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Chapter Text

Madeleine Stein: Has been chosen by the school's upper queens to be the Queen of the Sixth Grade. This sudden realization means Madeleine, who once feared being friendless, will now be the most popular girl in school. However, Madeleine must now question whether she has the necessary skills and poise to effectively rule over an entire grade.

Scarlett Wilson: Has been friends with Madeleine Stein since fifth grade, and she now realizes that Madeleine wants to climb the social ladder at Prescott Preparatory School for Girls. Determined to help her best friend, Scarlett instigates herself as Madeleine's second-in-command. However, Scarlett must now keep the school's social outcasts from trying to become part of Madeleine's elite social circle.

Kayla Adams: Craves popularity and acceptance among the mean girls at her new school. Determined to secure a spot in the inner circle led by Madeleine, the queen bee, Kayla believes aligning herself with this influential clique is the key to achieving her social aspirations. However, Kayla's path to securing her place in Madeleine's court remains uncertain.

Mackenzie Frost: Joining Madeleine's court offers Mackenzie a chance at popularity, and she is more than capable of handling any challenges that arise. However, Mackenzie's tendency to gossip may either aid or hinder her cause - will it help her gain favor, or will it further alienate people and erode their trust in her?

Audrey Webster: Audrey, known as Addie, is pleased that her parents transferred her to private school. Now, she must secure a place in Madeleine's inner circle. Can Addie help Madeleine maintain the spotlight on the Beauty Queens?

Chapter Text

The Stein Estate

Madeleine's Bedroom

9:29 A.M

Sunday, September 1st

Madeleine Stein gazed at her reflection in the tall white-framed trifold mirror. She frowned slightly as she adjusted her white Jennifer Behr satin-and-silk headband several times before finally getting it to sit right.

Taking a deep breath, Madeleine had finally chosen a simple, dark-blue Ted Baker fit-and-flare dress. The sparkly collar provided a pop of flair. She accessorized with a thick white leather belt, matching Tory Burch ballet flats, and a small white Tory Burch tote. Pearl stud earrings and a signature pearl necklace completed the look.

Madeleine knew her outfit was timeless and refined, so she opted for subtle makeup. She applied a touch of Pretty & Perfect clear lip gloss, blended Red Bliss waterproof eyeliner and mascara, and misted herself with Chanel Chance perfume. Satisfied with her natural beauty, Madeleine set the perfume bottle on the vanity and pushed in the white cashmere director's chair she used in place of a vanity seat.

She looked down at her white Pomeranian, Coco, sprawled across her overpriced velvet dog bed. Madeleine walked over, knelt down, and scooped the dog into her arms. She showered Coco with kisses, cradling her against her chest.

Madeleine greeted her dog with a soft grin and said. "Good morning, Coco! You are just the cutest little thing."

Hearing her name, Coco barked excitedly in response.

Madeleine kissed Coco on the top of her little black nose. "And the loudest barker, it seems," she added, fiddling with her dog's La Jeune Tulipe diamond collar. "Well, Coco, Mommy's got to run. I'll see you later, sweetie."

Madeleine placed her Pomeranian on the polished hardwood floor. She checked her dress to ensure none of Coco's pesky little hairs remained. After triple-checking herself in the mirror, Madeleine grabbed her purple iPhone 12 from the nightstand and shoved it in her purse. She left her bedroom, leaving the door half-open for the maid Ingrid to clean. Racing downstairs, Madeleine snatched a Luna bar from the kitchen pantry. Just as she was about to step outside the front door, she noticed her mom, Margaret walking toward her. Madeleine threw her designer handbag over her right shoulder and tucked a long, curly lock of honey-blonde hair behind her right ear.

Margaret greeted her daughter warmly with a giant hug. "Hi, darling!"

Madeleine broke away from her mom's embrace. "Hey, Mom," she called out cheerfully, smelling her signature perfume. "Do you know where Dad is?"

Margaret fiddled with the double-strand pearl necklace around her neck, pointedly avoiding Madeleine's question. "How did you sleep last night?" she asked her daughter instead.

The younger blonde rolled her emerald green eyes before responding nonchalantly to her mom's question, "I slept just fine last night. Now, where's Daddy?"

Margaret ran her manicured fingers through her sleek, chestnut bob. "Your dad's probably on his way to work," she said to her daughter, shifting her black iPhone from one hand to the other. "He told me this morning he'll be in meetings all day. If you need to reach him, leave a message with his secretary."

Madeleine nodded at her mom and tucked a long, curly lock of hair behind her left ear. "Okay, Mom," she said with another nod.

Margaret raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Why are you so dressed up? Are you going somewhere special?" she asked playfully, smoothing the sleeveless midnight-blue DKNY sheath dress she wore.

"I planned to have Nick drop me off at Coffee Bean and then drive Scarlett and me to the mall," Madeleine replied. She looked down at her outfit, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. "What? Do you think I've overdressed?"

Margaret gave her daughter a wry smile, followed by a chuckle. "Darling, there's no such thing as overdressing," she said, taking a seat on the pristine white couch behind her. Crossing her slender legs and placing her folded manicured hands in her lap, Margaret nodded at her daughter. "Anyway, darling, your father has made reservations at Uptown for the three of us on Tuesday night."

"Got it, Mom," Madeleine said, flashing a grin to reveal her perfect white teeth. "I'll mark it on my calendar."

Margaret looked at her iPhone's bright screen and said, "Madeleine, if you still want to get to Coffee Bean for breakfast, you should head out now."

Madeleine adjusted her headband and hoisted her purse higher up on her shoulder. "Okay, Mom, see you later," she said.

Madeleine waved goodbye to her mother and reached for the front door, but the family butler, Milton, opened it first. Blinded by the bright sunlight, she pulled out oversized white Dior sunglasses from her tote bag and put them on. Inhaling deeply, Madeleine strode down the leaf-strewn circular driveway.

Looking across the freshly mowed lawn, she spotted Nick, the family driver, waiting by the black Range Rover. Distracted by his iPhone, Nick didn't notice Madeleine approaching until she reached the end of the driveway. He slid the phone into his shirt pocket just as she arrived.

"Good morning, Miss Madeleine," Nick said as he opened the car door for Madeleine. "Where are we headed today?"

Madeleine tossed her tote bag into the backseat of the car. "Let's go to Coffee Bean first," she said, stepping gracefully into the driver's seat. "After that, Scarlett and I need to head straight to the mall to shop for her parents' party."

"Very well, Miss Madeleine," Nick nodded as he continued holding the rear passenger door open for Madeleine.

Once settled in the backseat of the Range Rover, Madeleine buckled her seatbelt and tossed her purse onto the adjacent seat. As Nick pulled out of the driveway, she pushed her sunglasses atop her head, noticing they were already on their way.

Sighing, Madeleine pulled out her iPhone and unlocked it. As requested by her mother, she opened the Calendar app and entered the reservation details. She then clicked on the Seventeen Magazine app, scrolling through the latest issue that featured an airbrushed Alexis McKnight on the glossy cover.

Engrossed in the glossy magazine, Madeleine lost track of time as she admired the models and read a romantic article. Ten minutes later, she bookmarked page twenty-three to finish reading later that night. Madeleine turned off her cell phone and dropped it back into her purse. Anxiously fidgeting with her dress, she tore her attention away from the magazine and shifted her focus back to her driver.

Madeleine shifted into a more comfortable position in her seat, uncrossed her legs, and called out. "Nick?"

Nick stopped the car at the red light and adjusted his black Dior tie, a Christmas gift from Madeleine's parents. "Yes, Miss Madeleine," he said, looking in the rearview mirror.

Madeleine examined her dark navy blue nails. "Do you think I'll make any friends at my new school?" she asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Miss Madeleine, I'm sure you have many friends," Nick replied, focusing his attention back on the road. He sped through a traffic light turning from yellow to red.

The young girl bit her lower lip in disappointment. She knew Nick's answer was nothing more than the typical adult response of empty reassurance. "Thanks," she muttered, unconvinced.

Madeleine flipped open the oval mirror on the car's ceiling and admired her reflection, immediately improving her mood. She was grateful for the good genes from her parents that gave her gorgeous loose curls, glowing skin, and striking cheekbones that seemed sharp enough to cut ice.

Madeleine pressed the same button to return the mirror to the car's ceiling, satisfied with her reflection. She pulled a Lemon Zest Luna bar from her tote and took small, delicate bites as she unwrapped and finished the snack. As Madeleine finished eating, Coffee Bean came into view. Sitting up straighter, she looked out the tinted rear window and unbuckled her seatbelt in anticipation.

Nick parked the Range Rover at the curb and turned to Madeleine. "I'll be running errands for your father today," he said. "Call me when you need a ride back home."

Madeleine nodded, opening the rear door. "Sounds good, thanks," she replied before exiting the SUV.

Madeleine climbed gracefully out of the car and the intense sunlight nearly blinded her as she slipped her sunglasses back on. She shut the car door and watched as Nick pulled away from the curb. Taking a deep, calming breath, Madeleine adjusted the thick handles of her purse, rolled her shoulders back, and proceeded to walk confidently towards the frosted glass doors of Coffee Bean.

Westchester, NY 

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 

10:35 A.M. 

Sunday, September 1st

Madeleine sat at her usual table by the coffee shop's floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Westchester's streets. She slipped off her sunglasses, tossed them in her designer handbag, and rummaged for her monogrammed wallet. Clutching the Saint Laurent wallet under her arm, she joined the line behind a gaggle of preppy middle schoolers crowding the register. Soon the kids had collected their drinks, leaving Madeleine facing her regular barista.

Madeleine greeted the barista with a wide grin and smoothed her dress before removing her wallet from under her arm. "I'll have a large vanilla chai latte with almond milk and extra foam," she said. "And a low-fat cranberry orange muffin too, please."

The barista nodded as she entered Madeleine's order into the register. "Okay, that'll be thirteen dollars and ninety-seven cents," she said.

"Thank you," Madeleine said as she tapped her black Amex card on the reader to complete the transaction. Once it went through, she put the credit card back in her wallet.

Madeleine walked to the end of the counter to wait for her order. A few minutes later, the barista handed her a latte and a low-fat cranberry orange muffin. Madeleine grabbed three Splenda packets from the sweetener bowl, ripped them open with her teeth, and shook them into her coffee. She tossed the empty packets in the trash, then turned and headed to her usual table. Once seated, Madeleine scanned the coffee shop, her emerald eyes searching for a particular girl with icy blonde hair. After a moment, she spotted the blue-eyed girl in a sleeveless ivory Ted Baker skater dress. The girl glanced around until her sharp blue eyes met Madeleine's.

"Scarlett!" Madeleine exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Scarlett recognized Madeleine immediately. Her face lit up with a warm smile as she walked over to the empty seat next to her friend. After setting down her large cinnamon vanilla latte made with soy milk and extra foam on the table, Scarlett hung her red Michael Kors handbag on the back of her chair. She then took out a low-fat raspberry scone from the paper bag.

Madeleine pinched off a piece of her muffin and popped it into her mouth. "I'm so happy you could make it," she said.

Scarlett took a long sip of her latte and replied with a chuckle, "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss our weekly breakfast get-togethers at Coffee Bean for anything."

"Are you ready for the school year to begin?" Madeleine asked.

"I'm not really looking forward to it," Scarlett replied honestly.

Madeleine nodded in agreement, recalling how difficult the previous school year had been for her and her friend despite their wealthy backgrounds, which had made them targets for bullying.

"So, we're going to the mall later?" Scarlett asked, nibbling on her scone.

"Definitely," Madeleine replied with a giggle. "After all, we need new dresses for your parents' Labor Day soirée."

Scarlett jokingly crossed her arms. "Is there anything you enjoy more than shopping?"

A sly smile spread across Madeleine's face as she sipped her latte. "Coco," she replied smoothly, "I know you don't really mind. Besides, shopping gives you a break from binge-watching Riverdale all day."

"Hey, leave Riverdale out of this!" Scarlett retorted playfully, unable to conceal her grin.

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Scarlett's response. "Come on, Scar. Let's head to the mall before it gets too late."

The Westchester Mall 

Ted Baker Dressing Area

5:51 P.M.

Sunday, September 1st

Madeleine grinned at her reflection in the trifold mirror, admiring the latest dress she was trying on for Labor Day. It was a sleeveless, mid-blue Ted Baker tunic dress with a scalloped high neckline that she instantly fell in love with. The dress's tailored fit emphasized her figure in a way that delighted her.

Madeleine twirled around the dressing area the full skirt of her dress fanning out. "Does this say 'Labor Day Soirée'?" she asked.

Sitting against the wall sipping her caramel latte, Scarlett glanced up from her red iPhone to examine Madeleine with laser focus. "It practically screams it," she mused.

Madeleine gave a half-smile as she looked over her reflection again. Smoothing the creases in her Ted Baker dress, she raised a perfectly waxed, honey-blonde eyebrow at her friend. "Oh, did I mention Lindsey Grayson and Avery Prescott called me last night?" she replied casually, taking a sip of her matcha green tea latte. "They want to meet up on Wednesday."

Scarlett's face lit up with an excited grin. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. She pulled Madeleine into a big hug, well aware that Avery Prescott and Lindsey Greyson were legendary for ruling as queens of the seventh and eighth grades. "What time's the meeting?" she asked eagerly.

"It's at 10:30 A.M.," Madeleine said, pulling back from the hug. "Why do you ask?"

"Well... Maddy," Scarlett replied, pausing for dramatic effect. "Rumor has it the eighth and seventh-grade queens meet before summer to pick the next sixth-grade Queen. And I just know they'll choose you as a legacy!"

"Oh my god!" Madeleine exclaimed as she skipped around the dressing area, overcome with happiness.

Scarlett watched her friend's joyful display. "I think you need a second-in-command," she suggested, her tone implying ulterior motives. "You know, just in case you get sick or something."

"You might be right," Madeleine said, taking another long sip of her latte.

"You sure?" Scarlett asked playfully. "I may be too much for you to handle."

"We'll see about that," Madeleine returned. "But on a more serious note, we need to come up with a glorious name for my court."

"How about the Glossy Posse?" Scarlett suggested, glancing at her perfectly manicured nails.

"No," Madeleine replied firmly, beginning to pace the plush ivory carpet and tapping her chin thoughtfully. "What about Beauty Queens?"

Scarlett lifted her caramel latte to her lips and drank it in one gulp. "I love it!" she exclaimed.

Madeleine stopped pacing to grab her matcha latte and drank it quickly. "Right?" she asked excitedly.

Before Madeleine could continue the conversation, she noticed two petite blonde salesgirls entering the dressing area.

"Can we help you with anything?" Frankie and Lucy asked Madeleine and Scarlett in unison. The name tags on the two petite salesgirls read Frankie and Lucy.

Scarlett stopped staring at her iPhone's bright screen. She stood up quickly from her seat with her cell phone still in her left hand. "Yes, I'd like to purchase the dresses in my fitting room," she replied, walking inside her fitting room.

"Same for me as well," Madeleine said as she walked back into the dressing room. She changed out of the dress she was trying on and tossed it onto a pile marked 'Yes'. With her tote bag slung over her left shoulder, Madeleine exited the dressing room clutching an armful of Ted Baker dresses that suited her classic style. "I'm taking all of these, so charge them to my black Mastercard."

Scarlett also emerged from her dressing room, arms full of Ted Baker dresses fitting her classic aesthetic. "Me too, but put it on my platinum Amex," she added.

After watching the salesgirls ring up their purchases for about ten minutes, Madeleine and Scarlett paid and found themselves near the mall's exit.

Madeleine glanced at her purple Apple watch and saw that it was 7:55 PM. "The mall is closing in 5 minutes," she said.

"Let's just head home then," Scarlett suggested, crossing her arms over her chest. Her heavy shopping bags swung against her thigh.

Madeleine nodded and reached into her purse for her iPhone. "I'll call Nick now," she replied.

Madeleine pressed her iPhone to her left ear after asking Siri to call Nick. The phone rang three times before Nick finally answered.

"Hello?" Nick's deep voice rang through Madeleine's cell phone.

"Hey, Nick," Madeleine greeted her driver. "It's me."

"Hello, Miss Madeleine," Nick returned the greeting. "Shall I pick you girls up now?"

"Yes please," Madeleine replied.

"I'll be there in ten," Nick said before ending the call.

After the call ended, Madeleine turned off her iPhone, dropped it in her tote bag, and refocused her attention on Scarlett.

Madeleine played with her pearl necklace as she gracefully walked toward the doors of the Westchester Mall, urging her friend Scarlett to hurry. "C'mon, Scar! Nick will be here in ten minutes," she said.

Tossing her curls over her shoulder, Scarlett begrudgingly followed behind Madeleine, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "Fine, Mads!" she hissed. "But I need to get home soon to watch Paradise on TV."

Madeleine pushed through the mall's glass doors and held it open for Scarlett. "Isn't that new teen drama airing at eight tonight?" she asked.

Scarlett walked out of the mall's glass doors and headed toward the curb's edge so Nick would know where to pick them up. "Yeah," she replied, pushing her heavy shopping bags even higher up her right arm. "The only reason I'm watching is Tanner Mellott is in it."

Madeleine crossed her arms over her chest and followed Scarlett to the curb's edge as her bulky shopping bags banged her left thigh. "Didn't he do that show about taking his dead twin's place?" she asked, stomping her right foot on an empty Starbucks cup.

"Yeah," Scarlett said, touching Madeleine's left shoulder with her right hand to ensure the weight of the heavy bags didn't make her fall. "It was canceled after one season."

Madeleine tuned out Scarlett as she glanced around the nearly empty parking lot. Noticing Nick had already pulled into the mall's parking lot, she announced. "Nick's here."

Moments later, Nick pulled the car up to the curb and kept the engine running as he remained in his seat.

The girls slid across the Range Rover's buttery soft leather backseat, dropping their bulky shopping bags on the floor. Dropping their designer handbags on the adjacent seat beside themselves, they buckled themselves, crossed their slender legs together, and sat up straighter in their seats as Nick pulled away from the curb.

Nick drove the Range Rover out of the mall parking lot, heading on the familiar route to Scarlett's house. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he said. "It looks like you two had a successful shopping trip today, Miss Madeleine and Miss Scarlett."

"Um, yeah," Madeleine replied absently, fidgeting with the collar of her dress. She turned her focus to Scarlett.

"Definitely," Scarlett agreed before redirecting her attention back to Madeleine.

Madeleine noticed Nick was focused on driving to Scarlett's house. She rummaged through her Nordstrom bag and pulled out a layered Alice + Olivia mini skirt. "This would look great with a blazer and blouse," she said eagerly, holding it up for Scarlett's opinion as usual.

"It's so cute, Maddy!" Scarlett said. She uncrossed her legs and took out a Luna bar from her designer handbag. "I'm borrowing that skirt someday."

Madeleine shoved the skirt into one of Scarlett's Nordstrom bags. "It's yours now, Scar," she said, uncrossing her legs.

Scarlett unwrapped the bar and took dainty bites until she finished. "Why?" she asked.

Madeleine saw it was already half past eight on the car's touchscreen, realizing they would miss the Paradise TV premiere. "It doesn't match my skin tone," she replied absently to her friend's question, before noticing Scarlett was absorbed in her iPhone's bright screen. Shoving the ill-fitting skirt into Scarlett's shopping bags, Madeleine gazed out the tinted window, watching nannies chasing children across the meticulously groomed lawn.

A few minutes later, Nick pulled the Range Rover into the circular driveway of the Wilsons' home but kept the engine running as he turned to face the girls. "Miss Scarlett, we've arrived at your house," he announced, readjusting his tie. "Do you need any help with your bags?"

"No, Nick," Scarlett replied. She unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the right rear door, and threw her purse over her left shoulder. Grabbing her shopping bags, she climbed gracefully out of the SUV. "Bye, Maddie!"

"Bye, Scar!" Madeleine called back, turning toward the open door. "I'll text you later."

"Okay," Scarlett nodded, closing the door with her right foot.

Waving goodbye to her friend until the car was halfway down the road, Madeleine closed her eyes, feeling completely wiped out. The only thing she wanted now was to soak in a warm, bubbly bath.

The Wilson Estate 

Kitchen

11:27 P.M.

 Sunday, September 1st

Sitting down in the mahogany swivel bar stool tucked under the marble island, Scarlett Wilson grabbed a low-fat chocolate chip cookie from the basket of freshly baked goods that Marino, the family chef, had left. She finished the cookie before turning on the TV. Hearing the sound of her mother's heels on the polished marble floor, Scarlett quickly turned the TV off.

Scarlett's mother, Carol Wilson, kissed her daughter on the left cheek. "When did you arrive?" Carol asked, slipping off her heels and leaving them by the kitchen door.

Scarlett flipped her curls over her left shoulder as she took another bite of the chocolate chip cookie in her right hand. "Two hours ago," she replied, glancing at her mother. "Where's Dad?"

Carol grabbed a chilled bottle of Smartwater from the fridge, opened it, and took a sip. "Your father's got some work to finish up," she said vaguely. "He said he'd try to be home later."

Scarlett raised a perfectly arched icy blonde eyebrow at her mom's statement. "So he's working late again tonight," she translated, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Carol sipped her Smartwater again. "Don't be upset, sweetie," she reassured her daughter. "He'll be home return soon. I'm certain."

"It's alright, Mom," Scarlett sighed. "I'm accustomed to it by now."

Carol set the Smartwater bottle on the island's marble countertop and placed her manicured hands on her hips. "How was your get-together with Madeleine?"

Scarlett shoved the rest of the chocolate chip cookie into her mouth and examined her painted nails. "We met at Coffee Bean today," she told her mom. "Then we shopped for the ideal outfit for tomorrow's party."

Good, good," her mother noted. Suddenly, her mother's phone started ringing, startling them both. Taking the phone in hand, her mother looked apologetically at her daughter. "Sorry, I've got to take this call."

Scarlett did not respond as she watched her mother walk into another room, talking on the phone with someone. She took a white dinner plate trimmed with gold from the kitchen cabinet and piled some chocolate chip cookies onto it. Grabbing a bottle of fruit punch flavored vitamin water from the kitchen island, she held the plate of cookies in one hand and the cold drink in the other. She walked out of the kitchen and hurried towards the winding staircase.

When Scarlett reached her spacious bedroom, she closed the door with her right foot and set down both her plate of cookies and drink on the nightstand. After begging her parents, they had finally allowed her to redecorate her room this past summer. Now it was her favorite place in the house.

Her bedroom was decorated in a red, black, and white color scheme. Three walls were painted white, while the fourth wall behind the headboard was covered in black diamond-patterned wallpaper. The bed had white silk sheets and an oversized red king duvet. Fluffy white goose-down pillows were piled against the headboard, with three red neck roll pillows in front.

Between the walk-in closet and bathroom stood a black vanity table with theater lighting around the mirror. Her Chanel makeup bags and Gucci perfume bottles were neatly arranged on top. The expansive walk-in closet contained the latest designer clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories, with white Moroccan poufs scattered throughout. Next to the closet was a tall white trifold mirror.

On both white nightstands were bright red lamps, along with a round digital clock, an iPad, and an Apple AirPod charging case. Above the large black trophy case was a 60-inch smart TV. Beneath the bay window was a window seat with five red velvet throw pillows.

Custom bookshelves filled with glossy fashion magazines, reading material, and textbooks for the upcoming school year stood above the seats. A large, rectangular white frame displaying an enlarged photo of herself hung over her white tufted king-size 'Blanchard' upholstered bed. In the center of her medium white rectangular coffee table, a tall Waterford crystal vase brimmed with red orchids.

Ornate rectangular frames showcasing colorful drawn art of shoes and handbags adorned the walls. Behind the coffee table, a custom red tufted chaise lounge covered in a white cashmere throw and matching Moroccan pillows sat in the corner, flanked by matching white end tables. Next to the desk, a white porcelain wastebasket held some trash. Automated thermal curtains hung from rods over the windows. A small Swarovski crystal-trimmed chandelier cast a soft white glow.

White Moroccan rugs spread over the polished cherry hardwood floor. French doors opened to reveal an en-suite bathroom. Skincare products lined the marble countertop of the white single vanity neatly. Across from it, an oversized walk-in shower with multiple nozzles ensured full body coverage without turning. Outside the shower, light fluffy robes hung from chrome hooks. Beside it sat a traditional white oval cast-iron double-slipper tub facing another flat-screen TV. Next to the tub, a sleek criss-cross leg end table with open storage held monogrammed towels. The heated Turkish marble floor gleamed.

Adjacent to the bathroom, a medium white glass Montclair desk held a 27-inch silver iMac, wireless Apple mouse and keyboard, a white Hello Kitty pen holder filled with fuzzy red pens, neatly stacked spiral notebooks, and a black framed photo of her parents. Finally, a white scallop-framed pinboard filled with outdated party invitations and photos of her and Madeleine hung behind the desk.

Collapsing on her bed, Scarlett rolled to her left side and took a deep breath. As Scarlett reached for the TV remote on her bed, a ding sounded from her computer. Grabbing her iPhone from the bed, she plopped onto the desk chair, setting down her phone, Vitamin Water, and cookies on the desk. With a deep breath, Scarlett clicked her wireless mouse to wake the computer from sleep mode. She saw Madeleine had sent a text message. Opting to respond, Scarlett opened Messages and read her friend's text.

Madeleine: Did you arrive home safely, Scar?

Scarlett: Yeah. I just came from the kitchen with some snacks to eat in my room. What about you?

Madeleine: Everything is fine.

Grabbing a chocolate chip cookie from the plate and taking a giant bite, Scarlett hastily swallowed the cookie and sent her friend a swift reply to the text message.

Scarlett: Would you like to get ready for the party at my place tomorrow, rather than at yours?

Expecting Madeleine to visit, Scarlett snacked on another chocolate chip cookie and took a long drink of Vitamin Water, checking her phone when it pinged with her friend's quick reply.

Madeleine: Certainly! Just ensure there are snacks to eat while we prepare for the party tomorrow. I will arrive at your house at 2:30.

Scarlett: Maddie, I have already asked my hairstylist to bring along an additional hairstylist and two makeup artists for the house call he will be making tomorrow afternoon.

Madeleine: I'm relieved that dressing for the party will be my only worry.

Scarlett: I'm also going to take a shower before bed tonight. See you tomorrow!

Madeleine: Scar, I'll see you tomorrow too!

Scarlett was excited that her friend Madeleine was coming over to her house the next day. Realizing her room needed to be cleaned before the visit, Scarlett quickly finished her snack, leaving the empty plate and bottle outside her bedroom door for the maid Elsa to take away. She then headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed. After brushing her teeth, Scarlett stepped into the shower, washing herself with lemon-scented gel. When finished, she wrapped herself in a fluffy Ralph Lauren monogrammed towel and twisted her damp hair into a messy bun.

Scarlett opened the French doors to her walk-in closet and clapped to turn on the lights, illuminating the plush red carpet and rows of designer clothes. Dropping her towel for the maid, she donned a black In Bloom by Jonquil lace-trimmed racer-back camisole and matching shorts. Across the room, tomorrow's outfit was already styled on a custom mannequin - a lavish gift from her parents.

With a smile, she noted that the outfit looked as stunning now as when she first saw it at the mall. After congratulating herself for picking the perfect outfit for tomorrow's party, Scarlett clapped her manicured hands to turn off the lights in her room before climbing into bed. Slipping on her sleep mask, she snuggled under the duvet, closed her eyes, and fell asleep within moments.

Chapter Text

Westchester, NY

Jamba Juice

10:12 A.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Stepping out of the Bentley, Scarlett was momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight. She retrieved her silver Ray-Ban sunglasses from her black Chanel shoulder handbag and slipped them on. After waving goodbye to Ivan, the family driver, Scarlett adjusted the straps of her black Maje button-front romper and headed for the frosted glass doors of Jamba Juice. The whirring blenders assaulted her ears as she entered. Well-dressed customers chatted over their drinks, throwing envious glances her way as she breezed past a group of high schoolers to the counter.

The barista greeted Scarlett as her hand hovered over the register, saying. "Welcome to Jamba Juice. What would you like to order today?"

Scarlett plucked her black Mastercard from her purse's side pocket and replied. "One large orange-coconut booster smoothie, please. Oh, and add a spicy and sweet chicken flatbread too."

The barista nodded and entered Scarlett's order into the register. "That'll be eighteen dollars and twenty-one cents," she said.

Scarlett tapped her Mastercard against the contactless card reader. "Thanks," she said, returning the credit card to her designer handbag.

The barista informed Scarlett. "Your order will be ready in ten minutes."

Without speaking, Scarlett swiftly grabbed a straw from the dispenser and marched to the end of the counter. Ten minutes later, the barista handed Scarlett her smoothie and flatbread. As she turned on the heels of her black suede Jimmy Choo pointy-toed flats, Scarlett spotted Ivy Jameson and Tiffany Wright, two of the most legendary second-in-commands from Prescott, sitting at her usual table.

Feeling anxious about the impending meeting, Scarlett took a deep breath to steel herself. She was about to meet Tiffany and Ivy, notorious information gatherers for the feared Queens. Scarlett strutted to their table with a ballerina's poise, intent on making an excellent first impression. She gently set her Jamba Juice smoothie and paper bag on the table's surface.

Tiffany and Ivy motioned for Scarlett to sit down in the empty chair opposite them. As Scarlett hung her purse on the back of her chair, she took her flatbread out of the paper bag and placed it on two monogrammed white napkins.

Scarlett removed the paper from her straw and pushed it into the slot of her cup. "Um, hi," she said nervously, twirling the flawless six-karat diamond stud in her left ear.

"Can I help you?" Ivy asked snarkily before taking a long sip of her large Jamba Juice matcha green tea blast smoothie.

"You look a bit lost," added Tiffany, taking a long gulp of her large Jamba Juice pomegranate paradise smoothie.

Scarlett paused to gulp her smoothie, trying to gather her thoughts before speaking to Ivy and Tiffany. "I wanted to introduce myself since I'll be the second-in-command to my best friend, Maddie," she said quickly, taking a deep breath.

Ivy suddenly remembered who Avery had identified as the next sixth-grade Queen's second-in-command. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, running her manicured hand along the waistband of her high-waisted, baltic-wash L'Agence skinny jeans."You're Scarlett Wilson, right?"

"Yes!" Scarlett said, slipping off her sunglasses and tossing them into her purse. "I'm excited for you guys to finally meet the person behind the name you've been hearing so much about."

Tiffany fidgeted with the hem of her simple, navy-blue Ted Baker high-neck lace-detailed tunic dress and took a deep breath before speaking. "Now that we've met, is there anything you'd like to discuss with us?"

Before taking a sip of her smoothie, Scarlett flicked away imaginary lint from her top and asked. "Could you share some secrets about our classmates? I'd like to start an Information book like you two have."

Ivy cast her piercing blue eyes downward at her black Christian Louboutin booties with their signature red soles. "Fine," she answered with a sigh, "We'll share some information with you. But first, we need to discuss a tradition that's been passed down from one second-in-command to the next."

Tiffany opened her navy Chloé shoulder bag, took out her starlight white iPhone 14, and placed it in her lap. "It's tradition for the next second-in-command to be crowned the new Queen of Information by Ivy and me," she explained. "We have the right to do so."

Overcome with excitement, Scarlett bounced energetically in her seat and exclaimed. "Oh my god!"

Tiffany nodded at Scarlett and said. "Ivy, let's show Scarlett the gift we bought for her yesterday. It's a special present from both of us."

Ivy pulled a small gift-wrapped box from her Kate Spade satchel and handed it to Scarlett. "Tiffany and I hope you like the gift," she said, crossing her legs.

Scarlett carefully unwrapped the present from Ivy and Tiffany, peeling off the silver paper and untying the white satin bow around the Tiffany-blue box. "I can't wait to see what you picked out," she said, smiling at her friends. Lifting the lid, she saw a pearl charm bracelet nestled inside, with a petite silver heart and an S charm dangling from the clasp. Studying the personalized gift, Scarlett admired the simple elegance and appreciated their thoughtfulness in choosing it just for her. "Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you so much!"

Tiffany and Ivy spoke in unison, saying. "You're welcome."

Scarlett slid her new pearl charm bracelet onto her wrist and admired how it sparkled in the light. "How did you know I love pearls so much?" she asked Tiffany and Ivy suspiciously.

"Scarlett, Tiffany and I were looking at your Instagram account," Ivy said with a giggle, glancing at Tiffany. "We noticed you and Madeleine have been friends for a long time."

Scarlett arched one of her perfectly waxed icy-blonde eyebrows at Ivy's statement, then took another sip of her smoothie. "Maddie and I did become closer friends last year," she said, tossing her long blonde curls over her shoulder. "We bonded after being bullied by Hayden and her clique."

With concern for Madeleine and Scarlett audible in her tone, Tiffany asked. "What happened?"

Ivy sighed and popped a bite-size Belgian waffle into her mouth. With an annoyed tone on behalf of Madeleine and Scarlett, she demanded. "Tell us everything."

"Maddie and I became friends after bonding over our shared experience of being bullied by Hayden," Scarlett explained to Tiffany and Ivy between small bites of flatbread as she adjusted her chair. "Hayden didn't like that our parents told us not to hang out with her and her friends. But they never explained why they disliked her, so she assumed we were snubbing her because of them."

Tiffany picked some imaginary lint off her dress before turning to Scarlett. "Why do you think Hayden believes you snubbed her?" she asked, sipping her smoothie.

"Maybe she assumed you were looking down on her," Ivy offered as she shifted into a more comfortable position.

Scarlett pinched off a piece of flatbread and popped it in her mouth. "Well, I believe she thought Madeleine and I didn't consider her important enough to invite to our joint birthday party," she said evasively, tucking her curls behind her ears. "The truth is our parents disapproved of her, thinking she was low-class, so we didn't invite her."

Scarlett nodded and took another bite of her flatbread. "Do you want to hear the craziest part of the story?" she asked Tiffany and Ivy, washing down the food with a sip of smoothie.

"Tell us," Ivy said eagerly, gathering her glossy black waves over her shoulders.

Tiffany brushed her perfectly dried chocolate brown hair from her cornflower-blue eyes. "Yeah, give us the details," she said with interest.

"Well, Sarah, who used to be best friends with Maddie and me, started hanging out with Hayden's group," Scarlett explained, hurt evident in her icy blue eyes. "She's even joined in on bullying us. Just to gain Hayden's approval."

Ivy twisted her hands in her lap. "Ugh, that must be so painful," she commented, popping another bite-size waffle into her mouth. "It's awful to turn against your friends."

Tiffany took another long sip of her smoothie and redirected the conversation. "Scarlett, you wanted to hear some secrets about people at our school. What did you have in mind?"

Ivy tilted her head, inspecting her dark blue nails. "Tiff, let's start by revealing Lillian's secret."

"Yes!" Tiffany said enthusiastically through a mouthful of tortilla wrap before washing it down with a big swig of smoothie. "So we've agreed that Scarlett should be the first to know Lillian's secret."

Ivy nodded in agreement and turned her focus back to Scarlett. "Before we reveal the secret, let me give you some background on Lillian's social status at school," she explained.

"Sounds good, Ivy," Scarlett replied with a grin. She adjusted her top's flutter sleeves before uncrossing her legs.

Tiffany sipped more of her smoothie and explained, "Lillian is at the bottom of the social ladder at school because both Lindsey and Avery see her as a threat to their popularity. But everyone else at school still talks to her."

Ivy adjusted her sleeveless ivory L'Agence V-necked blouse under her fitted red Balmain blazer. "Also, Lindsey and Avery always sensed she was trying too hard to impress them," she said, placing her manicured hands on the table. "So Scarlett, have Madeleine chat with her. It'll help people be more welcoming."

"Got it," Scarlett nodded as she took small bites of her flatbread and washed them down with her smoothie.

Tiffany looked down at her white Michael Kors espadrilles. "On another note, I heard Lillian had a big crush on one of her camp counselors this summer," she said smoothly. "Apparently she tried getting closer to him by writing a love letter, thinking he'd reciprocate her feelings and break up with his girlfriend back home.

Twirling the flawless four-karat diamond stud in her right ear, Ivy added. "Instead, the counselor pulled her aside and told her he wasn't interested since he already had a girlfriend. So it seems he made it clear nothing could happen between them."

"Oh no, that's awful!" Scarlett gasped, fidgeting with her white and black Chanel color block ballet flats. "I feel so bad for her."

"I agree," said Ivy, taking another sip of her smoothie. "But there's more to the story about Lillian Vance's secret."

Scarlett raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at Ivy's comment and sipped her smoothie. "Oh? Do tell," she said, leaning back in her chair.

"I heard that Lillian stalked the counselor and knew his schedule," Tiffany chimed, fidgeting with her necklace. "She even stole things from his cabin. But get this - the counselor got so fed up with her harassment that he asked the camp owner to ban her. He wanted the camp to refund her parents too. So Lillian got added to the camp's blacklist, and her folks sent a driver to collect her. They wanted nothing more to do with her either."

Ivy looked at Tiffany and Scarlett hesitantly. "Lillian was immediately grounded for the whole summer by her parents as punishment for what happened at camp," she said, popping another bite-size waffle into her mouth. "They banned her from going to their homes in Paris, Hawaii, Antigua, Aspen and Norway. She also wasn't allowed to go shopping, watch TV, text her friends, or be driven around by the family driver. Lillian's parents wanted to make sure the punishment really sunk in."

Scarlett played with the silver heart charm on her pearl bracelet. "Oh, thanks for filling me in on the juicy details," she said quickly.

Tiffany uncrossed her legs and took a sip of her smoothie before responding. "Avery and Lindsey already know about Lillian's punishment. This should stay between us three," she said, gesturing towards Ivy so Scarlett understood this was private information. "Her parents needed to really drive the point home since they didn't want Lillian's behavior to tarnish their reputations."

"I'm certain they'll lose their exclusive club memberships around town," Ivy said, moving her iPhone closer.

Scarlett pulled her iPhone from her designer handbag and set it on the table. "Remember rule twenty-three from 'Westchester's Society Rules'? The one about cutting ties with ex-friends?" she asked, swallowing the last of her flatbread and smoothie.

"Oh right, because they thought you'd get bad luck from them," Tiffany sighed deeply, moving her iPhone nearer. She swallowed the final bite of her wrap and smoothie. "My parents made me ditch some friends they didn't approve of at all."

Ivy popped another bite-sized waffle into her mouth and washed it down with her smoothie. "Girls, you should never forget the fall of the Knights," she added, responding to Tiffany's opinion. "That's why the rule was added to our society's code."

"Must we still follow that rule?" Scarlett asked her new friends. She twisted the bracelet around her slender wrist before taking a sip of smoothie.

Tiffany nervously tugged on the long sleeves of her dress, taking a dainty sip of her smoothie. "Yeah, Scar!" she replied. "My parents are enforcing that rule at home because they think it will make me into a respectable young lady."

Ivy picked at a loose thread on her wool blouse. "Same here," she agreed with Tiffany, pausing to sip more of her smoothie.

Scarlett brushed her curls out of her eyes. "Well, my parents told me that Westchester society expects me to act classy and refined as a socialite," she said with a small smile, taking another sip of her smoothie.

"Whatever," Tiffany muttered, rubbing the back of her neck. "Can we get back to gossiping about the secrets of our upcoming and returning classmates?"

"Of course, Tiff!" Ivy replied, sipping her smoothie. "We ought to tell Scarlett about Jessica Lake's secret now."

Tiffany nodded at Ivy and folded her arms across her chest. "If I recall correctly, her secret is not nearly as terrible as Lillian's," she declared, shoving her chair farther under the table.

Scarlett paused to take another sip of her smoothie and moved her iPhone closer. "Who's Jessica Lake?" she asked, stopping again for more of the drink.

Ivy leaned her elbows on the table, cupping her chin in her manicured hands. "If I'm not mistaken, you and Jessica Lake will be classmates in sixth grade, Scarlett!" she said with a grin.

Before Scarlett could respond to Tiffany and Ivy, her iPhone rang loudly in the juice bar. She held up her left manicured index finger, signaling for a moment to take the call without checking the screen.

Carol greeted her daughter cheerfully. "Hi, sweetie!"

After finishing her smoothie, Scarlett greeted her mom. "Hey Mom, what's up? Why are you calling me?"

"You need to come home immediately," Carol urged.

Scarlett asked her mom. "For what?"

Carol ended the call after instructing her daughter. "Just come home now. Jason is waiting outside of Jamba for you."

Scarlett dropped her iPhone into her designer handbag, abandoned her empty plastic smoothie cup on the table, and looked back to Tiffany and Ivy. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. My mom is insisting I come home right now," she told them.

Tiffany stared at Ivy out of the corner of her eye while reassuring Scarlett. "Don't worry about it."

Scarlett pushed in her chair with a scrape, nodded, and tossed her purse onto her right shoulder. "Okay," she said. "Let's meet at Scoops on Sunday afternoon at five-thirty for some fun."

Tiffany nodded in agreement and said. "Cool."

Ivy smiled and said. "Alright."

Without speaking further to Tiffany and Ivy, Scarlett exited the juice bar and saw the Bentley parked at the curb. Reaching the car, she opened the rear passenger door and elegantly entered. Sliding across the supple leather backseat, she placed her purse beside her, closed the door, and shut her eyes. As Jason pulled away, Scarlett relaxed into her seat, staying that way for the remainder of the ride.

The Stein Estate

Gazebo

12:37 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

"Wait a minute, you met Tiffany Wright and Ivy Jameson at Jamba Juice?" Madeleine asked, gracefully ascending the steps of her family's large, circular gazebo with white oak railings. Cradling Coco in her left arm while keeping her AirPods in her ears, Madeleine held up her iPhone with her right hand to clearly see Scarlett on the video call.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at her friend Maddy's question. "Yes, I'm meeting them at Jamba Juice today," she replied, tugging at the hem of her romper. She then sat cross-legged on her bed. "They officially crowned me sixth grade's Queen of Information and spilled some juicy secrets about our classmates."

Madeleine crossed the pavilion and sat down on a three-seat rattan sofa with beige cushions. As she placed her puppy in her lap, she asked, "Can you share any information with me?"

Scarlett hugged a fluffy, white, goose-down pillow to her chest and raised an eyebrow at her friend's question. "Of course, Maddie," she replied. "I'll always share some information with you."

As Madeleine was about to speak to her friend, a Facetime call notification appeared at the top of her phone screen.

Madeleine tapped her white Lanvin wedges on the coffee table before stroking Coco's fur. "Scar, you won't believe this," she said, looking surprised. "Sarah's Facetiming me now"

Scarlett's eyes widened. "Why's she calling you?" she asked dramatically. "I thought she ditched us for Hayden."

"Why is she FaceTiming me now?" Madeleine wondered aloud, her manicured finger hesitating over the End & Accept button on the screen. "Let me add you after she appears, Scarlett."

Curled up in a ball on her bed, Scarlett nodded. "Okay, Mads."

After ending her video call with Scarlett, Madeline immediately accepted Sarah's call. She saw her ex-best friend sitting cross-legged on the bed with Hayden beside her.

"Hi, Maddie!" Sarah said warmly, greeting her former best friend. "It's been so long since we last spoke."

Madeleine set Coco down on the sofa, feeling the dog curl up against her right thigh. "One moment, I'm adding Scar to the video call. She wants to talk to you too."

"Sounds good," Sarah nodded, bumping Hayden's shoulder to signal that Madeleine was bringing Scarlett into the FaceTime call.

Madeleine immediately added Scarlett to the video call with Sarah and Hayden. Moments later, Madeleine noticed Scarlett had accepted the call as she adjusted the round neckline of her sleeveless ivory Ted Baker skater dress.

As Sarah greeted Scarlett, she cheerfully asked, "What's up, Scar?"

Scarlett glared angrily, taking a long drink of Evian water. "What do you two want?" she asked Sarah and Hayden sharply.

Madeleine chimed in, running a manicured hand through her blonde curls, "You need to tell us the truth now."

Sarah's voice cracked, fighting back tears. "I'm sorry, Maddie and Scar," she choked out. "I'm sorry for my part in bullying you last year."

"I'm sorry, Madeleine and Scarlett," Hayden said quietly. "I'm sorry for bullying you and manipulating Sarah to get back at you. I thought you were flaunting your wealth in elementary school."

"I know your words aren't true," Madeleine said coldly, tucking her curly hair behind her ear to show off her new Jennifer Behr crystal Nova drop earrings. She wanted Hayden and Sarah to see them.

Scarlett took a long sip of water, trying to stay calm. She didn't want to say what was on her mind about her ex-best friend and ex-bully. "You were nothing but bitches to us," she reminded them. "So what do you want?"

Sarah bit her lip, disappointed. She didn't know how to calm Madeleine and Scarlett without their anger directed at her and Hayden. "Well, I'm having a pool party next Sunday," she said, pulling a tissue from the box by her bed. "I wanted you to come since I invited our old elementary school classmates too."

"We want to apologize for how we treated you in fifth grade," Hayden replied.

"Read my lips," Madeleine repeated as she scratched behind Coco's ears, "you were nothing but bitches to Scar and me."

Scarlett hugged her fluffy, white, ruffled pillow tightly against her chest and inquired. "Why should we come to the party?"

Sniffling, Sarah blotted her tears with a tissue from the nightstand and pleaded, "I want to make amends with you all. I want to start middle school with a clean slate."

Adjusting the cardigan draped over her shoulders, Madeleine sighed. "Fine, when does the party start?"

"My pool party is from noon to six," Sarah replied, crumpling up her used tissue and dropping it on the bed.

Scarlett mumbled dismissively, absentmindedly tracing the ornate silver buttons on her romper with her manicured fingers. "Just make sure to reserve some lounge chairs for five people."

"Why?" Hayden and Sarah asked together.

Resting her chin on her left palm, Scarlett lied. "We're bringing some friends to the party, so you'll get to meet them."

"Okay, see you next Sunday," Sarah and Hayden responded in unison before ending the call.

"Whatever," Madeleine grumbled, noticing they had already hung up.

Resting her right elbow on her knee, Scarlett turned to her friend and asked skeptically. "Do you believe a word coming out of their mouths?"

"No," Madeleine replied. "But we can discuss this further at your house later."

"Okay," Scarlett agreed before ending the call.

Madeleine got up from the sofa, her iPhone in her manicured right hand and her dog, Coco cradled in her left arm. She marched across the freshly mowed lawn and into the house, making a beeline for her bedroom. Relaxing before going to Scarlett's house was her sole focus.

The Wilson Estate

Scarlett's Bedroom

2:05 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Scarlett had changed into a red Splendid lace-trimmed camisole and white Joie denim shorts before settling onto the chaise lounge in her room. Everything was ready for her and Madeleine to get dressed for the party later. Crystal bowls of fresh strawberries and raspberries sat on the round buffet table, which was draped with a white cloth. Next to a pitcher of lemon water stood two glittering tumblers and metal straws.

Two paper plates were stacked in front of the tumblers, and lavender candles were placed around the room, filling it with a sweet aroma. Scarlett noticed her hairstylist Yul, his employee Joelle, and two makeup artists had set up stations by her bedroom door. She tweaked her Spotify party playlist with new songs for her and Madeleine to dance to.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Scarlett grabbed her iPhone off the coffee table and checked the time. Her friend would arrive in just 20 minutes. Soon after, she heard the bedroom door open but kept her eyes on her phone screen. Glancing up, she saw her friend stroll in, with Ingrid close behind carrying a garment bag.

Scarlett stood up from the chaise lounge and shoved her iPhone into her shorts' left pocket. "Hey, Maddie!" she called out, wrapping her friend Madeleine in a big bear hug.

Madeleine broke from Scarlett's embrace and set her small red Prada monochrome satchel on the bed. Grabbing her phone, she gestured to the family's maid, Ingrid, who held Madeleine's garment bag. "I brought Ingrid to carry my outfit for the party," she explained.

Scarlett slipped on her red Ted Baker faux-fur slippers and put her hands on her hips before turning to her friend. "I figured it out when you came in," she said. "But why did Sarah and Hayden call you like nothing happened before? Did they forget how they bullied us? Do they expect us to just forgive that?"

"I think they want us to forgive them," Madeleine said, kicking off her wedges as they thudded to the floor. "What really annoys me is Sarah assuming that a simple apology will make everything okay. She even invited us to her pool party, as if she and Hayden can start middle school with a clean slate."

With arms folded across her chest, Scarlett responded. "I understand, but Maddy, we should attend this party. I'm curious what Hayden and Sarah were doing all summer."

Madeleine fidgeted impatiently, jumping from one foot to the other. She realized that Ingrid had placed the garment bag on Scarlett's bed. "I agree," Madeleine said. "We should make an appearance at Sarah's pool party."

Scarlett nodded at Madeleine and pulled her over to the buffet table. "Yul and his team are here to do our hair and makeup," she said hurriedly, "but let's get some food first."

Madeleine tossed her iPhone onto Joelle's chair before grabbing a plate from the table. "I'm feeling a bit hungry," she said, loading up her plate with berries.

Scarlett poured lemon water into her tumbler, fastened the lid, and slid in a metal straw. "Same," she agreed. "We should start getting ready for my parents' party that begins at six-thirty tonight."

When Ingrid walked out of her friend's room, Madeleine noticed the outfit on the mannequin and said. "That outfit looks adorable on your mannequin. I can't get over the dress you bought at the mall yesterday."

"Yeah, I know," Scarlett nodded in agreement as she piled her plate high with berries.

Madeleine poured lemon water into her tumbler, snapped on the lid, and jammed in a metal straw. She held a plate of berries in one hand and the tumbler in the other. "I should straighten my hair and get some layers for the party," she mused.

Scarlett sauntered over to where Yul, his employee, and two hired makeup artists were waiting. She held a plate of food in one hand and a tumbler filled with lemon water in the other. "I want the same look, but with my hair in a half-up, half-down style," she replied.

Madeleine and Scarlett sat in Yul and Joelle's portable styling chairs, placing their plates of berries in their laps and cups in the holders. They then turned their attention to Scarlett's stylist.

"Hi Yul," Scarlett said warmly to her hairstylist. "Do you remember Maddie? You styled her hair last year for our birthday party."

Yul pulled Scarlett's curls out of her messy bun and draped her hair over the back of his chair. "Yes, Scarlett, I remember now," he nodded in understanding. "Her hairstylist and his team had to go into the city for the Foxx wedding."

Madeleine grinned widely as she popped a strawberry into her mouth, adding. "That day would have been ruined. My mom also didn't know how to style my hair that day."

Scarlett relaxed for a moment before settling into a comfortable position in her seat. "Me too," she concurred, popping a raspberry into her mouth. "I was so happy you could fit her in last minute."

"Remember, Scarlett," Yul said, massaging his client's scalp. "I've been doing your mom's hair for ten years now, and she's trusted me with you since you were nine."

Scarlett pulled out her iPhone, unlocked it, and clicked on the Spotify app. "Of course I know that," she beamed.

Yul pulled a thin comb from the apron tied around his waist. "So, I couldn't help but overhear you wanted your hair half up and half down," he said. He separated Scarlett's hair into two sections and tied half of it up.

"Yeah, I want loose curls all around the ends," Scarlett replied confidently, having contemplated this new style for weeks. Unlike her typical long, cascading curls, this look had no length change and gave her hair a different shape. "Could you also trim the split ends? They don't look great."

Yul plugged his curling iron into the outlet and set it on a table pad before checking Scarlett's hair for split ends. "Of course, Scarlett," he replied. "Did you wash your hair this morning?"

Scarlett pressed play on her party playlist and noticed the first song playing through her wireless speakers. "Yes, Yul, I washed my hair this morning," she responded to her hairstylist's question. Satisfied the music was on, she set her iPhone down on the left armrest of Yul's chair.

Chewing on another strawberry, Madeleine grabbed her iPhone from Joelle's chair cushion and gently interrupted Scar's chat with Yul. "By the way, did you watch the pilot episode of Paradise?" she asked.

"No, I watched the first episode on Hulu today," Scarlett remarked to Madeleine as she lifted the metal straw in her tumbler to her lips, taking a long sip of lemon water. "The drama in this episode was wonderful."

Madeleine quickly downed two gulps of her lemon water before dropping her cell phone on the left armrest of Joelle's chair. "Same here," she agreed with Scarlett. "I was absolutely awestruck by queen bee Samantha Vasquez though."

Scarlett kicked off her slippers and asked."Why?"

Madeleine crossed her legs and balanced her plate on her thigh. "She's the trendsetter at this fictional school," she explained. "And she's dating Benji Holloway, the star quarterback."

"I agree, Mads," Scarlett said as she stroked her manicured hand along her jaw. "She does seem to embody the 'mean girl' stereotype with her antagonistic attitude toward the new student. Yet I find her character even more compelling because of the drama and tension she creates."

Madeleine nodded at her friend's statement, then quickly drank two gulps of lemon water. "Didn't you see the confrontation between the new girl Alexandra and Samantha?" she asked, shifting the conversation elsewhere.

"Yes, but I find Samantha's vicious attitude towards Alexandra even more appealing," Scarlett replied, licking her lips.

Madeleine arched an eyebrow at Scarlett's opinion, glancing sideways at her friend with a questioning look. "What? Why?" she asked.

Scarlett popped a couple of strawberries into her mouth before answering her friend's question. "Samantha hated that the new girl was getting too close to her boyfriend."

"I absolutely love Samantha's witty comebacks," Madeleine said to Scarlett while fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "She uses them against anyone who challenges what she thinks is the proper social order."

After sipping her lemon water, Scarlett agreed with her friend, saying. "I loved when she compared the new girl to a dog. Her comeback made me laugh so hard I almost did a spit take."

Madeleine's emerald-green eyes glinted mischievously, smirking. "Same, except my drink came out of my nose."

"Gross!" Scarlett exclaimed, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

Madeleine watched as her friend voiced her revulsion. "Anyway, Scar, I was on Instagram this morning," she continued, absentmindedly tracing her pinky along the rim of her plate. "Looks like someone turned Samantha's comeback into a meme. It's hilarious."

Scarlett ate a few handfuls of raspberries and then drank her lemon water to wash them down. "That's cool," she chuckled in response. "You would think Alexandra would have realized by now that Samantha doesn't like her, considering how hard she's trying to become part of her friend group."

"Alexandra is oblivious about that part," Madeleine remarked. "But I admire her willingness to conform to the social standards at this fictional high school!"

Scarlett beamed at her friend and straightened in her seat. "There were many aspects of the other characters in the pilot episode that I appreciate," she replied.

Madeleine calmly inquired, raising her waxed eyebrows in amusement. "Are you talking about Kinsley, one of Samantha's best friends?"

"Yes, Mads," Scarlett responded with a giggle. "It seems she's one of Samantha's minions."

Madeleine giggled and settled into her seat comfortably. "Isn't she the one Samantha sent to warn Alexandra to stay away from her boyfriend?"

Scarlett smiled wryly at her friend, tugged on her sweatshirt sleeves, and glanced at Yul who was still curling her hair. "Yeah, Maddy," she nodded. "I rewatched that scene like five times. Alexandra's face was hilarious."

"Same," Madeleine agreed, pushing her strawberries and raspberries around her plate. "I couldn't believe it. It showed Alexandra trying to appease Samantha and her clique for the rest of the pilot."

As she adjusted her camisole, Scarlett asked, "Didn't you love when Samantha's friend Erin humiliated Alexandra? That was my favorite part of the episode, especially when Erin posted an unflattering photo of Alexandra on Instagram after she tried sucking up to Samantha."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Scarlett's question, replying sarcastically. "Obviously I was thrilled about the way they insulted Alexandra right in front of her."

"Honestly, I'd prefer they insult Alexandra behind her back," Scarlett added. She paused to take a sip of her lemon water before continuing. "Some of their insults were so harsh and rude."

Madeleine pursed her lips and said. "Isn't the fight scene your favorite part of this pilot episode? I was thrilled when Samantha nearly broke through Alexandra's defenses."

Scarlett picked a loose thread off her camisole. After a moment of hesitation, she said. "I just thought they've put Alexandra through so much already. Defending her from Samantha now was the wrong time for Samantha's boyfriend to get involved."

"Oh my god!" Madeleine squealed, keeping her head still as Joelle continued straightening her hair. "I loved the part where Samantha death-glared her boyfriend."

Scarlett realized the second song on her Spotify party playlist was now playing over the speakers as she held her iPhone to her face. "Well, it made me laugh even more since he knew he messed up and tried to apologize to Samantha half-heartedly," she said.

Madeleine beamed as she twisted a long, curly lock of hair around her right manicured index finger, "I'm curious about the secret Samantha seems to be keeping from everyone."

With a dramatic flair, Scarlett checked her red nails and said. "Maddie, it's not only Samantha keeping secrets. Consider everyone introduced in the pilot episode—they could be hiding things they don't want discovered."

Madeleine uncrossed her legs, enjoying a few delicate bites of strawberries and raspberries. "Scar, I agree - I can't wait to uncover their secrets," she replied eagerly.

Scarlett discreetly glanced to the side and saw the two makeup artists were distracted by their phones. Eager to discuss something else, she asked Madeleine. "Anyway, did you see the latest episode of Fashion Inspections?"

Madeleine shuddered in disgust recalling the dress Anna Rhodes had worn to her friend's birthday party. She tried to keep her head still as Joelle finished straightening her hair, adding, "I'm still having nightmares about that dress. Even the famous fashion critic Amanda Noble begged Anna to burn it on national television."

Scarlett drank three gulps of water before shoving her cell phone away. "I liked her shoes too," she agreed with her friend. "But I absolutely adored Julianne Marks's custom Louis Vuitton dress at the American Music Awards, Maddy."

"That dress was featured on the 'Fashionable or Not' scale of the other co-host," Madeleine said calmly as she paused to drink more lemon water.

Scarlett finished the last of her strawberries and raspberries, then shook her head in disapproval. "Come on, Mads. You should know that Bryanna Taylor is Tiffany Johnson's celebrity stylist and often critiques other stylists' creative choices, for better or worse."

"I'm just pleased that you haven't lost your fashion sense yet," Scarlett said, grinning at Madeleine as she took a long sip of her lemon water. "Plus, you could always count on some celebrities to embarrass themselves on red carpets with their questionable fashion choices that look simply awful on them."

Madeleine sipped her lemon water and nodded in agreement. "I don't understand why luxury designer brands create such awful looks for celebrities," she remarked.

Scarlett took a hearty sip of her lemon water as she responded to Madeleine's opinion. "We can never know the truth of that statement. Did you hear what Bryanna said about Peyton Bergmann's tweed suit?"

Madeleine ate the last of her strawberries and raspberries. "Of course," she answered in a mature voice. "If I remember correctly, she said that tweed might be back in fashion for the younger generation, but that means Peyton should avoid that fabric."

Scarlett asserted, still staring at her pedicured feet. "When I heard that statement, I laughed so hard my sides hurt. And I could tell Bryanna was dissing her even though she didn't say it directly."

Madeleine beamed and rhythmically tapped her royal blue nails against the armrest of Joelle's chair. "She delivered that statement with class," she remarked.

"I appreciated Amanda Noble's statement that monochrome is in for this summer and fall," Scarlett said with a chuckle. "Bryanna then added that people with classic style should add prints to their wardrobes."

Madeleine drank half of her lemon water and firmly said. "I agreed with their statements, but I'm particular about my prints. I don't want my closet filled with too many different patterns."

Scarlett crossed her arms over her chest and glanced at her friend from the corner of her eye. "Same," she agreed.

Yul interrupted their conversation, giving Scarlett's hair a final spritz of volumizing spray. "Scarlett, your hair is finished. Please head over to the makeup artists now so they can do your makeup. I'm going to help Joelle put the finishing touches on Madeleine's hair."

Scarlett exchanged a sidelong glance with Madeleine before bolting from her hairstylist's chair. "I need to see if this looks fabulous on me," she grinned, discarding her paper plate on the floor.

Scarlett examined her reflection in the tall white-framed trifold mirror, pleased by what she saw. Yul had styled her hair just as she requested, sweeping it up into a flawless crown braid that would be perfect for her parents' party. Overjoyed, Scarlett ran over and hugged her talented hairstylist tightly in gratitude.

"Thank you, Yul," Scarlett said gratefully. "The hairstyle you did looks beautiful on me."

Yul hugged Scarlett back, a twinkle in his eyes. "You're welcome," he said warmly.

Scarlett ended the hug and quickly grabbed her iPhone from the armrest of Yul's chair. She bounced up and down with excitement. "I'm going to get my makeup done now," she said. "Yul, please charge this house call to my mom's account."

"Of course, Scarlett," Yul replied with a nod. He moved closer to Joelle's chair.

Silently, Scarlett grabbed her half-finished drink and sank into a makeup artist's chair, phone in hand. She took a deep breath, set her tumbler in the cup holder, and sat up straight. Glancing sideways, she saw that Yul had moved on to help Joelle style Madeleine's hair.

"Good afternoon, Miss Scarlett," Shelby, the makeup artist, greeted Scarlett cheerfully. "Your hair is looking lovely today. Let's make your makeup complement it beautifully."

Nodding, Scarlett kept her head still as Shelby applied Clé de Peau Beauté ivory concealer under her eyes.

Madeleine interrupted their conversation, sipping lemon water. "Anyway, Scar, remember Hayden's Halloween party? She only invited us so people would pity us."

Watching Shelby search through her kit for foundation, Scarlett replied. "Of course I remember, Maddie. She was so patronizing."

Madeleine casually remarked. "Hayden also dumped tomato soup on my vintage Chanel dress at that party. Everyone laughed at my misfortune."

"Same here," Scarlett agreed with a nod. "Except my ruined dress was a Valentino that belonged to my mom."

Madeleine sighed deeply while sipping more lemon water. "I remember my mom was furious since the dress was originally my grandmother's. My dad had convinced her to let me wear it, even though she said it was appraised for two hundred thousand dollars."

Scarlett looked out of the corner of her eye, noticing Yul and Joelle had finished styling Madeleine's hair. "I didn't go to school the next day either. People were bashing me all over Instagram."

Madeleine walked over to Scarlett's mirror and studied her reflection. "Well, Scarlett, you remember my parents saw the bashing on Instagram and threatened to sue the school district," she said with a smirk. Noticing her pin-straight hair framing her face perfectly in layers, Madeleine felt pleased.

"Of course I remember, Madeleine," Scarlett replied, smirking as her makeup artist brushed NARS Laguna bronzer across her poreless skin. "My parents said they would join the lawsuit. But then the lawyer reminded them to consider our family's reputation first."

Madeleine padded across Scarlett's Moroccan rugs and grabbed her tumbler from the cup holder. "Why's that?" she asked, picking up her phone from Joelle's chair armrest. She plopped down in the other makeup artist's seat.

Scarlett lifted the metal straw in her tumbler to her lips and took a long sip of her lemon water. "He warned that they would face ridicule from business partners, family, and close friends," she explained, pausing to let her makeup artist step in and apply eyeliner. "My parents only wanted to stop people from bullying their daughter."

"In the end, your parents went against their lawyer's advice and sued the school," Madeleine declared, digging her painted fingernails into the armrests of her makeup artist's chair. She let the artist apply some Shiseido concealer under her eyes.

As her makeup artist searched through a rolling case for eyeliner, Scarlett took a sip of lemon water and happily reminded Madeline. "Don't forget our parents won that lawsuit and made everyone delete those pictures from their accounts."

As her makeup artist applied foundation, Madeleine remarked, "Scar, let's remember our classmates were too nervous to post on Instagram. They thought our parents might be serving legal documents to their parents."

"Remember when Sarah posted that mean Instagram story about us?" Scarlett asked as her makeup artist blended red and gold eyeshadow on her eyelids. "Didn't she get in trouble with the principal for violating the school's anti-bullying policy?"

"Yeah, Scar," Madeleine replied evenly, the third song on Scarlett's party playlist playing through the wireless speakers. "The school district was still dealing with the lawsuit from our parents, so Sarah's Instagram story put them under fire again. They had to suspend her for a week to appease everyone."

Scarlett noticed that her makeup artist had finished applying mascara to her long lashes. "Didn't some people try to suck up to us?" she replied instantly. "Especially when they knew our joint birthday party was coming up."

Madeleine felt the makeup artist sweep bronzing powder across her cheekbones. "I'm certain our classmates only pretended friendliness to lower our defenses and bully us more harshly."

As her makeup artist finished applying lip gloss, Scarlett remarked to Madeleine "That didn't happen to us. We managed to pull a fast one on Hayden and her friends."

Shelby interrupted the conversation between her client and her friend. "Well, Miss Scarlett, I'm done doing your makeup," she trilled.

"Okay," Scarlett said, nodding at her makeup artist. She uncrossed her slender legs and stood up from the chair. Scarlett strode over to the three-way mirror to inspect how her makeup looked, admiring her flawless, radiant, and dewy complexion reflected at her. Satisfied with the results, she turned back to look at her makeup artist before speaking.

"Good work," Scarlett said as she watched Yul and Joelle neatly pack up their styling tools into their rolling cases.

Without a word to Madeleine and the makeup artist, Scarlett stripped the clothes off her mannequin, disappeared into her closet, and rushed to get ready for her parents' party. Twenty minutes later, she emerged, prepared to leave. Dressed in a sleek red Ted Baker dress, glittering Jimmy Choo heels, and clutching a gold Gucci snakeskin bag, she had accessorized with Ross & Simmons chandelier earrings and her signature pearl bracelet. Scarlett sauntered over to her friend, the sharp clicks of her heels echoing on the polished floor.

Scarlett showed off her outfit to her friend Madeleine and asked. "What do you think, Maddie?"

"Adorable," Madeleine commented, catching a glimpse of her makeup artist lining her lids with an eyebrow pencil. "By the way, where did you get those heels?"

Noticing her hairstylist and assistant finished packing up and leaving the bedroom, Scarlett answered Madeleine's question. "I bought them last year. Maddie, should I wait for you?"

"Yeah," Madeleine replied, finishing her lemon water. She noticed the makeup artist applying mascara to her long lashes and blending blue and gold eyeshadow on her lids. "What time is it?"

Scarlett grabbed her iPhone from her clutch and checked the time. "Oh my God! It's almost seven o'clock. Maddie, you need to hurry up."

"Scar, I'm almost done getting my makeup done," Madeleine responded as the makeup artist finally applied some lip gloss.

Madeleine's makeup artist interrupted Madeleine's conversation with her friend. Handing Madeleine an ornate hand mirror, she said, "Miss Madeleine, your makeup is finished. Please take a look."

Madeleine admired her fresh, radiant complexion in the mirror. "It's beautiful," she remarked, returning the mirror to the makeup artist. Hopping down from the chair, she spoke to her friend Scarlett. "Let me get dressed first. Then we'll head to the party together."

Nodding at her friend, Scarlett watched Madeleine grab her garment bag off the bed and walk into the bathroom. Unlocking her iPhone again, Scarlett paused her pre-party playlist and dropped her cell phone back into her clutch. She noticed Yul, Joelle, and the other makeup artists had already left. She also saw Madeleine's makeup artist packing up her things into a rolling case, sitting on the bed's edge.

Moments later, the muffled sound of "Mack the Knife" by Frank Sinatra playing through the walls told Scarlett the party had started. Seeing the mess around the room, she decided Elsa would clean up tomorrow, noticing Madeleine emerge from the bathroom dressed to impress.

Madeleine examined herself in Scarlett's mirror, smoothing the front of her Ted Baker tunic dress. She paired the mid-blue, scalloped-neck dress with gold Sophia Webster heels and gold Stuart Weitzman clutch. Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace completed the look. Turning to her friend, she asked. "Scar, how do I look?"

"Stunning," Scarlett replied, grinning as she rose from her bed and strode toward the door. "Let's go, Mads. We should grab her table before the tent fills up."

Madeleine smiled, noticing the makeup artist had departed. "On it," she said brightly, trailing her friend.

Racing downstairs, Scarlett linked arms with Madeleine and hurried to the sunroom. Pausing at the backyard doors, Scarlett's mind raced with final thoughts: Would Madeleine find the other members of her court? Could Scarlett fulfill her role as second-in-command? Would their lifelong friendship endure?

The Wilson Estate

Backyard

7:08 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Madeleine and Scarlett entered the enormous tent, dazzled by the extravagant decor for Scarlett's parents' annual Labor Day party. Crystal chandeliers glittered above white silk draping the ceiling. Round tables were elegantly set with crisp white linens, crystal stemware, polished silver, blue place settings, and ornate name cards.

The chairs were draped in pristine white covers cinched with rich blue sashes. In the middle of each table stood intricate glass vases brimming with flowers. On stage, a live quintet filled the room with classical and jazz melodies. Waiters in crisp white jackets passed out champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the children. Guests mingled in elegant attire.

Madeleine tossed the delicate chain of her clutch purse over her shoulder so the grass wouldn't stain her designer handbag. "Oh my god, Scar!" she exclaimed, gazing around the spacious tent. "It's all so gorgeous."

"It does, Maddy," Scarlett agreed. She plucked a flute of sparkling cider from a passing tray and took a long sip of her sparkling apple cider. Scarlett lifted herself to her tiptoes so her Jimmy Choo heels wouldn't get stuck in the dewy grass. "Vanessa went above and beyond for my parents."

Madeleine lifted herself onto her tiptoes so her Sophia Webster heels wouldn't sink into the grass. "Of course, Scar, she wants to keep your parents as clients," she said, grabbing a flute of sparkling apple cider from a passing tray. "After all, she planned our joint birthday party last year."

"I seem to recall that party was almost epic," Scarlett replied as she pushed the delicate chain of her designer clutch higher up on her shoulder so it wouldn't slip off. "Didn't our old classmates rave about it on social media afterward?"

With her tiptoes still poised beneath her, Madeleine took a small sip of sparkling cider and replied calmly. "Yeah."

Scarlett took a small sip of her bubbly cider and asked. "Do we know anyone here other than our parents?"

Madeleine lightly traced the rim of her sparkling cider flute with her manicured fingers. "No thanks," she replied softly. "I should find my parents to see if they've arrived safely. Ah, there they are, chatting with your parents and some friends."

"Whatever," Scarlett said as she playfully rolled her eyes and took another sip of her sparkling cider. She then smoothed out her dress before taking a seat. "Can we sit down now? I'm tired of standing on my tiptoes in these heels."

Nodding in agreement, Madeleine took another sip of her sparkling cider and said. "Alright."

Linked arm in arm with Madeleine, Scarlett playfully pulled her friend to their assigned table. "Come on, Mads, let's sit down," she said with a giggle. "Dinner will be served soon."

Madeleine followed her friend, ignoring the adults attempting to get her attention. "Thank goodness!" she muttered under her breath, taking a sip of sparkling cider. "I'm famished now."

Madeleine and Scarlett tiptoed over to their table in the children's area, taking the seats beside one another. Dropping their clutches on the tabletop, they turned their gaze to the three girls seated across - Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey. The two friends raised their right hands in greeting, noticing the other girls' focus was now on them.

Madeleine set her glass of sparkling cider on the table and turned to the group of girls. "Hi, I'm Madeleine Stein," she said, gesturing toward her friend, "And this is Scarlett Wilson. You look familiar - have we met before?"

Kayla noticed Scarlett grinning at her as she took a small sip of sparkling cider. "Yeah, we've met at other parties our parents made us attend," Kayla said, gesturing toward Mackenzie and Audrey. Madeleine and Scarlett understood that Kayla also socialized with them at parties.

Madeleine nodded at her new friends and sipped more sparkling cider. "Yeah, we've met before, but I don't think I ever caught your names."

"Same here," Scarlett said as she elegantly crossed her slender legs.

Kayla smiled sweetly at Madeleine and Scarlett. "I'm Kayla Adams," she said.

"Hi, I'm Mackenzie Frost," Mackenzie said, leaning back in her chair. She downed her sparkling cider in one gulp before placing the empty glass on the table.

Audrey pulled out a compact mirror from her gold Tory Burch bow clutch. After checking her reflection, she said. "I'm Audrey Webster."

"Nice to meet you guys," Madeleine and Scarlett said together, unfolding their dinner napkins and placing them on their laps.

The three blondes - Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey - had been doing the same as Madeleine and Scarlett, but now shifted their attention back to their new friends. "Nice to meet you too," they responded.

The waiters interrupted the girls' conversation by bringing out the first course - a chilled gazpacho soup and a basket of warm sourdough rolls.

Madeleine grabbed a sourdough roll from the basket on the table and took a bite. "So, what school will you be attending for sixth grade?" she asked her acquaintances, gesturing between Scarlett and herself. "Scarlett and I will be going to the same one."

Mackenzie grabbed her spoon off the table and swirled it in her gazpacho soup before shoving a spoonful into her mouth. "Prescott Preparatory School for Girls," she answered between bites.

"Oh my god!" Kayla exclaimed, stirring her spoon in the gazpacho soup. She swallowed a spoonful before continuing excitedly. "I'm going to the same school as you guys."

Audrey thought her new acquaintances were being friendly to her. "Same for me," she agreed, spooning some soup into her mouth.

"I'm sure we'll get to know each other," Scarlett said to Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey after biting into a sourdough roll dipped in soup. "Maddie and I have been friends for a while."

A wide smile spread across Madeleine's face. "We've been through a lot together," she said, dipping her sourdough roll into the gazpacho soup. "And we really hit it off right away, which makes you pretty cool friends."

Kayla nodded at Madeleine, then snatched a sourdough roll from the basket and broke it in half. "Can we please do something fun?" she suggested before taking a bite.

Madeleine brushed some lint off her dress and asked Kayla, "Like what?"

Audrey smoothed her white floral Lilly Pulitzer fit-and-flare dress and crossed her legs. "Let's play Twenty Questions," she said coyly. "It will help us get to know each other better."

Madeleine moved aside to let the waiter refill her glass with iced water. "Great idea!" she exclaimed to Addie. "Who wants to start?"

Uncrossing her legs, Scarlett declared. "I'll go first. What's your favorite magazine?"

Madeleine took a long gulp of water and asked. "What kind of magazine do you want? Fashion, gossip, or any type?"

Scarlett swallowed a mouthful of her gazpacho soup and answered. "Fashion."

Madeleine checked her painted nails. "To be honest, I love Seventeen magazine," she admitted. "Their fashion spreads are so fabulous."

Kayla swept her long, wheat-blonde hair over her left shoulder and fiddled with her Tiffany infinity link bracelet. "French Elle is my favorite magazine," she said. "I love the stylish content and following Paris Fashion Week."

"Oh la la," Mackenzie teased, arching her perfectly waxed strawberry-blonde eyebrows. "Anyway, I adore Vogue Japan. It's so eccentric."

Audrey slid over as the waiter refilled her water glass with ice. "British Vogue for me. It's just darling," she giggled. "What about you, Scar?"

"Italian Garzia, always," Scarlett replied without hesitation, dipping her sourdough roll into gazpacho before taking a bite. "I can't understand it, but the fashion spreads are sublime."

"Girls, what's your favorite designer?" Kayla asked as she smoothed her crimson Prada one-shoulder mini dress. "You can only pick one."

Madeleine popped the last of her gazpacho roll in her mouth and crossed her arms. "That's not fair, Kay!" She pouted, leaning on the table. "But I guess Ted Baker."

Scarlett noticed the waiter fill her empty water glass with iced water. "I prefer Armani," she remarked. "It's a timeless classic."

"Daphne Guinness has my vote," Mackenzie said as she tapped her platinum-white nails on the table. "Her designs showcase impeccable taste."

Audrey drummed her icy nails on her full water glass. "Celine embodies refined simplicity," she mused.

Having finished her gazpacho-dipped roll, Kayla stated with conviction. "Kate Spade's my top choice. Her style is effortlessly chic."

Mackenzie moved aside as the waiter poured water into her empty glass. "Where would your dream vacation be?" she asked.

"Maui, Hawaii," Madeleine replied dreamily. She finished her gazpacho before noticing a passing waiter had cleared her bowl. "How about you, Scarlett?"

Having finished her soup, Scarlett saw that her bowl too had been cleared. "I'd go to Edinburgh," she said, smoothing her dress. "It's so beautiful, with such fascinating history. What's your dream destination, Kayla?"

Kayla saw her soup bowl had been taken as well. "Cape Town," she declared. "It has everything - mountains, beaches. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Audrey polished off her soup and glanced around the tent for a waiter to take her bowl. "The Virgin Islands are great too," she said. "I've been before, but I'd love to go back with you all."

Mackenzie smoothed her fitted white Ted Baker blossom-print skater dress. "St. Barts is my pick," she said as she noticed a waiter had already cleared her empty bowl. "It's so sunny and bright there, with gorgeous beaches."

Before Audrey could ask the girls her question, the waiters interrupted with the second course: A Grilled Corn Salad with avocado and tomato, drizzled in a light citrus dressing.

Audrey set down her fork after taking a bite of salad and scooted her chair in closer to the table. "Okay girls, let's get back to our game," she said cheerfully. "What's your favorite band, singer, composer or artist?"

"I'd have to say Miley Cyrus," Madeleine replied, twirling a lock of hair absentmindedly. "Her music really resonates with me."

Scarlett discretely adjusted the bobby pins in her braided updo and said. "Pop music is my favorite - Ariana Grande in particular."

After taking a sip of water, Kayla chimed in. "My favorite is the rapper Lupe Fiasco. His lyrics are so powerful."

Mackenzie traced the logo on her small Saint Laurent clutch with her manicured fingers, then took a bite of salad. "Henry Purcell was a classical composer in the seventeenth century," she said.

"Wow, Kenzie, that's really interesting," Audrey replied as she brushed some arugula off her dress. "Have you heard of Bix Beiderbecke? He was a great jazz musician."

Madeleine combed her manicured fingers through her hair. "What's your favorite color?" she asked the girls sitting around the table.

"Red," Scarlett replied, spearing avocado chunks with her fork and popping them into her mouth.

Kayla glanced at her burgundy nails. "Green."

Mackenzie fidgeted as a waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade. "Yellow."

"Pink," said Audrey, leaning back in her chair.

Madeleine took another bite of salad. "White."

Scarlett watched as the waiter poured iced watermelon lemonade into her empty red wine glass. "When are your birthdays?" she asked the girls.

"October 18th," Madeleine replied, shoving more salad into her mouth before uncrossing her slender legs.

Kayla was distracted by a party guest in a stunning dress from Chanel's 2019 fall collection. "Mine's November 16th," she answered absentmindedly, not looking away from the woman's outfit.

"I was born on December 21st," Mackenzie said, glancing around the tent and noticing the quintet had started playing Beethoven.

Audrey took a large bite of salad and washed it down with water. "Well, mine's September 7th," she said. "I'm having a wicked eleventh birthday party this Saturday-"

"Wait a minute, Addie," Scarlett interrupted sharply, "isn't your birthday this weekend? Are we invited to the party?"

"Yes, I'm inviting all of you," Audrey replied, placing her hands neatly in her lap. "I'm meeting with Vanessa on Wednesday to go over party details. I'd love for someone to join me."

Madeleine clutched her purse. "That sounds fun, but I have plans with Lindsey and Avery that day."

"I can't make it either," frowned Scarlett. "I have a spa appointment."

Kayla twirled her hair. "I can come! But I'll need to grab some froyo at Red Mango first."

"Me too, except coffee from Coffee Bean," said Mackenzie, pulling out her phone.

"Thanks, you two!" Audrey smiled, tossing her platinum-blonde curls. "By the way, Scarlett, when is your birthday?"

Scarlett took a few bites of her salad. "Well, my birthday is October 19th," she chuckled, twirling her fork. "Maddie and I always celebrate together since our birthdays are a day apart."

Madeleine sighed and fidgeted with the pearl stud in her ear. "Can we please talk about something else?" she asked.

"Oh, Maddie, I heard Lindsey Grayson and Avery Prescott want to hang out with you on Wednesday," Scarlett announced, crossing her legs.

Kayla shifted as the waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade. "Aren't they considered the legendary Queens of our school?" she questioned.

Mackenzie paused sipping her lemonade. "Wait, Maddie, how did you get in touch with them?" she asked.

"Are you the one they chose as the next sixth-grade Queen?" Audrey inquired, dropping her iPhone 14 on the table near her plate.

Madeleine looked at Scarlett and took another long sip of water before speaking. "Yes, I've been chosen as this year's Queen," she said. "I'm meeting with Lindsey and Avery on Wednesday to discuss my crowning."

"That's really exciting!" Kayla said, nodding at her friend as she rested her chin in her left palm.

Mackenzie ate some bites of salad and then smiled warmly at Madeleine. "Great job, Maddie," she said.

"Awesome!" Audrey exclaimed with a bright smile. "Hey Mads, are you selecting your court members now?"

"I am," Madeleine nodded, beaming. She slid over so the waiter could pour iced watermelon lemonade into her empty wine glass. "I've already asked Scarlett to be my second-in-command. But I still need three more members. Would you girls like to join my court?"

Scarlett smirked at Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey before taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "Come on, you know you want to join Maddie," she added encouragingly, hoping they would agree.

"Since we've become friends, I accept your invitation to join your court," Kayla said. twirling the ends of her straightened hair.

Combing her delicate fingers through her pin-straight strawberry-blonde hair, Mackenzie quickly added, "Yeah, I want to join your court too."

"Sure, I'll join your court," Audrey said, moving aside as a waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade.

Madeleine clasped her manicured hands together and grinned. "Awesome, my court is complete now that you've accepted my invitation! We should assign your roles."

Okay," Kayla nodded at Madeleine as she picked at her salad.

Mackenzie beamed and inspected her manicured nails. "Perfect," she smiled, taking a small sip of water.

Audrey tapped her painted nails on the table. "Oh, please tell me my role in the group," she asked Madeleine eagerly.

Madeleine speared a tomato slice with her fork before addressing her friends again. "Lala will be third-in-command," she declared regally. Madeleine slid her clutch closer to her charger plate, so waiters passing behind wouldn't knock her designer bag off the table. "Then Kenzie will be fourth-in-command, and Addie fifth-in-command."

Before the girls could resume chatting, they saw Scarlett's mother Carol, and Madeleine's mother Margaret gliding toward their table. The two women embraced party guests with socialite grace, somehow keeping wine glasses steady in their right hands. Soon they stood behind their daughters, flawlessly poised.

Carol embraced her daughter affectionately. "Hello, darling!" she greeted, giving Scarlett a quick peck on the cheek. "Are you enjoying yourself at the party?"

"It's a bit dull, to be honest," Scarlett replied, adjusting her dress. "But Madeleine's company has made it better. I've also become friends with the other girls at our table."

Margaret tugged at her flouncy, red Michael Kors sheath midi dress, taking a sip of wine. "Your mother and I hoped you and Madeleine would befriend the daughters of our close friends," she remarked.

"I'm glad you intervened and brought us together," Madeleine said, taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "It seems Scarlett and I already know Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey from previous parties."

Kayla shoved a forkful of salad in her mouth and said. "No wonder my parents wanted me to come. They're trying to force a friendship."

Mackenzie tugged at her dress. "I'm thrilled my parents made me attend," she told Margaret sarcastically.

"Same here," Audrey agreed, raising her water glass to her glossy lips.

Margaret fiddled with her pearl necklace. "We've always dreamed of our girls being friends like us," she replied.

"At least now there's peace since you all just moped around our summer homes all summer," Carol added quickly, sipping her wine.

Madeleine rolled her eyes. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath, not caring if her mom heard her.

"So you've decided to become Maddy's and my matchmakers," Scarlett said as she flicked arugula off the table. "Well, I'm fine with that. Shall we discuss how Vanessa went above and beyond planning the party?"

Carol sipped more red wine before brushing lint off her sophisticated navy-blue Eliza J high-neck cape midi dress. "Of course, dear, she always orchestrates the perfect party for your father and me. We're some of her top clients in Westchester."

Margaret stared at her pedicured toes peeking from her beige Christian Louboutin pumps. "Anyway, honey, I just wanted to check on you," she said, sipping white wine.

"Mom, you can see everyone's fine," Madeleine said, taking a bite of salad.

Margaret quickly kissed her daughter's forehead before leaving. "Alright, darling!" she sighed, waving her manicured hand to indicate they'd talk at home. "See you later."

"Okay, Mom!" Madeleine said. She pulled her compact out of her clutch and checked her eyeshadow for smudges. Madeleine was delighted that her makeup remained flawless before dropping her compact back inside her designer handbag.

Carol waved goodbye to her daughter over her shoulder before heading to another table of party guests. "Bye, sweetie!" she said.

Once Carol and Margaret left their table, the girls resumed their conversation.

Madeleine leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and stared at her friends. "Do you all have new outfits for the first week of school?" she asked.

Scarlett let a waiter clear her half-finished plate before responding to Madeleine's question. "No, actually. I've been trying to get my designer aunt to give me some of her stuff for free."

"Same for me, except I don't have an aunt in fashion," Kayla agreed as she handed her plate to a waiter. She sat up straight.

Mackenzie cocked her head. "I don't have any new clothes yet. I was planning to go to Aphrodite tomorrow - it's one of my favorite places for unique fashion."

"Oh, I shop there too," said Audrey, watching a waiter take her unfinished plate.

Madeleine took a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "We could go shopping in the city tomorrow, eat lunch at Saffron, and dinner at Butter. Scar and I go to Saffron a lot."

"Sounds perfect, Mads!" Scarlett replied, drinking her water.

Kayla nodded at Scarlett as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "Maybe we should start at St. John's," Kayla suggested.

"No way!" Mackenzie whined, tossing her napkin. "Maddie, we're going to Saks first."

Audrey sipped her drink thoughtfully. "Let's start at Prada and go from there."

"Alright, ladies," Madeleine said, steering the conversation elsewhere. "Back to our game. Who's up?"

After forking a large piece of avocado into her mouth, Scarlett declared. "I'll start again. What's your favorite TV show?"

Giggling, Kayla leaned back in her chair and replied to Scarlett's question. "Dynasty. The fashion on the show is fabulous. And I love the Carrington and Colby families."

As another waiter cleared her half-eaten plate, Mackenzie admitted sheepishly. "I'm charmed by the 2018 reboot of Charmed. It's so witchy and cool. How about you, Addie? Have you seen it?"

"No," Audrey replied, shoveling a forkful of salad into her mouth. "For me, it's the show Elite that's addicting. The premise centers around the teenage drama that unfolds when three working-class students transfer into an elite private school and clash with their wealthy classmates."

Madeleine took a careful sip of her water before answering with a giggle. "I prefer the original Gossip Girl because the drama was well-written and the fashion still feels relevant today. I was even able to binge-watch the entire show in just two weeks."

"Dark Academy", Scarlett said while sipping more watermelon lemonade."I love how the writers introduce me to the hot male leads."

Kayla grabbed her green iPhone 14 out of her glittery Jimmy Choo clutch and set it down on the table next to her dinner knife. "What's your favorite movie?" she asked.

"Wonder Woman," Mackenzie replied, seeing that one of the party guests wore a poorly made custom dress. "Its message of female empowerment really resonates. I'm glad my mom and I both love that movie."

Audrey took a sip of water before replying. "Reality High. The plot follows the main character as she competes against a popular, social media-obsessed mean girl for a boy's affection. The movie strongly conveys the message of being yourself."

Madeleine crossed her arms over her chest and said softly. "The Jumanji movie series."

Scarlett pulled her iPhone from her clutch, unlocked it, and opened the Photos app. "I'd choose The Kissing Booth for Joey King's performance. Though rife with cringey teen cliches, she shines," she said.

"Prom," Kayla admitted, taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "It puts a fresh spin on the musical genre."

Mackenzie nodded at Kayla and leaned back in her chair. With a chuckle, she asked. "What's your favorite drink?"

"Aha Flavored Sparkling Water," Audrey replied, noticing the quintet had transitioned to playing Mozart.

Uncrossing her legs, Madeleine watched a waiter clear her half-finished plate. "Diet Pepsi," she said with a giggle.

Without looking up from her iPhone screen, Scarlett stated, "Apple cider, even when it's warm in winter."

As a waiter removed her unfinished plate, Kayla confidently crossed her arms. "Diet Coke," she declared.

"La Croix Flavored Sparkling Water," Mackenzie responded, fiddling with a loose thread on her napkin.

Before Audrey could ask her question, waiters served the third course: rotisserie chicken drenched in herb sauce, alongside mashed potatoes and caramelized asparagus.

Audrey nudged her chicken with her fork, saying. "Anyway, ladies, let's resume our game. What words would you use to describe yourself?"

"Pretty, smart, and dependable," Madeleine added hastily as she straightened up in her seat and gripped her fork and knife with manicured hands.

As Scarlett absentmindedly stabbed her chicken with her fork, she was startled to realize her mom was still greeting guests. Dropping her iPhone on the table, she quickly composed herself and said, "Beauty, Brains, and Reliable. Lala?"

"Flexible, loyal, and fashionable," Kayla declared proudly as she forked some mashed potatoes into her mouth. "Kenzie?"

Mackenzie cut a small piece of chicken with her knife and speared it with her fork, popping it into her mouth. "Athletic, beautiful, and faithful," she said.

"I'm trustworthy, dramatic, and a perfectionist," Audrey admitted before taking two long gulps of her watermelon lemonade.

Madeleine grinned broadly, glancing around at the party guests mingling under the tent. "Describe your fashion style in three words?" she asked her friends.

"Preppy, nautical, and sophisticated," Scarlett said playfully, taking a long sip of water.

Kayla bit into the chicken fillet on her fork while noticing Audrey was staring intently at her parents. "Girly, trendy, and refined," Kayla replied.

"Stylish, casual, and feminine," Mackenzie replied to her friend's question, her grin widening.

Audrey folded her arms across her chest, then contemplated for a moment, chewing her lip. "Classy, modern, and colorful," she declared.

Looking around the table at her friends, Madeleine said primly. "Monochrome, classic, and elegant."

As another waiter refilled her water glass, Scarlett leaned back in her chair and asked. "What color looks best on you?"

"Green looks fabulous on me," Kayla said, touching the Alexis Bittar diamond-dusted dewdrop earring in her right ear. "It complements my skin tone perfectly."

Mackenzie slowly sipped her water, her aquamarine eyes scanning the tent. "Yellow," she finally replied, still searching for her parents.

"Most of the clothes in my closet are different shades of pink," Audrey said with a playful smile. "I always feel like a princess when I wear them."

Madeleine shoveled a forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. "Purple," she answered eagerly, her eyes lighting up brilliantly. "It gives off such a regal vibe."

"Red," Scarlett disclosed to her friends, sipping her watermelon lemonade. "It practically screams excitement, passion, and energy. It's so me."

Kayla pinned down her chicken with her fork and sliced through it with her knife. "If you had your own clothing brand, what gemstone would you name it after?" she asked before spearing the chicken piece and popping it into her mouth.

"Turquoise," Mackenzie replied, keeping her dress immaculate. "It's so cute and totally my birthstone."

Gripping her chair, Audrey dug her manicured nails into the silky seat covers. "I'd go with sapphire for sure."

"Tourmaline," Madeleine responded swiftly, brushing away invisible lint. "It has dazzling color varieties that could inspire my clothing palette and reflect my creative process."

Scarlett placed her right manicured hand on her thigh. "Opal's a perfect fashion brand name," she replied coyly, eyes twinkling.

Kayla smirked. "I'd choose Topaz," she stated decisively, leaning her head on her palm. "Its fabulous hues work with any tone.

Mackenzie grinned before sitting even straighter in her seat. "Anyway, what's your favorite chocolate brand?" she asked the girls, brushing a straight lock of hair from her eyes.

"Vosges Chocolate," Audrey replied, gauging her friends' reactions to Mackenzie's question. "Their luxury truffles, premium bars, and gourmet gifts are so delicious I usually finish them in three days. They always lift my spirits."

Madeleine watched a waiter refill her wine glass as she responded, "Louis Sherry makes fabulous truffles - the chocolate melts in your mouth."

"La Maison du Chocolat," Scarlett said between bites of mashed potatoes. "Everything they make is so flavorful, each bite is a party for my taste buds. Kalia?"

Kayla took a bite of chicken before answering, "Godiva's gourmet truffles and bars are divine. They make me appreciate my luxurious lifestyle even more. Mack?"

"Jacques Torres Chocolate," Mackenzie admitted, finishing her chicken. "I love their bars, bonbons, etc. They're my go-to whether I'm having a good or bad day."

Audrey was captivated by the cute blonde waiter as he refilled her wine glass yet again. "What's your favorite breakfast food of all time?" she asked, her gaze still fixed on him.

"Eggs benedict," Madeleine said while finishing the last of her mashed potatoes.

Twirling her fork, Scarlett smiled dreamily."Pancakes are my favorite."

"Definitely waffles," Kayla said with a bright grin, uncrossing her legs and leaning back in her chair.

Watching the waiter refill her glass, Mackenzie responded, "I'd choose the buttered croissants here."

"Brioche french toast for me," Audrey remarked between dainty bites of chicken before sipping her water.

Madeleine sliced through her chicken with her knife and took a small bite. "What's your favorite way to travel?" she asked.

"Flying," Scarlett replied quickly, glancing around the tent. She noticed her dad chatting with Madeleine's dad.

Kayla saw a waiter refill her water again. "Same," she agreed, watching guests waltz on the dance floor.

"My parents always fly when they travel," Mackenzie said with a nod, shoving her last bite of mashed potatoes in her mouth. She washed it down with gulps of her lemonade drink. "They say I was born lucky with a silver spoon."

Audrey popped some asparagus in her mouth. "I like visiting new places, so flying is how I travel."

"Same," Madeleine said, agreeing with Audrey. She then finished her chicken.

Scarlett took a thoughtful sip of her watermelon lemonade, pondering the question. "Which season has the best fashion?"

"Fall," Kayla answered, finishing the last bite of mashed potatoes and washing it down with water. "Everything looks so cozy and comfortable."

Mackenzie touched on her small white gold linear drop earrings. "I'd say spring," she explained. "Pastels are always in my closet."

"Summer is my favorite," Audrey replied, adjusting her dress. "I get to lounge by the pool."

Madeleine examined her manicured nails, wondering if the polish had chipped. "For me it's winter," she admitted, eyes twinkling. "I get to bundle up in cashmere and fur."

"Same for me," Scarlett said, agreeing with Kayla. She finished eating the last bite of her mashed potatoes and washed it with the last gulp of her watermelon lemonade drink.

Kayla took a small sip of her water before noticing some waiters clearing dinner plates from nearby tables. "What's your favorite way to exercise?" she asked.

"Yoga helps me stay in shape," Mackenzie replied, finishing the last of her mashed potatoes and asparagus. She washed it all down with a gulp of water.

Audrey flicked her curls over her shoulder and pushed her plate away. "Pilates," she stated simply.

Tennis is my life," Madeleine said with a laugh. "I've loved the sport since I was six years old."

Scarlett stretched her arms to relax her shoulders. "Dance," she replied, knowing Madeleine's dedication to tennis. "It keeps me fit."

"The only exercise I get is from aerobics," Kayla admitted, popping the uneaten asparagus from her plate into her mouth.

Mackenzie grabbed her iPhone off the table and quickly unlocked it before scrolling through the photos. "What's your favorite department store?" she asked.

"Bloomingdale's," Audrey replied immediately, her gaze fixed on the partygoers dancing. "Whenever I'm at the Westchester Mall, I go inside and shop. Mads?"

Madeleine nodded at Audrey and then settled into a comfortable position in her chair. "I'm going with Saks Fifth Avenue as my choice," she explained. "Whenever I've needed something fast to complete an outfit, Saks has always come through for me."

"My choice is Nordstrom," Scarlett admitted, biting her lip. She finished the last bite of chicken and washed it down with several gulps of water.

Kayla leaned back as a waiter cleared her half-eaten plate. "Bergdorf Goodman," she said. "I love their high-end designer selections. And the service is impeccable."

"Lord and Taylor," Mackenzie said happily, eyes still glued to her phone screen. She barely noticed as a waiter whisked away her dirty dish.

Audrey noticed the waiter clear her dirty plate. "What's your favorite memory with your parents?" she asked.

Madeleine's plate was cleared by a passing waiter. "I'll never forget my parents' faces when I told them I wanted to start playing tennis," she said with a smirk. She angled her dessert spoon to check her reflection, delighted her curly bangs weren't frizzing up. "They looked so surprised."

The same waiter who had cleared Mackenzie and Audrey's plates took Scarlett's too. "My favorite memory is when my parents took me skiing in Aspen as a Christmas gift," she said. "Even though they're busy, they always make time for me, especially since I was complaining I hadn't skied in awhile."

"My favorite is when my parents started a snowball fight with me last winter," Kayla said, checking her painted nails. "We drank delicious Godiva hot chocolate and talked all day."

Mackenzie sipped her watermelon lemonade. "I loved it when my parents came to my school plays and watched me perform. We'd go to dinner after, and they'd tell me I did really well."

"My favorite memories are when my parents spent time with me, listening as I talked about my day," Audrey said with a grin, moving her phone closer to her charger plate.

As her eyes darted across the table to Kayla who was busy staring at the guests seated around them, Madeleine asked her friends, "What's your favorite candle scent?"

Scarlett sighed deeply and rested her manicured hands on the table. "Circus," she said brightly. "It fills my room with this beautiful fragrance."

Kayla pressed her painted fingernails into her palms. "Vanilla for me," she replied, trying not to roll her amber eyes at Scarlett's odd question.

"Lavender and chamomile," Mackenzie admitted as she set her iPhone back on the table and folded her arms across her chest. "It helps me relax a bit."

Glancing at her iPhone's bright screen, Audrey noticed it was almost five to ten before placing her cell phone back on the table. "I love the scent of jasmine."

Madeleine ran her delicate fingers through her straightened hair. "Rosewater and ivy together."

Before Scarlett could pose her question to the girls, the waiters brought out the final course of the evening: decadent Lava Cakes.

Digging into her lava cake, Scarlett asked. "Of all your family members, who are you closest with?"

Kayla savored a bite of lava cake and answered. "My closest family member is my older cousin Tinsley. She's always quick to solve problems and give me excellent advice. We attend the same elite private school, so my parents and I often visit her family in Philadelphia."

Licking lava cake from her pinky, Mackenzie replied, "Madelyn, my high school cousin, has given me great fashion tips over the years. She's also the queen of her school's social ladder."

"My dear cousin Autumn," Audrey said with a giggle, her cerulean-blue eyes sparkling. "She always makes time to guide me through life's challenges."

Madeleine fiddled with her pearl necklace. "My cousin Esmée moved to California two years ago, but we stay in touch. Her dad works in Hollywood, so when I visit with my family, it's always an exciting trip."

Scarlett played with her charm bracelet. "I'm closest to my Albany cousin, Sophia. She visits Westchester often with her family, and I get to return the favor by traveling upstate. We always have a blast together."

As she took a small bite of her lava cake, Kayla asked the girls. "What is your favorite dessert of all time?"

Mackenzie took several bites of her lava cake and said, "I prefer strawberry shortcake. It's sweet and tasty."

Audrey ate a spoonful of lava cake, washing it down with a sip of water. "Creme brulee is my favorite. It's so creamy and delicious."

Madeleine smirked as she noticed the surrounding tables were still filled with party guests. "I love flavored macarons, especially from Ladurée bakery. My family's chef and driver always get them for me from the city."

Scarlett adjusted her dress before crossing her legs again. "Souffle is my favorite dessert. I love how our chef Marino makes it for my family in so many flavors."

Kayla tapped her painted nails on the table and declared. "Tiramisu, especially from that quaint bakery in town that I love."

Mackenzie's eyes sparkled with happiness, asking her friends. "What's your favorite holiday and why?"

Audrey twirled the flawless ten-karat diamond stud in her left ear before noticing that the party guests were starting to leave. "Thanksgiving," she said evenly, her eyes shining, "Allows you to indulge without judgment about calories."

Madeleine dipped her manicured left ring finger into the center of her lava cake and licked off the chocolate. "Christmas is my favorite holiday," she giggled, "Because of the gifts and quality family time."

"Halloween," Scarlett admitted as she shifted into a comfortable seat position. "Trick-or-treating and posing for my parents' social media in costumes are some of my favorite parts."

Kayla took a dainty sip of her watermelon lemonade. "New Year's Eve," she said softly with a sweet smile. "I love making resolutions to break minutes later and attending parties. What about you, Kenzie?"

"Valentine's Day," Mackenzie added quickly, pushing away her plate since her stomach warned her she'd eaten enough. "Getting cards from classmates and friends is always fun."

Before Audrey could ask any more questions to her friends, the girls noticed that their parents were headed straight for their table as they stopped talking to each other. They then observed that their mothers had thrown their different colored designer coats and shawls over their dresses since the weather had cooled down that evening. Next, the girls noticed their fathers were slipping their arms into the sleeves of their designer suit jackets as they followed behind their wives. Seconds later, the girls saw their parents standing behind Kayla and Madeleine.

Kayla's mom, Catherine Adams, hugged her daughter tenderly. "Hello, sweetheart!" she greeted warmly. "Are you having a good time at the party?"

"Yes, Mom," Kayla replied with a nod. "Haven't you heard about my new friendships with Maddie, Scar, Kenzie, and Addie?"

Catherine tucked her silver Bottega Veneta clutch under her arm. "Of course, dear. I've heard all about your blossoming friendships with their daughters," she said with a smile, adjusting her sleeveless red Versace cocktail dress. "After all, Margaret and Carol mentioned you girls would likely become close since you share similar interests."

"Anyway, princess, it's time to go," Kayla's dad, Kenneth Adams, interjected as he smoothed his charcoal Tom Ford suit jacket. "Say goodbye to your friends - Conrad is waiting for us outside."

Kayla saw that her friends had put their cell phones in front of her, so she swiftly typed her number into their iPhones and returned them. "Okay, Daddy," she murmured, slipping her phone back into her clutch. "I'll chat with you all later."

Madeleine stood up from her seat, gave her friend Kalia a tight hug, and said. "See you later!"

Scarlett joined the hugfest with Madeleine and Kayla. "Bye, Kayla!" she said.

"Bye, Lala!" Mackenzie said cheerfully, wrapping her arms around Madeleine, Kayla, and Scarlett in a group hug.

Audrey embraced Kayla and laid her head on Madeleine's shoulder. "See you later, Kay!" she said warmly.

Moments after the group hug ended, Kayla quickly grabbed her clutch and phone off the table. Noticing their friend heading for the tent's entrance with her parents, Madeleine, Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Audrey returned their focus to their parents.

Mackenzie's dad, Mathias Frost, enveloped his daughter in a big bear hug. "It's time to head home, angel," he said as he gently pulled Mackenzie up from her seat. "I've got an early morning meeting at six, so Robert's waiting for us outside."

"But Daddy, I want to stay a little longer!" Mackenzie protested with a pout, carefully inspecting her painted nails. "You guys can go ahead without me. I'll get a ride home with Addie later."

Mackenzie's mom, Emily Frost, ran her manicured fingers along her soft black Sofia Cashmere fox fur shawl. "I'm afraid that's not possible, sweetie," she replied firmly. "Your father and I want to be sure you get home safely tonight. He's got work tomorrow, so we need to leave together now. Say goodbye to your friends."

"Okay, Mom," Mackenzie sighed, rolling her eyes. She quickly traded phone numbers with her friends. "Talk to you later, girlies!"

"Bye, Kenzie," Madeleine waved without getting up from her seat.

Scarlett spooned another bite of lava cake into her mouth. "See you later, Manzie," she said.

"Later, Mack," Audrey nodded to her friend, who was still sitting in her seat.

Seeing Mackenzie drop her cell phone back into her designer handbag, Madeleine, Scarlett, and Audrey noticed their friend grab her clutch off the table. Witnessing Mackenzie throw the thin silver chain of her purse over her right shoulder, they saw their friend stroll towards the exit with her parents. Seconds later, the three girls returned their attention to their parents.

As the evening grew late, Audrey's parents, Courtney and Ambrose Webster, appeared before their daughter. "Darling, it's time to go home now," they gently told her. "Your father has to be at work early tomorrow morning."

Audrey glanced at her mother, who was adjusting her white Sofia Cashmerefur-trimmed shawl. "Okay, Mom and Dad," she said with a nod, standing up to add her number to Madeleine's and Scarlett's phones before handing them back. "Talk to you later!"

Madeleine leaped from her seat to give Audrey a big hug. Then she stepped back from her friend. "Bye, Ray!" Madeleine said, beaming.

"Uh, Rae, I'll call you later," Scarlett mumbled, brushing cake crumbs off her dress without standing up.

Audrey grabbed her iPhone and clutch off the table, prompting Madeleine and Scarlett to quietly return to their seats and feign indifference. They were momentarily distracted by a party guest in a fabulous Versace dress and did not see their friend leave the tent with her parents. A few seconds later, Madeleine and Scarlett shifted their focus back to their parents.

Stephan Stein gently guided his daughter Madeleine up from her seat, placing a hand on her back. "Hello sweetie," he said, embracing her. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Dad," Madeleine replied with a smile, hugging him back.

Scarlett eagerly jumped in to greet Madeleine's father. "Hey Mr. S!" she said warmly. "How's it going?"

Stephan gave Scarlett an affectionate hug, considering his daughter's friend like another daughter. "I'm doing great, Scarlett," he answered.

Margaret interrupted her husband's conversation with their daughter's friend. Taking a deep breath, she rolled her shoulders back and said. "Well, honey, it's time we headed home. It's almost 10:30."

"All right, Mom," Madeleine said with a pout, watching as her mother smoothed the furry three-quarter sleeves of her cropped white Burnett fox fur-covered bolero coat. "But can we stop by Scarlett's room first? I need to get my other purse from her bed. I'll text you later, Scar."

Scarlett jumped up from her seat to give Madeleine a giant hug. "Later, Mads!" she said briefly before pulling away and sliding back into her seat.

Scarlett noticed Madeleine drop her cell phone into her designer handbag before leaving the tent with her parents. Leaning back in her chair, Scarlett soon realized the party was ending as guests exited the tent. Spotting her parents bidding farewell to others, she saw wait staff starting to clear tables. Grabbing her iPhone, Scarlett dropped it in her purse and tucked the designer bag under her arm before standing to leave.

Scarlett ducked past waiters carrying trays laden with dirty dishes. Slipping out the tent's side entrance, she breathed in the crisp night air. The summer sky was dark, with the backyard lit by solar lamps. Crossing the manicured lawn, Scarlett entered the house and headed for her bedroom, yearning for a long shower after the tiring day.

The Adams Estate

Kayla's Bedroom

11:58 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

After drying her damp curls with a fluffy monogrammed Ralph Lauren towel, Kayla Adams twisted her hair into a messy bun and let the towel drop to the hardwood floor. Still wearing her floral Ted Baker robe, she stepped out of the all-white bathroom, leaving the towel for Juanita, the family's maid, to retrieve later.

Kayla opened the French doors of her two-story circular walk-in closet, revealing an expansive dark interior. Clapping her manicured hands, the closet lights flickered on, illuminating the space. She slid the robe off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor for the housekeeper. Rummaging through the drawers, she selected a midnight blue Natori chemise and slipped it on. Stepping out, Kayla left the closet lights on and pulled the doors shut behind her.

Exhausted, Kayla collapsed onto her fluffy green queen-sized duvet. The scent of jasmine from her aromatherapy diffuser still lingered in the air. Just as she was about to crawl under the covers, her iPhone rang loudly with the special ringtone she had set for new friends. Without getting up, she grabbed the phone from the nightstand and her eyes lit up when she saw the name and party photo flash across the bright screen. Kayla knew this new friendship was the start of something special.

As soon as her phone rang, Kayla quickly grabbed her AirPods from the wireless charging case and put them in her ears, tapping to answer the call. She leaned back against the white bohemian fringed throw pillows on her bed, letting her phone drop onto the comforter. "Maddie!" she exclaimed happily to her new friend, staring at the ceiling.

Madeleine called out to her new friend Kayla, "Did you get home safely with your parents?"

Rolling onto her side, Kayla blew strands of hair from her face. "Yeah, Maddie. I'm good," she answered.

"Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Audrey are on the line," Madeleine said excitedly.

Kayla rolled to her other side and rested against the pillows. "Hey girlies, what's up?" she greeted playfully.

"Hi, Kayla!" Scarlett welcomed warmly. "Hey, girl!" Mackenzie chimed in.

"Hello, friend!" Audrey replied cheerily.

"I called everyone to remind them about our plans for tomorrow," Madeleine stated matter-of-factly. "We'll start by having lunch at Saffron, then go shopping on Fifth Avenue. Afterward, we'll grab dinner at Butter. I'll call when we're getting closer to pick you up, so wait outside. My cousin Aimee and her friends will be joining us too."

"Wait, Maddie, your cousin Aimee is joining us on our shopping trip," Scarlett said with a grin. "It's been awhile since I've seen her and her friends."

Kayla fidgeted with her chemise straps, breathing in the jasmine-scented air. "Who is Aimee?" she asked Scarlett and Madeleine.

"Well girls, Aimee is one of my cousins on my dad's side," Madeleine explained to Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey. "You would all love her since she has the same fashion sense as us. But I have a confession - I was the one who invited her and her friends to join our shopping trip. Aimee decided she wants to meet you three since she's already close with Scarlett."

Cool, I'll hear some great stories about Maddie and Scar," Mackenzie said cheerfully.

"Got it," Audrey nodded in agreement.

"Whatever," Madeleine mumbled dismissively. "I'm going to bed now. See you all tomorrow."

Kayla yawned and massaged her slender neck. "Hope you all sleep well tonight! Talk to you tomorrow!"

"Um, good night, everyone," Scarlett responded timidly.

"Later, guys!" Mackenzie waved.

"Good night, ladies!" Audrey beamed.

Kayla ended the call and looked at her iPhone's bright screen. Realizing the phone was nearly dead, she plugged it into the charger on her right nightstand. She put her AirPods in their wireless charging case beside the phone.

Smiling, Kayla admired the outfit she had styled on her mannequin for her plans with friends tomorrow. Pleased with her choice, she clapped to turn off the lights and climbed into bed. Slipping on her sleep mask, she snuggled under the duvet, and then fell asleep.

Chapter Text

The Stein Estate

Foyer

9:53 A.M.

Tuesday, September 3rd

Madeleine called Milton's name as she examined herself in the large oval mirror above the console table by the front door. She turned to the side and struck an elegant pose. She wore a simple deep purple French Connection minidress with a cropped light blue distressed Topshop denim jacket over it, cinched at the waist by a skinny white Gucci leather belt. On her feet were matching deep purple Marc Jacobs ballet flats that complemented the outfit perfectly. A small white Mulberry crossbody bag hung neatly from her right shoulder, adding a subtle touch. Her signature pearl necklace adorned her slender neck, and flawless 4.48-carat diamond studs shone in her ears. Her makeup was light and natural. Admiring how incredible she looked, she realized Milton had entered the mirror's view before addressing him.

Milton fixed his black Saint Laurent tie, a birthday gift from Madeleine's parents, and responded with a neutral expression. "Yes, Miss Madeleine."

"Do you know where my parents are?" Madeleine asked her butler as she rummaged in her bag for her clear Pretty & Perfect lip gloss. "I haven't seen them since breakfast."

"Miss Madeleine," Milton replied while smoothing the front of his black morning coat, "Your mother wanted me to let you know that she will be attending your school's Mothers Committee meeting today to appoint a new president. And your father has already departed for work this morning."

Madeleine applied a fresh coat of clear lip gloss to her lips. "Okay, Milton," she said with a nod. "Is Nick waiting in the car for me?"

"Yes, Miss Madeleine," Milton replied formally, checking his white gloves for dirt. "I passed your instructions onto him while you were getting ready this morning."

Madeleine gathered her honey-blonde curls over her shoulders and replied. "Alright, did my mom leave any reminders for me?"

The butler opened the front door and said firmly. "Your mother wanted me to remind you that you have dinner plans with her and your father at Uptown tonight. She insisted that I tell you to be home by eight o'clock."

"Alright," Madeleine said with a sigh. She straightened her posture and walked directly toward the door.

Stepping outside, Madeleine jogged down the stairs leading to the driveway. The intense sunshine blinded her, so she grabbed the same Dior sunglasses she had worn on Sunday and slipped them on. Trotting down the driveway, her ballet flats thwacked against the pavement.

The humid air filled Madeleine's lungs as she approached the idling Range Rover in the driveway, exhaust puffing from its muffler. Opening the rear door, she climbed gracefully into the backseat, sliding across the soft leather and settling between the driver and passenger seats. Tossing her designer bag onto the adjacent seat, she buckled her seatbelt and turned her attention to Nick, who was busy shopping online for his daughter's birthday gift on his iPhone.

"Good morning, Miss Madeleine," Nick said to his boss's daughter stoically. He switched off his cell phone, tossed it onto the passenger seat, and glanced in the rearview mirror. "Where to today?"

Madeleine crossed her legs and smiled broadly. "First, we'll pick up Scarlett," she said, pushing her sunglasses into her hair. "Then we'll get Mackenzie, Kayla, and Audrey from their homes."

"Okay, Miss Madeleine," her driver said with a nod, backing the Range Rover out of the driveway. He drove slowly down the street.

Without another word to her driver, Madeleine straightened in her seat and gazed out the tinted rear window on the left side of the car. She saw a teenage girl berating the driver of a sleek Mercedes that had stopped in someone's driveway. Smiling privately, Madeleine looked away from the window, noticing her driver had halted at a red light on the corner of West Hillside Avenue.

Madeleine pulled her iPhone from her purse and scrolled through her notifications, noticing that her friends had posted on Instagram. She unlocked her phone, opened the Instagram app, and saw they had posted selfies. After liking the photos, she turned off her phone and rested her head against the headset.

With her emerald-green eyes closed, she practiced breath-focused meditation for fifteen minutes to calm her nerves. When she opened her eyes, her friend's house had come into view. Sitting straighter in her seat, she uncrossed her legs before glancing at the car ceiling.

Moments later, Nick pulled the Range Rover into the Wilsons' circular driveway and parked in front of the house. Opening the right rear door, he let the air-conditioned interior air escape as he waited for Miss Scarlett to notice her ride had arrived.

Scarlett sat on a white daybed swing, engrossed in the latest issue of Vogue Paris while nibbling the final bite of a Nutz Over Chocolate Luna bar. Noticing the driver waiting by the open car door, she hurriedly shoved the magazine in her purse and raced downstairs. Dressed in a chic white Lilly Pulitzer romper minidress and cropped white TSE Cashmere cardigan, she headed for the car in red Salvatore Ferragamo leather ballet flats and matching Salvatore Ferragamo leather shoulder bag. Her icy-blonde curls were pinned back with pearl clips, and her icy-blue eyes were hidden behind white Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses, giving her a model's poise. With natural makeup accentuating her features, Scarlett climbed into the car and settled in beside Madeleine, purse in her lap.

Scarlett beamed, hugging her friend tightly. "What's up, Mads?" she asked.

Madeleine broke away from the hug and softly answered. "Nothing much, except I've got some bad news for you guys."

Scarlett's eyes widened at her friend's ominous statement. Feeling the car pull away from her family's driveway, she inquired. "Bad news about what?"

Madeleine stretched her arms above her head and smiled at her friend. "We'll have to wait for everyone to arrive before I share the news," she said, recrossing her legs. "I only want to tell it once."

"Fine, Maddy!" Scarlett snapped, fidgeting with her hair clips in frustration.

"By the way, that's a cute dress," Madeleine said with a half-smirk, reaching out to touch Scarlett's dress. "Where did you get it?"

Scarlett pushed her sunglasses up into her hair and remarked. "My mom bought this dress for me in Milan as an early birthday present."

Madeleine lowered her manicured hands to her lap. "That's really interesting," she replied while fidgeting with her pearl necklace. "Should we tell the others about Sarah's party?"

"Obviously," Scarlett said, smiling brightly. She folded her arms across her chest. "We have to make a fabulous entrance at her party."

Madeleine smiled at her friend, lightly touching her friend's left arm. "That's a great idea, Scar!" she said. "But let's look through our closets first to find bathing suits."

Perfect," Scarlett nodded, eyes shining. She fiddled with the charms on her pearl bracelet. "Let's surprise Kay with a phone call now - I'm pretty sure she's waiting outside for her carpool."

Madeleine chuckled while grabbing her iPhone from the seat next to her and unlocking it. "It's okay, Scar! I'm calling her now," she said.

Madeleine turned on her speakerphone and asked Siri to call Kayla. The call rang three times before connecting. She moved her cell phone closer so Scarlett could speak to Kayla.

"Hey, Maddie," Kayla said, greeting her friend warmly.

Madeleine's face lit up with a delighted grin. "Hey, Lala!" she exclaimed, greeting her friend warmly.

Scarlett excitedly bit her lower lip and called out. "Hi, pretty."

Kayla greeted one of her best friends in a playfully melodic voice. "Hello, Scar."

Examining her manicure, Madeleine interrupted sharply. "Are you done getting dressed yet?"

Kayla exclaimed enthusiastically, "I'm going to grab some Luna bars from the kitchen pantry and wait for you guys outside."

Madeleine flashed Scarlett a dazzling smile before gently saying to Kayla. "Alright, see you in twenty minutes."

Scarlett gazed down at her dress before sipping some Perrier she had taken from the kitchen before leaving. "Bye, Lala!"

Madeleine ended the call and lowered her cell phone into her purse. As she did, she caught a glimpse of Scarlett, who was gazing out the tinted rear window on the right side of the car. Inhaling deeply, Madeleine lay her head back against the headrest, feeling the gentle motion of the Range Rover gliding down the street. A few minutes later, she felt her friend elbow her ribs, jolting her eyes open.

Scarlett pointed towards the window, drawing Madeleine's gaze outside. Through the Range Rover's tinted rear window, Madeleine saw Lachlan Hastings, Scott Thorpe, James Blackwell, Declan Hawthorne, and Aiden Clarke playing a shirtless game of soccer in a lush garden. The boys' toned, sweat-slicked bodies glistened under the sun amidst the birch trees, hydrangeas, azaleas, gardenias, and orchids. Her eyes widened at the unexpected sight.

"Oh my god!" Mackenzie exclaimed as she pressed her face against the glass. "Is that Lachlan and his friends?"

"Yes, it is," Scarlett replied happily, pressing her face close to the glass near her friend's. "Want to make a quick stop before Nick picks up Kayla?"

Madeleine exclaimed joyfully before turning to her driver. "Nick, stop the car!"

"What for, Miss Madeleine?" Nick asked as he screeched to a halt and turned around to face his boss's daughter.

Madeleine grabbed her compact from her purse, satisfied that her makeup was still perfect. "There are some people outside I want to meet," she explained curtly, pouting into the mirror as she reapplied a fresh coat of lip gloss and fluffed her curls. "So Scarlett and I will only be five minutes max. Then we're picking up Kayla."

Scarlett noticed Nick nod at Madeleine's words. "Don't worry, Nick," she added, running her fingers through her curls and snatching her iPhone from her designer purse. Gripping the passenger door handle momentarily, Scarlett stepped outside and said. "We know you're worried about Madeleine's parents firing you if we're out of sight."

"Nick, everything will be okay," Madeleine reassured the anxious driver. Seeing he had calmed down, she grabbed her iPhone and stepped outside.

Madeleine slammed the door behind her and Scarlett. Linking her right arm with Scarlett's left, she strode confidently across the street. Stepping onto the sidewalk, she squared her shoulders. Noticing sunlight filtering through the trees above, Madeleine pondered her words before speaking.

Noticing the boys had finished their game, Madeleine unlocked her arm from her friend's arm and interrupted. "Um, hello?" She introduced herself, saying, "I'm Madeleine Stein, by the way."

"And I'm Scarlett Wilson," Scarlett added coyly, twisting one of her curly locks around a manicured finger.

Lachlan smiled at Madeleine and Scarlett, his dimples appearing at the corners of his mouth. "I already know who you are," he said, holding a soccer ball between his feet. "My older brothers were talking about you yesterday."

Scott walked over to his black duffel bag, retrieved his black steel Adidas water bottle, and squeezed it so water sprayed over his sweaty body and head. "They told us their girlfriends picked your friend group as successors at Prescott," he stated firmly before taking three refreshing gulps. Scott noticed Scarlett staring intensely at him from the corner of his eye. He winked, causing her to blush since she had been caught looking.

James wiped his sweaty face on his damp white t-shirt and tossed it in his white Adidas duffel before addressing the girls. "We've been stalking your Instagram for two days now," he admitted, feeling the heated glares from his friends.

"People on Instagram told us to talk to you," Aiden said, staring at his multicolored Puma sneakers.

Declan stretched his toned left leg behind his back for a few minutes while resting his right hand on Aiden's shoulder. "We've been following you since Sunday," he grinned, excitement glimmering in his dark brown eyes.

Scarlett feigned nonchalance, inspecting her manicure. "Oh, cool," she said casually, trying to stay composed in front of the boys.

"So, um, could we get your numbers?" Madeleine asked shyly, unlocking her phone to open the Contacts app. She created new entries for the five boys' numbers.

"Yeah, sure," Lachlan said with a shrug, sitting on the grass and placing the soccer ball between his legs. "It's 914-642-8796."

"914-213-7680," Aiden recited, settling next to Lachlan and noticing the girls add his number to their phones.

"914-204-6612," James stated evenly, dropping down on Lachlan's other side.

"914-421-9475," Scott mentioned after taking three long gulps of his blue Gatorade.

"914-366-2578," Declan told them, stretching his toned arms overhead.

Scarlett quickly typed the boys' numbers into her iPhone, then subtly checked the time. She saw that five minutes had already passed. "Maddie, we need to leave now," she said, pulling her friend aside.

"Why?" Madeleine asked. Her sunglasses were still perched on her head. She automatically glanced back at the boys and flashed a bright smile before facing Scarlett again.

"Five minutes have already passed," Scarlett whispered, hoping the boys didn't overhear their chatter. "I'm sure Kay is mad at us by now, and Nick still has to drive us into the city."

Madeleine rolled her eyes before tucking a curly lock of hair behind her glossy lips. "Come on, Scar!" she asserted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Let's tell the boys it's time to go."

"Okay," her friend responded with a snicker, linking her arm through Madeleine's.

"Um, guys," Madeleine said as she shook her friend's arm off her shoulders. "We need to leave now. My driver is waiting to pick someone up."

"Alright," Lachlan, James, Scott, Aiden, and Declan responded in unison, enveloping the girls in a giant group hug. They noticed Madeleine and Scarlett's flushed, reddened cheeks. "Text us later tonight."

Breaking away from the embrace, Scarlett fanned her blushing cheeks and clutched her iPhone tightly in her manicured hand. "G-Got it," she stammered, avoiding the boys' mischievous gazes.

Grabbing Scarlett's arm, Madeleine pulled her friend toward the idling Range Rover. "Bye!" she called over her shoulder, eager to put some distance between them and the boys.

Once inside the car, Madeleine settled back into her seat and dropped her phone into her purse. She immediately noticed that Nick had silently started following Google Maps to Kayla's house, without speaking to her or Scarlett. Turning to her friend, she saw Scarlett had drifted off into daydreams. With a sigh, Madeleine closed her eyes again.

A few minutes later, Nick pulled the Range Rover into the Adams' circular driveway and parked it idling in front of the steps. He remained in the running car, waiting for Miss Kayla to notice her ride had arrived.

Kayla sat on the steps, her amber eyes glued to her iPhone screen. When she spotted the car, she slipped the phone into her designer bag and hurried down the remaining steps. Dressed in white high-waisted Sandro button-front shorts, a frilly emerald-green Cece blouse, and strappy emerald-green Prada crisscross wedges, she exuded elegance and style. Mini chandelier earrings and a matching bracelet glittered as she walked. White Isabel Marant flip-top sunglasses perched on her nose, and her straightened wheat-blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail with an emerald-green bow. Her makeup was applied flawlessly. Reaching the car, Kayla slid gracefully into the seat next to Scarlett, letting her purse fall onto her lap.

Kayla placed Madeleine's designer bag in her lap and pushed her sunglasses into her hair. "Where were you two?" she demanded angrily. "It took forever for Madeline's driver to pick me up."

Scarlett crossed and uncrossed her slender legs, notifying Kayla. "On our way to pick you up, we saw Lachlan and his friends playing soccer on someone's lawn. So we stopped for a few minutes and collected their phones."

"No way!" Kayla gasped, her jaw dropping in disbelief. "I thought we were meeting them at school."

"We're surprised they knew about us," Madeleine said with a light laugh, amused by Kayla's reaction. "From what I've seen, those boys are mischievous but super cute."

Kayla pulled her iPhone from her bag and unlocked it with Face ID. "Have you seen the new pictures Lindsey posted on her Instagram page yesterday afternoon?" she asked, changing the subject. Kayla then opened the Instagram app and navigated to Lindsey's profile.

"No, I didn't see them," Scarlett replied. She leaned in closer so she and Madeleine could view the photos on Kayla's phone. "I was busy prepping for my parents' party last night. When did she start following you anyway?"

"This morning," Kayla said smugly, zooming in on the pictures to see where Lindsey was hanging out with Avery and their friends. "These photos look amazing."

Scarlett studied the glamorous group selfies by the country club pool where the girls lounged with tropical drinks. "Looks like so much fun," she smirked. "Tiffany and Ivy seem to be having a blast."

"I thin-" Madeleine stopped mid-sentence, leaving her thought unfinished.

Madeleine's purse buzzed, the ringing echoing through the car. She shared a quick look with Scarlett and Kayla before retrieving her iPhone from her designer bag. Answering the call, Madeleine did so without checking the screen.

Mackenzie's voice crackled through Madeleine's phone speaker. "Hi, Maddy! I'm waiting outside for the carpool. When will you guys be here?"

Madeleine leaned back and turned on the speakerphone so her friends could hear. "Nick will be there to pick you up in 15 minutes. Just hang tight."

"Got it," Mackenzie replied, ending the call. "See you soon."

Kayla glanced up from her phone and drummed her green nails on her iPhone's Louis Vuitton eye trunk case. "Sounds like Mack is getting impatient," she chimed in, eyes brightening.

"She's likely tired of waiting for Nick," Scarlett murmured, inspecting her crimson nails.

"The heat could be bothering her," Madeleine added, removing her sunglasses and stowing them in her bag.

Without another word to her friends, Madeleine slipped her iPhone back into her bag and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress. Her gaze drifted from her friends to the tinted rear window on the left side of the car. Through it, she saw a mother and daughter emerge from their house in breathable yoga clothes, yoga mats tucked under their left arms.

The sight reminded Madeleine of the mother-daughter tennis classes she used to take. She sighed deeply and glanced at the driver, who was halfway along the route to Mackenzie's house. In the rearview mirror, Madeleine saw her reflection, sinking back into her seat.

A few moments later, she rested her head on Kayla's right shoulder and stared at the touchscreen, noticing it was almost eleven. Madeleine closed her, listening to Kayla and Scarlett's conversation.

Fifteen minutes later, Nick pulled the Range Rover into the Frosts' circular driveway and kept the engine running as he slowed to a stop in front of the house. He remained seated in the idling vehicle, sagging back into his seat as his foot lifted off the gas pedal.

Mackenzie leaned against one of the tall white columns on her family's porch, skimming InStyle magazine and finishing her bagel and cream cheese. When she saw the carpool arrive, she crammed the magazine into her purse and ran down the steps. Strutting confidently to the Range Rover in an ivory Ella Moss lace-trimmed camisole paired with navy-and-ivory-striped Prada bloomer shorts and an ivory Alice + Olivia blazer, Mackenzie looked stunning. Her outfit was completed with navy Tory Burch T-strap sandals showing off matching pedicure and manicure, a small ivory Tory Burch Gemini Link Canvas tote bag, flawless 4.48-karat diamond stud earrings, straightened strawberry-blonde hair, oversized white Ray-Ban sunglasses over her aquamarine eyes, and neutral makeup. Mackenzie stepped into the Range Rover, plopped down next to Madeleine, and carelessly dropped her tote onto her lap.

Mackenzie cooed in delight, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh my god! You all look fantastic!"

"Gorgeous as always, Manzie," Madeleine said with a wink to her friend.

Scarlett smoothed her cardigan and beamed at Mackenzie. "Wow, Mack, you look amazing!"

"Kenzie, that outfit is so cute on you," Kayla smiled warmly at her friend as she fidgeted with her bracelet.

Mackenzie tossed her sunglasses in her bag and brightly changed the subject. "Thanks, girls! Hey, have you heard about the Shermans?"

Scarlett glanced curiously at Mackenzie and eagerly asked. "Who's that?"

Kayla looked directly at Mackenzie and feigned nonchalance by flicking imaginary lint off her blouse. "Huh?" she said softly.

"Tell us everything," Madeleine demanded. She stretched her neck from side to side but kept her gaze averted from Mackenzie.

Mackenzie leaned in and whispered to her friends. "Yesterday, I overheard my mom talking on the phone. The Shermans are in big trouble with the IRS because Mr. Sherman embezzled money from work. Now, their accounts are frozen, so they can't afford their daughter's private school tuition anymore. She'll have to transfer to public school."

Scarlett tilted her head, covering her mouth with her right manicured hand. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "I feel sorry for the Shermans' daughter. Public school students, unfortunately, have a reputation for bullying those who don't fit in."

"Oh, well, karma's a bitch," Kayla chuckled wryly. She tilted her head and arched her immaculately groomed wheat-blonde eyebrows, her face alight with amusement. "Mr. Sherman should have known the IRS would catch up to him eventually."

"My dad always says the government stays on top of things," Madeleine remarked with a laugh.

Mackenzie nodded in agreement, fidgeting with the diamond stud in her right ear. "Well, ladies, I'm privy to quite a few secrets," she murmured. Mackenzie glanced at her friend's driver, following the GPS to Audrey's house. "Though I have to admit, I did invade my mom's privacy at home."

"I've been crowned the next Queen of Information by Ivy and Tiffany," Scarlett said excitedly as she ran her fingers through her curls. "So, Mack, you have to share some secrets with me now."

"It's alright, Scar," Mackenzie said reassuringly, pinching Kayla playfully on the arm. "Does this mean I'm the new Queen of Gossip and Secrets?"

"Yes, it's true," Kayla admitted. She leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs. "Delilah Edwards and Emily Hudson have been calling me the next Queen of Connections and Fashion on Instagram."

Madeleine flipped her curls over her left shoulder and leaned forward in her seat. "They expect you to follow in their footsteps," she retorted. "After all, Lindsey and Avery will crown me with an important title tomorrow morning."

Picking at her painted fingernails, Scarlett responded. "Audrey was declared the 'Queen of Social Events' by Maia Cox and Nova Walker on Instagram. She's the one everyone at school gives their party invites to, so she'll decide which events we attend."

Tuning her friends out, Madeleine didn't respond to Scarlett's statement as her friends continued the conversation without her. She took deep breaths and fixed her gaze on Nick driving halfway down the recommended route to Audrey's house. Afterward, Madeleine peered out the car's left-side tinted rear window and counted trees as they passed.

Fifteen minutes later, Nick turned into the Websters' circular driveway and parked in front of the house. As he finished his buttered croissant and coffee, he shifted in the driver's seat. Honking the Range Rover's horn, Nick hoped Miss Audrey would hear that the carpool had arrived.

Audrey paced the front porch, furiously texting. At the sound of the carpool horn, she threw her phone in her purse and raced down the steps. Strolling to the car in her adorable pink-and-white striped Splendid romper that hugged her figure, she looked beautiful. White Lanvin leather ballet flats adorned her feet and a medium white Tory Burch hobo bag dangled from her wrist. Oversized white Tory Burch sunglasses shielded her cerulean blue eyes, giving her an air of privilege. Half her long platinum blonde waves were swept up, the rest cascading down her back. Gold Poppy Finch triple-cultured pearl hoops weighed down her ears. Her makeup was minimal. Reaching the Range Rover, Audrey climbed in gracefully and slid into the seat next to Mackenzie, tossing her purse onto her lap.

"Hey, ladies," Audrey said. She crossed her legs, placing her manicured hands on her knees.

Madeleine greeted Audrey with a radiant smile. "Hi, Rae," she said warmly.

Kayla smoothed her straightened hair and squared her shoulders before grinning brightly at Audrey. "Hey, Rey," she said.

"Hello, Addy," Scarlett said cheerfully, straightening her dress.

Mackenzie gave Audrey a sleek smile. "What's up, Drey?" she asked her friend.

Audrey slipped off her sunglasses and tossed them into her purse. "Not much, Kenzie," she said, grinning from ear to ear. Audrey touched her earrings, hoping they would remain in place.

"Girls, I have some bad news about our dinner plans tonight," Madeleine said with a deep sigh, clearing her throat loudly. "We need to cancel."

Scarlett glanced at her painted fingernails for a moment before looking up. "Why?" she asked.

Madeleine looked into her friend's eyes as she folded her hands in her lap. "My dad made reservations at Uptown, so I need to be home by eight tonight."

Mackenzie flipped her straightened hair over her left shoulder. "It's okay, Maddy," she replied over the hum of the Range Rover's AC. "We can rebook at Butter another time."

"We understand you need to spend more time with your parents," Kayla added, resting her head against the tinted window.

"Don't worry about us," Audrey said dismissively, crossing and uncrossing her slender legs. "Go spend time with your family, Maddie."

Beaming happily, Scarlett twirled the diamond stud in her left ear rapidly. "So, Mads, let's fill in Drey and Manzie about meeting Lachlan and his friends."

"Well, girls, Scar and I met the boys earlier today," Madeleine explained, inhaling sharply at Scarlett's words. "We got their numbers, and they heard about us from Lachlan's older brothers."

Twirling a curly lock of hair around her left manicured index finger, Audrey exclaimed, "Oh my god, I totally forgot about them! I heard Aiden Clarke is really chill, so it takes a while to push his buttons. And I just called dibs on him. So, Maddie, you'll have to give me his number."

"I know this may seem sudden," Mackenzie said with eager eyes. "But I'm calling dibs on Declan Hawthorne right now. After looking through his Instagram, I've learned he's a Gemini who loves being social, and his favorite color is blue."

Scarlett crossed her arms over her chest and acknowledged her friend's question."Um, no. I've already scoped out Scott for myself."

Kayla reached into her purse to retrieve her voluminous Pretty & Perfect mascara. As she layered on another coat to her long lashes, she replied. "Uh... I'm surprised they've heard about us. I've been secretly stalking James Blackwell's Instagram since Sunday afternoon, so I'm staking my claim on him now, even though I haven't met him in real life yet. Maddie, you need to give me his number."

Madeleine rolled her shoulders back with the poise and grace of a queen. "Okay," she said, looking at Mackenzie, Audrey, and Kayla, "I'll text you their numbers later tonight. And of course, I've already decided Lachlan is my crush because he made me blush so hard earlier and seems sweet."

Mackenzie pulled her compact out of her tote and checked her reflection in the mirror. Without taking her eyes away from her image, she eagerly asked her friend, "Mads, are you going to call Lachlan tonight?"

Madeleine rested her head on Mackenzie's right shoulder and calmly replied, "Yeah. I'm inviting the boys over to my house next Thursday."

"Awesome!" Kayla exclaimed as she clapped her manicured hands together.

"Yay!" Audrey shrieked while bouncing in her seat. "I'll need to mark it on my calendar."

"Oh, that's nice," Scarlett said enthusiastically as she twirled the ends of her curls around her finger.

"I'm picturing everyone hanging out and relaxing by my pool," Madeleine said with a laugh, twirling a curl around her finger. "Any suggestions for the menu and playlist for our pool party? I want some ideas."

Kayla shook her head, ponytail swinging. "The chef should make some delicious snacks."

Scarlett bounced in her seat. "Mads, you should have sweet tea and virgin piña coladas for drinks," she suggested.

Audrey leaned back, kicking the driver's seat playfully despite Nick's discomfort. "We'll have so much fun that day, splashing around and chatting together."

"Your Spotify playlist needs some great songs," Mackenzie said with a grin, flipping her straight hair. "You should add some awesome tunes the guys will like, too."

Madeleine nodded in agreement with her friends before playfully nudging Kayla's ankle with her toe. "Got it," she said quickly, changing the subject. "Did you guys watch the pilot episode of Young, Rich, and Fabulous yesterday?"

"Um, no..." Audrey said, trailing off as she fidgeted with her romper. "I watched it on Hulu this morning when I woke up. I'm excited to share my thoughts on it."

"Me neither," Kayla chimed in, noticing they had taken exit forty-six towards Manhattan. "I watched it on Hulu while getting ready. There's so much drama already!"

Mackenzie adjusted her camisole as she bounced her knees excitedly. "I managed to watch it on Hulu after a yummy breakfast," she giggled. "I can't wait to discuss!"

"Obviously not," Scarlett replied nonchalantly, looking amused. "I watched it on Hulu this morning, too."

Madeleine blew a stray curl out of her eyes, gazing at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge passing by. "I was so impressed by Macy Vaughn," she said.

Audrey arched one of her perfectly waxed, platinum-blonde eyebrows questioningly. "Really? Why?" she asked, glancing at Kayla, Mackenzie, and Scarlett.

Checking the car's touchscreen, Madeleine noticed it was almost 12:15 PM. "She seems to be the leader of that group," she explained.

Reaching into her purse, Scarlett retrieved her gold Balmain hairbrush. As she brushed her hair, she remarked. "I noticed her friends seemed two-faced. Not my style."

Staring out the tinted window, Kayla examined her poreless complexion. Turning back to the group, she added, "Macy's controlling attitude is making her best friends, Maci and Riley, resent her. They shouldn't blame her just for being bossy."

"It seems like Macy's reputation is all about being flawless in every way," Mackenzie said, brushing some lint off her blazer.

"Obviously," Audrey sighed truthfully. "I thought she was trying to be perfect. It's just a facade to hide her insecurities about letting people see the real her."

"Well, I happen to admire Macy's wit and charisma," Madeleine replied. Realizing her driver had taken exit seven towards East 23rd Street, she added, "She's using those traits against anyone brave enough to insult her."

"I love her clever comebacks," Scarlett said with a snicker, straightening her hair clips. "That one about comparing her classmates to ants sucking up to her was hilarious."

After Scarlett's statement, Kayla smiled brightly and added, "When I heard that comeback, I laughed so hard my sides hurt." From the corner of her eye, she noticed Nick had turned left onto Second Avenue.

Nodding in agreement, Mackenzie leaned back and crossed her legs. "Well, you'd know Macy still fits the nice girl stereotype despite some remaining mean girl tendencies," she told her friends.

As Maddie's driver turned right onto East 11th Street, Audrey fidgeted with her earrings. Eager to change the subject, she turned to her friends and asked. Didn't you see the confrontation between Macy, Maci, and Riley?"

Madeleine realized that her driver had turned left onto Third Avenue before shifting her attention back to her friends. "Yes," she replied, pursing her glossy lips together.

A few moments later, Nick pulled the Range Rover up to the curb, leaving the engine running, and turned to the girls. "Ladies, we've arrived," he interjected brusquely. "Give me a call when you're ready to go."

"Will do," Madeleine said. She grabbed her designer bag and tossed it over her right shoulder. Madeleine gripped the rear door handle and exited the car gracefully, leaving the door open for her friends.

Scarlett grabbed her purse and threw it over her right shoulder. "Bye, Nick!" she instantly replied.

Kayla hoisted her bag up her left shoulder and grinned at Nick, "See you later," she said.

As they got out of the car, Audrey and Mackenzie called out. "See you later, Nick!"

Madeleine closed the door behind her and her friends. Slipping on her sunglasses, she tapped her foot impatiently on the noisy, bustling Third Avenue sidewalk. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Madeleine watched the Range Rover pull away from the curb. It quickly disappeared into the sea of yellow taxis, white delivery vans, and rideshares. Holding her head high, she sashayed towards the frosted glass doors of Saffron, her friends strutting confidently behind her.

Saffron

55 3rd Ave, New York City

12:46 P.M.

Tuesday, September 3rd

Madeleine walked across the elegant lobby of the restaurant, noticing the chic decor exuded sophistication. She headed straight for the hostess stand with her friends following behind. Standing in line, Madeleine waited patiently as the hostess checked reservations on her iPad. Folding her arms, she realized the hostess had finished seating the previous customers but was still chatting with them. Shifting her weight between her feet, Madeleine overheard the classical music playing from the restaurant's wireless speakers while waiting for the hostess.

Madeleine shook her curls off the back of her slender neck and turned to her friends with concern in her eyes. "Are you guys okay?" she asked.

"No," Scarlett replied, fidgeting with the thick strap of her purse. "My nerves are too frazzled to calm down before Mimi arrives with her friends in fifteen minutes.

Kayla squared her shoulders and smirked. "I think you guys should relax," she deadpanned, pointing at herself, Mackenzie, and Audrey. "Especially when Maddie's cousin will be judging us instead."

Mackenzie stood up straight and swept her straightened hair over her shoulders. "I know," she agreed with a smile. "Has anyone seen the hostess yet?"

Audrey nudged Mackenzie and smiled. "She's helping some other customers at the moment, so we'll need to wait our turn for assistance."

Mackenzie rolled her eyes and muttered dismissively. "Whatever, Rae."

Madeleine nodded to her friends, noticing Ada had returned to the stand. She snapped her manicured fingers to signal her friends to stop talking and refocus their attention on the hostess.

"Oh, Miss Stein, you're back again?" asked Ada, the hostess who normally checked Madeleine and Scarlett into their reservations. She was wearing fitted black pants and a perfectly pressed white tuxedo shirt.

Madeleine pushed her purse even higher on her left shoulder, replying. "Yes, Ada, I'm back again. This time I have a party of ten with me."

Ada grabbed ten leather-bound menus from the stand and said evenly. "Okay, Miss Stein. But where is the rest of your party?"

With a giggle and a nod of understanding, Scarlett reassured Ada. "Don't worry, they'll be here in ten minutes."

Ada nodded and beckoned for the girls to follow her. "Of course."

Madeleine snickered at the bewildered looks on Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey's faces before following behind Ada, who led the girls through the crowded yet quiet dining room. As they walked past a table of well-dressed publishers perusing manuscripts, Madeleine gazed around the room, noticing the black-and-white damask wallpaper covering the walls. When she stopped looking at the walls, she saw Ada halt in front of a ten-seat table at the center of the restaurant.

Ada gestured at the table as she placed the menus in the center and said. "I hope this table is suitable, Miss Stein."

Madeleine headed over to one of the head seats and stated. "It's perfect, Ada. Thank you."

"Thank you, Ada," Scarlett replied, exuding the poise and charm of a young socialite.

A few moments later, the girls seated themselves around the table, hanging their designer bags on the backs of their chairs and turning their attention back to Ada.

"Miss Stein, the server will be here to take your order in ten minutes," Ada said, handing out menus to the girls.

Noticing that Ada was leaving to help other customers, Madeleine nodded and said. "Okay."

Immediately after the hostess left, Mackenzie pinched the ends of the peaked lapels on her blazer so it hugged her slender neck. She added. "You guys weren't kidding about frequenting this place a lot."

Kayla quickly added, hearing the restaurant's delicate silverware clinking. "I love how this place caters to classy, refined customers. Everything looks stunning."

"I know, right?" Audrey cooed, shifting her gaze to the other customers seated at the surrounding tables.

Madeleine's mouth watered at the sight of waiters carrying platters piled high with succulent racks of lamb, lobster, steak, and ribs. "Well, anyway, Esmée, my older cousin Facetimed me this morning when I woke up," she expressed. "She told me that Aimee had called her last night and was very anxious about meeting you all today."

Scarlett's gaze remained fixed out the restaurant's grand front window as people bustled across the busy street. "No way," she gasped, still staring ahead. "I thought Aimee would have confidence in herself. She doesn't seem the nervous type."

As Mackenzie crossed her slender legs and leaned back in her chair, she interjected. "Maybe she's worried about how we'll fit in with you and Scar."

Audrey glanced lazily at some customers paying their lunch bill. With a smirk, she added. "Girls, I think Maddie's cousin just wants to make sure we're friends for the right reasons."

Kayla ran her fingers along the diamond hardware of her purse and replied. "I think she's pleased Maddie and Scar are making more friends with other girls."

Ignoring her friends, Madeleine pulled out her iPhone from her designer bag and checked the time. It was almost one o'clock, meaning her cousin and friends should have arrived by now.

With a deep sigh, Madeleine dropped her phone back in her purse and leaned back, closing her eyes for ten minutes. When she opened them, the hostess was leading her cousin and friends to the table. Madeleine sat up straight and joined the conversation.

A few minutes later, Madeleine's cousin Aimee stood at the other end of the table with her flawlessly dressed friends: Celeste, Spencer, Ava, and Beverly.

"Hey, Mimi," Madeleine said brightly as she stood up, walked around the table, and gave her cousin an air kiss.

Aimee hung her large black leather shoulder bag on the back of the other chair before smiling at Madeleine. "Hi, Maddie!" she said warmly. "You look beautiful!"

Madeleine barely held back an eye roll, heading for her seat. "I know," she said sarcastically. "Aim, you were supposed to FaceTime me this morning."

"Oh, Maddie, I'm so sorry," Aimee apologized, sitting down. "I meant to FaceTime you, but I forgot this morning."

Celeste sat down in the seat to Aimee's right. "Hey, Mads and Scar!" she said, interrupting their conversation. She brushed some lint off her sleeveless red Gucci minidress.

"What's up, Lele?" Madeleine and Scarlett replied with a warm smile, their eyes lighting up.

"Not much," said Celeste, adjusting her dress's belt.

"Hello?" Kayla interrupted, rolling her eyes at Maddie and Celeste. "Aren't you going to let us introduce ourselves to your cousin and her friends?"

Madeleine's face lit up with a broad grin. "Sure," she said enthusiastically, gesturing toward Aimee, Celeste, Spencer, Ava, and Beverly. "Go ahead and introduce yourselves to my cousin and her friends."

Clearing her suddenly dry throat, Kayla introduced herself to the girls with a sweet smile. "Um, hi, I'm Kayla Adams."

"Hi, I'm Mackenzie Frost," Mackenzie added, shooting a dazzling smile at Aimee and her friends.

"I'm Audrey Webster, by the way," Audrey said calmly, leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms over her chest.

Aimee introduced herself to her cousin's friends by slapping her right manicured hand over her chest and chuckling. "Hi, ladies, I'm Aimee Stein."

Celeste pulled out her compact from her mini red Saint Laurent chain bag to check her reflection in the mirror. "I'm Celeste Evans," she said.

"Spencer Chamberlain," Spencer said nervously, giving the other girls a half-smirk. She grabbed the seat next to Celeste on Aimee's right and hung her mini yellow Jimmy Choo patent leather bag on the back of her chair.

Ava slid into the seat next to Aimee and crossed her legs. "I'm Ava Sewell," she said, introducing herself to the girls. She hung her blue Kate Spade leather top-zip satchel on the back of her chair.

"My name is Beverly Sheppard," Beverly announced, sitting next to Ava. She casually placed her lavender Bottega Veneta cassette leather crossbody bag on the chair cushion.

"It's nice to meet you guys," Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey said in unison. They exchanged a brief side glance with Madeleine and Scarlett before unfolding their dinner napkins onto their laps.

The girls in question - Aimee, Celeste, Spencer, Ava, and Beverly - turned their attention back to Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey opposite them and finally responded. "Nice to meet you guys too."

The girls' conversation was interrupted when a clean-shaven middle-aged man strolled up to their table five minutes later.

The waiter pulled a pen from his apron and placed it over his notepad. "Welcome to Saffron. My name is Gil, and I'll be your server today. So, what can I get you?"

"Butternut squash bucatini," Madeleine ordered as she perused the menu. "And a Diet Coke to drink, please."

Aimee perused the menu in front of her. "I'll have the ricotta gnocchi," she replied swiftly. "And the same soda as Madeleine, please."

Celeste crossed her short-clad legs under the table, perusing the menu. "I'll have the shrimp tagliatelle," she requested. "And some lemonade to drink, please."

Tracing the menu's edge with her manicured fingers, Spencer ordered. "I'll have the braised short rib cavatelli with a Diet Pepsi."

Closing her menu, Kayla said. "I'll have the saffron burger with fries and the same soda as Spencer."

Mackenzie leaned back in her seat and scanned the menu. "I'll have the brick-pressed chicken," she told the waiter. "And a Sprite to drink, please."

Audrey grinned brightly at the waiter after perusing the menu. "I'll have the grilled marinated shrimp," she said. "Sweet tea to drink."

"Um..." Ava hesitated, staring at the menu. "I'll have the burger supreme with fries and a Diet Mountain Dew."

Beverly collected the menus and responded, "Chicken pot pie for me, with the same soda as Ava."

"Creamy lemon lobster fettuccine, please," Scarlett said, passing her menu to Gil. "And sweet tea."

"Certainly," Gil said, finishing writing their orders on his notepad before leaving. "I'll be back with your drinks soon."

Madeleine noticed the waiter was gone before saying anything else to her cousin. As she laid her unfolded dinner napkin on her lap, she asked, "Oh, Mimi, do you remember Sarah?"

"Oh yeah," Aimee spat angrily, her Nordic blue eyes filled with rage on her cousin's behalf. "Wasn't she the one who abandoned you and Scar for some girl and her friends?"

Resting her chin on her right palm, Scarlett said dramatically. "Obviously. But she invited us to her pool party next Sunday."

Aimee raised a questioning eyebrow toward Madeleine and Scarlett. "What for?" she asked the two girls.

"Well, Sarah wants to make amends with us," Scarlet said, twirling one of the scalloped straps of her dress around her left index finger. "And Hayden wants a fresh start when she enters middle school."

Aimee understood why her cousin and Scarlett were going to the party. "Okay, so they're looking for a clean slate, while you guys are still dealing with the emotional scars from the bullying."

After Aimee's statement, Celeste added while straightening her thick, black Hermès leather belt, which she had looped around her dress. "I thought Sarah should have realized by now that things would never be okay between you two."

Spencer reclined in her seat and heaved a sigh. "Perhaps they are plotting something nefarious for Scar and Maddie," she suggested.

Ava twisted a curly lock of hair around her left index finger anxiously. "Sarah and Hayden should face consequences for how they treated you," she said. "We should devise a plan to address this issue immediately."

"If I'm not mistaken, you mentioned that they had humiliated you in front of your entire grade," Beverly said modestly, leaning toward Madeleine and Scarlett. "It seems especially unfair knowing their behavior was insincere."

Audrey leaned forward in her seat and interrupted the conversation between Madeleine, Scarlett, and the other girls. "Who's Sarah?"

Madeleine's response was interrupted when the waiter approached their table, balancing their iced drinks on his round tray.

"Here are your drinks, ladies," Gil said, placing the beverages before the girls. "I'll return shortly with your food."

Madeleine nodded at the waiter before turning her attention back to Audrey. "It's alright, Addie," she said. "Sarah used to be best friends with Scar and me, but last year she abandoned us for Hayden and her new group of friends."

"That's terrible," Mackenzie said angrily, pulling her Sprite closer. "However, I think Sarah is genuinely remorseful for what she put you all through last year. So Maddie and Scarlett should probably forgive her."

Kayla absentmindedly swirled the ice cubes in her Diet Pepsi while nodding in agreement with Mackenzie, "I think they should let go of the emotional baggage weighing on their hearts. Doing so would certainly make Maddie and Scar feel much better about themselves."

Scarlett rolled her eyes dismissively at Kayla and Mackenzie's suggestions. "You're telling me to just let it go?" she replied sarcastically, a sharp edge in her voice. Scarlett turned away from the girls to stare pointedly at a group of nosy customers eavesdropping on their conversation. After giving them a stern glare, she swiveled back to face the girls directly. "That's not going to happen!" she stated emphatically.

Aimee took a hearty sip of her sweet tea. "No way," she snarled, her eyes darting towards her cousin, who was busy eyeing the customers sitting at the surrounding tables.

Celeste brought her lemonade glass to her lips and took a sip. "I think you should get revenge on those girls," she said with a mischievous look in her serene blue eyes. "They have it coming."

"Let's think of some schemes to get back at them," Ava and Spencer said together as they traced the rim of their fizzy soda cups with their fingers.

Beverly took a sip of her Diet Mountain Dew, asking Madeleine and Scarlett. "At the risk of sounding harsh, how do you plan on getting back at them?"

Madeleine paused to sip her Diet Coke and smirked. "I'm considering inviting them to one of my slumber parties," she said. "We could get them to confess their deepest secrets, secretly record it on my phone, and post the video on Instagram for all to see."

"I like this plan," Scarlett replied with a devious smile. She leaned back in her seat and placed her manicured hands on her knees.

Audrey glanced at Kayla and Mackenzie, who looked uneasy about Madeleine and Scarlett's vengeful scheme against their elementary school bullies. "I feel the same way," she agreed.

Aimee whipped her dirty-blonde locks over her right shoulder and asked. "How will you guys invite them over to Maddie's house?"

Before Madeleine could respond to her cousin's question, Gil approached their table with a round tray laden with delicious food balanced on his right shoulder.

Gil set plates of food down in front of the girls and tucked the tray under his arm. "Here's your food, ladies," he said with a bright grin. "Can I get you anything else?"

"We're all set for now," Scarlett said, picking up her fork and taking a bite of lobster. "I'll let you know if we need anything else."

"Enjoy your food, ladies," Gil said, noticing two customers waving him over at one of his tables. He then quickly carried the tray of food for that table to the opposite end of the restaurant.

After the waiter left the table, Madeleine answered her cousin's question while spearing a sautéed mushroom with her fork. "I was thinking I should invite them to Sarah's party when we're all there together. It'll make them think Scarlet and I have forgiven them."

Aimee pushed her ricotta gnocchi around her plate and gave her cousin a half-smirk. "Awesome," she said. "When will you put this plan into action?"

With a sly smile, Scarlett noticed Kayla and Mackenzie finally agreed to join her and Madeleine's mischievous plan and answered. "Next Sunday."

Celeste grinned excitedly and took a long sip of her lemonade. "Girlies, where did you go for summer vacation?" she asked, looking over at the girls. "I can't wait to hear all about your perfect trips!"

Kayla's face brightened into a smile and replied. "I spent the first two weeks of summer in Milan with my parents. Then for the rest of my vacation, I split my time between the Hamptons and Paris."

Ava took small, delicate bites of her burger supreme and bragged. "Well, I spent my whole summer break at my family's vacation home in Hawaii."

Mackenzie stabbed some pieces of her chicken with her fork. "My parents and I flew to Paris for my summer vacation," she said casually. "I spent my days shopping at the Champs-Élysées, exploring the city, and relaxing at our family's summer home."

With radiant smiles, Beverly and Scarlett answered in unison. "We spent my entire summer vacation at our family's summer house in Antigua, Lele. It was so much fun for us."

"I spent my entire summer vacation in London with my parents," Audrey said excitedly. She swallowed a steaming forkful of curry-covered rice.

Madeleine moved her plate closer to the edge of the table. "My parents and I traveled to Switzerland for summer vacation," she said confidently. "I had a great time shopping with friends and exploring the city."

"Yeah, I spent my whole summer vacation in Spain with my parents," Aimee responded, thoughtfully chewing a mouthful of creamy potato gnocchi.

Celeste took a long, deep breath before spearing a sautéed shrimp and scallion onto her fork. "Same," she agreed with Audrey, her eyes glimmering with happiness. "Aim and I had tons of fun together."

Spencer's amber eyes sparkled under her long lashes and replied. "I spent my whole summer vacation with my parents in the Hamptons. I went to many parties, shopped on Main Street, walked the beaches, and hung out with my summer friends there. But did you hear the news about the Cruz family?"

Madeleine looked over her painted nails and hesitantly asked. "Who? What?"

Aimee nodded along to the classical music before sweeping her manicured hand through her blonde curls. "They were the golden couple of the Upper East Side," she said with a silly grin. "We should also discuss their spoiled daughter, who's trying to join my clique this year."

"News spreads fast in this city," Scarlett said with a half-smile, flashing it irresistibly at Celeste. "No offense, but people seem like complete morons for forgetting that."

"However, the Cruz family thought things would calm down for them," Celeste said, eating a mouthful of shrimp tagliatelle. She then tossed her long, straight black hair over her right shoulder.

Kayla tucked back a loose strand of hair that had fallen from her swinging ponytail. "Now, please spill the tea," she demanded.

Ava and Mackenzie swallowed a sip of soda and chimed in together. "Tell us everything!"

Beverly speared a bite of her chicken pot pie and let out a chuckle loud enough to draw the attention of other customers. "What happened?" she asked Spencer with curiosity, her winter-grey eyes sparkling with interest.

Audrey rolled her eyes at Spencer before resting her chin on her manicured hands and whining. "Spence, can you please spill the gossip on the Cruz family?"

Spencer rolled her eyes at Audrey and huffed. "Okay, I overheard my mom's conversation last night. The family took out a multi-million dollar loan to build their new house, but now they're having trouble paying the bank by next week's deadline. So they're selling off properties, but it's still not enough to cover the loan."

Madeleine absently twirled a curly strand of hair around her index finger as she rolled her eyes at Spencer. "Why would I waste time listening to adult gossip about the Cruz family?" she muttered. "Do I look like someone who eavesdrops on my mom's conversations?"

With a smirk and a bitchy twinkle dancing in her eyes, Aimee told the girls. "You should know the Cruz family runs their own hotel business overseas."

Scarlett nodded in agreement with Aimee's opinion, then took a slow sip of her sweet iced tea. "I heard through the Upper East Side grapevine that the husband even tried bribing someone to make the problem go away permanently," she said.

"Um, either way..." Celeste trailed off, giving the girls an uneasy look before she chewed on a mouthful of shrimp tagliatelle. "I think they've been stewing in their issues for a while."

Ava brushed her glossy black hair from her violet eyes and touched her smooth, pale skin. "Girls," she said, "I look forward to the day when Marisol Cruz realizes she's not in Mimi's league."

Mackenzie's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I agree," she said. "I think she'll eventually realize her family's current situation and try to understand it."

As her friends took a long sip of their fizzy sodas, Beverly asked them. "Can we all agree that Marisol is at least sometimes trying her best to annoy Aim?"

Audrey held up her manicured hands and said. "Count me out for a few moments, girls."

Spencer nodded in response to Beverly's statement, pausing to collect her thoughts before replying. "Marisol only behaves that way around Mimi when she wants to curry favor," Spencer said, running a manicured pinky finger along her plate's rim. "What if we simply agreed to let Marisol join our group?"

Aimee dabbed her mouth with her napkin before leaning back in her chair. "That won't happen," she scoffed. "I haven't bonded with her at all, so she'll never join my inner circle."

"Yes, I agree," Madeleine said to her cousin while fiddling with the diamond stud earring in her right ear, "She isn't worthy of being my cousin's handmaiden."

"Either way," Scarlett said with a chuckle, taking a hearty gulp of the cold sweet tea and bringing the glass down from her glossy lips, "She's a total loser now, so nobody at your school would risk inviting her family to anything anymore."

Celeste sipped her lemonade, then a drop slid from the corner of her mouth and plopped onto the tablecloth. "How much of the Cruz family's life is screwed up right now?" she asked suggestively.

"They're in a lot of trouble with the city," Kayla acknowledged, munching on a ketchup-covered fry. "So, they won't be showing their faces in public for a while."

"Oh, yeah," Ava said gleefully as she took large bites of her burger, clearly pleased by the Cruz family's distress over their unfortunate situation. "I've never seen them look so bothered before - the city really got to them this time."

"Yeah, whatever," Mackenzie muttered under her breath as she ate several bites of her chicken. "I just wish people would realize that cancel culture is here to stay."

Beverly smoothed the pleats of her pink, sleeveless Ted Baker knit fit-and-flare dress and glanced up absently, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "The Cruz family should take their lawyers' advice," she said. "It would be better for them to leave the city."

Audrey straightened her romper before lifting her spoon to examine her reflection. "To be honest, I'm wondering if Mimi is going to try to recruit every girl in our grade," she remarked, responding to Beverly's statement. "She seems intent on gathering more handmaidens for her clique this year."

"Yes, yes, and yes!" Spencer retorted, flashing a faint smile at Audrey. "Aim has every right to hire someone to assess the girls, particularly if she needs to differentiate victims from projects."

"Whatever," Aimee muttered after pausing to take two large sips of her sweet tea. "I still need to figure out who's worthy of being my handmaiden before school starts."

Madeleine scooted her chair up to the table and smiled wistfully at her cousin. "Mimi, make sure whoever you choose is capable of being a proper handmaiden," she said. "The right one will be worth the wait, don't you think?"

Scarlett adjusted the hair clips that kept her hair out of her face. "Yes!" she proclaimed, hoping the other customers around their table wouldn't complain to the wait staff. "I suppose Marisol is just a bit jealous of Aim being more fabulous."

After finishing her burger and fries, Ava leaned her elbow on the table, her eyes flashing wickedly. "Maybe Aim should let Marisol join her handmaidens," she suggested, "but she should devise some diabolical plan to humiliate her first. Then Mimi can post it online for all to see."

"Of course!" Kayla agreed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before polishing off the last bite of her burger and fries.

Spencer finished the last bite of braised short rib cavatelli and hissed. "Fine!

After finishing half of her Sprite, Mackenzie shoved the last bite of her brick-pressed chicken into her mouth before agreeing with Ava. "That's okay."

"Ah!" Beverly exclaimed as she finished chewing the last bite of chicken pot pie. "I'd prefer to wait until gossip articles and channels confirm the Cruz family's fall from grace."

"It's almost two o'clock," Audrey said anxiously, glancing at the time on her iPhone's bright screen before quickly finishing the last two bites of her shrimp. "We still need to go shopping! I need some new clothes for the first week of school, and Maddie has to be home by eight tonight."

After finishing her butternut squash bucatini, Madeleine smiled at Gil, gesturing to indicate she wanted to pay for everyone's meal as well as her own. "We still need to settle the bill," she said.

After finishing her gnocchi, Aimee told her cousin. "Maddie, call Gil over now."

Moments later, Gil walked up to the table, interrupting the conversation between the girls.

"We're finished eating," Madeleine said steadily. She pulled her black Amex card from her purse and handed it to Gil. "I need the receipt now, please."

Gil abruptly turned on his heel, card in hand. Five minutes later, he returned, this time holding a black leather portfolio in his left hand. "Young miss, I need you to sign the receipt," he said.

Madeleine opened the book to find her Amex card, a receipt, and a pen inside. "Okay, Gil," she said, signing the dotted line without reading it. Tucking the warm credit card into her designer handbag, she stood up, noticing Gil had left to tend to his other tables. "If we want to get to 5th Avenue, we should go now."

"Come on, girls," Aimee said as she got up from her seat, noticing the other girls had already pushed away from the table and stood up. "Let's relax with some retail therapy."

The girls pushed their chairs away from the table, carefully lifting them to avoid scraping the waxed marble floor. They tossed their stained dinner napkins onto their empty plates and took a long sip of their drinks. Taking some deep breaths, they slung their purses over their shoulders and walked out of the restaurant with confidence. Moments later, the girls strutted down the street, looking as stylish and gorgeous as the socialites strolling along the sidewalk.

The ten girls walked in synchronized steps for a couple of minutes, the newest pop song blasting in their minds, as people moved out of their way. They turned towards Fifth Avenue, their faces set into blank stares, giving off an air of snobbiness to the outside world so that people would understand they viewed themselves as more important.

Bergdorf Goodman's Dressing Area

5th Avenue, New York City

5:33 P.M

Tuesday, September 3rd

Smiling at her reflection in the three-way mirror, Madeleine tilted her head as she inspected her dress choice for the first week of school: a stylish off-the-shoulder 3.1 Phillip Lim cream dress. Pleased with how the dress suited her, she turned from the mirror to get the other girls' opinions.

Madeleine tossed her curls over her shoulders and asked the girls. "Does this dress say 'First Week of School'?"

Aimee sat against the wall next to her dressing room, studying her cousin intently. "Yes, the Cream color works well with your skin tone," she remarked with a snicker. "It looks good on anyone."

"That looks nice on you, Mads," Scarlett said as she reached into the large pile of clothes she planned to buy. She pulled out a pale pink shift dress with a cowl back from Alice + Olivia and held it up against her outfit. "What do you think, fabulous or not?"

Celeste shifted her gaze away from Madeleine, turning instead to scrutinize Scarlett's outfit selection for the first week of classes. "Gorgeous, as always," she remarked approvingly. "Though that dress is stunning, it may be a tad risqué for school."

Scarlett tossed the dress onto the plush ivory carpet before taking a small sip of her venti Starbucks cinnamon dolce crème. "I'm not purchasing this dress, Lele," she said. "I only wanted to ensure my clothes fit right since my chest has grown this summer."

Ava rushed over to Scarlett and embraced her. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed excitedly, not caring who heard. "I thought I was the only one who developed over the summer. It's strange being different from my friends."

Madeleine interrupted Ava's conversation with her friend, shouting. "Um, hello? Does this dress say 'First Week of School'?"

Mackenzie looked up from her iPhone and eyed the dress Madeleine was showing them. "Yes, Maddie," she replied honestly.

Audrey and Kayla looked at their friend while continuing to sip their lattes. "Same," they agreed.

Adorable," Spencer said, looking over at Aimee.

Beverly inspected her pearly white nails before resting her head on Aimee's left shoulder. "Wow..." she mused. "You look great."

"It looks amazing on you," Ava added, settling into her seat.

"Perfect," Madeleine said happily, tossing the dress into her large pile of clothes to buy. "Who's next?"

"It's my turn now," Aimee declared, heading back into her messy dressing room. "I still need more outfits for the first week of school, since I'll be in my uniform during the day."

Scarlett looked over at the girls and paused to gather her thoughts. "Just curious," she said eagerly. "What's the school hierarchy like here?"

Celeste answered with a radiant smile on her face. "But there is only one reigning Queen from each grade and her handmaidens. Mimi was selected this year as the sixth-grade Queen. What can you tell me about Westchester itself?"

Kayla downed half of her venti Starbucks caramel macchiato and acknowledged. "Maddie's doing the same thing, except she's ruling with a court."

Fiddling with a button on her high-waisted navy Maje shorts, Spencer asked, "Have you guys ever wondered how Maddie and Aim were chosen as Queen?"

Mackenzie crossed her ankles together and said. "From what I've heard, Lindsey and Avery chose Maddy from a list of legacies."

As she sat beside Ava on her right, Beverly informed the girls. "For the people of the Upper East Side, the Queens are chosen based on four key criteria: family connections, wealth, scheming, and gracefulness."

Aimee called out from inside her dressing room. "It's true. The popular girls at my new school challenged me with a series of manipulative tests to see if I would scheme against others for their amusement. First, they demanded I host an 'End of Summer Bash.' Next, they insisted I spread fake rumors about innocent classmates. Then, they wanted me to toy with old elementary school friends. Throughout it all, they expected me to act haughty and aloof to everyone outside my inner circle, embracing my most cunning side just to impress them."

Audrey and Ava smiled and nodded in agreement with Aimee's statement. "Girls, don't worry," they said playfully together, noticing the others' reaction. "We're sure this school year will be fine. And we'll make sure no one messes with our friends."

Moments later, Aimee emerged from her dressing room exuding confidence, wearing a stylish black-and-white Marc Jacobs dress with puff sleeves.

Madeleine tilted her head and studied her cousin intently. "Beautiful," she remarked, sipping her venti Starbucks pumpkin spice crème.

Celeste snickered, lifting her large, steaming cup of chestnut praline latte to her lips. "It looks so classy on you," she said.

Kayla stared at her iPhone's bright screen, engrossed in texting her mom about spending time together at the spa. "Ten!" she replied absentmindedly without looking up from her phone.

Spencer craned her slender neck from side to side for a few moments before assessing Aimee's dress selection for the first week of school. "Lovely dress, Mimi!" she exclaimed.

Mackenzie leaned over and gave Audrey a wet kiss on her left cheek, crying out. "That dress is adorable on you!"

Beverly slipped on Spencer's Gucci ballet flats, admiring how the shoes complemented her pedicured feet. "Looking good, Aimee," she said playfully, kicking them off with a laugh.

"Aim, that was amazing!" Ava exclaimed as she ran her manicured fingers through her hair.

Sitting against the wall next to her messy dressing room, Audrey sighed happily. "Aim, it looks classy and refined on you."

Before Madeleine could speak to the girls, she noticed two older saleswomen entering the dressing area.

The two older saleswomen, whose name tags read Kendra and Christine, asked the girls in unison, "Do you girls need some help here?"

"Yeah, I'd like to ring up the giant pile of clothes in my dressing room," Madeleine replied as she walked back into her dressing room.

"Me too," Celeste said, standing up and sauntering back into her dressing room.

"We're done too," Kayla and Scarlett said together, getting up from their seats and sashaying into their dressing room.

"Same for me, as well," Spencer said, walking back into her messy dressing room.

As they entered their messy dressing rooms, Mackenzie and Beverly said in unison to the saleswomen. "We want to ring up everything in my dressing room."

Ava spoke calmly to the saleswoman as she entered her messy dressing room, "I'd like to purchase everything in here, please."

Audrey sighed deeply, rising from her seat. "I'm ready to go home and enjoy a nice, long shower," she remarked while heading back to her dressing room.

Aimee walked into her dressing room and changed out of the dress she had been trying on. "I'm taking everything," she said, tossing the clothes onto a giant pile she had accumulated for the first week of school. She left the room with her designer purse slung over her right shoulder, managing to grab several large shopping bags in her right hand as she cradled the pile of new clothes in her arms.

A few moments later, the other girls emerged from the dressing rooms, designer purses slung over their right shoulders. Leaving their half-finished Starbucks drinks behind for the staff, they grabbed their bulging shopping bags in their manicured left hands. The girls then followed the saleswomen, leading them to the registers.

Soon after, the girls watched as the saleswomen rang up their purchases. Before they could glance at the totals, the saleswomen had already swiped their cards and held out receipts to sign. The girls signed without reading, handed back the receipts, and snatched up their eighteen oversized shopping bags. They pushed through the bustling sidewalk outside, breathing in the crisp, humid air by the Ted Baker store entrance.

Madeleine checked her Apple watch, ensuring she didn't topple under the heft of her bulging shopping bags. "It's nearly six, so call your driver now, Mimi. I want you on the road before I ring Nick to come over."

Aimee pulled her iPhone out of her purse, knowing her cousin Maddie was worried about her safety in the city with her friends. "Maddie, I'm calling Paul," she whispered, before asking Siri to dial their family driver. Pressing the phone to her ear, Aimee realized Paul had finally picked up.

"Hello?" Paul's deep voice came through the phone.

"Hey Paul, it's Aimee," she said as her friends linked arms with her. "Can you pick me and my friends up in 30 minutes?"

"Of course, Miss Aimee," Paul replied warmly. "I'll be there soon."

Aimee heard the line go dead before she dropped her iPhone back into her purse. "Maddy, Paul will be here in thirty minutes," she said, looking at her cousin.

"Awesome," Madeleine nodded with a chuckle. Glancing at the other girls, she added, "Hey girls, you should exchange numbers before saying goodbye."

Celeste nodded at Madeleine's statement, then realized the girls had taken their cell phones out of their designer handbags. "Fine, Maddie!" she scoffed as she rolled her eyes at Madeleine. She entered her number into the girls' iPhones and handed them back. "Um, pretties, let's exchange numbers now so we can keep in touch.

Kayla hiked her purse higher on her right shoulder. "Okay, Lele!" she said, typing her number into their iPhones and returning them.

With a deep sigh, Scarlett entered her number into their phones before giving them back. "Yeah, I'll probably text you all later when I'm home."

Letting out a breath, Spencer put her number in their iPhones and passed them around. "Me too," she agreed.

Mackenzie glanced disinterestedly at the crowds lugging bulky shopping bags from high-end stores like Paradox, Free People, and Armani. "See you later," she said, entering her number into the girls' iPhones before handing them back.

Beverly folded her arms over her chest as the weight of her oversized shopping bags banged against her thigh. "Good evening, all," she replied politely, typing her digits into their phones and returning them.

Noticing a taxi screech to a stop on Fifth Avenue to discharge a passenger while another jumped in, Ava grinned. "No worries," she said, keying her number into their iPhones and giving them back. "I may FaceTime you ladies tonight."

Aimee immediately noticed that Paul had already arrived in her family's black GMC Yukon and parked at the curb. Seeing the driver open the rear door, Aimee said to her cousin. "Paul's here, so I'll text you tomorrow."

Madeleine smiled quickly at her cousin and friends. "Bye, girls!" she said, waving to the group. Afterward, she noticed Aimee had gotten into the car first, the others following behind. A few moments later, the car faded into the distance. Madeleine sighed deeply and turned back to her friends, grabbing her phone from her purse. "I'm texting Nick. He's at a restaurant on Seventh Avenue."

Scarlett pouted as she peered over Madeleine's shoulder, watching her friend's fingers fly across her phone's keyboard. "Ugh, Maddie, can you get him here any sooner?" she asked impatiently. Moments later, Madeleine showed her a message saying the driver would arrive in ten minutes. "My feet are killing me," Scarlett complained.

"Scar, let's let the man enjoy his dinner in peace," Kayla insisted, rolling her eyes at Scarlett's complaining. "He's been driving us all over the city."

"But Maddy has a curfew at eight tonight," Mackenzie added with a sigh, resting her left hand on Audrey's shoulder to ease the weight of the shopping bags. "Her driver needs to get here fast."

"What do you think, Maddie?" Audrey asked, wondering if her friend would intervene in the bickering between Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie.

"Whatever," Madeleine muttered under her breath, barely concealing an eye roll at her friends' silly argument. She tossed her cell phone back into her designer handbag, completely tuning out their bickering. Glancing up, she saw Nick had already turned the Range Rover onto Fifth Avenue. "Come on girls, Nick's here."

Nick pulled up to the curb and kept the engine running while he remained seated in the car.

Once in the Range Rover, the girls slid across the buttery soft leather backseat and dropped their shopping bags on the floor. Tossing their designer handbags onto their laps, they buckled their seatbelts, willing to forget their argument as Kayla, Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Audrey started talking again.

Tuning her friends out, Madeleine wasn't in the mood to say anything as she closed her eyes. Feeling the car pull away from the curb, she knew she couldn't skip dinner with her parents, even though all she wanted was to relax for the rest of the evening.

The Frost Estate

Mackenzie's Bathroom

9:32 P.M.

Tuesday, September 3rd

Mackenzie Frost sank deeper into her freestanding tub, indulging in a Godiva truffle as she relaxed. The white porcelain tub was nestled between eight glowing candles that filled the bathroom with a warm, sweet lavender and chamomile aroma. She closed her eyes, letting the warm water soothe away the tension from her day.

Resting her head on the tub's edge, Mackenzie kept her eyes closed as she swirled the sudsy bubbles closer to her wet skin. Moments later, she opened her eyes and sank deeper into the chocolate maroon Philosophy bathwater scented with salted caramel. Plucking another truffle from the box, she popped it in her mouth, the sweet taste heavenly on her tongue.

Mackenzie's iPhone buzzed to life, chiming in the bathroom. Sitting up, she wiped her hands on the soft yellow organic cotton towel on the tub's edge, using it to dry her ears too. Mackenzie grabbed an AirPod from its wireless charger and shoved it in her left ear. Double-tapping the AirPod, she answered the call without looking at the screen.

Scarlett called from the other line, her tone soft and excited. "Manzie! What are you doing right now?"

Languidly waving her left manicured hand through the warm water, Mackenzie responded. "Just soaking in a bubble bath and eating some Godiva truffles, of course."

"Anyhow, I just finished talking to Drey and Lala on FaceTime," Scarlett chirped. "They're going to eat dinner with their parents at The Indian Tower tonight."

"Oh, that's super nice," Mackenzie said, sounding sad. "At least someone's having fun with their parents. I'm stuck at home by myself since my parents are out on their date night."

"It's alright, Mackenzie," Scarlett reassured her friend in an uplifting tone. "Oh, and did Maddie text you Declan's number yet?"

Mackenzie lifted her soapy leg out of the bathwater. "Yeah, she did," she nodded. "I texted him when I got home. He said he wants to meet me at Scoops tomorrow afternoon at four-thirty."

"Awesome!" Scarlett exclaimed warmly. "Scott told me the same thing."

"Of course, Scar," Mackenzie smiled brightly, staring at the silky white blackout shades covering the bathroom windows. "I wouldn't miss a chance to hang out with some cute boys."

"Perfect!" Scarlett replied excitedly.

Mackenzie smirked at her friend's statement and lowered her leg back into the water. "What are you wearing tomorrow?" she asked, popping another milk chocolate truffle into her mouth.

"I've already picked out an outfit for my mannequin," Scarlett said with a laugh. "It includes a light blue floral sundress from French Connection, cream espadrilles by Stuart Weitzman, a quilted light blue leather shoulder bag from Michael Kors, and a short, cream cardigan with puff sleeves from Frame. So, Kenzie, what are you thinking of wearing?"

"I've already dressed my mannequin in a pale-yellow Maje jacquard skater dress," Mackenzie told her friend as she adjusted the trip lever on her bathtub to drain the tepid water. "It will complement my white Miu Miu wedges and small quilted pale yellow Kate Spade crossbody bag."

"It's going to rain tomorrow afternoon," Scarlett said. "We should change into rain boots and leggings and bring an umbrella."

Mackenzie stepped out of the tub and dried herself with a fluffy yellow Ralph Lauren towel. "Oh, of course," she replied quickly. "By the time you get there, I'll already be talking to the boys."

"Got it," Scarlett nodded warmly. "Are you still going to Vanessa Sanchez's headquarters, by the way?"

"Yes!" Mackenzie yelled into the phone's microphone. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, especially since Lala and I would have exclusive access to Rae's plans for her birthday party this Saturday."

"I'm going to bed now," Scarlett said with a yawn. "See you tomorrow."

"Later, Scar!" Mackenzie grinned as she grabbed her white Gilda & Pearl satin robe off a chrome wall hook and wrapped it around herself.

Mackenzie ended the call and left her AirPod in her left ear as she leaned over the sink and blew out the candles. After tightening the belt of her robe, she clapped her manicured hands to turn on the bathroom lights. As she brushed her teeth, Mackenzie grabbed her charging case, phone, and the open truffles box from the side table. She headed out of the all-white bathroom without turning off the lights.

Dropping her things on the bed, she walked to the closet and opened the French doors, stepping into the massive two-story circular walk-in closet. Another clap of her manicured hands turned on the closet lights. Mackenzie noticed the navy velvet wing chairs piled with white furry pillows in the corner behind a small white cube covered in magazines.

She dragged her bare feet across the ivory plush carpet, running her fingers along the ostrich feather trim of her robe sleeves. Seeing the crumpled designer clothes still strewn across the floor, Mackenzie pawed through the drawers, grabbing an old pale-blue In Bloom by Jonquil racer-back satin camisole and matching shorts. She dropped her robe for the maid Svetlana to pick up.

Slipping into the comfortable pajamas, Mackenzie left the closet without turning off the lights. Crossing the large white shag rugs, she delicately took a Crème Brûlée truffle from the box. The blending of dark and white chocolate coated her tongue as she bit into the shell. Once finished, she shoved the truffles into the mini fridge and flopped onto the oversized yellow duvet, feeling the goose-down feathers puff up around her.

Just as she was about to crawl into bed, her iPhone buzzed with an incoming Facetime call from her mom. Mackenzie checked the screen, made sure the left AirPod was in place, then grabbed the other from the charging case and shoved it into her right ear. She double-tapped to answer the video call.

Emily greeted her daughter with excessive enthusiasm. "Hey, sweetie!"

"Hi, darling," Mathias said, peering over his wife's shoulder. "What are you doing?"

Mackenzie held up her iPhone so her parents could see her clearly on the video call. "I just finished a bubble bath," she said, tossing her empty charger onto the nightstand. "I'm about to go to bed. Where are you guys?"

Mathias slid his hands into the pockets of his tailored camel Burberry coat. "Your mother and I are at an art gallery right now," he told his daughter.

Emily watched as Mackenzie nodded at her dad before locking her arm around her husband's. "So we'll be late tonight," Emily added. "Mackenzie, honey, are you okay?"

Mackenzie acknowledged her mom with a nod as she leaped off the bed and headed to the small bay window. For five minutes, she gazed at the bright full moon in the dark sky before speaking to her parents. "I'm so excited for school to start soon. I'm tired of being home alone," she said.

"Isn't the household staff working in the house now?" her father, Mathias asked, unbuttoning his coat.

Staring into her iPhone screen, Mackenzie whined. "No, you gave them the night off. So I'm stuck here by myself. I can't believe you wouldn't cancel your plans for me."

"For heaven's sake, stop that whining!" her mother Emily said coldly, smoothing her navy blue one-shoulder Likely sheath dress with her right hand. She exchanged a glance with her husband. "We should be the ones complaining that we haven't seen you since breakfast. But there is one thing you're good at."

"Like what?" Mackenzie asked, leaning against the window frame.

A smile slowly spread across Mathias's face. "Princess, you're always video calling us to let us know where you're going," he acknowledged his daughter's question, pulling his wife closer.

Mackenzie flopped down on her chaise lounge. "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad," she apologized. "It's just that I don't like being alone, especially when I had planned a movie night for the three of us."

Out of the corner of her eye, Emily noticed her husband had wrapped his left arm around her waist. "It's okay, sweetie," she nodded at her daughter. "Dean just got to the art gallery, so we'll see you when we get home."

"Alright, Mom," Mackenzie beamed, tugging on the spaghetti straps of her camisole. "Bye, Daddy!"

"Good night, princess!" Mathias grinned brightly as he stepped out of the car.

"Later, darling!" Emily blew a kiss at her daughter before ending the video call on her side

Pulling her AirPods out of her ears, Mackenzie strolled across the polished hardwood floor of her bedroom and grabbed the charging case from the nightstand. She shoved the AirPods into the case, tossed it back on the nightstand, and glanced at her iPhone. Seeing that it had enough battery to function as her alarm in the morning, she set the phone on the other nightstand and exited the bedroom.

Racing downstairs, Mackenzie walked past the dining room before stopping in front of the front door. After checking that the home security system showed all doors and windows locked, she let out a sigh of relief. The foyer greeted her with its polished white marble flooring and large chandelier trimmed in Swarovski crystals hanging from the vaulted ceiling.

Inhaling the vanilla-scented air, Mackenzie exhaled as she again strolled past the dining room and hurried up the winding staircase. Entering her spacious bedroom, she closed the door with her foot and lay across the bed. Stretching her right arm toward the nightstand, she quickly grabbed her cell phone.

Mackenzie was relaxing in bed when she noticed a notification that her friend Maddie had posted on Instagram. Unlocking her phone, she tapped on the post and saw that Maddie had uploaded several group selfies with their friends outside of Saffron. In the pictures, Mackenzie, Aimee, Celeste, Spencer, Ava, Beverly, Scarlett, Audrey, Kayla, and Madeleine were posing together, looking fabulous. Maddie had tagged everyone, wanting people to know the girls were unstoppable, elegant, and flawless.

Sighing deeply, Mackenzie turned off her phone and set it on the nightstand. She crawled under the covers, clapped to turn off the lights, slipped on her sleep mask, and snuggled into bed before falling asleep moments later.

Chapter Text

The Greyson Estate 

Front Porch

 10:23 A.M. 

Wednesday, September 4th

Feeling anxious about meeting Lindsey and Avery, Madeleine took a couple of deep breaths, playing with the white single-strand pearl bracelet around her thin right wrist. Rolling her shoulders back, she then stabbed the doorbell with her right manicured index finger and took a step back. Waiting for someone to open the solid oak front door, Madeleine caught a glimpse of herself in the polished nickel door handle, analyzing her donned a ruffled, lilac Maje button-detailed top with a black Miu Miu cady A-line skirt that added a modest and sophisticated touch to her ensemble. Black leather Miu Miu platform Mary Jane pumps covered her feet, and a mini black Prada 'Galleria' tote rested on the crook of her left elbow. Large, silver Sydney Evan pearl hoop earrings dangled from her ears, and her glossy honey-blonde hair had been slicked back into a high ponytail. Finally, her makeup had been done perfectly and carefully, looking neutral.

Liking how her outfit looked on her, Madeleine fanned herself as the humid air caused her even-toned skin to sweat a bit. Grumbling, she wondered when someone would open the door for her. As soon as Madeleine saw that someone had appeared at the frosted window in the door, she stepped forward, wanting to get inside the air-conditioned house.

"Good morning, Miss Madeleine," the clean-shaven middle-aged butler greeted her formally as he held the door open for the girl.

"Oh my god, it's so hot outside," Madeleine replied, welcoming his greetings. She rushed inside and breathed in the crisp air-conditioned air. "Do you know where Lindsey and Avery are?"

"Well, Miss Madeleine, they're waiting on the back porch for you," the butler noted with a stoic expression on his face as he closed the front door behind the girl.

Madeleine rocked back and forth on the sculpted heels of her pumps and nodded. "Where's the location of the back porch?" she asked, trying to remain calm and collected.

"So, you'll need to walk underneath the second-floor balcony in front of you," the butter finally responded, a neutral expression on his face. "And then, you'll have to saunter across the living room before reaching the French doors that led to the back door."

Nodding at the butler's directions, Madeleine sauntered underneath the balcony, walking past the dining room and the winding staircase. Looking around the rooms, she discovered that the walls were covered with oil paintings in gold ornate frames before sashaying across the living room. Stopping in front of the opened French doors, Madeleine took several calm breaths for a few moments before stepping outside as though she owned the world.

Biting down on her lower lip, she didn't announce her presence to Lindsey and Avery as Madeleine took the opportunity to take them in. Their glossy hair framed their heart-shaped faces that contained pert noses and perfectly waxed eyebrows that framed their sparkling eyes. Their outfits and makeup looked flawless on her.

Grinning to herself, Madeleine was ecstatic about these girls knowing their fashion inside out, hoping that she'll always pursue the latest fashion craze. Scanning Lindsey's back porch, she perceived that the girls were sitting on a pristine cream-silk couch as they talked to each other. A three-tiered cake stand filled with Ladurée macaroons and cream puffs was being devoured by Lindsey and Avery.

A giant black-and-white-striped patio umbrella shaded the girls from the intense sun rays. A half-filled porcelain teapot of white tea sat right next to the cake stand, and three filled porcelain teacups were set directly on saucers in front of the couch. The latest hits of music were playing from someone's wireless Beats speaker. Lastly, several vanilla-scented candles burned on top of the porch's ceiling, filling the area with a sweet smell.

"Hey, everyone!" Madeleine exclaimed, talking over the loud music. She then realized that the girls had turned their attention to her.

Avery munched an orange blossom-flavored macaron and smiled playfully. "Hi, Madeleine," she responded.

"Hey, M," Lindsey said with a chuckle as she turned the volume down a bit on her white iPhone 12 so her wireless speaker would quietly play the newest Aurora Thames song throughout the porch. "Did you have any trouble finding my house?"

Madeleine plopped down on the seat beside Avery and carelessly dropped her tote on the oak coffee table. "Um, it was surprisingly easy for Nick to find your house," she replied, letting out an ecstatic sigh of happiness.

Lindsey slipped on a pair of black Celine flap-top sunglasses, concealing her piercing grey eyes from the sunshine. "So, A, it's time to show M what we picked up from my family's jeweler yesterday," she remarked, changing the topic to something else. "It's a crowning gift from the both of us."

"Yeah, Madeleine, I hope that you like the gift from me and Lindsey," Avery nodded, exchanging a side glance with Lindsey.

"Here you go," Lindsey smiled brightly. She grabbed a medium gift-wrapped box from the left-side oak end table and handed the present over to Madeleine.

"Awwwww," Madeleine smiled coyly, accepting the gift from Lindsey and Avery. She peeled the gold wrapping paper off their gift and opened the small glass case. Madeleine looked inside, discovering a custom-made white headband on a silk cushion. It was embellished with white pearls. She knew that the gift was personalized and elegant. It was chosen with Madeleine in mind. "Wow."

"Are you pleased with your crowning gift?" Lindsey and Avery asked in unison as they munched on a cream puff.

Madeleine closed the case and dropped it deep inside her tote. "Absolutely," she remarked, smiling at the girls. "I'm wearing this headband on the first day of school tomorrow."

Lindsey and Avery crossed their slender legs together, smiling. "You're welcome," they said in unison. "By the way, did you know that your mom was selected as Queen by our moms in nineteen eighty-six?"

"Nooooo!" Madeleine said, pleasantly surprised. "My mom has never told me about her time as the sixth-grade Queen."

Avery chewed thoughtfully on a cream puff. "Yeah, yeah, my mom placed a lot of hope on your mom's reign as Queen," she added with a smile.

Madeleine laced her manicured fingers together as she rested her chin on her laced fingers. "So, girlies, can you please tell me that my mom didn't put my name on the list of legacies?" she inquired, her emerald-green eyes seemed to be shining a little less ecstatically than before.

Lindsey ran her manicured fingers through her straightened cocoa-brown hair. "Of course not, M," she clarified with a chuckle, sounding very soft and delicate. "We can't allow some scholarship kid to take over the current Prescott Queen system. And, my mom was the one that recognized your last name."

"My mom said the same thing too," Avery nodded in understanding as she tossed her glossy, dirty-blonde waves over her creamy shoulders. "For your information, there's a set of rules that you must follow as the next sixth-grade Queen."

"Oh my god, I completely forgot about the rules!" Madeleine cooed, her eyes landed on Lindsey and Avery.

A beaming grin quickly broke across Avery's face. "Well, Madeleine, the first rule: Do not acknowledge our loser classmates' presence," she commented. "And, if you want to recognize them, you should do it in the comfort of your house."

"Well, M, the second rule: We always have to look perfect in the public's eye," Lindsey shrugged, staring through the opened French doors and noticing that her family's maid, Inga, was busy tidying up the living room now.

Madeleine cocked her head to the side, pleasantly surprised. "All right," she said with a laugh. "I'll have to memorize the rules now, so it'll be easier for me to follow then."

Lindsey twirled a lock of her hair around her left manicured index finger, giggling softly. "The third rule: You have to make sure that your parents don't find out that you're insulting people around town. If they find out about the insults, you should try everything to get them to pay attention to something else, so you don't get grounded by them."

"Oh, Madeleine, the fourth rule: If you want to deliver judgment on our loser classmates, you have to do it in front of everyone in school," Avery replied, chewing on a salted caramel-flavored macaron. "And, of course, you need to list out the reasons why you're banishing her to the bottom of the social ladder."

Madeleine touched her bracelet and beamed happily. "I think I'm able to float easily under my parents' radar since they think I'm so sweet."

Avery bobbed her head along to the newest Ayanna Fillmore song that was playing from Lindsey's speaker. "The fifth rule: You should wear your favorite color every day," she said nonchalantly.

"Um, M, the sixth rule: We're allowed to grant each other favors for anything," Lindsey said with a chuckle as she stuffed a pistachio-flavored macaron into her mouth.

"That's really cool," Madeleine muttered, pouring some white tea into her empty teacup.

Lindsey drank the rest of her white tea, smirking. "Ahhhhh, M, the seventh rule: After the first day of school ends, you and your friends must rank everyone from your grade. And, has to post that the loser list on your Instagram accounts."

"Oh, the eighth rule: You have the right to call a Queen council meeting," Avery said regally as she chomped on three cream puffs.

Madeleine flipped her ponytail over her right shoulder before biting on her lower lip. "Aves and Linds, if I have a problem with someone, I can count on you guys giving me some strategies to deal with them."

Avery and Lindsey plucked three cream puffs from the cake stand and gently shoved them into their mouths. "The eleventh rule: You must give us the heads up if you want to throw some kind of party together," they replied in unison, sounding so sweet.

"Sounds awesome," Madeleine said smoothly, eating two caramel banana-flavored macarons and washing them down with her white tea.

Lindsey cast a wry smile in Madeleine and Avery's direction before realizing that the teapot was empty. "Um, can you guys hold on for a second?" she asked politely. Lindsey held her right manicured index finger in the air so the girls would understand that they needed to stop the conversation for a few seconds. She then lifted the dainty china bell beside her teacup and shook it until Inga walked through the opened French doors. "Inga, I need you to refill the teapot with more white tea."

"Of course, Miss Lindsey," Inga said formally as she walked over to the table and grabbed the empty pitcher. Without glancing in the direction of Madeleine and Avery, she headed straight for the back porch's doors, making sure the teapot didn't fall from her hands.

"Let's get back to talking about the Queen rules," Avery quickly said, tugging on the hem of her sleeveless baby-pink Ted Baker fit-and-flare dress.

Madeleine ran her delicate fingers over her bracelet and grinned. "All right," she nodded in understanding.

"The twelfth rule: You should have a very wicked sense of fashion," Lindsey said regally. She took a long sip of her white tea before uncrossing her legs."

Avery raised an arched dirty-blonde eyebrow in Lindsey and Madeleine's direction. "Uh... the thirteenth rule: You must always be surrounded by your court," she declared with a smile. "People have to see you around town with your friends."

"Ummmmm, that's alright," Madeleine nodded, knowing that the girls were trying to make her understand that the rules should be followed with the poise and grace of a Queen. "Are there any more rules to follow?"

"Nooooo!" Avery spoke to Madeleine. She drank several gulps of her white tea before looking over and observing that Lindsey was now staring into the distance of her family's well-maintained backyard. "There are only thirteen rules that you need to follow for the next three years."

"Yeah," Lindsey agreed with Avery as she noticed that Inga was still boiling another pot of white tea.

Just as Madeleine was about to say something to Lindsey and Avery, she observed Lindsey's iPhone buzzing throughout the back porch. She knew that being nosy wouldn't score her some brownie points with Lindsey, but she needed to know who was calling her. Breathing easily, Madeleine gathered her thoughts for a bit before speaking to Lindsey.

Madeleine dropped her teacup on her porcelain saucer in front of her before jerking her chin toward Lindsey's cell phone. "Aren't you gonna answer that call?" she eagerly inquired.

Lindsey grabbed her iPhone and stared at her cell phone's bright screen. "I'm definitely answering this call," she answered truthfully. Lindsey accepted the call and immediately turned the speakerphone on so Avery and Madeleine hear the conversation as well. "Hey, Babe!"

"Hey, Lin," a deep voice spoke through the microphones of Lindsey's cell phone.

"Hi, Leif," Avery interrupted sharply, taking a small sip of her white tea. "Is Maddox standing next to you?"

"Um, no, he's at lacrosse practice right now," Leif responded, his tone filled with warmth.

Avery whipped her waves over her right shoulder. "Okay, Leif," she said. "I'll call him later."

"All right," Leif said, switching the subject entirely. "Lin, I was wondering if you remember that we have a date in the city this Saturday afternoon."

"Of course, I still remember that we have a date," Lindsay assured her boyfriend as she observed that Madeleine was busy staring at Inga, who had walked out of the French doors and dropped the filled teacup on the coffee table. "What time are we meeting?"

"I'd like for us to meet at two," Leif said, his voice filled with happiness.

"Okay, babe," Lindsey said smoothly. She dropped her iPhone on her lap before stuffing a cream puff into her mouth. "So, Leif, you haven't said hi to Madeleine either."

"Isn't she the girl that you and Aves have picked as your successor?" Leif asked his girlfriend, sounding very surprised.

Lindsay and Avery leaned back in their seats, lifting their teacups to their glossy lips and drinking the rest of their white tea. "Yesssss!" they proclaimed in unison.

"Hey, Madeleine," Leif greeted, sounding very excited.

"Hello, Leif," Madeleine said, welcoming Lindsey's boyfriend's greetings. "I was wondering if you're one of Lachlan's older brothers."

"Um, yeah," Leif answered truthfully, sounding very calm. "He said that he and his friends had met you and Scarlett yesterday morning."

Madeleine exchanged a side glance with Lindsey and Avery as she drink the rest of her white tea. "Uh, yeah," she said regally. "And, he said that he heard about us from you guys."

"After all, I've been hearing about you from my girlfriend and Avery," Leif said smoothly, sounding very excited. He then changed the subject to something else. "Anyway, Lindsey, I just wanted to remind you that we have a date this Saturday afternoon."

"Okay, babe," Lindsey said, smiling brightly. "I'll text you later." "All right," Leif said before ending the call on his side.

"Boyfriends are always there to remind you that they need your attention too," Madeleine interjected, her eyes alight.

Lindsey dropped her iPhone on the table. "Yeah," she agreed with Madeleine, observing that Inga had already returned the porcelain teapot to the surface of the table. "But, Madeleine, who do you like?"

Madeleine poured some more white tea into her empty teacup. "Um... I like a lot of people," she suddenly responded, arching a perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrow in Lindsey's direction. "I like my parents, my friend—"

"Not just like," Avery interrupted sharply as she poured more white tea into her empty teacup. "We're talking about the type that's more than a friend-like."

"I don't know," Madeleine replied, not wanting to tell Lindsey and Avery about her crush on Lachlan.

"If you had to pick, someone at school," Lindsey smiled coyly, wanting some juicy gossip on the life of Madeleine.

Madeleine popped a coffee-flavored macaron into her mouth and smirked. "Well, I happen to have a tiny crush on Lachlan," she informed Lindsey and Avery. "So, you guys would have to swear now, since I don't want him to hear about this part of the conversation."

Avery dropped her teacup on her porcelain saucer. "Well, well, well," she said, a teasing tone to her words. "That sound like major news to me."

Lindsey straightened her ivory Shoshanna 'Edgemont' dress. "No way," she gasped, smiling coyly. "Ummm, Madeleine, you must go into details on why you got a crush on Lachlan."

"Whatever," Madeleine commented as she glanced at her pumps for a few moments before saying something else to Lindsey and Avery. "Well, I got a crush on Lachlan because he made me blush very hard yesterday morning. Plus, I think that he's very cute."

"It seems Madeleine likes Lachlan a lot," Lindsey told Avery as she exchanged a side glance with her. "So, I was thinking that we play the role of matchmakers, so Madeleine and Lachlan could get together."

"Same," Avery agreed as she peeked from the corner of her eye and observed that Madeleine suddenly found the surface of the table interesting. "We should give Lachlan some hints that Madeleine likes him."

"For what?" Madeleine asked her dad as she noticed that Lindsey and Avery were trying their best to not eavesdrop on her and her dad's conversation.

"Just come here now," Stephan told his daughter before ending the call on his side. "Nick is on his way to pick you up. So, say goodbye to the people that you're meeting today."

Madeleine dropped her iPhone back into her designer handbag and returned her attention to Lindsey and Avery. "I'm sorry, Lindsey and Avery," she explained to them, standing up. "My dad is insisting that I meet him at the country club now. So, we're gonna have to cut our meeting short."

"Don't worry about it," Avery said brightly. She waved her right manicured hand in the air so Madeleine knew that they understood her.

"So, I'll see you guys at school tomorrow," Madeleine said quickly as she noticed that Lindsey and Avery had nodded at her statement.

Tossing her purse on her left shoulder, Madeleine walked back inside the house without saying anything to Avery and Lindsey. She quickly took the same route towards the front entrance of the house, planting one Miu Miu-clad foot in front of the other. Madeleine was about to the front door when Lindsey's butler opened it for her instead.

Stepping outside, she slipped on a pair of oversized black Gucci sunglasses, concealing her eyes from the sunshine. Madeleine then realized that Nick was pulling into the Greyson's circular driveway and headed straight for the car. When she reached the car, Madeleine opened the right-side black rear door and climbed into the car.

Sliding across the buttery soft leather backseat, Madeleine dumped her purse on the adjacent seat beside her, shut the door behind her, and took a couple of deep breaths. She felt that her driver was pulling out of the driveway and sank further into her seat. Madeleine wanted to be talking to Avery and Lindsey still, but she's now stuck with following her dad's orders. She stared out the car's tinted left-side rear window for the rest of the car ride.

Westchester, NY

Vanessa Sanchez's Headquarters

2:19 P.M.

Wednesday, September 4th

Brushing the lint off her high-waisted, tide pool-wash Frame skinny jeans, Audrey Webster adjusted her cropped pink Sandro tweed top, crossing her slender legs together. Waiting for Vanessa Sanchez to walk out of her office, she inhaled the crisp air-conditioned air, telling herself that Vanessa was worth waiting for since she was known as the most classy, creative, and costly party planner in Westchester. Even before Audrey was born, her parents have been using the party planner's services for many years.

Another reason why she would wait for Vanessa: her exquisite waiting room. Everything, from the marble floor to the furniture to the silk curtains to the rugs underneath her feet to the textured wallpaper-covered walls, was all white. Even Vanessa's Yorkshire Terrier matched the waiting room.

Exhaling, Audrey stopped looking around the waiting room, twirling a curly lock of platinum-blonde hair between two delicate fingers. She shifted in her seat for a few moments before looking over at her friends, who were staring directly at their iPhones' bright screens. As soon as Audrey turned away from Kayla and Mackenzie, she was greeted by the sound of Vanessa's heels click-clacking across the floor, uncrossing her legs.

Audrey observed that the party planner was very prim and proper before discovering that Vanessa's glossy hair was pulled into an elegant bun at the nape of her slender neck. Setting her face into a black stare, she sat up straighter in her seat and recrossed her slender legs together, knitting her delicate fingers on her knees.

"Hello, ladies," Vanessa said. She air-kissed Audrey first, and then each girl after her. "How may I help you today?"

"I need to finalize all the pressing details for my birthday party this Saturday," Audrey said truthfully. She exchanged a side glance with Kayla and Mackenzie as Audrey grabbed her pink leather Off-White tote from the pristine, white couch behind her. Audrey then turned her attention back to the party planner. "Especially when I don't want to go over the details again in the future."

"Of course, Miss Webster," Vanessa nodded earnestly as she headed towards her meeting room.

Nodding at the party planner's back, Audrey looked over her right shoulder, noticing that her friends had already snatched their designer handbags from the couch while holding their cell phones in their left-manicured hands. Facing forward, she just realized that Vanessa was holding the glass meeting door open for her and her friends.

Walking inside, Audrey plopped down on the empty chair near the door and dropped her purse on the adjacent seat beside her.

Looking over, she observed that Kayla and Mackenzie had grabbed seats on opposite sides of the rectangular-shaped glass table. Straightening her posture, Audrey faced forward and realized that Vanessa was walking back into the meeting room with her MacBook in her arms. Crossing her slender legs together again, she couldn't wait to see the details that the party planner had put into her birthday party.

A couple of moments later, Vanessa wirelessly connected her laptop to the TV and clicked on a Microsoft PowerPoint that was labeled 'Audrey's Webster's Circus Palooza-themed birthday party' before pressing the left arrow key to switch to the first slide. "Now, Miss Webster, the lightning has been scheduled already," she explained, sounding very confident in her ability to plan awesome parties. "Do you have any requests for them?"

Audrey touched her right manicured index finger to her chin. "Yeah, I'd like for the lights to become multicolored when people are dancing on the floor," she acknowledged the party planner's question, observing that Vanessa was noting what she was saying on the slide.

"Um, Addie, you need to make a grand entrance into your party," Kayla interrupted sharply, dropping her mulberry-green suede Mulberry 'Iris' tote on the table. "So, the lighting needs to focus on you."

Mackenzie stared at Vanessa from the corner of her eye and realized that the party planner was looking at something on her laptop. "Um, Drey. you should hire someone to carry you on an extravagant litter, anyway," she added after Kayla's statement.

"That sounds good," Audrey replied with a laugh, welcoming her friend's greetings. "Vanessa, can you add what my friends are saying to the list of party details?"

"Of course, Miss Webster," Vanessa said with a stoic expression on her face as she typed Kayla and Mackenzie's on the same slide before pressing the left arrow key to move onto the second slide. "Now, the caterer has been hired, and she's already received the snack menu from your mother."

Audrey rested her elbows on the table as she rested her chin on her manicured hands. "Can you list the food for me and my friends?" she asked, sounding very serious.

Vanessa fixed her gaze on Audrey, Kayla, and Mackenzie, rolling her shoulders back. "Funnel cakes, mini corn dog bites, churros, hot dog cookies, caramel popcorn, caramel apples, clown cake pops, and circus animal cookie donuts."

"Uh, Vanessa, I'll like to add chocolate-covered marshmallow dumbbells and circus popcorn cupcakes," Audrey said excitedly, clapping her manicured hands together. She then observed that Kayla and Mackenzie were looking intensely at the slide.

"All right, Miss Webster," Vanessa nodded as she added what Audrey was saying onto the slide before switching to the next slide. "The decorations are on hold, but do you have any questions for the decorating team?"

Audrey snuck a quick peek at her friends, realizing that Kayla and Mackenzie were paying attention to Vanessa. "Um, no," she remarked.

Vanessa switched to the next slide. "Anyway, Miss Webster, the carnival game booths has been booked as well," she said with a neutral expression on her face. "Have any requests for the company?"

"I'll like for the booths to be set up with the games of ring toss, ping pong toss, and balloon shoot," Audrey said, her cerulean-blue eyes focused on Kayla and Mackenzie.

Kayla leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "Um, Rae, you should add tin can knockdown to the list of carnival games," she laughed before tugging on the hem of her mulberry-green Cece long-sleeved shirt dress.

"Honestly, I think you add the game of bean bag toss to the list, Rey," Mackenzie grinned as she shifted into a comfortable position in her seat.

Audrey sat up straighter in her seat and grinned at her friends. "Oh, girlies, that sounds awesome," she agreed before looking over at Vanessa. "Vanessa, aren't you going to add what my friends and I are saying to the slide?"

"Yes, Miss Webster," Vanessa nodded in understanding as she typed down the suggestions on the slide before switching to the next slide. "The waitering company had been hired yesterday afternoon, and they already received your request that their waiters be dressed in white wigs and red unitards while riding unicycles to pass out drinks at your party."

"Cool," Audrey replied happily. She grabbed her iPhone out of her tote and dropped her cell phone on the table.

Vanessa switched to the next slide. "Well, Miss Webster, the photographers have already been booked by your mother," she told her client.

Audrey checked the time on her iPhone's bright screen and noticed that it was almost three thirty-five in the afternoon. "Okay," she croaked. Looking up, Audrey then observed that Vanessa was staring directly at her.

Mackenzie straightened her pale-yellow Maje jacquard skater dress and nodded. "Oh, Addie, we should use one of the photographers to take group pictures of us."

"Yeah, Addy," Kayla smirked as she fixed the bow of her dress and looked directly at Audrey. "But, you should take some solo pictures by yourself first."

"All right," Audrey said as she nodded at her friends before glancing at Vanessa. "Um, Vanessa, can you ask the photographers to come to my house a little bit earlier?"

"Of course, Miss Webster," Vanessa said with a stoic expression on her face as she switched to the next slide. "The DJ has been hired, and he's received the music playlist that you handed to me last week."

Audrey smoothed her top and smirked. "Fine," she said with a smile on her face."Uh, girlies, do you have any music requests for the DJ?"

Kayla cocked her head to the side and smiled broadly. "Yeah, I'll like for him to add more Leo Granger's songs to the playlist," she drawled, tossing her glossy wheat-blonde curls over her right shoulder.

"Um, yesssss!" Mackenzie agreed with Kayla before sipping some Perrier she'd bought with her. "But, the DJ should also add Conner Sobel's songs to the playlist as well."

Vanessa nodded at Kayla and Mackenzie's statements. "Of course, Miss Adams and Miss Frost," she said, a neutral expression on her face. She then switched to the slide. "Anyway, Miss Webster, the selfie station photo booths have already been rented from a party equipment rental service."

"Got it," Audrey said as she looked at the slide and noticed that Vanessa had written down that the party service was delivering the photo booths on the morning of her birthday. "Did someone take notes that I wanted a dance floor built into the middle of the tent?"

"Yup, Miss Webster," Vanessa said with a stoic expression on her face as she stood behind one of the head seats. "It'll be built on site."

Audrey perceived that her friends were looking at the slide. "Okay, Vanessa," she said, an amused expression on her face.

A couple of moments later, Vanessa switched to the next slide and gathered her thoughts a bit before saying something else to Audrey, Kayla, and Mackenzie. "Okay, ladies," she said confidently. "So, the stilt walkers and mimes have been hired as well."

"All right," Audrey said, whipping her straightened platinum-blonde hair over her left shoulder.

"Miss Webster, the people who would attend to the cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cone machines have been hired as well," Vanessa said smoothly as she switched to the next slide. "Do you have any requests for them?"

Audrey looked over her right shoulder and discovered that Vanessa's employees were walking around the office building. "Yeah, I'd like them to be dressed in the same uniform," she clarified. She then looked out of the meeting room's windows, noticing that people were currently walking in and out of Paradox.

Vanessa nodded at Audrey's statement. "Okay, Miss Webster," she said, switching to the last slide that was still empty. "Uh, ladies, I still haven't gotten the guest list yet. Because we're sending every text invitation that would lead to a QR code to check everyone in."

"Ah, Vanessa, I'll send the guest list to you by Friday evening," Audrey informed the party planner as she touched her dainty pearl ring before perceiving that her friends were listening intensely to the party planner. "Since I'm inviting everyone from Prescott and Crestview to my party."

"All right," Vanessa stated as she typed into the slide that the guest list would be sent to her email before closing the PowerPoint and disconnecting her laptop from the TV. "So, Miss Webster, this is the end of our meeting. If you need to add any more party details to your birthday, you should email me."

Audrey discovered that Vanessa had walked out of the meeting room before standing up and throwing her designer handbag over her left shoulder. "Okay," she said before looking over at Kayla and Mackenzie. "C'mon, girlies. I need to head over to my family's tailor since he's altering my birthday dress."

Mackenzie stared at her white Miu Miu rainboots for a few moments. "Yeah, I already have other plans for today," she said melodramatically.

"What plans?" Kayla asked Mackenzie as she quickly got up from her seat and walked toward Audrey.

"Well, I'm meeting Scarlett, Declan, and Scott at Scoops today," Mackenzie told her friends as she stopped in front of Audrey.

"Awesome," Audrey said. She walked out of the meeting room, noticing that her friends had followed behind her. "Um, Kenzie, are you going on a group date with Scar, Declan, and Scott?"

Mackenzie checked her pale yellow nails as she walked side to side with Audrey. "Um, no," she answered truthfully. "It's just a casual hang out between friends. So, I need to head over to Scoops, so I'll FaceTime you guys later!"

Kayla flashed a smile at Mackenzie. "Okay, Manzie!" she spoke to her.

"Bye, Mack," Audrey added after Kayla's statement as she realized that Mackenzie was already heading for the glass doors of Vanessa's headquarters before shifting her attention back to Kayla. "So, Lala, do you have anywhere else to be as well?"

"Hmmm... Deliah Edwards and Emily Hudson have invited me to the Champagne Room for lunch," Kayla said, dangling her mini black leather Givenchy tote casually from her right wrist. "So, I won't be able to head over to the tailor with you."

Audrey wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed her into a giant hug. "So, Kay, I'll text you later."

Kayla broke away from the hug and grinned brightly. "Yeah, Rae," she said before walking out of the party planner's office building.

Moments later, Audrey walked out of the office building and looked around the bustling sidewalk. Seeing that her friends were gone, she took a couple of deep breaths, observing that her family's driver, Arthur, had followed her instructions to wait for her. When Audrey reached the edge of the curb, she opened the right-side white rear door and gracefully climbed into the car. Sliding across the buttery soft leather backseat, she dumped her purse on the adjacent seat beside her, shut the door behind her, and closed her eyes. She felt Arthur pull away from the curb and sank further into her seat, knowing that her driver was dropping her at the family's tailor. Audrey remained in that position for the rest of the car ride.

Westchester, NY

Scoops

4:26 P.M.

Wednesday, September 4th

Raindrops fell violently on Scarlett's white Marc Jacobs umbrella as she quickly crossed across the street, observing that some sleek cars were waiting for the traffic light at the corner of the street to turn green right now. Stepping onto the sidewalk in front of her, she looked around for a few moments before discovering that people were walking in and out of the small boutiques. Perceiving that they were carrying large shopping bags in one hand and holding their umbrellas in their other hands, Scarlett sauntered inside and noticed that Mackenzie, Declan, and Scott had claimed a back booth under a large black-and-white poster of two teenagers eating ice cream together. Noticing that customers were crowding around the ice cream shop's registers, she headed over and settled into the seat opposite Declan. Dropping her quilted baby-blue leather Michael Kors shoulder bag on the table, Scarlett leaned back in her seat before realizing that Scott wanted to talk to her.

Scott's winter-grey eyes glittered with interest. "Hey, Scarlett," he said with a sweet grin on her face dropping his white iPhone 12 on the table.

"Hi, Scott!" Scarlett blushed lightly, her eyes suddenly found the table very interesting. She then brushed a curly lock of her icy-blonde hair out of her icy-blue eyes, thinking that Scott looked very cute right now.

"Hello?" Mackenzie interrupted, waving her right manicured hand in Scarlett's face. "Aren't you going to say hi to me and Declan?"

Scarlett snapped out of it before shooting an icy glare at Mackenzie. "Of course," she answered slowly. "Hi, Kenzie and Declan."

Mackenzie squared her shoulders, giggling. "Hey, Scar," she said in a singsongy voice.

Declan leaned back in his seat and grinned. "What's up, Scarlett?"

"Nothing much," Scarlett replied happily as she drummed her manicured fingernails on the table. "So, can we go and order some ice cream, please?"

"Oh, yeah," Scott answered, sounding very excited at Scarlett's statement. "I need some ice cream to combat the summer heat."

"What are you guys ordering?" Declan asked the girls and Scott as he stood from his seat and headed straight for the ice cream shop's registers.

"I'm getting a mango sundae," Mackenzie replied, staring at the ice cream shop's counter.

Scarlett noticed that some customers were savoring their ice cream. "Peach sundae," she said, smiling brightly.

Scott stood up, grabbed Scarlett's left hand, and started dragging her toward the ice cream registers. "Actually, I want a cookie and cream sundae," he said, peeking from the corner of his eye and noticing that Scarlett was blushing very hard now.

A couple of moments later, Declan stood in line behind some preppy high school kids. "I'm defiantly getting some mint chocolate chip sundae," he told them. "While we eat our ice cream, we should get to know each other."

"How?" Scarlett eagerly questioned as she stood beside Declan's other side.

"I'm thinking that we should play twenty questions with each other," Declan acknowledged Scarlett as he quickly peeked that two of the ice cream shop's employees were still taking orders from the same preppy kids.

Mackenzie cocked her head to the side and smiled coyly. "That sounds like a very good idea to me," she spoke to Declan.

"Um, guys, the register in front of us is open now," Scott interrupted sharply, pointing to the smiling girl, who was waiting for them to say their orders to her. He then discovered that Declan, Mackenzie, and Scarlett were now stepping in front of the register as he realized that the Scoops employee was about to open her mouth now.

"Welcome to Scoops," the Scoops girl said, placing her right hand on top of the register. "What can I get for you guys today?"

"Um, I'll have a peach sundae," Scarlett beamed, leaning against the counter. She noticed that the Scoops girl was entering her order into the register.

"I'll have a mango sundae," Mackenzie ordered as she rested her chin on Scarlett's left shoulder.

Declan rested his toned right arm on Scott's right shoulder. "Can I have a mint chocolate chip sundae, please?" he asked the Scoops girl.

Scott peeked from the corner of his eye, discovering that the preppy kids were sitting down and eating their ice cream. "I'll have a cookie and cream sundae," he ordered.

"Okay, guys," the Scoops girl nodded as she entered Mackenzie, Scott, and Scarlett's order into the register. "That would be twenty-five dollars and sixteen cents."

"So, Scott, you need to step up and pay for these orders," Declan told his friend as he turned around and arched a jet-black eyebrow in Scott's direction. "I was the one that paid for the last bill at Lee's Chinese."

"Fine," Scott said dramatically, pulling his Dubai First Royale Mastercard from inside his dark brown leather Burberry checkered wallet and tapping his credit card against the reader to pay for everyone's order. He noticed that the transaction went and placed his credit card back inside his wallet.

"Your orders would be ready in ten minutes," the Scoops girl told Mackenzie, Scarlett, Declan, and Scott.

Before Scarlett could resume the conversation with her friend, her crush, and Declan, she noticed that they were walking toward the area where order pickups were before following behind them. Ten minutes later, she had a clear, classic glass cup in her manicured hands as she noticed that one of the Scoops employees had filled the cup to the brim with ice cream, peaches, nuts, and fudge sauce. Grabbing tons of napkins from the napkin dispenser in front of her, Scarlett wrapped them around the cup so it'll be easier for the dripping ice cream to be soaked into the napkins.

Grabbing a wrapped plastic spoon from a giant bowl of packaged disposable spoons, she made sure that her filled glass cup remained in her right manicured hand while the wrapped spoon stayed in her other manicured hand. Looking up, Scarlett discovered that Mackenzie, Declan, and Scott were already walking toward their designated booth before following behind them. Scarlett then looked around the ice cream shop, observing that the kids were the only ones occupying the tables and booths.

Placing the filled glass cup and the wrapped spoon on the surface of the table, she noticed that her friend, her crush, and Declan had already claimed their seats. Scarlett settled into her seat again as she pulled the plastic package off the plastic spoon and jabbed it into her delicious treat. She then looked up from her packed sundae, noticing that Declan, Scott, and Mackenzie wanted to start talking to each other now.

Scarlett spooned some peach sundae into her mouth, knowing that it was time for them to play Twenty Questions now. "I'm going first," she stated. "Do you guys like horror movies?" she asked.

Declan cocked his head to the side and grinned smugly. "Oh, yes!" he said, answering truthfully. "My parents are always are always traveling for some kind of business trip, so I always have the house to myself."

Mackenzie placed her arms on the table as she ripped the plastic package off the spoon and ate a dainty bite of her sundae. "No, no, no," she replied truthfully. "I haven't watched a horror movie in a while. The last time I watched the Held movie, I was having nightmares for the next six months, so my parents banned me from watching horror movies."

Scott ripped the plastic package off his spoon and lowered the spoon into his sundae. "Yup!" he said jovially, understanding that he already knew everything about his friend, Declan. "Horror movies are one of my favorite movie genres to watch."

"Actually, I've never watched horror movies," Scarlett immediately replied, making a mental note that Scott loved horror movies. "Since my parents specially forbid me from watching that genre. But, they also say when I'm a teenager, I'm allowed to watch horror movies then."

"What's your biggest fear?" Declan asked Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Scott. He then ate several spoons of his sundae.

Scarlett raised a perfectly waxed icy-blonde eyebrow in Declan's direction before spoon-swirling her sundae around her glass cup. "Well, my biggest fear is heights," she said. "My legs always feel like jello when my feet aren't connected to the sidewalks."

"I have a major fear of flying," Mackenzie breathed as she sat up straighter and looked deep into Declan's striking blue eyes. "So, my parents have to find a way for me to sleep before they walk into our family's private jet. They always make me sleep against one of them on the jet."

"I guess my greatest fear is that I hate disappointing my parents," Scott said matter-of-factly. He patted Scarlett on the right shoulder, observing that it was still raining violently outside. "They always give me this look that says I've ruined their moods."

Declan rolled his eyes, knowing that Scott's parents were a little strict. "Whatever," he murmured. "I'm afraid I have a fear of birds, anyway. Since I don't like being pooped on."

Mackenzie nodded at Declan's statement and slapped her sundae with the back of her spoon. "Have you ever been bullied?" she questioned, knowing about Maddie and Scar's story of bullying.

"Seriously?" Scarlett said angrily, making a face at Mackenzie. She knew that her friend already knew about her and Madeleine was bullied last year at their old elementary school. Shooting an icy glare at Mackenzie, she gathered her thoughts for a few moments before sharing her story with the boys. "Well, Maddie and I were bullied relentlessly by these girls last year. So, the bullying stopped when our parents sued the school district and won."

Scott shoved a spoonful of cookie and cream sundae into his mouth, careful not to get any drops on his new Marc Jacobs top. "Um, Scar, I feel terrible for you," he said with an empathetic look on his face. Scott then cast a side-glance at Declan. "It's obvious that Scarlett is still dealing with some emotional scars from the bullying itself. But, actually, I was never bullied in elementary school since everyone knew that my parents had the resources to sue their parents and the school district."

"Scott, middle-class kids always feel inferior to us," Declan told his friend before answering Mackenzie's question. "But, I was never bullied in elementary school, either."

"No," Mackenzie said quickly as she swallowed a mouthful of mango sundae. "Um, guys, my old friends from elementary school would always tell me not to get caught by anyone."

Scott traced his left index finger along the rim of his clear, classic glass cup before licking some vanilla ice cream off the same finger. "What's your earliest childhood memory?" he asked his friend and the girls.

Mackenzie whipped her long, strawberry-blonde curls over her creamy shoulders, making sure that no hair fell into her sundae. "I remember the time when I always went to the park with my nanny," she beamed, sounding very nostalgic. "I always played with everyone while breathing the fresh air."

Scarlett shot a dazzling smile at Declan, Mackenzie, and Scott. "I remember the time when my mom signed me up for dance," she said sweetly. "She specifically told me that I needed to do some kind of activity after school."

Declan rested his elbows on the table and cupped his chin in his hands. "I remember the time when I first started playing lacrosse as a kid," he laughed. "My parents were the ones that got me into playing the sport in the first place. They said that I needed something to calm down my energy."

"Same," Scott agreed with Declan as he ate another spoonful of his cookies and cream sundae.

"What's the last lie you told?" Mackenzie asked. She then stared at her rainboots for a few moments before turning her attention back to Declan, Scarlett, and Scott.

Scott spooned some more cookies and cream sundae into his mouth. "I had to lie to my parents two weeks ago since they wanted me to follow them to some kind of business dinner. So, I told them that I had plans with Aiden, James, and Lachlan that day."

"I may have told a little white lie to Maddie," Scarlett admitted as she leaned back in her seat, stretching her slender neck from side to side. "I didn't want to follow her into the city a month ago, so I lied that my parents wanted me to come out to some charity gala. Plus, I just wanted to relax for a long time."

"I'm known as being a very good liar in our group," Declan said, pointing towards himself and Scott since his friends knew that he was able to lie to people without stuttering. "So, I've lied to people that we're coming to their party when we've automatically decided that we're not going to the party. Or the fact that I've also lied to people that apart of my hated list too."

Mackenzie nodded at Declan's statement as she brushed some lint off his right shoulder. "I remember telling this girl that she looked very nice, but instead she really looked like a toad to me," she piped up.

The corners of Scarlett's slowly curled into a grin. "What do you do when no one else is around?" she asked coyly, feeling a heated glare from Mackenzie. Scarlett wanted her friend to confess to something embarrassing in front of Declan.

Declan sank even further into his seat, crossing his arms over her chest. "When no one is around me, I tend to dance to pop music by myself," he confessed, peeking from the corner of his eye and noticing that no one was laughing at him.

"Um... I like watching Star Wars movies when there's no one around me in my house," Scott chimed in as he tilted his head in his friend's direction. "But, the only person that's actually caught me is Declan."

"Yeah, I love watching pimple-popping videos on Youtube," Mackenzie disclosed as she ate several ice cream-covered mango slices before looking over and noticing that Declan didn't look disgusted with her confession. "It's my guilty pleasure when there's no one there."

"Uh, I like to watch car chases on Youtube a lot," Scarlett said, eating more of her sundae. Rolling her shoulders back, she wound a long, curly lock of her hair around her right manicured index finger before peeking at Scott, who was intensely listening to the conversation that was happening between everyone.

Scott sneaked a peek at Scarlett and discovered that she was also sneaking peeks at him. "What's your zodiac sign and birthday?"?" He asked without looking away from his newly-found crush.

"I'm an Aries, and my birthday is March 21st," Declan blurted as he knew that Scott already knew when his birthday was, but he wanted the girls to know about it.

Mackenzie made a mental note about Declan's birthday before answering his question. "Definitely a Sagittarius," she replied truthfully. "After all, my birthday falls under the date of December 21st."

Scarlett dropped her spoon into her half-eaten sundae before moving it away from her sight. "Oh, easy, Libra," she said, grinning. Scarlett then wiped her mouth with some paper napkins. "My birthday is October 19th."

"Leo all the way," Scott smirked. He pushed away his half-eaten sundae from his sight and leaned back in his seat. Grabbing some paper napkins from the napkin dispenser, Scott wiped his mouth with the same napkins, crumpled them up, and threw the napkins on the table near his glass cup. "July 27th."

Declan fiddled with the hem of his blue Theory Henley top before eating more of his mint chocolate chip sundae. "What's one of your biggest pet peeves?" he questioned his friend and the girls.

Scott smoothed back his dark-brown hair as he felt that Scarlett had intentionally bumped into him. "I absolutely hate people who clear their throats for no reason," he answered, knowing that Declan already knew about pet peeves.

"One of my pet peeves is that I can't stand people who make sounds while they're eating," Mackenzie responded, picking at her painted thumbnail. She then peeked from the corner of her eye and noticed that a very wide grin was spread across Declan's face.

"Uh, I hate the sound of someone blowing their nose," Scarlett replied breezily as she smoothed out the wrinkles in her baby-blue floral tie-back minidress by French Connection. "It actually makes me nauseous."

"I hate people who suck blood from cuts," Declan responded wryly, knowing that Scott already knew about his pet peeve. He then dropped his half-eaten sundae in the middle of the table, feeling full. "They don't understand that there are bad bacteria in their saliva and are now infecting the cut even more."

Just as Scarlett was about to ask a question to her friend and the boys, she noticed that there was a girl walking straight to their table with some nervousness in her walk. She met Mackenzie, Declan, and Scott's eyes, giving them a Someone-Is-Interrupting-Our-Conversation eye roll. Scarlett then turned her attention back to the girl, who was standing in front of the table.

"Um, hi," the girl greeted everyone at the table as she wondered if she made the right decision to approach the self-proclaimed royalty of her grade. "I'm Rochelle Cranston, for your information. I just wanted to introduce myself to you guys."

"What for?" Mackenzie and Scarlett asked harshly in unison as they crossed their arms over their chest.

Rochelle glanced over her right shoulder, looking at the table which was near the ice cream shop's front door and noticing that her friends were still encouraging her to continue to talk to Scott, Declan, Mackenzie, and Scarlett. "I wanted to meet you guys since it's known that you guys are the sixth-grade royalty of Prescott and Crestview," she said confidently. "And, I wanted to know if Maddie was still going to rank everyone from our grade."

Mackenzie reached into her purse, pulled out her iPhone, and dropped it on the table. "Of course she does!" she chirped.

Scarlett crossed her slender legs together. "It's tradition for the Prescott queens to rank everyone from our grade," she added after Mackenzie's statement.

"So, I hear that Audrey is throwing a wicked eleventh birthday this Saturday," Rochelle whispered under her breath, making sure that no one else heard what she was saying to Mackenzie and Declan. "So, has she finalized the guest list yet?"

"Um, no," Mackenzie said icily as she placed her arms on the table, glaring at Rochelle. "I literally just came over to Scoops right after attending a meeting at Vanessa's headquarters, so Addie could finalize the details of her party. And, where'd you hear about Drey's birthday party?"

Rochelle swallowed a gulp as she observed that Mackenzie was glaring at her. "Apparently, someone managed to get the printed version of the Microsoft Powerpoint that was labeled Audrey's Circus-Palooza-themed birthday party from Vanessa's office two weeks ago," she informed Mackenzie and Scarlett. "They copied it and sent it to every student at Prescott and Crestview."

"Seriously?" Declan and Scott interrupted in unison. "That's trespassing on someone's birthday planning."

"I'm just going to leave now," Rochelle said as she gulped loudly before walking away since she didn't want Mackenzie, Scarlett, Declan, and Scott to accuse her of stealing the details for Audrey's birthday party.

A couple of moments later, Declan noticed that Rochelle had returned to her table of friends before shifting his attention back to his friend and the girls. "Do you guys think that she's the one that stole the printed PowerPoint from Vanessa's office?" he inquired.

"Yes," Scarlett countered, rolling her eyes at Declan's question. "But, I think she paid someone to steal the PowerPoint from Vanessa's office."

Mackenzie raised a perfectly waxed strawberry-blonde eyebrow at Scarlett's statement. "Why?" She asked her friend.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at Mackenzie's stupid question. "No one else knows about the PowerPoint besides you, Vanessa, Addie, Kay, and Vanessa's employees," she answered tightly.

Scott grabbed his iPhone from the table and checked the time. "Oh, shit," he interrupted sharply. "Declan, we need to leave right now."

"Oh, I forgot that we need to head over to Lachlan's house now," Declan said as he stood up and crossed his toned arms over his chest. "So, ladies, we'll text you later."

"Bye, Scarlett and Mackenzie!" Scott said goodbye to the girls as he quickly headed towards the ice cream shop's front door, seeing that Declan was following behind him.

"Bye, guys!" Scarlett and Mackenzie said in unison as they waved goodbye to Declan and Scott before turning their attention back to themselves.

Mackenzie looked outside of Scoop's glass windows and noticed that the boys were climbing into a navy Lexus RX 350 car. "Well, Scar, do you have a crush on Declan?" she inquired without looking away from the car.

"Yeah, Manzie," Scarlett answered shyly as she tucked a curly look of hair behind her right ear. "What about you?"

"Same," Mackenzie agreed with her friend as she checked her iPhone's bright screen, observing that it was already six o'clock in the evening. "I need to start heading home now. My curfew is at seven p.m."

"Me too," Scarlett added after Mackenzie's statement as she stood up from her seat, leaving the four half-filled glass cups on the table. Scarlett then threw her designer handbag over her left shoulder as she straightened her cream Frame puff-sleeved cardigan. "So, let's walk out together and call our drivers outside."

Mackenzie dropped her cell phone into her purse and threw it over her right shoulder. "Okay," she said lightly, getting up from her seat.

Sashaying across the ice cream shop's floors, Mackenzie and Scarlett walked outside and noticed that the sun was still in the blue sky. Grabbing their iPhones out of their designer handbags, they asked Siri to call their drivers and noticed that the call went through immediately. They heard that Dean and Nick said that they would be there in twenty minutes. As soon as the call ended, Mackenzie and Scarlett held their cell phones in their right hands as they shifted their attention to each other.

Scarlett pushed her purse even higher on her left shoulder. "So, Mack, should we text Addie and tell her about someone stealing the printed version of the Microsoft Powerpoint filled with the details of her birthday party?" she asked her friend.

"Well, yeah," Mackenzie finally said, sending a quick text to Audrey that she needed to text her and Scarlett back.

Suddenly, Scarlett's iPhone buzzed, echoing loudly off throughout the bustling sidewalk. She noticed that Audrey had fired a text to her and Mackenzie as Scarlett saw that Mackenzie had fired a text to Audrey.

Audrey: What do you guys want to talk to me about?

Mackenzie: Addie, someone stole the printed Powerpoint that contains the details about your birthday party from Vanessa's office two weeks ago.

Scarlett swiftly replied to her friends' text messages.

Scarlett: The person paid someone from Vanessa's office to find out about your birthday party.

Scarlett looked up and noticed that Mackenzie was heading towards a dark blue Mercedes E-class car while continuing to text her and Audrey. She observed that her friend's driver had climbed out of the car and held the right-side rear door open for her. Perceiving that Mackenzie had already climbed into the car, Scarlett noticed that her friend's driver was already sitting in the driver's seat and pulled away from the curb. Taking a deep breath, she was happy that her friend was safely getting home tonight before noticing that Audrey and Mackenzie had texted her back immediately

Audrey: What? How?

Mackenzie: It seems that Rochelle Cranston was able to bribe someone into giving her the entire itinerary of your party. And, she came up to us at Scoops this afternoon while we were still having a casual hangout with Declan and Scott.

Scarlett fired off another text to her friends' messages.

Scarlett: She was being completely nosey about you finishing the guest list for your birthday party.

Before Scarlett read the messages that her friends had sent her, she glanced around the streets and instantly noticed that Jason had turned the Bentley onto the street. Observing that her driver had pulled the car up to the curb, she immediately headed towards the car and opened the right-side white rear door. Scarlett climbed into the car and slid across the buttery soft leather backseat as she closed the door behind her.

Dropping her purse on the adjacent seat beside her, she buckled her seat belt and returned to her brilliantly-lit iPhone's screen. Scarlett instantly texted her friends that she would continue the text conversation at home. Tossing her cell phone into her designer purse, she closed her eyes, feeling Jason move away from the curb. Finally, she leaned against the leather headrest and fell asleep to the motion of the car driving down the street.

The Webster Estate

Dining Room

8:17 P.M.

Wednesday, September 4th

The overpowering smell of dinner wafted into Audrey's nostrils as she reached the bottom of the winding staircase. She instantly headed over to the dining room, walking past her mom's favorite Ansgar Doyle painting. Strolling inside, Audrey observed that her dad was barking orders into his cell phone before looking over and discovering that her mom was having a conversation with someone on her iPhone.

She knew that her mom was hosting the annual Prescott auction to raise money for scholarships. Settling into her seat at her family's glazed oak dinner table, Audrey gazed longingly at the spread of food that her family's chef, Alejandro, had cooked for dinner tonight. Steaming platters and bowls of pan-seared steak, buttery mashed potatoes, and freshly baked dinner rolls with garlic and herbs were spread across the table.

All the porcelain dinner plates, polished silverware, and folded dinner napkins were placed directly on placemats in front of the chairs. In the center of the table was an iced crystal pitcher filled to the brim with Key Lime-flavored La Croix sparkling water and an opened bottle of Château Lafite red wine for her parent.

"Hey... Mom," Audrey said, unfolding her dinner napkin on her lap.

Courtney covered the mouthpiece of her iPhone as she shot her daughter a genuine smile. "Hi, darling!" she said curtly before resuming the conversation with the other person on the line.

Audrey violently stabbed a steak with her dinner fork before plopping it on her plate. "And good evening, Daddy!" she said brightly.

"Hey, princess!" Ambrose greeted his daughter as he smiled playfully at Audrey before barking even more orders into his iPhone.

Spooning some mashed potatoes onto her plate, Audrey was already used to her dad being busy with their family's investment firm, and her mom was occupied with being a full-time socialite where she serves on all the committees, volunteer boards, parties, and events thrown by Audrey's school and the Westchester society. Cutting her steak with her steak knife and fork, she smothered the piece of steak with mashed potatoes before munching on it. Looking up from her filled plate, Audrey finally noticed that her parents had dropped their cell phones on the table. Releasing an ecstatic sigh, she grabbed a warm dinner roll from one of the bowls and hastily lowered it onto her plate before noticing that her parents wanted to talk to her.

"Darling, did you have a good day today?" Courtney asked her daughter, unfolding her dinner napkin on her lap. She then piled her plate with steak, mashed potatoes, and two mouthwatering dinner rolls.

"It was okay," Audrey retorted as she wolfed down three steaming forkfuls of mashed potatoes. "My friends came with me to Vanessa's headquarters today. And, the party planner's ideas are out of this world."

Ambrose flattened his dinner napkin on his lap before loading his plate with steak, mashed potatoes, and two appetizing dinner rolls. "Very good," he nodded. "It'll do you some good to socialize with your friends."

Audrey prodded a giant piece of steak and mashed potatoes onto her fork before devouring it in one bite. "Okay, Daddy," she beamed happily.

Courtney took a huge bite of her dinner rolls, changing the subject to something else. "Um, sweetie, are you done getting your school things ready?" she eagerly inquired. "Including your combination lock and pencil case?"

"Yeah, Mom," Audrey nodded in understanding as she poured some sparkling water into her empty water glass.

"You need to make sure that your priorities are together," Ambrose added, scoffing down several steaming forkfuls of mashed potatoes. "You need to be an A-plus student, angel."

Audrey cocked her head to the side as she blew some strands of her hair out of her eyes. "I know that."

"Your friends come second," Courtney added sternly, sipping her wine. "And I mean that."

Ambrose wolfed down one of his dinner rolls before washing it down with several sips of wine. "Now, we had good grades and a social life," he said. "But if you can't handle that, grades always come first."

"Got it," Audrey insisted angrily. She barely concealed an eye roll, leaning forward in her seat.

Courtney ate some giant bites of her mashed potatoes before washing them down with her entire glass of wine. "Audrey," she said sternly. "Behave."

Audrey shoved some forkfuls of steak into her mouth. "Whatever," she mumbled under her breath, hoping that her mom didn't hear her.

"Eat, princess," Ambrose urged his daughter gently as he shot his wife a look before eating several bites of his steak. "We just want to make sure we're all on the same page about some things."

"Of course, Dad," Audrey said warmly. She then wiped her mouth with her dinner napkin before eyeing her parents across the table. "Anyway, may I be excused?"

"What for?" Courtney questioned her daughter as she swallowed a steaming mouthful of mashed potatoes.

Audrey threw her dinner napkin on her half-eaten plate and stood up from her seat. "I need to get ready for school tomorrow," she said truthfully. "And I'm full."

Ambrose nodded at his daughter as his steak knife and fork scraped noisily across his half-eaten plate. "That's good," he noted. "Arthur would be in the car at seven forty-five in the morning to take you to school. So, set your alarm clock to wake you up at seven o'clock in the morning, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," Audrey said firmly as she stood up from her chair and jumped from one foot to another. "But, I forgot to tell you guys that Maddie's driver would be chauffeuring us everywhere. I'll only need Arthur when I'm alone by myself, so that means that our driver would be available to you guys twenty-four seven."

Courtney nodded at her daughter's statement before pouring another glass of red wine into her empty wine glass. "Good, because your father and I are going to need him for tomorrow morning."

Audrey tossed her curls over her right shoulder. "Fine," she nodded. She then walked around the dining room and kissed her parents on their left cheeks. "Good night, Mom and Daddy!"

Sashaying out of the dining room, Audrey let out a sigh of relief because she didn't like how her parents were grilling her about school. She lied about being full, so Audrey would get out of answering their questions. Feeling a little bit hungry, Audrey headed over to the kitchen and walked inside.

Plucking a chilled can of Diet Coke from the fridge, she strolled through the opened doorway of the kitchen's pantry and grabbed three bags of white cheddar-flavored Skinny Pop popcorn before heading straight for the stairs. As soon as Audrey reached her spacious bedroom, she closed her bedroom door with her body, dropping her cold drink and bag of popcorn on her desk. Looking around her room, she was pleased that her mom had redecorated her room as a summer surprise. Everything looked perfect.

Her entire room was covered in a blush, grey, and white combo— three walls were painted light grey, and the wall behind her upholstered blush button-tufted headboard was covered in textured wallpaper. The silk sheets on her bed were white, and her fluffy oversized blush queen-sized duvet lay across her queen-size bed. Several handmade blush wool throw pillows were resting against her silky, white pillows, which were laying against her headboard, and three grey velvet bolster pillows were placed in front of the other pillows.

In between her walk-in closet and her private bathroom was her large mid-century vanity with lighting around the mirror. The white table had her makeup stored neatly inside her boxy white Coach cosmetic cases and bottles of Valentino perfume were on top of the table. Beyond her French closet doors stood her massive two-story grey walk-in closet stuffed with the latest designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories, which had a wide forty-inch round button-tufted velvet ottoman in the middle of her closet. Backed against the wall next to her walk-in wardrobe was her long, white-framed, three-way mirror.

On both of her modern white three-drawer nightstands were white rectangular-shaped white table lamps standing on either side with a single intercom speaker, a white round digital alarm clock, her silver iPad Pro, and her Apple wireless charging case that was holding her fully charged AirPods inside. Above her wide, white trophy case filled with horseback and academic trophies was her black 65-inch flat-screen smart TV. In the far corner of her room was her cozy nook for reading and studying, which was piled high with blush cashmere blankets and white furry throw pillows. It was perfect for long phone conversations and video calls with her friends and her family.

Several white bookcases were placed around her room, which was crammed with glossy fashion magazines, reading books, and textbooks for the upcoming school year. Over her white four-poster canopy bed hung a large, calming abstract painting from Ansgar Doyle. In the center of her grey-and-chrome lattice coffee table stood a tall, white textured geometric ceramic flower vase filled with pink baby's breath flowers.

Behind her coffee table was her grey velvet upholstered sofa and two blush sheepskin lounge chairs covered in embroidered white pom-pom throw pillows and a blush cashmere throw, which had matching grey-and-chrome lattice end tables on either side of the sofa. Hanging all over the walls of her room were giant framed fashion covers of Vogue, Marie Claire, and Seventeen magazines. Right next to her desk was a white marble-and-brass wastebasket filled with trash. Automated thermal curtains hung from curtain rods to block out the windows. Casting a soft glow over her room was a small Swarovski crystal-trimmed chandelier.

The grey hardwood floor gleamed beneath a spread of rectangular-shaped ivory-and-grey lattice rugs. Behind some more French doors was her very en-suite bathroom. Skincare products were perfectly lined across the marble countertop of her classic grey single-wide bathroom vanity. On the other side of the bathroom was an oversized walk-in shower with multiple nozzles, so her body would constantly be sprayed with water without her having to keep turning.

Outside of the shower and hanging from several chrome wall robe hooks were a couple of light and fluffy bathrobes. Next to her shower was an extra-large, white freestanding tub, facing another flat-screen TV. Next to her tub was a solid white oak side table with open storage that was filled with fluffy monogrammed hand towels. The heated Turkish marble bathroom floor gleamed with perfection. Next to her bathroom was her medium, white solid wood desk with accented quatrefoil cutouts on its right and left sides.

On the tabletop was a twenty-seven-inch, silver flat-screen iMac, a wireless Apple mouse sat next to her wireless Apple keyboard, a white geometric pen holder filled with pink faux-fur pom-pom pens was right beside her computer, a neatly stacked pile of spiral notebooks sat near the far edge of her desk, and several grey picture frames were filled with pictures of her and parents sat in the other corner of her desk. Finally, hanging behind her desk was the white pinboard that was filled with outdated party invitations and pictures of her and her old friends from elementary school.

Plopping down on her desk chair, Audrey ripped open one of the bags of Skinny Pop popcorn and shoved a handful of popcorn into her mouth. Just as she popped the top of her Diet Coke, Audrey's computer came to life with a group Facetime call from her friends. Audrey dropped the bag of popcorn in front of her before whipping her curls over her left shoulder. Pressing her wireless mouse to accept the video call, Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie's faces instantly popped up on her computer's screen.

"Hey, Addie," Madeleine said, smiling warmly.

"Hi, Drey," Scarlett chirped as she leaned back in her seat with a wide grin on her face.

"Hello, Rae," Kayla chimed as she wolfed down several forkfuls of Fettuccine Alfredo.

"What's up, Addy?" Mackenzie cooed, shifting into a comfortable position in her chair.

Audrey reached deep inside the bag of popcorn and stuffed her mouth with a handful of popcorn. "Nothing much," she answered softly. "Except, I got this lengthy lecture from parents about keeping my grades up in school."

"Yeah, whatever," Madeleine replied, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, girlies, do you guys want to hear about my meeting with Lindsey and Avery?"

"Yuuuuup!" Kayla said wryly. She then ate some more dainty bites of Fettuccine Alfredo.

Uh, I wanna know right now," Mackenzie and Audrey said in unison.

"Lay it on me, Maddie," Scarlett declared, sounding very interested in Madeleine's latest news.

Madeleine wrapped her arms around Coco and tenderly pressed her puppy against her chest. "Okay, well, Lindsey and Avery handed me a crowning gift first," she said dramatically. "It was a very beautiful custom headband that I'm wearing on the first day of school tomorrow. Then, they explained to me that my mom was the sixth-grade Queen in nineteen eighty-six. And, of course, the girls also explained the rules that Prescott's Queens need to follow."

Audrey's eyes lit up. "Sounds amazing," she said with a smile.

Mackenzie took a long sip of her Limoncello-flavored La Croix sparkling water. "Awesome!" she said in amazement, sounding very excited.

Kayla flipped her curls over her left shoulder. "That sounds..." she said softly. "Wonderful."

Scarlett leaned forward in her seat, resting her elbows on her computer desk. "Did anything else happen during the meeting, Mads?"

"Oh, yeah," Madeleine said gently. She rubbed her manicured hands over Coco's clean fur, sagging against her seat. "I was about to talk to them when Lindsey got a call from some boy that would later introduce himself as Leif Hastings to me. It automatically clicked for me that he's one of Lachlan's older brothers, which means that Lindsey is dating him."

"Uh, I thought we're meeting them next Thursday afternoon," Audrey remarked as she popped the top of her Diet Coke.

"Yeah," Madeleine nodded, scratching behind Coco's ears. "Um, girlies, I was pleasantly surprised that Lindsey actually answered the call in my presence."

"Oh, Maddy, I'm pretty sure that you heard the conversation between Lindsey and her boyfriend," Scarlett added, fiddling with the left strap of her cropped white Morgan Lane floral pajama top. "So, you need to spill the deets about that conversation to us."

Kayla cocked her head to the side and smiled. "So, Mads, it's gossip time!"

"Okay, I wanna hear about this conversation," Mackenzie and Audrey said in unison.

Madeleine dropped Coco on the floor before observing that her puppy was curled up at her bare pedicured feet. "Fine, ladies," she said wryly. "I mean, Lindsey and Leif were going into details about their date in the city this Saturday afternoon."

Scarlett twisted her hair into a messy bun on top of her head. "Oh my god, that sounds very nice!" she exclaimed.

"No way," Mackenzie gasped as she took a long swig of her La Croix drink.

"It's unbelievable that Lindsey is actually comfortable with you listening to her conversation with her boyfriend!" Kayla said softly, moving her half-eaten plate to the side of her desk. She then separated her curls evenly and twisted each side into a French pigtail before tying them into a knot at the nape of her neck.

"I guess Avery must have still been there to hear this conversation," Audrey chimed in. She chewed on the last handful of popcorn before washing it down with a gulp of her Diet Coke.

"Oh, yes," Madeleine answered, nodding at her friends' statements. "Then, Avery and Lindsey asked me if I had a crush on anybody at school. So, I had no other option than to reveal to them that I had a very tiny crush on Lachlan."

"Seriously," Scarlett laughed as she leaned forward in her seat. "Did they say anything about your statement?"

Mackenzie and Kayla rested their elbows on their desks. "We know that they would want to play the role of matchmaker for you and Lachlan," they said in unison, smirking.

Audrey took a long sip of her Fiji water. "I think that they would try to get him to understand that he has a crush on you as well," she said smoothly.

Madeleine concealed an eye roll at her friend's statement. "Um, yes," she replied happily. "I think that Linds and Aves would try to get their boyfriends to talk to Lachlan. Especially since he's their little brother."

"No way," Scarlett, Mackenzie, Kayla, and Audrey gasped in unison. "That means that every Prescott Queen has some kind of crush for a Hastings.

"Oh, yeaaah!" Madeleine proclaimed loudly as she bounced in her seat. "So, does anyone have any more gossip to share?"

Audrey sipped more of her Diet Coke. "Meeeee!" she volunteered. "Oh, Maddie and Scar, I wanted to share about the meeting with Vanessa. After all, Kay and Mack were attending the meeting with me."

Mackenzie rested her chin on her left palm. "Yeah," she nodded. "The party planner talked about the details that went into Drey's birthday party."

Kayla moved her desk chair from side to side. "Manzie and I also contributed some ideas for the party planner to follow up with," she said, smiling brightly.

Madeleine cocked her head to the side and grinned at her friends. "That sounds kind of okay to me," she shrugged.

Scarlett leaned forward in her seat. "Seriously," she laughed. "Did Vanessa have any problems adding your ideas to Addy's party?"

"No," Kayla and Mackenzie replied in unison. "She happily typed her suggestions into the slides."

"Yeah," Audrey said quickly as she laced her manicured fingers together and rested her chin on her laced fingers.

Mackenzie and Scarlett chewed nervously on their lips. "Well, girlies, there's still some more news to share with you guys," they whispered to their friends.

"Like what?" Madeleine questioned, arching a perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrow at Mackenzie and Scarlett's statement.

"Well, we wanted to share with you guys that we hung out with Declan and Scott today," Mackenzie and Scarlett uttered in unison.

Madeleine narrowed her eyes at Mackenzie and Scarlett. "Why didn't you guys call us last night to share the news?" she asked.

Mackenzie and Scarlett nervously played with the waistbands of their pajama shorts. "Well, you guys were busy having dinner with your parents yesterday," they told Madeleine. "Then, Lala and Addie found out this afternoon after the meeting with Vanessa, so you're the last person to find out now."

"I seriously can't believe it," Madeleine said, sounding very left out. "But, I'll forgive you guys if you share what happened between you and the boys."

"We wanted to share with you guys that we have a lot of fun with Declan and Scott," Mackenzie and Scarlett squealed in unison. "We pretty much got to know each other in a very deep way and meet one of our upcoming classmates from school."

Madeleine took a long swig of her half-filled Evian water. "That's awesome," she said slowly, readjusting her ponytail. "Who was the person that you guys meet at the ice cream shop?"

Mackenzie and Scarlett leaned back in their seats. "It was some girl called Rochelle Cranston," they replied in unison. "She falls under a 3.5 on the loser scale."

Kayla leaned forward in her seat, knowing that Mackenzie and Scarlett meant that this girl wasn't okay for them to be acquainted with. "I've stumbled on her Instagram page," she laughed. "Her posts are filled with pictures of her old friends from elementary school and parties thrown by the popular crowd. It seems like she's stuck in the past or something."

Audrey tapped her right manicured index finger against her left bicep. "There's also the fact that Scar and Manzie told me that Rochelle had someone steal a printed Microsoft PowerPoint that was filled with details about my birthday party," she spat angrily.

"No way," Madeleine and Kayla gasped in unison. "Who was the person that she paid to steal the PowerPoint?"

"I have no idea," Audrey shrugged, pressing her manicured fingers against her temples. "And, it's too late to change anything since Vanessa has already booked everything for the party."

"Addie, calm down for a couple of moments," Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie reassured their friend in unison. "Everything's going to be okay."

"Fine, guys!" Audrey breathed easily. "If someone talks about my party at school tomorrow, I'm gonna cancel the party and cause my parents to lose the money that they've already put into it."

"Wait a minute," Scarlett, Madeleine, Kayla, and Mackenzie said in unison as they leaned forward into their seats. "I think that people would try their best to pretend that they don't know about your party."

Audrey's shoulder slumped forward. "Okay, girlies," she nodded in understanding. Audrey knew that she was overreacting a little bit.

Kayla twisted her curls into a messy bun before changing the topic to something else. "So, ladies, I wanted to talk to you guys about my lunch meeting with Delilah Edwards and Emily Hudson."

Madeleine's eyes widened. "Um, Kay, hold on for a minute," she said, sounding very surprised. "You meet Delilah Edwards and Emily Hudson for lunch today."

"Oh, yeah," Kayla nodded at Madeleine. "Addie already knows about casual lunch hangout plans since I informed her after Manzie left. The only people who don't know about the plans are you, Kenzie, and Scar!"

Scarlett slapped her right manicured hand against her heart. "When... did they connect with you?" she gasped loudly.

Mackenzie stared at Kayla, surprised. "What did you guys talk about?"

Kayla sighed deeply before noticing that Audrey was looking somewhere else. "Well, they officially crowned me the sixth-grade Queen of Connections and told some connections that they use to get any secret or gossip," she told Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Madeleine.

"All right," Madeleine said quickly before changing the subject to something else. "So, let's rate our outfits for the first day of school tomorrow."

"Sure, Maddie," Audrey, Kayla, Mackenzie, and Scarlett said with a smile in unison, knowing that this activity would allow them to make comments about their outfits.

Observing that her friends had gotten up from their seats, Audrey dropped her empty bag of popcorn into the wastebasket, stood up from her seat, and walked over to her custom-made mannequin. Feeling ecstatic about her outfit tomorrow, she wheeled her mannequin over to her computer, making sure that it was standing behind her desk chair. Plopping back down on her seat again, Audrey discovered that the girls had all returned to their seats with their fully dressed mannequins behind them.

Madeleine broke into a genuine smile. "I'm going first," she declared, gesturing to the outfit on her mannequin. "I've styled my mannequin in a lilac Black Halo two-piece dress with lilac Miu Miu wedges, a large white leather Kate Spade tote, and my custom-made white pearl-embellished headband from Lindsey and Avery. For jewelry, I'm wearing small pearl dangle earrings and my signature pearl necklace. And, my nails are no longer deep navy, but lilac and white now. So, thoughts, ladies?"

"9.8," Scarlett said dramatically, adjusting the waistband of her cropped white Morgan Lane floral pajama shorts. "That dress is to die for."

Kayla drummed her manicured fingers on the table. "9.6," she commented.

Audrey analyzed Madeleine's outfit with laser focus. "9.9," she added.

Mackenzie leaned further into her computer screen. "9.5," she replied before leaning back in her seat. "Who's next?"

Scarlett turned towards her dressed mannequin. "Me next," she volunteered. "I've adorned my mannequin in a short, fitted Alice + Olivia denim romper with red knotted-bow patent-leather thong sandals by Kate Spade, and a large liberty-red Tory Burch Gemini Link canvas tote. For jewelry, I'm wearing diamond studs, a white Alexis Bittar flower ring, and my signature pearl bracelet. Verdict?"

"Gorgeous," Madeleine said with a smile. She reached down, scooped Coco with her manicured hands, and tenderly pressed her puppy against her chest again. "9.4."

"Beautiful," Kayla commented, flashing a genuine smile at Scarlett. "9.2."

"9.5," Mackenzie said proudly, taking another long swig of her La Croix drink.

"9.3," Audrey grinned brightly as she tossed the other two bags of Skinny Pop popcorn into her desk's drawers.

Mackenzie turned around in her desk chair and showcased her ensemble on her mannequin. "My turn now," she proclaimed. "My mannequin is adorned in a belted yellow-and-white-striped Marni cami minidress, white Prada espadrilles, mini bright-yellow Givenchy satchel, and white Arkis embellished cardigan. For jewelry, I'm wearing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings, and the accessories for my outfit are a yellow Lele Sadoughi beaded headband. Decisions?"

Madeleine kissed Coco on top of her little black nose before dropping her puppy back on her lap. "Stunning," she stated. "9.1."

"9.5," Scarlett replied as she bit her lower lip, studying her friend's outfit with laser focus.

Audrey checked her nails, feeling thrilled that her regular manicurist had changed her nail color from icy white to burgundy. "9.2."

Kayla toyed with the ends of her high ponytail and smirked. "9.4."

"I'm going next," Audrey said proudly as she wheeled her mannequin even closer so her friends could see her outfit for tomorrow. "As you could see, my mannequin is wearing a navy color-block blouse by Ted Baker, which was tucked into a high-waisted grey plaid Anna Sui flare miniskirt, grey Christian Louboutin ankle boots, and a medium navy Longchamp suede hobo. For jewelry, I'm wearing pearl stud earrings and a long, gold Chanel moon-and-stars drop necklace that has two designs lined with crystals. Any thoughts?"

"9.8," Madeleine said as she sighed deeply before analyzing Audrey's dressed mannequin with laser focus.

Scarlett tapped her left manicured index finger against her chin. "9..." she pondered. "3."

"9.2," Kayla remarked, grinning brightly. She crossed her arms over her chest.

Mackenzie knitted her delicate fingers together and placed them on her lap. "9.5," she decided.

"I'll go then since I'm the last one left," Kayla said, motioning to her dressed mannequin. "My mannequin is sporting a multi-colored plaid Moschino split-hem bodycon dress with nude La Silla knee-high suede boots and a medium nude Dolce & Gabbana leather-and-suede satchel. For jewelry, I'm wearing a gold Mizuki pearl-and-diamond statement necklace and a pair of pearl stud earrings. Opinions?"

"9.6," Scarlett commented, cocking her head to the side and examining Kayla's dressed mannequin with laser focus. She then melted further into her seat.

"Definitely a 9.4," Mackenzie admitted as she sneakily checked her armpits for deodorant stains without alerting her friends.

Audrey crossed her legs together, her burgundy toes matched her painted nails. "9.3."

Madeleine noticed that Coco was now staring at her for a couple of seconds before her puppy jumped off her lap. "9.5."

"Whatever," Audrey murmured softly as she looked over at her alarm clock and saw that it was almost nine-thirty. "Well, girlies, I need to go now. My bedtime is at ten. So, see you guys tomorrow."

Kayla waved bye to her friends. "Sleep well, everyone," she replied before ending the call on her end.

Scarlett moved away from her computer screen. "See you guys tomorrow!" she remarked, ending the call on her end.

"Good night, pretties!" Mackenzie said with a smile on her face before ending the call on her end.

Madeleine quickly stood up from her seat, holding Coco in her arms. "Later, Addie!" she told her friend before ending the call on her end.

Clicking out of the window, Audrey wheeled her mannequin over to the designated spot by her closet before walking into her all-white bathroom. As soon as she brushed her teeth, Audrey peeled her clothes off, dumping them into the hamper. Feeling drained and tired, Audrey yawned for a bit before snatching last night's pajamas from the top of the closed toilet seat.

Slipping into her silky lotus pink In Bloom by Jonquil scalloped chemise, she stared at her reflection in the bathroom's mirror, making sure that the crisscrossing back straps of her chemise remained flat. Clapping her manicured hands together so the lights in her bathroom turn off, Audrey walked out of her bathroom and slowly closed the door behind her. Monitoring the alarm clock again, she perceived that it was almost nine forty-seven as Audrey climbed into bed.

Snuggling into her bed, Audrey grabbed her fully-charged iPhone from her left-side nightstand and unlocked her cell phone. Instantly, she checked her Instagram account and observed that she had over a thousand likes on a group selfie she posted this afternoon. Audrey beamed triumphantly before checking the time again and discovered that it was almost ten.

Turning her iPhone off, she set her alarm clock to wake her up at seven o'clock in the morning before clapping her manicured hands together so the lights in her room would turn off. Slipping her silky pink Blissy sleep mask over her eyes, Audrey closed her eyes and fell asleep a few moments later.

Chapter Text

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

First-Floor Bathroom

7:43 A.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Madeleine stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, checking her flawless makeup for smudges. Finding none, she sighed and smoothed the creases in her cropped lilac Black Halo top. Turning to her friends, she saw they were inspecting their outfits. Madeleine cleared her throat loudly to get their attention. As they looked her way, she stretched her neck side to side. After a thoughtful pause, she spoke to her friends.

Perched elegantly on the bathroom windowsill, Madeleine crossed her slender legs, asking her friends, "Oh, besties, are you going to the Back-to-School dance next Friday night?"

Scarlett tugged at the fitted Alice + Olivia denim romper she wore, adjusting it between her legs. "Maddie, I'm going to the dance," she said honestly.

Audrey tossed her long, platinum-blonde curls aside, revealing her cerulean eyes. "I've decided to go to the dance," she said.

Mackenzie plucked at the loose threads on her belted Marni cami minidress, explaining. "I initially decided against attending the dance. However, I soon realized that skipping it would have severely damaged my social standing."

Sitting primly on the bathroom sink, Kayla crossed her ankles and beamed. "I've decided to attend the dance after all," she announced brightly.

Madeleine toyed with her pearl necklace and uncrossed her legs. "So, who are you waiting for to ask you to the dance?"

Scarlett applied another layer of cherry-flavored Pretty & Perfect lip gloss, admiring her reflection in the bathroom mirror. "Scott," she said eagerly, unable to contain her wide grin. "I'm hoping he'll ask me out soon. If he doesn't pick up on the hint, I'll have to take matters into my own hands and call him myself."

Mackenzie wrapped her white, embellished Arkis cardigan around her waist. "Declan," she snickered. "After we hung out with Scar and Scott yesterday afternoon, I waited three hours for him to text me. I'll send him a text later tonight."

Kayla's voice brimmed with excitement. "James!" she yelled, reaching into her medium nude Dolce & Gabbana leather-and-suede satchel. Kayla quickly retrieved her Black Red Bliss waterproof mascara and opened the tube. She swept the wand across her long lashes, applying a fresh coat. "After our long text exchange, I've got a feeling he's trying to find a way to ask me to the dance."

Audrey giggled softly, claiming a spot on the bathroom counter near Kayla. "Aiden, I've got my eyes set on making him escort me to the dance," she confided.

Madeleine jumped down from the window sill and turned towards the bathroom mirror. She cocked her head to the side and fluffed her glossy honey-blonde waves. "I think Lachlan is gonna ask me to the dance," she chuckled. "So, besties, have you guys been hounded by our loser classmates this morning?"

Kayla glanced down nervously and fiddled with her gold Mizuki pearl-and-diamond necklace. "No, Mads," she replied. "I thought they might invade my personal space, but then they saw the look on my face that told them to stay away."

Audrey crossed her ankles, careful to keep her black Hugo Boss lace underwear from flashing her friends. "Of course," she responded. "When I walked into school, a bunch of students were gawking and making comments about my outfit."

Scarlett smiled brightly. "Yes, Maddy," she said, bouncing from one red knotted-bow patent-leather Kate Spade thong sandal-clad foot to the other. "I was walking down the hallway toward the bathroom. They were saying there were over nine hundred likes on the selfie I posted this morning."

Mackenzie fidgeted with her diamond chandelier earrings, saying. "Maddie, some of our classmates moved aside for me. They let me go first to print out my class schedule from the kiosks."

Madeleine adjusted her custom-made white pearl-embellished headband. "After you all went inside the school, I sneaked a peek around the front lawn and caught students looking at me. I heard some of the false rumors they were sharing about us. Rather than letting it get to me, I kept a blank expression and pretended their rumors didn't affect me at all."

Mackenzie leaned against the bathroom counter, her arms crossed defiantly. "Listen up, girls," she cooed, abruptly changing the subject.

Audrey's eyes widened with surprise. "About what?" she asked.

Scarlett's slender fingers toyed with a icy-blonde curl and eagerly demanded. "Spill the details."

Staying perched on the bathroom sink, Kayla brushed lint off her nude La Silla knee-high suede boots. "Same," she agreed with Scarlett's sentiment.

Madeleine checked her manicure, waiting for Mackenzie to share the gossip with everyone. "Kenzie, you need to spill the deets to me," she snickered.

Mackenzie smiled brightly, sharing the rumor. "I may or may not have heard that Lachlan plans to call Maddie during her slumber party tomorrow night," she said. A few moments later, she looked down and dug around her mini bright-yellow Givenchy satchel, yanking out her compact to check her eyeshadow. Satisfied that her makeup remained flawless, Mackenzie dropped the compact back into her purse and turned her attention to her friends.

Scarlett gasped loudly, her jaw dropping in disbelief. "No way!" she exclaimed, taking a seat on the bathroom counter next to Kayla and Audrey.

Audrey arched a perfectly waxed platinum-blonde eyebrow and looked stunned at Mackenzie's news. "Oh my god!" she gasped melodramatically. "Where did you hear this?"

Kayla let out a loud shriek. "Get out of here," she uttered.

Madeleine narrowed her emerald-green eyes at Mackenzie. "Mack, who shared the news with you?" she inquired.

Mackenzie tucked her straightened strawberry-blonde hair behind her right ear. "One of my sources shared this juicy bit of gossip with me last night," she revealed. "And I'm convinced he's going to call her."

Madeleine adjusted the hem of her high-waisted, lilac Black Halo skirt. "Last night?" she repeated, barely containing her excitement.

Scarlett's perfectly waxed icy-blonde eyebrows arched at Audrey's statement. "Oh, Drey, why are you sharing this with us now?" she asked.

Kayla questioned Mackenzie. "Why didn't you tell us about this during our video call last night?" She jumped off the bathroom sink and turned toward the mirror, inspecting her Moschino split-hem bodycon dress for coffee stains. Satisfied that her plaid dress was clean, Kayla let out a sigh and shifted her attention back to her friends.

After Kayla's statement, Audrey placed her manicured hands on her hips and sighed deeply. "So, we'll be ready for the call tomorrow," she added.

As she whipped her straightened hair over her left shoulder, Mackenzie answered her friends' questions. "Because I wasn't sure about the call yet."

Madeleine paced across the black-and-white-checkered bathroom floor, pressing her manicured left index finger to her chin. "Ugh, we have to find out if it's true," she murmured, contemplating how they would uncover the truth about Lachlan's call. Moments later, she had an idea. "Listen up, everyone. We're doing some major reconnaissance after school today. That means everyone needs to meet at the school parking lot by 3:15 pm. I'll have Nick pick us up and drop us off at Crestview before the final bell. Does that work for everyone?"

Scarlett's eyes gleamed with excitement as she twirled the diamond stud in her right ear. "Love the plan!" she exclaimed.

Audrey's grey Louboutin ankle boots clicked while shifting her weight. "What happens if we get caught by the boys?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Kayla and Mackenzie exchanged a knowing smirk. "Or, we get ambushed by the school's staff?" they asked in unison, the shared concern evident in their voices.

Madeleine rolled her shoulders back, exuding confidence in her plan to secretly observe Lachlan and his friends. "Nothing will happen to us," she said, adjusting her headband. "After all, we're concealed behind the school's massive stone sign."

Mackenzie brushed dirt off her left white Prada espadrille. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "That's the perfect hiding spot."

"Exactly," Audrey agreed, adjusting her long, gold Chanel moon-and-stars necklace.

Kayla leaned against the bathroom counter, arms crossed. "Mads, we should find out when the boys are meeting at the school sign," she suggested, tossing her glossy blonde curls.

Scarlett smiled and played with her pearl charm bracelet. "Great idea, Lala!" she said, noticing Kayla's amber eyes light up at the compliment.

Madeleine shifted nervously on her lilac Miu Miu wedges, voicing her concern. "Um, Kay, wouldn't that make us look like complete stalkers?"

Kayla instantly shook her head from side to side. "No, Mads," she said, stepping away from the bathroom counter and resting her manicured right hand on Madeleine's left shoulder. "This will help us determine their arrival time."

The loud ringing bell interrupted Madeleine's conversation with her friends, signaling that first period would begin in ten minutes.

Madeleine looked over at her friends, arching a perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrow in their direction. "What do you guys have for first period?" she eagerly inquired.

Kayla tossed her designer handbag over her right shoulder and waved goodbye over her left shoulder. "Spanish," she answered honestly, quickly exiting the bathroom. "Gotta go."

"Drama," Scarlett told Madeleine as she hopped off the bathroom counter and grabbed her large liberty-red Tory Burch Gemini Link canvas tote. Dangling her designer purse from her right elbow, she strolled out of the bathroom, saying something over her right shoulder. "I've heard that the teacher is hard on everybody."

Seeing that Scarlett had already left, Audrey turned her attention to her friends. "Art," she said, grabbing her medium navy Longchamp hobo. Moments later, Audrey exited the bathroom, calling out to the girls behind her. "Oh, Maddy and Mack, I'll see you guys later!"

Mackenzie slung her designer handbag over her shoulder and sauntered out the bathroom door, saying. "Later, Maddy."

Noticing her friends had left for first-period, Madeleine glanced at the bathroom mirror and expertly applied another coat of chai latte-flavored Pretty & Perfect lip gloss. Fluffing her waves, she grabbed her large white leather Kate Spade tote and headed for the door, her face blank.

In the hallway, Madeleine kept her expression neutral as a group of eager eighth-graders tried to get her attention. Ignoring them, she strode confidently towards her first-period class, secure in her status as reigning queen.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

English Class

8:28 A.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Claiming a spot in the back of the classroom, Mackenzie hung her purse off the chair and faced forward. She grabbed a spiral notebook and a fuzzy yellow pen from her handbag, dropping them on the desk before sitting up straight. Rolling her shoulders back, Mackenzie plucked out her compact and tilted it to get a better view of the girl behind her.

Discovering that Olivia Crawford had noticeable boogers, Mackenzie snickered at her misfortune before stowing the compact back in her purse. Facing forward again, she crossed her arms over her chest and settled into a comfortable position. Mackenzie knew her parents expected good grades alongside her busy social life. The sharp click of heels interrupted her thoughts. Looking up, Mackenzie saw her teacher was a striking Russian woman dressed stylishly.

"Good morning, students," Mrs. Alexander warmly greeted the class as she placed her purse and a stack of syllabuses on her desk at the front of the room.

"Hello, Mrs. Alexander," the students responded in unison.

With a few clicks, Mrs. Alexander activated the projector and smartboard. "Today, we'll be discussing vocabulary," she announced, making eye contact with the class. "Then we'll cover MLA formatting, citation, source incorporation, and citation updates."

"Okay, Mrs. Alexander," the students replied. This had been covered in the introduction of their textbook.

Tuning out her teacher's lecture, Mackenzie opened her notebook and grabbed her pen. She jotted down the date on the first lined page, then sighed and glanced at the smartboard, where Mrs. Alexander was already discussing the first slide. Gripping her pen tightly, Mackenzie dutifully copied down the slide's content while highlighting what her teacher emphasized as most important.

Dropping her pen, Mackenzie inspected her nails and noticed that her left hand's nails were unpainted, while the right hand's were perfectly polished. Worried her "loser" classmates might use this oversight against her, Mackenzie quickly decided to remedy the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Mackenzie retrieved a bottle of OPI nail polish from her designer bag and left it on the table next to her open notebook, where she saw a syllabus had already been placed. Glancing around, she noted the open classroom windows and smiled, knowing the polish fumes wouldn't bother her peers.

Shaking the bottle to create some bubbles, Mackenzie firmly positioned her left hand on the table and carefully painted her nails. After sealing the polish with a quick-dry topcoat from her purse, she tucked the bottles away and crossed her legs, feeling more secure. Glancing up, she saw Mrs. Alexander was still lecturing, so Mackenzie discreetly tapped her palm against her mouth, unconcerned about being caught.

Mrs. Alexander interrupted Mackenzie's thoughts, saying. "As I was saying, Miss Frost, vocabulary is crucial for expressing your ideas in writing, especially for the essays I've assigned this class."

Noticing her teacher's gaze had drifted elsewhere, Mackenzie snatched up the latest issue of Marie Claire from her designer bag and began idly flipping through it. Minutes later, she dropped the open magazine by her notebook, moving the notebook closer. Grabbing her pen, she quickly copied the second slide into her notes.

With a sigh, Mackenzie rested her chin on her hand, half-listening as the teacher lectured about MLA citation format. Glancing around, she noticed most of the class was disengaged, so she decided to jot down the key points to keep her grades up.

Laying her pen across her notebook, Mackenzie checked the clock - nearly 9:05 am. She stretched her neck and leaned back, tuning out as the teacher moved to the next slide. Crossing her arms, she breathed evenly and watched the clock, knowing the bell would ring in just a few minutes. Gathering her things, she leaned back and rested her elbows on the desk to wait it out.

From the front of the class, Mrs. Alexander commanded the students' attention. "Okay, students," she announced firmly. "Since the bell will soon ring, I'm assigning the first two chapters of The Call of the Wild to be completed by tomorrow morning."

Mackenzie nodded, mentally noting to review the assigned chapters later. As the bell rang, signaling the end of first period, she rose from her seat and made her way to the classroom door, her expression purposefully blank. Sashaying through the doorway, Mackenzie caught sight of her classmates allowing her to exit first. Disregarding their apparent anticipation for acknowledgment, she rolled her shoulders back and continued onward, maintaining her impassive façade as she headed directly to her next class.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Study Hall

10:41 A.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Kayla inspected the manicured nails of her left hand, but found little solace in their perfection. Her first day of school had proven to be a major letdown, not the fresh start she had hoped for. Rather than the lighter workload she had anticipated, her teachers had overwhelmed her with homework from her very first and second-period classes.

Retrieving a spiral notebook from her purse, Kayla flipped through the pages, spotting the math notes she had hastily scribbled. Remembering the assigned first chapter from her math textbook, she closed the notebook and returned it to her designer handbag, smoothing her dress as she did so. Laying her head on her arms, Kayla became acutely aware of her classmates' envious gazes, their smug grins betraying their jealousy of her social status atop the sixth-grade hierarchy. Shifting her blonde curls aside, she resolved to ignore their stares.

Just as Kayla was about to shut her eyes, her purse buzzed with incoming messages from the group chat with her friends. Snatching up her iPhone, she unlocked the screen to read their latest updates, letting out a weary sigh as she did so.

Madeleine: Sitting through my teacher's monotonous lectures, I find myself struggling to stay awake, dying of sheer boredom.

Audrey: My Spanish teacher is lecturing about the fundamental nouns in the language.

Scarlett: During social studies class, Alexis Sobel attempted to initiate a conversation with me.

Mackenzie: Scar, I'm in the same situation as you. However, the difference is that she's now attempting to initiate a conversation with me.

Kayla stretched her neck side to side, placing her cell phone under the table and quickly replying to her friends' text messages.

Kayla: People in the study hall are eyeing me with envy. So, did anything noteworthy occur in your classes today?

Kayla crossed her slender legs and glanced around the study hall. Her gaze settled on the teacher, who was intently reviewing his lesson plans. Kayla sighed and turned her attention to the incoming text messages from her friends.

Scarlett: Grace Manning was sent to the headmistress's office after talking back to her teacher. Immediately after Grace left the classroom, I took a bathroom break and followed her, catching a glimpse of her waiting to be disciplined.

Madeleine: Rochelle was reprimanded by the teacher for eating food in the classroom, which violated a rule listed in her syllabus.

Audrey: Savannah Richards' cell phone was confiscated by the teacher, who then proceeded to read her private text exchange with her mother about selecting an ointment for Savannah's embarrassing medical condition. Understandably, Savannah was mortified when her conversation was exposed to the entire class.

Mackenzie: While the class initially tried to stifle their amusement, they ultimately burst into laughter when they saw their teacher slip and fall on the floor. Despite their best efforts, the students were unable to contain their hilarity at the unexpected and comical incident.

As she leaned back, Kayla retrieved a Nutz Over Chocolate Luna bar from her purse, unwrapped it, and consumed the entire bar before responding to her friends' messages.

Kayla: Funny. Study hall is eerily quiet right now, with nothing but silence filling the room.

Kayla let out a sigh and squared her shoulders as her iPhone buzzed with text messages from her friends. She read the messages, giving them her full attention.

Audrey: That means that people are actually focused on their books.

Mackenzie: Uh-oh, that sounds very riveting.

Scarlett: I would have devised a way to captivate the attention of the students in study hall.

Madeleine: Impressive, Kalia.

Kayla drummed her manicured fingers on the table as she glanced up from her iPhone. Realizing the bell would ring in just three minutes, she quickly replied to her friends' texts.

Kayla: The bell will soon ring, so I'll meet you all at lunch.

Without waiting for her friends to reply to her text, Kayla dropped her iPhone back inside her designer handbag while the screen remained off. Hearing the bell ring, she stood up and sashayed out of the classroom without hearing the dismissal from the study hall teacher. Observing that people were moving out of her way, Kayla set her face into a black stare and sauntered toward her fourth-period class.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Cafeteria

12:15 P.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Madeleine walked through the cafeteria doors, her eyes scanning the room. A couple of seventh-grade girls greeted her, but she offered them a cold smile as she searched for her friends. Once she spotted them, Madeleine approached the table they had claimed and settled into the head seat, hanging her tote bag on the back of the chair.

"Hey, girlies!" Madeleine said, grabbing her Nobu bento box, paper-wrapped chopsticks, and chilled Smartwater bottle from the center of the table.

Kayla, Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Audrey cocked their heads and beamed at her. "Hey, Maddie!" they chimed in unison.

Madeleine lifted the lid off her bento box and pulled the paper off her chopsticks. "So, girlies, what's the latest gossip?" she asked her friends.

Kayla smirked and dipped a spicy tuna roll into the soy sauce in her bento box before finishing it. "I saw Grace Kaci after math class. She was ordering the same Kate Spade bag you're carrying today. Total clone."

"Seriously?" Madeleine said heatedly, reaching back to touch her designer bag. She disliked the idea of Grace having the same bag. "I guess I'll have to donate this bag since I don't want the same one as her."

Scarlett took a few sips of her large Jupioca caramel macchiato bubble tea. "Don't worry, Maddy," she said brightly, rubbing Madeleine's arm. "Everyone knows Grace just wants your approval."

"Agreed," Audrey said, flattening her high-waisted, grey plaid Anna Sui flare miniskirt before fishing something from her backpack. She then handed the invitations to Madeleine and Mackenzie. "Cora Lewis, Maisy Martin, and Yvonne Phillips invited us to their birthday parties. Should we RSVP?"

Madeleine examined the invitations, chewing thoughtfully on a spicy salmon roll. "Of course, Rey."

Audrey took a long sip of her Fiji water, looking pleased. "Guess we'll need to go dress shopping."

"Oh, yeah," Mackenzie exclaimed, dunking seasoned fries into ketchup. "Aphrodite just got a new dress shipment. I booked the store for us this Saturday - we need dresses for Audrey's party too."

Madeleine noticed Audrey's eyes light up at the mention of her birthday party. "Definitely," she agreed, taking a deep breath. She then realized Mackenzie wanted to share something with their group of friends, so Madeleine nodded to her, signaling that Mackenzie should go ahead and share the news.

Mackenzie leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "I'm afraid I have some bad news, Maddie," she said solemnly. "There are people who are trying to get Lindsey and Avery to reverse their decision to make you their successor. They're trying to take your throne away from you."

Madeleine paused, a California roll dripping with soy sauce halfway to her mouth. "How are they going to do that?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.

Mackenzie took a long sip of her large Jamba Juice Aloha pineapple smoothie. "These people seem determined to undermine Lindsey and Avery's choice," she explained, glancing over at the girls buying drinks from the Jamba Juice kiosk.

Audrey laid her elbow on the table and tapped her chopsticks against the edge of her open bento box. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," she declared firmly.

Madeleine's face darkened as she took a long sip of her kiwi-strawberry Snapple. "Who are these people trying to steal my throne?" she demanded, her voice rising with anger.

Scarlett angrily chewed on a soy sauce-soaked shrimp tempura roll before listing the names to Madeleine. "Jacqueline Everstone, Tia Scott, Sofia Addison, and Molly Nolan."

Madeleine dipped a spicy California roll into soy sauce and popped it into her mouth. "I'm going to have to use rule four of the Prescott Queen rules," she said with a sinister grin. "This means I get to deliver some judgment on them, and do it in front of the whole school."

A devious glint gleamed in Audrey's eyes as she straightened her navy Ted Baker color-block blouse. "Perf," she smirked, already picturing their shocked faces.

A smirk spread across Kayla's face. "It'll be awesome to witness their humiliation," she told the group.

"Agreed," Scarlett and Mackenzie said in unison, resting their elbows on the table despite their mothers' repeated instructions not to do so.

Madeleine glanced over her shoulder, noticing that Lindsey and Avery were surrounded by their friends. She wondered if they had heard the news that some girls wanted a meeting with them. Taking a deep breath, Madeleine mentally reinforced that no one would take her position. Turning back to her own friends, Madeleine saw that Scarlett seemed eager to share something. Madeleine nodded, signaling Mackenzie to go ahead and share the news with the whole group.

Mackenzie adjusted her beaded yellow Lele Sadoughi headband and leaned forward. "Besties, I have some juicy information," she whispered. "It's about the boys' conversation in front of the school sign."

"Spill it," Madeleine murmured, struggling to contain her excitement and keep her voice down to avoid drawing the cafeteria's attention.

Scarlett examined her vibrant red nails. "How did you find this out?" she asked eagerly.

"What happened?" Audrey asked Scarlett, leaning back in her seat and checking the backs of her pearl stud earrings.

"Tell us about the tea," Kayla said smoothly, gesturing towards Scarlett, Madeleine, and Audrey.

"From what I've heard, the boys usually stand in front of that sign as soon as the bell rings," Mackenzie informed her friends, taking a huge bite of her turkey burger.

Madeleine's mouth dropped open in surprise, but she quickly shut it. "No way," she said, sounding excited.

Scarlett drained half the contents of her bubble tea. "At least, we won't be waiting that long for them," she uttered.

Audrey and Kayla tilted their heads and crossed their arms over their chests. "Awesome," they said in unison, smiling brightly.

Madeleine's conversation with her friends was cut short by the lunch bell. Glancing down, she noticed a lone sushi roll left in her bento box. Dipping it in soy sauce, she quickly polished it off, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

Pushing her tray aside, Madeleine looked up to see her friends gathering their things and heading to their next class. She noticed the abandoned lunch trays left for the cafeteria staff to clean up. Students were already filtering out of the cafeteria.

Slinging her purse over her shoulder, Madeleine stood and headed for the exit, her expression neutral. By the time she reached the doors, the cafeteria had emptied out as everyone made their way to their fifth-period classes.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Social Studies Class

2:39 P.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Scarlett sat with her slender legs crossed, leaning over the quiz that Mr. Jackson had distributed at the start of class. She was halfway through the assessment, her pen poised over question eight as she thoughtfully bit her lower lip.

With a stern voice, Mr. Jackson announced from the front of the class. "You have nine minutes remaining."

Scarlett rolled her icy-blue eyes and refocused on the quiz, despite not knowing the answer to question eight. Suddenly remembering her parents' expectations for good grades, she quickly answered the question about the eight features of a civilization. Scanning the next question, Scarlett noticed the teacher had asked about the elements involved in running ancient civilizations - information she provided in her response. With the final question on the five themes of geography answered, Scarlett placed her pen down, completing the quiz.

With two minutes until the bell, Mr. Jackson urgently called out. "Hand in your quizzes now!"

Scarlett glanced at the clock, realizing school was nearly over. Gathering her belongings, she stood and approached her teacher's desk, slapping her quiz onto the pile. As the bell rang, Scarlett noticed her teacher checking that she had completed the quiz. Stepping outside, Scarlett faced a crowd of eager sixth-grade girls, though she kept her expression neutral. Remembering that Madeleine's driver was taking everyone to Crestview, Scarlett made her way through the parting crowd toward the school parking lot, maintaining her blank demeanor.

Crestview School for Boys

Behind the School's Sign

3:37 P.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Crouching behind the school sign with her friends, Madeleine shifted her weight, carefully avoiding getting her skirt dirty on the damp grass. She quickly peeked out, relieved that the boys had not yet been released from school. Ducking back down, Madeleine noticed the row of shrubs concealing the sign, making it easier for her and her friends to spy on Lachlan and his group. Glancing at Scarlett, Madeleine saw her friend wanted to share something, so she nodded, silently encouraging her to speak up.

Scarlett adjusted the hem of her romper, keeping her tote on her lap. "How much longer until the bell rings?"

Conscious of her pristine dress, Kayla carefully shifted her weight from one bare knee to the other. "Just four minutes until the bell rings," she told her friend, mindful to avoid jostling Audrey and Mackenzie.

Madeleine tried to calm her friends' anticipation. "Don't worry, girlies," she reassured them. Peeking again at the school's entrance, she saw no one emerging from the solid oak doors. Madeleine squatted back down and looked at the girls. "The boys will be standing in front of the school sign soon."

Careful not to get her boots stuck in the grass, Audrey shifted her weight onto her tiptoes. "By the way, this miniskirt isn't exactly ideal for spying," she remarked to her friends, adjusting the hem while holding her thighs together.

Mackenzie placed her manicured index finger to her lips, signaling Addie to be quiet. "We don't want people to know we're hiding behind the school's sign," she whispered. "That could get us labeled as stalkers."

A few minutes later, the bell signaled the end of the school day for the boys. "Oh, girls!" Madeleine exclaimed excitedly, playfully tapping her friends' thighs. "The boys are about to come out - let's sneak a peek at them by the front entrance."

Madeleine quickly glanced at the school's front entrance, carefully positioning herself between a squat and standing, to avoid being seen. As the doors flew open, a rush of boys poured out, spilling onto the well-manicured lawn. Madeleine stared at her friends, noting their expressions of excitement.

Scanning the crowd, Madeleine searched for Lachlan and his friends, hoping they would stand by the sign so she and her friends could eavesdrop on their conversation undetected. Soon, Madeleine spotted Lachlan and his group heading toward the sign. She glanced at her friends, ready to listen in.

Madeleine's panicked expression conveyed the urgency of her words. "Girls, we need to hide behind the sign again," she said, carefully nudging Scarlett to signal that she should follow Madeleine's lead. Madeleine then ensured her other friends shadowed Scarlett's actions. "The boys are heading in our direction now."

Scarlett flipped her curls over her shoulder before squatting down. "Fine," she huffed dismissively towards Madeleine. "I just wanted to see if Scott was still cute."

Kayla nodded in agreement with Scarlett, adding, "Same for me," she said, glancing down at her boots and relieved to see no mud stains.

"Yeah, whatever," Audrey and Mackenzie responded in unison as they barely contained their eye rolls at the opinions expressed by Scarlett and Kayla.

Madeleine playfully hit her friends' right arms, hearing that Lachlan and his friends had stopped in front of the sign. "Girlies, stop talking!" she whispered to her friends, noticing they had stopped chatting and were now focused on the boys' conversation. Without saying anything, she immediately began eavesdropping on Lachlan and the boys.

Aiden and Declan spoke in unison, their voices laced with anxiety. "I'm freaking out, man," they said, unaware that the girls were eavesdropping on their conversation. "I've got at least three hours of homework tonight."

Lachlan, Scott, and James responded in chorus, their surprise evident. "Really? You do?"

"Yeah, it's not funny," Aiden and Declan said angrily in unison as Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, Audrey, and Mackenzie continued to concentrate on the boys' chat. "I was planning to play the new Call of Duty game. That's because some teachers wouldn't let their students relax on the first day of school."

"We're all getting together to play the new Call of Duty multiplayer at Scott's house tomorrow," James said to his friends as the girls continued listening to the boys' conversation.

Scott took a sip of his tropical citrus-flavored Vitamin Water. "We're still on for that," he said with a smile. "After all, Fridays are the only days we don't have lacrosse practice."

"Of course," Lachlan nodded in understanding before changing the subject to something else. "So, boys, I'm gonna call Madeleine tomorrow night."

"What for?" Scott, James, Aiden, and Declan questioned in unison as the girls were now trying their best to listen to their discussion.

Lachlan stretched his neck, trying to ease the tension. "I'd like to ask the girls if they're free to hang out with us next Monday," he said, unaware the girls were listening to their conversation. "I'd like to get to know Madeleine better, and we don't have school that day."

James adjusted the straps of his backpack. "I'm sure they'll accept Lachlan's invitation," he replied loyally, oblivious to the eavesdropping.

"I want to talk to Scarlett more," Scott added, the girls continuing to listen in.

Declan nodded. "And I need to talk to Mackenzie some more," he agreed, equally unaware of the girls' presence.

Aiden shifted his light-grey JW Anderson monogrammed duffel bag and draped his arm around Declan. "I was going to ask Audrey to watch a movie at my place on Sunday, but I like Lachlan's idea better," he said.

Lachlan informed his friends, not knowing the girls were listening to their conversation. "While we're talking to the girls, I'm also asking Madeleine to the back-to-school dance."

Aiden crossed his toned arms over his chest and looked directly at Lachlan. "I've already decided that I'm asking Audrey to the dance as well," he added, unaware that the girls were listening.

As Scott fidgeted with the sleeves of his white Twenty Montreal marble-print sweatshirt, he said smoothly. "I'm asking Scarlett to the dance too."

"I'm requesting Mackenzie and Kayla to come to the dance with me," Declan and James nodded in unison as the girls continued to listen to the boys' discussion.

Lachlan checked the time on his newly upgraded blue iPhone 14, which he had retrieved from the left pocket of his ruby-red Serapian leather backpack. Seeing it was almost four o'clock, he tucked the phone into the left front pocket of his black Les Tien cashmere sweatpants. "Boys, lacrosse practice starts at four. We don't want to be late and get yelled at by the coach, so let's go now."

Madeleine squealed excitedly, clapping her manicured hands together. "I can't believe Lachlan is going to call me!"

Kayla nodded proudly, crossing her arms. "I can't wait for the video call," she said dramatically, gesturing to Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Audrey. "Especially when we're all there."

Scarlett carefully kept her designer handbag on her lap, making sure her tote didn't fall on the wet grass. "The boys are going to ask us to the dance," she added.

Audrey cocked her head, touching Scarlett's shoulder. "I wonder when the boys will have the courage to ask us during the call."

Mackenzie raised her perfectly waxed eyebrows. "We'll have to keep a straight face and pretend we don't know about their conversation today," she noted.

Madeleine smiled broadly and fingered her signature pearl necklace. "We'll have to make sure the boys don't discover we spied on them today," she said, glancing quickly at her friends. "So, let's hang out at Lala's place, besties."

"My house?" Kayla asked, looking surprised.

Madeleine nodded, crossing her arms. She shifted her weight from one knee to the other. "Yeah, we still need to rank everyone in our grade and post the 'loser list' on my account."

Scarlett, Audrey, and Mackenzie beamed at Madeleine. "Oh, Maddie, I completely forgot you have to post that list before today ends," they said happily.

Madeleine grinned and stood up from her crouch. "Come on, girls," she said with a smirk. "Nick's been waiting in the parking lot for the last twenty minutes. Let's go."

"Okay, Mads," Audrey, Scarlett, Kayla, and Mackenzie said in unison.

As Madeleine reached the car with her friends close behind, she opened the rear door on the driver's side and gracefully slid into the backseat. Settling between the driver and passenger seats, she placed her designer bag on her lap and glanced to her right.

After buckling her seatbelt, Madeleine noticed one of her friends had shut the door. Looking around, she saw the girls were all engrossed in their Instagram feeds. Sighing, she closed her eyes as Nick pulled out of the Crestview parking lot and headed toward Kayla's house. Sinking deeper into the plush leather seat, Madeleine remained still for the rest of the drive.

The Adams Estate

Kayla's Bedroom

5:56 P.M.

Thursday, September 5th

"How would you guys rank Jacqueline Everstone?" Madeleine asked her friends, staring at her iPhone's screen, and noticed that they'd already ranked most of their classmates. She then looked around Kayla's room and witnessed sunlight still pouring through her friend's bedroom windows.

Audrey recalled that Jacqueline was vying to usurp Madeleine's position, saying. "Maddie, I believe she's a four."

Sprawled across Kayla's bed, Scarlett glanced up from scrolling through Instagram on her iPhone. "She's a solid three on the loser list," she deadpanned, letting her phone fall into her lap.

Mackenzie reached for the bowl of Barbecue-flavored Lay's chips and grabbed a handful of chips. Mackenzie then popped them into her mouth. "Two," she cooed.

Propped up on her deep green and white neck pillows, Kayla looked directly at Madeleine. "That's one for me," she said immediately, knowing that Anna deserved this rating for challenging Madeleine's authority and thinking she could get away with it.

After taking a long sip of her Diet Coke, Madeleine read the next name on her list aloud to her friends. "Olivia Crawford."

Audrey cocked her head, a smug expression on her face. "I've already decided she's a 'neutral five' in my book," she mused. "I came to this conclusion because, while she was wearing a cute top today, it clashed horribly with her pants."

Mackenzie rested her head against Kayla's leg. "A five, huh?" she agreed.

"Definitely a five," Kayla murmured, relaxing back against the pillows and motioning for Audrey to pop a chip into her mouth, which she promptly began chewing.

"What about Tia Scott?" Madeleine asked, recalling that Tia was one of the girls vying for her social status.

Scarlett popped a handful of Lays chips into her mouth, her small grin betraying her amusement. "Four."

Kayla sighed and focused on Madeleine. "She deserves two spots on the loser list," she said mockingly, pushing her curls aside so they wouldn't spread across the pillows. "That top she wore today was hideous - you could probably see it from space."

Scarlett gazed out at Kayla's sunlit bedroom windows. "One," she added to Kayla's assessment. "Her makeup made her look like a clown."

Mackenzie's aquamarine eyes gleamed with arrogance, believing her family's wealth made her superior to Tia. "Two," she drawled.

"One," Audrey sneered as she felt Tia deserved the impending consequences.

Madeleine sat cross-legged on Kayla's bed, scrolling to the next name on her loser list. "How do you guys feel about Sofia Addison?" she inquired.

Grabbing a handful of Lays chips from the bowl on Kayla's green duvet, Audrey replied. "I've already decided Sofia is a solid five."

As she kept Mackenzie's blonde head resting on her thigh, Kayla said snarkily. "I think a four is okay for her, Mads."

Mackenzie crossed her ankles, preventing her dress from riding up her slender legs. She grabbed some chips from the bowl and popped them into her mouth with grace. "Three," she said dramatically, disliking that Madeleine feared this girl would usurp her social standing.

Scarlett took several refreshing sips of her Diet Coke and noted. "In my opinion, Sofia's a four," she said, observing Madeleine typing their suggestions onto a document on her iPhone.

"So, my pretties, what are your thoughts on Hannah Copeland?" Madeleine asked as she scrolled to the next name on her list.

Shifting comfortably in her seat, Scarlett ate several handfuls of chips. "Um, I think she's a two," she responded.

"Okay then, Maddie," Mackenzie nodded, giving Madeleine a puzzled look. "She's still a one in my eyes."

Kayla grabbed her lukewarm Diet Coke from the nightstand and popped the top. After taking a long sip, she dropped the can back down, chuckling evilly. "Two," she said.

Audrey grinned wickedly and drank half her Diet Coke, feeling the caffeine. "One," she declared.

Madeleine impatiently brushed the hair from her eyes before scrolling to the next name on her "loser list." "Molly Nolon?" she muttered, already planning how to publicly humiliate her and her friends at lunch tomorrow.

Mackenzie glanced at Scarlett, who was absorbed in her phone. "Zero," she declared dramatically, moving away from Kayla's side.

Scarlett looked up coyly. "She's a solid one," she said, smoothing her romper. "Her face is covered in zits the size of pennies."

"Agreed," Kayla chimed in, though she disliked discussing the girl. "I saw her lumbering down the hallway like a toad earlier."

Audrey snickered at Kayla's assessment, then stretched her arms. "Put me down for a one as well," she added.

With a relieved nod, Madeleine glanced at the ranking list she had compiled on her iPhone, pleased that they had rated every student in their grade. Confident in their assessments, she switched to the Instagram app and quickly posted the list, curious to see how her classmates would react. Powering off her phone, Madeleine turned to her friends and announced, "We're done ranking everyone. I just shared the list on my Instagram."

Catherine's voice crackled over the intercom, startling the girls. "Kayla, your friends' drivers are ready. Tell them to come downstairs now."

Kayla watched as her friends slowly began gathering their things to leave her house. "Alright, Mom," she said quickly. "I'll see you all later."

Mackenzie stood up, carefully holding her dress away from the crumbs on the floor as she crossed the room. She brushed the crumbs into Kayla's wastebasket, then slipped her pedicured feet into her Prada espadrilles and grabbed her designer handbag from the couch. With a final wave, Mackenzie headed out. "Bye, guys!"

"Well, obviously," Audrey said, hopping off the bed to pull on her boots. She grabbed her hobo bag from the desk chair and made her way to the door. "Later, pretties!"

Scarlett noticed Audrey had already left and quickly grabbed her phone, slipped on her sandals, and followed suit. "Um, see you later, besties!"

Madeleine leaped up from the bed, flashing Kayla a dazzling smile as she tucked her phone into her purse. "I'll text you later, Kay," she said, shoving her feet into her wedges and snatching her tote from the nightstand before sauntering out of the room.

Kayla surveyed the mess they had left behind as soon as her friends left. Jumping off her bed, she swiftly picked up her discarded boots and tossed them into the closet. With a sigh, she grabbed the half-empty chip bowl from her bed and placed it outside her door for Juanita to clean up.

Closing her bedroom door, Kayla inspected her duvet, relieved to find no crumbs. She smoothed her manicured hands over the wrinkle-free fabric, then collected the open Diet Coke cans from her nightstand. Mindful of her designer dress, she carried the lukewarm drinks to the all-white bathroom.

At the marble vanity, Kayla poured the soda down the sink drain, knowing the sticky residue would attract ants. After rinsing the sink, she returned to her room, tossing the empty cans into the chip bowl for Juanita. Resigned, Kayla climbed back into her neatly made bed, resting her blonde head on a neck roll pillow before drifting off for a nap until dinner tonight.

The Wilson Estate

Scarlett's Bedroom

9:19 P.M.

Thursday, September 5th

Scarlett lay across her chaise lounge, slowly chewing the last handful of buttery popcorn as she watched TV. Fixing the straps of her emerald-green In Bloom by Jonquil lace-trimmed camisole, she dropped the small glass bowl on the table, leaving it for Elsa to clean up. When she sat up straighter, Scarlett heard a knock on her bedroom door after turning off the TV.

"Princess, may I come inside?" Harold, Scarlett's dad, asked.

Scarlett turned off the TV. "Of course, Dad," she replied immediately.

Harold entered his daughter's bedroom and sat on her bed. "Angel, I've been searching for you everywhere," he said tenderly, crossing his toned arms. "Then, I remembered you'd be in your room."

"Why were you looking for me?" Scarlett asked, arching her perfectly waxed, icy-blonde eyebrows.

"I wanted to ask my beautiful daughter about her day," Harold responded with a small smile. "And princess, I need your help with something."

Scarlett tugged at the waistband of her silky, emerald-green In Bloom by Jonquil shorts. "School feels so long during the day. Afterward, I hung out with my friends."

Harold beamed and tilted his head. "Okay, sweetie," he said warmly, his deep voice resonating. "I need to keep your mom distracted while I plan our tenth wedding anniversary next Saturday. She always senses when I'm hiding something."

"Great!" Scarlett exclaimed, bouncing excitedly. "Daddy, you should order Mom a custom necklace and earring set from the family's jeweler. Make it really romantic like the other anniversaries."

"I was already planning that," Harold nodded, crossing his legs.

Scarlett picked at a hole in her black-and-emerald green Ralph Lauren sock. "Daddy, where's Mom right now?" she asked, changing the subject.

Harold smoothed the front of his favorite black Versace silk bathrobe, which he wore over a pair of cream Ralph Lauren silk monogrammed pajamas. "She left with her friends about two hours ago," he said brightly. "Before your mom left, she told me she wouldn't be back until 1 a.m. And she said you should be in bed by 10 tonight."

Scarlett glanced at her Apple watch, noting it was almost 9:30 p.m. "Okay, I'm going to scroll through social media for a bit before bed. Good night, Daddy!"

"Alright, princess," Harold replied excitedly as he stood up, waved goodbye to Scarlett, and left her bedroom. "I'll see you tomorrow when we have breakfast together."

Noticing that her dad had left, Scarlett swung her legs off the chaise and stood up, careful not to bang her shins on the coffee table. She scrutinized the mannequin, which was dressed in a bright red and cream striped Rag & Bone blazer, a cream Alice + Olivia crochet shift dress, cream Valentino espadrilles, a red Kate Spade satchel, her pearl charm bracelet, and gold Tory Burch pearl drop earrings.

Loving the outfit for school, Scarlett had moved her school supplies and beauty items from her Tory Burch tote to the Kate Spade bag. Feeling calm, she removed her Apple watch and placed it on the nightstand, then closed the curtains with a remote.

Checking her flawless reflection in the mirror, Scarlett let her hair down and then collapsed face-first onto her bed, sighing deeply. Grabbing her phone, she saw that her cousin Sophia had posted first-day-of-school photos. Deciding to call Sophia for advice, Scarlett put in her AirPods and placed the call.

Sophia greeted her cousin Scarlett warmly, sounding excited. "Hey, Scar! I just got the notification that you liked the pictures I posted today."

Scarlett faced forward on her bed with her AirPods in. "Yeah, you and your friends looked very beautiful in your first-day-of-school outfits," she commented. "How was school today?"

"It was rough," Sophia admitted, her voice filled with anxiety. "My teachers swamped me with homework. I understand junior year is tougher than sophomore year, with all my AP classes." She paused and then asked. "What about you, Scar? How was your day?"

Scarlett sat up and hugged her knees. "It was okay. But I need some advice about a situation my friend Maddie is going through."

Sophia sounded concerned. "What happened?"

After gathering her thoughts, Scarlett explained. "These girls are coming after Maddie because she was chosen as the successor for our school's sixth-grade throne. They're jealous that Avery and Lindsey didn't choose them instead. Plus, Maddie was picked from the list of legacies."

Sophia's voice dripped with contempt. "Those girls should feel honored to be in the presence of your friend. They should fear Maddie, not love her."

Scarlett nodded, her left AirPod pressing against her ear as she rolled over. "Maddie is delivering judgment on them tomorrow, Soph."

Sophia's tone suddenly became excited. "That's great, Scar. Can you hold on a second?"

Scarlett pressed her face against the duvet, absentmindedly moving her charging case aside. "Yeah, I can hold for a second," she said softly, hearing Sophia speaking to her mother in the background. Moments later, Scarlett learned her cousin was ready to continue their conversation.

"Scar, I'm afraid I'll have to take a rain check," Sophia informed her. "My mom needs me for something, and the housekeeper can handle it."

Scarlett settled back onto her bed and pouted. "Alright, then I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Bye, Scar!" Sophia grinned before ending the call.

Scarlett removed her AirPods, stowed them in their case, and placed the case on her nightstand. Checking her iPhone's battery level, she saw it was half-full, ensuring her alarm would wake her as scheduled. She then enabled Do Not Disturb to avoid disruptions until morning, glancing at the time - nearly 9:45 PM.

Scarlett took a deep breath, exhaled, and dropped her cell phone on the nightstand without getting up from her bed. She then crawled under her duvet, clapped her manicured hands to turn off the lights, and slipped her sleep mask over her eyes, snuggling under the duvet. A short time later, Scarlett closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Kiosk

7:43 A.M.

Friday, September 6th

Scarlett hummed softly, pausing to sip her iced white chocolate mocha. Feeling her classmates' eyes on her, she knew they had all seen the loser list on Madeleine's Instagram page. Hoping her classmates wouldn't gather the courage to approach her, Scarlett took a calming breath and crossed her slender legs. As she waited for her friends, she blew strands of her icy-blonde, straightened hair from her icy-blue eyes, and stared at the table. Relieved that she had already ordered her friends' coffee drinks, Scarlett felt better about claiming a table near the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf kiosk, sighing deeply. Moments later, she looked up and saw her friends heading her way. Straightening her posture and squaring her shoulders, Scarlett greeted them with a smile. "Hey, girlies!"

Madeleine slid into the head seat and hung her white leather Aphrodite hobo bag on the back of her chair. "Hey, Scar," she greeted her friend.

Kayla settled into the seat beside Scarlett, taking several sips of her iced vanilla chai latte. "Hi, Lett," she said warmly.

A wide grin spread across Mackenzie's face as she plopped down on the empty chair beside Madeleine. "Hello, Lottie," she said.

Audrey's signature Valentino perfume wafted through the air as she grabbed the seat beside Mackenzie, taking a long sip of her iced hazelnut latte. "Hey, Lele, what's up?" she asked.

Scarlett smoothed the front of her cream Alice + Olivia crochet shift dress. "Nothing much," she responded with a chuckle. "Except I've been feeling the eyes of our classmates on me. They must have seen the 'loser list' on Maddie's Instagram page."

Kayla arched a perfectly waxed wheat-blonde eyebrow in Scarlett's direction. "After all, they should know their place on the sixth-grade social ladder," she added condescendingly.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at Kayla's statement. "Whatever."

"When I was entering the school, Olivia approached me," Mackenzie finally said, keeping the subject going. She checked the backs of her flawless diamond stud earrings. "She's hysterical about her ranking on the 'loser list', especially since she believes she should have been rated higher."

Audrey shot her friends a sardonic half-smile before taking another long sip of her latte. "Oh, that's so pitiful," she said mockingly, reveling in Olivia's misfortune. "But she has to understand that I have the right to make the list however I want."

Scarlett nodded and discreetly scanned the cafeteria. Students sat at the surrounding tables, sipping iced coffee and clutching notebooks. "Oh, yeah," she agreed, smoothly changing the subject. "I spotted Jacqueline Everstone wearing the same Miu Miu wedges Mads had on yesterday."

Madeleine snorted loudly, rolling her emerald eyes. She then smoothed the front of her purple Shoshanna frill-trimmed minidress before resting her arms on the table. "Ugh, she's such a loser. But now I have to worry about Jacqueline copying my style."

Kayla reassured Maddie, brushing imaginary lint off her monogrammed Balmain straight-leg jeans. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Audrey spoke sweetly, flashing a mischievous smile. "We all know Jacqueline is getting her comeuppance today." She leaned back, crossing her arms.

Mackenzie nodded in agreement, sipping her iced caramel macchiato. "Her friends will be joining her soon," she added, her voice laced with malice.

Scarlett pulled her iPhone from her bright-red Kate Spade satchel. "Besties, I have some blackmail to share," she replied, dropping her phone on the table. "It's about Molly Nolan."

Madeleine eyed her black-and-white Sam Edelman ballet flats momentarily before speaking to Scarlett. "Scar, I thought you would have kept that to yourself," she said, raising a perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrow. "It'll make it easier for her to do what you want."

Scarlett rolled her eyes before taking dainty sips of her caffè mocha. "Maddy, you can use this information against Molly and her friends," she told her friend, noting that Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey eagerly listened to the gossip.

Madeleine leaned back in her chair, her manicured hands folded on the table. Sensing that Scarlett was ready to share some information, she said. "Alright then, Lett. Go ahead and share the information with us."

Scarlett leaned back, resting her chin on her laced fingers, relaying the news one of her spies had uncovered. "Apparently, Molly used to snack on dog biscuits over the summer. But that ended when one of her old friends posted a video of her indulging on TikTok. The clip went viral, and Molly faced intense public backlash for the next three weeks."

Madeleine's wicked smile accompanied by her shoulders rolling back and proclaimed. "Now, Lottie, that's some good information to use against them."

Audrey's cerulean-blue gaze shifted to Scarlett, who was intently focused on her phone. "Maddie, you can use this against her," she said with a cruel laugh, reveling in the misfortune of Molly.

Kayla retrieved her medium baby-green Milly makeup bag from her hunter-green Marc Jacobs suede backpack. She opened the bag, grabbed a black Red Bliss waterproof mascara, and applied several coats to her lashes. "Molly tried to sweet-talk me when I was alone in the bathroom," she admitted, noticing her friends were watching. "I think she's trying to get me to understand her perspective."

Mackenzie sipped her macchiato, wondering what Molly had told Kayla when they weren't present. "Kay, what did she say to you?" she asked.

Kayla straightened the collar of her hunter-green Balmain double-breasted blazer before taking a few sips of her latte. "She said I should cut my friendship with you guys. But, I agree Lindsey, Mads, and Avery should include scholarship kids to the Prescott Queen system."

Madeleine set down her iced vanilla latte and rested her elbow on the chair, trying to calm down. "That's never going to happen in this school," she said firmly. "Not even if pigs started falling from the sky."

Scarlett snickered and crossed her arms defensively. "Yeah, Mads," she said, absentmindedly touching her signature pearl charm bracelet. "Molly needs to understand that she can't tell Kaila what to do."

Audrey smoothed the hem of her multicolored St. John tweed skirt and exclaimed. "I can't believe she has the nerve to talk to Kalia."

After Audrey's statement, Mackenzie giggled softly and smoothed her light-yellow Splendid eyelet halter dress. "Or the fact that she tried to get her to end her friendship with us," she added.

Kayla fidgeted with her pearl bracelet, her friends stunned by Molly's behavior. "After her comments, I told her to leave and made it clear the Prescott Queen system doesn't accept scholarship students," she said angrily. "I also told Molly that Maddie knows she and her friends are trying to take her place. Molly just laughed and said nothing would happen to her."

Madeleine's eyes narrowed with fury when she learned that Molly showed no fear of her. "Oh, really," she replied flatly, determined to make an example of Molly and her friends. "That just gives me more reason to ensure Molly, Tia Scott, Sofia Addison, and Jacqueline Everstone never rise through the sixth-grade social hierarchy."

Scarlett's wicked smirk betrayed her delight, responding. "Of course, Maddie."

Mackenzie and Kayla eagerly sipped their iced coffees, their faces lit with anticipation. "We can't wait for Maddy to humiliate them!" they exclaimed.

After taking a sip of her latte, Audrey brushed some lint off her matching St. John tweed top. "Everything's going to stay the same," she assured Madeleine, swiftly changing the subject before the group could continue ranting about Molly and her friends. "Lacey Montgomery invited me to her garden party on September 22nd - she gave me five invites. I've already decided we're going because we need more content for our Instagram pages now that the entire seventh and eighth grades are following us."

Madeleine nodded at Addie, her long, silky honey-blonde waves catching her eye. Noticing her oily hair, she made a mental note to schedule an appointment at Maxwell's salon soon. Madeleine sipped half her latte, feeling the caffeine kick in. "I can't wait for the party," she said.

Kayla took several sips of her latte before leaning back in her chair. "Me too," she replied cheerfully, agreeing with Madeleine. Kayla glanced at Mackenzie and Kayla, noting that they also planned to attend Lacey's party. "By the way, did you hear about Lachlan and his friends? Their first lacrosse game is next Wednesday afternoon after school. Are we going to support them at the game?"

With a proud smile, Mackenzie gulped down her macchiato. "Yeah, I wanted to see Declan," she admitted unapologetically. "I planned to go to the game and find a way for him to ask me to the dance."

Audrey finished her latte and cooed. "I've already put the time in my iPhone's calendar," she added. "Now I'm just waiting for Aiden to ask me to the dance."

Between sips of her mocha, Scarlett toyed with her gold Tory Burch pearl drop earrings. "Yeah," she said quickly, "Molly and her friends are after the boys. They need to understand those guys are off-limits to her."

Madeleine shot her friends a half-smirk as she eyed them over her latte. "Scar, I get what you're saying," she mused.

The bell's ring interrupted Scarlett's response to Madeleine, signaling that first period would start in ten minutes. Turning her attention back to the group, Scarlett noticed Mackenzie was about to address the others.

Mackenzie gulped down the last of her macchiato, then rose from her seat, pushing her chair back with a scrape. "I've got to get to my English class now," she told her friends, giving them a quick hug before slinging her large, classic white lambskin Chanel handbag over her shoulder and heading toward the cafeteria doors. "So, I'll probably text you guys later," she said.

Audrey stood as Mackenzie left, grabbing her mini leather white Rebecca Minkoff tote. Idly swirling the ice cubes in her latte, she strutted after Mackenzie toward the cafeteria doors. "Gotta go," she said. "I have to use the bathroom before heading to class."

Kayla carelessly slung her large brown monogrammed Fendi tote over her elbow. "See you guys later," she said.

As Kayla left, Madeleine quickly rose from her seat, grabbed her hobo bag, and gave Scarlett a brief hug. "Later, Lett!" she added.

Scarlett watched as Madeleine simply strolled out of the cafeteria, accepting her friend's departure. Lowering her gaze, Scarlett slipped her iPhone into her designer handbag and stood up, leaving her half-finished coffee for the staff to clear. Throwing her purse over her shoulder, she headed toward the exit.

Sashaying into the crowded first-floor hallway, Scarlett quickened her pace, her face set in a stony expression. All that mattered was avoiding tardiness and the deduction of points in her first-period class. Around her, students shuffled to their classes.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Art Class

8:39 A.M.

Friday, September 6th

Audrey hurried into the classroom, nine minutes late for her first-period class. She had stopped to use the bathroom, and now she downed the last of her latte. Tossing the empty coffee cup into the trash, she sensed the class watching her enviously. Audrey met the gaze of her teacher, Mr. Jerome, who was checking his watch. Squaring her shoulders, Audrey prepared to hear what Mr. Jerome had to say.

With a stoic expression, Mr. Jerome crossed his skinny arms over his paint-splattered smock and addressed Audrey. "Hello, Miss Webster. May I ask why you're late to class?"

"Sorry, Mr. Jerome," Audrey said truthfully, adjusting her tote on her right arm. "I had to use the bathroom."

With a stoic expression, Mr. Jerome warned. "Miss Webster, if you have another tardy on your attendance, I will call your parents and schedule a meeting with them."

Audrey rolled her eyes dismissively, unconcerned that her teacher might witness her disregard. She muttered. "Whatever."

Mr. Jerome gestured to the back of the room. "Audrey, would you please take your regular seat by the window?" he requested. "I'd be most grateful."

Audrey silently weaved through the maze of easels and stools, noticing her fellow sixth-graders moving aside. Reaching her usual spot, she dropped her designer handbag on the classroom's windowsill and turned to the easel before her. Grabbing a paintbrush, Audrey watched as her teacher, Mr. Jerome, prepared to address the class. She listened intently as he began speaking.

Mr. Jerome approached the central podium, whisking off its white sheet to unveil a bowl of sliced avocados. "Alright, class, your materials are ready," he announced, spraying the avocados to preserve their freshness. "You have thirty minutes to paint this still life. Begin now."

Audrey let out a heavy sigh as she watched Mr. Jerome stride toward his desk at the front of the class. Turning her attention back to her easel, she dipped her brush into some green paint and meticulously captured the shapes of the bowl and avocados on her small canvas. Determined to ace this painting assignment, which would significantly impact her grade, Audrey began filling in the bowl.

Reaching for a cleaning dish nearby, she mixed yellow and green paints, then carefully filled in the pear-like forms of the avocados. Admiring her ability to recreate the golden-green hues of the avocado flesh, Audrey continued layering the colors to refine the shapes. Just as she was about to add the avocado pits, her purse suddenly buzzed, causing her to accidentally drop her paintbrush onto the easel's crossbar.

Quickly shielding her iPhone with her petite frame, Audrey discreetly retrieved it from her tote. Scrolling through her notifications, she saw a text from her friend Mackenzie and immediately unlocked her phone to read the message. Audrey took a deep breath before checking the content of the text.

Mackenzie: Addie, I urgently need your assistance to address this crisis.

Audrey's fingers trembled over her phone's keyboard as she processed the shocking message from her friend Mackenzie. After a moment's hesitation, Audrey composed a swift reply.

Audrey: Mack, what's going on?

Audrey discreetly glanced over her shoulder, catching her teacher assisting a student with their incomplete work. Redirecting her focus, Audrey checked her iPhone and found a brief response from Mackenzie to her previous message.

Mackenzie: According to one of my informants, Nikki Reeds has been secretly blackmailing people, coercing them to comply with her demands.

Audrey's eyes widened in disbelief as she read Mackenzie's text message. After a moment of contemplation, the words she wanted to say came to her, and she quickly typed out a reply to send back.

Audrey: Kenzie, how is this happening? Aren't you the one who usually collects all the gossip and secrets around here?

Audrey bit her lower lip as she glanced over her shoulder, noticing Mr. Jerome gently polishing one of the model avocados with his sleeve. With a sigh, she looked down at her phone and read her friend's message.

Mackenzie: Yeah. My territory has been encroached upon, and I have a strategy to address the situation. However, I would appreciate your input on my plan before finalizing it and involving our friends.

Audrey tapped her baby-pink nails against her Versace phone case as she glanced up at the classroom ceiling for several moments before texting her friend back.

Audrey: Manzie, please explain your plan to me.

Audrey grinned to herself, intrigued by Mackenzie's seemingly brilliant plan to handle Nikki Reeds. Struggling to contain her excitement, Audrey hunched over her iPhone, shielding the screen from the view of Mr. Jerome with her petite frame.

Mackenzie: I'll create a fake Instagram account and talk to her for a few weeks. As soon as I know her deepest secrets, I'll post them on the internet for the world to see.

Audrey gleefully imagined Nikki's spectacular downfall after learning of Mackenzie's scheme. Chuckling to herself, she quickly replied to her friend's text message.

Audrey: Kenzie, that's an excellent idea. Be sure to fill in Maddie, Scar, and Kay so they're all on the same page and don't feel excluded. I need to get back to working on my painting for class credit, but I'll catch up with you at lunch later.

Mackenzie: Addie, I'll fill in the others on my plan. Let's meet at lunch later.

Feeling delighted that Mackenzie had informed their friends of her scheme, Audrey glanced at the time on her iPhone and realized she had been texting Mackenzie for the past 18 minutes. Recognizing she had only 11 minutes left to finish her painting, she quickly stashed her phone in her designer handbag and grabbed her paintbrush. Dipping it into the nearby cleaning dish, she swirled the brush and knocked it against the sides.

Picking up the brown paint, Audrey realistically painted the pits of the avocados in the still-life. By the time she finished filling in the bowl shape, she stepped back and examined the painting intently. Satisfied she had completed the work, she finally rinsed her brush in the cleaning dish and leaned against the window sill.

Careful not to press her body against her purse, Audrey tapped her white Reiss espadrille-clad foot on the waxed floor as she glanced at the classroom clock. Seeing there were 15 minutes left in the period, she sighed, retrieved her iPhone, and reviewed the text conversation with Mackenzie. Amused by her friend's devious scheme to deal with Nikki Reeds, Audrey smirked and turned off her phone, returning it to her purse.

Gathering her long, silky platinum-blonde waves, Audrey pulled out the latest issue of French Elle from her tote. She became equally engrossed in the glossy pages - the French models and an interview with the up-and-coming fashion designer Colette Dyer. Flipping through, she paused on an article about Hope Logan's struggle to break into the modeling industry, then folded the corner of page 65, deciding to finish reading later. Closing the magazine, she returned it to her purse and glanced back at the classroom clock.

Perceiving that the bell would ring in four minutes, Audrey glanced at her teacher, Mr. Jerome, and noticed he wanted to address the class. Focusing her attention, she listened as he spoke from the front of the room.

"Okay, students, leave your paintings on the easels," Mr. Jerome instructed. "I'll grade them after school ends today. I also require you to write a two-page essay about still life and email it to me."

Nodding, Audrey made a mental note to start the essay on Sunday before hearing the bell. Knowing her first period was over, she grabbed her bag and headed for the door, keeping her face neutral as her classmates moved aside. Without making eye contact, Audrey proceeded directly to her next class.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Third-Floor Bathroom

10:35 A.M.

Friday, September 6th

Madeleine glided down the silent third-floor hallway, her heart racing with excitement at the prospect of speaking with Lindsey and Avery. Turning left, she paused in front of the bathroom door, rolling her shoulders back to compose herself. Sucking in a deep breath, Madeleine tried to calm her nerves as she was about to approach her fellow Prescott Queens soon.

With her breathing under control, Madeleine triple-checked her flawless ensemble in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she plucked her compact from her purse, ensuring her natural makeup remained pristine. Dropping the compact back into her designer handbag, Madeleine strutted into the bathroom with confidence. However, her self-assurance quickly faded as she realized Lindsey and Avery were simply chatting about the solo selfies they had posted on Instagram.

"Hey, guys," Madeleine said, grinning from ear to ear as she dropped her purse on the bathroom counter.

Lindsey glanced over her shoulder, adjusting her grey leather Aphrodite headband. "Hi, M," she replied.

Perched on the counter, Avery crossed her slender legs, then ran her manicured fingers through her perfectly blow-dried dirty blonde hair. "Hey, Madeleine," she chirped.

Madeleine admired her dress in the bathroom mirror. "Um, why are we meeting in the bathroom?" she asked a bit snarkily, not looking away from her reflection.

Lindsey's tone suddenly turned serious. "We need to have a queen council meeting now. A, it's time the losers of our school understand this bathroom is off-limits to them."

Avery nodded and jumped off the counter. She pulled a blank sheet of lined paper from her quilted burgundy Chanel leather shoulder bag and scribbled "Out of Order" on it. Avery then stuck the paper outside the bathroom door before returning to the other girls. "I'm pretty sure the losers got the message," she said.

Lindsey nodded in acknowledgment of Avery's statement before crossing her slender legs. "This meeting is now in session," she declared, punctuating her words with an imaginary gavel. "A, you may begin."

Avery swept her hair to the side, planting manicured hands on her hips. "It seems Devan Burke has been flirting with Maddox," she spat angrily, clearly irritated at the thought. "I need a strategy to deal with her."

Madeleine's tone carried a malicious edge. "I might have an idea to handle Devan," she suggested, noticing Lindsey and Avery's attention was now on her. "You should post a humiliating Instagram post about Devan. That would make it clear that Maddox is off-limits. This would effectively relegate her to the bottom of the seventh-grade social ladder."

Avery gazed at Madeleine with a look of approval. "I can see now why Lindsey and I selected you," she said.

Madeleine bowed graciously in response to Avery's praise, then paused to admire her freshly painted deep purple nails - a change from her previous lilac and white manicure. "Thank you, I really appreciate it," she said, smiling.

Lindsey cleared her throat loudly. "Well, A, isn't there anything else you wish to report to the council?" she stated, punctuating her words with an imaginary gavel bang.

Avery's sea-green eyes shifted from Madeleine to Lindsey. "I was wondering if you all would like to throw a party together," she proposed, subtly adjusting her fitted white Ralph Lauren polo to accentuate her cleavage.

"Awesome idea, Avery!" Madeleine exclaimed, squaring her shoulders. "We can hire Vanessa to plan the party for us."

Lindsey retrieved her wide, monarch-orange Ralph Lauren leather satchel from the bathroom's black-and-white-checkered floor, plucked her iPhone from her purse, and dropped the designer bag on the counter. "Oh, we should throw a house party next Friday," she laughed.

Avery leaned against the bathroom wall, informing Lindsey. "The Back to School dance is scheduled for that day. We still need to finalize some details with our friends. After all, they're the only members of the social club."

Madeleine paused to comb her fingers through her curls while studying her reflection in the bathroom mirror. "Wait a minute," she interrupted. "Isn't Lindsey the president of the social club?"

Avery chewed on her lip. "Yeah, Maddie. Lindsey developed this idea since she wanted to exclude the unpopular students from joining."

Madeleine nodded in understanding before sitting on the counter and crossing her legs. "Alright then, can I join the club?"

Lindsey grinned at Madeleine. "Um, M, you're already part of the club, especially since you're our successor. And your friends are members too."

Madeleine crossed her arms. "Great, so can we get back to choosing a date for the party?"

Avery tapped her burgundy-painted nails on the counter. "We could have a killer party on September 14th," she recommended.

Lindsey quickly entered the details into the calendar on her iPhone. "Oh, that would be a perfect date," she agreed.

Madeleine leaned against the mirror and spoke softly, "That's a little too close for me. I have a prior commitment this coming weekend. On September 15th, Scar and I are attending our ex-best friend's pool party with our friends. And we know the school dance is on September 13th. I'd like a little break between those days."

Lindsey updated the party details in her phone's calendar app and declared. "We'll change the party date to September twenty-first. And we'll host it at my place."

Avery stepped back from the wall, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Perfect," she declared.

Lindsey examined her grey-painted nails. "Is there anything else you all need to report to the council?" she asked the group, her tone turning serious.

Madeleine suddenly remembered the group chat with her friends and raised her left arm. "I have an important report for the council," she announced. "Nikki Reeds is trying to usurp Mackenzie's title as the Queen of Gossip and Secrets, which is bothering my friend."

Lindsey tossed her glossy, cocoa-colored curls over her shoulder. "How's your friend going to handle that?" she asked, dropping her iPhone on her lap.

Madeleine's tone was light and breezy. "Kenzie has been gathering gossip and secrets from her school spies. This girl has been using the information to blackmail people into doing her bidding. Meanwhile, Mack has a plan to deal with Nikki, but she's concerned about getting in trouble with the headmistress."

Avery glanced at Madeleine and said reassuringly. "Don't worry. The headmistress won't try anything since our parents recommended hiring her. Plus, our parents are major contributors to the volunteer boards and committees, so she'll do whatever it takes to keep her job, especially when they could make life miserable for her in Westchester."

Lindsey ran her nails over her cropped, light-wash AG straight jeans, then added triumphantly, "So, M, you just need to manage the balance of being loved and feared at the same time. Our classmates gave us cruel nicknames, but they knew they were at the bottom of the social ladder. I've been called the Queen of Mean behind my back, but it doesn't bother me."

Avery carefully sat on the counter and rested her manicured left hand on Madeleine's right shoulder. "Yeah, everyone at school calls me the She-devil," she said after Lindsey's statement. "But that lets people know I'm not someone to mess with."

Madeleine nodded, understanding that a nickname would eventually arise for her. "All right," she replied flatly, staring down at her flats for a few seconds before shifting into a more comfortable position on the counter.

Lindsey suddenly spoke up, touching the collar of her grey leather IRO biker jacket. "So, is there anything else you wish to broadcast to the council?"

Madeleine raised an amused, honey-blonde eyebrow at Avery and Lindsey. "As a matter of fact, I was waiting to report something else to the council," she said breezily. "I'd like to invite you all over to my house next Thursday. Linds and Aves, please tell your friends, your boyfriends, and your boyfriends' friends to come as well, since I'm inviting Lachlan and his friends too."

Lindsey fidgeted with the dainty pearl rings on her left, manicured hand. "Wow, that's awesome," she added. "I'll be sure to come over to your house with the other A-listers."

Avery agreed with a snicker as she sipped some Fiji water she had bought. "Same," she said.

Madeleine grinned widely and clapped her manicured hands together. "Cool," she said. "So, you guys should just bring a bathing suit and a change of clothes."

Lindsey tugged at the strap of her white, ruched camisole top, replying. "Can do."

Avery offered Lindsey and Madeleine a half-hearted smile. "Understood," she replied. Moments later, Avery heard the bathroom door open and shifted her gaze away from the girls. As a nerdy sixth-grader entered her line of sight, Avery muttered to her fellow queens. "Loser alert!"

Madeleine glared at the girl, who had failed to notice the "Occupied" sign on the bathroom door. She marched over and confronted the intruder. "Excuse me," Madeleine said icily. "The bathroom is still in use by the Queens of the school."

Trembling under Madeleine's gaze, the girl apologized. "I'm so sorry. I had to use the restroom and couldn't wait for you all to finish."

Madeleine tossed her wavy hair over her shoulders, her imposing demeanor unsettling the girl. "What's your name?" she demanded.

"I'm Maisy Martin," the girl replied hastily, puzzled by the sixth-grade Queen's interest in her name.

Madeleine spoke harshly, glaring at Maisy. "You need to go somewhere else to use the bathroom," she said bluntly. A few moments later, Madeleine recalled that Maisy had invited her and her friends to her birthday party. "In other words, get out!"

Lindsey studied Maisy intently, noticing her unfashionable outfit and bare face. "Maisy, this incident could spread through the school," she chimed in, her piercing grey eyes radiating disdain. "People might start to wonder why they should be afraid of us. Then the unpopular students could try to rebel."

Avery approached Madeleine, placing her manicured left hand on her fellow Queen's shoulder. "Maisy, do us a favor and leave the bathroom right now," she said sternly.

Maisy's eyes widened for a few seconds before she responded. "Fine," she said, recalling that she had invited Madeleine and her court to her birthday party. Maisy wondered if she could uninvite them, but then realized that doing so would likely mean she'd never be invited to their parties again. "But you don't have to be rude to everyone at school."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Maisy's comment. "Whatever," she muttered, noticing that Avery and Lindsey were still glaring at Maisy. "They should realize the hierarchy is there for a reason."

"I understand," Maisy responded quietly. She then headed straight for the bedroom door.

Avery heard the bathroom door close behind Maisy. "Did you guys smell her disgusting body odor?" she questioned with a sneer. "It's revolting."

Lindsey smiled wickedly at Madeleine. "Well, yeah, obviously. I heard you're going to judge some losers in your grade, anyway."

Madeleine arched her perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrows and responded icily. "They want you to strip me of my title as the sixth-grade Queen and include scholarship kids in the Prescott Queen system."

Lindsey shot Madeleine a sympathetic smile and said in a regal tone. "M, you needn't worry. We would never strip you of your title as the sixth-grade Queen. However, you should make them understand that they'll face social stigma for challenging your reign."

Avery observed Madeleine beaming with praise from Lindsey and chimed in eagerly. "Madeleine, this is going to be perfect!"

Madeleine cocked her perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrows at Avery and Lindsey. "I think–" she stopped mid-sentence.

The piercing bell's shrill ring signaled the end of third period, prompting the girls to gather their belongings and spill into the empty third-floor hallway as their classroom doors opened.

"Well, M, I can't wait for the major humiliation at lunch today," Lindsey said excitedly, dropping her iPhone into her purse. She gave her fellow "Queens" goodbye hugs and headed out of the bathroom. "Bye, guys."

Avery blew a kiss at Madeleine, grabbed her designer handbag, and sauntered out of the bathroom. "Later, Madeleine!" she called over her shoulder.

As the bathroom door swung shut, Madeleine stepped towards the mirror, admiring her carefully curated outfit. Fluffing her curls, she wondered if she could maintain a stoic expression as she delivered judgment on the girls trying to usurp her social throne. Deciding they deserved whatever was coming, she let out a sigh of relief and applied another coat of raspberry-flavored Pretty & Perfect lip gloss. Shoulders back, Madeleine sashayed out of the bathroom and towards her fourth-period class.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Cafeteria

12:31 P.M.

Friday, September 6th

Madeleine's voice rang out across the cafeteria, commanding attention. She punctuated her words with a firm stomp of her flats on the tabletop, ensuring the entire room was focused on her. "Tia Scott, Sofia Addison, Molly Nolan, and Jacqueline Everstone - I need you to come stand before me."

Madeleine scanned the crowd, her eyes narrowing at the group of girls who had provoked her anger. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw her friends' faces etched with the same fury. Smiling wickedly, she turned to face the girls now standing before her and her friends.

With a regal air, Madeleine stepped down from the table, her manicured hands coming to rest firmly on her hips. "I have a few questions for you," she declared, her tone brooking no argument. "And I expect prompt answers."

"What questions?" Tia asked, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. She knew that Madeleine had uncovered their plans to usurp her throne before exchanging furtive glances with Jacqueline, Molly, and Sofia.

Madeleine's voice dripped with derision, sneering. "Did you really think I wouldn't discover your plans to usurp my throne? And do you take me for a fool to leave my throne unguarded for a bunch of incompetents?"

Molly's voice trembled, realizing Kayla had likely told her friends about their bathroom confrontation. "N-No," she said. Molly knew laughing in Kayla's face would come back to haunt her, but seeing the other girls stand tall bolstered her confidence. "It's time for scholarship students to overthrow the current Queen system. That way, someone new could rise to the top of the sixth-grade social hierarchy."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Molly's asinine comment, scoffing at the notion that scholarship students could be considered for the title of Queen. "That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard," she cackled loudly. Moments later, Madeleine glanced over her shoulder, noting Lindsey and Avery's devilish smirks as they observed the fools' agenda. She then refocused her attention on the girls before her, ready to pass judgment.

Sofia pushed her imitation pearl bracelets up her arms, scowling. "Why were you chosen as Queen? I should have been the scholarship Queen, but Lindsey and Avery picked someone from their own social circle instead."

Madeleine glared back at Sofia, her tone icy. "Maybe it's because I'm a legacy," she retorted.

Scarlett abruptly rose from her chair and stood beside Madeleine. "I received this video from one of my informants earlier today," she interjected sharply, crossing her arms. "It's about Molly. It shows her eating dog biscuits and then being relentlessly mocked online. I plan to send this video to everyone in Westchester."

Molly swallowed hard, striving to maintain her composure. "How wonderful," she replied halfheartedly, dreading the prospect of being humiliated by the video once again. "We simply want someone who won't exploit our private information."

Kayla shouted dismissively, not caring if the girls standing before Madeleine heard her ridicule. "What a bunch of losers. You're going after Maddie because her family has more wealth and connections than you. You're also seething with jealousy, wishing you had the same advantages as her."

Tia and Jacqueline answered honestly in unison, their voices wavering under the heated glares from the self-proclaimed elite of their grade. "We're angry about getting the short end of the stick," they admitted.

Mackenzie rolled her aquamarine eyes at Tia and Jacqueline's pathetic expressions, shifting into a more comfortable position. "This should be a lesson for you morons," she said coldly, remaining seated. "Popular girls always have it easier."

Molly and Sofia realized they were losing to Madeleine's clique. "Whatever," they muttered. "But why won't Lindsey let scholarship students join the exclusive club?"

Audrey glanced down at her white Reiss espadrilles, thinking she should cross Tia, Jacqueline, Sofia, and Molly off the guest list for her birthday party. "Maybe Lindsey doesn't want losers in her club," she said breathlessly, noting Madeleine's fury.

Madeleine peeked over at Lindsey and Avery, who seemed entertained by the dressing down of Sofia, Tia, Molly, and Jacqueline. With a sigh, she faced the girls and crossed her arms. "No matter how hard you try to take my throne, I'll rise like a phoenix and make your lives hell," she said icily, arching a perfectly waxed honey-blonde brow.

Tia gulped loudly and knew that Madeleine would make her life miserable. "But, why can't you guys just invite everyone to your parties?" she asked Madeleine and her court, switching the topic.

Kayla snickered meanly at Tia's stupid question and wondered if this girl was dumb. "The real reason why we want to make everything exclusive," she responded to this loser's question. "It allows us to see how far people would go to get an invitation to our parties."

Jacqueline winced and immediately understood that she had made the wrong decision to go against the self-proclaimed royalty of her grade. "Fine then," she stated, trying to disappear into the Peter Pan collar of her Marc Jacobs top.

"Only losers suddenly get the idea that they can go against the Queen of their grade," Scarlett responded evilly, laughing at their misfortune. She sneakily exchanged a side glance with Madeleine, silently discovering that her friend's eyes were filled with a malicious glint.

Determined not to abandon her dream, Sofia resented that Lindsey and Avery hadn't responded to her messages on Instagram and declared. "But I still want to be the first scholarship Queen."

Audrey crushed Sofia's hopes with a malicious tone. "That's never happening here, Sofia," she said dismissively, flattening the ruffles on her bright-white Ganni cotton poplin blouse. "Not even when the sky falls."

Molly stared down at her Puma sneakers, deadpanning. "We know these are just dreams that will never come true."

Mackenzie adjusted the hem of her dress and coldly remarked. "It's good that you finally understand you weren't even close to taking Maddie's throne from her."

"It's time to deliver judgment on these girls, anyway," Madeleine said icily, getting tired of listening to Tia, Molly, Jacqueline, and Sofia. A couple of seconds later, she straightened her posture and stared directly into their eyes. "You're hereby banished to the bottom of the sixth-grade social ladder forever. None of you guys will ever receive an invitation to our parties. And, will have to remain out of our sight till we graduate from school. Do you guys understand your punishment?"

The four girls - Tia, Sofia, Molly, and Jacqueline - stammered in unison. "Y-yes, Madeleine."

Madeleine dismissed the undesirables with a flick of her perfectly manicured hand, then pivoted to face her friends. But before she could speak, the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Madeleine glanced at the girls and began addressing them.

Madeleine smiled brightly and crossed her arms over her chest. "Um, girls, I'll see you later," she told her friends calmly.

Audrey nodded and tossed her purse over her right shoulder. "Yeah, Maddie," she said, waving goodbye to her friends. "I need to fix my makeup before heading to my fifth-period class."

Mackenzie glanced sideways and saw that Audrey had already left the cafeteria. "Me too," she agreed, grabbing her designer handbag from the back of her chair. "My teacher takes off points for being late, so I'll text you later."

Scarlett noticed Mackenzie had walked out before turning to Madeleine and Kayla. She cocked her head, smiling at them. "Um, Mads and Kay, I'll text you later," she said flatly.

"Got it, Scar!" Kayla nodded, then looked to Madeleine, waiting for her friend to speak. "Um, Maddie, I need to get to my fifth-period class. See you later."

The moment Kayla departed the cafeteria, Madeleine noticed her friends had abandoned their empty trays for the staff to clean up. Shaking her head in disapproval, Madeleine grabbed her purse and strode towards the exit, her expression purposefully blank. As she sauntered outside, Madeleine observed some girls making way for her. Maintaining her aloof demeanor, she ignored them and proceeded directly to her fifth-period class.

Prescott Preparatory School for Girls

Math Class

2:42 P.M.

Friday, September 6th

Kayla dropped her head onto her desk, fanning her glossy wheat-blonde curls attractively around her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down after the confrontation with Molly, Tia, Jacqueline, and Sofia. Raising her head, Kayla looked directly at the smartboard as her teacher, Mrs. Perez, moved on to the next slide, lecturing on how decimals are used in numbers.

Leaning back in her seat, Kayla sighed deeply and grabbed her iPhone from her designer handbag. Scrolling through her notifications, she saw that James had texted her during the lunchroom incident. Silently panicking, Kayla positioned her cell phone under the table and read James's message.

James: Kayla, what are you up to at the moment?

Kayla: I'm in my math class at the moment. What about you - what class are you in right now?

James: I'm currently in my social studies class. And I wanted to ask you something if you have a moment.

Kayla's mind went blank as she dropped her iPhone, realizing James was about to ask her to the dance. Taking a deep breath, she knew she had to stay calm, not wanting him to discover she had been eavesdropping on his conversation with the guys behind the Crestview school sign. With a roll of her shoulders, Kayla quickly texted James back.

Kayla: What would you like to inquire about?

Kayla carefully sipped her Perrier, hoping James would detect her coy tone in the text message. She placed the half-filled bottle on the table next to her open notebook and fuzzy green pen, then returned her attention to the conversation with James.

James: Kayla, do you want to go to the Back-to-School dance with me?

Kayla: Of course, James. Are your friends planning to invite my friends to the dance?

James: Let's keep this private. Lachlan, Scott, Aiden, and Declan intend to ask Madeleine, Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Audrey to the dance, but they're still figuring out how to do it.

Kayla's amber eyes gleamed with excitement as James confided in her about his friends' actions. Glancing up from her iPhone, she placed the device in her lap and picked up her pen. While copying decimal problems into her notebook, Kayla left the pen there, slid her cell phone under the table, and returned to her text exchange with James.

Kayla: I have an idea that might help your friends, but please don't tell them it came from me.

James: Why not? Knowing the idea came from you would motivate them to act on it faster.

Kayla: Won't they find it odd if I'm the one making suggestions to them?

Kayla sat up straight, tossing her curly hair over her shoulders. After taking a few sips of Perrier, she grabbed her iPhone from her lap and refocused on her text exchange with James.

James: No, they would consider the idea to be brilliant.

Kayla: James, I believe the boys should speak directly and honestly with my friends.

James: Kayla, could you please provide more details about this idea?

Kayla's gaze was fixed on the classroom clock, counting down the minutes until the bell rang. Glancing furtively, she noticed several students stealing discreet looks in her direction. Pretending not to see them, she shifted her attention to the front of the room, where Mrs. Perez had moved on to the next slide.

Reaching into her designer bag, Kayla retrieved a Lemon Zest Luna bar and unwrapped it, taking delicate bites until the snack was gone. Carelessly, she tossed the wrapper on the floor, unconcerned about the potential hazard. Inhaling deeply, she composed a reply to James' text message.

Kayla: The boys should muster the courage to privately invite my friends to the school dance.

Kayla made a mental note to tell her friends about James asking her to the Back-to-School dance at Madeleine's slumber party. She knew James would consider her suggestion, as he had likely thought about her idea. Squaring her shoulders, Kayla whipped her curls over her right shoulder and read James' text message.

James: Alright, Kayla. I'll be sure to share your idea with my friends.

Kayla: James, what are your plans for after school today?

James: After the school day ends, I'll be going over to Scott's place to play the latest Call of Duty game together.

Kayla already knew that James was hanging out with his friends at Scott's house since she'd spied on the boys yesterday with her friends. Before she could respond to his text, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. Kayla looked around the classroom and saw her classmates turning their attention to Mrs. Perez at the front of the room.

Mrs. Perez called for the class's attention. "Okay, class," she said loudly over the rustling of backpacks. "I'm assigning pages 1-6 to be handed in by Monday afternoon. And I'll be giving a pop quiz that day as well. You're all dismissed now."

As soon as class ended, Kayla glanced back down at her phone and sent James a text saying she'd talk to him later. She then quickly gathered her things and headed for the door, maintaining a neutral expression as she made her way to the school parking lot, where her friends were likely waiting. Kayla was eager to get home and rest up before Madeleine's slumber party that night.

The Frost Estate

Home Theater

4:58 P.M.

Friday, September 6th

Mackenzie sat transfixed, eyes glued to the projector screen as she savored the final moments of the latest Erica Newman film. Shoveling the last few kernels of buttery popcorn into her mouth, she sank deeper into the plush leather recliner, reluctant for the movie to end. The instant the credits began to roll, she rose from her seat and carelessly tossed the empty glass bowl onto the recliner.

Mackenzie grabbed the egg-shaped remote from the recliner's cup holder and pressed her manicured thumbnail into a button, turning off the projector. Moments later, she pressed another button, causing the projector screen to retract into the ceiling. She placed the remote back on the recliner and raised an empty glass bowl to her eyes.

Realizing only kennels remained, Mackenzie set the bowl next to the remote for Svetlana to clean up, then headed towards the home theater's doorway. Crossing the hallway that connected to the rest of the house, she glanced at her mom's landscape paintings as she made her way to her dad's study. Reaching the study door, she knocked loudly and waited to be let in.

When no one answered, Mackenzie sighed and decided to check if her mom was home. Hurrying up the winding staircase, she nearly collided with Svetlana, who was carrying the family's dry cleaning. Reaching the second-floor hallway, Mackenzie paused in front of her parents' bedroom door.

Mackenzie peeked her blonde head into the master bedroom, scanning the room and realizing her mother wasn't home. Disliking being alone with the household staff, she quickly shut the bedroom door and hurried to her bedroom. Once inside, Mackenzie closed the door behind her petite frame and faced forward. She smoothed the front of her ivory Aqua linen dress, glancing around and delighting in the redecorated space her parents had permitted her to refresh that summer.

The entire room was a harmonious blend of yellow, navy blue, and white. Three walls were painted a deep navy blue, while the wall behind the white upholstered, diamond-tufted headboard was covered in white damask wallpaper. The bedding continued the color scheme - the microfiber sheets were white, and a fluffy, oversized yellow-and-navy-blue-striped duvet covered the king-size bed. Five floral throw pillows in yellow and navy blue rested against the white satin pillows on the headboard, with a long white satin bolster pillow placed in front.

Between the walk-in closet and private bathroom stood a massive, modern vanity. The white table neatly housed the owner's makeup in yellow Kate Spade bags, with bottles of Aphrodite perfume on top. Beyond the French closet doors lay a cavernous, two-story walk-in closet in yellow and white, filled with designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. A large navy-blue, diamond-tufted velvet ottoman sat at the center. A full-length, white-framed mirror stood in the corner.

On the white two-drawer nightstands were white modern lamps, an intercom speaker, an alarm clock, an iPad Pro, and a wireless charging case for AirPods. Above the trophy case filled with ballet and academic awards hung a 75-inch flat-screen TV. The room was lined with eight white bookcases overflowing with fashion magazines, reading books, and textbooks.

A yellow-and-navy abstract painting by Abigail Overstone hung above the bed. On the white oak coffee table stood a glass vase filled with marigolds. Behind it sat a navy-blue velvet chaise lounge adorned with yellow satin pillows and a white cashmere throw, flanked by matching side tables. More abstract art by Overstone decorated the walls.

Next to the desk was a modern white wastebasket. Automated thermal curtains covered the windows, and a crystal-trimmed chandelier cast a soft glow. Three large navy-and-yellow-striped rugs accented the gleaming white marble floor.

Through French doors lay the en-suite bathroom with skincare products neatly lining the marble vanity. An oversized walk-in shower and a freestanding double-ended tub faced a flat-screen TV, with fluffy bathrobes hanging nearby. A white oak side table held monogrammed hand towels. The heated Turkish marble floor completed the luxurious space.

Finally, the modern white oak desk held a MacBook Pro, a pen holder with yellow faux-fur pens, a stack of notebooks, and framed photos. A navy blue pinboard behind the desk displayed old party invitations and photos of her old friends.

Mackenzie walked over to her nightstand, unplugged her iPhone from the charger, and dropped the phone on the nightstand. She then unplugged the charger from the outlet behind the nightstand and left it on the floor beside her bed. Just as Mackenzie was about to sit on her chaise lounge, a ding came from her computer.

Settling into her desk chair, Mackenzie took a deep breath and pressed her wireless mouse, waking her computer from sleep. She noticed her cousin Madelyn had sent her a text message before clicking on the Messages app to read it.

Madelyn: Hey, Mackenzie. How have you been?

Mackenzie: I'm doing well, Madelyn. School just ended a couple of hours ago. And I'm resting at home before I have to go to my friend's slumber party.

Madelyn: That sounds awesome, Kenzie. But school has been a nightmare for me.

Leaning back in her seat, Mackenzie clicked on Chrome and instantly went on the Instagram website. Entering her account details, she scrolled through her feed and noticed that the selfie she'd posted this morning had over a thousand likes. Smiling to herself, Mackenzie switched over to Messages and sent a swift reply to her cousin's text message.

Mackenzie: Why? What happened?

While scrolling through her Instagram feed, Mackenzie switched to her Messages and saw that her cousin Madelyn had sent her a text. Mackenzie read the message and quickly replied.

Madelyn: After my AP classes were unexpectedly switched to regular classes, it took the school about two days to rearrange my schedule and enroll me in my appropriate advanced-level courses. The abrupt change felt peculiar to me.

Madeleine: When did that happen?

Madelyn: The main office secretary made a mistake entering the class code for my schedule, resulting in me being placed in lower-level courses instead of the more advanced classes my friends were taking. This led to me being grouped with students of lower academic ability, which was a frustrating situation.

Overcome with sympathy for her cousin, Mackenzie navigated to her own Instagram profile. As she scrolled through the numerous likes from her schoolmates on every photo she had shared, Mackenzie couldn't help but smirk, realizing these girls were living vicariously through her curated online life. After logging out, Mackenzie returned to her Messages and composed a text for her cousin.

Mackenzie: That sounds absolutely wild. How did your friends react when they heard about the mix-up?

Madelyn: Kenzie, they were determined to make this lady pay for nearly ruining my high school transcript. We were trying to convince her parents, who were all on the school board, to make her life miserable.

Mackenzie: While I believe they have the power to make an adult's life miserable, I'm curious to know what steps my aunt and uncle took in response.

Engrossed in her lively text exchange with cousin Madelyn, Mackenzie paused to rummage through a desk drawer and retrieved a strawberry Nutri-Grain bar. She unwrapped it, consumed it in three quick bites, and discarded the wrapper. Refocusing on the conversation, Mackenzie saw that Madelyn had responded before swiftly typing a reply.

Madelyn: My parents demanded a meeting with the principal. They threatened to sue the school district over the secretary's negligence and insisted the principal terminate the employee immediately.

Mackenzie: Harsh, much?

Madelyn: Kenzie, she should not have made that mistake in the first place.

Chuckling at the text exchange, Mackenzie glanced at the clock and saw it was nearly 6 PM. She quickly typed a reply on her brightly lit computer screen, responding to her cousin's message.

Mackenzie: The secretary may regret entering the incorrect class code. However, Madelyn, we should continue this conversation later, as I still need to prepare for my friend's sleepover.

Mackenzie pulled her long, silky strawberry-blonde curls into a messy bun atop her head. She glanced over at her custom-made mannequin, realizing she still hadn't found an outfit for Audrey's birthday party. Suddenly, she remembered she had privately booked Aphrodite's boutique store for that Saturday afternoon. Sighing, Mackenzie turned to her computer and discovered her cousin had replied to her earlier text.

Madelyn: I'm afraid I need to end this conversation, Kenzie, as my friends are arriving to spend time with me.

Mackenzie: Please convey my greetings to your friends, Madelyn.

Mackenzie noticed her cousin had stopped texting her, so she decided to pack for Madeleine's slumber party. She crossed her spacious walk-in closet, clapping to turn on the lights. Scanning the shelves, Mackenzie grabbed her medium brown-and-acorn Michael Kors weekender bag.

Dropping the bag on a navy-blue velvet chair, she carefully folded a black floral bubble dress from Free People and placed it inside. Mackenzie then selected a light-pink Ralph Lauren cashmere cardigan and light-pink Aphrodite flats, adding them to the bag. She also packed a pair of black Aphrodite leggings.

Gathering her toiletry bag, iPad, iPhone, and makeup bag, Mackenzie consolidated everything into the weekender bag. Feeling prepared, she left her closet, shutting the doors behind her. After dropping the bag by her bedroom door, Mackenzie collapsed onto her bed, deciding a quick nap was in order before heading to Madeleine's sleepover.

The Stein Estate

Madeleine's Bedroom

8:54 P.M.

Friday, September 6th

Madeleine smoothed her silky, purple Versace orchid-print chemise and looked around her room, smiling triumphantly. Everything was in place for her weekly slumber party. Five trundle beds were arranged in a flower-petal formation, with Coco's velour doggie bed near Madeleine's own. In the center of the beds sat giant glass bowls filled with buttered popcorn, cheese curls, and low-fat brownies. Her Sub-Zero mini-fridge was fully stocked with Perrier, Diet Coke, and Diet Mountain Dew.

Across Madeleine's desk, Mountains of Bliss face masks and O.P.I nail essentials were scattered. Around her room, ten glowing lavender and chamomile-scented candles had been positioned, filling the air with a sweet, warm aroma. The trundle beds were dressed in silky ivory sheets, and five fluffed goose-down pillows were covered in satin pillowcases. To complete the ambiance, Madeleine had added more songs to her slumber-party playlist on Spotify, ready for the girls to dance along. Everything looked perfect, except for one thing - her guests had not yet arrived.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Madeleine wrapped her arms around Coco, who was curled up in a tiny white ball beside her. She smothered Coco with kisses, then ran her manicured hand over her dog's clean fur before lifting Coco into the air, meeting the pup's eyes.

Madeleine let out a heavy sigh and rubbed noses with Coco. "What's taking them so long? she asked, her frustration evident. "They should have been here twenty-five minutes ago."

Coco barked twice.

"I hate being alone," Madeleine muttered, gently placing her dog on her lap. "It's one of my worst fears."

Scarlett swept into Madeleine's bedroom, her scarlet-red La Perla silk camisole and matching shorts giving her a slumber party-ready look, her pin-straight hair braided into French pigtails. "Who are you talking to?" she asked.

Madeleine avoided the question, dropping Coco onto the duvet before rising from the bed. "Hey, Scar!" she exclaimed, wrapping Scarlett in a bear hug.

"Hey, Maddie," Scarlett cooed, breaking away from the embrace. She then dropped her oversized Michael Kors monogrammed overnight bag on the floor and pulled out her iPhone from the snap pocket. "Where's everyone else?"

Madeleine flopped down on her familiar trundle bed, feeling the plush goose-down comforter against her thighs. "They're probably on their way here," she said between mouthfuls of popcorn.

Scarlett sat cross-legged on her trundle bed next to Madeleine, snacking on buttered popcorn. "Anyway, my parents are complaining that I'm spending too much time with you all. They want to have a family day together."

"Don't they want you to be enjoying yourself?" Madeleine asked, popping another handful of the salty, buttery snack into her mouth.

Scarlett rose from her bed and retrieved a chilled bottle of Perrier from Madeleine's mini-fridge. "Yeah, but they want me to embrace my independence even more," she said calmly, twisting open the bottle and taking a long, refreshing sip. Closing the Perrier, she placed the bottle on Madeleine's desk before striding through the open closet doors.

Moments later, Madeleine heard someone clear their throat. She looked up to see Mackenzie standing in the doorway of her bedroom. Delighted, Madeleine welcomed her friend's arrival, which had broken the brief silence.

Mackenzie hurried to the spot beside Scarlett's bed, dropped her Michael Kors bag on the floor next to Madeleine's coffee table, and plopped down on the trundle bed. "Hi, Mads!" she greeted with a bright smile, her curly hair braided into double-knot pigtails. She wore a cream La Perla camisole and matching shorts.

Madeleine smoothed her pajama top before nodding toward Scarlett's bag. "Um, no. You might want to check my closet - Scar's in there right now."

"Okay," Mackenzie acknowledged before calling out. "Scar!"

"Yes, Mack!" Scarlett answered from the closet.

Mackenzie helped herself to a few fudge cookies. "What are you doing in Maddy's closet?" she questioned.

Scarlett's muffled voice emerged from Madeleine's closet. "I'm looking through your clothes. Um, Maddie, when did you buy this Ella Moss top? I just saw it on the Shopbop website this afternoon."

Madeleine laughed at Scarlett's antics. "It arrived today. Didn't I show you this top last Saturday?"

"Oops, my bad, Maddie," Scarlett giggled from inside the closet. "I must have forgotten that I helped you pick it out."

Mackenzie exchanged a sly glance with Madeleine and smirked. "Scar, why don't you just come out of the closet? I've got some juicy gossip to share with everyone."

"What gossip?" Scarlett inquired from within the closet.

Mackenzie rose, retrieved a chilled can of Diet Mountain Dew from Madeleine's mini-fridge, and cracked it open. After a brief pause, she took a long, satisfying sip of the cold soda. "Not sharing till you come out of the closet," she declared.

Scarlett emerged from Madeleine's closet, snatched her Perrier from the desk, and settled cross-legged on her trundle bed. "Mack, aren't you going to share the tea with us?" she asked.

Mackenzie's gaze shifted from Scarlett to Madeleine, aware that she wanted Audrey and Kayla to hear the same gossip. "Scar and Maddy, I want our other friends here too," she said, sitting back down on her bed and placing her drink beside her. "I only want to share the news once."

Scarlett left her Perrier on the floor and crossed her arms. "Fine, Manzie!" she huffed.

Madeleine tuned out her friends' conversation and got up from her bed. She slowly made her way over to her desk, snatching a rose gold face mask packet. Ripping it open with her teeth, she applied the mask to her clean face, carefully adjusting the eye, nose, and mouth openings. Once the mask was in place, Madeleine dropped her manicured hands and sat back down on her trundle bed. Glancing over, she noticed her friends, Scarlett and Mackenzie, were still talking, so she joined their conversation.

Kayla entered Madeleine's bedroom a few minutes later, looking radiant in emerald-green Ralph Lauren silk pajamas. "Hey, besties," she said excitedly, tightening her messy bun. "I have some personal news to share with you guys tonight."

Madeleine nodded in understanding as she looked directly at Mackenzie. "All right," she said. "Where's Addie?"

"I just got off the phone with Addy," Kayla said nonchalantly, lowering her light-green Tory Burch duffle bag on the floor and sitting down elegantly on the trundle bed beside Scarlett. "She's gonna be here in twenty minutes."

Madeleine's mouth curved into a quick smirk before shifting her attention from Kayla to the bowl of snacks in the middle of the trundle beds. "Good," she said.

"Hey, Lala," Scarlett greeted her friend warmly, interrupting the conversation between Kayla and Madeleine.

Kayla crossed her arms and glanced at Scarlett. "Hello, Lett," she responded.

"What's up, Kalia?" Mackenzie asked, sitting up straighter in her seat.

Kayla observed Madeleine carefully examining her face mask, ensuring she did not touch it with her fingertips. "I'm good," she cooed.

Madeleine cracked her neck from side to side without a word to her friends, sprawling across her trundle bed. Relishing the feel of the silk sheets, she popped some cheese curls into her mouth and licked the dust from her fingers. Leaving the bed, she grabbed her iPhone from the nightstand.

Sitting back down, Madeleine tapped the screen and scrolled her notifications, preoccupied by worries about sounding like a loser in front of Lachlan and his friends. Shaking her head, she resolved to replace those negative thoughts with positivity. With a sigh, Madeleine turned off her phone and dropped it beside the bed, then laid her head on the pillow and tuned out her friends once more.

Audrey entered Madeleine's bedroom, closing the door behind her with her foot. She smoothed the front of her baby-pink Aphrodite pajamas adorned with heart prints. "Hey, girls," she cooed, dropping her pink overnight bag near Madeleine's king-size bed.

Madeleine picked up her iPhone and opened the Spotify app, pressing play on her slumber-party playlist. The soothing tones of a Mikayla Benson song soon filled the room. "Hi, Addie," she greeted cheerfully.

Mackenzie glanced over at Audrey, nibbling on a cheese curl. "Hello, Audrey," she replied, enjoying the music.

Scarlett lay across the silk sheets, hands folded on her pillow. "Hi, everyone," she said, smirking at her friends.

Kayla noticed Audrey taking a seat beside her before popping a cheese curl into her mouth. "Hi, Audrey."

Madeleine felt Coco jump into her lap, scratching the Pomeranian behind the ears. "Kenzie, I believe you have some gossip to share with us," she said without looking up.

After a brief pause, Mackenzie collected her thoughts before addressing her friends. "Uh-huh, Mads," she responded. "One of my sources at school overheard Tia Scott sobbing in the bathroom after Madeleine criticized her and her friends. Tia now regrets going after Maddie and is trying to find a way to regain Maddie's favor."

Kayla fixed her messy bun and propped up her pedicured bare feet. "Mack, that's never happening," she snickered at Tia's misfortune, tilting her head toward Madeleine. "Maddie's never going to forget her transgression."

"I think Tia should stay at the bottom of the sixth-grade hierarchy," Audrey added wickedly after Kayla's statement. "And it's a good thing I left her and her friends off the guest list for my birthday party."

Scarlett chewed thoughtfully on three brownies, nodding in agreement. "Addy made a good decision by uninviting her and her friends. At least we don't have to see their traitorous faces now."

Madeleine dropped Coco onto its bed and replied icily. "Tia thinks I'd accept some half-assed apology and make her social life easier. This loser should understand there's a reason she scored so low on the loser list - she was caught trying to steal my throne and title. She remains banished from the sixth-grade social scene."

After Madeleine's statement, Audrey turned to Kayla and said, "You mentioned you have some news to share with us."

"Okay, girls," Kayla said, suddenly remembering what she wanted to tell her friends. "After talking with Tia and her group in the cafeteria, James texted me and asked me to the Back-to-School dance. So now I don't have to worry about not having a date for the dance."

Scarlett flashed Kayla a half-smile. "Oh my gosh, Lala!" she exclaimed loudly, unconcerned if Madeleine's parents heard her. "I can't believe you don't have to stress anymore about finding a date for the dance."

Adjusting her camisole, Mackenzie sipped her Diet Mountain Dew. "Kay, you're so lucky," she told her friend. "I'm still waiting for Declan to ask me to the dance."

Audrey giggled between bites of cheese curls. "At least Kalia has a date," she said flatly. "I'm worried about when Aiden will ask me to the dance."

Madeleine looked directly at Mackenzie and adjusted her chemise's neckline. "Um, Manzie, how's the operation to take down Nikki Reeds going?" she asked with a grin, shifting the conversation to something more upbeat.

Bursting with excitement, Mackenzie recounted her devious plan. "As soon as Nick dropped me off, I rushed to my room. I quickly created a fake Instagram account, using photos of random boys I found online. I then located Nikki's profile and messaged her from the burner account. She responded, and we began an extended text exchange."

Scarlett reclined on her trundle bed, her lips curling into a smug smirk. "I can't fathom how she fell for that bogus account," she scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Lounging on her trundle bed, Kayla savored a brownie and sneered. "Nikki Leeds is so stupid. Hasn't she heard of stranger danger?"

Without breaking eye contact with her friends, Scarlett brought the chilled Perrier to her lips and took several refreshing sips of the carbonated mineral water. "Well, yeah, obviously," she replied to Audrey's question.

"Let's play 'Would You Rather,'" Kayla suggested, locking eyes with her friends. Moments later, she rose from her bed and crossed the room to Madeleine's desk. Snatching a bottle of OPI's 'Yoga-ta Get This Blue' nail polish, Kayla hurried back to her bed, the nail polish gripped in her manicured hand. Sitting down, she placed the bottle on her pillow and turned her attention to the group. "So, who's going first?"

Audrey stood up from her chair and grabbed one of the green tea Bliss face mask packets from Madeleine's desk. Returning to her trundle bed, she sat cross-legged in the middle and ripped the packet open with her teeth. Audrey positioned the face mask carefully on her clean face and volunteered. "I wanna go first," adjusting the eye, mouth, and nose openings to fit.

Madeleine peeled the dry face mask off her face and crumpled it into a ball, tossing it into the wastebasket. Staring at her friends, she asserted. "Um, Drey. My house. Me first."

"Okay, Mads," Audrey said, keeping the conversation going. She then ate three mouth-watering brownies, mindful not to let the face mask stretch. "Would you rather? Have the ability to see ten minutes into the future or one hundred fifty years into the future?"

Madeleine reached for the buttered popcorn, popping a handful into her mouth. "I wish I could see ten minutes into the future," she said between chews. "That way I'd know when people are plotting against me."

Scarlett reclined on her pillow, sipping Perrier. "I'd rather see a hundred years into the future," she replied mysteriously. "I want to know if my family's fortune keeps growing."

Kayla inspected her bare nails while opening a bottle of polish. "I'd love to see ten minutes ahead," she said excitedly, carefully painting her nails. "That would let me glimpse the torment I inflict on losers."

Mackenzie grabbed more popcorn. "Count me in for that first option!" she said through a mouthful. "I need to know if I'm still popular."

Audrey unzipped her overnight bag and retrieved her iPhone. "I'll go for seeing 150 years ahead," she murmured, settling back on her bed.

Madeleine turned to find her Pomeranian, Coco, curled up in her doggie bed. "Would you rather be chronically underdressed or overdressed?" she asked the girls, her gaze still fixed on her dog.

As Kayla painted her nails a deep, dark blue, she told her friends. "I've decided to be a bit overdressed. My mom always says you should make the best first impression by being the best dressed."

Scarlett's face broke into a wide grin. "I'd rather be overdressed than underdressed, don't you agree, Maddie?" she said, popping another low-fat brownie into her mouth. "People are so quick to judge based on appearances, aren't they?"

After devouring several handfuls of cheese curls, Mackenzie washed them down with three long gulps of her Diet Mountain Dew. "Same," she added, implying that she preferred to be overdressed and prepared for any occasion.

"Uh, I'm choosing the action of being overdressed," Audrey replied, chewing thoughtfully on five brownies. Dropping her iPhone on her pillow, she moved away from her trundle bed and headed straight for Madeleine's mini-fridge. Opening the fridge, Audrey snatched a chilled can of Diet Coke and popped the top of her cold soda drink. She drank ten long gulps of her Diet Coke while sauntering toward her friends. Lying across her bed, Audrey positioned her cold drink on the floor beside her trundle bed. "You could always meet people who would help you in the future."

Sitting up straight in her trundle bed, Madeleine turned to her friends and declared. "I'm choosing the second option. My cousins Esmée and Aimee say you could meet a boy you really like, so you should dress impeccably for them."

Mackenzie twirled a pigtail around her finger as she posed the question to her friends. "Would you rather have telekinesis or telepathy?"

Kayla closed the bottle of nail polish with her dominant hand while waiting for her other hand's nails to dry. "I want to have the power of telekinesis," she exclaimed. "It'll be cool to move things with my mind."

Audrey unlocked her phone and opened the Instagram app. She scanned the feed and noticed her recent solo selfie had received several likes. "Telepathy," she muttered, eyes fixed on the screen. "I wish I could read people's minds."

Scarlett trailed her fingers along the silky bedsheets. "Telepathy's the way to go," she declared. "Being able to hear people's thoughts would be so interesting."

Madeleine stretched her neck from side to side. "Telekinesis is what I want," she said eagerly. "With that power, I could make people disappear."

Mackenzie examined her neatly trimmed nails. "Telekinesis would be great, Maddie," she agreed. "Then I could pry into people's thoughts."

Kayla posed a thought-provoking question to her friends. "Would you rather have universal respect or unlimited power?"

Madeleine paused and popped a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "Unlimited power," she replied. "Being feared is easier than being loved."

Audrey continued scrolling through her Instagram feed, eyes glued to the screen. "Unlimited power," she muttered absently.

Scarlett rubbed her left, manicured hand around her thin right wrist and replied. "Unlimited power."

"Unlimited power," Mackenzie agreed, adjusting her shorts. "The concept of power allows me to make people afraid."

After nodding in agreement with Mackenzie's statement, Kayla munched on popcorn. She then rose from her seat, crossed the room, and retrieved a chilled can of Diet Coke from her friend Madeleine's mini-fridge. "I'll go with the second option too," she replied, plopping down on her trundle bed and placing the cold drink on the floor next to her.

Scarlett drained the last of her Perrier and reached for another low-fat brownie. "Would you all prefer lounging by the pool or on the beach?" she asked her friends.

Madeleine rested her folded arms on her pillow. "I'd rather lounge by the pool. I like the beach too, but I don't go in the ocean - too many sharks for my liking," she said.

Audrey kicked her pedicured feet into the air. "Lounging by the pool for me," she said, shoving popcorn into her mouth and washing it down with long gulps of Diet Coke.

Mackenzie smiled brightly at Scarlett as she sprawled across her trundle bed, nibbling on a brownie. "I'd choose lounging by the pool," she marveled.

"Pool lounging for me," Kayla agreed as she popped the top of her soda drink and drank some measured sips of her Diet Coke. Dropping her cold drink on the floor in front of her bed near the giant bowls of snacks, Kayla touched her painted nail beds and discovered that her nails were completely dry. Grabbing the same nail polish bottle, Kayla opened it and started painting her dominant hand's nails with her non-dominant hand while paying attention to the conversation that was happening with her friends.

Scarlett pushed her pigtails off her shoulders and mused. "I'd rather lounge by the pool."

Madeleine's iPhone buzzed on the floor, chiming through her bedroom before she could ask her friends a question. She made eye contact with them, noticing their excited expressions. Grabbing her cell phone, Madeleine checked the bright screen and saw that Lachlan was calling. Taking a deep breath, she accepted the call and turned on the speakerphone so her friends could listen in.

Lachlan's voice came through Madeleine's iPhone. "Hey, Madeleine," he greeted her.

Madeleine exchanged furtive glances with her friends. "Hey, Lachlan," she greeted him warmly, striving to keep her tone casual. "What are you up to?"

"I just got home," Lachlan replied. "I'm about to go look for my brothers."

Madeleine nodded in understanding, silently signaling her friends to stay quiet. She didn't want Lachlan to realize they had been spying on him and his friends.

With a cool yet sweet tone, Lachlan asked, "Madeleine, I'm calling to see if you and your friends would like to hang out at Scott's house."

Madeleine lay across her trundle bed, deadpanning to Lachlan, "I could say for the girls that we accept the invitation to Scott's house.

Lachlan's tone grew nervous. "So, Madeleine, I wanted to ask you to be my date for the Back-to-School dance," he said.

Madeleine inhaled, glancing over at her friends. She knew they were about to start squealing loudly, so she looked away and wondered how she would respond to Lachlan's question. "Um, Lachlan, I'll go to the dance with you," she beamed happily, feeling glad that she and Kayla were the only ones with dates. "But you need to dress nicely for this dance."

"Fine, Maddie," Lachlan replied warmly. "What are you up to right now?"

Madeleine answered Lachlan's question while glancing at her friends, Scar, Kenzie, Addie, and Kay, who were listening to her conversation. "I'm talking to you on my cell phone. They're here for my weekly Friday night slumber party."

Lachlan's response was surprised. "Oh, shit! I didn't know your friends were over."

Madeleine glanced sideways at her friends, noticing their shocked expressions. "You should greet them," she said to Lachlan without taking her eyes off the girls.

Hey, girls," Lachlan greeted them cheerfully.

"Hey, Lachlan," Kayla, Mackenzie, Audrey, and Scarlett welcomed his greetings.

"So, Lachlan, I'm gonna need to return to my slumber party," Madeleine interrupted sharply, not waiting for her friends to get in a word with Lachlan as she got up and started pacing back and forth on the floor. "So, I'll see you next Monday afternoon."

"Okay, Madeleine," Lachlan said before ending the call on the other line.

Madeleine ended her phone call, turning off her iPhone and dropping it beside her bed. Refocusing on her friends, she noticed the girls were ready to speak while chewing cheese curls.

Scarlett arched her amused, icy-blonde eyebrows at Madeleine and changed the subject. "Maddy, I can't believe Lachlan asked you to the dance," she exclaimed loudly, unconcerned if her friend's parents overheard. "It's not fair."

Kayla nodded in agreement. "Looks like we're the only ones with dates to the Back-to-School dance," she said, examining her dry nail polish.

"Oh my god, Mads!" Mackenzie gasped, clutching her chest as she tried to calm her pounding heart. "It sucks that you have a date, while I'm still waiting for Declan to realize I want to go with him."

Audrey moved closer to Mackenzie and Scarlett, gently rubbing their shoulders to comfort them. She envied that Kayla and Mackenzie had already secured dates for the dance, while the three of them anxiously awaited invitations from their crushes. "Don't worry, Kay and Mack," Audrey reassured them. "I'm sure Declan, Scott, and Aiden will ask us to the dance soon."

Madeleine glanced at the alarm clock on her nightstand and saw it was nearly 11 PM. "Girls, it's getting late," she told her friends. "I have a tennis lesson with Marco at 10 AM tomorrow, so we should head to bed now."

"I'm sleepy too, Maddy," Kayla replied, rubbing her eyes. She surveyed the nearly empty snack bowls, then downed the last of her Diet Coke, feeling the caffeine kick in.

Mackenzie laid her head on the pillow, her pigtails falling to the sides of her face. "Uh, besties, I'm tired," she said, yawning.

"Me too," Audrey agreed, pushing her open soda can off her bed to prevent it from spilling on her silky sheets. A moment later, she adjusted the collar of her pajama top.

"All right," Scarlett nodded in understanding. She got up, sauntered over to her Michael Kors bag, and pulled her sleep mask from inside her bag. Scarlett slipped her sleep mask over her blonde head while keeping it on her forehead. She then lay back across her trundle bed and rested her head on her pillow.

Without saying a word, Madeleine glanced over as Mackenzie, Kayla, and Audrey retrieved their sleep masks from their bags and put them on. Tossing her straightened ponytail over her shoulder, Madeleine pulled her silky purple Blissy sleep mask from under her pillow and placed it over her eyes. Looking over, she saw her friends' heads drooping as they started to drift off to sleep.

Quietly, Madeleine stacked the large snack bowls, trying not to make any noise that might wake her friends. She opened her bedroom door and left the stacked bowls outside for Ingrid to clean up. Stepping back in, Madeleine collected her friends' drinks, carefully carrying them to avoid spilling on her chemise. She dropped the drinks into the bowls, then closed the door behind her with her foot. With a quiet sigh, Madeleine lay down on her trundle bed and clapped to turn off the lights. Slipping her sleep mask over her eyes, she burrowed into the covers and quickly fell asleep

Chapter Text

Westchester Country Club

Tennis Court A

11:09 A.M.

Saturday, September 7th

Madeleine sucked in a deep breath and tossed the fuzzy yellow tennis ball high into the air. With a powerful swing, she slammed the ball over the net, watching as it ricocheted off the metal chain-link fence on the other side. Smoothing her pleated white Tory Sport tennis skirt, Madeleine noticed the sun's glare reflecting in her emerald-green eyes. Squinting against the brightness, she stepped back as another ball whizzed towards her.

Pivoting left, Madeleine pulled back her white Wilson racket and swung, watching as the ball glided effortlessly over the net, her follow-through graceful. With a contented sigh, she glanced across the courts, where middle-aged women in pristine tennis attire were engaged in a spirited match with their spouses.

"Brilliant shot!" Madeleine's tennis instructor, Marco, called from the other side of the tennis court.

Madeleine gazed up at the cloudless, azure sky, momentarily distracted as wispy clouds drifted across the sun's glare. Shifting her focus, she noticed Marco sprinting erratically across the court. "Thank you, Marco," she chirped, aware that her parents hoped she would excel at tennis. "But you know I'm a skilled player, right?"

"Of course, Miss Madeleine," Marco replied, sitting down on the weathered wooden bench near the tennis courts. He carefully placed his racket inside his leather tennis bag. "Unfortunately, we'll need to end the lesson early today."

Madeleine cocked her perfectly waxed, honey-blonde eyebrow and asked Marco in a snarky tone. "Why?"

Slinging his bag over his toned left shoulder, Marco glanced at Madeleine. "I'm afraid I must visit my wife at the hospital, Miss Madeleine," he said, his deep voice turning somber. "I'll see you next Saturday for our lesson."

Madeleine approached the bench, sipping her Smartwater. "Alright, Marco," she said with a slight smile.

As Marco strode through the metal gate of the tennis courts, he called over his toned right shoulder. "Bye, Miss Madeleine."

After noticing her tennis instructor had departed, Madeleine plopped down on the bench and let her racket fall onto her lap. She rummaged through her striped canvas bag and retrieved a plush, lavender Ralph Lauren face towel. Madeleine patted her damp face for a moment, tossed the towel back into the bag, and discreetly gave herself a quick sniff.

Relieved that she didn't have an unpleasant odor, Madeleine carefully placed her tennis racket in her tennis bag. After packing her water bottle and towel, she strolled through the metal gate and recalled her standing brunch reservation at the country club's dining room. Crossing her arms, Madeleine walked across the well-kept lawns toward the club's rear entrance.

As Madeline entered the bustling country club lobby, she scanned the room. Minutes later, she entered the dining room foyer and joined the queue behind five waiting golfers, their turn to be checked in by the host. Tapping her white Chloe low-top sneakers-clad foot against the polished marble, Madeline crossed her arms and stood patiently as the host assisted the others ahead of her.

Madeleine stared intently at the massive, glittery chandelier in the dining room, pausing for a moment before glancing down at the host stand. Realizing the golfers had followed the host into the dining room, she stepped forward, tossing her tennis bag over her shoulder. After a ten minute wait, Madeleine noticed the host was ready to check her in for her weekly brunch reservation.

The host greeted Madeleine with a stoic expression. "Hello, Miss Stein. Are you here for the reservation you booked last Thursday afternoon?" he asked.

"Yes, just here for my reservation," Madeleine replied, watching as the host typed her information into the iPad.

"Right this way, Miss Stein," the host said, grabbing a black leather menu from the host stand. He then led Madeleine through the crowded but quiet dining room.

Madeleine silently trailed the host, glancing around the dining room as she was led to her regular table at the back. Noticing the other members enjoying brunch and conversing with their companions, she faced forward and sighed lightly, crossing her arms.

The host placed the menu on the table before pulling out a plush white leather chair for Madeleine. "I hope this table is suitable, Miss Stein," he said, gesturing for her to sit.

Madeleine set her bag on the adjacent seat and settled into the chair the host had prepared. "It's alright," she replied sweetly. "Thank you."

"Of course, Miss Stein," the host nodded, his expression stoic. "One of your usual waiters will be here in ten minutes."

"Okay," Madeleine acknowledged, watching as the host returned to the host stand.

Madeleine gazed through the gridlocked dining room windows at a group of golfers strolling across the course, their clubs in hand. Leaning back, she watched as they headed towards the thirteenth hole. With a sigh, Madeleine closed her eyes and began some meditative breathing, hoping to find a moment of relaxation.

Ten minutes later, the waiter approached the table, waiting for Madeleine to open her eyes.

Madeleine opened her eyes and recognized one of her favorite servers from the country club approaching her table. "Hey, it's been a while," she said with a smile before picking up the menu.

"Actually, Miss Stein, you were just here last Friday for brunch," the attentive waiter replied, aware that Madeleine was a generous tipper. Shifting the conversation, the server pulled a pen from her apron and hovered it over her notepad. "What can I get for you today?"

"One Eggs Benedict, please," Madeleine responded after a quick scan of the menu. "And some freshly squeezed orange juice as well."

The waiter finished jotting down Madeleine's order in her notepad and smiled. "Of course, Miss Stein. I'll return shortly with your food and drink."

Madeleine nodded at the waiter, then turned her gaze out the dining room's windows. There, she watched a group of golfers make their way through the 13th hole. "All right," she replied, her eyes fixed on the golfers.

Without a word to the waiter, Madeleine averted her gaze from the golfers and retrieved her iPhone from her bag. She unlocked the device and opened the Instagram app. Scrolling through her feed, Madeleine saw that her cousins had posted several solo selfies, which she promptly liked.

Letting her phone go dark, Madeleine decided she wanted a quiet brunch alone. Surveying the dining room, she noticed the country club staff had adorned it with vases of long-stemmed yellow roses. Glancing at the neighboring table, she observed the other members paying their brunch bills.

Checking the time on her phone, Madeleine saw that thirteen minutes had already passed. Just as she was about to signal another waiter, she heard a loud throat clearing. Looking over, she found the original waiter standing there with Madeleine's plate of food in one hand and her iced drink in the other.

The waiter carefully placed Madeleine's meal on the table but accidentally spilled the iced drink a bit. "Here are your food and drink, Miss Stein," she said with an apologetic smile.

Madeleine set aside her iPhone and pulled her meal closer. "Thank you," she replied flatly.

Enjoy your meal, Miss Stein," the waiter said, turning to tend to her other tables.

Madeleine was just about to pick up her dinner fork and knife when her cell phone suddenly buzzed on the table, causing her heart to race. Biting her lower lip, she glanced at the iPhone screen and saw that her mom was calling. Madeleine had been hoping to enjoy her brunch without distractions, but she knew she had to answer the call, as her mom would likely follow up with texts and video calls if she didn't. Taking a deep breath, Madeleine accepted the call and prepared to hear what her mom had to say.

Margaret greeted her daughter warmly."Hello, sweetie. Have you finished your tennis lessons yet?"

Yeah, Mom," Madeleine replied, balancing her phone on her right shoulder. "I just checked into the country club for my weekly brunch. And, I'm about to eat."

Okay, sweetie," Margaret said flatly. "My friends are picking me up in ten minutes to go into the city for the next seven hours, so I won't be home when you get back from the club."

Madeleine gripped her silver dinner fork and knife as she held her cell phone against her cheek with her right shoulder. "Oh, Mom, that means you're going out with my friends' moms who are also your friends," she said cheerfully.

"Absolutely," Margaret replied confidently. "Carol, Catherine, Emily, Courtney, and I are planning to enjoy a lunch and spa day together."

Madeleine smiled brightly at her mom. "Alright, Mom," she said, using her knife to cut a medium-sized piece of her egg benedict before forking it into her mouth. She was delighted that her mom would be out of the house for a few hours, allowing her to rest before having to pick up Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Kayla later. "I need to finish my food before it gets cold. I'll see you when I get back from Addie's birthday party."

"Sounds good, dear," Margaret said, ending the call.

Realizing the call had ended, Madeleine dropped her iPhone on the table and took several sips of orange juice. She then resumed eating her eggs benedict, abandoning her utensils on the tablecloth. Sighing, Madeleine unlocked her phone and opened the Instagram app.

Scrolling through her feed, she saw that her morning lesson selfie had received around two thousand likes from her schoolmates. Grinning, Madeleine continued eating as she browsed. Next, she noticed her cousin Aimee had posted group photos from their brunch at Ladurée. Madeleine tapped the heart icon to like the pictures, then commented: Mimi, these pictures are stunning! As she drank more orange juice, Madeleine admired her cousin and friends' stylish outfits in the photos.

Madeleine quietly snickered to herself as she scrolled through her social media feed. She observed the table next to her, noting that the diners had already paid their bill. Glancing back down at her phone, Madeleine saw that her cousin Esmée had posted several group photos with friends Caitlyn and Gabi, seemingly at a house party.

Tapping the heart icon to like the photos, Madeleine took a bite of her eggs benedict and sipped her orange juice. She shifted her attention back to her cell phone, tapping the screen to keep it from going to sleep. Inhaling, Madeleine commented on Esmée's photos: Um, Ez, I hope you have a great time at this party.

Madeleine turned off her iPhone, unzipped her bag, and dropped her cell phone inside. Zipping her bag back up, she shoved the last bite of eggs benedict into her mouth and washed it down with the rest of her orange juice. Wiping her mouth with her napkin, she tossed it on the table beside her empty plate and picked up the silver dinner spoon.

Checking her reflection, Madeleine inspected the ends of her honey-blonde curls and noticed split ends. Sighing, she knew she needed to make an appointment at Maxwell's Salon. She placed the spoon back on the table and raised her arm to signal the waiter over.

A moment later, the waiter approached, wondering why Madeleine had called her over.

"Miss Stein, why did you signal me over?" The waiter asked excitedly.

Madeleine smiled broadly and squared her shoulders. She then retrieved her Amex card from her unzipped bag and held it close to her chest. "I need the check, please," she said firmly, handing the card to the waiter. "I need to leave now."

"Okay, Miss Stein," the waiter replied, turning on her heel with Madeleine's credit card in hand.

Madeleine sighed and leaned back in her seat, gazing out the dining room windows. Her eyes settled on the country club's pool, where a brunette mother and daughter swam, wearing matching cute bathing suits and playing together in the water. Suddenly, Madeleine heard a loud throat-clearing and looked up to see Yuki standing before her, a black portfolio in hand.

The waiter handed Madeleine the portfolio. "Miss Stein, I need you to sign this receipt."

Madeleine opened the portfolio, finding her American Express card, a printed receipt, and a pen inside. Without glancing at the receipt, she signed on the dotted line. Retrieving her credit card, she tossed her Amex back into her bag and zipped it up. "I'll be back next week for my usual brunch reservation," she told the waiter.

"Alright, Miss Stein," the waiter replied, then moved on to attend to her other tables.

Madeleine stood up, tossing her bag over her right shoulder. Hoping Nick had followed her instructions to wait after her tennis lesson and brunch, she pushed in her chair and wove through the dining room tables, careful to avoid bumping into waiters carrying trays. Mindful of not staining her Tory Sport outfit, she sauntered out of the dining room and towards the country club's front entrance.

Scanning the bustling parking lot, Madeleine spotted the Range Rover parked by the curb and saw Nick inside. She opened the rear door and gracefully slid into the backseat, tossing her bag aside. Buckling herself in, Madeleine closed her eyes as the car pulled away, eager to relax for a couple hours before meeting her friends at Aphrodite's.

Westchester, NY

Spa Trinity

12:07 P.M.

Saturday, September 7th

As soon as Audrey left Madeleine's house, she immediately booked an emergency deep-tissue massage, grateful they could fit her in that afternoon. Sashaying into the spa's changing room, she perched on the wooden bench and changed out of her clothes. Wrapping herself in a monogrammed Egyptian cotton spa robe, Audrey slipped on silk thong slippers and gathered her long, platinum-blonde curls into a ballerina bun.

Folding her clothes, Audrey placed her navy blue Tory Burch crossbody bag on top and grabbed her AirPods from their charging case. Shoving the earbuds in, she dropped the case into the robe's pocket before retrieving her iPhone from her handbag and stashing it in the other pocket.

Dragging her slippers on the heated stone floor, Audrey headed towards the massage rooms, her manicured hands in her pockets. Pausing at the closed door to massage room #1, she pressed her ear against it and heard her usual therapist was ready.

Closing her cerulean eyes, Audrey rolled her shoulders and entered with confidence. The room was ambient, lit by ten glowing candles that filled the air with jasmine. Unwrapping her robe, she laid face down on the massage table, unconcerned if her therapist saw her naked.

"Hello, Miss Webster," the massage therapist said as she approached the massage table and draped a fluffy white Spa Trinity-monogrammed towel over Audrey's back. "It's been a while since your last massage."

Audrey closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I've just returned from a two-month summer vacation in Paris," she informed the therapist. "And I started school again this past Thursday, so I haven't had time for a massage."

The therapist opened her lavender-scented massage oil and began applying it to Audrey's bare back. "Alright, Miss Webster," she said calmly. "Relax and enjoy your massage."

Audrey kept her eyes closed, saying nothing to her usual massage therapist. Quietly, she asked Siri to play the newest Kristina album. As the first song began, Audrey bobbed her head to the music, feeling the therapist's hands pressing firmly into her back. Asking Siri to lower the volume, Audrey continued listening without straining her ears.

Relaxing further, Audrey felt the therapist's fingertips kneading deeper into her back. The second song started playing, and Audrey sighed deeply, the stress of hosting her birthday party melting away. The therapist now massaged Audrey's shoulders, gentle enough not to disturb her zen state.

Thirty minutes later, the therapist woke Audrey, having completed the deep tissue massage. Audrey rubbed the sleep from her eyes, realizing she had listened to the entire Kristina album. She turned her attention to the therapist.

The massage therapist smiled brightly and said, "Okay, Miss Webster, I've finished your massage. You can put your robe back on now."

Audrey nodded in acknowledgment. She grabbed her robe from the ottoman and wrapped it around herself, tying it closed. "Alright."

Audrey walked out of the massage room without saying anything further to her massage therapist. She headed straight down the same hallway, checking her ears to ensure her AirPods were still in place. As Audrey approached the spa's changing room, her iPhone buzzed silently in her robe's pocket, interrupting the music playing through her AirPods. Without checking her phone, Audrey double-tapped her left AirPod to accept the incoming call.

"Who's this?" Audrey asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice, wondering who was calling her.

"Um, hi, Audrey. It's me, Aiden," came the response through the iPhone's microphone.

Audrey's eyes widened at the sound of Aiden's voice, her heartbeat quickening. "Hey, Aiden," she replied, striving to conceal the nervousness in her tone. "What prompted this call?"

Aiden grinned nervously and asked. "Audrey, would you go to the dance with me this Friday night?"

"I accept your invitation to the dance," Audrey replied honestly. She realized that she, Madeleine, and Kayla were the only ones who had secured dates to the Back-to-School dance. "But what prompted you to finally work up the nerve to ask me?"

It was James who gathered us all together," Aiden said enthusiastically, speaking candidly with Audrey. "He told us to stop hesitating and ask you and the others to the dance. James made us realize that someone else might ask you first if we didn't act."

Audrey smiled to herself as Aiden shared his opinion with her. "I'm certain James would have told you all to ask us out soon," she explained. "But I think Kay may have put that idea in his head earlier."

"No way!" Aiden exclaimed, surprised by Audrey's statement. "That must be why James was so eager - he didn't want to be the only one at the dance."

"So, Aiden, are you coming to my birthday party today?" Audrey asked her crush, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, I am!" Aiden replied excitedly. "I just got your text invite this morning. I can't believe you included a QR code - that's so clever. It'll make checking in a breeze."

Audrey smiled brightly and pushed open the changing room door, her petite frame slipping inside. She sat down carefully on the wooden bench and crossed her slender legs. "Vanessa came up with the idea," she replied. "no one would crash my party."

"Of course, Audrey," Aiden agreed. "But I need to go - my mom needs me. Text me when you're ready, and happy birthday!"

Audrey grinned as she realized Aiden had ended the call on his end. "Thanks, Aiden," she said.

Audrey made a mental note to tell her friends about Aiden asking her to the dance. She then moved away from the bench and approached her assigned locker, her iPhone in her manicured right hand. Opening the locker, she dropped her cell phone inside and shrugged off her robe, revealing her creamy shoulders.

Pulling on her sleeveless navy Vince ruffle-neck blouse, Audrey then tugged her light-wash Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans over her hips and buttoned them up. Flattening her blouse, she grabbed her navy blue Anne Klein wedges from the locker and slipped them over her bare, pedicured feet, buckling them securely. Audrey then put on her flawless fifteen-karat diamond stud earrings.

Checking her reflection, Audrey saw that her natural makeup was still intact before fluffing her curls. Shutting her compact, she placed it back in her medium white Aphrodite makeup bag and put the bag into her purse. Taking a deep breath, Audrey slung her designer handbag over her right shoulder and closed her empty locker.

She retrieved her iPhone and case from the robe's pocket and tossed them into her purse. Squaring her shoulders, Audrey discarded the robe and thong slippers into a nearby laundry cart before leaving the changing room and walking down the hallway.

Turning left, Audrey gazed up at the spa's twenty-floor ceiling, the sunlight beaming through the massive skylight. Scanning the lobby, she noted the spa staff and customers moving about. Deciding not to use her platinum Mastercard credit card, Audrey headed towards the receptionist's desk, intending to charge the massage to her mom's card on file. She waited patiently behind a group of customers, her arms crossed, until the receptionist greeted her with a bright smile.

The receptionist placed her hands on the desk and greeted Audrey cheerfully, "Hi, Miss Webster. Did you have a nice massage?"

Audrey's lips curled into a half-smile. "The massage helped me relax, but the stress of hosting my birthday party is still there," she said, uncrossing her arms. Audrey could tell the receptionist's concern was feigned.

"Of course, Miss Webster," The receptionist chuckled. "Are you checking out now?"

Audrey adjusted the strap of her heavy purse on her shoulder and gathered her curls. "Yes, my mom's credit card is on file, so please charge it to her account."

The receptionist scanned the spa's register, found Audrey's mom's name, and immediately charged the deep-tissue massage to her credit card. "We've taken care of the massage payment on your mom's card, so you're all set to leave," she said.

Audrey smirked and called back over her shoulder as she walked away, "Great, I'll be back next week for my weekly mani-pedi."

Hearing that the receptionist said they would be waiting for her return, Audrey sashayed over to the spa's front entrance, where the doorman had opened the left-side frosted glass door for her. She stepped outside, scanning the parking lot for Arthur. Not seeing him, Audrey retrieved her iPhone from her purse and checked her ears, confirming her AirPods were still in place. She then asked Siri to call Arthur. After three rings, he answered.

Arthur's deep voice greeted his bosses' daughter. "Good afternoon, Miss Audrey."

As Audrey approached the cement curb, she questioned her driver."Arthur, where are you? Didn't I tell you to wait in the parking lot for me?"

"Well, Miss Audrey," Arthur said in a stoic tone. "Your father called me two hours ago and asked me to drop him off in the city. I'm afraid I have to wait here until your father's meeting is finished, so I won't be able to pick you up anytime soon. You'll need to request an Uber ride to get home."

Audrey rolled her eyes, irritated that her father had summoned Arthur away. "Fine, Arthur," she scoffed, well aware that she only resorted to Uber when her driver was occupied ferrying her parents around.

Ending the call with Arthur, Audrey quickly tapped the Uber app and entered her pickup location. She then typed in her family's house address as the destination. With a tap, Audrey selected the 100.89 UberX option from the available rides.

Confirming the ride, Audrey could see the driver's details and that the car would arrive in eight minutes. While she waited, she switched to Instagram and scrolled through her feed. Audrey noticed that her classmates were liking the solo selfie she had posted from Spa Trinity earlier that day.

Grinning to herself, Audrey looked up and saw the Uber driver turning into the spa's parking lot. Without glancing down, she switched off her cell phone and stepped gracefully into the car, plopping down in the backseat. Buckling her seatbelt, she dropped her phone into her designer handbag and abandoned the purse on the adjacent seat.

The driver followed the navigation's voice to Audrey's home address. She pulled her AirPods out of her ears, shoved them into their case, and closed her eyes, remaining silent for the rest of the ride. Audrey hoped her birthday party would go well as the car carried her toward her destination.

Westchester, NY

Aphrodite

2:00 P.M.

Saturday, September 7th

The bells jingled as Mackenzie pushed through the store's front door, holding it open for Madeleine, Kayla, and Scarlett. Observing her friends had entered, she released the door and faced forward. Mackenzie's favorite boutique, Aphrodite, had been booked for the next three hours after she called ahead Thursday afternoon. She and her friends wanted to shop privately, without judgmental eyes. Mackenzie looked around, noticing the salesgirls standing by the registers. Crossing her arms, she turned her attention to the girls.

Mackenzie looked around at her friends, gesturing to the rack of new Aphrodite dresses. "Where should we even start?" she questioned

Madeleine sighed and crossed her arms. "We should start at the back of the store," she answered. "And then work our way through the rest of the shop."

Kayla moved over to a dress rack, whining, "I think we should focus on the dresses first."

Scarlett stretched her neck and turned to the group. "We should just go with everyone's suggestions," she said with a snicker.

Mackenzie rolled her aquamarine eyes at her friends' comments and scoffed dismissively, "Fine then."

Kayla pawed through a rack, pulling out a scalloped, orange Aphrodite high-neck shift dress. "What do you guys think?" she eagerly asked her friends.

"Oh, Kay, that color would look amazing with your skin tone," Scarlett commented, running her delicate fingers over the dresses. "Are you wearing this to Addie's birthday party tonight?"

"No, not this dress," Kayla quickly answered, draping it over her arm and ensuring the hanger didn't ruin her dark beige Saint Laurent leather shopping tote. "But I'm thinking I should wear it to Cora Lewis's party on September eighteen."

Scarlett glanced over her right shoulder and noticed Mackenzie browsing through a rack of dresses. Moments later, she shifted her gaze to Kayla. "Now, that's an occasion to wear this dress," she snickered, knowing they would outshine the birthday girl.

"Has anyone called Drey to wish her a 'Happy Birthday' today?" Madeleine asked, changing the subject. She then looked at Mackenzie, who was examining another rack of dresses.

"I FaceTimed Addy this morning when I woke up," Mackenzie told the group as she held a navy-blue Aphrodite trapeze-print halter dress against herself, wondering if she could wear it to Audrey's party. Realizing it wouldn't work, she returned the dress and smoothed the front of her black Free People floral bubble dress. "Addy booked an emergency deep tissue massage at Spa Trinity this afternoon because Vanessa is setting up for Audrey's circus-themed party at her house."

Kayla sighed, admitting she had forgotten to call Audrey and wish her a 'Happy Birthday.' "I've been so busy the last three days looking for her present, which finally arrived this morning. I still need to wrap it."

"Me too," Scarlett agreed with Kayla, flipping her long, silky icy-blonde waves over her left shoulder. "Except I already found and wrapped her gift. It's sitting on my chaise lounge."

Madeleine dropped some hangers on the store's freshly waxed marble floor before gesturing toward Kayla and Scarlett. "Come on, you two," she said in a regal tone, sounding surprised. "Addie's probably upset that you didn't wish her a happy birthday."

"When we get inside the dressing room, we'll call Drey and wish her a happy birthday," Kayla and Scarlett said in unison. "What about you, Maddie? Didn't you wish Addy a happy birthday?"

"While Nick was driving the usual route to the country club, I FaceTimed Addie and wished her a happy birthday right after she finished talking to Kenzie," Madeleine said casually, her tone easygoing. She then held up a crimson-red Aphrodite collared dress. "So, girls, do you think I should wear this dress to Addy's birthday party?"

Mackenzie examined the dress with a laser-like focus. "It could be an option for Drey's party," she replied instantly.

"I think you should wear that dress to our friend's party," Kayla mused, draping another Aphrodite dress over the one on her right arm.

Scarlett sipped her Evian water, mindful of the dresses draped over her right arm. "It's perfect, Maddie," she said with a smile. "The dress would match those BCBG heels you bought two months ago."

Madeleine nodded in agreement, then crossed her arms. "Let's grab a bunch of dresses from the racks and head to the dressing room," she suggested with a grin, shifting the conversation.

In response to Madeleine's suggestion, Mackenzie, Kayla, and Scarlett grab large piles of dresses from various racks and simultaneously agree. "Okay, Maddie."

Mackenzie, Madeleine, Scarlett, and Kayla silently carried armfuls of dresses into the store's dressing rooms, dropping the piles on the floor before stepping back outside. The four women then settled cross-legged on the plush carpet, iPhones in hand.

Kayla unlocked her cell phone, hoping Madeleine and Mackenzie would remain silent as she and Scarlett wished their friend Addie a happy birthday. "Um, beauties, I'm gonna call Addie now," Kayla said, asking Siri to place the call on speakerphone. After three rings, Addie answered. "Happy birthday, Drey! I completely forgot to text or video-call this morning."

Scarlett observed Madeleine and Mackenzie exchanging side glances before resting her head on Kayla's left shoulder. "Happy birthday, Addie," she added after Kayla's statement. "How's Vanessa setting the party up?"

Audrey beamed with excitement. "The party planner has already set up the massive circus tent and is about to have the team start helping with the tables and chairs," she announced.

Kayla smiled and rolled her shoulders back, careful not to disturb Scarlett's resting head. "Oh, it sounds like everything is coming together," she said breathlessly.

Sitting up straighter, Scarlett smiled at her friends and set down her phone. "Yeah, Addy, I think you should head downstairs and start supervising," she suggested, crossing her arms.

Madeleine and Mackenzie sprawled across the carpet in the dressing area, resting their elbows in front of them as they dropped their cell phones beside their arms. "Well, yeah, obviously," they said in unison.

"Um, I don't think I can go downstairs right now," Audrey said cheerfully. "My hairstylist and makeup artist will be here in an hour, so I want to relax in my room as long as I can while my parents are out."

"Okay, Addie," Kayla said, nodding in understanding as she exchanged a glance with Scarlett and kept her iPhone in the group. "We'll let you relax, and then we'll start looking for dresses for the next five parties we have to go to soon."

Audrey ended the call, saying excitedly. "Okay, girlies."

Madeleine clapped her manicured hands together. "So, pretties, let's start selecting the dresses for the next five parties we have to attend over the next two months," she stated, switching the topic.

Kayla nodded and rose from her seat. She walked back into her dressing room and peeled off her clothes. "I'm going first," she volunteered, needing to find a dress for Addie's birthday party.

Madeleine glanced over at Mackenzie and Scarlett, who were now leaning against the walls by their dressing rooms. "I forgot to mention it yesterday," she said with a soft giggle. "Lindsey, Avery, and I are throwing a house party on September twenty-first."

Mackenzie stepped back into her dressing room, retrieving a Perrier from her designer handbag. Rejoining the group, she settled in her spot and placed the lukewarm drink between her legs. Turning to Madeleine, she said in disbelief, "A party with Lindsey and Avery? I'm surprised you didn't have to wait months before bringing that up to them."

"I think the three of you hosting it together would be an amazing time," Scarlett commented, her eyes sparkling with excitement for Madeleine.

Kayla emerged from her dressing room, showcasing a cobalt-blue Aphrodite V-necked asymmetrical dress to her friends. "What do you guys think?" she asked. "Is it worth wearing this to Drey's party tonight?"

Scarlett's icy-blue eyes scrutinized the dress, and she moved her iPhone closer. "It looks stunning on you," she complimented. "You have to wear this to Addy's birthday party."

"Oh, Kay, the dress looks fabulous! " Madeleine chimed in, resting her chin on her hand. "Ten out of ten!"

Mackenzie let out a snicker. "Gorgeous," she assessed. "9.5."

Kayla's amber eyes drifted between her friends. She knew their advice would help her look better than their classmates. "Yeah, I'll go with your suggestions," she announced with a chuckle, settling back into her seat. "So, who's up next?"

Madeleine rose and headed to the dressing room. "Me," she told the group, already changing out of her clothes. "Did you see Molly's Instagram post this morning? She was ugly crying in the photo."

Mackenzie arched a perfectly waxed strawberry-blonde eyebrow. "Wait, Molly posted something on Instagram?" she interrupted. "I haven't even checked my account today."

"Yeah, Mack," Kayla nodded. Kayla unlocked her phone and instantly tapped the Instagram app. She quickly typed her account handle into the search bar and clicked on the first post as soon as her page appeared. Zooming in on the picture, Kayla wondered how the girl could have posted it without realizing people would insult her. Concerned about getting her dress dirty, Kayla sat down on her legs.

Scarlett looked on in shock, her delicate fingers combing through her icy-blonde, pin-straight hair. "I can't believe she had the audacity to post that on her page," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. Peering over Kayla's shoulder, Scarlett studied the picture Kayla had zoomed in on. She winced, unsympathetic towards the girl in the image. "I'm guessing she's crying because she wasn't invited to Addy's party. Serves her right."

Madeleine emerged from the dressing room, striding out like a queen in a stunning midnight-blue, beaded sheath dress. "Thoughts, ladies?" she asked, fishing for compliments.

Kayla lightly touched the nape of her neck, ensuring her wheat-blonde hair remained in a loose chignon. "Adorable," she instantly replied.

"Awesome dress, Mads," Mackenzie snickered. She twirled the diamond bracelet on her thin right wrist before sipping her Perrier. "Ten out of ten!"

Scarlett played with her pearl charm bracelet. "It looks so classy on you," she said softly.

Madeleine gracefully resettled onto the couch, smoothing the back of her dress. "Alright, besties," she said confidently, knowing she would wear this dress to Audrey's party tonight. "I heard Sofia is regretting going against me."

Mackenzie entered her dressing room, peeling off her clothes. "Well, Maddie, it's her own fault," she said. "She shouldn't have plotted with her friends to take your throne."

"Sofia will feel left out," Scarlett noted, folding her hands in her lap. "She'll hear the juicy party details from others."

Kayla rolled her shoulders, casually flicking imaginary lint off her dress. "Oh, yeah," she said nonchalantly.

"Whatever!" Mackenzie muttered, unbothered by Sofia's plight. Moments later, she barged out sporting a fuschia Aphrodite off-the-shoulder crepe dress and wondered what her friends would think of the bold ensemble. "So, what do you all think?"

"Fabulous!" Madeleine exclaimed excitedly, grabbing Mackenzie's Perrier. She hovered the bottle above her lips, taking a long sip without touching the top. "I think you should wear this dress to Addie's party."

Scarlett nodded and snatched the drink from Madeleine's hand, taking a generous gulp while keeping her lips away. "Adorable," she offered, closing the Perrier and placing it next to Mackenzie's iPhone. "You should wear it to Drey's party too."

Kayla studied the dress intently, her brow furrowed. "It looks amazing on you," she sighed. "Kenzie, I think you should definitely wear this dress."

Mackenzie nodded eagerly, sitting carefully to avoid damaging the dress. "Okay," she said calmly, understanding her friends had already decided the dress was perfect for Audrey's birthday.

Scarlett entered her dressing room, changing out of her clothes. Tapping her manicured finger against her chin, she wondered what she should try on now and mused. "I've heard Jacqueline fainted in fifth period after Madeleine delivered judgment on her and her friends."

Madeleine arched a perfectly waxed honey-blonde eyebrow at Scarlett's revelation. "Oh, really?" she asked in a melodramatic tone. "I thought she would have maintained her composure throughout the school day."

"Um, Maddie, people were openly laughing at her," Kayla added, chuckling at Jacqueline's misfortune.

"Everyone in school was gossiping about her," Mackenzie said, blinking and snickering. She opened her Perrier and drank eight long gulps before noting that she was nearly finished with the bottle.

Scarlett gracefully sauntered out of her dressing room, sighing contentedly. The champagne Aphrodite foil embroidery midi dress she wore accentuated her figure beautifully as she twirled for her friends. "Fabulous or not?" she asked, feeling perfectly confident.

"Oh, Lett, it looks absolutely fabulous on you!" Madeleine replied, cocking her head to the side and scrutinizing the dress for any flaws. "Please tell me you're wearing this to Drey's birthday party."

Without looking up from her phone, Mackenzie was disappointed to see no new messages from Declan and chimed in. "Uh, Scar, it looks so elegant on you."

Kayla glanced at Madeleine, who was now inspecting her manicured nails. "Me too," she agreed with Mackenzie, letting out a resigned sigh.

"I've decided this is the dress I'm wearing to Yvonne Phillips's party," Scarlett declared, her tone casual yet confident. She then rested her head on Kayla's shoulder.

Madeleine strode back into the dressing room, swiftly changing out of the previous dress and tossing it to the floor. She yanked another garment off a hanger. "So Kenzie, how's the plan to take down Nikki Reeds going?" she asked eagerly.

Kayla leaned in, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Mack, share the details," she said. Crossing her ankles, Kayla subtly adjusted her party dress to ensure her black La Perla lace thong remained hidden.

Mackenzie spoke in a measured tone. "Nikki texted the fake Instagram account as soon as I woke up. She's thrilled someone's showing interest in her."

Scarlett glanced at her iPhone. "Five-fifteen already," she said coolly. "Well, Nikki's getting what she deserves."

"Kenzie, you have to make sure she doesn't discover you're behind the fake account," Madeleine said ominously, emerging from her dressing room in a stunning mulberry Aphrodite one-shoulder sheath dress. She paused in front of the three-way mirror, giving herself an appraising once-over. "So, girls, what's the verdict?"

Kayla chuckled softly and uncrossed her ankles. "A solid ten, Maddie!" she declared with a giggle.

"Absolutely stunning, Mads," Scarlett practically whispered, her gaze fixed on Madeleine.

Lying on her back, Mackenzie stared up at the dressing room ceiling and let out a sigh before sitting upright. "Maddy, you look beautiful," she said quickly.

Madeleine's friends provided her with sensible fashion advice, but she abruptly shifted the conversation. Madeleine explained. "During our Queen council meeting, Lindsey, Avery, and I were interrupted by Maisy, who needed to use the bathroom. Maisy appeared startled to find us still occupying the space. To make matters worse, she directly called us bitches, though her insult had no impact on us."

"No way," Kayla said, sounding very surprised that Maisy had the balls to confront Madeleine, Avery, and Lindsey. Seconds later, she strutted back inside her dressing room and peeled the dress she was wearing off her petite body. Without saying anything else to her friends, Kayla glanced at the dress options hanging from silver hooks in the dressing room, thinking about what to try next. "She shouldn't have said that to you guys."

Scarlett's eyes narrowed and spitefully exclaimed. "Oh my god, I can't believe we're talking about this loser who dared to defy us. You should have put her in her place. That way, she'll think twice before interrupting Maddie, Avery, and Lindsey in the bathroom again."

Mackenzie rolled her eyes. "I get that seeing her would've been painful, but Maisy has no one to blame but herself. If she'd just read the sign on the bathroom door, she'd know not to defy you guys. Her defiance is only going to make other students wonder why they should be afraid of you in the first place."

Madeleine straightened up and stretched her arms. "Right before Maisy left the bathroom, she had this confused look on her face, probably wondering about the consequences of uninviting us to her party," she murmured.

Kayla glided out of her dressing room, feeling fabulous in a coral Aphrodite bow-neck Halter dress. Showcasing the dress to her friends, she moved closer to the mirror and admired her flawless reflection. "How do I look?" she asked her friends a bit worriedly.

"Um, Kay, you look fabulous," Scarlett told her friend as she crawled towards the wall next to her dressing room and leaned against it. A few minutes later, Scarlett

Mackenzie squeezed her triple-strand white pearl bracelet for dear life, knowing that she couldn't be mean to her friend's party dress option. "9.7," she beamed happily. Mackenzie then tossed her glossy strawberry-blonde curls over her left shoulder.

"9.6," Madeleine added after Mackenzie's statement as she uncrossed her arms from her chest.

Kayla had already made it clear that she planned to wear a specific dress to Lacey Montgomery's garden party. After sharing this detail, she turned her attention back to her friends. "Um, we should go back to what we were talking about before," she said, reminding the girls of their previous discussion.

"I know a secret about Maisy," Mackenzie said as she hurried into her dressing room to change out of her current dress. Surveying her other party attire options, she pondered which one she should try on next.

Madeleine blinked a few times and then laughed loudly. "Um, Manzie, you need to share this secret with everyone!" she exclaimed, gesturing excitedly towards Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Kayla.

Scarlett pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. "Tell us everything," she demanded, staring down at her bare, pedicured feet.

Kayla discreetly adjusted her chignon, tucking back any stray hairs. "I'd like to hear this secret," she sighed.

Mackenzie emerged from the dressing room, gracefully slipping into a blush-colored Aphrodite midi dress with a knot-neck and tulip hem. She twirled before the mirror, then turned to the others. "Well, what do you think?" she asked with a chuckle, changing topics.

Scarlett admired the flawless eighteen-karat diamond studs in her ears. "Mack, you look wonderful," she said.

Madeleine eyed Mackenzie's party dress, her arms folded across her chest. "Kenzie, the dress is stunning on you," she said, fiddling with her necklace.

Kayla was pleased that Madeleine looked so wonderful in the dress. "I think you've found the perfect dress for Cora Lewis's party," she replied.

Mackenzie casually flashed a wry smile at her friends as she finished the last sip of her Perrier and tossed the empty bottle onto the nearby carpet. "I know, besties," she said. "I can't keep Maisy's secret any longer. One of my spies told me that one of Maisy's ex-friends had caught Maisy stealing from the ex-friend's mom's closet. This incident had earned Maisy a reputation as a thief around her old elementary school and made people distrust her with their belongings."

Madeleine rose from her seat and stepped into her dressing room, changing out of the dress she had been wearing. As she looked through the dress options hanging on the silver hooks, she shook her head. "I can't believe it," she responded. "I overheard Maisy lying to her new friends yesterday about why she transferred schools."

Scarlett shifted in her seat and glanced down at her manicured hands. "I guess she didn't want people to know about her terrible reputation at her old school," she said briskly, snickering at Maisy's misfortune.

We should spread this secret around school," Kayla suggested, feeling that Maisy deserved the consequences of her actions toward Lindsey, Avery, and Madeleine.

Mackenzie nodded in agreement. "We should see how people treat her after the rumor comes out," she insisted.

Madeleine slowly emerged from the dressing room, showcasing a white Aphrodite caped sheath dress to her friends. She checked her reflection in the mirror and let out a sigh. "Do I look pretty?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.

Kayla's eyes widened with delight. "Of course, Maddie," she immediately agreed, taking a sharp breath. "I think you should wear that dress to one of the parties we're invited to."

"Oh yeah," Scarlett replied, her eyes lit up. Stretching her neck, she observed that Madeleine was cocking her head to the side. "It's gorgeous on you."

Mackenzie glanced at her iPhone and grimaced. "Um, Maddie, our booking is almost over, so we need to head to the registers and check out now."

Alright, girls, let's collect our things and finalize our dress selections before the boutique gets crowded," Madeleine said, disliking that their private appointment was nearing its end.

Without a word, the girls returned to their dressing rooms, phones in hand. They quickly changed out of the dresses they had been trying on, tossing them onto piles they had already approved. Redressed in their clothes, the girls slung their purses over their shoulders and exited the dressing area, arms full of Aphrodite gowns.

A short while later, the girls sauntered up to the cash registers, which doubled as iPads. The salesgirls promptly rang up their purchases and held out the credit card receipts. The girls signed the receipts, then grabbed their twenty-five large shopping bags and headed for the exit, stepping out onto the sidewalk and into the humid air as they waited outside the store.

Kayla scanned the block and spotted her family's driver, Dean, waiting at the end as instructed. "My driver is here," she told her friends.

Scarlett and Madeleine grabbed Kayla's arms, stopping her. "Can you drop us off too?" they asked in unison.

Kayla nodded, juggling her shopping bags. "Of course," she answered, heading towards the Mercedes GLE Coupe.

"Bye, Kenzie," Madeleine and Scarlett called over their shoulders to Mackenzie as they followed Kayla.

Mackenzie returned the wave to her friends, then peeked out of the corner of her eye. She observed that the girls had already climbed into Kayla's family car. Sighing, Mackenzie watched as the car navigated down the driveway. Noticing the Mercedes had disappeared, she reached into her designer handbag and removed her AirPods from the wireless charging case. Mackenzie placed the earbuds in her ears and asked Siri to call her family's driver, Dimitri. After three rings, Dimitri answered on the other end of the line.

Dimitri's deep voice answered the call on Mackenzie's cell phone. "Hello?"

Mackenzie greeted her driver. "Hey, Dimitri. It's me."

"Hello, Miss Mackenzie," Dimitri responded. "Do you need a pickup now?"

"Yes, Dimitri," Mackenzie replied.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes," Dimitri said before ending the call.

As soon as Mackenzie could no longer hear her driver's voice, she returned her AirPods to their case and tapped her phone screen to wake it up. She instantly opened the Messages app, hoping for a text from Declan, but was disappointed to find none. Trying to stay calm, Mackenzie turned off her iPhone and dropped it into her purse.

Twenty minutes later, Mackenzie glanced down the street and saw Dimitri turning the Mercedes onto the road. When the car pulled up to the curb, she promptly walked over, opened the right rear door, and gracefully climbed inside. Settling into the plush leather backseat, she buckled her seatbelt and sighed. Without a word to the driver, Mackenzie closed her eyes, feeling the car pull away from the curb. All she wanted now was to relax a bit before attending Audrey's birthday party.

The Webster Estate

Audrey's Bedroom

6:30 P.M.

Saturday, September 7th

Humming the tune to Veronica Brown's new song, Audrey sent a text to Aiden: See you when I make a big entrance into my party. After swiping up to exit the Messages app, she stared at her fully charged iPhone screen. Audrey then tossed the phone onto her bed before stepping in front of her three-way mirror.

Giving herself a once-over, Audrey admired her ensemble - a blush Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman jacquard A-line dress, paired with black suede Jimmy Choo open-toe platform sandals, a custom heart-shaped diamond pendant necklace, and matching stud earrings. Her perfectly curled hair was pushed away from her face by an embellished blush Jennifer Behr headband, and the professional makeup artist had given her a flawlessly natural look. Satisfied with her birthday outfit, Audrey wondered if Aiden would compliment her on how beautiful she looked.

Silvana, the family's maid, spoke calmly through the intercom, interrupting Audrey's thoughts. "Miss Audrey, your friends are here. They want to see you before the party starts."

Audrey placed her manicured hand on her hip. "Send them up, Silvana," she replied, feeling a surge of excitement to see her friends in person for the first time that day.

As the intercom went silent, Audrey bit her lip in anticipation. Moments later, the sound of her bedroom door opening drew her gaze to her friends, who had arrived looking stunning in their outfits for her birthday party.

In unison, Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie exclaimed with palpable excitement. "Happy Birthday, Drey!"

"Thanks, guys," Audrey replied, graciously accepting their birthday wishes. She then twirled, inviting her friends to admire her perfectly curled hair, altered dress, and stylish heels. "So, what do you think?"

"Oh my god, you look perfect!" Scarlett exclaimed, perching on Audrey's bed.

Madeleine settled beside Scarlett, crossing her slender legs. "Beautiful, Addie," she said happily.

Mackenzie leaned against the wall near Audrey's bedroom door. "Uh, Addy, you look so cute," she complimented her friend.

Kayla's eyes lit up with delight. "Drey, stunning," she beamed.

Audrey sighed and rolled her shoulders back. "Besties, I have some news to share with you," she said mysteriously.

Mackenzie arched a perfectly waxed strawberry-blonde eyebrow at Audrey's enigmatic statement. "About what?" she asked eagerly, curious to hear what her friend would say.

Scarlett leaned forward, eager to hear Audrey's latest gossip while feeling Madeleine's gaze on her right shoulder. "Tell me everything," she said, smiling.

"For real?" Kayla and Madeleine exclaimed in unison, sounding shocked.

Audrey clapped her manicured hands and bounced in her sandals. "Aiden called and asked me to be his date to the Back-to-School dance!" she squealed excitedly.

"Oh my god!" Mackenzie exclaimed loudly, aware that Audrey's parents were not home and her mom was in the city with friends. "How do you feel about Aiden asking you to the dance?"

Scarlett let out a sigh. "Or the fact that he's attending your birthday party now?" she added after Mackenzie's statement.

Kayla's eyes widened at Audrey's message. "Was Scott cool when he asked you?" she inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.

Madeleine grinned and sat up straighter. "Please tell me you didn't say anything embarrassing," she begged, sounding worried for Audrey.

Audrey took a deep breath, knowing her friends were eager to hear the details. "Well, Aiden was very pleasant to me," she told the girls. "He was also excited that he just received his party invitation."

Scarlett bounced excitedly on Audrey's bed, feeling the soft comforter. "That's great news," she said brightly, though internally she resented the fact that Scott hadn't asked her to the dance.

Madeleine couldn't hide her smugness as she revealed in a hushed tone. "Only three of us have been asked by the boys to be their dates to the dance."

Mackenzie rolled her eyes, envious that Audrey, Kayla, and Madeleine already had dates. "When is Declan going to ask me to the dance?" she asked her friends impatiently. "He never even responded to my text last Thursday."

Kayla moved to the window, spotted guests arriving at the circus tent, and reassured Mackenzie."You shouldn't worry. Declan will call you soon."

Audrey reassured Mackenzie, who was calming herself down after Kayla's earlier encouragement. "Everything's gonna be okay," she said. Audrey heard music playing through her bedroom walls, signaling that her birthday party was about to begin. "You could gain the courage to ask Declan to the dance. He's attending the party with the other Crestview boys."

"No," Mackenzie answered honestly, knowing she didn't want prying eyes watching as she tried to speak to Declan. "I'll just wait for him to come to me."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Mackenzie, thinking her friend was being a coward. But Madeleine kept that thought to herself, not wanting their friendship to suffer. "Anyway, girls, we should rate each other's outfits for Addie's party," she proposed. "But let's exclude Addy since we've already complimented how fabulous she looks."

Scarlett nodded in understanding as the DJ started playing a song by Leo Granger. "So, who's going first?" she asked.

Kayla looked away from the windows and raised her hand. "Me first!" she chirped, breaking into a smile. Moments later, she slowly twirled around, letting her friends examine her ensemble. "I'm wearing a cobalt-blue Aphrodite V-necked asymmetrical dress, metallic-silver Jimmy Choo embellished heels, and a silver Judith Leiber beaded clutch. For jewelry, I have on silver Alexis Bittar crystal drop earrings and a matching necklace. What do you guys think?"

Mackenzie looked Kayla up and down. "9.9," she said dramatically.

Audrey examined Kayla with the laser focus of a judge. "9.7," she replied.

Scarlett scanned Kayla's outfit for any flaws. "9.8," she finally declared.

Madeleine tapped an imaginary gavel. "9.9 - that's Kayla's final rating!"

"Yes!" Kayla squealed with delight, thrilled with her fabulous look for Audrey's birthday party. The scent of her Aphrodite perfume filled the air around her.

Mackenzie stepped away from the wall, her excitement palpable as she showcased her outfit to her friends. "Look at me!" she said eagerly. "I'm wearing a fuchsia Aphrodite off-the-shoulder crepe dress, beige Saint Laurent patent-leather platform heels, and a beige Whiting & Davis flower crystal-embellished clutch. And for jewelry, I have on gold Ross & Simmons crystal linear earrings and a matching bracelet. What do you think?"

Madeleine bounced happily in her seat. "9.9," she said with a smile.

"A ten," Audrey commented, cocking her head to the side.

Kayla squealed and straightened her dress. "I agree," she chimed in.

Scarlett eyed Mackenzie's ensemble approvingly. "9.8," she said, her gaze briefly flicking down to her chest.

Mackenzie jumped up and down, careful not to lose her balance in the towering heels. "Perfect," she replied, her mood now buoyant.

Scarlett sat up straighter and presented her outfit to her friends. "I'm wearing a champagne Aphrodite foil embroidery midi dress, paired with champagne Badgley Mischka jeweled slingback heels and a champagne Judith Leiber beaded-and-crystal clutch. As accessories, I have on gold Kendra Scott crystal stud earrings and a gold Madewell herringbone chain necklace. What do you all think?"

Audrey smoothed the front of her dress, ensuring there was no lint. "9.7," she said thoughtfully.

"9.8," Kayla gushed with a grin, flattening her dress.

"9.9," Mackenzie chimed in breezily. "I still adore the dress."

"Same," Madeleine agreed with Mackenzie. Once they finished rating Scarlett's ensemble, she released a sigh and presented her outfit. "Well then, besties. It's my turn. I'm sporting a mulberry Aphrodite one-shoulder sheath dress, nude Christian Louboutin ankle-strap heels, and a nude-and-silver Christian Louboutin patent-leather clutch. For jewelry, I'm wearing cultured sterling-silver Crislu pearl stud earrings and a triple-strand Saint Moran pearl necklace. Verdict?"

Audrey plopped down on her sofa without hesitation. "Gorgeous," she said emphatically. "Ten."

Mackenzie sat down on Audrey's bed, crossing her arms. "9.9," she said smoothly.

Kayla joined Mackenzie on the bed, sounding nonchalant as she replied, "9.9."

Scarlett ran her delicate fingers along Audrey's duvet. "Ten," she announced.

Madeleine felt proud that she had earned the most tens that night. She giggled softly, "Oh, yes!"

Audrey leaned back in her seat, crossing her slender legs. "So, besties, did you get me anything for my birthday?" she asked eagerly.

"Oh, Drey, I'm not telling you what I got you," Mackenzie replied, not wanting to spoil the surprise. "I saw the maid put it with the other presents when we arrived."

"I got you something you'll like, Addie," Kayla said, resting her head on Mackenzie's shoulder. "I'd like you to open it when you wake up tomorrow morning."

"Same here," Madeleine and Scarlett chimed in, nodding in agreement. They then shifted the conversation. "Someone needs to go claim a spot for us downstairs. We can't sit with the losers."

Audrey leaned back in her seat, uncrossed her legs, and interrupted sharply. "Don't worry, girlies. I'm sure you've picked out wonderful presents for me," she announced. "I've created a VIP section for A-listers only."

Mackenzie and Kayla linked elbows and nodded in agreement. "Uh, Addie, that sounds cool," they said in unison before heading towards Audrey's bedroom door. The two then turned and walked back downstairs, intending to sit at their table and make their classmates feel envious.

Scarlett peeked out from the corner of her eye and saw that Mackenzie and Kayla had already left Audrey's room. "Now, we know it's Addy's important day," she said without looking away from the open doorway, "But we can also relish the envious stares of our classmates."

Madeleine crossed Audrey's room and stopped near the bedroom door. "Of course, Scar," she nodded in understanding. "We should leave Audrey alone now. She still needs to make a grand entrance at her party."

Scarlett stood up and adjusted the hem of her dress. "Mads, I just remembered that some people are waiting downstairs for Addie," she said.

Audrey sighed heavily and rose to her feet. She sauntered over to Madeleine and Scarlett, pulling them into an embrace. "I completely forgot that guests were waiting for me downstairs," she said breathlessly. "I'll catch up with you both after I've made my grand entrance."

Audrey broke away from the hug and watched as Madeleine and Scarlett left the room, then turned to the mirror to check her appearance. After a few moments, she shuffled out of the bedroom, racing downstairs to fix her dress's neckline and take a deep breath. As she approached the sunroom doors where the guests were waiting, Audrey's thoughts raced. Would she be able to interact with Aiden without looking foolish? Could she make a confident, graceful entrance at her party without embarrassing herself? And would she and her friends be able to make their less-popular classmates understand their superiority?

The Webster Estate

Backyard

7:07 P.M.

Saturday, September 7th

As Madeleine and Scarlett stepped into the massive red-and-white circus tent, they were struck by the meticulous details Audrey had poured into her 'Circus Palooza-themed' birthday party. Sparkling Swarovski-trimmed crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling glow over the vibrant silk fabrics - red, blue, white, and yellow - that draped across the tent's ceiling. Massive circus-themed banners adorning the walls proclaimed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUDREY" in grand fashion.

Waiters in whimsical white wigs and red unitards maneuvered unicycles, serving up milkshakes, root beer floats, and lemon shake-ups to the guests. At the tent's entrance, the master of ceremonies cracked his whip, while twenty-five costumed performers on towering stilts stalked the grounds, puffing clouds of flame over the awestruck crowd.

Numerous self-operating photo booths allowed guests to capture selfies while roaming photographers immortalized their delighted reactions. By the entrance, the family's butler Alfred and maid Silvana, in full uniform, scanned QR codes to check guests against the party's registry.

Mimes entertained with their routines, while a variety of classic carnival games - ring toss, ping pong, balloon shoot, and more - were set up throughout the backyard. In the center of the tent, a large dance floor pulsed with the latest music from the DJ booth. Popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cone stations kept the guests indulging.

Vibrant red, yellow, and blue balloons dotted the tent's floor, surrounding tables laden with tempting treats - caramel apples, funnel cakes, corn dog bites, churros, and an array of other circus-themed desserts. Finally, a VIP section in the back of the tent, guarded by a bouncer with a guest list, offered a more exclusive experience.

Madeleine shifted the clutch to her other hand. "Oh my god, Scar!" she exclaimed. "Everything looks gorgeous."

"It does, Maddie," Scarlett agreed, plucking a chocolate milkshake from a passing tray and taking a long, refreshing gulp. "Addie went all out for her birthday party."

"Can we head to the VIP section now?" Madeleine asked, grabbing a root beer float from a passing tray and taking a sip. "I don't want my heels sinking into the grass."

Scarlett linked elbows with Madeleine and started leading her friend toward the VIP area. "C'mon, Mads," she said with a chuckle. "Addie's about to make her entrance."

Madeleine trailed behind her friend, disregarding the attempts of the less popular students to engage her. "Yes!" she murmured, taking a long sip of her root beer float while carefully avoiding leaving a mustache on her upper lip.

Madeleine and Scarlett hurried straight to the VIP section, stepping lightly to prevent their high heels from sinking into the grass. Wanting to keep their shoes clean, they paused in front of the bodyguard, who was waiting for them to provide their names.

"Excuse me," the bodyguard said, holding the clipboard closer to his face. "May I have your names, please?"

Madeleine took a sharp breath, dreading the prospect of being denied entry in front of her less popular classmates. "Madeleine Stein."

"Scarlett Wilson," Scarlett answered. She then glanced over the bodyguard's shoulder and spotted Lachlan's older brothers conversing with their friends.

The bodyguard checked the list, and then removed the ropes, allowing the girls to enter the VIP section. "Okay, you guys are on the list," he immediately said. "So, come on in."

Scarlett and Madeleine entered the VIP section without further interaction with the bodyguard. They approached Mackenzie and Kayla, noticing their friends were already engaged in conversation with Deliah and Chloe. Scarlett and Madeleine then took the seats beside Mackenzie and Kayla, crossing their legs as they settled in and turned their attention to their friends.

Madeleine and Scarlett interrupted their friends' conversation with Delilah and Chloe, asking. "Mack and Kay, what are you guys talking to Delilah and Chloe about?"

Mackenzie exchanged a sidelong glance with Chloe and Delilah. "Well, Scar and Maddy, Chloe was telling me a funny story about some loser who tried to talk to her at Red Mango. She wasn't getting the hint to leave her alone until Chloe insulted the person to the point that they finally understood she wanted to be left alone."

Kayla, grinning at Madeleine and Scarlett as she sipped her strawberry milkshake, replied, "Delilah was sharing her comments about a particular person at Addie's party."

Delilah smiled at Madeleine and Scarlett. "We were having a very nice discussion."

Chloe took a long sip of her lemon shake-up and added. "I was talking about Madison Cooperstein to Kayla."

Before Madeleine and Scarlett could respond, they were pulled into a group hug by Lindsey, Avery, Tiffany, and Ivy. After a few moments, Madeleine and Scarlett broke away, taking a sharp breath.

"Hey, M," Lindsey greeted Madeleine warmly, pausing to allow her to take another sip of her root beer float. "Your friend's party is about to be epic!"

Avery quickly glanced at Maddox, noticing he was engrossed in conversation with his friends. "Hi, Madeleine," she said cheerfully, her eyes still on her boyfriend. "I haven't heard from you since our Queen Council meeting yesterday morning."

Madeleine flashed a dazzling smile at Lindsey and Avery. "Sorry, queenies, I didn't have time to text after the meeting yesterday," she replied. A moment later, she discreetly looked at Mackenzie and Kayla, who were talking to Chloe and Delilah separately. "I was hosting my weekly Friday slumber party that day. And I wanted to relax after my tennis lessons and shopping with the girls today."

Ivy and Tiffany interrupted the ongoing conversation between Madeleine, Lindsey, and Avery to ask Scarlett. "Oh, Scar, are we still on for meeting at Scoops tomorrow afternoon at five-thirty?"

Scarlett leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms. "Yeah, Tiffany and Ivy, we're still on for hanging out at Scoops tomorrow."

Ivy and Tiffany took another sip of their drinks. "Awesome!"

Madeleine and Scarlett were about to speak with Lindsey, Avery, Tiffany, and Ivy when they noticed the four of them were now conversing with Lachlan's older brothers and their friends. Madeleine and Scarlett let out a sigh and glanced over to see Mackenzie talking to Emily and Danielle. Reluctantly, they made their way towards Lachlan and Scott, pausing in front of them.

"Hey, Lachlan and Scott," Madeleine and Scarlett greeted their crushes in unison, warmly pulling them into a hug. The boys wrapped their toned arms around the girls.

Lachlan and Scott smiled as they pulled away from the embrace. "Hey, Madeleine and Scarlett," they said, aware of the girls' affections. "Are you two having fun?"

Madeleine and Scarlett blushed deeply, noticing the boys were dressed nicely for the party. "Yeah, Lachlan and Scott," they nodded. "Addie still has to make her grand entrance."

Lachlan and Scott held their root beer float away from their designer tops, and spoke in unison, "Of course, Madeleine and Scarlett should hurry up. Aiden wants to talk to her."

"Aiden should calm down," Madeleine and Scarlett said nonchalantly, peeking from the corner of their eyes as they observed James pulling Kayla away from her conversation with Mackenzie, Emily, and Danielle. The girls' eyes followed the two of them as they spoke privately in the corner near the VIP section snack table. "Addy's coming soon."

Lachlan and Scott looked at each other for a moment before addressing Madeleine and Scarlett directly. "Besides hanging out with each other on this upcoming Monday, we were thinking we should go on an official date." They smiled at the girls. "We'll call you when we've decided the date and time."

Madeleine and Scarlett rolled their shoulders back, trying to remain calm in front of their crushes. "Yeah, we can go on a date," they said excitedly.

Lachlan and Scott nodded, drinking several gulps of their drinks and speaking over the loud music. Moments later, they lightly kissed the girls' cheeks, seeing the blush on their faces. "We'll call you when we've decided the date and time for our official first date."

As soon as Madeleine and Scarlett heard the boys' statements, they found themselves internally wondering where the boys were taking them. However, the girls knew they couldn't make a fool of themselves in public, aware that their less-than-stellar classmates would likely try to use the situation to their advantage.

Shaking off their thoughts, Scarlett and Madeleine glanced over at Lachlan and Scott, noticing they were now chatting with Declan and Aiden. Realizing they needed to discuss this news with their friends away from prying ears, the girls looked around and saw that Mackenzie wasn't talking to anyone. Heading straight for their friend, they grabbed the seats next to her and hung their bags on the backs of their chairs.

Madeleine peered at Mackenzie curiously. "Oh, Kenzie, do you know why James pulled Kay aside?" she inquired.

"I'm not sure why he pulled Kalia aside," Mackenzie replied, looking perplexed. She fidgeted with her earrings before taking a sip of her root beer float.

Scarlett blinked rapidly at Mackenzie's response as she finished her chocolate milkshake. "Well, let's just eavesdrop on Lala and James," she suggested, not wanting Nova and Maia to overhear.

"Oh, Lett, that's a great idea!" Madeleine exclaimed, her voice laced with mischief.

"But how can we get close enough to listen without James and Kay realizing?" Scarlett fretted, concerned about being caught by their friend.

Mackenzie's half-smirk drew Madeleine and Scarlett's attention. "Let's grab some snacks and eavesdrop on their conversation," she suggested.

"Brilliant idea, Mack!" Madeleine and Scarlett chimed in unison, linking arms as they headed for the snack table.

Without a word, Madeleine, Mackenzie, and Scarlett strolled over to the snack table and grabbed circus-themed plastic plates. They heaped their plates with mini corn dog bites and caramel popcorn. As soon as the girls had finished filling their plates, they eavesdropped on Kayla and James's conversation while discreetly checking out Hannah's outfit.

Kayla took several sips of her milkshake. "I can't believe Declan and Scott haven't asked Manzie and Scar to the dance yet," she said angrily, unaware that the girls were listening. "My friends are seriously getting tired of waiting for them to ask."

"It'll be fine, Kayla," James said quickly, putting his arm around her shoulders. "Scott and Declan are going to ask your friends in the next few days. So your friends can relax now."

"I'm pissed it took them so long to decide," Kayla spat at James, her friends still listening. "My friends were worried they'd look like losers going to the dance without dates."

James flashed Kayla a smile, his pearly whites on full display. "So Kayla, I wanted to ask you something," he said, changing the subject.

Kayla arched a perfectly waxed, wheat-blonde eyebrow as she touched her Alexis Bittar necklace, her gaze fixed on James. "About what?" she asked eagerly, her heart racing in her chest.

James rubbed the back of his neck, raising his voice to be heard over the music. "Well, I was wondering if you'd go on a date with me?"

Kayla's fingers trembled as she ran them along her clutch. "I-I accept," she stammered, trying to contain her excitement as Madeleine, Scarlett, and Mackenzie stifled their squeals, not wanting to draw attention. "When are you picking me up?"

James leaned in and placed a light kiss on Kayla's blushing cheek. "After the Back-to-School dance, on Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock."

Fanning her flushed face, Kayla simply replied. "Okay, James."

Before Kayla realized her friends were listening, Mackenzie, Madeleine, and Scarlett quickly returned to their seats, plates of snacks in hand, after moving away from the snack table. They knew Kayla needed to tell them about her date with James, and they had to pretend they didn't know about her outing with her crush. Meanwhile, Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Madeleine had just learned that Kayla was the one who advised James to ask his friends to the dance before someone else asked them.

The DJ's voice boomed from the booth as he lowered the music's volume. "And now, let's give a big welcome to the reason we're all here - the birthday girl herself, Audrey Webster!"

All eyes turned to the tent's entrance as two people pulled back the flaps. Audrey was carried in on an extravagant litter, borne by six men. The crowd erupted in cheers as their friend waved gracefully, making the other guests envious of her stunning appearance. The men gently set Audrey down in the center of the dance floor.

Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie focused intently, eager to see the birthday girl's grand entrance.

Audrey rose from her seat and was handed a microphone by one of the toned men. "Hello, everybody," she addressed the crowd, aware that this was her night. "Welcome to my party. The only thing I ask is that you have fun, party, and take plenty of photos for Instagram."

Audrey returned the microphone to the men beside her. Mackenzie, Madeleine, and Scarlett watched as their friend approached the VIP section, greeted with "Happy Birthday" wishes from the crowd. Glancing away, they noticed Kayla had finished speaking with James and was heading in their direction. Taking a deep breath, the girls peered over their shoulders to see Lindsey and Avery socializing with their friends.

Kayla's friends jumped from their thoughts as she announced, "Girlies, I have some news to share with you guys."

"Uh, what happened, Kayla?" Mackenzie, Madeleine, and Scarlett asked in unison, trying to maintain an innocent facade as they had been secretly spying on Kayla's conversation with James.

Kayla felt someone's arm around her shoulders and turned to see Audrey had joined their group of friends, waiting for Kayla to share the news. "So, besties, James is taking me on a date," Kayla expressed, her eyes shining brightly.

"Oh my god!" Audrey gasped in shock, covering her mouth with her manicured hand. She couldn't believe Kayla had scored her first date with James. "When did this happen?"

"Well, it happened before you made your entrance to the party," Kayla told Audrey. She then ate a corn dog bite.

Madeleine carefully nibbled a caramel popcorn, mindful not to let any crumbs fall on her dress. "Honestly," she said, maintaining the pretense that she was unaware of Kayla's date with James. "I thought he would have asked you out within the next six months."

Scarlett tilted her head and gracefully popped a mini corn dog bite into her mouth. "Yeah," she agreed with Madeleine, "I'm happy that you and James are going on your first date."

Mackenzie snorted dismissively. "I seriously believe James wants to ensure no one else dates you," she remarked nonchalantly.

Hearing that Mackenzie was done speaking with Kayla, Madeleine and Scarlett interrupted the ongoing mini-conversation. "Um, Addie, you need to talk to Aiden now," they informed Audrey in unison, remembering their crushes had passed along a message that Aiden wished to speak with Audrey privately.

Seeing that Audrey had already left, Mackenzie, Kayla, and Scarlett watched as their friend made her way over to Aiden. They witnessed Audrey pull her crush toward the same corner where Kayla had been asked on her first date by James. Turning their attention to each other, the girls squared their shoulders and tried to look away.

Scarlett dropped her clutch on the table, resting her elbows beside it. "I want to know what Aiden is saying to Audrey," she chimed, knowing she couldn't tell Kayla about eavesdropping on her chat with James.

"No, we should let Audrey and Aiden talk without us listening in," Madeleine said, grabbing a lemon shake-up from a passing waiter's tray. Seeing the others agree, she looked toward the dance floor. "But you should see Olivia Crawford - her dance moves are terible."

Scarlett giggled softly as she followed Madeleine's gaze and observed Olivia's poor dancing. "I can't believe her friends aren't embarrassed by her," she remarked.

Mackenzie fidgeted with her Ross & Simmons bracelet while looking at the same scene. "Seriously?" she snickered meanly at Olivia. "I don't think anyone tells her the truth about her dancing."

Kayla openly snickered at Olivia's embarrassment. "I just understand that her friends are the ones encouraging her to be this way," she added spitefully.

Madeleine scanned the tent, noting the absence of Sofia Addison, Molly Nolan, Tia Scott, and Jacqueline Everstone. "So, girls, want to show Olivia we're better dancers?" she asked her friends without taking her eyes off the party.

"Of course, Maddie!" Mackenzie, Kayla, and Scarlett replied in unison as they watched Madeleine ensure her clutch hung properly from the back of her chair.

Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie rose and, linking elbows, marched directly to the ropes cordoning off the VIP area. The bodyguard allowed them to pass, and they sauntered onto the dance floor. As they swayed to the rhythm, the DJ's speakers pulsed with one of Kristina's songs.

As Kayla, Madeleine, Mackenzie, and Scarlett danced freely, they subtly noticed people trying to approach them. Swaying in sync to the Kristina song blaring from the speakers, the girls suddenly felt themselves being pulled apart. Glancing up, they saw Lachlan, Declan, James, and Scott grasping them against their muscular chests.

The girls - Madeleine, Scarlett, Kayla, and Mackenzie - started dancing with the boys, their arms raised in the air. Keeping the rhythm in their hips, they pulled Lachlan, Scott, James, and Declan closer as they danced around the boys. Sneaking peeks over their right shoulders, the girls noticed people shooting them envious stares as they continued dancing.

After thirty minutes of dancing to their favorite artists, Madeleine, Kayla, Scarlett, and Mackenzie noticed jealous glances from the crowd. Undeterred, they boldly led their crushes by the hand toward the VIP section, eager to continue their evening.

Madeleine, Mackenzie, Kayla, and Scarlett observed from the back of the tent that Audrey was still talking to her crush, Aiden. As soon as they reached the VIP section, their crushes following behind them, the bodyguard allowed them to pass through the ropes separating the VIP area from the rest of the party. The girls returned to their seats, ensuring the boys sat beside them.

Madeleine was surprised when Lachlan approached her to dance. "Um, Lachlan, I was surprised that you came to dance with me," she told him. She was completely astonished that her crush had made such a bold move.

"Well, I was waiting for you to head to the dance floor," Lachlan said to Madeleine, aware that his actions had left her stunned. He had taken the advice of his older brothers, Leif and Maddox, who had told him that Madeleine had a crush on him and he should find a way to express his feelings for her. Lachlan realized he needed to make it clear that Madeleine was off-limits. "So, I just decided to join you."

Madeleine blushed at Lachlan's confession, feeling too self-conscious to eat in front of him. "Alright," she finally said, noticing that Declan was pulling Mackenzie away from their group.

Scarlett crossed her slender legs and placed Scott's hand on her thigh. "Scott, it seems you like me," she said, noticing the longing in his winter grey eyes. Across the room, Scarlett saw Lachlan pulling Madeleine into a hug. "Is something on your mind?" she asked.

"Since we're going on a date, I was thinking we could go to the Back-to-School dance together," Scott replied, kissing Scarlett's nose. He then plucked a caramel popcorn from her plate and popped it into his mouth.

"I'd love to go to the dance with you," Scarlett smiled, relieved she wouldn't be the only one without a date. She made a mental note to squeal about it later when she was alone. Seconds later, Scarlett inspected her Kendra Scott earrings and smoothed her dress.

Kayla smiled as Scott finally mustered the courage to ask her friend to the dance. She then shifted her attention to James. "So, I'm guessing you just wanted to dance with me," she said coyly, batting her eyelashes at her crush.

"Yeah, Kayla," James nodded, his dark-brown eyes conveying the truth. Moments later, he wrapped his right arm around her shoulders. "I thought it might come across as creepy to just come onto you, so I waited for you to make the first move on the dance floor with your friends."

Audrey approached the flirtatious conversation happening between her friends and their crushes. "Well, well, well," she said, drawing the attention of Madeleine, Mackenzie, Lachlan, Scott, Kayla, and James. "What's going on here?"

"Audrey, my friends are talking to your friends," Aiden laughed, as the DJ announced the final song of the night. He gestured between himself and his own crush. "But we have some news to share with you all."

"Like what?" Lachlan, Madeleine, Scott, Scarlett, Kayla, and James asked in unison, exchanging curious glances and wondering what their friends wanted to reveal.

Aiden proudly announced to his friends. "Audrey agreed to go on a first date with me."

After Aiden finished speaking, Audrey popped a mini corndog bite into her mouth and remarked. "It was easy for him to convince me to be his date to the dance."

Madeleine, Scarlett, and Kayla were about to respond to Audrey's statement when they noticed Mackenzie approaching the table with Declan's arm draped around her shoulders. They exchanged knowing glances, turning their attention to their friend.

"Guess what, besties? Declan just asked me to the school dance!" Mackenzie announced excitedly to the group. She made a mental note to tell her friends about her crush asking her out on their first official date, away from prying ears.

Declan met his friends' eyes directly, without hesitation. "I was being an idiot," he admitted, his voice laced with regret. "So I finally worked up the courage to ask Mackenzie to the dance as my date."

"Thank goodness," Kayla said tersely, glancing away from James. "I was getting sick of you cowards not asking my friends to the dance. I was about to suggest they find other dates."

Madeleine stared at the tent's front entrance, watching as people began to leave the seemingly lifeless party. "But, wouldn't that have caused us to lose our popularity?" she asked Kayla.

Audrey and Scarlett answered honestly on Kayla's behalf. "Yeah, Maddie. At least we would have dates to the school dance."

Mackenzie politely covered a yawn with her right manicured hand. "Does anyone know what the time is?" she asked, shifting the conversation to a new topic.

Lachlan checked his iPhone, which was in the front pocket of his slim-fit Levi's jeans. "It's almost 11:15 pm," he said, slipping the phone back into his pocket.

"Yo, Lachlan, we gotta go now," Scott said, locking eyes with his friend. "Our parents want us home by midnight."

James, Declan, and Aiden's eyes widened at Scott's words. "We'll call our parents from Lachlan's and say we're staying over tonight," they said together.

"Alright, let's go," Lachlan said, standing up and kissing Madeleine's cheek. "See you Monday, Madeleine."

The boys - James, Scott, Aiden, and Scott - bid the girls farewell. "Bye, Ladies," they said. They then turned and headed for the tent's front entrance, Lachlan in tow.

The moment the boys were out of sight, Madeleine, Scarlett, Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey relaxed their posture and shifted their focus inward.

Madeleine stretched her arms overhead, wincing. "My shoes are giving me blisters," she complained, lowering her arms. "And I'm exhausted. So, who wants a ride home?"

"Meeeee!" Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Kayla chorused in unison, eager to retreat to the comfort of their beds.

"Let's go then," Madeleine said, rising and enveloping Audrey in a warm hug. "I'll probably text you tomorrow, Addy!"

"Bye, Addie," Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Kayla chimed in harmony, following Madeleine's lead and wrapping their friend in a group embrace.

"Okay, besties," Audrey nodded, watching as the girls departed the VIP area.

Audrey scanned the VIP section and noticed that Lindsey and Avery had already left with their friends. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw her friends had exited the tent. Sitting down, Audrey kicked off her heels, relieved to be more comfortable.

Looking around, she saw the bodyguard had departed. Audrey surveyed the tent as the hired staff began packing up. Carefully, she made her way to the front entrance, mindful not to stain her dress.

Stepping outside, Audrey took a deep breath of the cool, damp air, hearing voices in the distance near her home. Crossing the well-tended backyard lawn, she went inside barefoot. Checking the sunroom door, Audrey realized she had locked it behind her and headed upstairs. All she wanted now was a hot shower and sleep, wondering if her parents would be home soon.