The Beauty Queens

by FashionLeMode

Madeleine had already been chosen by the popular girls at school to be the Queen of the entire Sixth Grade. Now the question was, would the other girls - Scarlett, Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey - grow into their designated roles in Madeleine's court? And could Madeleine successfully reign over an entire grade, or would the uniqueness of the girls prove too much for her to handle?

3. Chapter Two

Disclaimer: I own all the characters in this story.

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Chapter Two

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Westchester, NY

Jamba Juice

10:12 A.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Stepping out of the Bentley, Scarlett was momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight. She retrieved her silver Ray-Ban sunglasses from her black Chanel shoulder handbag and slipped them on. After waving goodbye to Ivan, the family driver, Scarlett adjusted the straps of her black Maje button-front romper and headed for the frosted glass doors of Jamba Juice. The whirring blenders assaulted her ears as she entered. Well-dressed customers chatted over their drinks, throwing envious glances her way as she breezed past a group of high schoolers to the counter.

The barista greeted Scarlett as her hand hovered over the register, saying. "Welcome to Jamba Juice. What would you like to order today?"

Scarlett plucked her black Mastercard from her purse's side pocket and replied. "One large orange-coconut booster smoothie, please. Oh, and add a spicy and sweet chicken flatbread too."

The barista nodded and entered Scarlett's order into the register. "That'll be eighteen dollars and twenty-one cents," she said.

Scarlett tapped her Mastercard against the contactless card reader. "Thanks," she said, returning the credit card to her designer handbag.

The barista informed Scarlett. "Your order will be ready in ten minutes."

Without speaking, Scarlett swiftly grabbed a straw from the dispenser and marched to the end of the counter. Ten minutes later, the barista handed Scarlett her smoothie and flatbread. As she turned on the heels of her black suede Jimmy Choo pointy-toed flats, Scarlett spotted Ivy Jameson and Tiffany Wright, two of the most legendary second-in-commands from Prescott, sitting at her usual table.

Feeling anxious about the impending meeting, Scarlett took a deep breath to steel herself. She was about to meet Tiffany and Ivy, notorious information gatherers for the feared Queens. Scarlett strutted to their table with a ballerina's poise, intent on making an excellent first impression. She gently set her Jamba Juice smoothie and paper bag on the table's surface.

Tiffany and Ivy motioned for Scarlett to sit down in the empty chair opposite them. As Scarlett hung her purse on the back of her chair, she took her flatbread out of the paper bag and placed it on two monogrammed white napkins.

Scarlett removed the paper from her straw and pushed it into the slot of her cup. "Um, hi," she said nervously, twirling the flawless six-karat diamond stud in her left ear.

"Can I help you?" Ivy asked snarkily before taking a long sip of her large Jamba Juice matcha green tea blast smoothie.

"You look a bit lost," added Tiffany, taking a long gulp of her large Jamba Juice pomegranate paradise smoothie.

Scarlett paused to gulp her smoothie, trying to gather her thoughts before speaking to Ivy and Tiffany. "I wanted to introduce myself since I'll be the second-in-command to my best friend, Maddie," she said quickly, taking a deep breath.

Ivy suddenly remembered who Avery had identified as the next sixth-grade Queen's second-in-command. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, running her manicured hand along the waistband of her high-waisted, baltic-wash L'Agence skinny jeans."You're Scarlett Wilson, right?"

"Yes!" Scarlett said, slipping off her sunglasses and tossing them into her purse. "I'm excited for you guys to finally meet the person behind the name you've been hearing so much about."

Tiffany fidgeted with the hem of her simple, navy-blue Ted Baker high-neck lace-detailed tunic dress and took a deep breath before speaking. "Now that we've met, is there anything you'd like to discuss with us?"

Before taking a sip of her smoothie, Scarlett flicked away imaginary lint from her top and asked. "Could you share some secrets about our classmates? I'd like to start an Information book like you two have."

Ivy cast her piercing blue eyes downward at her black Christian Louboutin booties with their signature red soles. "Fine," she answered with a sigh, "We'll share some information with you. But first, we need to discuss a tradition that's been passed down from one second-in-command to the next."

Tiffany opened her navy Chloé shoulder bag, took out her starlight white iPhone 14, and placed it in her lap. "It's tradition for the next second-in-command to be crowned the new Queen of Information by Ivy and me," she explained. "We have the right to do so."

Overcome with excitement, Scarlett bounced energetically in her seat and exclaimed. "Oh my god!"

Tiffany nodded at Scarlett and said. "Ivy, let's show Scarlett the gift we bought for her yesterday. It's a special present from both of us."

Ivy pulled a small gift-wrapped box from her Kate Spade satchel and handed it to Scarlett. "Tiffany and I hope you like the gift," she said, crossing her legs.

Scarlett carefully unwrapped the present from Ivy and Tiffany, peeling off the silver paper and untying the white satin bow around the Tiffany-blue box. "I can't wait to see what you picked out," she said, smiling at her friends. Lifting the lid, she saw a pearl charm bracelet nestled inside, with a petite silver heart and an S charm dangling from the clasp. Studying the personalized gift, Scarlett admired the simple elegance and appreciated their thoughtfulness in choosing it just for her. "Wow, it's beautiful. Thank you so much!"

Tiffany and Ivy spoke in unison, saying. "You're welcome."

Scarlett slid her new pearl charm bracelet onto her wrist and admired how it sparkled in the light. "How did you know I love pearls so much?" she asked Tiffany and Ivy suspiciously.

"Scarlett, Tiffany and I were looking at your Instagram account," Ivy said with a giggle, glancing at Tiffany. "We noticed you and Madeleine have been friends for a long time."

Scarlett arched one of her perfectly waxed icy-blonde eyebrows at Ivy's statement, then took another sip of her smoothie. "Maddie and I did become closer friends last year," she said, tossing her long blonde curls over her shoulder. "We bonded after being bullied by Hayden and her clique."

With concern for Madeleine and Scarlett audible in her tone, Tiffany asked. "What happened?"

Ivy sighed and popped a bite-size Belgian waffle into her mouth. With an annoyed tone on behalf of Madeleine and Scarlett, she demanded. "Tell us everything."

"Maddie and I became friends after bonding over our shared experience of being bullied by Hayden," Scarlett explained to Tiffany and Ivy between small bites of flatbread as she adjusted her chair. "Hayden didn't like that our parents told us not to hang out with her and her friends. But they never explained why they disliked her, so she assumed we were snubbing her because of them."

Tiffany picked some imaginary lint off her dress before turning to Scarlett. "Why do you think Hayden believes you snubbed her?" she asked, sipping her smoothie.

"Maybe she assumed you were looking down on her," Ivy offered as she shifted into a more comfortable position.

Scarlett pinched off a piece of flatbread and popped it in her mouth. "Well, I believe she thought Madeleine and I didn't consider her important enough to invite to our joint birthday party," she said evasively, tucking her curls behind her ears. "The truth is our parents disapproved of her, thinking she was low-class, so we didn't invite her."

Scarlett nodded and took another bite of her flatbread. "Do you want to hear the craziest part of the story?" she asked Tiffany and Ivy, washing down the food with a sip of smoothie.

"Tell us," Ivy said eagerly, gathering her glossy black waves over her shoulders.

Tiffany brushed her perfectly dried chocolate brown hair from her cornflower-blue eyes. "Yeah, give us the details," she said with interest.

"Well, Sarah, who used to be best friends with Maddie and me, started hanging out with Hayden's group," Scarlett explained, hurt evident in her icy blue eyes. "She's even joined in on bullying us. Just to gain Hayden's approval."

Ivy twisted her hands in her lap. "Ugh, that must be so painful," she commented, popping another bite-size waffle into her mouth. "It's awful to turn against your friends."

Tiffany took another long sip of her smoothie and redirected the conversation. "Scarlett, you wanted to hear some secrets about people at our school. What did you have in mind?"

Ivy tilted her head, inspecting her dark blue nails. "Tiff, let's start by revealing Lillian's secret."

"Yes!" Tiffany said enthusiastically through a mouthful of tortilla wrap before washing it down with a big swig of smoothie. "So we've agreed that Scarlett should be the first to know Lillian's secret."

Ivy nodded in agreement and turned her focus back to Scarlett. "Before we reveal the secret, let me give you some background on Lillian's social status at school," she explained.

"Sounds good, Ivy," Scarlett replied with a grin. She adjusted her top's flutter sleeves before uncrossing her legs.

Tiffany sipped more of her smoothie and explained, "Lillian is at the bottom of the social ladder at school because both Lindsey and Avery see her as a threat to their popularity. But everyone else at school still talks to her."

Ivy adjusted her sleeveless ivory L'Agence V-necked blouse under her fitted red Balmain blazer. "Also, Lindsey and Avery always sensed she was trying too hard to impress them," she said, placing her manicured hands on the table. "So Scarlett, have Madeleine chat with her. It'll help people be more welcoming."

"Got it," Scarlett nodded as she took small bites of her flatbread and washed them down with her smoothie.

Tiffany looked down at her white Michael Kors espadrilles. "On another note, I heard Lillian had a big crush on one of her camp counselors this summer," she said smoothly. "Apparently she tried getting closer to him by writing a love letter, thinking he'd reciprocate her feelings and break up with his girlfriend back home.

Twirling the flawless four-karat diamond stud in her right ear, Ivy added. "Instead, the counselor pulled her aside and told her he wasn't interested since he already had a girlfriend. So it seems he made it clear nothing could happen between them."

"Oh no, that's awful!" Scarlett gasped, fidgeting with her white and black Chanel color block ballet flats. "I feel so bad for her."

"I agree," said Ivy, taking another sip of her smoothie. "But there's more to the story about Lillian Vance's secret."

Scarlett raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at Ivy's comment and sipped her smoothie. "Oh? Do tell," she said, leaning back in her chair.

"I heard that Lillian stalked the counselor and knew his schedule," Tiffany chimed, fidgeting with her necklace. "She even stole things from his cabin. But get this - the counselor got so fed up with her harassment that he asked the camp owner to ban her. He wanted the camp to refund her parents too. So Lillian got added to the camp's blacklist, and her folks sent a driver to collect her. They wanted nothing more to do with her either."

Ivy looked at Tiffany and Scarlett hesitantly. "Lillian was immediately grounded for the whole summer by her parents as punishment for what happened at camp," she said, popping another bite-size waffle into her mouth. "They banned her from going to their homes in Paris, Hawaii, Antigua, Aspen and Norway. She also wasn't allowed to go shopping, watch TV, text her friends, or be driven around by the family driver. Lillian's parents wanted to make sure the punishment really sunk in."

Scarlett played with the silver heart charm on her pearl bracelet. "Oh, thanks for filling me in on the juicy details," she said quickly.

Tiffany uncrossed her legs and took a sip of her smoothie before responding. "Avery and Lindsey already know about Lillian's punishment. This should stay between us three," she said, gesturing towards Ivy so Scarlett understood this was private information. "Her parents needed to really drive the point home since they didn't want Lillian's behavior to tarnish their reputations."

"I'm certain they'll lose their exclusive club memberships around town," Ivy said, moving her iPhone closer.

Scarlett pulled her iPhone from her designer handbag and set it on the table. "Remember rule twenty-three from 'Westchester's Society Rules'? The one about cutting ties with ex-friends?" she asked, swallowing the last of her flatbread and smoothie.

"Oh right, because they thought you'd get bad luck from them," Tiffany sighed deeply, moving her iPhone nearer. She swallowed the final bite of her wrap and smoothie. "My parents made me ditch some friends they didn't approve of at all."

Ivy popped another bite-sized waffle into her mouth and washed it down with her smoothie. "Girls, you should never forget the fall of the Knights," she added, responding to Tiffany's opinion. "That's why the rule was added to our society's code."

"Must we still follow that rule?" Scarlett asked her new friends. She twisted the bracelet around her slender wrist before taking a sip of smoothie.

Tiffany nervously tugged on the long sleeves of her dress, taking a dainty sip of her smoothie. "Yeah, Scar!" she replied. "My parents are enforcing that rule at home because they think it will make me into a respectable young lady."

Ivy picked at a loose thread on her wool blouse. "Same here," she agreed with Tiffany, pausing to sip more of her smoothie.

Scarlett brushed her curls out of her eyes. "Well, my parents told me that Westchester society expects me to act classy and refined as a socialite," she said with a small smile, taking another sip of her smoothie.

"Whatever," Tiffany muttered, rubbing the back of her neck. "Can we get back to gossiping about the secrets of our upcoming and returning classmates?"

"Of course, Tiff!" Ivy replied, sipping her smoothie. "We ought to tell Scarlett Jessica Lake's secret now."

Tiffany nodded at Ivy and folded her arms across her chest. "If I recall correctly, her secret is not nearly as terrible as Lillian's," she declared, shoving her chair farther under the table.

Scarlett paused to take another sip of her smoothie and moved her iPhone closer. "Who's Jessica Lake?" she asked, stopping again for more of the drink.

Ivy leaned her elbows on the table, cupping her chin in her manicured hands. "If I'm not mistaken, you and Jessica Lake will be classmates in sixth grade, Scarlett!" she said with a grin.

Before Scarlett could respond to Tiffany and Ivy, her iPhone rang loudly in the juice bar. She held up her left manicured index finger, signaling for a moment to take the call without checking the screen.

Carol greeted her daughter cheerfully. "Hi, sweetie!"

After finishing her smoothie, Scarlett greeted her mom. "Hey Mom, what's up? Why are you calling me?"

"You need to come home immediately," Carol urged.

Scarlett asked her mom. "For what?"

Carol ended the call after instructing her daughter. "Just come home now. Jason is waiting outside of Jamba for you."

Scarlett dropped her iPhone into her designer handbag, abandoned her empty plastic smoothie cup on the table, and looked back to Tiffany and Ivy. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. My mom is insisting I come home right now," she told them.

Tiffany stared at Ivy out of the corner of her eye while reassuring Scarlett. "Don't worry about it."

Scarlett pushed in her chair with a scrape, nodded, and tossed her purse onto her right shoulder. "Okay," she said. "Let's meet at Scoops on Sunday afternoon at five-thirty for some fun."

Tiffany nodded in agreement and said. "Cool."

Ivy smiled and said. "Alright."

Without speaking further to Tiffany and Ivy, Scarlett exited the juice bar and saw the Bentley parked at the curb. Reaching the car, she opened the rear passenger door and elegantly entered. Sliding across the supple leather backseat, she placed her purse beside her, closed the door, and shut her eyes. As Jason pulled away, Scarlett relaxed into her seat, staying that way for the remainder of the ride.

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The Stein Estate

Gazebo

12:37 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

"Wait a minute, you met Tiffany Wright and Ivy Jameson at Jamba Juice?" Madeleine asked, gracefully ascending the steps of her family's large, circular gazebo with white oak railings. Cradling Coco in her left arm while keeping her AirPods in her ears, Madeleine held up her iPhone with her right hand to clearly see Scarlett on the video call.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at her friend Maddy's question. "Yes, I'm meeting them at Jamba Juice today," she replied, tugging at the hem of her romper. She then sat cross-legged on her bed. "They officially crowned me sixth grade's Queen of Information and spilled some juicy secrets about our classmates."

Madeleine crossed the pavilion and sat down on a three-seat rattan sofa with beige cushions. As she placed her puppy in her lap, she asked, "Can you share any information with me?"

Scarlett hugged a fluffy, white, goose-down pillow to her chest and raised an eyebrow at her friend's question. "Of course, Maddie," she replied. "I'll always share some information with you."

As Madeleine was about to speak to her friend, a Facetime call notification appeared at the top of her phone screen.

Madeleine tapped her white Lanvin wedges on the coffee table before stroking Coco's fur. "Scar, you won't believe this," she said, looking surprised. "Sarah's Facetiming me now"

Scarlett's eyes widened. "Why's she calling you?" she asked dramatically. "I thought she ditched us for Hayden."

"Why is she FaceTiming me now?" Madeleine wondered aloud, her manicured finger hesitating over the End & Accept button on the screen. "Let me add you after she appears, Scarlett."

Curled up in a ball on her bed, Scarlett nodded. "Okay, Mads."

After ending her video call with Scarlett, Madeline immediately accepted Sarah's call. She saw her ex-best friend sitting cross-legged on the bed with Hayden beside her.

"Hi, Maddie!" Sarah said warmly, greeting her former best friend. "It's been so long since we last spoke."

Madeleine set Coco down on the sofa, feeling the dog curl up against her right thigh. "One moment, I'm adding Scar to the video call. She wants to talk to you too."

"Sounds good," Sarah nodded, bumping Hayden's shoulder to signal that Madeleine was bringing Scarlett into the FaceTime call.

Madeleine immediately added Scarlett to the video call with Sarah and Hayden. Moments later, Madeleine noticed Scarlett had accepted the call as she adjusted the round neckline of her sleeveless ivory Ted Baker skater dress.

As Sarah greeted Scarlett, she cheerfully asked, "What's up, Scar?"

Scarlett glared angrily, taking a long drink of Evian water. "What do you two want?" she asked Sarah and Hayden sharply.

Madeleine chimed in, running a manicured hand through her blonde curls, "You need to tell us the truth now."

Sarah's voice cracked, fighting back tears. "I'm sorry, Maddie and Scar," she choked out. "I'm sorry for my part in bullying you last year."

"I'm sorry, Madeleine and Scarlett," Hayden said quietly. "I'm sorry for bullying you and manipulating Sarah to get back at you. I thought you were flaunting your wealth in elementary school."

"I know your words aren't true," Madeleine said coldly, tucking her curly hair behind her ear to show off her new Jennifer Behr crystal Nova drop earrings. She wanted Hayden and Sarah to see them.

Scarlett took a long sip of water, trying to stay calm. She didn't want to say what was on her mind about her ex-best friend and ex-bully. "You were nothing but bitches to us," she reminded them. "So what do you want?"

Sarah bit her lip, disappointed. She didn't know how to calm Madeleine and Scarlett without their anger directed at her and Hayden. "Well, I'm having a pool party next Sunday," she said, pulling a tissue from the box by her bed. "I wanted you to come since I invited our old elementary school classmates too."

"We want to apologize for how we treated you in fifth grade," Hayden replied.

"Read my lips," Madeleine repeated as she scratched behind Coco's ears, "you were nothing but bitches to Scar and me."

Scarlett hugged her fluffy, white, ruffled pillow tightly against her chest and inquired. "Why should we come to the party?"

Sniffling, Sarah blotted her tears with a tissue from the nightstand and pleaded, "I want to make amends with you all. I want to start middle school with a clean slate."

Adjusting the cardigan draped over her shoulders, Madeleine sighed. "Fine, when does the party start?"

"My pool party is from noon to six," Sarah replied, crumpling up her used tissue and dropping it on the bed.

Scarlett mumbled dismissively, absentmindedly tracing the ornate silver buttons on her romper with her manicured fingers. "Just make sure to reserve some lounge chairs for five people."

"Why?" Hayden and Sarah asked together.

Resting her chin on her left palm, Scarlett lied. "We're bringing some friends to the party, so you'll get to meet them."

"Okay, see you next Sunday," Sarah and Hayden responded in unison before ending the call.

"Whatever," Madeleine grumbled, noticing they had already hung up.

Resting her right elbow on her knee, Scarlett turned to her friend and asked skeptically. "Do you believe a word coming out of their mouths?"

"No," Madeleine replied. "But we can discuss this further at your house later."

"Okay," Scarlett agreed before ending the call.

Madeleine got up from the sofa, her iPhone in her manicured right hand and her dog, Coco cradled in her left arm. She marched across the freshly mowed lawn and into the house, making a beeline for her bedroom. Relaxing before going to Scarlett's house was her sole focus.

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The Wilson Estate

Scarlett's Bedroom

2:05 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Scarlett had changed into a red Splendid lace-trimmed camisole and white Joie denim shorts before settling onto the chaise lounge in her room. Everything was ready for her and Madeleine to get dressed for the party later. Crystal bowls of fresh strawberries and raspberries sat on the round buffet table, which was draped with a white cloth. Next to a pitcher of lemon water stood two glittering tumblers and metal straws.

Two paper plates were stacked in front of the tumblers, and lavender candles were placed around the room, filling it with a sweet aroma. Scarlett noticed her hairstylist Yul, his employee Joelle, and two makeup artists had set up stations by her bedroom door. She tweaked her Spotify party playlist with new songs for her and Madeleine to dance to.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Scarlett grabbed her iPhone off the coffee table and checked the time. Her friend would arrive in just 20 minutes. Soon after, she heard the bedroom door open but kept her eyes on her phone screen. Glancing up, she saw her friend stroll in, with Ingrid close behind carrying a garment bag.

Scarlett stood up from the chaise lounge and shoved her iPhone into her shorts' left pocket. "Hey, Maddie!" she called out, wrapping her friend Madeleine in a big bear hug.

Madeleine broke from Scarlett's embrace and set her small red Prada monochrome satchel on the bed. Grabbing her phone, she gestured to the family's maid, Ingrid, who held Madeleine's garment bag. "I brought Ingrid to carry my outfit for the party," she explained.

Scarlett slipped on her red Ted Baker faux-fur slippers and put her hands on her hips before turning to her friend. "I figured it out when you came in," she said. "But why did Sarah and Hayden call you like nothing happened before? Did they forget how they bullied us? Do they expect us to just forgive that?"

"I think they want us to forgive them," Madeleine said, kicking off her wedges as they thudded to the floor. "What really annoys me is Sarah assuming that a simple apology will make everything okay. She even invited us to her pool party, as if she and Hayden can start middle school with a clean slate."

With arms folded across her chest, Scarlett responded. "I understand, but Maddy, we should attend this party. I'm curious what Hayden and Sarah were doing all summer."

Madeleine fidgeted impatiently, jumping from one foot to the other. She realized that Ingrid had placed the garment bag on Scarlett's bed. "I agree," Madeleine said. "We should make an appearance at Sarah's pool party."

Scarlett nodded at Madeleine and pulled her over to the buffet table. "Yul and his team are here to do our hair and makeup," she said hurriedly, "but let's get some food first."

Madeleine tossed her iPhone onto Joelle's chair before grabbing a plate from the table. "I'm feeling a bit hungry," she said, loading up her plate with berries.

Scarlett poured lemon water into her tumbler, fastened the lid, and slid in a metal straw. "Same," she agreed. "We should start getting ready for my parents' party that begins at six-thirty tonight."

When Ingrid walked out of her friend's room, Madeleine noticed the outfit on the mannequin and said. "That outfit looks adorable on your mannequin. I can't get over the dress you bought at the mall yesterday."

"Yeah, I know," Scarlett nodded in agreement as she piled her plate high with berries.

Madeleine poured lemon water into her tumbler, snapped on the lid, and jammed in a metal straw. She held a plate of berries in one hand and the tumbler in the other. "I should straighten my hair and get some layers for the party," she mused.

Scarlett sauntered over to where Yul, his employee, and two hired makeup artists were waiting. She held a plate of food in one hand and a tumbler filled with lemon water in the other. "I want the same look, but with my hair in a half-up, half-down style," she replied.

Madeleine and Scarlett sat in Yul and Joelle's portable styling chairs, placing their plates of berries in their laps and cups in the holders. They then turned their attention to Scarlett's stylist.

"Hi Yul," Scarlett said warmly to her hairstylist. "Do you remember Maddie? You styled her hair last year for our birthday party."

Yul pulled Scarlett's curls out of her messy bun and draped her hair over the back of his chair. "Yes, Scarlett, I remember now," he nodded in understanding. "Her hairstylist and his team had to go into the city for the Foxx wedding."

Madeleine grinned widely as she popped a strawberry into her mouth, adding. "That day would have been ruined. My mom also didn't know how to style my hair that day."

Scarlett relaxed for a moment before settling into a comfortable position in her seat. "Me too," she concurred, popping a raspberry into her mouth. "I was so happy you could fit her in last minute."

"Remember, Scarlett," Yul said, massaging his client's scalp. "I've been doing your mom's hair for ten years now, and she's trusted me with you since you were nine."

Scarlett pulled out her iPhone, unlocked it, and clicked on the Spotify app. "Of course I know that," she beamed.

Yul pulled a thin comb from the apron tied around his waist. "So, I couldn't help but overhear you wanted your hair half up and half down," he said. He separated Scarlett's hair into two sections and tied half of it up.

"Yeah, I want loose curls all around the ends," Scarlett replied confidently, having contemplated this new style for weeks. Unlike her typical long, cascading curls, this look had no length change and gave her hair a different shape. "Could you also trim the split ends? They don't look great."

Yul plugged his curling iron into the outlet and set it on a table pad before checking Scarlett's hair for split ends. "Of course, Scarlett," he replied. "Did you wash your hair this morning?"

Scarlett pressed play on her party playlist and noticed the first song playing through her wireless speakers. "Yes, Yul, I washed my hair this morning," she responded to her hairstylist's question. Satisfied the music was on, she set her iPhone down on the left armrest of Yul's chair.

Chewing on another strawberry, Madeleine grabbed her iPhone from Joelle's chair cushion and gently interrupted Scar's chat with Yul. "By the way, did you watch the pilot episode of Paradise?" she asked.

"No, I watched the first episode on Hulu today," Scarlett remarked to Madeleine as she lifted the metal straw in her tumbler to her lips, taking a long sip of lemon water. "The drama in this episode was wonderful."

Madeleine quickly downed two gulps of her lemon water before dropping her cell phone on the left armrest of Joelle's chair. "Same here," she agreed with Scarlett. "I was absolutely awestruck by queen bee Samantha Vasquez though."

Scarlett kicked off her slippers and asked."Why?"

Madeleine crossed her legs and balanced her plate on her thigh. "She's the trendsetter at this fictional school," she explained. "And she's dating Benji Holloway, the star quarterback."

"I agree, Mads," Scarlett said as she stroked her manicured hand along her jaw. "She does seem to embody the 'mean girl' stereotype with her antagonistic attitude toward the new student. Yet I find her character even more compelling because of the drama and tension she creates."

Madeleine nodded at her friend's statement, then quickly drank two gulps of lemon water. "Didn't you see the confrontation between the new girl Alexandra and Samantha?" she asked, shifting the conversation elsewhere.

"Yes, but I find Samantha's vicious attitude towards Alexandra even more appealing," Scarlett replied, licking her lips.

Madeleine arched an eyebrow at Scarlett's opinion, glancing sideways at her friend with a questioning look. "What? Why?" she asked.

Scarlett popped a couple of strawberries into her mouth before answering her friend's question. "Samantha hated that the new girl was getting too close to her boyfriend."

"I absolutely love Samantha's witty comebacks," Madeleine said to Scarlett while fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "She uses them against anyone who challenges what she thinks is the proper social order."

After sipping her lemon water, Scarlett agreed with her friend, saying. "I loved when she compared the new girl to a dog. Her comeback made me laugh so hard I almost did a spit take."

Madeleine's emerald-green eyes glinted mischievously, smirking. "Same, except my drink came out of my nose."

"Gross!" Scarlett exclaimed, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

Madeleine watched as her friend voiced her revulsion. "Anyway, Scar, I was on Instagram this morning," she continued, absentmindedly tracing her pinky along the rim of her plate. "Looks like someone turned Samantha's comeback into a meme. It's hilarious."

Scarlett ate a few handfuls of raspberries and then drank her lemon water to wash them down. "That's cool," she chuckled in response. "You would think Alexandra would have realized by now that Samantha doesn't like her, considering how hard she's trying to become part of her friend group."

"Alexandra is oblivious about that part," Madeleine remarked. "But I admire her willingness to conform to the social standards at this fictional high school!"

Scarlett beamed at her friend and straightened in her seat. "There were many aspects of the other characters in the pilot episode that I appreciate," she replied.

Madeleine calmly inquired, raising her waxed eyebrows in amusement. "Are you talking about Kinsley, one of Samantha's best friends?"

"Yes, Mads," Scarlett responded with a giggle. "It seems she's one of Samantha's minions."

Madeleine giggled and settled into her seat comfortably. "Isn't she the one Samantha sent to warn Alexandra to stay away from her boyfriend?"

Scarlett smiled wryly at her friend, tugged on her sweatshirt sleeves, and glanced at Yul who was still curling her hair. "Yeah, Maddy," she nodded. "I rewatched that scene like five times. Alexandra's face was hilarious."

"Same," Madeleine agreed, pushing her strawberries and raspberries around her plate. "I couldn't believe it. It showed Alexandra trying to appease Samantha and her clique for the rest of the pilot."

As she adjusted her camisole, Scarlett asked, "Didn't you love when Samantha's friend Erin humiliated Alexandra? That was my favorite part of the episode, especially when Erin posted an unflattering photo of Alexandra on Instagram after she tried sucking up to Samantha."

Madeleine rolled her eyes at Scarlett's question, replying sarcastically. "Obviously I was thrilled about the way they insulted Alexandra right in front of her."

"Honestly, I'd prefer they insult Alexandra behind her back," Scarlett added. She paused to take a sip of her lemon water before continuing. "Some of their insults were so harsh and rude."

Madeleine pursed her lips and said. "Isn't the fight scene your favorite part of this pilot episode? I was thrilled when Samantha nearly broke through Alexandra's defenses."

Scarlett picked a loose thread off her camisole. After a moment of hesitation, she said. "I just thought they've put Alexandra through so much already. Defending her from Samantha now was the wrong time for Samantha's boyfriend to get involved."

"Oh my god!" Madeleine squealed, keeping her head still as Joelle continued straightening her hair. "I loved the part where Samantha death-glared her boyfriend."

Scarlett realized the second song on her Spotify party playlist was now playing over the speakers as she held her iPhone to her face. "Well, it made me laugh even more since he knew he messed up and tried to apologize to Samantha half-heartedly," she said.

Madeleine beamed as she twisted a long, curly lock of hair around her right manicured index finger, "I'm curious about the secret Samantha seems to be keeping from everyone."

With a dramatic flair, Scarlett checked her red nails and said. "Maddie, it's not only Samantha keeping secrets. Consider everyone introduced in the pilot episode—they could be hiding things they don't want discovered."

Madeleine uncrossed her legs, enjoying a few delicate bites of strawberries and raspberries. "Scar, I agree - I can't wait to uncover their secrets," she replied eagerly.

Scarlett discreetly glanced to the side and saw the two makeup artists were distracted by their phones. Eager to discuss something else, she asked Madeleine. "Anyway, did you see the latest episode of Fashion Inspections?"

Madeleine shuddered in disgust recalling the dress Anna Rhodes had worn to her friend's birthday party. She tried to keep her head still as Joelle finished straightening her hair, adding, "I'm still having nightmares about that dress. Even the famous fashion critic Amanda Noble begged Anna to burn it on national television."

Scarlett drank three gulps of water before shoving her cell phone away. "I liked her shoes too," she agreed with her friend. "But I absolutely adored Julianne Marks's custom Louis Vuitton dress at the American Music Awards, Maddy."

"That dress was featured on the 'Fashionable or Not' scale of the other co-host," Madeleine said calmly as she paused to drink more lemon water.

Scarlett finished the last of her strawberries and raspberries, then shook her head in disapproval. "Come on, Mads. You should know that Bryanna Taylor is Tiffany Johnson's celebrity stylist and often critiques other stylists' creative choices, for better or worse."

"I'm just pleased that you haven't lost your fashion sense yet," Scarlett said, grinning at Madeleine as she took a long sip of her lemon water. "Plus, you could always count on some celebrities to embarrass themselves on red carpets with their questionable fashion choices that look simply awful on them."

Madeleine sipped her lemon water and nodded in agreement. "I don't understand why luxury designer brands create such awful looks for celebrities," she remarked.

Scarlett took a hearty sip of her lemon water as she responded to Madeleine's opinion. "We can never know the truth of that statement. Did you hear what Bryanna said about Peyton Bergmann's tweed suit?"

Madeleine ate the last of her strawberries and raspberries. "Of course," she answered in a mature voice. "If I remember correctly, she said that tweed might be back in fashion for the younger generation, but that means Peyton should avoid that fabric."

Scarlett asserted, still staring at her pedicured feet. "When I heard that statement, I laughed so hard my sides hurt. And I could tell Bryanna was dissing her even though she didn't say it directly."

Madeleine beamed and rhythmically tapped her royal blue nails against the armrest of Joelle's chair. "She delivered that statement with class," she remarked.

"I appreciated Amanda Noble's statement that monochrome is in for this summer and fall," Scarlett said with a chuckle. "Bryanna then added that people with classic style should add prints to their wardrobes."

Madeleine drank half of her lemon water and firmly said. "I agreed with their statements, but I'm particular about my prints. I don't want my closet filled with too many different patterns."

Scarlett crossed her arms over her chest and glanced at her friend from the corner of her eye. "Same," she agreed.

Yul interrupted their conversation, giving Scarlett's hair a final spritz of volumizing spray. "Scarlett, your hair is finished. Please head over to the makeup artists now so they can do your makeup. I'm going to help Joelle put the finishing touches on Madeleine's hair."

Scarlett exchanged a sidelong glance with Madeleine before bolting from her hairstylist's chair. "I need to see if this looks fabulous on me," she grinned, discarding her paper plate on the floor.

Scarlett examined her reflection in the tall white-framed trifold mirror, pleased by what she saw. Yul had styled her hair just as she requested, sweeping it up into a flawless crown braid that would be perfect for her parents' party. Overjoyed, Scarlett ran over and hugged her talented hairstylist tightly in gratitude.

"Thank you, Yul," Scarlett said gratefully. "The hairstyle you did looks beautiful on me."

Yul hugged Scarlett back, a twinkle in his eyes. "You're welcome," he said warmly.

Scarlett ended the hug and quickly grabbed her iPhone from the armrest of Yul's chair. She bounced up and down with excitement. "I'm going to get my makeup done now," she said. "Yul, please charge this house call to my mom's account."

"Of course, Scarlett," Yul replied with a nod. He moved closer to Joelle's chair.

Silently, Scarlett grabbed her half-finished drink and sank into a makeup artist's chair, phone in hand. She took a deep breath, set her tumbler in the cup holder, and sat up straight. Glancing sideways, she saw that Yul had moved on to help Joelle style Madeleine's hair.

"Good afternoon, Miss Scarlett," Shelby, the makeup artist, greeted Scarlett cheerfully. "Your hair is looking lovely today. Let's make your makeup complement it beautifully."

Nodding, Scarlett kept her head still as Shelby applied Clé de Peau Beauté ivory concealer under her eyes.

Madeleine interrupted their conversation, sipping lemon water. "Anyway, Scar, remember Hayden's Halloween party? She only invited us so people would pity us."

Watching Shelby search through her kit for foundation, Scarlett replied. "Of course I remember, Maddie. She was so patronizing."

Madeleine casually remarked. "Hayden also dumped tomato soup on my vintage Chanel dress at that party. Everyone laughed at my misfortune."

"Same here," Scarlett agreed with a nod. "Except my ruined dress was a Valentino that belonged to my mom."

Madeleine sighed deeply while sipping more lemon water. "I remember my mom was furious since the dress was originally my grandmother's. My dad had convinced her to let me wear it, even though she said it was appraised for two hundred thousand dollars."

Scarlett looked out of the corner of her eye, noticing Yul and Joelle had finished styling Madeleine's hair. "I didn't go to school the next day either. People were bashing me all over Instagram."

Madeleine walked over to Scarlett's mirror and studied her reflection. "Well, Scarlett, you remember my parents saw the bashing on Instagram and threatened to sue the school district," she said with a smirk. Noticing her pin-straight hair framing her face perfectly in layers, Madeleine felt pleased.

"Of course I remember, Madeleine," Scarlett replied, smirking as her makeup artist brushed NARS Laguna bronzer across her poreless skin. "My parents said they would join the lawsuit. But then the lawyer reminded them to consider our family's reputation first."

Madeleine padded across Scarlett's Moroccan rugs and grabbed her tumbler from the cup holder. "Why's that?" she asked, picking up her phone from Joelle's chair armrest. She plopped down in the other makeup artist's seat.

Scarlett lifted the metal straw in her tumbler to her lips and took a long sip of her lemon water. "He warned that they would face ridicule from business partners, family, and close friends," she explained, pausing to let her makeup artist step in and apply eyeliner. "My parents only wanted to stop people from bullying their daughter."

"In the end, your parents went against their lawyer's advice and sued the school," Madeleine declared, digging her painted fingernails into the armrests of her makeup artist's chair. She let the artist apply some Shiseido concealer under her eyes.

As her makeup artist searched through a rolling case for eyeliner, Scarlett took a sip of lemon water and happily reminded Madeline. "Don't forget our parents won that lawsuit and made everyone delete those pictures from their accounts."

As her makeup artist applied foundation, Madeleine remarked, "Scar, let's remember our classmates were too nervous to post on Instagram. They thought our parents might be serving legal documents to their parents."

"Remember when Sarah posted that mean Instagram story about us?" Scarlett asked as her makeup artist blended red and gold eyeshadow on her eyelids. "Didn't she get in trouble with the principal for violating the school's anti-bullying policy?"

"Yeah, Scar," Madeleine replied evenly, the third song on Scarlett's party playlist playing through the wireless speakers. "The school district was still dealing with the lawsuit from our parents, so Sarah's Instagram story put them under fire again. They had to suspend her for a week to appease everyone."

Scarlett noticed that her makeup artist had finished applying mascara to her long lashes. "Didn't some people try to suck up to us?" she replied instantly. "Especially when they knew our joint birthday party was coming up."

Madeleine felt the makeup artist sweep bronzing powder across her cheekbones. "I'm certain our classmates only pretended friendliness to lower our defenses and bully us more harshly."

As her makeup artist finished applying lip gloss, Scarlett remarked to Madeleine "That didn't happen to us. We managed to pull a fast one on Hayden and her friends."

Shelby interrupted the conversation between her client and her friend. "Well, Miss Scarlett, I'm done doing your makeup," she trilled.

"Okay," Scarlett said, nodding at her makeup artist. She uncrossed her slender legs and stood up from the chair. Scarlett strode over to the three-way mirror to inspect how her makeup looked, admiring her flawless, radiant, and dewy complexion reflected at her. Satisfied with the results, she turned back to look at her makeup artist before speaking.

"Good work," Scarlett said as she watched Yul and Joelle neatly pack up their styling tools into their rolling cases.

Without a word to Madeleine and the makeup artist, Scarlett stripped the clothes off her mannequin, disappeared into her closet, and rushed to get ready for her parents' party. Twenty minutes later, she emerged, prepared to leave. Dressed in a sleek red Ted Baker dress, glittering Jimmy Choo heels, and clutching a gold Gucci snakeskin bag, she had accessorized with Ross & Simmons chandelier earrings and her signature pearl bracelet. Scarlett sauntered over to her friend, the sharp clicks of her heels echoing on the polished floor.

Scarlett showed off her outfit to her friend Madeleine and asked. "What do you think, Maddie?"

"Adorable," Madeleine commented, catching a glimpse of her makeup artist lining her lids with an eyebrow pencil. "By the way, where did you get those heels?"

Noticing her hairstylist and assistant finished packing up and leaving the bedroom, Scarlett answered Madeleine's question. "I bought them last year. Maddie, should I wait for you?"

"Yeah," Madeleine replied, finishing her lemon water. She noticed the makeup artist applying mascara to her long lashes and blending blue and gold eyeshadow on her lids. "What time is it?"

Scarlett grabbed her iPhone from her clutch and checked the time. "Oh my God! It's almost seven o'clock. Maddie, you need to hurry up."

"Scar, I'm almost done getting my makeup done," Madeleine responded as the makeup artist finally applied some lip gloss.

Madeleine's makeup artist interrupted Madeleine's conversation with her friend. Handing Madeleine an ornate hand mirror, she said, "Miss Madeleine, your makeup is finished. Please take a look."

Madeleine admired her fresh, radiant complexion in the mirror. "It's beautiful," she remarked, returning the mirror to the makeup artist. Hopping down from the chair, she spoke to her friend Scarlett. "Let me get dressed first. Then we'll head to the party together."

Nodding at her friend, Scarlett watched Madeleine grab her garment bag off the bed and walk into the bathroom. Unlocking her iPhone again, Scarlett paused her pre-party playlist and dropped her cell phone back into her clutch. She noticed Yul, Joelle, and the other makeup artists had already left. She also saw Madeleine's makeup artist packing up her things into a rolling case, sitting on the bed's edge.

Moments later, the muffled sound of "Mack the Knife" by Frank Sinatra playing through the walls told Scarlett the party had started. Seeing the mess around the room, she decided Elsa would clean up tomorrow, noticing Madeleine emerge from the bathroom dressed to impress.

Madeleine examined herself in Scarlett's mirror, smoothing the front of her Ted Baker tunic dress. She paired the mid-blue, scalloped-neck dress with gold Sophia Webster heels and gold Stuart Weitzman clutch. Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace completed the look. Turning to her friend, she asked. "Scar, how do I look?"

"Stunning," Scarlett replied, grinning as she rose from her bed and strode toward the door. "Let's go, Mads. We should grab her table before the tent fills up."

Madeleine smiled, noticing the makeup artist had departed. "On it," she said brightly, trailing her friend.

Racing downstairs, Scarlett linked arms with Madeleine and hurried to the sunroom. Pausing at the backyard doors, Scarlett's mind raced with final thoughts: Would Madeleine find the other members of her court? Could Scarlett fulfill her role as second-in-command? Would their lifelong friendship endure?

---

The Wilson Estate

Backyard

7:08 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

Madeleine and Scarlett entered the enormous tent, dazzled by the extravagant decor for Scarlett's parents' annual Labor Day party. Crystal chandeliers glittered above white silk draping the ceiling. Round tables were elegantly set with crisp white linens, crystal stemware, polished silver, blue place settings, and ornate name cards.

The chairs were draped in pristine white covers cinched with rich blue sashes. In the middle of each table stood intricate glass vases brimming with flowers. On stage, a live quintet filled the room with classical and jazz melodies. Waiters in crisp white jackets passed out champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the children. Guests mingled in elegant attire.

Madeleine tossed the delicate chain of her clutch purse over her shoulder so the grass wouldn't stain her designer handbag. "Oh my god, Scar!" she exclaimed, gazing around the spacious tent. "It's all so gorgeous."

"It does, Maddy," Scarlett agreed. She plucked a flute of sparkling cider from a passing tray and took a long sip of her sparkling apple cider. Scarlett lifted herself to her tiptoes so her Jimmy Choo heels wouldn't get stuck in the dewy grass. "Vanessa went above and beyond for my parents."

Madeleine lifted herself onto her tiptoes so her Sophia Webster heels wouldn't sink into the grass. "Of course, Scar, she wants to keep your parents as clients," she said, grabbing a flute of sparkling apple cider from a passing tray. "After all, she planned our joint birthday party last year."

"I seem to recall that party was almost epic," Scarlett replied as she pushed the delicate chain of her designer clutch higher up on her shoulder so it wouldn't slip off. "Didn't our old classmates rave about it on social media afterward?"

With her tiptoes still poised beneath her, Madeleine took a small sip of sparkling cider and replied calmly. "Yeah."

Scarlett took a small sip of her bubbly cider and asked. "Do we know anyone here other than our parents?"

Madeleine lightly traced the rim of her sparkling cider flute with her manicured fingers. "No thanks," she replied softly. "I should find my parents to see if they've arrived safely. Ah, there they are, chatting with your parents and some friends."

"Whatever," Scarlett said as she playfully rolled her eyes and took another sip of her sparkling cider. She then smoothed out her dress before taking a seat. "Can we sit down now? I'm tired of standing on my tiptoes in these heels."

Nodding in agreement, Madeleine took another sip of her sparkling cider and said. "Alright."

Linked arm in arm with Madeleine, Scarlett playfully pulled her friend to their assigned table. "Come on, Mads, let's sit down," she said with a giggle. "Dinner will be served soon."

Madeleine followed her friend, ignoring the adults attempting to get her attention. "Thank goodness!" she muttered under her breath, taking a sip of sparkling cider. "I'm famished now."

Madeleine and Scarlett tiptoed over to their table in the children's area, taking the seats beside one another. Dropping their clutches on the tabletop, they turned their gaze to the three girls seated across - Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey. The two friends raised their right hands in greeting, noticing the other girls' focus was now on them.

Madeleine set her glass of sparkling cider on the table and turned to the group of girls. "Hi, I'm Madeleine Stein," she said, gesturing toward her friend, "And this is Scarlett Wilson. You look familiar - have we met before?"

Kayla noticed Scarlett grinning at her as she took a small sip of sparkling cider. "Yeah, we've met at other parties our parents made us attend," Kayla said, gesturing toward Mackenzie and Audrey. Madeleine and Scarlett understood that Kayla also socialized with them at parties.

Madeleine nodded at her new friends and sipped more sparkling cider. "Yeah, we've met before, but I don't think I ever caught your names."

"Same here," Scarlett said as she elegantly crossed her slender legs.

Kayla smiled sweetly at Madeleine and Scarlett. "I'm Kayla Adams," she said.

"Hi, I'm Mackenzie Frost," Mackenzie said, leaning back in her chair. She downed her sparkling cider in one gulp before placing the empty glass on the table.

Audrey pulled out a compact mirror from her gold Tory Burch bow clutch. After checking her reflection, she said. "I'm Audrey Webster."

"Nice to meet you guys," Madeleine and Scarlett said together, unfolding their dinner napkins and placing them on their laps.

The three blondes - Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey - had been doing the same as Madeleine and Scarlett, but now shifted their attention back to their new friends. "Nice to meet you too," they responded.

The waiters interrupted the girls' conversation by bringing out the first course - a chilled gazpacho soup and a basket of warm sourdough rolls.

Madeleine grabbed a sourdough roll from the basket on the table and took a bite. "So, what school will you be attending for sixth grade?" she asked her acquaintances, gesturing between Scarlett and herself. "Scarlett and I will be going to the same one."

Mackenzie grabbed her spoon off the table and swirled it in her gazpacho soup before shoving a spoonful into her mouth. "Prescott Preparatory School for Girls," she answered between bites.

"Oh my god!" Kayla exclaimed, stirring her spoon in the gazpacho soup. She swallowed a spoonful before continuing excitedly. "I'm going to the same school as you guys."

Audrey thought her new acquaintances were being friendly to her. "Same for me," she agreed, spooning some soup into her mouth.

"I'm sure we'll get to know each other," Scarlett said to Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey after biting into a sourdough roll dipped in soup. "Maddie and I have been friends for a while."

A wide smile spread across Madeleine's face. "We've been through a lot together," she said, dipping her sourdough roll into the gazpacho soup. "And we really hit it off right away, which makes you pretty cool friends."

Kayla nodded at Madeleine, then snatched a sourdough roll from the basket and broke it in half. "Can we please do something fun?" she suggested before taking a bite.

Madeleine brushed some lint off her dress and asked Kayla, "Like what?"

Audrey smoothed her white floral Lilly Pulitzer fit-and-flare dress and crossed her legs. "Let's play Twenty Questions," she said coyly. "It will help us get to know each other better."

Madeleine moved aside to let the waiter refill her glass with iced water. "Great idea!" she exclaimed to Addie. "Who wants to start?"

Uncrossing her legs, Scarlett declared. "I'll go first. What's your favorite magazine?"

Madeleine took a long gulp of water and asked. "What kind of magazine do you want? Fashion, gossip, or any type?"

Scarlett swallowed a mouthful of her gazpacho soup and answered. "Fashion."

Madeleine checked her painted nails. "To be honest, I love Seventeen magazine," she admitted. "Their fashion spreads are so fabulous."

Kayla swept her long, wheat-blonde hair over her left shoulder and fiddled with her Tiffany infinity link bracelet. "French Elle is my favorite magazine," she said. "I love the stylish content and following Paris Fashion Week."

"Oh la la," Mackenzie teased, arching her perfectly waxed strawberry-blonde eyebrows. "Anyway, I adore Vogue Japan. It's so eccentric."

Audrey slid over as the waiter refilled her water glass with ice. "British Vogue for me. It's just darling," she giggled. "What about you, Scar?"

"Italian Garzia, always," Scarlett replied without hesitation, dipping her sourdough roll into gazpacho before taking a bite. "I can't understand it, but the fashion spreads are sublime."

"Girls, what's your favorite designer?" Kayla asked as she smoothed her crimson Prada one-shoulder mini dress. "You can only pick one."

Madeleine popped the last of her gazpacho roll in her mouth and crossed her arms. "That's not fair, Kay!" She pouted, leaning on the table. "But I guess Ted Baker."

Scarlett noticed the waiter fill her empty water glass with iced water. "I prefer Armani," she remarked. "It's a timeless classic."

"Daphne Guinness has my vote," Mackenzie said as she tapped her platinum-white nails on the table. "Her designs showcase impeccable taste."

Audrey drummed her icy nails on her full water glass. "Celine embodies refined simplicity," she mused.

Having finished her gazpacho-dipped roll, Kayla stated with conviction. "Kate Spade's my top choice. Her style is effortlessly chic."

Mackenzie moved aside as the waiter poured water into her empty glass. "Where would your dream vacation be?" she asked.

"Maui, Hawaii," Madeleine replied dreamily. She finished her gazpacho before noticing a passing waiter had cleared her bowl. "How about you, Scarlett?"

Having finished her soup, Scarlett saw that her bowl too had been cleared. "I'd go to Edinburgh," she said, smoothing her dress. "It's so beautiful, with such fascinating history. What's your dream destination, Kayla?"

Kayla saw her soup bowl had been taken as well. "Cape Town," she declared. "It has everything - mountains, beaches. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Audrey polished off her soup and glanced around the tent for a waiter to take her bowl. "The Virgin Islands are great too," she said. "I've been before, but I'd love to go back with you all."

Mackenzie smoothed her fitted white Ted Baker blossom-print skater dress. "St. Barts is my pick," she said as she noticed a waiter had already cleared her empty bowl. "It's so sunny and bright there, with gorgeous beaches."

Before Audrey could ask the girls her question, the waiters interrupted with the second course: A Grilled Corn Salad with avocado and tomato, drizzled in a light citrus dressing.

Audrey set down her fork after taking a bite of salad and scooted her chair in closer to the table. "Okay girls, let's get back to our game," she said cheerfully. "What's your favorite band, singer, composer or artist?"

"I'd have to say Miley Cyrus," Madeleine replied, twirling a lock of hair absentmindedly. "Her music really resonates with me."

Scarlett discretely adjusted the bobby pins in her braided updo and said. "Pop music is my favorite - Ariana Grande in particular."

After taking a sip of water, Kayla chimed in. "My favorite is the rapper Lupe Fiasco. His lyrics are so powerful."

Mackenzie traced the logo on her small Saint Laurent clutch with her manicured fingers, then took a bite of salad. "Henry Purcell was a classical composer in the seventeenth century," she said.

"Wow, Kenzie, that's really interesting," Audrey replied as she brushed some arugula off her dress. "Have you heard of Bix Beiderbecke? He was a great jazz musician."

Madeleine combed her manicured fingers through her hair. "What's your favorite color?" she asked the girls sitting around the table.

"Red," Scarlett replied, spearing avocado chunks with her fork and popping them into her mouth.

Kayla glanced at her burgundy nails. "Green."

Mackenzie fidgeted as a waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade. "Yellow."

"Pink," said Audrey, leaning back in her chair.

Madeleine took another bite of salad. "White."

Scarlett watched as the waiter poured iced watermelon lemonade into her empty red wine glass. "When are your birthdays?" she asked the girls.
"October 18th," Madeleine replied, shoving more salad into her mouth before uncrossing her slender legs.

Kayla was distracted by a party guest in a stunning dress from Chanel's 2019 fall collection. "Mine's November 16th," she answered absentmindedly, not looking away from the woman's outfit.

"I was born on December 21st," Mackenzie said, glancing around the tent and noticing the quintet had started playing Beethoven.

Audrey took a large bite of salad and washed it down with water. "Well, mine's September 7th," she said. "I'm having a wicked eleventh birthday party this Saturday-"

"Wait a minute, Addie," Scarlett interrupted sharply, "isn't your birthday this weekend? Are we invited to the party?"

"Yes, I'm inviting all of you," Audrey replied, placing her hands neatly in her lap. "I'm meeting with Vanessa on Wednesday to go over party details. I'd love for someone to join me."

Madeleine clutched her purse. "That sounds fun, but I have plans with Lindsey and Avery that day."

"I can't make it either," frowned Scarlett. "I have a spa appointment."

Kayla twirled her hair. "I can come! But I'll need to grab some froyo at Red Mango first."

"Me too, except coffee from Coffee Bean," said Mackenzie, pulling out her phone.

"Thanks, you two!" Audrey smiled, tossing her platinum-blonde curls. "By the way, Scarlett, when is your birthday?"

Scarlett took a few bites of her salad. "Well, my birthday is October 19th," she chuckled, twirling her fork. "Maddie and I always celebrate together since our birthdays are a day apart."

Madeleine sighed and fidgeted with the pearl stud in her ear. "Can we please talk about something else?" she asked.

"Oh, Maddie, I heard Lindsey Grayson and Avery Prescott want to hang out with you on Wednesday," Scarlett announced, crossing her legs.

Kayla shifted as the waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade. "Aren't they considered the legendary Queens of our school?" she questioned.

Mackenzie paused sipping her lemonade. "Wait, Maddie, how did you get in touch with them?" she asked.

"Are you the one they chose as the next sixth-grade Queen?" Audrey inquired, dropping her iPhone 14 on the table near her plate.

Madeleine looked at Scarlett and took another long sip of water before speaking. "Yes, I've been chosen as this year's Queen," she said. "I'm meeting with Lindsey and Avery on Wednesday to discuss my crowning."

"That's really exciting!" Kayla said, nodding at her friend as she rested her chin in her left palm.

Mackenzie ate some bites of salad and then smiled warmly at Madeleine. "Great job, Maddie," she said.

"Awesome!" Audrey exclaimed with a bright smile. "Hey Mads, are you selecting your court members now?"

"I am," Madeleine nodded, beaming. She slid over so the waiter could pour iced watermelon lemonade into her empty wine glass. "I've already asked Scarlett to be my second-in-command. But I still need three more members. Would you girls like to join my court?"

Scarlett smirked at Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey before taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "Come on, you know you want to join Maddie," she added encouragingly, hoping they would agree.

"Since we've become friends, I accept your invitation to join your court," Kayla said. twirling the ends of her straightened hair.

Combing her delicate fingers through her pin-straight strawberry-blonde hair, Mackenzie quickly added, "Yeah, I want to join your court too."

"Sure, I'll join your court," Audrey said, moving aside as a waiter refilled her wine glass with iced watermelon lemonade.

Madeleine clasped her manicured hands together and grinned. "Awesome, my court is complete now that you've accepted my invitation! We should assign your roles."

Okay," Kayla nodded at Madeleine as she picked at her salad.

Mackenzie beamed and inspected her manicured nails. "Perfect," she smiled, taking a small sip of water.

Audrey tapped her painted nails on the table. "Oh, please tell me my role in the group," she asked Madeleine eagerly.

Madeleine speared a tomato slice with her fork before addressing her friends again. "Lala will be third-in-command," she declared regally. Madeleine slid her clutch closer to her charger plate, so waiters passing behind wouldn't knock her designer bag off the table. "Then Kenzie will be fourth-in-command, and Addie fifth-in-command."

Before the girls could resume chatting, they saw Scarlett's mother Carol, and Madeleine's mother Margaret gliding toward their table. The two women embraced party guests with socialite grace, somehow keeping wine glasses steady in their right hands. Soon they stood behind their daughters, flawlessly poised.

Carol embraced her daughter affectionately. "Hello, darling!" she greeted, giving Scarlett a quick peck on the cheek. "Are you enjoying yourself at the party?"

"It's a bit dull, to be honest," Scarlett replied, adjusting her dress. "But Madeleine's company has made it better. I've also become friends with the other girls at our table."

Margaret tugged at her flouncy, red Michael Kors sheath midi dress, taking a sip of wine. "Your mother and I hoped you and Madeleine would befriend the daughters of our close friends," she remarked.

"I'm glad you intervened and brought us together," Madeleine said, taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "It seems Scarlett and I already know Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey from previous parties."

Kayla shoved a forkful of salad in her mouth and said. "No wonder my parents wanted me to come. They're trying to force a friendship."

Mackenzie tugged at her dress. "I'm thrilled my parents made me attend," she told Margaret sarcastically.

"Same here," Audrey agreed, raising her water glass to her glossy lips.

Margaret fiddled with her pearl necklace. "We've always dreamed of our girls being friends like us," she replied.

"At least now there's peace since you all just moped around our summer homes all summer," Carol added quickly, sipping her wine.

Madeleine rolled her eyes. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath, not caring if her mom heard her.

"So you've decided to become Maddy's and my matchmakers," Scarlett said as she flicked arugula off the table. "Well, I'm fine with that. Shall we discuss how Vanessa went above and beyond planning the party?"

Carol sipped more red wine before brushing lint off her sophisticated navy-blue Eliza J high-neck cape midi dress. "Of course, dear, she always orchestrates the perfect party for your father and me. We're some of her top clients in Westchester."

Margaret stared at her pedicured toes peeking from her beige Christian Louboutin pumps. "Anyway, honey, I just wanted to check on you," she said, sipping white wine.

"Mom, you can see everyone's fine," Madeleine said, taking a bite of salad.

Margaret quickly kissed her daughter's forehead before leaving. "Alright, darling!" she sighed, waving her manicured hand to indicate they'd talk at home. "See you later."

"Okay, Mom!" Madeleine said. She pulled her compact out of her clutch and checked her eyeshadow for smudges. Madeleine was delighted that her makeup remained flawless before dropping her compact back inside her designer handbag.

Carol waved goodbye to her daughter over her shoulder before heading to another table of party guests. "Bye, sweetie!" she said.

Once Carol and Margaret left their table, the girls resumed their conversation.

Madeleine leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and stared at her friends. "Do you all have new outfits for the first week of school?" she asked.

Scarlett let a waiter clear her half-finished plate before responding to Madeleine's question. "No, actually. I've been trying to get my designer aunt to give me some of her stuff for free."

"Same for me, except I don't have an aunt in fashion," Kayla agreed as she handed her plate to a waiter. She sat up straight.

Mackenzie cocked her head. "I don't have any new clothes yet. I was planning to go to Aphrodite tomorrow - it's one of my favorite places for unique fashion."

"Oh, I shop there too," said Audrey, watching a waiter take her unfinished plate.

Madeleine took a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "We could go shopping in the city tomorrow, eat lunch at Saffron, and dinner at Butter. Scar and I go to Saffron a lot."

"Sounds perfect, Mads!" Scarlett replied, drinking her water.

Kayla nodded at Scarlett as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "Maybe we should start at St. John's," Kayla suggested.

"No way!" Mackenzie whined, tossing her napkin. "Maddie, we're going to Saks first."

Audrey sipped her drink thoughtfully. "Let's start at Prada and go from there."

"Alright, ladies," Madeleine said, steering the conversation elsewhere. "Back to our game. Who's up?"

After forking a large piece of avocado into her mouth, Scarlett declared. "I'll start again. What's your favorite TV show?"

Giggling, Kayla leaned back in her chair and replied to Scarlett's question. "Dynasty. The fashion on the show is fabulous. And I love the Carrington and Colby families."

As another waiter cleared her half-eaten plate, Mackenzie admitted sheepishly. "I'm charmed by the 2018 reboot of Charmed. It's so witchy and cool. How about you, Addie? Have you seen it?"

"No," Audrey replied, shoveling a forkful of salad into her mouth. "For me, it's the show Elite that's addicting. The premise centers around the teenage drama that unfolds when three working-class students transfer into an elite private school and clash with their wealthy classmates."

Madeleine took a careful sip of her water before answering with a giggle. "I prefer the original Gossip Girl because the drama was well-written and the fashion still feels relevant today. I was even able to binge-watch the entire show in just two weeks."

"Dark Academy", Scarlett said while sipping more watermelon lemonade."I love how the writers introduce me to the hot male leads."

Kayla grabbed her green iPhone 14 out of her glittery Jimmy Choo clutch and set it down on the table next to her dinner knife. "What's your favorite movie?" she asked.

"Wonder Woman," Mackenzie replied, seeing that one of the party guests wore a poorly made custom dress. "Its message of female empowerment really resonates. I'm glad my mom and I both love that movie."

Audrey took a sip of water before replying. "Reality High. The plot follows the main character as she competes against a popular, social media-obsessed mean girl for a boy's affection. The movie strongly conveys the message of being yourself."

Madeleine crossed her arms over her chest and said softly. "The Jumanji movie series."

Scarlett pulled her iPhone from her clutch, unlocked it, and opened the Photos app. "I'd choose The Kissing Booth for Joey King's performance. Though rife with cringey teen cliches, she shines," she said.

"Prom," Kayla admitted, taking a sip of her watermelon lemonade. "It puts a fresh spin on the musical genre."

Mackenzie nodded at Kayla and leaned back in her chair. With a chuckle, she asked. "What's your favorite drink?"

"Aha Flavored Sparkling Water," Audrey replied, noticing the quintet had transitioned to playing Mozart.

Uncrossing her legs, Madeleine watched a waiter clear her half-finished plate. "Diet Pepsi," she said with a giggle.

Without looking up from her iPhone screen, Scarlett stated, "Apple cider, even when it's warm in winter."

As a waiter removed her unfinished plate, Kayla confidently crossed her arms. "Diet Coke," she declared.

"La Croix Flavored Sparkling Water," Mackenzie responded, fiddling with a loose thread on her napkin.

Before Audrey could ask her question, waiters served the third course: rotisserie chicken drenched in herb sauce, alongside mashed potatoes and caramelized asparagus.

Audrey nudged her chicken with her fork, saying. "Anyway, ladies, let's resume our game. What words would you use to describe yourself?"

"Pretty, smart, and dependable," Madeleine added hastily as she straightened up in her seat and gripped her fork and knife with manicured hands.

As Scarlett absentmindedly stabbed her chicken with her fork, she was startled to realize her mom was still greeting guests. Dropping her iPhone on the table, she quickly composed herself and said, "Beauty, Brains, and Reliable. Lala?"

"Flexible, loyal, and fashionable," Kayla declared proudly as she forked some mashed potatoes into her mouth. "Kenzie?"

Mackenzie cut a small piece of chicken with her knife and speared it with her fork, popping it into her mouth. "Athletic, beautiful, and faithful," she said.

"I'm trustworthy, dramatic, and a perfectionist," Audrey admitted before taking two long gulps of her watermelon lemonade.

Madeleine grinned broadly, glancing around at the party guests mingling under the tent. "Describe your fashion style in three words?" she asked her friends.

"Preppy, nautical, and sophisticated," Scarlett said playfully, taking a long sip of water.

Kayla bit into the chicken fillet on her fork while noticing Audrey was staring intently at her parents. "Girly, trendy, and refined," Kayla replied.

"Stylish, casual, and feminine," Mackenzie replied to her friend's question, her grin widening.

Audrey folded her arms across her chest, then contemplated for a moment, chewing her lip. "Classy, modern, and colorful," she declared.

Looking around the table at her friends, Madeleine said primly. "Monochrome, classic, and elegant."

As another waiter refilled her water glass, Scarlett leaned back in her chair and asked. "What color looks best on you?"

"Green looks fabulous on me," Kayla said, touching the Alexis Bittar diamond-dusted dewdrop earring in her right ear. "It complements my skin tone perfectly."

Mackenzie slowly sipped her water, her aquamarine eyes scanning the tent. "Yellow," she finally replied, still searching for her parents.

"Most of the clothes in my closet are different shades of pink," Audrey said with a playful smile. "I always feel like a princess when I wear them."

Madeleine shoveled a forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. "Purple," she answered eagerly, her eyes lighting up brilliantly. "It gives off such a regal vibe."

"Red," Scarlett disclosed to her friends, sipping her watermelon lemonade. "It practically screams excitement, passion, and energy. It's so me."

Kayla pinned down her chicken with her fork and sliced through it with her knife. "If you had your own clothing brand, what gemstone would you name it after?" she asked before spearing the chicken piece and popping it into her mouth.

"Turquoise," Mackenzie replied, keeping her dress immaculate. "It's so cute and totally my birthstone."

Gripping her chair, Audrey dug her manicured nails into the silky seat covers. "I'd go with sapphire for sure."

"Tourmaline," Madeleine responded swiftly, brushing away invisible lint. "It has dazzling color varieties that could inspire my clothing palette and reflect my creative process."

Scarlett placed her right manicured hand on her thigh. "Opal's a perfect fashion brand name," she replied coyly, eyes twinkling.

Kayla smirked. "I'd choose Topaz," she stated decisively, leaning her head on her palm. "Its fabulous hues work with any tone.

Mackenzie grinned before sitting even straighter in her seat. "Anyway, what's your favorite chocolate brand?" she asked the girls, brushing a straight lock of hair from her eyes.

"Vosges Chocolate," Audrey replied, gauging her friends' reactions to Mackenzie's question. "Their luxury truffles, premium bars, and gourmet gifts are so delicious I usually finish them in three days. They always lift my spirits."

Madeleine watched a waiter refill her wine glass as she responded, "Louis Sherry makes fabulous truffles - the chocolate melts in your mouth."

"La Maison du Chocolat," Scarlett said between bites of mashed potatoes. "Everything they make is so flavorful, each bite is a party for my taste buds. Kalia?"

Kayla took a bite of chicken before answering, "Godiva's gourmet truffles and bars are divine. They make me appreciate my luxurious lifestyle even more. Mack?"

"Jacques Torres Chocolate," Mackenzie admitted, finishing her chicken. "I love their bars, bonbons, etc. They're my go-to whether I'm having a good or bad day."

Audrey was captivated by the cute blonde waiter as he refilled her wine glass yet again. "What's your favorite breakfast food of all time?" she asked, her gaze still fixed on him.

"Eggs benedict," Madeleine said while finishing the last of her mashed potatoes.

Twirling her fork, Scarlett smiled dreamily."Pancakes are my favorite."

"Definitely waffles," Kayla said with a bright grin, uncrossing her legs and leaning back in her chair.

Watching the waiter refill her glass, Mackenzie responded, "I'd choose the buttered croissants here."

"Brioche french toast for me," Audrey remarked between dainty bites of chicken before sipping her water.

Madeleine sliced through her chicken with her knife and took a small bite. "What's your favorite way to travel?" she asked.

"Flying," Scarlett replied quickly, glancing around the tent. She noticed her dad chatting with Madeleine's dad.

Kayla saw a waiter refill her water again. "Same," she agreed, watching guests waltz on the dance floor.

"My parents always fly when they travel," Mackenzie said with a nod, shoving her last bite of mashed potatoes in her mouth. She washed it down with gulps of her lemonade drink. "They say I was born lucky with a silver spoon."

Audrey popped some asparagus in her mouth. "I like visiting new places, so flying is how I travel."

"Same," Madeleine said, agreeing with Audrey. She then finished her chicken.

Scarlett took a thoughtful sip of her watermelon lemonade, pondering the question. "Which season has the best fashion?"

"Fall," Kayla answered, finishing the last bite of mashed potatoes and washing it down with water. "Everything looks so cozy and comfortable."

Mackenzie touched on her small white gold linear drop earrings. "I'd say spring," she explained. "Pastels are always in my closet."

"Summer is my favorite," Audrey replied, adjusting her dress. "I get to lounge by the pool."

Madeleine examined her manicured nails, wondering if the polish had chipped. "For me it's winter," she admitted, eyes twinkling. "I get to bundle up in cashmere and fur."

"Same for me," Scarlett said, agreeing with Kayla. She finished eating the last bite of her mashed potatoes and washed it with the last gulp of her watermelon lemonade drink.

Kayla took a small sip of her water before noticing some waiters clearing dinner plates from nearby tables. "What's your favorite way to exercise?" she asked.

"Yoga helps me stay in shape," Mackenzie replied, finishing the last of her mashed potatoes and asparagus. She washed it all down with a gulp of water.

Audrey flicked her curls over her shoulder and pushed her plate away. "Pilates," she stated simply.

Tennis is my life," Madeleine said with a laugh. "I've loved the sport since I was six years old."

Scarlett stretched her arms to relax her shoulders. "Dance," she replied, knowing Madeleine's dedication to tennis. "It keeps me fit."

"The only exercise I get is from aerobics," Kayla admitted, popping the uneaten asparagus from her plate into her mouth.

Mackenzie grabbed her iPhone off the table and quickly unlocked it before scrolling through the photos. "What's your favorite department store?" she asked.

"Bloomingdale's," Audrey replied immediately, her gaze fixed on the partygoers dancing. "Whenever I'm at the Westchester Mall, I go inside and shop. Mads?"

Madeleine nodded at Audrey and then settled into a comfortable position in her chair. "I'm going with Saks Fifth Avenue as my choice," she explained. "Whenever I've needed something fast to complete an outfit, Saks has always come through for me."

"My choice is Nordstrom," Scarlett admitted, biting her lip. She finished the last bite of chicken and washed it down with several gulps of water.

Kayla leaned back as a waiter cleared her half-eaten plate. "Bergdorf Goodman," she said. "I love their high-end designer selections. And the service is impeccable."

"Lord and Taylor," Mackenzie said happily, eyes still glued to her phone screen. She barely noticed as a waiter whisked away her dirty dish.

Audrey noticed the waiter clear her dirty plate. "What's your favorite memory with your parents?" she asked.

Madeleine's plate was cleared by a passing waiter. "I'll never forget my parents' faces when I told them I wanted to start playing tennis," she said with a smirk. She angled her dessert spoon to check her reflection, delighted her curly bangs weren't frizzing up. "They looked so surprised."

The same waiter who had cleared Mackenzie and Audrey's plates took Scarlett's too. "My favorite memory is when my parents took me skiing in Aspen as a Christmas gift," she said. "Even though they're busy, they always make time for me, especially since I was complaining I hadn't skied in awhile."

"My favorite is when my parents started a snowball fight with me last winter," Kayla said, checking her painted nails. "We drank delicious Godiva hot chocolate and talked all day."

Mackenzie sipped her watermelon lemonade. "I loved it when my parents came to my school plays and watched me perform. We'd go to dinner after, and they'd tell me I did really well."

"My favorite memories are when my parents spent time with me, listening as I talked about my day," Audrey said with a grin, moving her phone closer to her charger plate.

As her eyes darted across the table to Kayla who was busy staring at the guests seated around them, Madeleine asked her friends, "What's your favorite candle scent?"

Scarlett sighed deeply and rested her manicured hands on the table. "Circus," she said brightly. "It fills my room with this beautiful fragrance."

Kayla pressed her painted fingernails into her palms. "Vanilla for me," she replied, trying not to roll her amber eyes at Scarlett's odd question.

"Lavender and chamomile," Mackenzie admitted as she set her iPhone back on the table and folded her arms across her chest. "It helps me relax a bit."

Glancing at her iPhone's bright screen, Audrey noticed it was almost five to ten before placing her cell phone back on the table. "I love the scent of jasmine."

Madeleine ran her delicate fingers through her straightened hair. "Rosewater and ivy together."

Before Scarlett could pose her question to the girls, the waiters brought out the final course of the evening: decadent Lava Cakes.

Digging into her lava cake, Scarlett asked. "Of all your family members, who are you closest with?"

Kayla savored a bite of lava cake and answered. "My closest family member is my older cousin Tinsley. She's always quick to solve problems and give me excellent advice. We attend the same elite private school, so my parents and I often visit her family in Philadelphia."

Licking lava cake from her pinky, Mackenzie replied, "Madelyn, my high school cousin, has given me great fashion tips over the years. She's also the queen of her school's social ladder."

"My dear cousin Autumn," Audrey said with a giggle, her cerulean-blue eyes sparkling. "She always makes time to guide me through life's challenges."

Madeleine fiddled with her pearl necklace. "My cousin Esmée moved to California two years ago, but we stay in touch. Her dad works in Hollywood, so when I visit with my family, it's always an exciting trip."

Scarlett played with her charm bracelet. "I'm closest to my Albany cousin, Sophia. She visits Westchester often with her family, and I get to return the favor by traveling upstate. We always have a blast together."

As she took a small bite of her lava cake, Kayla asked the girls. "What is your favorite dessert of all time?"

Mackenzie took several bites of her lava cake and said, "I prefer strawberry shortcake. It's sweet and tasty."

Audrey ate a spoonful of lava cake, washing it down with a sip of water. "Creme brulee is my favorite. It's so creamy and delicious."

Madeleine smirked as she noticed the surrounding tables were still filled with party guests. "I love flavored macarons, especially from Ladurée bakery. My family's chef and driver always get them for me from the city."

Scarlett adjusted her dress before crossing her legs again. "Souffle is my favorite dessert. I love how our chef Marino makes it for my family in so many flavors."

Kayla tapped her painted nails on the table and declared. "Tiramisu, especially from that quaint bakery in town that I love."

Mackenzie's eyes sparkled with happiness, asking her friends. "What's your favorite holiday and why?"

Audrey twirled the flawless ten-karat diamond stud in her left ear before noticing that the party guests were starting to leave. "Thanksgiving," she said evenly, her eyes shining, "Allows you to indulge without judgment about calories."

Madeleine dipped her manicured left ring finger into the center of her lava cake and licked off the chocolate. "Christmas is my favorite holiday," she giggled, "Because of the gifts and quality family time."

"Halloween," Scarlett admitted as she shifted into a comfortable seat position. "Trick-or-treating and posing for my parents' social media in costumes are some of my favorite parts."

Kayla took a dainty sip of her watermelon lemonade. "New Year's Eve," she said softly with a sweet smile. "I love making resolutions to break minutes later and attending parties. What about you, Kenzie?"

"Valentine's Day," Mackenzie added quickly, pushing away her plate since her stomach warned her she'd eaten enough. "Getting cards from classmates and friends is always fun."

Before Audrey could ask any more questions to her friends, the girls noticed that their parents were headed straight for their table as they stopped talking to each other. They then observed that their mothers had thrown their different colored designer coats and shawls over their dresses since the weather had cooled down that evening. Next, the girls noticed their fathers were slipping their arms into the sleeves of their designer suit jackets as they followed behind their wives. Seconds later, the girls saw their parents standing behind Kayla and Madeleine.

Kayla's mom, Catherine Adams, hugged her daughter tenderly. "Hello, sweetheart!" she greeted warmly. "Are you having a good time at the party?"

"Yes, Mom," Kayla replied with a nod. "Haven't you heard about my new friendships with Maddie, Scar, Kenzie, and Addie?"

Catherine tucked her silver Bottega Veneta clutch under her arm. "Of course, dear. I've heard all about your blossoming friendships with their daughters," she said with a smile, adjusting her sleeveless red Versace cocktail dress. "After all, Margaret and Carol mentioned you girls would likely become close since you share similar interests."

"Anyway, princess, it's time to go," Kayla's dad, Kenneth Adams, interjected as he smoothed his charcoal Tom Ford suit jacket. "Say goodbye to your friends - Conrad is waiting for us outside."

Kayla saw that her friends had put their cell phones in front of her, so she swiftly typed her number into their iPhones and returned them. "Okay, Daddy," she murmured, slipping her phone back into her clutch. "I'll chat with you all later."

Madeleine stood up from her seat, gave her friend Kalia a tight hug, and said. "See you later!"

Scarlett joined the hugfest with Madeleine and Kayla. "Bye, Kayla!" she said.

"Bye, Lala!" Mackenzie said cheerfully, wrapping her arms around Madeleine, Kayla, and Scarlett in a group hug.

Audrey embraced Kayla and laid her head on Madeleine's shoulder. "See you later, Kay!" she said warmly.

Moments after the group hug ended, Kayla quickly grabbed her clutch and phone off the table. Noticing their friend heading for the tent's entrance with her parents, Madeleine, Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Audrey returned their focus to their parents.

Mackenzie's dad, Mathias Frost, enveloped his daughter in a big bear hug. "It's time to head home, angel," he said as he gently pulled Mackenzie up from her seat. "I've got an early morning meeting at six, so Robert's waiting for us outside."

"But Daddy, I want to stay a little longer!" Mackenzie protested with a pout, carefully inspecting her painted nails. "You guys can go ahead without me. I'll get a ride home with Addie later."

Mackenzie's mom, Emily Frost, ran her manicured fingers along her soft black Sofia Cashmere fox fur shawl. "I'm afraid that's not possible, sweetie," she replied firmly. "Your father and I want to be sure you get home safely tonight. He's got work tomorrow, so we need to leave together now. Say goodbye to your friends."

"Okay, Mom," Mackenzie sighed, rolling her eyes. She quickly traded phone numbers with her friends. "Talk to you later, girlies!"

"Bye, Kenzie," Madeleine waved without getting up from her seat.

Scarlett spooned another bite of lava cake into her mouth. "See you later, Manzie," she said.

"Later, Mack," Audrey nodded to her friend, who was still sitting in her seat.

Seeing Mackenzie drop her cell phone back into her designer handbag, Madeleine, Scarlett, and Audrey noticed their friend grab her clutch off the table. Witnessing Mackenzie throw the thin silver chain of her purse over her right shoulder, they saw their friend stroll towards the exit with her parents. Seconds later, the three girls returned their attention to their parents.

As the evening grew late, Audrey's parents, Courtney and Ambrose Webster, appeared before their daughter. "Darling, it's time to go home now," they gently told her. "Your father has to be at work early tomorrow morning."

Audrey glanced at her mother, who was adjusting her white Sofia Cashmerefur-trimmed shawl. "Okay, Mom and Dad," she said with a nod, standing up to add her number to Madeleine's and Scarlett's phones before handing them back. "Talk to you later!"

Madeleine leaped from her seat to give Audrey a big hug. Then she stepped back from her friend. "Bye, Ray!" Madeleine said, beaming.

"Uh, Rae, I'll call you later," Scarlett mumbled, brushing cake crumbs off her dress without standing up.

Audrey grabbed her iPhone and clutch off the table, prompting Madeleine and Scarlett to quietly return to their seats and feign indifference. They were momentarily distracted by a party guest in a fabulous Versace dress and did not see their friend leave the tent with her parents. A few seconds later, Madeleine and Scarlett shifted their focus back to their parents.

Stephan Stein gently guided his daughter Madeleine up from her seat, placing a hand on her back. "Hello sweetie," he said, embracing her. "How are you?"
"I'm good, Dad," Madeleine replied with a smile, hugging him back.

Scarlett eagerly jumped in to greet Madeleine's father. "Hey Mr. S!" she said warmly. "How's it going?"

Stephan gave Scarlett an affectionate hug, considering his daughter's friend like another daughter. "I'm doing great, Scarlett," he answered.

Margaret interrupted her husband's conversation with their daughter's friend. Taking a deep breath, she rolled her shoulders back and said. "Well, honey, it's time we headed home. It's almost 10:30."

"All right, Mom," Madeleine said with a pout, watching as her mother smoothed the furry three-quarter sleeves of her cropped white Burnett fox fur-covered bolero coat. "But can we stop by Scarlett's room first? I need to get my other purse from her bed. I'll text you later, Scar."

Scarlett jumped up from her seat to give Madeleine a giant hug. "Later, Mads!" she said briefly before pulling away and sliding back into her seat.

Scarlett noticed Madeleine drop her cell phone into her designer handbag before leaving the tent with her parents. Leaning back in her chair, Scarlett soon realized the party was ending as guests exited the tent. Spotting her parents bidding farewell to others, she saw wait staff starting to clear tables. Grabbing her iPhone, Scarlett dropped it in her purse and tucked the designer bag under her arm before standing to leave.

Scarlett ducked past waiters carrying trays laden with dirty dishes. Slipping out the tent's side entrance, she breathed in the crisp night air. The summer sky was dark, with the backyard lit by solar lamps. Crossing the manicured lawn, Scarlett entered the house and headed for her bedroom, yearning for a long shower after the tiring day.

---

The Adams Estate

Kayla's Bedroom

11:58 P.M.

Monday, September 2nd

After drying her damp curls with a fluffy monogrammed Ralph Lauren towel, Kayla Adams twisted her hair into a messy bun and let the towel drop to the hardwood floor. Still wearing her floral Ted Baker robe, she stepped out of the all-white bathroom, leaving the towel for Juanita, the family's maid, to retrieve later.

Kayla opened the French doors of her two-story circular walk-in closet, revealing an expansive dark interior. Clapping her manicured hands, the closet lights flickered on, illuminating the space. She slid the robe off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor for the housekeeper. Rummaging through the drawers, she selected a midnight blue Natori chemise and slipped it on. Stepping out, Kayla left the closet lights on and pulled the doors shut behind her.

Exhausted, Kayla collapsed onto her fluffy green queen-sized duvet. The scent of jasmine from her aromatherapy diffuser still lingered in the air. Just as she was about to crawl under the covers, her iPhone rang loudly with the special ringtone she had set for new friends. Without getting up, she grabbed the phone from the nightstand and her eyes lit up when she saw the name and party photo flash across the bright screen. Kayla knew this new friendship was the start of something special.

As soon as her phone rang, Kayla quickly grabbed her AirPods from the wireless charging case and put them in her ears, tapping to answer the call. She leaned back against the white bohemian fringed throw pillows on her bed, letting her phone drop onto the comforter. "Maddie!" she exclaimed happily to her new friend, staring at the ceiling.

Madeleine called out to her new friend Kayla, "Did you get home safely with your parents?"

Rolling onto her side, Kayla blew strands of hair from her face. "Yeah, Maddie. I'm good," she answered.

"Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Audrey are on the line," Madeleine said excitedly.

Kayla rolled to her other side and rested against the pillows. "Hey girlies, what's up?" she greeted playfully.

"Hi, Kayla!" Scarlett welcomed warmly. "Hey, girl!" Mackenzie chimed in.

"Hello, friend!" Audrey replied cheerily.

"I called everyone to remind them about our plans for tomorrow," Madeleine stated matter-of-factly. "We'll start by having lunch at Saffron, then go shopping on Fifth Avenue. Afterward, we'll grab dinner at Butter. I'll call when we're getting closer to pick you up, so wait outside. My cousin Aimee and her friends will be joining us too."

"Wait, Maddie, your cousin Aimee is joining us on our shopping trip," Scarlett said with a grin. "It's been awhile since I've seen her and her friends."

Kayla fidgeted with her chemise straps, breathing in the jasmine-scented air. "Who is Aimee?" she asked Scarlett and Madeleine.

"Well girls, Aimee is one of my cousins on my dad's side," Madeleine explained to Kayla, Mackenzie, and Audrey. "You would all love her since she has the same fashion sense as us. But I have a confession - I was the one who invited her and her friends to join our shopping trip. Aimee decided she wants to meet you three since she's already close with Scarlett."

Cool, I'll hear some great stories about Maddie and Scar," Mackenzie said cheerfully.

"Got it," Audrey nodded in agreement.

"Whatever," Madeleine mumbled dismissively. "I'm going to bed now. See you all tomorrow."

Kayla yawned and massaged her slender neck. "Hope you all sleep well tonight! Talk to you tomorrow!"

"Um, good night, everyone," Scarlett responded timidly.

"Later, guys!" Mackenzie waved.

"Good night, ladies!" Audrey beamed.

Kayla ended the call and looked at her iPhone's bright screen. Realizing the phone was nearly dead, she plugged it into the charger on her right nightstand. She put her AirPods in their wireless charging case beside the phone.

Smiling, Kayla admired the outfit she had styled on her mannequin for her plans with friends tomorrow. Pleased with her choice, she clapped to turn off the lights and climbed into bed. Slipping on her sleep mask, she snuggled under the duvet, and then fell asleep.

---

A/N:

Here's chapter two for you.

Until the next time,

FashionLeMode