LAX
GATE 2
5:29 PM
DECEMBER 28, 2012

"Look!" Zara exclaimed, pointing out the window at the glittering lights of Los Angeles, which flickered joyfully below her. "It's so pretty."

Vail leaned over Alicia, who almost fell out of her seat. She swatted Zara's hand down and hissed, "Stawp it. You look desperate."

Alicia shoved Vail off her lap and sat up, unsnapping her seat belt. She retrieved her bag from the rack above her head and stood. "Come on, girls."

Dylan moved toward her carry-on. But just as she closed a small hand around the handle, a huge brown suitcase being lifted off by a tall man knocked her arm. Her Prada hobo sack flipped out of her hand and disappeared under the seat. "My bag!" she cried.

Alicia finally showed up at her side, looking fresh as a daisy compared to the disheveled, sweaty girls surrounding her. "What do you need in there anyway?"

"My wallet, my favorite makeup, my phone," she replied. She was set to panic when Vail dashed in and saved the day.

She ducked under the chair, reached into the dark abyss, and straightened, holding the tote. "Here." Then she turned on her white suede ballet flat and marched off the plane.

Alicia stared after her. Vail Collins was becoming more Alpha than her. How dare she? First, she yelled at Zara. That was her job. Then, she saved Dylan from a major anxiety attack. That was also her job. And the last straw was when she left before Alicia. The Alpha was always supposed to go first. It was a given.

Suddenly, she flashed back to what Vail had said before, when she'd gotten mad at Alicia. 'Only until we get back.' Was she trying to take over?

No. She must have just meant that Alicia would only be the boss until they were reunited with Massie. It sucked to not be taken seriously by a girl who Massie had declared Delta. But it sucked even more that she would bow down to Massie. What did that girl have that she didn't?

Alicia thought about it as they snatched their luggage off the conveyer belt. She thought about it as they found their limo among the hordes of others. And she thought about it as they accepted the key cards to their rooms at the Beverly Hills Hotel. When she realized everyone was staring at her, she wrenched herself out of her stupor and gave directions. "I'll stay with Dylan. Vail and Zara can share."

They trudged over their thresholds and prepared for bed. But it took the Spanish girl at least two hours to fall asleep, even after she was comfortably tucked in. What was so special about Massie Block?

WESTCHESTER
NORTH SHORE INN SOUP KITCHEN
8:30 PM
DECEMBER 28, 2012

"Ugh," Massie murmured as she ladled slimy green goop into a bowl. Not even bothering to smile, she handed it to a filthy woman, who held it high so as to keep it away from her kids, who were clambering for a bite.

"Isn't this great?" Claire grinned, tucking a lock of white-blonde hair behind her ear, from which a shiny silver hoop was dangling. "We're helping people in need."

Massie ignored the question. Instead, she pointed at the Orlandian's earring and said, "Why would you wear something valuable? Don't you know what kinds of thieves live in these places?"

With a generous twinkle in her eye, Claire slapped a slice of pizza onto a plate and gave it to a teenage boy who looked as though he hadn't showered in months. "Some of them are actually really nice. I was having a conversation with a single mother whose husband left her six years ago. And he didn't even bother to divorce her, so she can't marry a guy who she really wants to, who could actually support her kids. And did you know-"

"Save it." After a long, thorough wash of her hands, she tied her brown hair into a ponytail and secured it with a pale pink Scrunchie. "I just want to finish this hour and get out of here. I have a long-awaited appointment with the Westchester."

"Massie!" Kendra smoothed her Trina Turk designer apron. "How are you doing? Isn't this just so rejuvenating?"

"The Goodwill outfits or this crap that they try to pass off as food?" she muttered. "Yeah, it's amazing."

"Now, don't be like that," William scolded. Judi and Jay flanked his sides.

"Can we stay for an extra shift?" Claire asked brightly. "This is so much fun."

"I don't see why not," Judi agreed. "I'll just go tell the director." As soon as the parents walked away, Massie turned on Claire.

"What was that?"

"What was what? I just wanted to work for a little while longer. It feels good helping people who can't help themselves."

"Um, no it doesn't," quipped Massie. "It feels like being a slave." She slammed down the serving spoon. "This is ridiculous." She slid the lace bib she'd been using to protect her favorite Agnes B shirt over her head and laid it down gently on the counter. "Have fun, Kuh-laire." And with that, she skipped out of the room. When she was just over the threshold, she paused, waiting for the question she was sure would come from the blonde. And sure enough...

"So, are we still fri-"

"Yes, Kuh-laire, whatever suits you." And then she left for real.

BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
ROOM 397
6:42 AM
DECEMBER 29, 2012

Dylan rolled over to see that Alicia was already awake. "I hate this retarded jet lag," she grumbled.

"Whoever invented these stupid time zones is so D2M." Alicia rolled her eyes as she stripped out of her satin Victoria's Secret pajamas to reveal a silk La Perla bra-pantie combo.

Respectfully, Dylan turned away and buried herself in her suitcase. "Where is it?" she fumed, digging through a pile of Diane Von Furstenburg tank tops. "Oh." Triumphantly, she held up a pair of Rock&Republic denim cutoff shorts, which she pulled over her thighs. She added a flowy white Calvin Klein top with a large brown leather belt. She stepped into matching tan flip-flops. She struck a casual-model pose and cocked her head at Alicia.

"Nuh-uh." The temporary Alpha shook her head. "We have a surprise meeting. You have to look nice." She pulled on a tight-fitting Donna Karan dress. It was crimson-toned and sleeveless with a plunging scoop-neck. The skirt fell to her knees, hugging her ample curves. She had on cream-colored Blahnik pumps and a matching bracelet. Her glossy dark hair, which she'd put in a half-up 'do, fell in a straight line down to the small of her back. She fastened in earrings and clicked a neutral-colored case onto her iPhone.

Dylan's green eyes widened. "Okay." She poked her head into the closet where she'd had the maid hang up all her fancy clothes. She selected a black-and-white patterened lace miniskirt. She tucked in a black tube top and traded her thongs for black flats. Black pearl earrings and bracelet went on. "Happy?"

"Straighten your hair," she barked.

Dylan headed into the bathroom, and in ten minutes had tresses that could rival Carmen Electra. "Good?"

The girl nodded and poked her head into Vail and Zaras' room. They strutted in, looking confident and cool.

"Change."

"What for?" demanded Vail, admiring her outfit of Christian Dior fishnets with hot pink shorts and a black tee.

"Cuz you are so nawt wearing that to meet Merri-Lee Marvil's guests."

"Who does she have?"

That led to a rampage of guessing on Dylan and Zara's part. Alicia masked her surprise that the ginger didn't know who was going to be on her own mother's show and shot down their ideas as they were voiced.

"Beyonce?"

"No."

"One Direction?"

"No."

"Justin Bieber?"

"No."

"Timberlake?"

"No."

"Selena?"

"No."

"Demi?"

"No."

"Diaz?"

"No!"

"Just tell us." That came from Vail, who had unrolled and was sucking on a pale pink lollipop.

"Fine. Drum roll please... The next guest on Merri-Lee Marvil's Daily Grind will be... us!"

"What?"

"Yup. She wants her youngest daughter and her friends to describe how they prepare for a huge party such as her New Year's Yves. These," she added, turning to the newest members, "are the opportunities you get as a member of the Pretty Commitee."

"Ehmagawd, are you serious?" Dylan began to pout. "How come she didn't tell me?"

"It's a surprise. Massie only texted me with the info right before we left. And she's having a great time in France. She's going to the Ifle Tower today."

"Cool," Zara gushed.

"So get dressed."

The girls returned to their room, while Alicia and Dylan stood awkwardly, not wanting to wrinkle their skirts.

Vail came wearing a barely-there bikini. "I've got to spray-tan," she explained, before running off in bare feet toward the hotel spa.

Zara had on an all-over poppy-print Chloe ensemble with a sweetheart neckline. The bottom was lightly pleated. It was one of those things that could pass for anything from a night out with the girls to a prom dress. Her toes peeked out of huge Jimmy Choo pumps with a T-strap and four-inch heels. Her mousy brown hair had been turned to luscious waves. Her beautiful eyes were done up in eyeliner and mascara, along with tickle-me-pink shadow. Her nails were glistening white. She was great.

In about twenty minutes, Vail returned in an electric green Ralph Lauren number with a flirty layered skirt and a tight bodice with a halter tie. A black belt was fastened around the hem, on top of which was perched a rose. Midnight-hued flat Calvin Klein sandals encased her feet with criss-crossing straps.

"You all look ah-mazing," Alicia proclaimed. "Now for ratings."

Dylan smirked and pushed forward. "9.8," smiled Alicia.

Vail placed a hand on her hip. "9.7. I love it, but it should be strapless. The halter looks stupid."

"Hold on." She drew her hands up to her neck and untied the string, then pulled on it until it came out of the loops and fell to the floor. "It's adjustable."

"9.9."

Zara walked toward her. "9.7. A little heavy on the makeup."

She nodded and proceeded to wipe some off.

"And lastly, me." Alicia twirled once, then assumed a natural position.

"Total 10," Dylan commented.

The other two, even Vail, agreed.

"Ready?" She placed a hand on the doorknob.

"Affirmative." And off they went.

WESTCHESTER
NORTH SHORE INN SOUP KITCHEN
9:52 AM
DECEMBER 29, 2012

"We're back," sang Judi as the Lyons family walked through the back entrance to the shelter.

"Very good." The woman in charge was thin and wispy, almost diminuitive, but she gave off a strong, solid aura. "Claire and Todd, could you please man the counter? People will start arriving in eight minutes. Mrs. Lyons, if you could do dishwasher duty?"

Todd began to giggle. "Duty, duty, she said duty."

Jay silenced him with a look.

"And Mr. Lyons, could you do security?"

"Security?" Judi echoed dubiously. "Whatever for?"

"We had... a couple of problems yesterday," Miss Jace told her. "People who didn't need it sneaking in for food, others trying to sabotage our organization..." She finished in a way that indicated more.

"That's horrible!" exclaimed Judi. "Why would somebody do that?"

"I don't know." Miss Jace shrugged and glanced at Jay.

"I'd be happy too." He joined a group of burly men, who were scowling and showing off their muscles. Judi looked after him worriedly.

"Oh, don't worry," the director assured her. "They're truly sweethearts."

Not looking at all convinced, Judi went over to a gaggle of women, who were gathered around a lady with permed red hair.

Claire picked up a stack of napkins and brought them over to her station, Todd following behind.

'Maybe Massie would be a better person if she actually tried doing something good for someone other than herself once in a while,' Claire reflected.

Maybe.

THE DAILY GRIND
BACKSTAGE
7:00 AM
DECEMBER 29, 2012

"This is so cool." Zara was flicking her eyes around at the speed of light, trying to take in everything without seeming too obvious.

"Isn't it?" Dylan beamed.

Calgary, Merri-Lee's dumb-witted but likable assistant, was running around like a lunatic, trying to arrange the last-minute details. Grabbing Alicia's arm in one hand and Dylan's in the other, she dragged them into the wings. "Wait here." Then she turned to somebody else so she could yell at them.

"And... we're live!"

The girls heard Merri-Lee's daily spiel, and then they were signaled.

They pasted on perfect white smiles and strutted on, arms linked.

Merri-Lee immediately engulfed Dylan in a hug. Without saying a word about how she hadn't seen her daughter in three weeks, she explained, "This is my youngest child, Dylan. And these are her best friends, Alicia Rivera, Vail Collins, and Zara Warren."

"No they're nawt."

"What?" Merri-Lee's eyebrows shot up toward her hairline. A collective gasp went up from the studio audience.

"My best friends include Alicia. But the other two are Massie Block and Kristen Gregory." With a faint smile, she added, "And let's nawt forget Kuh-laire Lyons."

Zara let out a small shriek. "I thought we were BFFLs!"

"You thought wrong." She twirled a strand of hair that had fallen out of place.

"Okay, okay." The anchor placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. She would have done anything call a commercial break, but today was a special, and the Daily Grind was not only known for the outrageous stunts, but for their hour-long ad-free extravaganzas. "Let's discuss our outfits for a party."

"We haven't decided yet," Vail stated calmly.

"What? But-" Merri-Lee stuttered.

"So I guess you don't have anything more to talk to us about." Alicia swung her hair around and left the stage, followed by the others.

OCTAVIAN COUNTRY DAY
CAFE
10:56 AM
DECEMBER 29, 2012

"Did you see the Daily Grind?" Mikayla asked immediately.

"Nope. Not this morning," Kristen answered. "Why?"

"Cuz Dylan Marvil called you one of her best friends. I thought you were best friends were us," Alexia replied softly.

"And they got into a huge fight," Mikayla informed her happily. "I bet Vail and Zara hate the Pretty Commitee right now."

Claire dropped into an empty seat. "Ehmagawd, are you talking about the argument?" She shot a victorious smile toward Massie, who was sitting with a few semi-popular girls on the other side of the room.

CLAIREBEAR: They r so leaving the Pretty Commitee.
SEXYSPORTSBABE: IKR! :D
CLAIREBEAR: Now we can rejoin them.
SEXYSPORTSBABE: What about Mikayla, Alexia, and Maeve?
CLAIREBEAR: What about them?
SEXYSPORTSBABE: ;) i guess i miss the Pretty Commitee 2.
CLAIREBEAR: We're ready 2 rejoin u when the girls get back.
MASSIEKUR: And i'm Alpha?
CLAIREBEAR: Can she b Alpha?
SEXYSPORTSBABE: Sure.
CLAIREBEAR: Yes.
MASSIEKUR: Done.

"We're friends with you," Kristen pointed out in response to Alexia. "Just not best friends."

"A clique is supposed to be made up of best friends." Mikayla rolled her eyes and got up. "I'm leaving." She ran over to Layne's table.

Alexia crinkled her forehead. "Yeah, me too." She got up slowly. "Sorry."

The only person left was Maeve, and by now, the whole grade was watching them.

"If you're going back to the Pretty Commitee, what's the point?" She followed the others away.

Under the table, Kristen and Claire gave each other a high five. When they straightened, they saw Massie heading their way.

"Are they gone?"

The two blondes nodded in unison.

"I knew you'd come around." And Massie led them back to Table 18.

BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
ROOM 397
8:04 AM
DECEMBER 29, 2012

They'd been back for at least fifteen minutes, and the two girls were still curled into each other, shaking with laughter.

"I cannawt believe you told your mom off like that."

"Me neither."

"Let's Skype Mass." Alicia ran over to the oak desk in the corner and turned on her laptop.

"Hey, guys!" Massie's smiling face filled the screen. "So, are we really best friends again?"

"Given." Alicia grinned. "Can we stay here for the party?"

She wanted to tell them no, but her heart overruled her. "Given." And, with a small smile, everything was okay.