CHERYL'S POV

I smiled at the girl. She nervously giggled and rubbed the side of her arm.

"I'm Cheryl Blossom, by the way."

"Wow, that's a really pretty name..."

If you like my last name so much you can have it, I nearly said. I was relieved my minimal self control at least spared me that.

"...it's nice to meet you," she finished, before turning to continue down the cement hall.

Stifling a laugh, I teased, "You gonna tell me your name or am I gonna have to figure it out myself?"

"Oh, right," she gritted awkwardly. "I'm Toni, Toni Topaz."

"Aha, so I have heard of you."

She cast a nervous look over her shoulder. "Really?"

"Sure," I smirked. "My mama always told me stories about angels."

TONI'S POV

She's such a player; a Southside Serpent, no less.

"Oh, I, uh- thanks."

"Now that's not completely good." She sauntered around right next to my ear. "I bet you could stand to loosen up a bit," she whispered.

As I was about to scold her, she pricked my side with her manicured nails. I yelped like a startled chihuahua.

She chuckled. "Alright, alright... Can you help me find my classes?"

I flattened out my clothes and took a sharp breath. "Of course."

 I peeked at her locator, scanning for her classroom codes.

"It looks like you've got a free seventh... Do you not have a sport?"

I could've sworn she became tinted with blush, just slightly. "Yeah, I was hoping to try out for cheer."

I laughed, "You wanna try out for cheer? Isn't that a little prissy for you?"

"Everyone said I couldn't. I'm gonna succeed out of spite."

"Well then," I smiled, "I think that's the kind of determination I want on my squad."

Her eyes widened, "Your squad? Are you captain?"

I held back a grin. "Maybe."

"Maybe I'll see you at tryouts later," her smooth voice prodded.

I giggled and waved a reluctant goodbye.

CHERYL'S POV

Later that day, during seventh period, I strutted to the gym for cheer tryouts. I slyly chuckled to myself as my peripheral vision caught glimpses of the cheerleaders's jaws resting on the floor.

"Oh my god is that a Serpent?"

"I think that's the new girl."

"What's she doing here?"

I ignored them. I knew that I could blow them away, I knew it. I planted myself before the panel of captains: A raven-haired girl, my cousin, Betty, and the gorgeous guide from earlier, Toni Topaz.

"Hi, Cheryl. I take it you studied the online routine?" Toni said, composed and professional; You almost couldn't even tell that we'd met before.

"Of course, hon."

The dark-haired one beamed, "Whenever you're ready."

The music began, and I lost myself in it. My entire effort was laid out on the gym floor, taking shape in every split leap and turn. I only snatched vague snapshots of Toni's expression. Her expression was one of pure astonishment. Betty frantically took notes.

"Wow. Just wow. I'm floored," Toni gaped. "I think it's pretty much unanimous. Welcome to the River Vixens."

TONI'S POV

By the time tryouts had ended, the sun had begun to set on the horizon. The sky water colored itself with streaks of orange and purple. I was still grinning to myself, my duffle bag slung over my small shoulder, when I noticed the redhead remained leaning against her motorcycle.

"Hey, what're you still doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question."

"Oh," I giggled, "I thought I'd have a ride earlier, but my mom isn't around to grab me."

"Oh... you wanna hitch a ride with me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "On that deathtrap of a motorcycle? No thanks."

"Aw, c'mon, how else will you get home? I'll even let you wear the helmet."

"You're insufferable, New Girl."

"As are you, Vixen Queen."

I rolled my eyes. "I've never been on one of those before. Ever."

"There's a first time for everything," she shrugged.

Fuck it.

I hopped onto the back, and gripped her waist for dear life. I clung to her red leather like a bat. The wind whipped my black hair. We skidded to a halt by my home. Only one light seemed to be on, the top window.

"Thank you for giving me a ride."

"It's no problem. Thank you for letting me on the Vixens."

I reassured, "I didn't let you on. You earned it."

"Aw shucks."

"I'm serious! I think you're gonna do very well at Riverdale High. I hope I'll see you around?"

Her deep red lips pulled into a smile. "Definitely."

I awkwardly shambled up my porch, hoping the darkness would conceal my profuse blushing. Once I'd made it inside, and I heard the low grumble of her speeding away, I believed I had made it home in one piece.

All of a sudden, the blinding yellowed light flashed on in my living room. Bathed in it, stood my mother.

"Who was that?"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

yo everyone!! it's my one year publish-aversary!! so so happy to see how much I've grown as  writer in the last year. as promised, it's contest time!! (see below!!!)

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DESCRIPTION: How would you like to be a character in Sapphic Serpent Hands? That's right! I'm going to be writing 3 very special winners into my story as OCs and background characters!

PRIZES:

Grand Prize: One grand prize winner will be written in as a minor character, including: Choice of alignment (Vixen, Bulldog, Serpent), 1 scene of dialogue with a favorite character, name mention, and of course a shoutout!

Runnerup: Two runnerups will be written in as background characters, including: Choice of alignment (Vixen, Bulldog, Serpent), presence in group scenes, and a shoutout

RULES:

1. Comment in line where specified, any other comments will be excluded

2. Write a short lil blurb about why you want to be in this book

3. Deadline for entry TBD

4. (Optional: Tag people and follow me!!)

Comment in line here to enter!

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Good luck everyone!!! I will be dming the winners asap!! Ily very much!!

- LilyPopp