Betty and Veronica half-naked on the cover, the story titles "Fast and Loose," "Heavy Date," and "Moanin' Low," and Cheryl Blossom's aggressive sexuality have led Archie fans to speculate that "something" happened "between the lines" of this issue.
A package arrives at Riverdale High for Mr. Weatherbee but the delivery boy gives it to Betty who discovers that the package is ticking. Betty rushes the package to school's pool but since it is "boy's day" gives it to Archie who throws it in the pool. Only then does Mr. Weatherbee reveal that he ordered a cuckoo clock. Mr. Weatherbee retrieves the package before the clock is damaged by the water but when the clock is on his office wall the mainspring lets go and the clock explodes.
Betty Cooper; Cheryl Blossom; Archie Andrews; Reggie Mantle; Veronica Lodge; Jason Blossom; Jughead Jones
Synopsis
Betty introduces new-girl-in-town Cheryl Blossom to Archie and Reggie. Cheryl immediately lets the guys know she is available for anything they might have in mind and lets Betty know that she is serious about it. Veronica catches Archie and Cheryl in a mildly compromising situation and is outraged until Jason Blossom arrives and sweeps her off her feet. Jughead arrives and uses his "magic pin that makes him irresistible to women" to save Archie from Cheryl. Cheryl and Jughead walk off arm in arm.
Archie Andrews; Veronica Lodge; Betty Cooper; Hiram Lodge; Jughead Jones
Synopsis
Archie overhears Mr. Lodge chastising Veronica for only dating Archie when she can't get a better date and blows up. Archie turns to Betty for solace but doesn't care for being second choice any more than Archie did. Betty and Veronica, now both without dates, end up going to a jazz concert with each other. Archie, who boasted that there were plenty of girls he could date goes with Jughead.
Betty is depressed over the apparent futility of life. Archie and Veronica throw a party to cheer her up but Betty is still depressed. Sick of her attitude, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead dump a punch bowl over Betty's head.