Chapter 3

Elloise and Darci stood at the entrance to school, discussing places to hangout, now that school was over. Well, anywhere but where they were really going. Leila or her posse(possibly both) would catch up to them sooner or later, and both girls knew it would be better if they caught them leaving then actually en route. And, sure enough, Leila, Ahmal and Bellona(who insisted she be called Eona) sat on the bottom steps, iced coffee in hand, gossiping, and sharing tidbits of the school blog. Bellona sighted them and waved. Leila recognized them and came over as well, Ahmal in tow.

"Hi! We were just about to go to the diner nearby. Y'all should come with us." Leila said in her smooth French accent.

"We'd love to join you Leila! But.." Elloise faked a sad expression. "I already promised Darci I'd take her to get her insulin pad replaced."

Darci sensed Leila's impatience. "It's all m-my fault, I'm s-so sorry Leila! Sniffling a little at the end helped to bring some more authenticity to her not-so-sincere apology.

"It's fine Cici! I can't blame you for an illness. I just wish we could all hang out sometime." Leila's fake concern was almost convincing this time around. Elloise: Don't worry, we'll make it up to you some how. Later Leila!

Meanwhile, Tiffani stood in front of the entrance to her house. Exhausted she climbed the 5 or so flights of stairs to her room, and finally collapsed on her bed.

Between her duties as class president, her extra credit assignments, regular homework, and her role in criminal justice, she felt like she was burning herself out. And then, there was the chaos that Leila always caused. Which, as of recent was getting better, but still.

Speaking of which, she still had to call Darci. She could most definitely help her out. Well, she'd call Darci- as soon she finished her homework. And extra credit. And did some more stitching on Athene Xueshi's gala dress. So, about two hours. If there were no Papillionizations. Which there probably would be. Ugh! Oh well, best get started then…

Elloise gingerly knocked on the door of the studio. Darci was excited for once. She'd finally get to continue the series she so dearly loved.

The door opened and a Russian woman with blonde hair and black sunglasses, demanded in a thick accent "Code word? " ' Coalition Coat of Arms', Darci confidently stated. The woman's stern face cracked into a smile. 'Welcome, Cayden, Tahiti. It's nice to have you back.'

Adain was nervously pacing the the freshly mowed lawn of the city park. The shoot was about to start and Leila was nowhere in sight.

Vermont and his assistant were close to quitting, Sierra and the other stylists had almost gone home twice, and a few people from lighting and the extras had left to get lunch and were still out. Tesia suggested that that they just pick someone from the crowd. Everyone readily agreed. Waiting on Leila at this point was hopeless. They had interviewed three potential candidates, but to no avail.

Just then, Tesia spotted two girls, and ran up to them.

Elloise and Darci had gone for ice cream after the interview. A conversation with Sofia Maxime, head director and producer of Adventures of the Secret Coalition, had gone extremely well. She had been thrilled to know the original actress's for the movie were trying to take up their former roles again.

So here the were, at the park, celebrating their success amidst the slightly chaotic sights and sounds of Emerald Park.

As they were chatting, a short girl with brown and black dreadlocks ran up to them. "Would any of you be interested in modeling for a top brand?" Artemis followed the girls hand, to where Adain Monet and some photographers were standing in a shaded area.

Seeing the look on Elloise's face, she decided to try it. It would be nice if she could get some publicity before her movie debut. Huh, and with some work she could easily spin this in her favor. Instead of two birds, she'd be killing three birds with one stone. "Sure! I mean if it's not a problem with you, that is."

The girl looked relieved, "No, no. Please, our original model is beyond late, and you'd be great for it. And by the way my name is Tesia."

After finishing her ice cream, she walked over to the spot to where the remaining cast and crew were seated. After formally greeting everyone, she changed in to the designated clothes.

About thirty minutes later, the shoot had finished, Vermont and the rest of the crew still singing her praises.

"She's so polite, much nicer than that other girl."

"Her complextion is exquisite, she hardly needs any makeup."

"She has such an eye for detail. She can see beauty in the smallest things!"

Vermont was impressed, and by the end of the shoot, Artemis had over a dozen different numbers. So far, this whole predicament had turned out pretty good. Except, when she caught Adain giving her these weird puppy eyes.

All that side, it was late and Artemis should be getting home. She paid Elloise for her share of the ice cream, and started on her way to the bakery. Unbeknownst to her, on a rooftop a little ways away, she was being watched…