The Café
Briarwood-Octavian Day School
11:24 P.M.
FEBRUARY 23rd, 2009
Massie slowly took her seat at table 18, massaging her temples as she did so. She knew her cheeks were beautifully rosy, and her amber eyes popped with her newly updated caramel highlights, but she was stressed-times-ten. All because of stupid new-LBR (NLBR) Dylan and her new-LBR-Boyfriend (NLBRBF) Derrick. She scowled at the couple as they entered the Café, hand in hand, laughing and flirting as they walked confidently to the Da Cr-Ew table.
"You look great today, Massie," Claire gushed as she sat down across from her at Table 18. She knew she had to say something nice and gushy to Massie to hold back the guilt of meeting Alicia after school, which is doing the exact opposite. But, the alpha actually did look good in her black Kick Pleat jacket with a white petite rib scoop shirt underneath, Miu Miu black patent bow heels, a plaid pink Abercrombie miniskirt, and a black leather Coach handbag.
"Thanks," Massie said, not bothering to look up from her iPhone settling in her lap. She knew she had to make the Dylan breakup a done deal. Maybe then that ugly little smile on the red head's lips would disappear. Massie slowly picked up her iPhone and tapped on Dylan's phone number in her contacts. Her French manicured thumb hovered over the DELETE button, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. What was going awn with her?
"Hey guys," Kristen sighed. Her hair was piled up on her head in a cute, flirty kind of way, and her cheeks were a dark red color, obviously from blush and from running. She dropped her math books and handbag on the table, and then lowered herself into the seat.
"Hey," Claire smiled at Kristen, and then eyed her outfit with great interest. Since when did Kristen dress so sleazy? She looked down at her own outfit, which was a white cashmere sweater with dark True Religion jeans and white Keds. She didn't nearly compare to the other girl's outfits.
Massie clicked her iPhone into power save mode, and dropped her phone back onto her lap, gazing up at her newly arrived blonde friend. And then her black coffee crawled back up her throat. What the hell was Kristen wearing? It was sooo daring, especially for her! Massie felt her stomach churn as she studied Kristen's yellow BKE tank top underneath a black Sateen jacket, yellow patent slingbacks, yellow and black buffalo plaid handbag, black ruffled super mini skirt, tangles of yellow and black bangles, and yellow necklace. In her updo was an assortment of black and yellow minibow's in random places. It almost looked like something Skye Hamilton would pull off.
"Umm," Claire squeaked. "Is that skirt even allowed in the BOCD dress code?" She immediately felt stupid for saying such a thing. Of course the PC would do things like this; they don't care what the rules say, they don't even follow them.
"I dunno," Kristen sighed. "Is it? I mean I passed by P. Burns on my way here, and she even said that my outfit was cute, so I really dunno." She gave a quick shrug, and then stood up. "I'm going to get some food."
Massie held up her palm. "Wait, Kris. Sit down."
Kristen did as she was told, fear boiling in her stomach. Claire began to chew her already bloody cuticles.
"Why are you wearing something like that? You do know we're on a boyfast, and if you're trying to impress a b-"
"That's just like me asking you why you're wearing that," Kristen snapped back, motioning towards Massie's miniskirt. "Are you trying to impress a boy? Because showing off your legs like that kind of shows that you are."
Claire gasped as silently as she could. Did Kristen actually just stand up to Massie? Massie Block? What was going on with the PC lately? She knew well to keep herself out of the conversation, so she began to text Layne, hoping that'll keep her distracted.
Massie narrowed her amber eyes at Kristen, who was narrowing her eyes right back. What is going on lately? First Dylan, now Kristen? Were they trying to overthrow their beloved alpha?
Suddenly Massie's phone vibrated, calling for a great distraction. Massie picked up her iPhone and tapped the text, looking as if it were urgent. She knew she had no clever comeback for what Kristen had just backfired with, and that meant it would've been a LBR moment for her.
"I'm going to go get my food now," Kristen grumbled as she stormed away. Massie rolled her eyes at the blonde's LBR attitude, and then read her text.
SKYE: Having a super cool outdoors party next week. It's for High Schoolers, but I need you to come so I can talk to you. I'll be waiting~ -SKYE
Massie gasped. A High School party? Which meant High School boys!? EhmaGawd, Massie had to take this chance to show the older boys how Middle School alphas got down. She quickly texted a reply, her amber eyes dancing for joy.
MASSIE: I'll be there whenever I can. What's the time so I can add it to my schedule?
Massie smiled to herself. The best approach is to act the opposite of excited. Oh, and don't forget to pretend to be busy.
"Who's texting you?" Claire asked, raising a blonde eyebrow. She leaned forward to see, but Massie tilted the phone.
"Tell you later," Massie muttered. Claire nodded and then sat back down.
SKYE: Saturday 4:00 P.M. until 2:00 A.M. I forgot you little 8th graders had tests and a lot of studying to do. ;) Don't strain yourself; there's too much beer and dirty dancing for the innocent (U) to handle anyway.
MASSIE: I'll be there.
Massie snapped her phone shut with an angry sigh. She knew she shouldn't let Skye get under her skin, but it was hard nawt to. The blonde was always treating her like a little kid.
"Hola," Alicia said as she sat down at the table. Massie eyed Alicia's outfit, and then gave a small eye roll. What was up with the PC dressing so much better than her? She knew she would have to try harder tomorrow to dress the best.
"Hi, Alicia," Claire said with a smile bigger than usual. Alicia smiled right back, her eyes glinting like she and Claire were sharing a special connection. Claire giggled into her tiny hands.
"Hey," Massie said, fiddling with her iPhone. For a minute she forgot that Dylan no longer sat at the table.
"So, Alicia," Claire smiled, her aqua eyes shining. "How was your morning?"
"Bien, Gracias," Alicia grinned her irresistible grin. "Y tú?"
"It was good," Claire curled some strands of blonde hair around her finger.
That was it. Massie had to take over the conversation. "Skye texted me," she blurted.
Alicia raised an eyebrow at the alpha. "She did? What'd she want?"
Claire looked in Massie's direction also. "Yeah; what's up?"
Massie signaled for them to lean in so no other ears could hear. The two did as they were told, their faces happy with anticipation. Perfect.
"Well, Skye texted me and had said she wa-"
"Alicia!" Kristen squealed as she sauntered over with a tray full of salad, skinny water, and low fat chocolate bars. Alicia and Claire both leaned back again, glancing at the distraction.
"Kristen!" Alicia air-clapped. And then she eyed Kristen's outfit. "You look…. Wow."
"Yeah; doesn't she look good today?" Claire gushed. "I'm jealous."
Kristen's cheeks turned a rosy red color. "EhmaGawd, thank you!"
"Of course, Kristen," Alicia smiled, patting the seat beside her. "Come; sit."
Kristen gladly took the seat beside Alicia, her eyes smiling along with her glossy lips. Alicia, Claire, and Kristen all leaned together and started talking about each other's outfits while Massie felt her black coffee crawling back up her throat. They seemed so distant from the alpha today, like they had a stronger connection than they had with her.
"I'm going to wear these cuh-yoot denim boyfriend shorts with black RL sunglasses after school," Alicia smile-nodded. "You guys should totes do the same. Given?"
"Given," Claire and Kristen both squealed. All three girls started giggling. Massie slapped her iPhone against the table, and then crossed her arms. She needed their attention, and quick.
"Since you guys are so into dressing the same, I guess you don't want to hear this super special news," Massie tossed her mousse-doused chestnut brown hair. Her lips were dying for gloss; and control.
"You mean the news about Skye?" Claire asked, finally looking up at Massie.
"Skye?" Kristen widened her eyes. "Hamilton?"
"Given," Massie nodded. Alicia leaned forward, waiting for the news.
"So what'd she want?" Alicia asked. Claire and Kristen followed the Spanish beauty's lead and leaned forward in their seat also. Was it her or did she suddenly become an alpha?
"She had texted me that she wanted me to c-"
Claire, Kristen's, and Alicia's phone's suddenly vibrated at slightly different times. All three searched through their purses as an angry Massie crossed her arms again. What's with all these distractions?
Alicia scanned her text, and then grinned to herself. Kristen and Claire both glanced at Alicia with the same knowing smiles. Massie knew her black coffee was about to force it's way into her mouth at any given moment.
All three began texting furiously with their phones, barely exchanging glances. Massie began to tap her fingernails against the table very slowly, not caring if they could sense her frustration. Let them know she was nawt happy with this at awl.
DYLAN: Are u really coming to the meeting after school? ): I don't wanna be ditched, or worse-massie comes.
Alicia forwarded the message to Claire and Kristen. Both girls nodded at Alicia, and then were about to reply to Dylan, but-
ALICIA: Don't text her! I'll do that!
CLAIRE: Are you sure? Because I think we should, too.
KRISTEN: Yeah.
Alicia looked at them with her wide brown eyes and shook her head side to side slightly. Dylan still couldn't know that they were coming, too; it had to be a surprise. If Dylan knew she might bail out on the plan, and Alicia really didn't want that to happen. She needed this to be perfectly planned, or else her days as Alpha, and/or in the PC are OVER. O-V-E-R.
Kristen and Claire reluctantly nodded back at her, and then dropped their phones back in their purses. Massie narrowed her amber eyes at her, crossing her arms across her newly sprouted A cups. Was this whole texting session over?
"What was that about?" Massie finally hissed.
"Just our clothes orders coming in," Claire said quickly, hoping the alpha would buy the white lie. Alicia gave her a "good job" stare. Claire returned it happily.
"Clothes orders?" Massie's ear dropped to her right shoulder. "Clothes orders for and from what?"
"Clothes orders for us from Ralph Lauren," Claire nodded. "We bought new short shorts and sunglasses."
"Yeah," Kristen was quick to agree, attempting to look useful.
"Since when did you have enough money to buy clothes from Ralph, Kuh-laire?" Massie's eyes scanned the three girl's faces for any look that proved they were lying, but they gave nothing away. All looked innocent and beautiful, as always, "And without me?"
"It was a last minute thing," Kristen blurted, waving her hand like it was nothing important.
"And I paid for Claire," Alicia chimed in. "But it was under her name so she got the text, too."
"Hmmm," Massie continued to study the girls, and then sighed with defeat. She'd have to believe them… for now.
"Anyway," Claire muttered, and then raised her voice. "What was the thing going on about Skye?"
"Oh, yeah," Massie smiled gratefully at Claire, who smiled back, and then continued. "She asked me to go to her High School party this Saturday!"
All the girls squealed, but hushed down when all the LBR's nearby eyed them with anger/envy. They began to silent-squeal, their smiles genuine.
"OMG; what am I going to wear!?" Alicia began fluffing her hair, thinking about all the possibilities. Maybe Miu Miu with a clash of Calvin? Or maybe Ralph all the way? Or maybe Gucci? Gucci and Calvin?
"I'm going to wear a miniskirt to show off my toned legs," Kristen began clapping, her body bouncing up and down with joy.
"I don't know what to wear…" Claire pouted.
Massie held up her palm, silently requesting silence. The girls were quick to obey.
"I was the only one invited," Massie said, lowering her hand. She widened her amber eyes at the girls as if to say "Sorry." She didn't exactly want them there, anyway; this was an alpha party, and beta's at an alpha party=LBR.
"What?" Alicia gasped. "Couldn't you take us anyway? Skye doesn't make the ru-"
"Sorry," Massie pouted, her voice oozing "Doesn't it suck to be you" vibes. Alicia's whole body was building up with so much anger that not even tightening her fists held it back.
"But, Massie, did she say only you were invited? We're the PC; I thought we were in this to-"
"Excuse me, Ew-licia, but are you an alpha?" Massie widened her eyes at her, tilting her head slightly to the right."
"No, but-"
"Then don't try to get down with the alphas," Massie narrowed her amber eyes. "Let me handle this, 'kay?"
That was it. Alicia Rivera was tired of being second place. Tired of standing in the sidelines, letting alphas step all over her with their designer shoes. Tired of lagging behind a self-centered, bitchy girl who obviously didn't care about her friends. It was time for this half Spanish, half American girl to take the lead, leaving Assie in the dust.
"Alright," Alicia smiled, crossing her arms. "I'll let you handle this."
Kristen and Claire gasped, looking at Alicia as if she had two heads. But, Alicia had a plan hatching in her head. And it was guaranteed to make her alpha. Without Massie's help.