❪ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴇ ᴏꜰ ɢʀᴀᴄᴇ ❫

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯: 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰
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𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧.

"So you were right. Clifford wanted Jason dead because Jason threatened to expose his drug business," Veronica tells Cami over the phone as Cami nodded getting ready for the day.

"Yep. No idea how but I was," Cami tells Veronica who laughs at her.

"I just can't believe this has all happened. I mean Clifford murdered Jason, then murdered Mustang, framed FP by blackmailing him, and then killed himself," Veronica states as Cami sighs at that.

"Just another day in Riverdale. The town full of Pep!" Cami says exclaiming the last sentence making Veronica laugh at her.

"How are you, Vee? Your Dad returning," Cami questions her worried as Veronica sighs.

"Can I move in with you?" Veronica begs Cami who chuckles at her.

"You would not want to do that. My parents even Polly are acting like the last few months didn't even happen," Cami tells Veronica as she shakes her head.

"Polly's back home, my Dad's back home, my Mom's back at The Register. They all just keep smiling and talking about the Jubilee. It's creeping me out. I'm about to go live with Fred. Heck, I'll go live in the garage to get away from this creepiness," Cami states as she slides on her black knee-height rain boots that went with her black tights skirt and thick beige sweater.

"I'll join you," Veronica says making Cami wiggle her eyebrows.

"We can keep each other warm," Cami tells Veronica who laughs at her words making Cami laugh with her just as Betty walks in her room.

"Is the Greek suburban tragedy over?" Cami questions Betty who laughs at her slightly.

"Nope. Let's go before we have to endure it anymore," Betty tells Cami who nods at her.

"I'll see you at school Vee. Love you," Cami says blowing a kiss into the phone.

"Love you too Cee," Veronica says blowing a kiss back before hanging up the phone.

"Now let's get out of this weird '50s movie," Cami tells Betty who nods as the two leave the house as quickly as they could.

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Walking into the high school Cami and Betty head towards their lockers just as the PA system comes on.

"Camilla Cooper, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, report to the Principal's office," Principal Weatherbee's voice is heard making Betty and Cami share a look.

"I didn't do anything. Did you?" Cami questions her sister who shakes her head.

"Well great I'm sure this will be amazing," Cami states her voice full of sarcasm making Betty laugh as the two head towards the principal office.

"Hey," Archie calls walking towards them making the two blondes look towards him.

"Do either of you know what's happening?" Archie questions the sisters who shake their heads.

"Nope," Cami tells him popping the p as they walk into the office only to see their principal and Mayor McCoy.

Sharing a look the three sit down in the three chairs in front of the man's desk.

"Cami, Archie. Betty. I'd like to feature you three at the Jubilee," Mayor McCoy says staring at the three making the three share a subtle look.

"As you know, it's the 75th anniversary of our town's founding, and also a kickoff for the next 75 years. And who better represents the future of Riverdale than the young people who, working with Sheriff Keller and my office, helped bring peace and justice to our streets once more?" Mayor McCoy questions as Cami squints her eyes at her.

"But, that's not exactly what happened...," Betty tells the woman.

"Like not at all," Cami finishes nodding her head as Principal Weatherbee stares at the two girls.

"Let the Mayor finish, Ms. Cooper's," Principal Weatherbee says with a slight smile creeping Cami out. How many times was she going to be creeped out today?

"Archie, the Pussycats will be performing at the Jubilee, and I would love for you to join them," Mayor McCoy tells Archie smiling at him.

"Betty, I think it's important that we hear from Riverdale's best and brightest," Mayor McCoy says before staring at Cami.

"And Cami I need a right-hand woman by my side. I can't think of anyone better," Mayor McCoy tells the girl with what she thought was supposed to be a charming smile.

"What do you say, the three of you?" Mayor McCoy questions making the three share a look.

"Uh...what about Jughead?" Archie questions her as Cami nods.

"And Veronica?" Cami questions the woman who turns walking to stand behind the desk.

"I, uh... I like Jughead. And Veronica," Mayor McCoy says as she chuckles although slightly uncomfortable.

"And they're welcome to attend the Jubilee, of course. But their fathers are in jail, and think it might be confusing to have them up on the Jubilee stage," Mayor McCoy tells the three teenagers.

"That's so unfair, Mayor McCoy," Betty tells the woman shaking her head.

"Betty, Cami, Archie, you're heroes. The kind of heroes that Riverdale desperately needs right about now," Mayor McCoy tells the three who pause sharing another look before Cami scoffs standing up and grabbing her bag.

"I'm good. You messed up and now need to cover your own ass along with Sheriff Keller. I won't be part of this coverup while screwing over the ones who needed you the most. The ones you turned your back on just like you always do madam mayor," Cami says as she leaves the office ignoring the calls from her principal.

"What she said," Betty says pointing towards the direction her sister went before leaving the office with Archie.

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"I told her I wouldn't do it. Not unless you're up there with us, Jug.," Betty tells Jughead as the group sits in the cafeteria.

"You two Vee," Cami tells Veronica who smiles at her.

"I appreciate the righteous indignation, Betty, I do, but Jubilees aren't my thing," Jughead tells her as Cami sighs at the boy.

"It's more on the principle Jug. How Mayor McCoy and Sheriff Keller are handling this is to cover their own asses," Cami tells Jughead shaking her head.

"Sorry Kev," Cami tells the boy patting his hand and making Kevin roll his eyes at her playfully.

"Okay then," Veronica says nodding her head at the blonde who sticks her tongue out at her.

"Jug, how's your dad? Did you get in to see him?" Archie questions the Jones boy who nods slightly.

"Here's the latest," Jughead tells her making Cami look at him closely pausing anything else she was doing.

"Mayor McCoy wants my dad to name names in exchange for a lesser sentence," Jughead tells the group making Cami look at him confused.

"What? Whose names?" Betty questions Jughead.

"The Serpents. Sheriff Keller thinks they're the ones dealing the drugs that Clifford Blossom brought into the town," Jughead tells the group as Cami stares. While at the Wyrm all Cami saw was maybe weed and alcohol nothing hardcore.

"My dad says more and more drugs are hitting the streets," Kevin says clearly stressed out.  

"Kevin, relax, this isn't The Wire," Jughead tells the boy making Cami shake her head at him. 

"My dad says they're not the ones dealing," Jughead says making Cami nod her head.

"I don't think it's the serpents. There are other gangs everyone just wants to put the blame on the serpents so they don't have to realize the true problem," Cami tells the group pointing her fork at no one in particular.

"Cami's right, Mayor McCoy hasn't even said the words "Clifford" or "Blossom" in public. It's all about how the Serpents are the problem, the villains. This is outrageous. I'm writing an article about this, and not just for The Blue and Gold, for The Register. This is a town story," Betty says as Cami wince at that.

"I don't know about that right now Betts. As much as I know you want to help everyone is hating the Serpents and anything to do with them. No offense Jug," Cami tells the two making Jughead nod as Cami stares at her sister.

"You will be putting a target on your back, Betty. Be careful," Cami warns her sister who nods her head slightly at her.

"Okay, as long as the article doesn't include my dad," Jughead tells Betty who looks at him.

"No, it is going to be about your dad, Jug. It doesn't matter how many Jubilees Mayor McCoy throws. This town's changed. That needs to be acknowledged. Why are people so afraid of the truth?" Betty questions making Cami shrug.

"Because they have to realize how many times they lie," Cami tells Betty who shakes her head at her.

"Ooh Cami I need to talk to you," Jughead tells the blonde who stares at her.

"Me? I haven't done anything wrong...right?" Cami questions more herself than anyone as Jughead laughs at her.

"No, you haven't. It's about something my Dad said earlier," Jughead says making Cami pause staring at him as everyone stares at Cami.

"My Dad was explaining to Sheriff Keller how Clifford threatened me to get him to take the blame for Jason's murder," Jughead says as Cami nods already knowing this or figuring it out.

"It seems that Clifford Blossom didn't just threaten me. He threatened you as well," Jughead says making Cami just stare at him as everyone watches her reaction. 

Cami doesn't say anything making Veronica place a hand on her shoulder worriedly but Cami suddenly begins to laugh loudly making everyone stare at her.

"Cami?" Berry questions as the blonde just continues to laugh.

"Clifford Blossom? Threaten my life?" Cami questions making Jughead nod as Cami laughs even harder.

"As he met my mother? She wouldn't stop till she found out the truth if I suddenly disappeared. He would be dead one way or the other," Cami tells Jughead shaking her head and chuckling slightly making Veronica shake her head laughing with her.

"She's not wrong," Betty says as Cami laughs shaking her head.

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Cami walks down the halls heading towards her locker. Once she opens it does she looks confused seeing a shirt inside.

Grabbing it Cami looks to see Cheryl's HBIC shirt making her worried as she looks around for the redhead.

She has not seen her yet and Cheryl has not responded to any of her texts since that night. Cami was worried about her. Truly worried didn't even describe how she felt.

"Cami," a voice calls making Cami snap out of her thoughts before looking to see Archie standing there.

"Have you seen Cheryl?" Cami questions Archie who shakes his head staring at the blonde.

"Uhm no. Not today," Archie tells her as Cami goes to shut her locker and walk away but Archie calls her name again making the girl look towards him confused.

"I just wanted to cheek on you after...everything," Archie tells Cami who nods looking at him.

"I'm okay. Still seeing Mustang's and Jason's dead body when I close my eyes but other than that," Cami tells Archie chuckling slightly as Archie nods.

"Well if you need anything let me know. Maybe we can go get some burgers or milkshakes from Pop's?" Archie questions Cami as he stares at her making Cami just stare at him.

"Archie...are you trying to ask me out on a date?" Cami questions him slowly as if trying to process what is happening.

"Well...just a little part of me always thought-," Archie begins to say as Cami raises her hand stopping him.

"Archie no. I don't trust like that anymore. I don't think I ever will. It's time for us to both just move on with our lives. You did once you can do it again," Cami tells him nodding her head with a tight little smile.

Archie stares at her as Cami turns around walking away from the boy processing everything that just happened.

"What the hell is my life?" Cami questions rubbing her face not even understanding what was happening with her life.

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Cami lays on her bed with Veronica and Betty beside her. The three were talking about what happened that day.

"So he asked you...and you said no," Betty states making Cami nod.

"Yep," Cami tells the girls as they stare at her making Cami sigh.

"Archie will forever be my first love. There is nothing I can do to change that...," Cami says trailing off with a thoughtful expression.

"...but?" Veronica questions her after a moment making Cami look at the ceiling.

"But I don't love him anymore. I don't trust him anymore. I am moving on from that part of my life. I'm in my own healing era. And I'm not going back down that road. It will only end with more awkwardness, heartbreak, and anger. I'm over it. All of it," Cami says with finality in her voice.

"Well, I'm happy for you Cam. Do what's best for you for once," Betty tells her sister squeezing her hand and making Cami smile at her.

"Like you publishing your article even after Mom Dad and I told you not to," Cami says making Betty nod her head.

"Exactly," Betty tells Cami who shakes her head at that before the two turn to Veronica to tell them about her day.

"It was chilling. I'm telling you, there are some dark goings on at Thornhill," Veronica says making Betty and Cami nod.

"There always has been. Now it's just town-wide," Cami tells Veronica as Betty agrees.

"Can we just all run away? But we have to take Pop's. I need my daily milkshakes," Cami questions before laughing making Betty and Veronica laugh with her just as a knock was heard at the door.

The three look to see Polly smiling softly at the three.

"Aw, I miss this," Polly says staring at the three.
"Gossiping, doing homework, being a River Vixen. Basically just going to school," Polly tells the three as she rubs her pregnant belly.

"Then come back," Betty tells Polly who sighs at that.
"Mom doesn't want me to," Polly says making Cami and Betty share a look before smiling.

"Well what Mom doesn't know won't hurt her," Cami tells her older sister who looks at the three girls before smiling.

"And you're about to be a Mom live a little before your life revolves around two screaming babies," Cami says shrugging making Veronica laugh as Betty shakes her head.

"What? I'm not wrong," Cami says shrugging with a smile on her face.

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The next day Betty was on Polly duty as Veronica and Cami walk towards the cafeteria.

"Betty's babysitting Polly, mind if we join you?" Veronica asks Jughead as the two girls begin to sit at their usual table.

"Are you two sure you want to sit at the social pariah table?" Jughead questions the two girls who laugh at him.

"We've been sitting at it for months, why should today be any different?" Veronica questions him as Cami messes up his hair.

"And we love you Juggie. I definitely don't care what others think," Cami tells Jughead who slaps her head away.

"You okay Juggie?" Cami questions the boy who looks towards her.

"Archie told you about the social worker and the family on the Southside," Jughead states instead of questioning making Cami sigh.  

"Fred told me," Cami tells Jughead who nods taking a bite of his burger. Cami went to say something but a voice from in front of them spoke before she could.

"Jughead," Cheryl says making Cami and Veronica share a look while Jughead just stares at Cheryl.

"I'm sorry. I had no right to pummel you the way I did that day," Cheryl tells Jughead as Cami watches her. She's known Cheryl Blossom since she could remember and has never heard her apologize to anyone. Well besides to Jason but that was different.

"As recompense, I'd like to give you this. My iconic spider brooch. It'll catch a pretty penny at the local pawn shop. Enough to keep you in burgers and "S" T-shirts for years, if not decades," Cheryl tells him with a smile throwing Jughead her spider brooch. Her favorite brooch making Cami stare at her worriedly.

"Cheryl, what is going on?" Cami questions the redhead worriedly who pauses at that.

"I'm...," Cheryl begins to say but is interrupted.
"Guys, hurry. It's Betty's locker. Come on, it's bad. Come on, come on!" Kevin says running up behind Cheryl.

"Go," Cami tells Veronica who nods running with Kevin and Jughead as Cami walks towards Cheryl.

"Cheryl, what is going on?" Cami asks her worriedly. She knew something was wrong with the redhead. Something in Cheryl's eyes scared her and Cami also knew that Veronica Jughead Kevin and Archie would be there for Betty.

Cheryl went to say something but Cami placed her hands on her shoulders stopping her.

"And as the queen of saying I'm fine, I know you aren't. So don't even try to say it," Cami tells her with a pointed look making Cheryl shut her mouth.

"I know a lot of things have happened and you just lost a lot but if you need someone I'm here. Morning day or night. We might have just found out but you are my family, Cheryl," Cami tells her softly running her hands up and down Cheryl's arms.

"And family to me might be a little bit different than your family. It means being there for the good and bad. To have someone to lean on if you need to. I'm that someone if you need it," Cami tells Cheryl who just stares not saying a thing.

"I'm fine Cami. I've shed enough tears for the Blossoms," Cheryl says turning around and walking out of the cafeteria.

Cami sighed before getting her bad and heading to where she saw Kevin Veronica Archie and Jughead disappear too.

Cami finds the group in the Blue and Gold. Cami sees a shaking Betty in Jughead's arms making her rush towards her sister.

"Betts," Cami calls making Betty turn and immediately head towards her sister's arms. Cami immediately wraps her arms tightly around her as she looks at the group wondering what happened.

"Someone wrote: GO TO HELL SERPENT SLUT! On her locker. In some type of blood and hung a Betty doll on a noose," Veronica tells Cami who looks at her wide-eyed before hugging Betty tightly to her.

"Alright...uhm let's head home," Cami tells Betty who nods. Cami looks at Polly who stands up and the three Cooper sisters walk out of the classroom with everyone else watching them.

"I'm coming," Jughead says following after the three girls making Cami look to see the worried look on his face.

"Uhm how about me and Polly get some food and meet you at the house?" Cami offers Betty who nods making Cami smile softly at her.

"Take care of her," Cami tells Jughead who nods as Cami and Polly leave the Blue and Gold.

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Polly and Cami laugh as they walk into the house. Polly drinking her milkshake as Cami was eating fries from the bag.

"Either of you want to tell me where Polly's been today?" A voice questions making Polly and Cami tense up before looking towards the couch to see their Mom.

"Hi, Mom. We got some food. You're favorite," Cami says shaking the bag at her Mom who stares at her before looking at Polly.

"Polly...," Alice says in a warning voice making Cami send her sister a discreet shake of the head but Polly keeps staring at her Mom.

"Betty and Cami took me to school!" Polly exclaims making Cami sigh as Alice stares at her daughters.

"Camilla!" Alice yells making Cami groan going to sit down on the couch as Polly begins to tell their Mom everything that happened.

Cami had no idea how Polly could do half the things she has done if she caved that easily for their Mom.

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Cami was lying on the couch in the living room eating her food from Pop's when the front door opened and Betty walked in with a sigh.

"So, you took Polly to school?" Alice questions Betty the moment she sees her making Betty pause.

"I'm so sorry, Betty," Polly tells the girl sitting beside Alice on the couch.

"Nothing happened at school, it was fine," Betty tells her Mom as Cami winces shaking her head and eating another fry.

"Fine? So, no one wrote on your locker, "Go to hell, Serpent Slut," and hung a Betty doll from a noose?" Alice questions Betty but she already knows the answer.

"Jeez, Poll. Is there anything you didn't tell her?" Betty questions Polly before looking towards Cami who shrugs. She couldn't stop Polly. 

"She wouldn't stop grilling me!" Polly defends making Cami send her a look as Betty heads towards the kitchen.

"All Mom did is give you a look and you caved," Cami states making Polly glare at her as Alice begins waking after Betty.

"I warned you, Elizabeth, about publishing that article. Why do you constantly defy me?" Alice questions Betty making Cami sigh from the couch as she gets up.  

"Because. I'm sick of all the secrets and the lies in this town and in this family. I would much rather take some heat for being honest than do what you're doing. Living in fear of the truth," Betty tells her Mom as Cami leans against the archway watching this all go down. 

"I am scared for you, Elizabeth, not of the truth," Alice tells her daughter making Cami raise an eyebrow at her.

"Oh, really? Let's go then. You talk a big game about liking Jughead, but wouldn't you be much happier if we weren't together?" Betty questions her Mom who scoffs giving Betty the answer she wants. 

"Thought so," Betty says with a shake of her head and a smile on her face.

"Question number two, when you invited FP over for dinner, he said that you and Dad got in a huge fight when you were in high school, at Homecoming. What was that about?" Betty questions her Mom as Cami nods remembering how terrified her Mom looked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Alice immediately declines any knowledge.

"Oh, come on, Mom. Both Cami and I saw the look on your face. You were terrified. What were you so scared he was going to say?" Betty questions Alice who just stares at her.

"That is none of your damn business!" Alice yells at her with tears in her eyes making Cami stop leaning against the wall walking closer just as Betty walks closer to her Mom.

"Dad was keeping a secret that almost destroyed us. How many are you keeping?" Betty questions her Mom who stares at her.

"Betty that is enough," Cami tells her sister wrapping her arms around her Mom.

"Cami-," Betty begins to say as Cami raises her hand stopping her.

"I get you are mad but stop. If Mom doesn't want to tell you something she doesn't have to. Everyone is entitled to secrets Betty. Some secret you hide to protect yourself more than anything. So stop," Cami demands as she turns around with her Mom arm under her leading her towards the stairs.

"Dinners on the table," Cami tells Betty as she escorts her Mom upstairs and towards her room.

Shutting the door Cami leads Alice towards her bed laying her down as she removes her shoes.

"You need anything? Want me to get you some hot tea?" Cami questions her Mom as she pulls a blanket over her.

Alice stares at her daughter before grabbing her hand making Cami look towards her confused.

"Come here," Alice whispers moving over slightly. Cami nods as she lays down beside her Mom who holds her as Cami rubs her hand worriedly.

"The older you get the more you remind me of me, Camilla," Alice tells her daughter who smiles at that slightly.

"But you have the best parts of me," Alice tells Cami who laughs at her.

"You were right Camilla. There are some secrets that are so painful, you not only hide them from the world, but you hide them from yourself," Alice tells Cami who shakes her head.

"Mom stop. It's okay," Cami whispers to Alice who takes a deep breath before sighing.

"The night of the Homecoming, when your father and I were crowned King and Queen, the fight that FP saw, I had just told your father that I was pregnant," Alice says making Cami look up at her in disbelief. She knew that it wasn't Polly her Mom could be pregnant with.

"And we disagreed on how best to handle...things. And we had a really big fight. And the next day, I went away," Alice says making Cami squeeze her hand tightly.

"Mom," Cami whispers sadly as she wipes her Mom's tears.

"To the Sisters of Quiet Mercy and five months later, your brother was born. The Sisters arranged for a quiet adoption," Alice finishes making Cami turn and wrap her arms tightly around her Mom.

"Oh, my Mom. I'm so sorry. I can't even-I'm sorry," Cami whispers to her Mom who releases a sob.

"It's the biggest regret of my life," Alice tells Cami who holds her tightly.

"Maybe that's why I'm so hard on you Cami. Harder than I am on Polly or Betty because I don't ever want you to have to go that," Alice tells Cami who releases a few tears herself

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, honey. I'm so sorry I haven't been the Mom I should she been. I'm so sorry," Alice says sobbing as Cami shushes her holding her tightly.  

"It's okay, Mom," Cami tells her as Alice sobs shaking her head.

"No, it's not Cami. I know I have failed at being your mother. I haven't done a good job at all and I'm sorry," Alice tells Cami who stares at her trying to hold in her own sob.

"Can...can we start over?" Alice questions Cami who nods her head slightly.

"Of course Mom," Cami tells her holding her tightly making Alice put her hand in Cami's hair running her fingers through it and that was what made her sob.

Her Mom hadn't done this since she was a kid and it was like this moment. This small little moment was the beginning of healing the small kid that was once broken in Camilla Cooper.

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The next day Cami walks down the hallways at the high school calling Cheryl once again since the redhead didn't show up today dressed in black tights with a gold and white skirt and a white sweater along with a beige overcoat and a pair of knee-high boots.

"Cheryl I'm not playing! If you don't call me back in thirty minutes I will show up at your mansion and...and take all your shoes! Yes, your shoes! Ha! So answer the phone!" Cami exclaims into the phone before sighing as the beep is heard again.

"Cami!" Archie's voice yells making her turn to see him Betty and Veronica running down the halls.

"What the hell are you three doing?" Cami asks them already rubbing her forehead.

"Jughead. He's at Southside High.  He said it's where he belongs and that no one wants him here," Betty tells Cami who just stands there for a moment. 

"I'm going to kill the Jones's," Cami says turning on her heels already done.

"Let's go!" Cami exclaims making the three share a look and nod running after Cami who somehow walked super fast in her heels.

At Southside High they rush through the walk-through metal detectors.

"Where would he be?" Veronica questions making Archie and Betty share a look.

"Cafeteria," Archie says as they walk through the hallways looking for the boy.

Only to find Jughead at a table surrounded by teenagers all laughing with a bright smile on his face.

"Jug...," Betty calls making Jughead turn to them confused.

"What are you guys doing here?" Jughead questions the group as Cami stares at him before slapping him across the back of the head.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Cami exclaims to him as Jughead winces rubbing the back of his head.

"Come on let's talk," Betty tells Jughead who nods getting up. Cam takes his tray dumping it as Archie and Veronica follow Jughead and Betty out.

"Camilla Cooper," a voice says making the girl turn to see Sweet Pea but he does not look happy to see her. His arms were crossed and he was glaring at her. 

"Why do I feel like I'm about to get in trouble?" Cami questions more herself than anyone.

"Come with me," Sweet Pea demands wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling Cami over to the rest of the serpents.

"Toni!" Cami exclaims rushing toward the girl and hugging her tightly.

"Cami? What are you doing here?" Toni questions worriedly making Cami look at the two worriedly.

"Okay, why are you two acting like I'm about to be killed?" Cami questions as the two sigh looking around. 

"Just because we don't mind you doesn't mean other gangs like to. And you here dressed like this with no protection is like asking for something to happen," Toni explains to Cami who nods looking around discreetly to see all the glares she was getting.

"I didn't think of that. I was just coming to check on Jug. I'm worried about him," Cami tells the two as Toni nods her head at the girl.

"Yeah, and I know you can take care of yourself. Just be careful. You need some protection while on this side of the tracks," Toni says before looking at Sweet Pea the two having the same idea.

"Like that?" Cami questions but neither of the two can say anything Cami's phone rings making her grab it and see a text from Cheryl.

"Thanks for trying. I'm going to be with Jason now."

Reading the text once. Then twice. Before the third time, the words processed through her head Cami's eyes felt like they were about to pop out of her eye sockets.

"We'll talk about this later! I got to go!" Cami exclaims rushing out of the cafeteria full of worry and fear as Sweet Pea and Toni watch her.

"How does she run in those shoes?" Sweet Pea questions confused as Toni rolls her eyes at him.

Rushing outside Cami sees Veronica and Archie talking and then Betty and Jughead away from them talking.

"Hey!" Cami calls catching the fours' attention.
"Get your asses in the car! Cheryl's gone off the deep end," Cami demands them as she rushes towards her car.

The four share a look before Veronica moves making everyone else get into the car as Cami speeds off towards Sweetwater River explaining the text message Cheryl sent her.

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Soon the five of them end up at Sweetwater River, searching for Cheryl calling out her name but the girl never answers any of them. They were all shivering from the cold due to everything covered by It's snow and ice.

"She's not here," Archie pants out of breath as Cami looks at the lake noticing a figure sitting down in the middle covered in whiter. But redhead was very visible ."

"Over there!" Cami exclaims pointing towards the middle of the lake as the group all begin screaming her name to get her attention while racing toward her.

Cami was trying to cross the lake seeing Cheryl hitting the lake repeatedly when Archie spread his arms out to stop all of them from stepping on the ice that was the river.

"Wait, wait! Wait, Cam! The ice," Archie explains to the blonde who was trying to get out of his hold towards Cheryl.

"He's right. Too much weight, and we'll all go under," Jughead explains staring at the lake.

"Cheryl! Cheryl please!" Cami begs staring at the girl Jughead keeping a hand on her shoulder to stop her from running towards the redhead.

Cheryl turns towards the group slowly tears in her eyes as Cami stares at her.

"Just come here, Cheryl. We'll figure this out. I promise you. Just come here," Cami begs as she tries to walk towards Cheryl but a pair of arms stops her.

Cheryl stares at her with ghostly pale skin as Cami looks her right in the eyes when suddenly Cheryl falls straight through the ice into the freezing cold water.

"Cheryl!" Everyone screams as Cami slaps the hand away from her running towards the frozen lake forgetting about the possibility of the ice breaking due to everyone's weight.

Cami gets there first as she falls to her knees looking at the hole Cheryl fell through but the girl is nowhere to be seen all the water moving quickly due to the current.

"The current has her," Jughead states.
"Spread out! Spread out!" Jughead demands as the five go in all different directions pushing snow around to see into the lake.

Cami gets to one spot and sees Cheryl's arm in her white dress and immediately begins punching the ice and then kicking it as hard as she could.

"She's here! I got her! She's here!" Cami screams as she continues trying to break through the ice. Archie helps her as Betty yells for help.

With one last kick and punch Cami and Archie break the ice and Cami reaches into the freezing cold water grabbing Cheryl's arm almost falling in herself as Veronica holds her up.

Cami pulled Cheryl up and begins giving her CPR before turning her on her side and hitting Cheryl as hard as she could in the back.

Suddenly Cheryl spits out water and takes a deep breath making Cami sigh in relief as she wraps her arms tightly around her.

"You're okay. You're okay," Cami states wrapping her arms tightly around the redhead tightly who holds onto her as tightly as she could weak from the fall.

"We need to get her warm," Archie tells Cami who nods slightly letting Cheryl go as Veronica and Betty help Cami up and Archie picks Cheryl up.

Archie carried Cheryl across the ice as Veronica and Betty had their arms wrapped around Cami who was shivering herself.

Once in the Cami's car Cami hands Jughead the keys as she gets in the back with Cheryl wrapping her arms tightly around her after removing her own coat.

"Hand me the blanket in the truck," Cami demands someone as Betty hands her the thick blanket. Cami wraps it around Cheryl tightly before pulling her closer to her trying to warm the redhead up as she kisses the top of her head.

"Don't ever do that again," Cami begs the girls running her frozen fingers that were slightly bleeding through Cheryl's hair.

"Thank you," Cheryl whispers as Cami nods holding her tightly to her.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

After a lengthy argument, Betty took Cami home to warm up while Veronica took Cheryl to the Pembrooke promising to call if something happened.

Cami now stood in her room checking over the final touches of her outfit for the 75th Anniversary Jubilee still shivering slightly from the cold.

No matter what she did she couldn't get warm. Her parents along with Betty and Polly were already gone as Cami was taking too long and Betty had her speech.

Sliding on her black boots that went with her black tights white thick sweater dress and lastly a black belt to give her a figure the doorbell downstairs rings.

Grabbing her phone and keys Cami walks out of her room and towards the front door. Looking through the peephole Cami looks confused before opening the door.

"Hey Toni what are you doing here?" Cami questions the girl although confused.

"Would you like to come in?" Cami questions her gesturing for the girl to come inside who shakes her head.

"No no, it's fine. Just FP told me to give you this," Toni says making Cami tilt her head slightly as Toni hands her a leather jacket.

Turning it around Cami realizes it wasn't a regular black leather jacket. It was a serpent jacket.

"Toni I-," Cami begins to say shaking her head as Toni stares at her.

"Anytime you come to the Southside wear it. It'll keep you safe," Toni tells her making Cami smile at her slightly nodding her head.

"And Cami if you need anything call don't hesitate to call," Toni tells her making Cami pull her into a hug.

"Same to all of you Toni," Cami tells her making Toni wrap her arms around her before pulling back.

"Ooh and you look hot," Toni says winking making Cami laugh as Toni leaves quickly. Cami notices Sweet Pea making her waves at the boy before shutting the front door and heading back towards her room.

Opening her closet door Cami places the serpent jacket in the very back and covers it up before shutting the door and heading out the front door.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Walking into the sheriff's department Cami smiles and nods at the officer behind the front desk before heading towards where she wants to go.

Walking into the holding cells the only person in them looks up at her and laughs slightly.

"I'm pretty sure you aren't allowed to just walk in here," FP states as Cami shrugs.

"The sheriff owed me. Something regarding helping catch a murder," Cami explains to him before holding up a bag from Pop's.

"Even though it's not a chocolate fudge cake it's still probably better than anything else you've eaten here," Cami says walking towards FP and sliding the bag in between the bars.

"Camilla Cooper...," FP says shaking his head with a smile on his face.

"Just a small thank you. Jughead told me what Clifford did and then tonight I got a surprise visit and a present. My very own serpent jacket," Cami tells him with a smirk as FP points a finger at her.

"A loan," FP tells her as Cami laughs shivering slightly before rubbing her hands tightly letting FP notice her split knuckles.

"Don't tell me you're back to punching football players," FP tells Cami who rolls her eyes at him.

"No...more like a block of ice and sticking half my body into a frozen lake to pull someone up," Cami explains as FP stares at her.

"And I still can't get warm," Cami says rubbing her hands tightly before a hand grabs her.

"Come here," FP says pulling Cami closer to the bars sticking his arms out, and wrapping his hands around Cami's rubbing them repeatedly to warm them up as Cami smiles slightly.

"I'll look after him," Cami whispers to FP who looks at her slightly. 

"Jug. I promise you I'll make sure he's okay," Cami tells FP who smiles at her.

"I know," FP tells her making Cami laugh as a deputy walks in.

"Times up," the deputy tells Cami who sighs nodding her head. Cami smiles at FP once more before she turns around to leave.

"Hey Cami," FP calls making her look toward him with a slight smile.

"Thanks for the food," FP tells her making Cami smile at him.

"Anytime. Once you are out though foods on you," Cami tells FP who laughs at her nodding.

"You've got yourself a deal. As long as you don't try to go against someone twice your size. Again," FP tells her as Cami laughs.

"Well, so far it's me four and all other guys zero. I think I'm doing pretty good," Cami tells him as FP sighs making Cami laugh.

"Till next time," Cami says walking out of the holding cell.

"Until next time," FP whispers out shaking his head due to the blonde.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Cami walks into Pop's once again and smiles seeing Betty Jughead Archie and Veronica.

"My lovelies," Cami exclaims heading to the booth and making the group smile at her.

"Sorry for missing your speech Betts," Cami says sitting beside Betty who smiles at her.

"It's fine. Where were you?" Betty asks as Cami sits beside her in the booth.

"Needed to visit someone one," Cami tells Betty who nods as Veronica hands Cami her milkshake.

"Now that our guest of honor has arrived. A toast to Camilla Cooper, who saved the cheerleader and saved the town," Veronica says making Cami laugh.

"No! I have a feeling it was Betty's speech. I've heard it more than once," Cami says winking at her sister who smiles at her.

"Here, here to Betty Cooper," Veronica says smiling brightly.

"Cheers," everyone says before they clink their milkshakes together and laugh as they enjoy the night being teenagers.

No more mystery murder.

No more investigations.

Just five teenagers being teenagers.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Walking towards her front door Cami smiles slightly as she plays with her keys.

"Cami," a voice calls making her look to see Fred.
"Hey Freddy," Cami greets the man who smiles at her.

"You know Cami why don't you join me and Archie for breakfast tomorrow? I've missed you at our morning breakfast at Pop's," Fred offers the girl who smiles laughing at him.

"Definitely! I'll see you in the morning. Night Freddy," Cami tells the man who smiles at her.

"Night Cami-Cam," Fred tells her as the two walk into their respectful houses.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The next morning Cami finished braiding her hair already dressed in a pair of light-washed jeans and a white sweater with a pair of brown booties on.

Grabbing her phone Cami heads downstairs seeing Betty at the kitchen table.

"Hey, I'm going to go get breakfast at Pop's with Freddy and Archie you want me to bring you anything?" Cami alas bouncing towards Betty sitting on the edge of the kitchen table.

"I'm okay," Betty tells Cami who smiles nodding her head.

"Alright. I'll still call you before I leave to make sure. I love you," Cami tells Betty as she stands up.

"I love you too!" Betty calls out laughing as Cami leaves out the front door seeing Fred already in the truck waiting for her.

Cami bounces over to the pickup truck and smiles at Fred while getting in.

"Cami...you forgot your jacket," Fred tells Cami who looks down and shrugs.

"I'm okay. Sorry, it took so long," Cami tells Fred who smiles at her before grabbing a jacket from the back.

"You're fine. And I thought you would need this. You somehow always forget a coat in winter. That's why you are always sick," Fred tells Cami who sticks her tongue out to him making Fred laugh before he begins to drive towards the Pop's.

Once at the diner, Cami hurries towards the bathroom after greeting Pop who smiles at the girl.

"I'll begin fixing you some hot cocoa," Pop tells Cami who smiles at him thanking him with a bright smile.

After doing her business Cami goes to leave as Archie tries to enter.

"Hey," Cami greets him as Archie smiles at her.
"Morning. At least I know I'm not in trouble if you are here," Archie tells Cami who laughs at him shaking her head before walking out towards the booth Fred was at.

Cami sits across from the man with a smile as she begins looking at the menu for what she wants. Although she already knew what it was. The same thing she always gets when the bell attached to the door rings.

Cami doesn't look to see who it was thinking it was just some other family getting breakfast but Fred looks past her and his entire body tense up.

"Who's in charge here? Show me where the safe is!" A voice demands making Cami go to turn around but Fred places a hand on her hand stopping her while shaking his head.

"There is no safe!" Pop's terrified voice says making Cami's breathing pick up slightly.

"You've got a safe. Show me where it is! Where's the safe, old man?" A man's voice demands as Cami keeps her eyes on Fred watching how he looks towards his left shaking his head discreetly to Archie Cami assumed.

It was as if it was in slow motion as Fred stood up Cami watching horrified as the man in the hood jumped down from the counter pointing his gun straight at Fred.

"Give me your wallet," the man demands but it is muffled to Cami as she sees the man turn his gun towards Archie and Fred looking wide-eyed running before Cami stands up quickly.

And suddenly without any warning a gun fires.

Camilla Cooper stands frozen still before feeling something wet making her look down to see a small red spot spreading across her white sweater getting bigger and bigger before Cami begins falling down only to be caught at the last second.

She couldn't hear anything as she stared at the blood stain on her sweater before spotting Archie with Fred who was bleeding herself. 

Cami stared into Pop's eyes who pressed onto the wound before everything started becoming darker and darker. Camilla Cooper couldn't hear anything as her entire world went pitch black.

And at that moment Camilla Cooper's heart stopped beating.

❀ ༄ ❀ AUTHOR NOTE ❀ ༄ ❀
Uhm...don't hate me! Also ignore any typos, please!

Look on the bright side season two will be coming soon! Haha!

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