Forever And Always

Chapter 52

Days later Callie sat in the auditorium with the Serpents. On stage were presidential candidates and their running mates for next years. It was Jughead and Betty, Veronica and Archie, Reggie and Josie. Mrs. Cooper was on stage directing the debate.

" Okay, now just a quick reminder, that this is a PTA sponsored event," Mrs. Cooper announced. Then Sweet Pea stood up. " Oh, looks like we have our first question.

" Yeah, no offense to the, uh, current administration, but it doesn't feel like anyone's looking out for the students who are being bussed in from the Southside. Is that gonna change?" Sweet Pea asked. 

" Besides you of course," Fangs whispered to Callie before standing up with Sweet Pea.

" Absolutely, Sweet Pea, that's our priority," Jughead answered. " And no one should feel marginalized or excluded here."

"Jughead and I will be representing all students, North and Southside alike," Betty informed. They then sat back down.

" Next question," Mrs. Cooper said. " Yes, Midge."

" My question is for Archie and Veronica," Midge announced as she stood up. " Rumor has it that your parents will soon be on opposite sides of the Mayoral election, won't that negatively affect your relationship?"

" Archie and I adhere to the old maxim that " politics are never discussed" at the dinner or cafeteria table," Veronica answered earning some laughs.

" Veronica and I are on the same page about everything, including her family's plans for a prison on the Southside," Archie added.

" In the meantime, however, we're committed to improving the quality of life at Riverdale High, which means more extracurriculars--" Veronica continued.

" Reggie and I agree," Josie cut her off. " Except, add that fact that we can and will deliver the results."

" And we're chill, unlike these guys," Reggie added. Everyone started laughing. After the debate, everyone stood in the hallway socializing.

" Why don't you run for president?" Fangs asked Callie. " You would represent the Southside better than those two?"

"Why don't you run?" Callie asked. " You would represent the Southside the best."

" Maybe next year," Fangs said. " And you can be my running mate."

" Sounds like a plan," Callie agreed. " Did you guys by chance see Cheryl?"

" No," Sweet Pea answered. " Toni has been looking for her as well."

" Callie!" her mom called from down the hallway.

" I will see you guys later," Callie said walking away. When she got there, the Lodges also approached her family.

" Mary, Fred, all of Riverdale is buzzing about your decision to run against my wife for mayor," Hiram stated.

" I've lived here my whole life, never went to New York, never went to prison," Fred stated. " There's no one more qualified than me."

" You know, Hiram, we're still waiting for you to sign those papers finalizing Fred's separation from Lodge Industries," Mary brought up.

" Huh. You mean like how we're still waiting for you to sign the NDA that we sent over?" Hermione brought up as she took a couple steps forward.

" Parents, there's no need to become the Montagues and the Capulets just yet," Callie advised.

" Yeah, Veronica and I were saying, can't this be a fair fight?" Archie asked. " With no hitting below the belt? And everyone signing whatever it is they need to sign?" They then stepped away from each other.