Notes: collaboration between rush of the past aka me and escape to nowhere
definitely not used to doing introductions and this format and stuff so…I apologize in advance for its terribleness. try not to wince that much, 'kay?
Briarwood Academy: it screams scandal, and so do the students.
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With its looming oak doors with elaborate engraving, whimsical crystalline chandeliers and polished ice floors without so much as a single speck of dirt on them, Briarwood Academy has gracefully claimed the title of "best school in America".
But beyond the ostentatious awards of "highest academic average" and "best behaved students of Westchester" is a world teeming with dirty little secrets, jealousy and backstabbing. Once you manage to steal a glimpse of the world inside those intimidating doors, you'll wish your parents never sent you there. The second you step into the world renowned Briarwood Academy, you'll never be able to escape; your only chance of survival is kicking and clawing your way to the top of the food chain. Attending Briarwood Academy may carry your college application a world higher than other people's, or maybe your friends will fawn over you, envy on their faces, desperately yearning to avoid such a prestigious school as well, but once you meet The Elite, you'll find nothing—nothing—is worth the suffering.
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Well, why don't we have a little look into our oh-so-famous Elite, shall we?
The Head Bitch
With those chilling blue eyes that scream "I'll crush you" and flawless, wispy platinum locks that swish with every step she takes in her 6000 dollar Christian Louboutins, Claire Lyons exudes a control so powerful, it's tangible. She's selfish, constantly composed and fierce. Even when she lets loose and parties, she's still on top. Confused? Wait until you fall in love—or lust—with her. After seeing her personality…You'll be definitely wondering why. With her porcelain skin free of blemishes—she probably scared them off—and her trademark bubblegum lips—natural, of course—, she's the one all girls desire to be, and the one all guys want to bed. She's fatally beautiful on the outside, but on the inside? Not so much. Try crossing her; it's a death wish through means of being completely destroyed socially. But that doesn't stop the new girl—let's just say our snow queen is looking a bit queasy on her throne. With all the heat and tension in Briarwood, maybe her glass heart will melt. Claire Lyons, be ready for anything.
The New Girl
She's the polar opposite to our queen, with her round emerald eyes filled with innocence and cheerfulness, long black waves tumbling down her back and her feet jammed in heart patterned low tops as she skips around Briarwood, completely oblivious to the ruthless social scene. With her coral, bow-shaped lips and her gentle personality, she's caught the wandering eye of Briarwood's queen's boyfriend, which is synonymous with social suicide on a platter. But no, that doesn't stop her from flirting with him and climbing up the ladder. Then again, there's always the chance that she'll hang around the wrong group of people, the trashy side of the spectrum, but she's has seemed to gain the approval of most of the Elite. Maybe she fits in a little too well…Jealousy isn't exactly a good look for our queen. Nobody can begin to comprehend how a mere new girl can unearth such insecurity but one thing is certain: It's about look a little like World War 3 at Briarwood. Nikki Dalton, it's time to start paying attention.
The Gossip Queen
A click of a button, a few words whispered, and the sound of her fingers tapping on a keyboard; Kristen Gregory holds all the cards in a game of secrets. She is seldom seen without her precious phone, scheming aquamarine eyes glued to the keyboard, tapping out malicious truths to obliterate an unlucky individual, as her dirty blonde hair flies behind her when she glides down the halls in her favourite Gucci sling-backs. She can dig up any information about you, every single gritty detail, from what hospital you were born in, to how old your great-great grandparents are. How does she do it? Nobody knows, but be careful what say. You can use her material, but for a price. Not necessarily money, though, but keep in mind social status in Briarwood means everything. She's definitely someone you want as an ally. If you get on her blacklist, she can trash any title you've earned yourself, any friends you've managed to make, with a simple text. There've been rumors circulating that anybody she decides to ruin is forced to transfer schools, or even move to a different state. Everyone, even our queen and new girl, know better than to raise a hand against her, so when a certain redhead decides to try stealing this little gossip's man, her claws are out. Kristen Gregory, you've rightfully earned your place.
The Bad Girl
With her piercing amber eyes sparkling with mischief, gold skin gleaming in the sunlight, and a cigarette dangling from her deviously smirking blood red lips, Massie Block radiates trouble, the kind that's hypnotic, alluring. She's our resident badass, the one who comes into class with kohl-lined eyes and her wavy chestnut tresses carelessly mussed. Or rather, more likely, doesn't show up in class at all, trading droning teachers for nicotine fixes behind the school. She isn't a stranger to marijuana or breaking the law, although the offenses aren't too severe. With two breathtakingly beautiful tattoos and a belly button ring, she somehow plays it off as not slutty, but as reckless and free-spirited. In torn skinny jeans, a leather jacket smelling of men's cologne , and her favourite motorcycle boots, too high to be legal with just enough buckles, her unorthodox, cynical beauty rivals even the queen's. Hardcore partying is her forte; don't be fooled by her slim physique, this girl can handle her alcohol—copious amounts of it, in fact. She's flirty enough to keep them begging, but she doesn't stay around for long. So when she gets ensnared in the trap of the most popular guy, a place she swore she'd never step into, its game on. With a snarky tongue and a killer right hook, she can hold up for herself, physically and mentally too. Massie Block, don't ever change.
The Little Angel
She's the good girl of the Elite, the sweetheart, the girl everyone can't help simultaneously loving and hating. Her sugary personality clashes with her seductive loves; cinnamon skin, curvaceous body and luscious chocolate hair. She may be a bit snobby, but she prefers to call it classy. Besides, one look in those large doe-eyes and you'll be falling under her spell once again. Little Miss Alicia is a model student with her Miu Miu pumps and immaculate clothes. But she has a secret. A very dangerous one, capable of self-destruction. In her free time, when she's not studying or hanging out with the Elite, Alicia likes to visit college boys to have some fun. And with all those gossiping mouths exchanging the latest hookups, it's only a matter of time before the news reaches the ears of Briarwood. Will her friends stand beside her or drop her like a used condom? It's hard to tell; this is a private school, you know. And there's nothing these vicious students enjoy more than some outrageous scandal; they'll tear you apart. Nobody likes to be associated with a whore. Alicia Rivera, if only you'd closed your legs.
The Misfit
She's never been exactly normal, but somehow she's wormed her way into the Elite. It may have something to do with old ties, but nobody's concerned about that. All they care about is how pink highlights can looks so right on choppy black hair, and how her translucent pale skin doesn't make her look dead. Layne Abeley stomps around Briarwood with the middle finger pointed to those who judge her, checkered Sperries and patterned leggings on. Her distinct cat-like green eyes can always be found at random protests, whether it be for environmental rights, or human, or animal, or the most obscene reasons. She has a penchant for Hello Kitty and all things eccentric, but what happens when her I-don't-give-a-shit attitude slowly becomes her wall to hide behind rather her identity? Can anyone coax her true self back out even with stares and gossip directed at her? She's never been one to believe in love due to rather rocky family issues, but maybe once she experiences, she'll understand. Hopefully her non-believer ways won't be an obstruction for her heart…Layne Abeley, it's time to let the past be.
The Beauty Princess
Fresh from the streets of Paris, with fiery cascading hair, mesmerising verdant eyes and a creamy complexion prone to rosiness, Dylan Marvil is Briarwood's girl for commercials and advertisements, as she displays a comforting, idealistic impression. She's also the dream-girl of the Briarwood boys with her subtle curves. That is, if you're into the classic, romantic girls. She's the stereotype of feminine, her clothes, attitude and actions blatantly stating "ladylike". So many guys lust for her as she glides through the halls in lace or floral, with her beloved pearls, her dainty fingers holding her limited edition purse—from Paris, naturally—, and on her feet, blush pink thin strapped heels embellished with a bow perched on the ankle. But—there's one certain guy that's a mystery to her and she'll be his Nancy Drew to win him over. This certain guy just so happens to be taken by one of the most dangerous girls in the school. Neither girl is willing to back down. Briarwood will be transformed into a battleground until he gets tired of both girls or someone is killed, figuratively speaking, of course. Dylan Marvil, you don't know who you're messing with.
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The Modern Day Adonis
A simple glance from those smouldering brown eyes and a devilish smirk is enough to make any girl's panties drop just like that. He walks through the halls with an arrogant tilt of his chin, lazy, confident eyes and a defined, muscular-but-lean stature under his designer clothes, knowing he has the whole school under his fingertips. The swooning girls following in his path probably don't help with his ego either, but at least he actually has a heart—and is even relatively sensitive. Shocking, I know, but you don't notice under that perfect personality of his. Excelling in almost everything he tries, he is the perfect combination of contradicting traits. Having always gone out with rather promiscuous girls, Derrick Harrington never has had a serious relationship before. But when a hot and heavy one night stand with a certain brunette has him wanting more, but she leaves him hanging time over time again, is he interested in the chase or the girl? She plays with love as well, if not better than he does, and is a drug of its own kind. And you know what they say about drugs: it only takes one time to get you hooked. Derrick Harrington, watch your back—and your heart.
The Prince Charming
With mismatching eyes and ebony hair, Cam Fisher is anything but typical. Underneath the shadow of his best friend and the superficial façade that Westchester casts, his shockingly sensitive and sweet nature almost makes up for his childish fantasies of Prince Charming and Cinderella. He's always wanted to carry away a princess on a stark white horse, but in New York, let alone Westchester? Please. The scent of Drakkar Noir is unbelievingly intoxicating towards the girls of BOCD, but he doesn't notice, not in the slightest, as he searches for love, not lust. But what happens when the two get mixed together in a messy, teary blur? After all, hormones never wait for the right one and one may end up with the evil stepsister rather than the delicate princess; so much for happily ever after. There won't be any glass slippers, castles or carriages in this whirlwind of a romance. And there definitely won't be any magic or fairy godmothers; it's a hopeless case. Tsk, tsk. Cameron Fisher, you should've known better. The lines in love are, well, nonexistent.
The Nonconformist
Landon Crane has ownership to striking attractiveness, broody attitude and an unwelcome reputation. Albeit undeniably hot, the student body of BOCD views him as constantly sullen, a martyr, when in reality, he's simply misunderstood. Of course. And besides, when it's on the right guy, sulking can be sexy too. Thrown into a ruthless society of the rich, he is forced into scratchy jeans and too expensive shirts—designer, of course—; charity dinners and worst of all: socialising. There is no doubt that he is part recluse, but he couldn't survive without his friends. However, it's an unsurprisingly secret that he would rather be thrown with a pencil to describe a story through that excessively advanced vocabulary of his. Somehow, this little interest of his reaches the wrong ears. Social suicide? Maybe. Don't forget: it's Westchester, home of the judgemental and the anal retentive. There is a slim chance that this certain someone will hold on to this secret though and blackmail is always a possibility. Landon Crane, you better start begging.
The Momma's Boy
He's the type of guy you bring home to meet your parents, and he's guaranteed to receive their consent. Everything about him is shiny and clean, but that's not to say he doesn't have a dirty side, if you know what I mean. With his group of elite friends and position as president of the student council, Chris Plovert is used to getting what he wants, when he wants. He's the type of guy that uses big words just to sound smart—except he actually understands them. He's perfectly content with his life, but his circle of friends hates how he's living it. Although brimming with charisma, he barely has anything else. No urge to break the law, no yearning for the pounding bass and sweaty bodies of parties, no need for living while he's young. In all his preppy glory and steady grades, dare I say, he's a control freak, a rule abiding youth, the designated driver? Can someone, anyone, manage to make him loosen up before his prime years are over; is it even possible to get him to let go and live? Chris Plovert, get ready for the ride of your life.
The Womanizer
From first kisses to first times, Kemp Hurley has always been number one in anything sexual. He proudly wears his manwhore status on his chest like a badge; playing with girls until he's satisfied, then tossing them aside like last season's Prada. And sometimes, he doesn't just fool around with one girl; he plays a double agent, juggling a boatload of Briarwood students, carefully taking steps to assure that they don't find out about one another. His life consists mainly of his friends, sex and parties. Like a sex craved man on a mission, he thinks mostly with what's in his pants. Though his scandalous lifestyle is no secret, girls can't seem to get enough of him. It must be those eyes that seem to undress you at all times and that eat-you-up grin. Maybe it has something to do with flaunting his masculinity, maybe it's the result of all the easy lays that Briarwood provides, or maybe he just doesn't have a heart. Suddenly, though, the tables turn and he's the one suffering. Kemp Hurley, haven't you ever heard of karma?
The Badass
With his olive skin and seductive red lips, he stands out from the stereotypical rich boy image. With his worn out clothes hanging off his shoulders and his raven hair haphazardly messy, he cuts classes to smoke cigarettes with Briarwood's resident bad girl. He puts up with Westchester's social scene, with its rowdy parties and whatnot, for the booze and the sex. Having been involved in a fair amount of legitimate fights, he knows how to defend himself. Surprisingly, Josh Hotz is an active participant in many of Briarwood's sports teams. It's a mystery how he manages to stay in shape despite the drugs and alcohol. With his sharp eyes, almost everyone is too intimidated to talk to him, other than his circle of friends. The only reason he's so popular is 'cause of his friends that go way back and his exotic good looks, as well as his wealthy family. When his future is in jeopardy because of his reckless ways, will he be able to change—or does he just not care? Josh Hotz, you better start controlling yourself.
So there you have it. The Elite. So perfect it hurts. Too bad that's only a disguise. With skeletons in the closet being discovered and gossip on the latest heartbreaks spilling, blood will run red, staining the halls of Briarwood. And although it may not be literal, you don't want to be caught as the one with crimson hands—or the once on the floor.
So hold on tight and enjoy the ride, but be careful not to get caught in the crossfire. You don't want to end up as a casualty in the world of Briarwood Academy, now do you?
After all, in Westchester, social destruction is a fate worse than death itself.