So, in this chapter, which is shorter than usual, you'll see the inner workings of Katrina's and Cat's mind. Sorry if it seems a little rushed but I had something important to do today but I really wanted to update. There'll be a contrast between the two characters that I hope you like, and you'll start to see the nature, morals and thoughts of each person. Anyways, Read and remember to review! I take criticism in stride, so don't be afraid to tell me if something is wrong. Thank you, and enjoy the chapter! I'll introduce Acacia's and Parker-Bella's thought chambers tomorrow, hopefully.
South Wing Auditorium
Winslet-Gallaway Prep
August 29th
2:01 pm
Endless lines of students filed into the beautiful, exquisite auditorium. About 1,000 navy blue suede chairs with mahogany arm rests, complete with cup holders, filled the room, 500 seats on each side of the beige-carpeted stairs. In the front, there was a beautiful stage, with a grand white piano on the glossy wooden floors. Forest green, the school's main color, was the color of the stage's massive velvet curtains, hung by an intricate golden canopy. On the ceiling, a gorgeous painting of a sky, with clouds and angels, gave the room its final air of luxury.
The four elite girls walked in a single file line led by Katrina once they reached the auditorium, so they could enter more easily. Not that it mattered, because the other students, even the otherwise clueless freshmen who couldn't have known yet about the girls' status, parted like the Red Sea to let them through. They simply gave off that unmatchable air of being special, being important, deserving whatever they wanted just because they were themselves. Was it confidence? Charisma? Their beauty or style? No one knew for sure, but one thing was certain: it made all the difference.
The girls sat in the fifth row from the back, in the four chairs in the middle, where the top clique sat, because it was practically at the top of the room, and they overlooked all the other students. The same way a monarchy overlooked their kingdom. Their gazes were fixed on the stage; they barely glanced at each other. They wanted to give off a front of "maturity" and "togetherness" to all the other students, but in reality they were all immersed into their own thoughts. They didn't realize it, but their thoughts were where they were no longer unified, but completely turned against each other. And the mind is where everything starts.
Cat's POV
Cat's plan had completely backfired, and she couldn't believe her practically foolproof lunge for superiority to Katrina had made her even more inferior than ever. At least, she felt that way.
Okay, so she mostly lied about the Italian boy she met. She did meet Vincenzo, but he was the son of a family friend she had known since her childhood. They were practically cousins. Yes, he was hawt, and Cat could've probably made a small move and gotten away with it if he wasn't too busy canoodling with that ridiculously and disgustingly gorgeous and sweet girlfriend of his, Agnese. But she did take lots of pictures of themselves acting like a couple, half of the time she asked him to (he was so nice he didn't bother asking why), half of the time she just took pictures of themselves laughing, making silly faces, play-fighting, etc.
The reason she lied about Vincenzo was because she wanted, for once, to beat Katrina out on something. Show her that she was number one material, just like her. Show her that she could be alpha too. Show her that she was her equal'. Yet, Katrina saw right through her facade. She should've known she wouldn't buy it; she became mute around any male that wasn't related to her. It didn't make sense! She thought she had done everything right, but Katrina didn't even bother to see the pics. She called her bluff right away and was so calm and confident about it, like she was practically there in Italy with her to know that it was a big lie.
Cat didn't know how Katrina managed to see right through her and find out the things she did, but however she did it, she did it in a way that made her seem completely omnipresent. Cat envied her talent for always figuring things out, but also hated it. It meant that whenever she tried to come out on top for once, she just saw through her and shot her down, making her feel inferior.
And she. Was. Done.
Back in the eighth grade, she was the alpha of the NHAs. Back then, they were called Cat's Crew, even though she insisted that everyone called her Catalina, because she loved her full name. But they never were really popular, not even average. Then Katrina came along with her amazing personality, style and alphaness, giving Acacia, Parker-Bella and Cat makeovers and style tips. Slowly, they became better-looking and more popular, and Katrina started calling more and more of the shots. Acacia and Parker began looking up to Katrina more, listening to her more. Catalina got drawn in too, slowly. Then one night, at Katrina's estate back in Westchester, she renamed them the NHAs. Then, she told Catalina, and everyone else, that she should be called Cat so that people wouldn't mix "Katrina" and "Catalina" up. Which unofficially but obviously made her alpha, because only the most important person got to keep their whole name. And the rest was history.
She couldn't believe she was cheated out of being alpha of her own clique. Now she was beta, and although she was popular now, she hated being second-best. Inferior. Not the leader, the one everyone looked too. And she was done. So. Done.
Katrina's POV
Katrina felt guilty about shooting Cat's summer romance down so ruthlessly. She did believe her, but she'd never admit to her that she was the first one with boy experience out of all of them. Well, good boy experience at least. Katrina's ex-boyfriend, and first boyfriend, Carter Lanigan, graduated last year, and to say the least, the relationship scarred Katrina. She was close to tears by just thinking of his name. Not only was he cheating on her, he was also spreading rumors about her all over the school, that she was "putting out" and "going all the way, all the time". It was the worst relationship to ever exist, even though it was so picture perfect, at least at first.
She just didn't want Cat to best her at something. She was the old alpha of the NHAs, and if the girls saw that Cat was showing more alpha qualities than her, they'll switch alphas, just like they switched the leadership from Cat to herself. Nawt that she had any complaints. But a good alpha knows to always observe the actions of their clique, because whatever they did once, they can always do again. Especially with that thing was betrayal.
Some things in her mind told her that she was being totally paranoid, and that she was being a bad friend. How could she just tell her 'best friend' she was lying, just because she didn't want her to take over as alpha? Wasn't she supposed to support her no matter what it could eventually do to her status? But the unforgiving alpha in her said that a perfect relationship was the first alpha trait she'd begin to show. Then, if she accepted it, she'd start showing more and more traits, and before she knew it, she'd find herself as beta. And that could nawt happen.