Disclaimer: Lisi Harrison owns the Clique.

Might rewrite this chapter, not sure, yet.

Added subtitles/headings back, without it, it seemed weird...

THE BLOCK ESTATE

RANGE ROVER'S INTERIOR

Monday, September 8th

7:39 a.m.

Massie nodded with poise, "Thanks mom and I will," She buckled her seatbelt and waved goodbye to Kendra. As the brunette felt the car's movement, she crossed her legs in excitement. It was officially two years since the Pretty Committee rode together; she inhaled happily, knowing that high school with her best friends would be great.

Tapping the interior leather wall of Range Rover to gain Issac's attention, she instructed him where to go, "Alicia's first and then Claire's."

Her driver flashed her a smile, and began driving to the destination he memorized from all those years.

As the car was set in motion, Massie beamed. She could feel it already, all her best friends in the car, laughing, talking, gossiping, and joking around with each other.

It would feel great—be great, actually.

So much so, as if she'd never left.

THE RIVERA ESTATE

ALICIA'S BEDROOM

Monday, September 8th

7:45 a.m.

Alicia twisted around in circles giddily as she was happy of what she saw in the mirror. She stopped immediately to inspect her back-to-school outfit once again, with the help of her enormous mirror closet. She smiled to herself, her newly bought shrunken Ralph Lauren blazer in navy matched well with her striped blue and white collar shirt and beige ruffle skirt. To finish her cute outfit, she wore knee -high long black socks and simple black flats.

She crept closer to her mirror to inspect her makeup one more time, and grinned with satisfaction. Her naturally pouty lips, her dark, long luscious eyelashes and flawless skin—thanks to foundation made her look like an innocent doll. Not to mention, her loose, big curls helped as well.

Placing an arm on her hip, Alicia was about to inspect herself once more, until her phone bleated out a sound, indicating an upcoming text.

Walking towards her white vintage vanity desk, she noticed from the text was from Kristen. The girl pouted when she read the message.

Kristen: Leesh, I can't. My mom is forbidding me.

Alicia: Seriously? Your mom is way too uptight to not let you ride with me.

Kristen: I know. But you know how anal she is.

Alicia: OMG. It's just a ride to school with friends, and she still can't let you?

Kristen: No. She somehow thinks Dempsey will be there too.

Alicia: Wow. Well, don't worry Kris, I'll convince her.

The Latina sighed annoyingly and placed her iPhone back down on her vanity. She shook her head disappointedly, now with Kristen out of her car pool to school, there was no way the two of them could discuss their plans about Massie thoroughly, it was the best time to do so, since it would have been only the two of them for a few minutes.

Alicia shuddered lightly; she would be alone in her limousine with Claire, Dylan and most frightening of all, Massie. If only Kristen could be there, it would make the car pool ride slightly more enjoyable. But now that wasn't option she would have to face her old best friends by herself.

Whatever though, she was determined to convince Mrs. Gregory to allow Kristen ride with them, it would work since she always got what she wanted.

Alicia checked her outfit and makeup again, and exhaled loudly, satisfied. She was ready, ready for school, ready for the year, ready for the drama she would be facing and most of all, ready to fight.

She padded to her intercom and pressed the button to call for Joyce. "Joyce, please tell Dean that I'm ready and that his first stop is to the Pinewood Apartments to pick up Kristen." She let go of the button, expecting for an immediate answer. There was a long pause; Alicia crinkled her nose, confused. Her finger reached for the button again, "Joyce?"

The only audible respond she received was fuzzy static. Alicia waited, it wasn't until a minute later did she hear Joyce's warm voice. "Alicia, Dean is not going to drive you today."

"What?" The raven-haired girl cried, "Why not? I told him specifically today."

"That's because Issac is already here. He's out in the front waiting for you to come out." Joyce explained slowly, "Miss Block informed us a few minutes ago."

Alicia stomped her foot and scowled, she didn't even finish listening to Joyce speak.

What the hell was Massie doing?

This was her day to prove she was worthy as an Alpha. She planned it all out over the weekend and now, it was already crumbling apart.

Just like the Pretty Committee.

THE PINEWOOD

GREGORY'S KITCHEN

Monday, September 8th

8:03 a.m.

Kristen made a face when she gazed down at her dowdy and old-fashioned outfit for the first day of school. It was the only appropriate outfit her mother approved of. Since yesterday, the day her mother had found out about her and Dempsey, Marsha blew the roof and demanded that Kristen would never wear anything fashionable, and even worse, Marsha would hawk and watch her daughter for everything.

The blonde stared blankly at her breakfast; she wasn't in the mood to eat. She glanced up too see her mother studying her.

"Kristen," Marsha said sternly, she peered at her daughter over her rectangular rimmed glasses, "Please don't sulk. You brought this on to yourself, so remember that." She reached for her mug of coffee, taking light sips from it.

Reaching for the plate of toasts, she grabbed the top one and took a bite of it, to show her mom she wasn't, "I'm not sulking, mom." Kristen replied back, even though she really was.

"Well," Marsha pursed her lips, "You better not, under my watch." The older woman simply pushed herself from the rounded wooden table, retrieving the plate and mug she used, dumping it into the sink. Her mother whipped her head around and faced her, "Get ready in about ten minutes, so you'll be on time for your first day."

The blonde felt her aqua eyes twitch, but just grunted as a respond. The moment she spotted her mother wander out of the kitchen, Kristen sighed in disbelief. Yesterday, after Dempsey was forcefully kicked out, her mother announced that Kristen would never be able to see Dempsey again, and not only that, her mother refused to let her wear anything fashionable. On top of that, Marsha announced that she would be the one who would drive her to school. While there was a positive upside to it—Kristen didn't need to wait for the bus anymore—last week Alicia told her that she would handle the car pool ride. Now that her mother was driving her to school, Kristen couldn't conspire with Alicia about the plans they made up to get rid of Massie, privately.

Kristen snapped out of her thoughts as she heard the home phone ring. She was about to get up from her seat, but stopped as the phone was no longer ringing. It must have meant her mother answered the call.

"Hello?" She heard her mother say. There was a long pause and then some mumbling from her mother. Kristen grabbed a loose strand of her hair and began twirling it; she searched for the oven clock, and made a weird face. Six minutes had already passed, meaning she had only four minutes to get ready, but the girl didn't need the extra minutes as she was already ready as always.

Her mother was still talking to the person on the other line, another minute pass, until Kristen heard the phone click.

"Kristen," Marsha entered the room, her face looked like it was in a cross between annoyance and relief. "Change of plans, I won't be dropping you off to school today,"

"You aren't?"

"No, your friend who just called convinced me to let you ride with her." Marsha grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter and stuffed some files in, "Don't think that I'm going soft." Her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, contorting into a glare, but not quite, "She gave valid reasons and I need to be at the hospital earlier than usual."

She fished her keys out of her purse and approached Kristen, giving her a kiss on the head, "Be good, today, I'm not asking too much from you."

The front door slammed open and then closed.

Kristen jumped excitedly, she glanced at the clock, by this time Dempsey already left, but it didn't really matter since she would be seeing him at school.

Her aqua-eyes started twinkling, her lips formed into a genuine smile, maybe she didn't give Alicia enough credit as being an Alpha as she should have.

THE LYON'S ESTATE

THE FRONT YARD

Monday, September 8th

8:08 a.m.

After fixing her crooked bangs as best she could, Claire plopped down the front door step, waiting for Massie and Issac to show up.

For the past two years, she would have been with Layne's car pool ride, but since Massie offered (via text), Claire accepted quickly. Thankfully, Layne was understanding and didn't hold any hard feelings—except of course, she made Claire promise to buy her the newest flavour of gogurt, guava.

The blonde re-read the text over and over. Her baby blue eyes twinkling in confusion. By now, she would have expected the other girls—especially Dylan— to answer Massie back, but there was no reply aside from hers.

Claire sighed, placing one hand against her cheek. She clicked the back button and scrolled through her inbox hoping that Cam had sent her any random text. Nope, there was none. The girl started to fixate on her dirty shoe laces anxiously, the very idea of taking a break from Cam sounded so easy when being discussed with Layne, except, going through it was a lot harder. Though, knowing it wasn't an official breakup put her at some ease.

One thing that stood out of her mind was that she worried Cam would take the news hard and interpret it entirely differently. What if during the time they spent apart, he would move onto another girl, a girl who was willing to have sex with him?

Frowning, the blonde hated that all the 'what ifs' scenarios about Cam, playing through her tiny mind, it made her feel more anxious and sick than ever. She nibbled on her chapped lips, which was one way that soothed her nerves, but not by much.

Beep.

Claire whipped her head up, away from the phone screen. There she saw the familiar Range Rover. The moment the window rolled down slowly, finally revealing Massie, who in Claire's opinion, was looking more elegant and prettier the last time she saw her, washed away Claire's anxiety.

Somewhat.

MARVIL'S ESTATE

THE FRONT GATE

Monday, September 8th

8:11 a.m.

Dylan giggled loudly as she saw the weird ensemble Josh was wearing. The outfit to her, appeared like a mixture between a motorcyclist who was probably drunk when he picked the clothes and, of course, an outfit that came out of the newest Ralph Lauren catalogue.

It was weird, kooky, eccentric, even to the point of insane looking, but somehow Josh managed to pull it off.

Ever since they began dating, her boyfriend always made the point of getting her to school on his bike, it was fun for them. It was more fun than riding in her mother's luxurious limousine, that way she wasn't alone when she was going to school.

"Ready?" He asked eagerly, his grin was so wide his adorable fangs could be seen.

She nodded, strolling to him and his bike cheerfully. Dylan grabbed the helmet he brought for her out of his smooth hands, placing it over her unruly ringlets, and then buckling it tightly and securely on her head.

As Josh shifted forward making room for her, she quickly took her place, adjusting comfortably, her hands around his waist, and her head leaning against his sturdy and warm back.

"You sure you want to miss Massie's car pool for me?" Josh asked teasingly, while he wasn't facing her, Dylan could feel the smile on his face.

"I'm sure," the red head started clinging on him more, she grinned, "I'm probably not missing a thing."

"Suit yourself," He said with an easygoing shrug.

Josh started pedalling, and as they ascended forward to school, Dylan couldn't help, but feel it really was them against the world.

THE BLOCK'S RANGE ROVER

BACKSEATS

Monday, September 8th

8:14 a.m.

She never felt as uncomfortable as she did now.

Claire widened her eyes as she watched Kristen open the door to the back seat of the Block's Range Rover, the smile that was written on her face, erased quickly, as she looked confused, very confused of who was inside the car.

Her dirty blonde hair was swishing and flicking as the dark blonde kept swirling her head back and forth between Alicia and then Massie, who was Massie for reasons, was sitting in the very center.

"Kris!" Massie squealed, she grinned brightly.

Claire bit on her thumbnail; somehow Massie's happy mood and presence was overshadowed by the tension that was coming off from Kristen and a faint tension coming from Alicia, who was sitting on the right side of Massie.

"Uh," Kristen creased her smooth forehead, her eyes darting first to Alicia and then Massie, "I thought I was getting a ride from a frien—", she was unable to finish her sentence as she felt the vicious look coming from Alicia's sweet, innocent dark brown eyes. "Never mind," The soccer girl quickly dismissed, she took the spot next to Claire.

Claire shot a weak smile at Kristen while she was settled down, "Are you pumped for school?"

"Does it look like it?" The other blonde shot back, a tinge of bitterness could be heard.

"No, I...was just being cordial," Claire mumbled softly. She felt her face flush in embarrassment, from all people the sweet girl didn't expect Kristen to snap out at her and so soon. Biting on her chapped lips, Claire glanced at Kristen, noticing that she was wearing a mom approved outfit. Her baby blue eyes glistened in confusion, not long ago, she knew Kristen was finally allowed to wear the outfits she wanted. But today, it was an outfit that Kristen dreaded wearing. Claire considered asking Kristen, but decided against it, knowing she would be snapped at again.

The pale blonde searched the surroundings. A few days ago, she had a feeling that Kristen and Alicia didn't want the PC to come back, well, more specifically they didn't seem to want Massie back. Yet, as she looked around, she watched Alicia chat with Massie normally and from the corner of her blue, blue eyes she noticed Kristen face had softened and was now smiling and chuckling when listening to the conversation.

Maybe she was just being paranoid and thought wrong.

Claire shrugged her shoulders, believing this was the perfect time to text Cam, informing him to meet up, so she could tell him about the idea Layne brought up yesterday.

Claire:

Except, she couldn't, her fingers were hovering over the key pad.

She gritted her teeth, why was it so hard for her to tell Cam she wanted a break from him? It wasn't like she breaking up with him, she just needed some time away from him, a break, like Layne said.

Issac started driving notably faster; the movement of the car swayed the girls around, so much so, it caused Claire to drop her phone on the ground, landing near Alicia's feet.

"Alicia," Claire called, she waved her arms to get the Latina's attention, "Can you pass my phone to me?"

"Huh?" Alicia looked annoyed about being interrupted of the deep conversation she was having, she glanced down noticing the Nokia beside her feet. Swiftly, she picked it up without any hesitation, and at that moment the pretty girl noticed the small screen of the phone light up with an upcoming message. Alicia tilted her head with interest, "You're breaking up with Cam, Kuh-laire?"

"No, I—"

Massie interjected before Claire could come up with an explanation. "Are you really?" Her amber eyes were growing large as saucers. She leaned back comfortably, "I didn't think you had it in you, Claire." She smiled, "It's probably the best, though. You were always so obsessed with him."

The colour on Claire's face drained. She felt offended by the comment, despite, being the first day of school with Massie, the blonde felt that it was a bitchy and unnecessary comment, "What do you mean I'm obsessed?"

"You always have to do every little thing with him." The brunette explained, she seemed unfazed by Claire's sudden change of attitude, "and honestly, I found it creepy, but I know how much you love him."

Her last stated sentence sounded like she was mocking her. Claire felt agitated by Massie, already. "Should it matter to you?" She snarled.

"What is your problem?" Massie asked, she sighed, "I'm just saying what we were all thinking."

"I don't think that," Alicia chimed in quickly, she casted Claire a sympathetic look, "I wouldn't call it an obsession, Mass. Claire just wants be with Cam."

Kristen nodded in agreement, "Totally. You should think before you speak, Massie." She squeezed Claire's shoulder for comfort, "Claire expresses things differently than others."

Suddenly, Claire found herself feeling grateful that both Alicia and Kristen were in the car. Who knew? In the morning she was groaning the fact that the two were going to in the car pool due their recent behavior, but was now grateful for their company.

Oppose of Massie, who she was looking forward to ride with, yet, that feeling washed away.

It's funny how things change quickly.

Now if only Claire just had turned her head slightly to her left and right, she would have noticed Alicia and Kristen secretly texting each other, both of whom, cackling over something.

Probably about Massie and her stinky attitude, Claire concluded.

Probably.

OCD HIGH

FRONT LAWN

Monday, September 8th

8:24 a.m.

"Did I offend you or something, Claire?" Massie asked the blonde the moment they stepped foot out of the Range Rover, it was only the two of them as both Alicia and Kristen scurried off to get their schedules quickly before Massie could force them to wait. Her glossed lips were pursed and her arms were crossed, she was going to get an answer whether or not Claire liked it. "If this was about obsession comment, I was being honest."

Claire pushed some of her hair away from her face, "Maybe you were, but don't you think you should keep things to yourself?" She paused, "Think about what Kristen said, think before you speak."

Laughter was the first thing that came out of the brunette's mouth. "So instead of being honest, you want me to lie to you instead?" Massie giggled some more, "What? You wanted me to keep my opinions as a secret?" She flicked the new charms she attached onto her bracelet, "This isn't Pretty Little Liars, Claire."

Swallowing nervously, Claire sputtered, "I know that, it's just that right now Cam and I are going through a rough patch, so jokes or jabs about our relationship hurts."

Massie stopped giggling, "If you told me sooner, I wouldn't have said anything."

"Really?"

"No," Massie smirked, "Who do you think I am? I'm not going to lie to my friend's face, I'll always be upfront about what I think, that's who I am, Claire." She grinned, "Whether you like it or not."

In an instant, whatever hostile feeling she had against Massie, disappeared. She was right; Massie was the type who was upfront about anything, a quality that Claire always admired. The blonde began to giggle, thinking she unbelievably got angry over a tiny comment, "I know how you feel Mass, but whatever you think, you think," She bit on her lip some more, "What I think, should matter more."

Massie nodded, she blinked, "What did Cam text, anyways?"

"Cam?" Claire said, sounding confused, "I didn't really tell him about the break, yet. Only Layne."

"Okay, so what did Layne say?"

The blonde shrugged and grabbed her phone out of her pocket, scrolling through the inbox. She made a noise, her hands scratching her head, "I don't know. There aren't any new messages."

The wind blew softly, carrying the suckle smell of lilac and honey to their noses. Massie folded her arms, her lips turning into a frown, "Maybe Alicia was imagining it."

"Maybe."

"Or maybe someone is setting us up," Massie joked.

"Maybe," Claire burst out laughing, "If that was possible."

As their coloured eyes met, they both burst out laughing even louder, laughing together over something so silly and untrue.

OCD HIGH

FRONT LAWN

Monday, September 8th

8:28 a.m.

The loose jagged, gray rock from the gravel was Kristen's target.

She dug it up with her feet, and when it was finally clear, and free, she kicked it as far as she could across the mowed lawn of BOCD high.

As she watched it fly in midair and then finally stumbled onto an empty patch of grass, she swivelled her entire body to Alicia, Kristen rolled her aqua eyes, "And you said you would convince my mom for a ride," She stood up, tense, "Luckily for me, Massie was able to." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Look," Alicia snapped, her beautiful face was filled with anger, although it looked odd since anger on Alicia's face made her still appear as an innocent angel, "I didn't expect Massie to show up at my house right away," She pinched her own skin with her long, manicured nails, "At least we got on Claire's good side and made Massie look like a total insensitive bitch."

"I guess," Kristen grumbled. She started to tiptoe and search the school lot, her eyes wandering, until spotting Massie and Claire arguing. The smart girl smiled, "actually, you may be right." She pointed at the direction where the two where for Alicia, who turned around. The two of them watched attentively, grinning at first, but then they made a face—Kristen frowned, while Alicia pouted— as Massie and Claire where all of the sudden, laughing with each other and not at the other.

Moaning loudly, the blonde came towards Alicia, perching herself on the stone ledge as well. "We have to work on Claire more." Kristen said in a determined voice, "she and Massie have tight knit bond. If we can get some secrets about her and about Cam, we're set." She sucked in a deep breath, "Claire is going to be a lot harder to convince than Dylan, don't you think?"

"Of course," Alicia responded with a vicious grin on her face, "Dylan is such an emotional basket case, she'll be easy." She flicked her curls to the side, "All you have to do is talk about her weight, and she'll crumble." The Latina pushed herself up from the ledge, retrieving her Prada purse, she widened her eyes at Kristen, "Come on let's go get our schedules."

"I think we should go back." Kristen stared back, "that way Massie won't be suspicious. Remember? We were going to make her believe she's still the alpha."

"Well, you know what?" Alicia stood firmly, "she can come find us, I'm the girl of this school and I'm not going to let her show me up in front of others, even if I'm pretending."

Kristen groaned. "Alicia," she said sharply, she got up too, crossing her arms over as she made her way over, "its part of the plan."

The pretty girl simply answered with a half-hearted shrug, "Look, Kris. I promise this is the only thing today, and then after that, I'll pretend everything is normal."

There was a pause at first, but finally the blonde replied, "Fine. Let's hurry up then."

The two friends sashayed their way into the building. It was then Alicia noticed that Kristen was pacing quickly to obtain her schedule. While she saw her blonde friends steps ahead of her, Alicia didn't care, she would walk whatever pace she wanted, and Kristen would have to wait.

And, that would go for Massie, too.