Disclaimer: Don't own the Clique.

A/N: AU. Collab with Cela Fille. Enjoy :)

Five Minutes to Midnight

A girl clad in designer brands strutted down the hallway and 'accidentally' knocked into a classmate, causing the girl's books to topple to the floor. The fallen girl looked up at the person who had knocked her down. Icy blue eyes glared into amber orbs, the tension between the two was almost tangible. One set of eyes was a barrier, which prevented anyone from getting to see what she really felt. The other set of eyes acted as an accessory, flaunting the already present beauty to which the eyes belonged to.

"Gawd, don't be such a klutz. Some people are walking here. LBR," the amber eyed beauty coughed as she passed the blonde in the hallway. After her so-called diss, the whole group broke out into a fit of unnecessary laughter. They were the "A-List," who were the rulers of the social scene at Westchester Preparatory Academy. The group consisted of eight A-list teenagers who had it all- the looks, the style, the money, and the attitude.

They were led by the infamous Massie Block. She was drop dead gorgeous, with her laser-whitened smile, freshly curled brunette extensions, and flashing amber eyes. Her outfits were always runway perfect, and she could insult you to tears faster than you can say "My boots aren't ugly!" Her right hand beta was Alicia Rivera, the disgustingly perfect Spanish beauty, who held the school title of "Gossip Queen." Then there was Dylan Marvil, the self-conscious redhead, whose mother was, yes, the Merri-Lee Marvil, talk show host, and "The A-List's" exclusive connection to Hollywood. And lastly, there was Olivia Ryan, your typical pretty, girl-next-door, but she was also the reason dumb blonde jokes were written.

Derek Harrington was the legendary BMOC (big man on campus). His shaggy blonde hair and puppy dog caramel eyes give him all he needs to score any girl he wants. His current girlfriend was Massie Block. He's captain of the school's undefeated soccer team, the Tomahawks. Then there was Josh Hotz, his loyal sidekick, who was the male counterpart of Alicia Rivera- looks wise, with his dark, messy hair, which was always hidden under his ever-present NYY hat, tanned skin, and smoldering mocha colored eyes. Cam Fisher was the sensitive one of the group. His mismatched one-blue-one-green eyes and jet black hair make him one of the hottest guys in school. Last but not least, there's Chris Plovert. Wild, light brown curls sit atop his head, and glasses frame his friendly blue eyes. He's the only guy who actually takes his grades seriously.

Those eight were the most envied kids in the entire grade. Well, who wouldn't envy them? They're popular, good looking, wealthy, and could have any friend they wanted. They were the typical A-listers of your typical high school. Then there were the geeks, wannabees, punks, and the lame protesters. Claire didn't necessarily fit into any of those categories. What do you call a white blonde, ocean blue eyed girl, who cared about her grades, yet had all the potential to be in the popular group, which she hated with a passion. An outsider? A misfit? An individual? Whatever you call it doesn't matter.

Claire sighed as she collected her scattered books: American History, Biology, and "The Odyssey" for English. As Claire bent down, her sugary blonde bangs fell in her face. With one blow, they were flown about. Her dirty blonde friend was close behind her, helping her pick up her books.

"Massie?" Kristen asked, already knowing the answer. Her aqua blue eyes were filled with a mixture of annoyance, pity, and anger. These girls were always picking on Claire, and she had never done anything to them. Literally, nothing, but that could be why they hated her and Kristen. They chose not to acknowledge them like the other girls in the grade.

"Isn't it always," Claire muttered. She was determined not to let Massie get to her. Just because she was one of the only two girls in the grade who didn't worship Massie, the other being Kristen, Massie had made it her personal goal to make Claire's life miserable. Claire stood up and began making her way down the hallway. Kristen followed her as she toyed with the zipper on her comfy Puma track jacket. Claire opened her mouth to say something, but the P.A. system interrupted. The speakers broadcasted one of the most hated voices in the entire school.

"Will all of the students please proceed to the auditorium? We have an important announcement. I repeat, will all of the students please proceed to the auditorium," Principle Burns called.

The two girls threw each other confused looks, but joined the crowd and began shuffling towards the auditorium. On their way they passed Massie and her minions, who were obviously planning on coming in late. It was their way of sort of making an entrance. Claire muffled a giggle by clamping her hand over her mouth.

Kristen rolled her eyes and dragged her friend into the auditorium that was filling up quickly. As soon as everyone was situated, Principal Burns emerged on the wooden stage. She waltzed up to the charcoal colored microphone, pulled out a few index cards, and cleared her throat.

"Now, I guess you all are wondering why I called you all here," she began, "Well, as you all know the Winter formal is just two/three weeks away. Now, due to some complaints from the parents we are making a few changes to how you get dates to the dance," she took a breath. This comment earned boo's and what's! "Silence! Now, In order to attend this upcoming dance you must enroll in the online perfect match system that our tech producers have set up. You will answer a series of questions, and then the computer will pair you up with you so called perfect match. If you want to get into the dance, you must be able to give the school your code that you received after you finished your 'personality quiz.' Also, attending this festivity with your date that the computer paired you with is mandatory. We believe that this program will help make our school dances better and contain a more school-friendly atmosphere. Thank you," she turned her back and stalked off.

The reaction from the audience varied. Some were happy, some didn't care, some were annoyed, and some people, like Massie Block, were enraged.

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