Alicia Nicolette Rivera smoothed her long black curls and blinked blearily at the oval-shaped mirror in front of her. She was gorgeous, as always, and her heart shaped face looked unquestionably flawless. Just a day ago, the Riveras, a family of both old and new money, had moved from Long Island to Westchester, New York, the most pretentious town on earth. Here, old money was key to moving up the social ladder and anyone who was considered lower than upper class was immediately shunned. Nadia Lereso Rivera, Alicia's young mother, had lived in Westchester before Alicia was born. When Nadia was fifteen years old, Nadia became pregnant with Marianna, Alicia's older and estranged sister by a Spanish man (not Antonio Rivera) and had endured harsh treatment from her old friends. She moved back to Spain, and three years later had Alicia, and the three of them lived with Alicia's grandmother, Renée Ramirez. When Alicia was five years old, Nadia decided to move back to the United States, determined to marry Antonio Rivera. At six years of age, Alicia had a new stepfather and a new life in Long Island.
Soon, business had called Antonio to Westchester and the opportunity for even more wealth was too much for him to pass up. So, the three of them moved into a huge estate in Westchester to start over where they left off. Alicia was well aware that her mother was nervous about re-introducing herself into the same society that had alienated her. Among her former friends were some of the most affluent and influential figures in society. Kendra Block, Merri-Lee Marvil, and Michelle Gregory made up the center of the inner circle while William Block and John Gregory headed a huge corporation in both New York City and Westchester. And Alicia was to meet all of them at the Block's "end of the summer gala" that night. And she was less than thrilled.
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"No drinking," Kendra Block hissed at her daughter, her ear glued to her Blackberry. "I do not need you to succumb to your usual antics tonight. This is important to me." Kendra narrowed her eyes before sweeping from the room, her dark brown curls, which practically matched her daughter's, flowing behind her as she barked more orders to the help.
Massie sighed in frustration and pouted slightly at her mother's words. At least her outfit looked flawless. Her plum colored Versace wrap dress looked amazing with her pale gold Prada strappy heels and her updo was decorated with gold and purple flowers. Though her skin was rather pale, a Block trademark, she made up for it everywhere else.
The Blocks were practically the most influential name in Westchester and Massie wouldn't have had it any other way. She ruled Billard Prep while her parents "ruled" Westchester. Massie turned on her heel and headed towards the ballroom, where everyone was setting up. Massie hated the preparation that went into these parties, mainly because it wasn't much fun. Her mother insisted that she stay out of the way and be on her best behavior, and she hated it. She needed her friends to endure this nightmare of a gala with her.
"Massie, that dress is a little…short don't you think?" Kendra suddenly appeared from around the corner, her lips pursed. "This isn't a club, it's a gala. I thought we went over this." Massie rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. Since when did her mother actually act like a parent?
"I showed it to you last week," Massie lied smoothly, something she was rather skilled at doing. "You said it was fine. Plus, I don't have time to change because Claire, Kristen, and Dylan are on their way. Sorry." Kendra sighed and moved into the next room, gripping a walkie-talkie in her right hand and her Blackberry in the other. Massie rolled her eyes and headed to the entry way where her best friends were probably waiting.
She spotted Claire (Clarice) Lievre Lyons first, with her light blond curls and grey-blue eyes. Claire was the IT girl of Westchester and Massie's beta. Her mother was the French debutante, Evelyn Lièvre Lyons, and was a model, despite her age. Claire was petite, around five foot three, but for what she lacked in height, she made up for in beauty. She was a total ten, fun-loving and everyone adored her. Her azure hued Marc Jacobs chiffon knee length dress left little to the imagination and her smile lit up the whole foyer. Next came Dylan Marvil. With her long deep red waves and emerald green eyes, she most definitely was a beauty, though she was often insecure about it. Her famous mother, Merri-Lee, was a ruthless reporter and talk-show host and sources implied that Dylan practically raised herself. Kristen Gregory was the golden girl of the group. She made straight A's, was president of the senior class, and future Valedictorian. She was somewhat of a know-it-all, but used it to her advantage. She additionally had a dark side and was often depicted as callous. She had long golden blond waves and aqua blue eyes that turned green when she was upset. Her mother, Michelle, was the most callous of all their mothers. She lived vicariously through her two daughters and was pretty strict. Massie remembered back in ninth grade when everyone was either at Dylan's home or Massie's, Kristen was stuck at home studying. Massie smirked slightly as she greeted her best friends.
"Heyyy," She cooed. "I'm glad you guys could come."
"Wouldn't miss it," Dylan replied half-heartedly, almost as if she didn't mean it. She shifted uncomfortably in her deep grey mini dress from Alexander McQueen and glanced down the hall. "Is anyone else here yet? Like the boys?" Massie shot Dylan a slight glare before shrugging her shoulders.
"They'll be here in thirty minutes," Massie responded coolly. "Why?"
"I'm not really in the mood to deal with Josh," the red-head said pathetically, running her fingers through her long deep red waves. "I'm pretty sure he still hates me." Massie sighed. A month ago, Dylan had been caught cheating on Josh by Josh himself at Kristen's infamous birthday party celebration. Dylan swore up and down that it was because she was inebriated out her mind, but Josh had dumped her on the spot. Massie was dating Cam Fisher, Kristen was single, and Claire was dating Derrick Harrington.
"He's most likely not in the mood to deal with you either," Kristen smirked. Dylan glared at her friend and tugged at one of her loose curls.
"Does he have a girlfriend yet?" Dylan wondered. "I haven't heard anything but you all still hang out with him, so…" She trailed off, her eyes widening, pleading with them to tell her the truth. Massie sighed.
"No, not yet at least," she answered impatiently, already seeing where the conversation was going. "But he deserves the right to move on, Dylan. You really hurt him last month." Dylan reddened.
"Whose side are you on?" She demanded, slamming her hand down on a table over dramatically. "You're supposed to be my friend, not Josh's." Massie didn't have time for Dylan's temper tantrums tonight, especially not over something that she herself had caused.
"We are your friends," Claire butt in, to everyone's shock. "But we were all good friends before you broke Josh's heart. We can't just ditch him because of something like this." Dylan avoided everyone's eyes.
"It was a damn mistake," She snarled. "How many times do I have to apologize? How much longer will I have to beat myself up over a stupid mistake?" Dylan was getting upset and that was the absolute last thing Massie needed. All she wanted was to sneak some booze up to her room, have a nice night, and snuggle up with Cam after the gala.
"We're done with this conversation," Massie finally snapped, one hand on her hip. "Don't start anything tonight. My mom is counting on me not to make a fool of myself, and that includes my dysfunctional friends. Stay away from Josh or so help me Dylan I will make you regret it." Massie's hard amber eyes bored into Dylan's glassy green ones. Dylan nodded tightly and headed towards the ballroom alone.
"That was harsh," Claire said after a moment of awkward silence.
"So was what she did to Josh," Kristen retorted unfeelingly. She had never been Dylan's biggest fan and usually simply tolerated her. "She doesn't deserve him." Massie closed her eyes for a split second.
"Maybe she doesn't, but honestly, I'm sick of focusing on Dylan's drama. Let's go have some fun."
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Alicia Rivera stood in the corner of the ballroom, surveying the array of guests in the Block's home. Her cream colored chiffon Anna Sui minidress was flawless and brought out her natural tanned skin. Her long black hair was perfectly straight and hung nearly to her hips. Alicia's chocolate brown eyes caught sight of Kendra and Nadia exchanging pleasantries. Kendra seemed nice enough, though her mien reeked of passive aggression; but Ella Hurley, Michelle Gregory, and Celine Harrington looked on in unaldutered disgust and contempt. Alicia bristled and spun around on her strappy Prada gold heel. An olive toned boy with inky black waves stood near a dessert table with a boy with two different colored eyes, one blue and the other green. Alicia waltzed over near them and flashed them a winning smile before helping herself to a truffle.
"Hey," She said boldly. "I'm Alicia Rivera."
The black-haired, olive skinned boy cracked a smile and held out his hand. "You must be the new girl everyone's talking about," He smiled. "You're just as gorgeous as they said you were. I thought they were exaggerating." His friend snickered and rolled his eyes.
"Don't listen to Josh," the other boy laughed. "He's a player. I'm Cameron Fisher by the way." Alicia smiled warmly.
"What are two guys like you even doing at an event like this?" She wondered playfully. "Shouldn't you be playing video games somewhere or sneaking into strip clubs?" Josh chuckled and shook his head.
"You clearly aren't from around here," he joked. "This is practically our life. Our parents make us attend to keep up appearances." Cam took a huge bite out of his chocolate covered strawberry.
"Josh is just pissed because Dylan Marvil cheated on him with a loser," Cam said mercilessly, a wicked smile playing on his lips. Josh reddened.
"Marvil?" Alicia echoed. "As in Merri-Lee?"
"Yep," Josh replied bitterly. "She's Merri-Lee's dramatic, scheming and slutty daughter." Alicia blinked and glanced towards Cam for an explanation to Josh's ill-hidden hostility. Cam sighed impatiently.
"A friend of ours, Kristen Gregory, had a party last month at her home for her birthday," Cam began. "Dylan had sex with Griffin Hastings, our old friend, before he lost all his money three months ago. Needless to say, Josh was pretty pissed off. Dumped Dylan and told her to never speak to him again." Alicia raised an eyebrow and glanced towards Josh for confirmation. Josh nodded.
"Yeah, and she still won't stop messaging me. It's pathetic. You'd think those friends of hers would help keep her away from me." Josh ran a hand through his tousled black curls. "I wish I'd never dated her. She's crazy."
"Crazy? How?"
"She wouldn't stop blowing up my phone and even tried to get to me through my best friends," Josh explained icily. "She tried to hook up with one of my best friends, Chris Plovert, to get my attention and make me jealous."
"She's hot though," Cam laughed. "That has to count for something." Josh elbowed him in mock frustration and shook his head.
"It used to, before she cheated on me and lied to everyone about it, claiming he raped her. That's the story she sold to the tabloids. Like I said, she's evil. Maybe even more so than Massie Block. No offense Cam." Alicia shook her head in pure shock.
"Wait, she claimed this Griffin guy raped her?"
"Yup. Word got around that she was a cheap whore, so she made up a story, along with her mom, to clear her name and make her look like a victim and me like a jackass for leaving her. It was pathetic, but that's how she works. She leaks stories to the press then manages to play victim when it comes out. She's diabolical. Steer clear of her. You'd be better off leaving Massie and her group alone." Josh finished and smiled sadly in Alicia's direction.
"The Hastings couldn't sue for slander and defamation?" Alicia demanded in bewilderment at what she was hearing. What kind of place was this where things like this took place? She felt like she was suddenly entrapped in a television drama.
"There's no way to prove Dylan's lying, at least according to a court," Cam answered her. "But he would never rape her. He left town a day after the story left. People say he's in Europe trying to start his life over as a future history teacher. Dylan helped ruin what was left of his life. But, I can't blame her for the entire thing. Image is everything to Merri-Lee Marvil and god forbid it comes out that her precious daughter cheated on a rich guy with a dude with no inheritance or fortune. So, her mother helped leak the story, considering she runs in close circles with the press. Now Dylan is whining to whoever will listen about how much Josh wronged her and how she wants to patch things up." Alicia listened in silence and glanced across the large ballroom. A girl with long red curls was glaring across the room towards them, her emerald green eyes filled with ire and indignation.
"Is that her?" Alicia wondered, already knowing the answer.
Josh glanced over his shoulder and nodded.
"Yeah, that's her," He groaned. "Why is she glaring at me?"
Alicia watched as Dylan whispered into Massie Block's ear and practically bolted from the ballroom.
"It's probably because she sees you speaking to me," She said laughingly. "She must really want you back."
"Too bad." Josh turned back to the dessert table to pick one out while Cam came to Alicia's side.
"Massie's my girlfriend so when I give you this advice, it's well-founded," He said in a low tone. "Don't step on her toes or get in her way. She's pretty cold-hearted when she wants what she wants and I don't want you to get hurt or become collateral damage. Same goes for Dylan. No matter what, don't befriend her. She's the phoniest of them all because she'll pretend to be your friend while selling you out at the same time. She'll reveal everything you tell her and continue to smile in your face. But she knows better than to turn against Massie, Claire, and Kristen. But you're an exception." Alicia was beginning to get a headache from everything being said. Were they really as bad as Cam made them out to be? And why was Cam warning her against girls he was clearly friends with? Nothing was adding up.
"I'm pretty tough," Alicia smiled. "I can handle myself. Especially those three." Cam glanced down at her incredulously.
"The last time someone said that, they had to leave Westchester because of Massie, Kristen, and Dylan," He replied earnestly. "Her name was Becca Wilder. She stole Kristen's position as head of SGA, so they had her exiled. That's how powerful those girls are. They'll ruin your life over the petty and the important alike and when you come against one of them, you're coming against all of them. Massie's the mastermind, Dylan's the gossip and Kristen's the enabler. And Claire's just…nice. I don't really have anything negative to say about her."
"You said Massie was your girlfriend," Alicia interrupted suspiciously. "So why has every word out of your month about her so far been negative and shady?" Cam blinked. He probably hadn't expected her to call him out on that.
"I'm trying to help you because I know how she operates," He explained after a short pause. "Destroying people, especially over simple things, just isn't my forte. I'd rather just fight and be done. But, Massie's different in the way she processes betrayal and anger. It's not my cup-of-tea, but she can do and say whatever she wants. Notice how I'm warning you, not her. Because I don't hate her, I just like you." Alicia resisted the sudden urge to roll her eyes.
"You just met me," She answered slowly.
"I always like the newcomers," Cam laughed. "I only get a few months to socialize with each one of them before one of them gets in Massie's way and she has to destroy them. There was Becca Wilder, Danny Robins, Olivia Ryan, Sammi Harrington, Chris Abeley, Layne Abeley and there's so many more. I liked all of them. So now I just warn them before they screw up."
"You make Massie sound like a succubus," Alicia giggled, glancing towards the amber eyed beauty, who stood on the side, overlooking the crowd as if she was a queen overlooking her kingdom. It was actually sort of pathetic. "Are you scared of her?"
"Sometimes," Cam sniggered. "She isn't someone you want to cheat on or openly disrespect. She's just like her mother. I overhead my mom talking to some of her friends and she said that Kendra was behind the charge of removing Nadia from Westchester."
"Yeah, my mom told me Kendra was her worst enemy," Alicia sighed softly.
"Kendra is Massie times two and besides that, she's like thirty something years old," Cam continued. "My mom was Kendra's friend at Billard Prep before I was even born. She told Ella Hurley that she never approved of the banishing of Nadia and that Kendra blackmailed them all into helping. The only wannabe willing to actually help Kendra was Michelle Gregory. And according to my dad, the only reason Michelle and John are in the inner society here, is because they helped exile Nadia. Helping Kendra always has its rewards."
"My mom said she ran away from here to get away from all the ridicule," Alicia gasped. "But you're saying there was an actual plot to take her down?"
"Yeah," Cam said. "Apparently Kendra hated Nadia when they were younger. She always wanted to get rid of her, but Nadia was attractive and not one to back down. Kendra enlisted everyone to try and out Nadia. They ran her out of Westchester and Michelle took her place at Kendra's side." Alicia glanced up and caught sight of Kendra-Blane Block. She had shoulder length brown hair and a cold look in her eye, though she had a serene smile on her face. She was Massie. The adult version.
"What exactly did they do to her? My mom tries not to go into detail about anything that happened to her while she lived here."
"Ella said Kendra turned everyone against her, including her old boyfriend," Cam replied, shaking his head. "They spiked her drink, they got her to binge drink when she was pregnant with your older sister as a sick, twisted joke. They trashed her home and her locker at school. They told the old headmistress of Billard that Nadia was a drug user and planted Oxycodone pills in her locker and her bag. Kendra slept with Nadia's boyfriend twice. The list goes on and on. I'm surprised your mother decided to come back. I wouldn't have."
"She's stronger than you think," Alicia said softly. "That's where I get my self-confidence from, believe it or not."
"You have a target on your back simply because you're Nadia's daughter," Cam warned. "Kendra would love to destroy Nadia again and I'm sure she would love for Massie to follow in her footsteps. They don't even get along, yet they're both the same. Kendra set me up for Massie two years ago when we were sophomores. My mom hated it. My mom dislikes Kendra and doesn't even fake it. But, our family technically has more money than the Blocks, so Kendra doesn't bother. My mom barely even attends these galas anyway. She stays out of Kendra's way. Merri Lee is the next monster and Kendra's 'best friend.' She's the host of the Daily Grind, but reports false shit constantly to suit her agenda. My mom always told me Merri Lee was a snake. She sticks to Kendra like glue and is just as malicious, but more outward with her insults and accusations. She thinks just because she's host of the Daily Grind, she can step on whoever she wants. Kendra is more subtle and passive-aggressive, hiding behind what she calls "class." Dylan's not her only daughter either. Ryan Marvil is twenty-two and Jaime Marvil is twenty-one. Jaime's hotter than Dylan and Ryan combined. She's on your level. But anyway, scandal follows Merri Lee wherever she goes. She put out an article in Peoples' magazine claiming her daughter was a victim of date rape at Kristen's party, even though she knew the truth. If Dylan's name is tainted, so will Merri Lee's reputation. They're such an opportunistic family. But Ryan's pretty normal. She dated my older brother a while ago. And Michelle Gregory is next. Michelle does Kendra's dirty work, just as Kristen does Massie's. It's a way for Massie and Kendra to rile people up then step back and observe the damage caused, while coming out of the situation with their hands clean. She's new money, which is looked down upon. She's crazy. She rules over Kristen like a slave and constantly belittles her for not being like Tessa, Kristen's older sister who is close friends with Ryan and Jaime. Kristen competes with her 24/7, considering Tessa's only a couple years older than us. Michelle plays favorites, and everyone knows Michelle likes Tessa more than Kristen, no matter how hard Kristen tries. No wonder Kristen's so bitter and treacherous sometimes. Michelle is an ass-kisser and had no issue helping banish Nadia. Michelle was Nadia's best friend. I'm sure your mom told you."
Alicia stopped and reflected. Her mother had always emphasized how Michelle Gregory and Allison Fisher were her best friends, yet at the same time, her mother acted as if she barely had any friends in Westchester. She knew that Michelle sold Nadia down the river with the help of Ella Hurley and Claudia Hotz, Josh's Italian and Greek mother. But Nadia never blamed any of them besides Kendra. In Nadia's mind, it was Kendra who had orchestrated the takedown and everyone else was simply taking orders to avoid Kendra's wrath, but Alicia knew better. The others had joined Kendra because they too were resentful and despised Nadia.
"I'm nothing like my mom when it comes to conflict," Alicia said. "No matter what, I'm not running away from Massie and her friends just because they can't handle their 'authority' being challenged by a newbie. 'Me doth think Massie protests too much.'"
"I wish you the best of luck," Cam said apprehensively. "Don't give her any reason or ammunition."
"Don't worry," Alicia smirked. "I won't."
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"That must be Alicia Rivera," Massie said snobbily as she took a sip of her sparkling grape juice, simply because it seemed like her mother was watching her like a hawk.
"She's pretty," Claire offered. "Where'd she come from?"
"Long Island," Kristen answered in a bored tone. "My mom told me they're here to stay."
"Another newbie?" Massie chuckled darkly. "This one's gonna be just as easy as the rest of them."
"Come on Mass," Claire pleaded. "She hasn't even done anything to deserve whatever you're thinking of."
"She's flirting with Josh," Dylan griped, rolling her eyes at Claire. "So yes, she deserves whatever Massie's planning to do. And when you act on it, I want in on the plan." Dylan was in an aggressively bad mood that night, even more so than usual.
"She seems to be more into Cam," Massie snapped. "Why is she still speaking to him?"
"She probably doesn't even realize he's your boyfriend," Claire replied. "We haven't even had a chance to properly meet her yet." Massie turned away from her irritatingly rational friend and locked eyes with Cam from across the room. He stared straight back, a solemn look on his face before turning his attention back to Alicia. Massie gritted her teeth together.
"I don't care whether she knows or not," Massie said fiercely. "Cam is off limits, period!" Kristen glanced up from her iPhone, a bored look on her pretty face.
"Wait for her to do something wrong first," Kristen advised. "We'll just look petty and evil if we do something now."
"No we won't," Dylan whined. "I don't need any girls talking to Josh. I'm still trying to get him to like me again and I don't need her in my way."
"Stop acting so insecure," Massie snapped impatiently. "I'm pretty sure that if he wanted you back, he would've said that before tonight."
"He needs time," Dylan insisted. Even though Massie had associated with Dylan for years, she had never truly realized how delusional the ruthless red-head was at times.
"Have you forgotten everything you did?" Claire wondered, her eyes full of accusation. "Let it go and find someone else. You're only hurting yourself." Massie groaned. Why did every get together have to revolve around a Dylan intervention regarding Joshua Hotz? It was all anyone talked about anymore and it was utterly exhausting.
"My mom did all that," Dylan answered stoically. "I never meant to hurt him."
"Dylan, you had sex with his former best friend and lacrosse teammate," Kristen said brutally. She was known for her lack of tact and no-nonsense personality. She had no filter. "He has every right to hate your guts right now." Ever since a story had leaked about Kristen's so called 'questionable past,' things had become extremely tense between Kristen and Dylan. Kristen firmly believed Dylan had gone to the press and Dylan was adamant that she was innocent.
Dylan's eyes flashed as she glowered at Kristen. "Josh isn't innocent in all of this," She protested. "Why all of you continue to worship him is beyond me. He's just as bad as Chris and Kemp." Claire's head snapped up.
"Leave them out of this," She hissed furiously. Kemp Hurley and Chris Plovert were Claire's best friends. No matter how bad they acted, she always defended them against everyone. And they did the same for her. "I don't care how unjustifiably angry you are at being rejected by the person you betrayed, but just leave Chris and Kemp out of your pitiful argument. If you want him so bad, go talk to him right now. He can't make a scene because he'd be embarrassing himself. Do something about it so we don't have to hear your griping anymore." Massie's mouth was practically on the floor while Kristen snickered. Claire rarely, if ever, got heated.
"Your 'best friends' played me last year," Dylan continued resentfully. "Don't pretend that they're-"
"Shut up," Claire snapped coldly. "At this rate, you're going to be single and friendless by the time Christmas rolls around." Dylan glared back before turning her back on her. She looked towards Massie and Kristen for support, but received none. It was obvious whose side they were on. And that realization stung.
"Whatever. Fine, I'll speak to him."
"Pick a fight and you're dead," Massie said without looking up from her phone. Dylan nodded and walked over to where Josh was standing.
"Josh. We need to talk." Dylan was aware that her voice was shaking and she hated it. Josh blinked twice before taking a step back.
"I thought I told you to stay away from me," Josh said harshly.
"I just wanted to apologize again for everything that went on…," Dylan murmured. "What happened to us…?"
"There is no us," Josh laughed. "You fucked that up when you slept with Griffin and then lied about it. You do realize I have proof, right?" Dylan froze, her insides turning to ice.
"Of what?" She sputtered.
"You having consensual sex with Griffin. I also had the luxury of obtaining a tape recording of your mother laying out the plan to frame Griffin for rape." Josh smiled, clearly proud of himself for dropping such a large bomb on Dylan.
"You're lying," She said weakly, tears suddenly flooding her wide emerald eyes. "You're lying!" As Dylan got louder, people started to turn and peer curiously at her. But Dylan was on a roll. "You think you can just shun me and cut me out of your life like I didn't mean anything to you at all? Was it all one big lie?" Luckily, no one around them heard their heated discussion.
"Dylan, your life is one big lie," Josh retorted, bored with her histrionics. "You know exactly what you did and I won't rest until justice is served. Griffin has a criminal record because of you and lost his scholarship to Princeton because of your actions just to clear your precious little name. It's pathetic how your mother patched up a mistake so you wouldn't have to own up to it. It's so typical." Tears rolled down Dylan cheeks as she slapped him across the face.
"How dare you!" She screeched, as loudly as ever. "I fucking loved you-
"You loved yourself," He said back, waving her off. "Now go. We're done here." With one swift movement, Dylan managed to shove Josh so he fell into the dessert table. Every cake, cupcake, and pastry fell to the crowd as Josh struggled to get up.
"What's going on here?"
Kendra stood above them, her eyes wide as she took in her ruined desserts and Josh's icing stained suit. Dylan glanced towards Massie, who was shaking her head at her.
"I am so sorry Mrs. Block," Dylan said tearfully.
"I am afraid I am going to have to ask you and your mother to leave," Kendra snapped. She walked over to where Massie was standing and gripped her arm.
"What the hell did I tell you?" She said. "I specifically asked you and your friends to keep yourselves under control on this night. You did not listen." Massie blanched at the wrath in Kendra's tone.
"I have no control over Dylan," She responded. "I told her not to approach him but it was all her own doing. Perhaps the person you should be lecturing is Merri Lee, not me." Kendra pursed her lips.
"Last year it was the skinny dipping at the pool. At the ball two months ago, it was the alcohol stash I found hidden in the barn along with you and your friends. It is always something and you're never to blame, are you?" Kendra let go of her daughter's arm and click clacked back to the ruined dessert table on the other side of the room. Massie let out a small shriek and stomped out of the ballroom.
"What a lovely party," Claire giggled, addressing Kristen. "I knew Dylan was going to start trouble tonight. It was inevitable." Kristen shrugged her thin shoulders.
"Massie's going to kill her," Kristen said smoothly, her eyebrow raised. "I can't wait."