❪ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴇ ᴏꜰ ɢʀᴀᴄᴇ ❫

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰: 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘺
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𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡.

A few days later Cami sat at Betty's vanity using her lipstick since she ran out of her own already dressed for school while Betty writes in her diary.

Cami used to have one but once she noticed it wasn't in the same place she placed it she stopped writing in it knowing someone was reading it.

"So many words Betts," Cami teases making Betty look up at her and shake her head just as a knock was heard at the door before the two girls' parents walk into the room.

"Hey, honey?" Hal questions making Betty and Cami look towards their parents. 

"We just wanted you both to know, it's gonna be a bit of a late night for us," Hal tells the two as Alice looks around the room before placing her hand on the chair Cami was sitting in.

"It's going to be a lot of late nights for us," Alice tells the two girls making the two along with their father look at her.

"I mean, an accidental drowning, who cares? But the sociopathic son of the wealthiest family in town, murdered? That's a national obsession waiting to happen," Alice says making Cami and Betty share a look wondering why they felt surprised at their mom's words. She hated Jason. Loathed was more like it although neither Betty nor Cami knew exactly why.

"He's barely in his grave, Alice," Hal begins to tell her but Alice just stares at her two daughters interrupting him.

"Can you warm up the car, Hal? I'll be right down," Alice tells him making Hal walk out of the room as Alice grabs Cami's hands and walks towards Betty's bed having the two girls sit in front of her.

"Cami, Betty, you know what I love most about you both?" Alice questions the two girls who take a breath shaking their heads.

"It's that you both always want to see the good in people," Alice tells her daughters making Cami sigh in her head at her mom's words.

"Even people like Cheryl Blossom and Veronica Lodge and Archie Andrew," Alice tells the two looking pointedly at Cami.

"Mom-," Cami tells her sighing but before she could continue the doorbell downstairs rings and they hear Hal opening it.

"Cami! It's for you," Hal yells making Cami look confused but Alice gets up heading towards the bedroom door making the two teenage blondes get up as well heading down the stairs.

"Morning Mrs.Cooper," Archie says as Cami and Betty stand on the steps and Alice stares at Archie who looks up at Cami.

"I got you these," Archie tells Cami holding up a flower arrangement of her favorite flowers white peonies.

"And this," Archie tells Cami holding up a strawberry milkshake from Pops.

"Aww Arch," Cami says taking the flowers and then the milkshake smiling at him but Archie wouldn't meet her eyes. He would look everywhere but her.

"Here I'll put them in water and in your room," Alice tells Cami taking the flowers and making her smile at her mom.

"Thanks, Mom," Cami tells Alice who smiles at her daughter but eyes Archie.

"I'll get my bags and meet you two out front," Betty says making Cami nod as she sips her milkshake going to grab her bag but Archie beats her to it.

"I'm liking this," Cami tells him kissing his cheek as she walks out of the house while Alice eyes them from the kitchen.

"Betty!" Alice calls out as she sees Betty heading down the stairs.

"As something happened between Cami and Archie?" Alice questions Betty who shakes her head slightly.

"Beside him missing the dance no. Why?" Betty asks her mom who shakes her head.

"Nothing," Alice says making Betty nod and head out the door.

"What's wrong?" Hal questions his wife who fills the vase with water.

"When a man does things like that for no reason there's still usually a reason. Mostly likely because he did something and feels guilty," Alice tells her husband placing the white peonies in the vase.

"It's probably nothing Alice," Hal tells her sighing while Alice shakes her head.

"I just don't want her to end up like Polly," Alice tells thinking of her oldest, but she knew out of the three of her daughters Cami was the one the most like Alice, and truthfully that scared her.

"The Sisters already said they could have a room available if we need one. She won't turn out like Polly," Hal tells her making Alice nod although hesitantly looking down at the flower arrangement.

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"And he had me get all dressed up and got my favorites from Pop's! He also had the back of his dad's truck lined with pillows and blankets because he took me to the drive-in to watch my all-time favorite movie. The Notebook!" Cami tells Kevin and Veronica as they walk down the hallways.

"That's so sweet Cam," Kevin tells her smiling brightly as the girl smiles back at him.

"And got your favorite flowers and milkshake this morning. Definitely trying to make up, which he should," Veronica says making Kevin nod his head.

"It happens. We all fall asleep and forget to set an alarm," Cami justifies making Veronica look at her and raise her hand slightly.

"Wait wait that was his excuse?" Veronica asks making Cami nod her head confused.

"Yeah, why?" Cami asks her as Veronica shakes her head.

"Nothing Cammie," Veronica tells her making Cami smile and nodding her head as she finishes her milkshake before spotting someone.

"Ooh! I have to go but I'll see you two later!" Cami tells Kevin and Veronica blowing them a kiss as she walks away.

Kevin laughs shaking his head at the blonde as Veronica looks towards Kevin and then back at Cami.

"Kevin...," Veronica calls making him hmm as he looks towards her.

"Archie...he would never hurt Cami right?" Veronica asks Kevin who looks towards her.

"Absolutely not. Those two are like the love stories in the movies...you should have seen how nervous he was to ask her out. It took like a month for him to get the courage and ask her out.

He planned a whole thing involving flowers candles and the football team because it was for homecoming. It was the most romantic thing. Ever!" Kevin tells Veronica who nods her head watching as Cami headed into the girl's bathroom.

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Walking into the bathroom Cami tilts her head to Tina and Ginger Cheryl's best friends making them pause but leave when Cheryl nods her head.

"Here to give your sympathies?" Cheryl asks Cami as she fixes her red lipstick.

"I'm pretty sure you have had enough sympathies in the past for days to last a lifetime Cheryl. Probably from people who didn't even truly know your brother," Cami states making Cheryl pause before continuing.

"I just want to say if you need someone to talk to or just sit in quiet drinking milkshakes then I'm there," Cami says as she grabs something out of her bag.

"And I got this for you this weekend. It's a locket. You can put a picture of you and Jason or Jason in there. That way even if not physically here he will always be close to your heart," Cami tells Cheryl softly placing the locket on the bathroom sink.

"I'll see you in class," Cami tells her turning around and leaving the bathroom. Cheryl looks down at the box and opens it seeing the golden locket. Once she does Cheryl opens it already seeing a picture inside.

It was of Cheryl and Jason at Pop's last summer before his death with tears in her eyes Cheryl takes a deep breath before unlocking the locket placing it around her neck and putting it under her shirt right beside her heart.

Jason was right beside her heart.

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"Hey," Cami says sitting down beside Betty on the couch in the student lounge with Kevin in the chair as the two went to greet her the intercom comes on.

"Good morning, students. This is your principal speaking. There have been many inquiries about the upcoming pep rally. So let me state clearly, it is happening, as scheduled," Principal Weatherbee says making Cami look wide-eyed.

"What?! I have so much to do!" Cami exclaims opening her bag and begins looking for her planner as Kevin and Betty look at her.

"Now, on a less felicitous note, if you could give your attention to Sheriff Keller," Principal Weatherbee finishes as Cami flips there her checklist seeing everything she needs to do before the upcoming pep rally.

"Most of you already know the details, but your classmate Jason Blossom's body was found late Saturday night. So as of the weekend, Jason's death is now being treated as a homicide. It is an open and ongoing investigation," Sheriff Keller says as the intercom pauses and it sounds like it was taken from the sheriff.

"And may I interject, neither I nor my parents will rest until Jason's death is avenged, and his cold-hearted killer is walking the green mile to sit in Old Sparky and fry. I, for one, have my suspicions. #RiverdaleStrong," Cheryl says making Cami look up from her planner slightly confused.

"If you know anything that could help us find and
apprehend Jason's killer or anything about what
happened to him on July 4th, I strongly urge you to
come forward immediately. You can speak with me
or Principal Weatherbee. A death like this wounds us all. Let's not let Jason down," Sheriff Keller finishes.

"Uhh...that sounded pretty good," Cami says surprised making Kevin laugh at her.

"Now I have a lot to do! I have to make sure the routine for the Vixens is perfected. I also need to pick up the banner for the players to run through. Ooh, double-cheek Josie and the Pussy Cats! Let's next forget the stage, microphone, and lights. I need to get the bulbs changed," Cami rambles making Betty look at her surprised.

"I'll see you both later!" Cami exclaims leaving the room as Betty watches her concerned.

"Does she seem busier than usual?" Betty questions Kevin who shrugs at her.

"She's Cami. And you know how much a perfectionist she is," Kevin tells Betty who nods but still worriedly clearly.  

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"No! I told you to come to fix the lights! If you do not fix them in the next hour I will make you wish you were never born! Absolutely not I do not threaten people! That was a promise," Cami exclaims into the phone before hanging it up while walking down the hallway cheering things off her notebook and looking to see what to do next.

Not seeing someone coming towards her making her bump into them.

"Ooh, I'm so sorry!" Cami exclaims looking up to see Jughead making her look confused.

"Shouldn't you be in class?" Cami asks Jughead who looks at Cami.

"Shouldn't you?" Jughead retorts making Cami pause before nodding.

"You have a point," Cami tells Jughead who nods at her.

"Sorry about bumping into you. Yelling at vendors regarding the pep rally. It has to be perfect and they won't come change the bulbs into the stadium lights. And then they are saying it might rain so I need a tent or something. The game can't be canceled," Cami rambles making Jughead nod slightly.

"Sorry, I tend to ramble at times. Bye Jug," Cami says as she begins to walk away but Jughead remembers something.

"Hey, Cami can I ask you something?" Jughead questions making her turn to him with a smile as she hums.

"Were you and Archie together July 4th?" Jughead questions Cami who looks at him confused.

"Uhm...no we weren't. I was on a plane. I didn't get back to Riverdale till right before the fireworks. Watched them with Kevin and Betty. Why?" Cami asks Jughead who pauses realizing Archie lied to him regarding the reason he canceled their trip.

"No reason. Thanks, Cami," Jughead tells her making her nod as she walks in the other direction. Jughead continues walking pasting the music room but something catches his attention making him pause and then walk back towards the window seeing a familiar redhead in an intimate position with the music teacher who isn't his girlfriend.

Like wide-eyed Jughead looks back toward where Cami was walking yelling at someone once again.

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That night Archie walks home with his dad, Cami, and his favorite from Pop's. Cami was having dinner with them finishing some posters for the game making Archie and Fred help her. Which usually consists of the two covered in glitter while Cami laughs.

But what Archie wasn't expecting when he got home was to see Jughead sitting down on his footsteps making him sigh.

"Jug. What's up?" Archie questions him looking towards his front door.

"What's up is I saw you, Archie," Jughead tells as he stands up walking towards Archie.

"In the music room. With Ms. Grundy," Jughead says making Archie walk towards him quickly.

"Keep your voice down, my dad and Cami's inside," Archie tells Jughead who looks at him and then at the front door shaking his head.

"I'm trying to help you, dude. I'm trying to be your friend here. Even though we're not anymore. How long? You and Grundy? Behind your girlfriend's back?" Jughead questions the redhead shaking his head slightly exaggerating girlfriend.

He knew Cami Cooper. He's known her his entire life. She was one of the only l people he's ever met that was kind without an agenda. She helped when others needed it.

And she loved. With her entire heart. Jughead knew she didn't deserve what was happening right behind her back. And he knew it would destroy her to know the truth.

"Since the summer," Archie says making Jughead sigh and shake his head.

"I like her," Archie tells Jughead who scoffs at his words.

"And your girlfriend? Archie, what are you thinking?" Jughead asks him as Archie just looks at him.

"I love Cami. I can't hurt her. If I tell her I hurt her. I can't," Archie tells him as Jughead walks closer to him.

"And what do you expect you are doing? If you loved her you wouldn't be cheating on her behind her back. She's not stupid Archie she will realize what's going on and that will hurt her even more," Jughead tries to get through to him making Archie shake his head.

"I-I can't," Archie tells Jughead who sighs at him making Archie look up at him panicked.

"You can't anyone about this especially Cami...," Archie tells him making Jughead stare at him.

"What? What are you gonna do? Because if you don't tell her I will," Jughead tells Archie as the two stand face to face just as the front door was opened.

"Arch! I need your help! Fred spilled the glitter all over Vegas," Cami says laughing before pausing seeing Jughead.

"Oh hey, Jug. Do you want to come in? You can help us decorate posters and we got take-out from Pop's," Cami offers smiling at the boy her hands covered in glitter. Jughead looks at Cami and then back at Archie.

"He was just leaving," Archie says but it didn't sound like a statement it was more like a demand as he stares into Jughead's eyes. Jughead shakes his head before walking off disappointed in Archie who watches him go before turning to Cami with a smile on his face.

"Show me the problem," Archie says jogging up to Cami who laughs at him as Archie wraps an arm around her shoulder kissing the top of her head.

"Fred spilled the glitter! It got everywhere but the poster!" Cami tells Archie laughing who shakes his head at her.

"Hey! Cami-Cam it was your fault! You are the one who made me laugh hitting the glitter," Fred defends as Archie and Cami walk into the kitchen seeing glitter all over the island, the floor, Fred, and Vegas making the two busts out laughing.

"Laugh it out," Fred says shaking his head before laughing himself.

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The next day Cami was walking down the school's hallways and hears something making her pause mid-text to Mayor McCoy and run towards the student lounge seeing Reggie on top of Archie the two fighting.

"Hey!" Cami yells blowing the whistle around her neck making everyone pause and immediately look wide-eyed seeing the angry look in her eyes.

"Now does someone want to tell me what just happened and why the vending machine is now shattered?" Cami asks an eyebrow raised before sighing and shaking her head.

"You know what I don't care. Reggie go to the principal office Jughead take Archie to the nurse. I have too much to do to worry about whatever the hell macho boy stuff that's going on," Cami says turning around and walking out of the room. 

"Uhm...," Kevin whispers looking at Betty who shrugs.
"You heard her. Go!" Veronica exclaims making everyone nod their head doing what the blonde said. For Cami Cooper might not seem but she could be very scary when she wanted to.  

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Standing in her cheer uniform Cami looks around the football field with a bright smile seeing the bleachers being filled. The bright lights shone brightly. The grass was cut. The marching band playing a few songs as the cheerleaders and football players got ready.

"Cami," a voice says making Cami look and see Mayor McCoy.

"Mayor McCoy," Cami greets the woman putting the clipboard down from in her hand.

"I just want to congratulate you. From what I've seen this pep rally seems perfect. This town needs something like this right now," Mayor McCoy tells Cami who smiles at her brightly.

"Thank you," Cami tells her as Mayor McCoy nods walking away. Cami tries to repress the squeal from leaving her mouth as she turns around and comes face to face with Archie.

"Arch!" Cami yells before looking at him worriedly seeing his black eye.

"I'm alright," Archie tells her smiling at Cami who nods although worriedly. Archie shakes his head before bringing Cami closer to him hugging her.

"What are you doing?!" Cami exclaims before she is lifted off the ground and spins her around.

"I just...I love you," Archie tells Cami before kissing her softly on the lips making Cami wrap her arms around him. 

"I love you too," Cami whispers softly to Archie who smiles at her only slightly though.

"Cami!!" Cheryl's voice yells making her sigh as she pulls back from Archie.

"Later!" Cami tells him kissing his cheek as she runs off towards where the other cheerleaders were gathering.

As Archie heads over towards where Jughead was leaning against the bleachers.

"Girl trouble? You?" Jughead asks Archie making Archie pause as he sighs.

"I'm going to tell Cami. You were right. I'm hurting her," Archie tells Jughead who nods his head.

"Good," Jughead tells Archie who nods at him.
"And also, I'm sorry," Archie tells Jughead who nods.

"It's cool," Jughead tells him as the two stand there staring at each other.

"We're not gonna hug in front of this whole town," Jughead tells Archie making him laugh.

"So why don't we both just do that bro thing where we nod like douches and mutually suppress our emotions?" Jughead suggests to Archie.

"Yeah, but as friends, right?" Archie asks him.
"To be discussed, over many burgers, and many days," Jughead tells Archie smiling making Jughead smile back at him while Archie walks backward towards the football field. 

Principal Weatherbee along with Mayor McCoy, Coach Clayton, and Cami stand on the stage looking at the crowd.

"Now to kick off this pep rally, I'd like to hand it over to our very own Mayor McCoy," Principal Weatherbee says into the microphone making everyone clap as the mayor smiles.

"Thank you, Principal Weatherbee," Mayor McCoy thanks him as speaks into the microphone.

"It is heartening to see so many of you here, even in weather like this. But a lack of heart and school spirit
has never been the Riverdale way," Mayor McCoy says making everyone cheer as Cami looks to the rainy weather.

"Tonight's pep rally isn't like any other we've had in the past. And we shouldn't pretend that it is. Which is why I would like to dedicate this evening to the memory of one of our brightest. Jason Blossom. We're with him tonight," Mayor McCoy says as Cami looks toward Cheryl worriedly. Something seemed wrong.

"Now please, join me in welcoming to the field our very own River Vixens, and their special guest stars, my daughter, Josie, and her Pussycats!" Mayor McCoy exclaims as the Vixens stand in front of the stage the three walk off and  Josie and the Pussycats walk onto the stage.

Cami winks at them as they begin singing Candy Girl Cami stands to the side watching everything happen perfectly. The routine goes perfectly as the marching band joined in playing.

Cami smiles brightly as Josie ends her singing and Cheryl walks up the stage.

"Perfect!" Cami tells Josie who smiles at her as Cami heads towards the microphone.

"Let's put your hands together for the Riverdale Bulldogs!" Cami yells into the microphone as everyone begins cheering and the bulldogs run their banners that the cheerleaders were holding up.

Cami looks at Archie who smiles at her winking making her smile at him brightly but the smile disappears when she watches Cheryl run off the stage towards the school.

Without hesitation, Cami begins running after her but she makes eye contact with Veronica who nods her head making her sigh but nod smiling back towards the stands.

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After the pep rally, Cami was grabbing all the things as Archie comes up to her.

"Hey, Cami can we talk?" Archie asks making her look at him.

"Yeah, what's up Archie?" Cami asks him softly as Archie stares into her green eyes.

Camilla Cooper has been in his life since he was a kid. She stood beside him when his Mom moved away and held him whenever he didn't want to talk to anyone but just needed someone.

"I-," Archie says as his throat felt tight making Cami confused.

"I-I just love you. You know that right?" Archie asks Cami who laughs at him.

"Of course I do. I love you too," Cami tells him kissing his cheek.

"But you smell really bad!" Cami says laughing making Archie laugh at her.

"I'll see you late," Cami tells Archie walking away with a wink Archie smiles at her but it slowly disappears. He was selfish.

He knew Jughead was right that Cami deserved to know. But the moment she did everything changed. And he wasn't ready to lose her yet. 

"Hey, Cami! Want to join me and Betty for a milkshake at Pop's?" Veronica asks her as the two girls walk towards her making Cami look at them.

"The day I say no the that I'm dying,"  Cami tells the two who laugh at her before they head towards the locker room to change before heading towards Pop's.

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"Here you go. One double chocolate, one old-fashioned vanilla, and one strawberry," one of the waiters at Pop's says placing the three milkshakes on the table.

"I will never get tired of Pop's milkshakes. I'm pretty sure if you could marry an item I would marry this milkshake," Cami says sighing in relief as she drinks the milkshake making the two girls laugh at her.

"I'm serious! This is like my reward for this crazy week," Cami tells them as the bell at the door jingles. The three girls look to see Archie and Jughead making them share a look before Cami looks back at them.

"Do you guys want to join us?" Cami questions the two.

"Yes, but only if you're treating," Jughead says walking towards the booth with Archie making Cami scoff.

"You should all be paying for mine! I just made you all have a memory to last a lifetime due to that pep rally," Cami says laughing.

"Veronica Lodge," Veronica says towards Jughead who climbs behind her getting into the booth as Cami slides over letting Archie sit with the two sisters his arm wrapped around Cami.

"Jughead Jones, the third," Jughead tells her sitting down.

"Jughead Jones, the third," Veronica says as Cami laughs. And for that one moment that night, everything was forgotten as they laughed over milkshakes.

Not knowing that soon everything would fall apart.

Especially for Camilla Cooper.

❀ ༄ ❀ AUTHOR NOTE ❀ ༄ ❀
I don't know how I feel about this chapter either honestly. But you see Archie's guilt, Cami running around trying to not think about anything. And Jughead joins!

Don't forget to comment my lovelies! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I love you all! <333