WESTCHESTER, NY

THE BLOCK ESTATE

April 13, Friday

7:02 AM

"Rate me," Massie Block commanded Claire Lyons. She slid her fingers through her curly chestnut brown locks. Her new outfit would definitely give her a nine-point-five, to say the least. "Nine-point-six," Claire said without looking up. "Kuh-laire," Massie sighed, "how can I expect to receive an honest rating if you can't spare a second to even look at my clothes? I thought you were a good friend. Must I call Dylan or Alicia or Kristen?" she raised an eyebrow.

Claire bit her lip. Recently, word was Cam Fisher, her boyfriend, has eyes for Kristen Gregory. And even worse, Alicia Rivera, the Pretty Committee's eyes and ears for gossip, confirmed it. So lately, she's been avoiding Kristen like the plague. The only people who didn't know it was Dylan Marvil and Kristen Gregory herself.

"You look good everyday. And with the tone of your voice and all the time you spent getting ready, nine-six is probably an understatement," she tried. Massie nodded and asked, "What would make me a nine-point-seven?" Claire gave it some thought. Massie was sporting a gray Ella Moss halter dress, white leggings underneath, and Stella McCartney black ballet flats. She matched it well with a black Fendi handbag. "More gloss," she suggested. Massie took out the latest Glossip Girl mailed to her that morning, Mango Crepe.

"Alright, my turn." Claire twirled around, suddenly bright with energy. "Who are you wearing?" Massie looked shocked. Claire's outfit was actually impressive for once and Massie definitely had to try out whoever she was wearing. "It's not exactly designer," Claire's smile faded. "I made it from my mom's fabrics. I sewed a Miss Sixty tag, though."

Massie patted Claire to show her understanding. She was impressed, but of course, she couldn't let Claire know that. Claire wore a dress that looked like a blue lace tank top and frilly purple skirt sewn together. She wore Prada wedges to go with it. "Well, I have an old thing stashed under my bed, though," Massie offered, and squatted beside her bed. She extended one arm into it, and it came out with a denim jacket. "It's actually a Christmas gift from Inez a few years ago. I only wore it once, during her birthday to, um..." she couldn't find the right word. "Make her happy?" Claire filled in. "C'mon. I know you still love Inez in a way." She beamed. Massie giggled. "Yeah, maybe I do. You can borrow it for, today, but if you want it, you can have it." She handed it to Claire, who wore it. "It's perfect," Claire smiled. "Thanks. For the jacket, and for understanding the whole non-designer issue. Er, could you not mention this to the Pretty Committee later on?" she asked. "Fix your hair and it's a yes." Massie winked.

Note: I do not own the Pretty Commitee, Westchester, OCD, and all the other names used in this fanfiction.

All of them except those that I invented. If you read the books, you can probably tell who they are. :)

A/N: This doesn't exactly sound prologue-ish, I know. But this chapter introduces one of the main parts of the story, as the previous entry (1. Back Cover) states. Basically, rumor has it that Cam likes Kristen. That's pretty much the most interesting and new thing you've read. That and Claire sews.