Blossoming | Bughead AU

the beginning

"Come on, Betty. We're going to be late!"

Cheryl's shrill voice sent a shiver down her spine as it usually does whenever raised. Betty quickly assured, "Almost done!"

Betty Cooper looked at herself in the mirror once again. The tight red dress hugged her body in all the right places but she was definitely not comfortable. Sure, it'd be perfect if they were just about to attend the biggest party in town with celebrities appearing. But it made her feel weird that she had to wear it to Riverdale High. She longed for her simple jeans and cozy t-shirt but Cheryl and her parents would have a heart attack if they caught her wearing such "less than superb" clothing.

Betty snapped out of her racing thoughts and carefully skipped down the steps in her high heels. Cheryl immediately grabbed Betty's arm and pulled her towards the awaiting limo.

"I honestly just want to call a taxi right now to take us to the most prestigious academy in the country," Cheryl spat, ignoring the chauffeur's greetings while slipping into the limousine. "I swear, Riverdale is turning into a hellhole."

Betty's heart dropped at her best friend's sour mood; it usually never ended well. "What's going on?"

As the limo sped off, Cheryl whined, "I just received word from Tracy that Weatherbee is allowing some mutinous snake slither in to our school. Apparently Southside High is too 'underwhelming in education' for his taste. Which is ironic, being that he is a Serpent."

"A Serpent?" Betty croaked. She's heard all the stories about the gang. She never dared to step foot on the other side of the tracks; even if she wanted to, her mother would never allow it. The Serpents destroy anything and anyone whenever they felt like it and sweet, precious Betty Cooper should never get caught up in that. "What if he tries to hurt someone?"

"That's what I'm saying," Cheryl groaned. "Whatever. The whole school is going to shun him."

Betty nodded, her nerves increasing as the limo pulled up to the high school. People always stared whenever they arrived, which always filled Cheryl with pride but embarrassment for Betty.

"Where's Jason?" Betty asked as they walked through the halls, arms linked together.

"Early morning football practice," the redhead answered, grinning at the thought of her twin. "By the way, we have cheerleading practice after school."

Betty's stomach growled as she had not eaten all morning, but would unfortunately have to wait for lunch to be properly fed. Cheryl's convinced her to start skipping breakfast to improve her diet, despite the fact that it is incredibly unhealthy. But as it was inferred earlier, Betty's life and choices are made to please Cheryl Blossom.

Principal Weatherbee suddenly appeared in front of the two girls, and Cheryl scowled. She was still angry at him for accepting a Serpent into the school.

"Miss Cooper, may I have a word with you?" the elder man asked kindly, ignoring Cheryl's glare. "It will be just a moment."

"I'll be right back, I guess," Betty whispered to Cheryl who reluctantly backed away.

"As you may have already been informed," Weatherbee began, glancing at the steaming red headed diva as they walked away, "a student from Southside High is transferring over here to Riverdale High."

Betty nodded. "Yes, I have been made aware."

"I suspect that most students won't... show him much respect, and I also fear that trouble will immediately begin upon his arrival," he continued, starting to look a little frustrated. "Betty, you are one of the only students I have ever come across who may have the slightest chance of showing this young man acceptance, despite his life and his surroundings."