, and you pat her on the shoulder awkwardly before the two of you [[leave the locker room->leave gov]].

Later that afternoon, you hear your voice called over the PA system. "Casey Finnegan, please report to Principal Weatherbee's office. Casey Finnegan, you're wanted in Weatherbee's office." With trepidation, you pack up your things and leave your class. //This has to be about Betty,// you think, nervously. //Maybe they just want to make sure they have all the details together? But Betty said she wanted to keep me out of it...// When you walk into Weatherbee's office, as expected, Betty is already sitting there, her head bowed over her clasped hands. "Ah, yes," Weatherbee says. "Casey - come in, come in." Ignoring the flip-flopping of your stomach inside your body, [[you sit->sit betty]].

Betty turns to you, and you can see that she's been crying. "I like you, Casey," she says earnestly. "I really do. But I had to tell him." "I know you had to tell him," you say, puzzled. You turn to Weatherbee. "I'm //glad// that Betty told you." "That's a wonderful attitude to have, Casey," Weatherbee says gruffly, shuffling some papers on his desk as though he doesn't know quite what to do with his hands. "But the problem is that we simply can't have a drug dealer in our school." Again you turn, puzzled, to Betty. The earnest look is still plastered on her face - but something darker is lurking [[underneath her expression2]].

"I told him about the drugs I found in your locker," Betty says. Her voice is soft, but it has an edge of something vicious. Weatherbee doesn't seem to notice. "I told him how I liked you so much that I invited you to join student government - and on your first day, showing you around, I discovered that you were using your locker as a headquarters for your drug dealing." You've risen halfway out of your chair before you even realize it. "That's impossible," you say, mind whirling. "I - I'm not the drug dealer. //Betty// is!" You point a finger wildly at Betty, who does her best to look confused and hurt - but you can see the wicked vengeance in her eyes. "I think that's enough, Casey," Weatherbee says, suddenly standing behind you and putting his hands on your shoulders. "The police are on their way. We've already retrieved the drugs from your locker. You will have to [[pay for what you've done,->gov done]] I'm afraid."

The next few weeks blend together in a grey, anxiety-ridden blur. You realize, now, your mistake. Why, oh, //why// did you trust a girl to do the right thing when you'd only known her for a few days? Belatedly, you realize that there's no way to prove that the drugs don't belong to you - and because you're so new at the school, there's no one to stand up for you. Not even your father believes you. "I thought we'd done with all this when we left our old town," he tells you, shaking his head. "You know I love you, Casey. But you have to shape up. You can't just move somewhere and expect to be better - you have to //make// yourself better." You're lucky that the judge only hands down a couple hundred hours of community service, and you're back to school in just a couple of weeks. Once back in Riverdale High, you keep your head down. You ignore Betty. You ignore everyone. You should have listened to your gut, you tell yourself, and never gotten involved in anything in the first place. And when you look around you - in class, in the diner, in the hall during the break between periods - you see a crowd of people as grey, as drained, as exhausted as you are. You are one of a multitude keeping their heads down, and waiting for the day when you can escape Riverdale. And maybe, one day, you will. //[[PLAY AGAIN?->WELCOME TO RIVERDALE]]// //this project written and produced by Dessa Bayrock for Riverdale: A Land of Contrasts, a semi-academic conference hosted at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018. Learn more about this project and the conference at fraservalleyriverdale.wordpress.com//

Late that night, you get a text from Betty, asking to meet outside the school. Silently apologizing to your father, you get dressed and scale out of your bedroom window. When you meet Betty, she's carrying a massive backpack. "Here's the deal," she says, breathlessly. "A couple of the other board members have personal supplies, but nothing major. This is almost all of what we have, as a board, from our supply room, and I staged a break-in and packed everything into this backpack." She pats the strap of her navy blue backpack. "Now," she says, "I thought we could go into the woods and bury it. I couldn't think of any other way to get rid of it. And I wanted you to be here, to see this. I'm coming clean, Casey. I want you to trust me." [[And you do.->you do trust betty]]

The two of you hike into the woods, where Betty has already stashed a shovel, and dig the deepest hole you can manage. Veronica throws the backpack in, and you shovel the dirt back on top of it and cover it with branches and leaves until it hardly looks as though the soil has been disturbed at all. "Listen, Casey," she says, turning to you. "I just wanted to say thank you - thank you for believing in me - in my character - in the idea that I could get myself out of this mess." "Burying all this stuff has made me feel like a whole new person," she continues, quietly. "I owe you... everything." Tentatively, she reaches up to stroke your cheek. You lean into it, and her hand moves gently into your hair, until finally she pulls you towards her. Her lips are soft and passionate against yours, and you feel intoxicated - as though your soul is floating out of your body and meeting Veronica's. She breaks away slightly, and leans her forehead against yours. "It just seemed like the only option," she says, her voice breaking. "And then it just got out of control so quickly, and I didn't know how to get out -" You cut her off again with a gentle kiss. "It's okay, Betty," you tell her softly. "We're going to get through it. We //are// through it. It's already better." And twining your fingers through hers, you make your way out of the forest. [[Together.]]