Bryn mimics the cords of 'Ziggy Stardust' on her Gibson with an unsure smile as she thumbs through a guitar manual. She makes it halfway through before she slides it to Kenny, where he resides at her feet, legs stretched and ankles crossed casually, an acoustic Stigma in his lap. He skims and reads the print, looks away, flicks his fingertips along the top guitar strings. "Well, I'm no Keith Richards but I'll learn."

"Yeah," she adds and runs her hand up the neck. "it takes time. I took weeks to learn my first song but it was worth it. Once you learn your first, the rest will be easy."

He doesn't reply and grazes a fingertip along the strings, creating a delicate swell of notes with a sheepish grin, scratching his scalp. "It seems like it." he murmurs and shifts the guitar carefully. "I don't wanna break this. I'll probably get killed if it happens. You have to admit the look on mister's face would be priceless."

A grin crosses her face and she nods. "Right? My friends get so mad for talking like that but I so won't risk that with our teacher. He'd probably write me a discipline report and my brother would kill me." The light in her fades and her smile weakens. "Do you think I'm a bitch for telling Javier off?"

He arches a single brow and leans over to retrieve his coffee, takes a thoughtful sip before grimacing at the taste. His coffee didn't usually taste like this. Today, it was sludge and was usually sugary. He requested Claire to get his coffee today and she came back with it surprisingly quick. She seemed friendly but he couldn't help but find her untrustworthy.

Mostly because she was one of Javier's friends.

And he most certainly didn't like him after he tried to expose him for something he no longer was.

It would be satisfying to keep Bryn with him since she was beginning to trust him more than the Dominguez.

He had to at least show some consideration.

"If he's a man, I think he'll be fine." Kenny assures with a captivating smirk. "He had after all started the argument with you, right? You were only defending yourself."

She directs her eyes to the empty door and slumps. "He still made me feel like a bitch. It was the nicest I could ever be to someone in an argument … and he still did that." She hauls the guitar onto a rack and props her elbows on her thighs. Kenny's eyes are warm and he is silent, focused on her. Finally, she catches his gaze and blinks. "I'm sorry, I don't think I could play … there's too much on my mind."

He nods understandingly. "Chill, let's just get coffee or something." he says and also reaches to put his guitar down. Bryn rises and smoothes her skirt. "Mine tastes like crap. Damn, your friend must've went to a drug store to get this. It tastes like Tupac's ashes."

Bryn takes the cup from him and drinks. She swallows and reacts, looking ready to vomit, flings the lid off, and looks to see if it was actual coffee but is instead met with a strange brown slush with the stink of kitchen oil.

"Rank." She throws the bile in the trash. "Claire tried to play a trick on you." At least I hope it's a trick, as she manages a calm face.

"Ugh, great." He groans and puts his palms flat on his head. "Am I such a bad person?"

Bryn shakes her head and pursues her lips. "No, you're not. I'll get them back eventually."

Kenny holds a hand toward Bryn. "I always loved the friendly game of revenge."

She shakes it agreeably. "I think we'd make a great team."

Their handshake breaks and Kenny swings his arm over her shoulders as they head out. "I already have the perfect plan." He slides his hand down her forearm before catching her hand in his, locking his fingers over hers. Bryn startles. "Don't worry. This'll mean nothing. It's a harmless prank, right? That Javier must've helped with."

She reluctantly wraps her fingers through his. "You're much smarter than you look."

He smiles and leads her down the hall, eyes glinting. "Like, I haven't heard that before."

And from afar, a fascinated Constance girl watches, eyes beaming as she holds her phone up and snaps the first photo of Kenny and Bryn, fingers interlaced.

How long will this last? Or is this even a couple? I bet we're all dying to know. Don't worry, my fellow gossipers. I'll be first and will gladly share.

Because your secrets are never safe with me.

X

The ringing of Steven's chuckle echoes as Javier turns to roll his eyes. Steven clutches his stomach and wipes a tear, slowly calming himself, choking on air. Dimples firm. "That's one of the lamest tricks and Kenny fell for it? I can't believe he believed your bitch-friend!"

Bitch-friend is code for our one-and-only, Queen Claire.

Javier no longer commented on the nicknames he gave people. He was becoming used to it seeing as he's become friends with Steven within a short amount of time. Even though at first he only used Steven to get closer to Bryn, he actually turned out to be cool so he was officially accounted as one of his friends.

Which is a surprise since he didn't have many.

Javier lifts a cigarette to his lips and exhales as he relaxes against the marble rails of the Constance steps. "I don't get why she trusts him so much." he drones as Steven turns in confusion, stubbing out his cigarette. "I already told her he's a bad person and she didn't believe me. Ugh, she's so –"

"Gullible." Steven stats, words filthy of smoke as he twists his baseball cap. "But you like her."

Javier's eyes widen and he gave Steven's forming grin a double-take. "What? No, no, I don't."

Steven shakes his head and his grin stays in place. "That's what they all say until they end up married with, like, five kids."

"Just the thought." He sighs and exhales. "I will never have five kids. I doubt I'd even be able to handle one."

"You say that now but watch a little Javier Junior be born soon." Steven claims and crushes the stub under the sole of his dirty Nikes. Javier only rolls his eyes and looks back to his cigarette in hand.

"Hey, man. You seen the music room?"

Steven whips his head so quickly he strains his neck when turning to face the girl in front of them. Her dark hair highlighted and accent light. She wears a sleeveless Avril Lavigne T-shirt, a vintage purple scarf, ripped black jeans, Ray Bans. She looks between Steven and Javier, mainly focused on Steven.

Oblivious as always, Steven points at Constance's closed doors. "It's in there." he drawls like it was the perfect answer. "I don't know where but it's close. You can't miss it, man. It looks like something."

"Thanks, man," she answers and folds her arms across her chest, then leans in and takes the hat off his head. "you'd look much hotter if you actually combed your hair. It looks like the Swiffer Duster." She leans in and brushes her palm across his cheek. Her hand is cold and unfamiliar. He recoils and the girl smirks, her hand leaves his face as she rose up the steps. "See you around, Javier. You too, Steven."

Javier threw his cigarette down the steps and the doors slam. Steven, who stood in shock, caresses his cheek. "Whoa, a pretty girl knows my name," he mumbles and tilts his head at Javier. "You know her?"

Javier nods. "She's Vena's sister. Didn't you know?" He only receives a headshake as response. "I assumed … you knew. She went to Constance for a while. She clearly remembers you."

"I don't remember her … hellooooo, drugs? Hellooooo, pancreatitis?" He balances his palms like unmeasured scales. "I barely remembered my own name. That's how stoned I was."

"I don't know what you were smoking if you couldn't even remember your own name." Javier quips. "I was never even that bad."

"Surprise, surprise," Steven rasps and rolls his eyes. "Speaking the guy who gave me pot freshmen year dozens of times."

"Can't say anything there," Javier finishes and shrugs, extinguishing his cigarette with his shoe. "You win this round, I suppose."

Steven smirks gladly. "Don't be jealous because I'm awesome. I'm just like a G, brotha." He got up from the stairs and Javier narrows his eyes. "I'm gonna go find that hot chick now. Goodbye, amigo!"

And before he could give a proper goodbye, Steven crashes face-first into the doors.

X

"Never lay a finger on my girl again!" A man roared, throwing bottles and plates across the floor. A whiskey bottle and shot glasses sprayed broken crystal across the wooden flooring. "I'll send you to hell myself if you ever do it again! Dirty bitch!" Glass crunched under quick feet as the psycho chased after the fearful waiter. They were eventually lost in the black night.

Elle sat at the bar and sipped her martini, narrowing her eyes and handing her glass to a shaken barmaid, thrusting bills onto the counter. "Keep something for yourself," She climbed off the ottoman, touching the hem of her Anna Sui dress with a cocktail napkin. "I must calm my brother. All the money in the world wouldn't be able to fix his problem."

She headed off, bronze ringlets tickling her nape as she left, searching for her temperamental brother. The bartenders watched the scene that just played out.

And from a few seats away, Javier watched luscious curls disappear into the night as he smoked his joint. Two girls kissed his throat as he lowered his joint and stubbed it. Intrigued at what just commenced, he shoved the girls away and headed off to witness more.

Elle twirls a tangled curl around her index finger as she walks with Kenny through Dean & Deluca, grabs a can of caramel corn from the shelf, and holds it out with a smile. "Want this?" she asks in warm curiosity. "We haven't been spending time since you met that Blackwell girl."

"I know but I've been trying to perfect my guitar. It isn't very easy, Ells." he explains, voice thick with an accent as he accepts the tin. "Especially when you must pretend to be American and have to lie to such a beautiful girl."

"You're brilliant on the guitar," she chimes. They come into a deserted aisle together. "I don't get why you want to waste your time with someone so low-rate."

"She's not low-rate." Kenny assures as Elle pauses at the end of the aisle to gasp in surprise. "It's true. She's quite 'ice and her guitar skills trample mine. She's great, Elle, if you only gave her a chance."

"I don't need to give anyone I don't know a chance." she grumbles. "You barely know her and you already have feelings for her. Is this going to be another Diana situation? Who needs that now? You surely don't. You locked yourself away in Daddy's villa for weeks, remember?"

"Okay, thanks for bringing up Diana, dear sister." Kenny sneers, "I'm going to binge on sweets then throw them up because I'll be an official American once that happens. It seems much better than being English right now."

Elle is already on his heels before he can leave her. "I'm sorry," she feebly apologizes. "that was wrong. We promised to no longer bring her up."

"Well, of course, you break the promise within seconds." he says, voice icy with sarcasm. His venom lightens when Elle's eyes fall downcast in shame. "As long as you don't bring up the subject of my exe again, I'll consider forgiving you."

She smiles and places a hand on his forearm. "That means a lot."

He flicks her hand aside and continues into another aisle. "Yes, yes, I have a heart of gold. I'm too nice." He rolls his eyes and smiles. "But I've also decided on a proposition for you, Elle, which I'm sure you'll gladly accept."

Her eyes don't once meet his. "Every time you say that, I usually hate it."

His laughter couldn't be hidden from his tough demeanor as he bursts into hysterics. Other patrons look his way as they pass. After getting himself in-control, he meets her eyes and grins. "How about this? If you meet Bryn, I'll choose to give that man you've been fawning over a chance too." She reluctantly nods and pursues her lips. "And don't worry. Bryn is much more pleasant than that Dominguez."

Elle receives another fit of chuckles as she scoffs.

X

"Is it alright if I sit here?" Matt asks when approaching Tinsley, gesturing with his free hand to the empty seat across from her. She looks at him with widened eyes that soften with kindness. She nods and looks back to her sketchpad. He sits and pops open his guitar case, yanking out his Les Paul before he meets Tinsley's gaze. "Thanks, I've been pretty friendless for the past week at least I found you."

"Aw, I'm sorry," she says, looking away from her sketchpad. He positions the guitar in his lap. "I seriously would've come to see you but I've been so busy with Harper and all. Bryn's trying to help me improve the guitar talent I don't have and Claire's been on everyone's backs lately." She flips through the book and grabs her pencil, tapping it on the tabletop. "It's not really a surprise anymore but you know Claire."

He smiles understandingly and slides his hand on the guitar neck. "Yeah, she hates me though." he admits with a chuckle and receives hearty giggles from Tinsley. "Don't be too surprised."

The affection in her face doesn't waver. "I'll try." she counters with the same friendly sarcasm. "Oh! And I was wondering … what are you doing this weekend?"

He lifts a brow and chuckles, close to piercing his finger on a cord. "Aren't you taken? I doubt it's normal to ask another guy out when you're in there."

Tinsley leans to punch his arm. "Shut up!" she hisses, giggling. "I didn't mean it like that! You're so gross!"

But she doesn't deny it.

"Fine, why don't you tell me then?" He leans and distracts himself by tuning his guitar. "Because apparently, my response seems so wrong."

"It is." she claims friendlily. "But since it's still late in January and not at all close to summer, Claire wants to head to the Hamptons for the weekend. And I was wondering if you wanted to come with?" Before it could become awkward, she raises her palms in defense. "I already asked Dean and Javier. We're going in our cars. I'm gonna ask Bryn and Harper later, too."

Of course, they came everywhere nowadays. He didn't really have a problem with it.

Harper was beginning to act like more of an enemy now even though he isn't one to hold grudges. The thing is, Harper's too nice and though he always notices the glares he inflicts on him, his gaze never wavers unless he leans in to kiss Tinsley or pretends to ignore him when he spoke. Their interests were so alike and he knew he'd never share the same feelings or likes with her.

At least not while Harper was present.

"Sure, I'll come," He wouldn't let Harper get the whole weekend alone with her. Who knows what he'd do? "This coming Friday?"

She nods. "Yep, so start working out because there's gonna be a lot of other girls seeing you."

He chuckles and rolls his eyes. "Woooow, you, Bryn, and Claire. What chicks."

Her eyes narrow playfully and she pursues her lips. "Doesn't mean we're not good-looking. You'd be lucky to see Claire and me in swimsuits."

"You make it sound like an honor."

"Oh, it is."

Seriously, S, you'd be lucky. I'd take it rather than leave it.

X

Is the world ending? I think so if Rocker B is holding hands with our new English hottie, K, who has caught all our eyes. Is he as safe as he looks? Let's hope for Rocker B's sake that J will be able to bend like Beckham.

Claire is first to see the picture of Kenny and Bryn, fingers interlocked on Gossip Bee's page. Her eyes skim every liable detail from the early hours of morning. How fierce Kenny held Bryn's hand, the smirk frozen on her face, the dents marring his, the twinkling in their eyes –

There was so much she was able to use to her advantage and who knows? Ruining another relationship was on her agenda. Plus, she was never the only one to do it. Tinsley had cut her ties with Harper, Vena had messed up one of the best relationships she had with Javier due to the cheating scandal, and Floria had destroyed one of Bryn's old relationships.

But as we know, all those had come with consequences.

In thought, Claire smiles and files her nails as she resides in the courtyard. Her minions left a while ago to retouch their manicures and Bryn undoubtedly left with Kenny nor she or Javier trusted. Yet he had Tinsley, Harper, those outsiders, and Bryn's full trust in hand.

Javier won't be happy if he sees the picture of Kenny and Bryn together, especially holding hands. He hates Kenny enough and just showing him the photo for a moment would send his emotions to the sky.

Just the thought of that priceless reaction seemed amusing that Claire just fought to keep quiet about this new gossip. He'd probably find out before she even had chance to tell him.

She seriously has to bite her tongue to keep quiet about this.

"Hey, Claire," Dean replies when he approaches, taking the seat beside her as she puts away her nail file to greet him with a sparkle in her eye. "what's up? You still going to the Hamptons with everyone?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it." she responds with an indifferent sound. "Everyone is staying at my family's Hamptons home after all. You're coming too, right?"

It was amazing how easily she could forget her planning of others demise.

"Yeah," he says with a nod. "I wanted to say thanks. It's really considerate of you to do all this especially since it's barely the New Year. We're barely a week into January. I definitely think the Jitney ride will be worthwhile."

"The Jitney?" she repeats, voice rising a few shocked octaves. "Oh, you most certainly aren't taking … that." She manages to stifle her gag reflex at the thought of that disgusting tourist bus. "The Jitney is for poor people."

He smiles and arches an eyebrow. "Winnie takes the Jitney."

She rolls her eyes. "My point exactly. I'd rather you take a sailboat." He chuckles at her exaggeration. "Good thing you aren't because you're coming with me in my family's car. I insist."

"Claire, you know, you don't have to –"

"I want to." she indicates, a warm smile notifying such. "No friend of mine is going to be taking that … thing to the Hamptons on my watch. Especially not you."

His eyes soften as he looks over. "Are you sure it's alright with your parents? I don't really want to get you in trouble or anything."

Honestly, things haven't been too great with her parents so this was probably why she was whisking everyone on this trip. She just wanted to get away and not have to deal with her troubled family life. They're thinking about divorce and she would rather not watch because who really likes when their parents' divorce?

It was just terrifying how a relationship could go from being on top to its deathbed. Their relationship was great and then it just begun crumbling piece by piece from lack of love in the household to worthless expenses.

This couldn't be happening. She was perfect, she looked perfect, and acted just as but her personal life wasn't. It was slowly breaking apart like an incomplete puzzle.

She remained composure when she remembered Dean still resided beside her. He couldn't know. No one could.

After all, no one needed to. It wasn't their business and her parents weren't either.

Unless Gossip Bee chose to intervene like always.

If she dared to sneak her gossip onto that stupid site of hers, she better kiss her lying little page goodbye.

Because she could do that with her connections.

Claire smiles at Dean when he starts to speak on about some unimportance, assuring him she was paying close attention to his monologue.

And when you're Claire – the ruler of Constance, you can do anything.

X

"Why, Miss Sismondi, it's been awhile."

Floria knew the voice but it doesn't mean she still can't blush over it. The silk in their tone nearly left her racing heart in circles as she blames her flush on the winter air, Hunter Harmon stood before her. Tall and statuesque, hair slick and eyes shining like jewels, standing on the Met steps before her. Ringlets strung in a ponytail as a few of Claire's minions sat above her, yogurts in hand.

"Yeah, I know." she answers and directs back to her books so she doesn't seem like a total wannabe for staring. "You should come see me more, Mr. Harmon. It's been so long."

He cocks a brow and chuckles, tucking a hand in the pocket of his jacket. "Unlike you, I have a lot to do. You're a mere Constance student and I'm … a man." He sounded ready to say something else but she notices how he instantly changed his answer but she didn't press him for details. She hasn't know him that long.

Instead she went with – "Wow!" she counters, forcing astonishment. "You're a man! I seriously must bow down, must I?"

He smirks and his brow stays rose. "It'd be nice to get some respect."

She laughs and flips a page in her Calculus book. "You're so full of yourself."

"Don't say that. I've seen boys at St. Jude's act much worse." he clarifies and looks up the stone steps, where the other Constance girls gossip freely. "The girls at Constance are something else."

She doesn't look up from her book. "Then go hook up with one."

His smirk fades the slightest but doesn't entirely vanish. "No, thank you. I'm not some psycho who picks up young freshmen. That doesn't sound like a good enough reason to be in the Times."

She flicks her curls out of way. "Who knows? You could be on page six for all you know."

To satisfy her, he quips in his sweetest voice. "Oh, yes! I'd be known as the Hunter of Constance. Great idea, Miss Sismondi!"

In the rarest of conversations, she giggles aloud and shuts her book. "You're a weird-ass, man! I don't get why you're always by St. Jude's. Do you work there or somethin'?"

His smirk falls and he shrugs, brow low with caution. "I guess you could say that …"

Before Floria can reply, she is interrupted by her answer and the catch of her breath.

"Coach Harmon!"

Harper strides over with an arm around Tinsley, their eyes shimmer as he smiles respectively. "It's good I found you! I wanted to say I can't make lacrosse practice all this weekend because I'll be out of town. Sorry."

Hunter ignores Floria's demanding glare as he shakes his head at Harper. "Don't worry, Mr. Blackwell. It's only practice just prepare in the meantime for the game next Monday."

Harper nods in response and Floria looks back to Hunter for an answer but receives nothing. He was St. Jude's lacrosse coach? How did she not know? She knew Harper how long now and how did she never know about Hunter? That couldn't be possible!

It was a small world alright.

"You know Coach Harmon, Floria?" Tinsley asks, staring between them while staying beneath Harper's arm comfortably. It wasn't surprising she knew him. Harper and Tinsley were nearly dating after all.

Hunter walks away with a warm goodbye and Floria scoffs under her breath at how calm he was being. He was a teacher after all.

She kept her calm and replies, "I guess you could say that."

Even though they were becoming much more than friends.

X

Steven sat with Bryn and Javier in the courtyard, who reside on either side of him, legs crossed. They look less than pleased as Steven carefully exchanges glances, darkness gleams in both their eyes and grim frowns poise their mouths as they sit still.

"Kaaaay, therapy time!" Steven announces, waving in their expressionless faces. "Soooooo why are we visiting the Rocker Doctor today?"

Bryn pursues her lips and crosses her ankles as she digs her nails into her thighbone. Her lack of patience becoming exceptionally thin. "Technically, you forced us here."

He frowns and shoves her lightly in the chest. "Shut it, bee-yotch! I'm tryin' to be awesome!" Javier cracks a smile and looks away. Steven's eyes continue to blaze with theatrical fury as he stares over Javier. "So come on! I want to get my McDonald's and steal some money from Matt! I'm starving! Let's get this over with!"

"Fine." Bryn replies haughtily. "Javier's being a major dick to Kenny just because we hang out."

"And Bryn is being a selfless bitch when I try to help." Javier adds, eyes narrow.

"Doesn't mean you have to give Kenny grease as coffee."

"Maybe if he wasn't so stupid, he wouldn't have fell for it."

"Seems like you two have issues," Steven comments and nods at their insults. "especially with each other. That pretty much means you guys are in love." He ignores the offended glares he receives from them.

"Never."

"The bastard wishes."

"See?" Steven yells. "You guys are doing it again! It's like you just can't hide your love!"

Bryn rises first, brushing her skirt. "I'm out of here." Her Blackberry rattles in her leather spike bag and she goes to retrieve it, opening a message from Tinsley. "Do you guys know what the … Hamptons are?"

Within seconds, Steven's in hysterics and Javier stands, smirking. "I-I-I've been on drugs for, like, five years! And I even know what it is and I've never even been there! You're so sad, man!"

She rolls her eyes. "Well, sorry for not being born here."

Javier steps close and brings his hand to her face. "You have a lot to learn." He suavely came in to her and presses his mouth to hers before moving from her just as slow. He turns to Steven, eyebrows arched. "Happy?"

Still laughing, Steven nods as Bryn watches Javier head off with the smooth steps of a womanizer.

A smirk comes to her face once she sees him go and she touches the curve of her mouth before leaving in the opposite direction. Feeling indifferently achieved for once.