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?

9. Chapter Eight

Disclaimer: I own all the characters in this story.

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Chapter Eight

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The Adams Estate

Sunroom

10:53 A.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Kayla carefully navigated the winding staircase, avoiding Juanita who was carrying her parents' dry cleaning. Reaching the bottom, Kayla skipped into the living room, admiring the large windows that overlooked the front yard and circular driveway. Noticing the rain outside, Kayla plopped down on the navy Italian silk couch, stretching her legs across the sofa.

From the living room, Kayla watched as the family's butler, Reginald, adjusted the HVAC panel, feeling the flow of cool air. Moments later, she picked up the latest issue of Vogue India from the coffee table and began flipping through the glossy pages. On page thirty-four, a stunning Indian model wearing a beautiful saree captivated her attention.

Kayla grinned as she bookmarked the page and closed the magazine. She dropped it onto the polished marble floor, then pulled her iPhone from the front pocket of her emerald-green WSLY cotton velour hoodie. Using FaceID, she unlocked her phone and tapped the Instagram app, scrolling through her account's feed.

Seeing that her classmates had posted pictures from Audrey's birthday party, Kayla paused on a solo selfie that Audrey had taken before the party. Tapping the heart icon to like the photo, Kayla continued scrolling through her feed and noticed how everyone was sucking up to Audrey and her friends. Rolling her eyes, Kayla let her phone screen go dark.

Kayla remembered her mom was out, but her dad was home in his study. With a sigh, she recalled he was reviewing a client's portfolio. Knowing her dad didn't want to be disturbed, Kayla gracefully rose, tucked her phone into her emerald green velour WSLY track pants, and made her way to the kitchen, passing the winding staircase. Pausing in the doorway, she saw the family chef, David, cooking something. Taking a deep breath, Kayla walked inside.

Kayla halted in front of the marble countertop island. "David," she said airily, seeing that her chef had turned around while continuing to move the twelve-inch polished cast iron skillet. "I want you to bake me some lemon cookies."

"Of course, Miss Kayla," David nodded, returning his attention to the shrimp scampi with pasta he was cooking. "I'll start baking the cookies after I'm done preparing the meal for your father."

"Okay, David," Kayla said, grabbing a seat at the breakfast nook. "When you're finished baking the cookies, I'd like Reginald to bring them to my room."

"Understood, Miss Kayla," David replied, keeping his focus on the cooking.

Kayla silently exited the kitchen and rushed up the winding staircase. Reaching the second-floor hallway, she crossed the plush, pearl-white rectangular rugs and made a beeline for her bedroom. Stepping inside, she closed the door behind her with her foot. Glancing around, Kayla admired her recently redecorated room.

The entire room was swathed in a harmonious palette of emerald green, white, and gold. The walls were painted a crisp white, while the wall behind the solid white wood headboard was covered in a plush emerald-green diamond wallpaper. The bed was dressed in luxurious three-thousand-count microfiber sheets in pristine white, topped with a bohemian emerald-green vertical-tufted queen-size comforter that draped across the king-size mattress. Completing the cozy, layered look were four cooling pillows in matching emerald-green pillowcases and six white bohemian fringed throw pillows arranged in front.

A full-length mirror framed in white stood between her spacious walk-in closet and private bathroom. Across the room, a white bohemian vanity set with a lighted mirror and stool held neatly organized Aphrodite makeup bags and Dior perfume bottles.

Beyond the white-and-gold bohemian closet doors lay her massive two-story walk-in closet, stuffed with the latest designer fashions and accessories. A cozy sofa and coffee table occupied one corner. On the white wood nightstands on either side of her bed sat white ceramic lamps with rattan shades, along with a single intercom speaker, her silver iPad Pro, and a wireless charging case for her AirPods. Above floating shelves displaying academic and talent show trophies hung an 85-inch flat-screen smart TV.

Emerald-green bookshelves stood beside a custom-made mannequin, which was crammed with fashion magazines and textbooks from the woman's former and current schools. Above her platform bed hung a set of medium-sized bohemian paintings. Centered on her bohemian white coffee table was a wide, wooden vase filled with lush green hydrangeas.

Behind the coffee table, a gold Italian silk sofa was adorned with white, fringed bohemian throw pillows. Next to the desk sat a rattan wastebasket brimming with trash. Casting a soft glow over the room was a small, bohemian-beaded wood chandelier. Automated bohemian curtains hung from the windows, ready to block out the light.

The gleaming Turkish white marble floor was covered by a spread of white-and-gold bohemian mandala rugs. Beyond more bohemian doors lay Kayla's private bathroom, where skincare products were neatly lined across the marble countertop of her solid wood, white bohemian vanity. At the opposite end of the bathroom stood an oversized walk-in shower with multiple nozzles, allowing her body to be constantly sprayed without the need for manual adjustment.

Hanging from silver wall hooks outside the shower were a couple of bohemian robes. Next to the shower stood a freestanding acrylic soaking tub, facing another flat-screen TV. Beside the tub sat a solid white wood bohemian side table, filled with fluffy Egyptian cotton towels. Nearby was her solid white wood bohemian desk, topped with a MacBook Pro laptop, a bohemian pen holder filled with green faux-fur pom-pom pens, a neatly stacked pile of spiral notebooks, and a white picture frame with a photo of her and her parents. Behind the desk hung a bohemian corkboard, covered in outdated party invitations and pictures of her former elementary school classmates.

Kayla settled onto the sofa, inhaling deeply and crossing her legs on the coffee table. Exhaling slowly, she tapped open the Messages app and scanned the group conversation with her friends Madeleine, Scarlett, Mackenzie, and Audrey. Scrolling through the texts, Kayla was reminded that Madeleine, Scarlett, and Mackenzie had excitedly shared how Lachlan, Scarlett, and Declan had asked them on their first official dates during Addie's birthday party the previous night.

Thrilled that her friends were being asked out by their crushes, Kayla continued reading. The group had discussed how much fun Addie's party had been and had questioned Audrey about not having a birthday cake, to which Audrey had replied that she found them overrated and didn't want to eat in front of everyone at school. Kayla also noted the group had exchanged some unkind comments about their classmates' appearances.

Sighing, Kayla read that they had shared their plans for the day before she decided she needed to text her cousin Tinsley, with whom she'd had a heated argument when leaving the Hamptons after summer vacation. Moments later, Kayla sent the text, hoping for a quick response from Tinsley.

Kayla: I haven't heard from you in a while, Tins. What's new in your life?

As Kayla waited for her cousin's text response, she switched to the TikTok app and watched as it loaded. Once the app opened, she saw someone attempting the latest dance challenge, only to fail miserably. Just as Kayla was about to watch another video, she noticed that her cousin Tinsley had quickly replied, indicating her anger had subsided since their earlier argument.

Tinsley: It's been ages since I last heard from you. I was beginning to think you had forgotten all about me.

Kayla: Tinsley, the demands of school and my social life were not my fault, as they consumed a significant portion of my time.

Tinsley: I saw the beautiful selfie you took before attending your friend's birthday party. It looked great.

Just as Kayla was about to respond to her cousin's text, the sound of her bedroom door opening drew her attention away from her iPhone. Glancing up, she caught sight of Reginald, her butler, entering the room with a silver tray in his gloved hands.

Sitting up straighter, Kayla crossed her arms as she held her cell phone. "Reginald, just drop the tray on the coffee table here," she instructed.

"Okay, Miss Kayla," Reginald replied impassively, setting the tray down. Lifting the silver cover, he revealed a plate of freshly baked lemon cookies that David had prepared. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Get me a glass of soy milk, Reginald," Kayla commanded, dismissing him with a flick of her manicured hand.

With a stoic expression, Reginald quietly exited the room, shutting the door gently behind him. "Yes, Miss Kayla," he answered.

Once Reginald had left, Kayla turned her attention to a lemon cookie, taking a delicate bite as she finally responded to her cousin's text message. She then checked the reply on her phone.

Kayla: I felt confident and self-assured after getting dressed up and doing my makeup for my friend's birthday celebration

Tinsley: Kayla, your outfit for your friend's party was impeccable, and your makeup was flawless.

Kayla: So, Tinsley, how have things been on your end?

As Kayla polished off the cookie in her hand, she tapped her emerald-green nails against her Louis Vuitton phone case, pondering her reply to her cousin. Reaching for another cookie, she noticed that Tinsley had responded to her text.

Tinsley: The initial days of the new school year were stressful, and I had to endure my classmates' annoying behavior.

Kayla: What about Amy and Aria, cousin?

Tinsley: Despite an otherwise uneventful day, Aria managed to irritate me today.

Kayla's eyes widened in surprise as she read the text, recalling how close her cousin and Aria had been. Curious about why Tinsley was upset with one of her friends, Kayla quickly replied to her cousin's message.

Kayla: Tins, please share the tea with me.

Tinsley: Aria had forgotten about our Thursday afternoon plans and her boyfriend had asked her out on a date that same day. Instead of being upfront, she lied and said something had come up so she could go on the date. This dishonesty has led to a fight between the group, and now Amy feels she has to choose sides.

Kayla: Tins, try to relax. You and Aria should take some time to calm down before speaking to each other. Avoid saying anything hurtful in the heat of the moment. It would be best to have Amy there to mediate the discussion when you're both ready.

As Kayla chewed the cookie thoughtfully, she glanced around, wondering where Reginald was with her glass of milk. Once she finished the cookie, Kayla turned her attention back to her cell phone and saw that Tinsley had quickly responded to her previous text.

Tinsley: Kayla, I wanted to discuss something that's currently happening at my school.

Kayla: Can you tell me what occurred?

Tinsley: Mia Smiles, a tenth-grade student, became pregnant over the summer. Her parents are reportedly planning to have her give the baby up for adoption and are considering homeschooling her for the current school year. However, sources indicate that Mia intends to return to school next year and conceal the fact that she gave birth.

As Kayla peered at her phone, the sound of her bedroom door opening pulled her attention away. She glanced up to see Reginald entering the room, a glass of soy milk gripped in his gloved right hand.

Kayla squared her shoulders, steeling herself to respond to her cousin's text. "Reginald, just set the glass of milk on the table," she instructed firmly.

"Of course, Miss Kayla," Reginald replied, his expression impassive, as he placed the glass near Kayla's plate of freshly baked cookies.

"Thank you, Reginald," Kayla said, gesturing dismissively with her hand. She watched as Reginald silently exited the room, closing the bedroom door behind him.

Kayla dunked a fresh cookie into her milk, took a large bite, and smiled to herself. She dropped the partially eaten cookie back onto her plate and quickly replied to her cousin's text message.

Kayla: Tins, I recall you mentioning her around last Thanksgiving. Has anyone at your school commented on her situation?

Tinsley: Rumors circulated that Mia was a bitch because she had allegedly stolen her boyfriend from a girl who had moved out of state.

Kayla: While the criticism of her may seem harsh, she brought this upon herself by not minding her own business. The feedback she is receiving is a consequence of her actions and should serve as a lesson for her to stay out of matters that do not concern her in the future.

Kayla took a few sips of milk, then ate another lemon cookie and uncrossed her legs. Glancing up from her iPhone, she noticed her cousin had quickly responded to her text. Kayla looked over at the custom-made mannequin adorned in a light-blue Sea flutter-sleeved top, AG Jeans skinny jeans, silver Tory Burch ballet flats, metallic silver Marc Jacobs tote, Tory Burch logo earrings, and a Tory Burch pearl necklace. Pleased with the outfit for her upcoming hangout, Kayla sent a swift reply to Tinsley's text.

Tinsley: Kayla, while you may be inclined to pity Mia, it's important to recognize that she does not deserve your sympathy.

Kayla: So, Tins, what else is going on at your school?

Tinsley: I also wanted to tell you about an incident involving Mia's best friend, Lydia. Lydia was caught cheating on her boyfriend with a boy she had met on Instagram. Someone took photographs of Lydia kissing this boy in Central Park and going on a date with him. The person who took the photos then posted them on the school website and shared the website link with the entire student body.

Lounging on the sofa, Kayla snickered at the juicy gossip circulating through her cousin's school, unperturbed by the plight of Mia and Lydia. She then polished off a partially eaten cookie, washing it down with several gulps of milk, before promptly texting a response to her cousin.

Kayla: It's quite amusing, Tins. I'm shocked that the two of them are so rude and disrespectful towards people they are expected to be familiar with.

Tinsley: As one of the most popular girls in our grade, I witnessed Lydia's boyfriend publicly berating and humiliating her. He called her a derogatory name to her face and then broke up with her in front of the entire school. To add insult to injury, he informed Lydia that he had already blocked her on his phone and all of his social media accounts.

Kayla: You were laughing at her public embarrassment in front of the entire school, weren't you, Tins?

Kayla took a deep breath and brushed the stray strands of hair from her eyes before reading her cousin's text.

Tinsley: Yes. I posted the video on my TikTok account so the whole world could see it. Additionally, Amy created an edited version of the same video and shared it on her Instagram page.

Kayla: The decision to post that video on your social media accounts was the right call, Tins. It will finally make Lydia realize that there is no place to hide on the internet or in public - anyone can recognize her for her deviousness and her cheating behavior.

Tinsley: I need to leave soon, Kayla. I'm meeting Amy at Aria's house in two hours, and I want to try to resolve the fight with Aria. I'll let you know how the make-up conversation goes.

After a heavy sigh, Kayla realized her cousin had taken offense to her previous words and was now attempting to smooth things over with Aria. Between gulps of milk, Kayla quickly composed a reply to her cousin's text message.

Kayla: Tins, be sure to fill me in on the details of your makeup conversation with Aria. I'm hoping Amy can help mediate the discussion between you two. Please text me about it later.

Kayla noticed her cousin hadn't responded to her text, realizing Tinsley was likely on her way to Amy's house, trying to figure out how to apologize. Swiping away the Messages app, Kayla opened the Shopbop app and saw she was logged in.

She went to the clothing section and grabbed a lemon cookie, taking a delicate bite as she scrolled through the options. Admiring a green-and-beige Rosie Assoulin A-line skirt on the model, she added it to her cart. After finishing the cookie and washing it down with some milk, Kayla continued browsing the clothing.

Kayla admired the navy Silvia Tcherassi embroidered one-piece bathing suit, knowing it would look gorgeous on her. She added it to her shopping bag, anticipating that Madeleine and Scarlett's ex-best friend would be jealous at the pool party. Scrolling further, Kayla spotted a peach Mangishi Doll floral halter dress and promptly added it to her cart, confident it would flatter her figure.

Continuing to browse, Kayla indulged in another lemon cookie while shopping on her iPhone. Over the next half hour, she accumulated nearly thirty items in her bag, delighted with her fashion selections. Taking sips of her milk, Kayla completed the checkout process, relieved to see her platinum Mastercard information was still saved on her account.

After clicking the Accept button, Kayla saw her order had gone through. Glancing up, she noticed there were five lemon cookies left. Popping another cookie into her mouth, she chewed slowly while scrolling through her notifications. She saw there were new Instagram posts and quickly opened the app.

Kayla focused intently on her Instagram feed, eating cookie after cookie. She paused on a photo that featured her classmate Hannah and friends at Audrey's birthday party. Kayla chose to scroll past without acknowledging the post.

Taking a sip of her milk, Kayla continued scrolling through her account. She spotted photos her friends had tagged her in from the party. Finishing the last of her milk, Kayla set down the empty glass and kept her eyes glued to her phone, eating another lemon cookie.

Kayla absolutely liked each picture on her feed as she finished the last two lemon cookies on the sofa. Grabbing the empty plate and glass, she padded across the room to her closed bedroom door, using her elbow to push it open and leaving the dishes on the floor outside for Juanita to clean up.

With a sigh, Kayla closed the door behind her with her foot, feeling tired of scrolling through Instagram. Checking her phone's battery, she saw it was still three-quarters full. Stretching her neck, she decided to get out of the house for a bit, thinking a trip to Pinkberry on her own would be a good idea.

Kayla strode to the intercom on her nightstand and pressed the single button. "Reginald, are you there?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Kayla," Reginald replied flatly through the intercom.

"Tell Dean to have the car ready in three minutes," Kayla instructed. "I'm going out."

"Certainly, Miss Kayla," her butler responded through the intercom.

Kayla went straight to her white-and-gold bathroom without saying anything to her butler. Once inside, she checked her reflection in the mirror and realized her casual clothing was perfect for her solo outing. Smiling, Kayla left the bathroom without turning off the lights or closing the door behind her.

She grabbed one of her signature perfume bottles from the vanity and spritzed herself with Aphrodite 'Desire.' Loving the wonderful scent, Kayla snatched her deep-green Ted Baker suede hobo bag from the previous day and walked across the room. she shoved her iPhone and Apple wireless charging case into the purse before tossing the designer handbag over her shoulder.

Turning around, Kayla hastily slipped on a pair of emerald-green Miu Miu leather ballet flats that were lying around her room. She then opened her bedroom door and hurried downstairs, where she found Juanita had already cleared the empty plate and glass cup from the floor outside her room. Kayla left her room without closing the door and raced downstairs, just as Reginald opened the solid oak front door for her.

Squinting against the bright sunlight, Kayla pulled a pair of Havana honey-and-dark brown Miu Miu narrow cat-eye sunglasses from her purse and put them on. She gracefully descended the steps and made her way to the family's Mercedes, which was idling and puffing exhaust from the muffler. Kayla opened the right-side rear door and slid into the black leather backseat, abandoning her designer handbag on the adjacent seat. Moments later, she crossed her arms over her chest and looked directly at Dean.

Kayla cleared her throat to get Dean's attention. "Hey, Dean," she said sweetly, "could you please drop me off at Pinkberry?"

Dean still focused on the rearview mirror, replied in a measured tone. "Of course, Miss Kayla."

Kayla silently pushed her sunglasses onto her head as the car pulled out of the driveway. Feeling the vehicle move down the street, she closed her eyes and reclined in her seat, maintaining that relaxed posture for the duration of the drive to Pinkberry.

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Westchester, NY

Pampered Paws Grooming Salon

12:19 P.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Holding her white Aphrodite umbrella over her blonde head, Madeleine didn't want her glossy honey-blonde curls to frizz up before heading down the wet sidewalk. Seeing fashionably dressed people walking with shopping bags, she sighed and glanced at her cream Ted Baker wedges. Madeleine then proceeded straight to the doors of the Pampered Paws Grooming Salon, guiding her Pomeranian, Coco, into the luxurious doggie spa.

Once inside, Madeleine wrapped Coco's Burberry leash around her hand to keep the dog by her side. Sashaying to the receptionist's desk, she waited behind an elderly lady holding a teacup Chihuahua. Madeleine closed her wet umbrella and placed it inside the stand near the desk.

Madeleine took a deep breath of the cool, conditioned air as she adjusted the strap of her medium cream Saint Laurent monogrammed leather shoulder bag. Looking up, she noticed the old woman had disappeared around the corner. Madeleine approached the familiar receptionist, who always checked her in for Coco's appointments.

"Welcome to Pampered Paws Grooming Salon, Miss Stein," the receptionist greeted Madeleine, her fingers poised over the spa's computer keyboard. "Are you here for Coco's bimonthly appointment?"

Madeleine loosened Coco's leash, allowing the dog to roam freely around the spa. "Yes, that's right," she confirmed.

"Alright, Miss Stein," the receptionist said, inputting the details for Coco's appointment. "Please have a seat in the waiting room. Someone will be with you shortly."

Madeleine nodded at the receptionist and marched over to the brown leather sofa, flopping down on the seat. She dropped her purse beside her and noticed Coco had slumped at her feet, licking her tiny paws. Grabbing an organic dog biscuit from a nearby crystal bowl, Madeleine let out a high-pitched whistle, instantly drawing her puppy's attention.

Feeding Coco the treat, Madeleine leaned back and crossed her slender legs. She let out a dramatic sigh and glanced out the shop's large window, watching people exit the boutique across from the doggie spa. Tapping her foot on the polished marble floor, she pulled out her iPhone, realizing her cousins had bombarded her with texts. As Madeleine began reading the messages, a striking woman in high-waisted black trousers and a black silk blouse sashayed across the floor to greet her.

Beatrice greeted Madeleine warmly, her face beaming with a wide grin. "Ah, hello, Miss Stein. Please call me Beatrice. I'll be at your service today."

Madeleine pulled Coco closer and stroked the dog's head. "I specifically asked for the full grooming service for Coco," she told Beatrice.

Beatrice nodded, the soft light from the spa's chandeliers accentuating her plump cheekbones. "Don't worry, Miss Stein," she said brightly. "Everything will be done to your instructions. Just hand your dog over to me."

Madeleine lifted Coco into the air, bringing the dog's eyes level with her own. "So, baby, you need to be a good girl for mommy," she giggled, gazing at the Pomeranian affectionately. "Okay?"

Coco responded with a bark.

A couple of moments later, Madeleine handed her dog over to Beatrice and smiled. "I'll be waiting right here for my precious baby," she said, exuding an air of a mini-socialite. Madeleine then unclipped the leash from Coco's diamond dog collar and tucked it into her purse.

"Of course, Miss Madeleine," Beatrice nodded before turning and walking away from the waiting room with Coco cradled in her arms.

Confident that the spa staff would care for her puppy, Madeleine grabbed her iPhone from the sofa's left armrest and settled back into her seat. Reaching into her designer bag, she retrieved her AirPods from their wireless charging case and placed them in her ears. Madeleine then unlocked her phone, which automatically connected her AirPods. Using FaceID, she quickly asked Siri to call her cousin Aimee. The call rang three times before Aimee answered.

"Hey, Mimi," Madeleine greeted her cousin warmly, shifting into a comfortable position in her seat. "I'm going to add Esmee to the call now."

Aimee swallowed the cranberries and washed them down with some gulps of her Evian water. "Okay, Mads," she said, nodding in understanding.

Madeleine quietly asked Siri to call Esmee, noting that her call with Aimee was on hold. Through her AirPods, she heard the call ring four times before her other cousin answered.

Esmee's voice chirped with excitement. "Hi, Mads!"

Madeleine briefly inspected her marine blue nails before dryly chuckling, "Hi, Ez. Hold on, let me merge the calls right now."

"Okay, Maddy," Esmee replied eagerly.

Without saying a word to Esmee, Madeleine instantly merged the calls into a conference call and heard her cousins' voices come through her iPhone's microphone.

"Oh, Ez, what have you been up to since we last talked a few hours ago?" Aimee asked her other cousin through a mouthful of honeydew.

"Oh, Mimi, I'm getting a solo manicure and pedicure at Bliss right now," Esmee told her, forgetting that Madeleine had joined the call. "All my friends are busy with other plans."

"So, cousins, why did you bombard my cell with texts?" Madeleine interrupted, cutting into their conversation.

Avery leaned in, her voice brimming with excitement as she revealed it to her cousin. "Mads, I overheard my parents talking this afternoon. Thank goodness they didn't catch me! They were discussing how your dad and Aimee's dad think Esmee's dad should buy several hotels in LA for the family's hotel business. They want him to be the CEO of those hotels while continuing to run his talent agency. It sounds like they're planning to expand the business to the West Coast."

Esmee's eyes lit up. "That means you guys would be coming over a lot more," she said eagerly.

Madeleine fidgeted with her signature pearl necklace. "Ez and Mimi, I try not to interfere in family matters, but at least we won't be seeing Esmee only every couple of years now.

"Oh, Mads, my parents were also talking about inviting your parents to their Moroccan-themed party on September thirteenth," Aimee replied warmly.

"I'm sorry, Mimi, but I won't be able to make it to the party," Madeleine said regretfully. "My friends and I have already committed to attending our school's first dance with our crushes. The entire student body is anticipating the self-appointed 'royalty' of the school to be there."

Esmee finally replied, sounding surprised. "Wait a second, Maddie. You have a crush on a boy, and you didn't tell us at all."

Madeleine scanned the doggie spa, leaning forward in her seat. She noticed Jacqueline Everstone standing at the receptionist's desk, Yorkshire Terrier in hand, and wondered if Jacqueline was following her. "Things have been hectic since I met up with Mimi last Tuesday," Madeleine told her cousins. "We just started discussing our first official date, without our friends around."

Aimee leaned in eagerly, her voice brimming with interest. "Oooh, Maddy, please tell me you know this boy's name!"

Madeleine kept her gaze fixed on Jacqueline, who had taken the other seat on the sofa. "His name's Lachlan Hastings. Yes, he has two older brothers who attend the same school and are dating my fellow Prescott Queens."

Esmee chimed in, sounding equally excited. "Now, that sounds like heaven to me. Maddie, when did you realize you like Lachlan? How did you two meet?"

Madeleine could hear Esmee and Aimee in the background, jumping excitedly on their beds. "I first realized I liked Scar when we stopped Nick on his way to Kay's house," she chuckled, amused that her cousins were so invested in her life. "Scar and I saw them playing soccer on someone's lawn, so we introduced ourselves. Afterward, we got Lachlan and his friends' numbers. Then Nick started driving to Kalia's house again. My friends are crushing on Lachlan's friends too."

Aimee and Esmee, sounding thrilled, nodded in unison at Mads' news. "That's amazing!" they exclaimed. "Did anything else happen during your time in Westchester?"

"You all missed the fact that five girls from my school tried to get Lindsey and Avery to revoke my title as the sixth-grade Queen," Madeleine spoke up loudly. She glanced sideways and noticed Jacqueline, one of the conspirators, shifting uncomfortably in the adjacent seat. "It turns out these girls had a list of demands they wanted my fellow Queens to agree to. They wanted scholarship students included in the Prescott Queen system and to make the school a better place for kids without a lot of money."

"Maddie, I believe those who lack success are often envious of what others have," Esmee said, responding to Madeleine's statement. She was trying to understand why these losers thought they deserved to elevate their social standing.

"At least now they realize they'll always be at the bottom of the social hierarchy," Aimee added coldly, considering how embarrassed her cousin would have felt being challenged by such inferior individuals.

Madeleine's voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "One of the conspirators is sitting right next to me," she said, shooting an ominous smile at Jacqueline. "Would you like to talk to her?"

"Absolutely, Maddie!" Esmee and Aimee exclaimed eagerly, their voices rising. "Put your phone on speakerphone right away!"

Without saying another word to her cousins, Madeleine turned on the speakerphone so Jacqueline could hear their conversation.

"So, you're the girl who tried to take over my cousin's throne," Aimee said coldly, sounding disinterested in Jacqueline's perspective. "Are you really that desperate to take something that isn't yours?"

"N-no," Jacqueline stammered, sitting up straighter and hugging her dog as she tried to compose herself. She noticed Madeleine arching a perfectly waxed eyebrow in her direction. "We just want them to see things from our side. After all, Madeleine, Lindsey, and Avery should acknowledge that scholarship students deserve to be included in the Prescott Queen system. Especially since Sofia wanted to be the first scholarship Queen at our school. No Prescott Queen has ever been selected from the student body - they always choose successors from a list of legacies."

"There's nothing that could make me understand why you think you should instigate a coup against my cousin," Esmee said mockingly, her voice dripping with satisfaction as she dressed down Jacqueline.

Tears sprang from Jacqueline's eyes at the hatred in Madeleine's cousin's voice. "We just wanted a queen who wouldn't be mean to us and use our secrets against us," she sniffed.

"I'm not feeling sympathetic for you," Aimee added coldly. "You deserve everything that's happening."

Madeleine snickered gleefully at Jacqueline's weeping face before turning off the speakerphone. "Anyway, cousins, is there anything new in your social lives?" she asked, abruptly changing the subject.

Aimee's tone shifted from cold to gleeful as she recounted to Maddie how, on the first day of school, she had ordered all the students to shun Maria Cruz. "And they did exactly as I said! All because I told Celeste that everyone should just pretend she doesn't exist."

Esmee muttered angrily. "Some girl tried to poach Morgana from our friend group. When Morgana told her about the offer, I tracked down the girl and rejected it directly. She had the nerve to confront me, but I told her straight that Morgana would never betray her friends. Before that, I had Morgana, Lilianna, and Dana steal crates of eggs from the cafeteria kitchen without getting caught. They followed my plan and waited by the school entrance for the girl. As soon as she walked out, the three of them started pelting her with eggs until she was in tears. I was dying of laughter watching my friends humiliate her, and everyone else leaving school joined in laughing at her as well."

Madeleine raised her perfectly waxed, honey-blonde eyebrows in disbelief at her cousin's statement. "No way," she said, unable to believe that Esmee had concocted some scheme to deal with this girl before she became a problem. "Please tell me you at least got a picture of the incident."

Esmee reassured her cousin, cooing slightly at Madeleine's tone of excitement. "Don't worry, Maddy. I did something better - I put the video on TikTok for the entire world to watch. The comments were encouraging me to continue being mean to her."

Aimee piped up, sounding delighted. "I went to Ez's TikTok account. I was laughing along with the world at this dumb girl. The next time she tries to break up friendships, people should play this video to remind her that she's out of her league."

Madeleine chimed in excitedly, "I guess, but I'd keep that video as insurance. That way, if she acts up again and tries something dumb, we've got it."

"Can you guys hold on for a bit?" Aimee asked eagerly, her voice suggesting she was away from her phone.

"Yeah, Mimi," Esmee and Madeleine replied in unison, hearing in the background that Aimee was talking to someone.

A few minutes later, Aimee rejoined the conference call with her cousins. "I'm so sorry, Ez and Mads," she said apologetically, "but I have to go now. Rosa just told me my mom needs me for something, so I'll probably talk to you guys another time."

Madeleine smoothed the front of her embroidered, marine-blue Sandro fit-and-flare dress over her slender legs before crossing them. "Okay, Mimi," she replied sadly, remembering her aunt's strict nature and insistence on immediate compliance.

Esmee spoke wistfully, sounding regretful that Aimee had to leave the conference call. "I understand, Maddie, but I need to focus on the LA traffic, so I won't be able to talk. I'll be leaving the call as well."

Madeleine spoke firmly, trying to avoid sounding pessimistic. "Alright, Ez, I'll call you in a couple of days."

Esmee's response carried a somber tone. "Very good, Maddie," she said, ending the call.

Realizing her cousins had left the call, Madeleine sighed and let her iPhone sleep. She removed her AirPods and tucked them into their case, which she then stowed in her purse. Madeleine swept her curls over her left shoulder as she took a deep breath.

Glancing at the sofa, Madeleine noticed Jacqueline was no longer there. She assumed Jacqueline had left after the cousins' insults. Madeleine dropped her phone on the empty seat and leaned back, gazing out the doggie spa's windows.

As she watched people pass by, Madeleine lost herself in thought, wondering when Lachlan would tell her their first date plans. She was pleased her cousins had her back, and grateful for this quiet moment away from her hectic social life.

Madeleine's reverie was interrupted when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Beatrice had returned with Coco. Madeleine faced her friend and rolled her shoulders back.

Beatrice handed Coco, Madeleine's Pomeranian, to her manicured hands. "Miss Stein, Coco has just completed the full grooming service," she reported.

Madeleine gently stroked Coco's soft, freshly groomed fur. "Thank you, Beatrice," she said, nodding in acknowledgment as Coco glanced back and forth between them. "Did Lily take care of Coco while I was away?"

"Yes, Miss Stein," Beatrice replied evenly. "Lily ensured Coco's nails were trimmed properly and her teeth were brushed."

"Very good, Beatrice," Madeleine said, dismissing her with a wave of her hand. "Alright, Coco, are you ready to head home, darling?"

Coco responded with a bark.

Madeleine grabbed the leash from her purse and clipped it back onto Coco's collar without a word. Sighing, she recalled that she needed to pay for Coco's regular grooming services. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, Madeleine held Coco against her side, the leash wrapped around her wrist.

She made her way to the front desk, where an elderly woman was paying for her Chihuahua's services. Fifteen seconds later, Madeleine stepped up and waited for the receptionist to notice her. After three minutes, the receptionist finally looked up.

The receptionist's fingers hovered over the keyboard and asked. Ah, Miss Stein, are you ready to pay your bill?"

Madeleine nodded and tenderly held Coco even closer to her chest. "I'm ready to settle the bill," she replied calmly, seeing that the receptionist was ready to process her payment. Pulling her Ridge wallet from her designer handbag, Madeleine carefully selected her platinum Visa card and tapped it against the reader, observing that the transaction had gone through.

A couple of moments later, the receptionist informed Madeleine, "Your bill has been paid, Miss Stein."

"Alright," Madeleine nodded in acknowledgment as the receptionist held out the receipt in her outstretched hand. Madeleine quickly took the receipt and stuffed it into her purse.

Madeleine turned and headed towards the doggie spa's entrance, Coco trotting behind her. Stepping onto the serene sidewalk, she paused midway between the salon's front door and the curb. Glancing down, she watched as Coco sniffed the ground before Madeleine retrieved her cell phone from her purse.

Madeleine unlocked her phone and held it up, ensuring that her Pomeranian, Coco, was in the frame with her. She snapped a selfie, quickly saving it to her Photos app before switching over to Instagram. Once the app loaded, she tapped the plus icon and selected the just-taken selfie.

Madeleine posted the photo on her Instagram page, applying the normal filter. She then edited the image, brightening it and adding a warm tone. Pleased with the results, she captioned the post: Having a doggie spa day with my beloved Pomeranian.

Madeleine added the location of her favorite doggie spa under the picture and shared the post with her followers. Feeling better about sharing her outing, she kept her phone in her dominant hand and looked down the street, recalling that Nick was currently dropping her dad off at the country club.

Tapping her iPhone screen before it went to sleep, Madeleine switched apps, exiting Photos and Instagram. Knowing she needed an Uber ride home, she promptly opened the Uber app and waited for it to load. Once the home screen appeared, she entered her pickup location and specified that she was going home.

After confirming the pickup details, Madeleine reviewed the ride options and selected the UberX option costing $150.35. She confirmed the ride and noted the license plate number.

Madeleine's iPhone buzzed in her hand as the driver approached in five minutes. She glanced down to see that her phone had gone to sleep, but then noticed a flurry of Instagram notifications. Tapping on them, she saw her recent Aussie selfie had over a thousand likes, and people were commenting.

Hearing a car horn, Madeleine looked up to see the Uber driver had arrived at the doggie spa. She quickly tossed her phone into her bag, checking the license plate matched the one she had. Gracefully, she climbed into the backseat, her dog Coco curled up on her lap.

Settling back, Madeleine closed her eyes, relieved to have a day off from school tomorrow. She could rest up and spend time with friends and family. As the car pulled away, she felt at ease, ready to make the most of her free day tomorrow.

---

The Webster Estate

Audrey's Bedroom

2:29 P.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Staring at her computer screen, Audrey took a sharp breath, struggling to find the right words to conclude her two-page art class essay. With a sigh of relief, she typed the final line and promptly emailed the paper to her instructor, Mr. Jerome.

Pushing back from her desk, Audrey turned her attention to the mannequin displaying her meticulously planned outfit for the upcoming hangout with friends and the boys. The ensemble included an ice-blue Paige double-breasted blazer, a sleeveless white Rag & Bone V-necked top, matching Paige shorts, white Tory Burch espadrilles, a mini bright-white Jacquemus Le Chiquito Moyen bag, flawless fourteen-karat diamond stud earrings, a single eighteen-karat Shay diamond choker, and a diamond-and-pearl Shay bracelet. Audrey admired the stylish look, eager to wear it the next day.

Audrey admired her carefully chosen outfit for the next day, leaning her hip against her desk as she studied the open closet. Noticing that Silvana had hung her dry cleaning there, Audrey moved away, deciding to eavesdrop on her father's conversation. Grabbing her iPhone, she raced downstairs, skipping toward her father's study and slipping the phone into her jeans left pocket. Pausing at the study door, Audrey pressed her ear against it, listening to her father talk on his cell phone with Scarlett's father.

Ambrose warned Harold, "Your wife would be furious if she found out you were keeping something from her."

Harold understood that one of his friends was worried Carol might punish him. "I already know that," he said. "That's why I sent my daughter away to keep her busy this Saturday - I don't want Carol to find out about my plans for our tenth wedding anniversary."

Ambrose nodded approvingly, unaware that his daughter was listening to his conversation. "Spending time together is a great idea for your wife and daughter. It could help keep your wife from suspecting you're planning something without her knowledge."

Harold confessed to his friend, sounding guilty about keeping his plans a secret from his wife Carol. "It's really difficult to hide what I'm planning, but I still need to book some spa services at her favorite place."

"'That's good, Harold," Ambrose replied, oblivious to the eavesdropping. "Let's change the subject. Before Arthur picked me up from work on Friday, I had dinner at a city restaurant. There, some woman started flirting with me. I made it clear I wouldn't entertain her advances and pretended she wasn't speaking to me."

Audrey smiled, relieved that her dad had not betrayed her mom. Quietly, she slipped away from the study, intent on sharing her dad's conversation with Kayla, Mackenzie, and Madeleine. They deserved to know what was happening in Scarlett's life.

Heading straight to the sunroom, Audrey settled into a white linen wing chair by the large windows. She quickly unlocked her phone using FaceID and opened the group chat with Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Kayla. It was time to fill them in.

Audrey: I have some news about Scar that I'd like to share with you.

Audrey bit her lip in anticipation as the sunlight streamed through the sunroom's windows. She waited eagerly for her friends to respond to her text message. Moments later, her iPhone buzzed in her perfectly manicured hands, and she glanced down at the screen, her cerulean-blue eyes scanning her friends' replies.

Mackenzie: What news? Lett has remained silent with us.

Madeleine: Drey, I expect you to share everything with me.

Kayla: Let's hold off, Addie until Scar shares the details of this news with us.

Seated cross-legged in the wing chair, Audrey rolled her shoulders back and stretched her neck from side to side. Annoyed by Kayla's text, she knew she needed to inform the group that Scarlett wouldn't be available to hang out next Saturday. Audrey then replied to the girls' group message.

Audrey: Scar should be allowed to share the news on her terms. However, I feel compelled to disclose that Lett's father is enlisting her assistance to keep her mother distracted this Saturday. As a result, Lett will be unavailable that day.

Madeleine: Addie, we shouldn't make Scar feel guilty for missing anything that day, as it was all for a worthy cause.

Mackenzie: Addy, We should avoid letting Scar know that we're aware she won't be able to join us that day.

Kayla: I needed Scar's help to pick out an outfit for my date with James, so I was hoping she would be available that day.

Audrey squared her shoulders and leaned against the wing chair, mulling over the texts from her friends. She nodded in agreement, and then quickly replied to their messages.

Audrey: Girls, Scar should distract his mom from discovering that his dad is planning their tenth wedding anniversary without her knowledge.

Kayla: I know Scar was sure to have some juicy gossip to share, as she would be spending the entire day with her mother.

Madeleine: Let's not mention it to Scar until she's ready to share it with us. In any case, my friends, I have some juicy gossip I'd like to fill you in on.

Mackenzie: Maddie, you must tell us the juicy details.

Audrey's platinum-blonde eyebrow arched delicately as she read Madeleine's text, anticipating the juicy details about Tia's embarrassing video that had been accidentally shared on Instagram. With a light sigh, she quickly replied to the group chat.

Audrey: Mads, were you referring to Tia's embarrassing Instagram video?

Madeleine: This morning, I was surprised to see that Tia had posted a video on Instagram. But after reading the comments, I was delighted to find that Lachlan had called her stupid.

Kayla: At first, I wasn't amused by the video, but when I saw Tia get caught on camera sucking her thumb, I couldn't help but snicker uncontrollably into my hand for a solid twenty minutes.

Mackenzie: Tia made a regrettable decision in posting that video, which has since been shared on TikTok and garnered thousands of views. While many of the comments were cruel, some were so absurd that they elicited an uneasy laugh from me.

Audrey's manicured fingers hovered over her iPhone's keyboard as she giggled gleefully, recalling Tia's humiliation. After a couple of minutes, she replied to her friends' texts.

Audrey: While I initially felt sympathetic, upon further reflection I believe she brought this humiliation upon herself due to her actions last Thursday during lunch.

Mackenzie: Drey, I was pleased to see Tia being buried by the internet.

Madeleine: After watching the video, I commented that Tia had earned widespread internet backlash. Reflecting on this, I realized I was feeling a sense of superiority over her.

Kayla: I was also dying of laughter when she realized she had accidentally posted the wrong video to her Instagram stories. The tags at the bottom of the video made the mistake even more hilarious. Unfortunately, she didn't take the video down for nine hours.

Audrey was about to reply to her friends' group chat when she received a text notification from her crush, Aiden. Tapping on it, she saw a picture of Aiden posing outside Lee's Chinese, surrounded by his friends. Audrey admired Aiden's fabulous outfit and quickly sent him a complimentary text. As James read her message, Audrey smoothed her white Róhe asymmetrical top before returning to the group chat with Kayla, Mackenzie, and Madeleine. Meanwhile, she could hear Silvana polishing the marble floor outside the sunroom.

Audrey: Aiden just sent me a picture - the guys are all getting together today.

Kayla: Addy, do you know where James is right now? I'm considering staging a chance meeting with him, so I can speak with him privately without any distractions.

Mackenzie: Kay, your behavior sounds concerning and intrusive. I suggest you take a step back and reconsider your actions before you do something you may later regret.

Madeleine: I'm afraid I'll have to bow out of this conversation. Ingrid just informed me that my mother requires my assistance with something.

Audrey dropped her iPhone into her lap and gathered her long, silky platinum-blonde waves into a messy bun atop her head. As she secured the bun, her mind shifted to the fact that Madeleine's mom needed her for something. Eager to find out what was happening at Madeleine's house, Audrey quickly sent a reply to her friends' texts.

Audrey: Maddie, what does your mother need you for?

Madeleine: My mom is assisting Addie's mom in organizing the annual Prescott and Crestview co-ed Founder's Day afternoon tea. She has asked for my suggestions on the food preferences of students from both schools.

Kayla: Mads, I'm sure your mother and Addie's mom want you to focus on planning this event together.

Mackenzie: I often make excuses to avoid helping my mom plan family gatherings.

Audrey's stomach growled loudly as she tapped her phone case, reminding her that she had only eaten breakfast so far that day. Craving a snack to tide her over until dinner, she sighed and stood up from the wing chair, stepping onto the nearby white linen sofa. Plopping down, she reached for the intercom on the side table and pressed the button marked 'Kitchen.'

"Yes, Miss Audrey," her family's chef, Sienna, responded over the intercom.

Audrey brushed off an imaginary speck from her top. "Sienna, I need you to set out two snack-size bags of classic Lay's chips on a tray," she said into the intercom. "Also, place an empty tall glass filled with ice and a bottle of Voss water next to the chips. And make sure Alfred brings everything to me in the sunroom."

"Understood, Miss Audrey," her chef replied over the intercom.

Concerned that Sienna had stopped responding to her commands, Audrey set down her phone and picked it up again, holding it close to examine the unanswered messages from her friends. She hesitated before deciding how to reply.

Audrey: I was unaware that my mom was at Maddie's house today. She had only informed my dad and me that she would be out for five hours.

Mackenzie: I just spent quality time with my parents an hour ago.

Kayla: Addie, your mother and my mother deserve the opportunity to spend time with their friends.

Madeleine: Earlier today, your mom came over and chatted with my mom before they discussed the details for the Prescott and Crestview afternoon tea. Now, my mom just summoned me to the sunroom over the intercom, so I have to run. Even though I may be helping our moms plan an auction, I'll try to make time to respond to any texts or calls I get throughout the day.

Audrey was frustrated that Madeleine had to stop texting her friends because both of their mothers had intervened. When Madeleine stopped responding to messages from Audrey, Kayla, and Mackenzie, Audrey heard footsteps outside the sunroom and glanced towards the doorway. There, she saw Alfred entering the sunroom, carrying a black tray in his white-gloved hands.

"Alfred, just drop everything on the coffee table, please," Audrey said, crossing her slender legs.

"Yes, Miss Audrey," Alfred responded, setting the tray on the table in front of his boss's daughter. He lifted the silver, round cover, revealing snack-size bags of chips, a tall glass filled with ice, and a chilled bottle of Voss water. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, Alfred," Audrey replied loudly, dismissing her butler with a flick of her manicured right hand. She then reached for one of the Lay's chip bags and tore it open.

After seeing that Alfred had already left the sunroom with the cover under his arm, Audrey glanced at her iPhone and realized she hadn't responded to her friends' text. Feeling more at ease, she opened her Voss water with her dominant hand while quickly texting a reply to her friends with her other, manicured hand.

Audrey: I apologize for not responding sooner. I was preoccupied as my butler just brought me a snack of chips and water.

Kayla: I'm sorry, Addie, but I need to step away from the group chat. Dean just dropped me off at Paradox.

Mackenzie: Addie, my weekly yoga class starts at 4 PM. I need to get ready, so I have to leave now.

Audrey pouted as Mackenzie and Kayla left the group chat shortly after Madeleine had done the same. Moments later, Audrey exited the Messages app. She poured water into an iced glass, accidentally dropping the water bottle on the table near the bowl before taking a delicate sip.

Relishing the refreshing coldness of the water, Audrey checked her notifications and saw she had new Instagram alerts. She tapped on them, opening the app and scrolling through her feed. Lachlan and James had posted more group photos from the restaurant, which Audrey adored. She was thrilled to see her crush and his friends having such a good time together.

Audrey smiled to herself as she wondered where Aiden would take her for their first date. She eagerly anticipated his call to confirm the details. Nibbling on some chips, she tapped the heart icon to like her crush's latest photos, sipping her water between bites.

Scrolling through her feed, Audrey paused at a picture Olivia had posted. She stifled a laugh, finding Olivia's outfit utterly hideous. Feeling no remorse, Audrey commented: Even if you developed some fashion sense, you'd always be a loser in my eyes. She took satisfaction in the thought of ruining Olivia's day.

Scrolling past the unflattering photo, Audrey quickly glanced at Hannah Copeland's post, chuckling at the poorly-written caption. Noting that Hannah had carelessly tagged the wrong people, Audrey finished the entire bag of chips and washed them down with gulps of water. She then crumpled the empty bag and tossed it onto the table.

Grabbing another bag of classic Lays, Audrey ripped it open and placed it in her lap. Elegantly crunching on the chips, she plucked her water glass from the coffee table and drank half of it. Returning the glass, she sighed deeply before exiting the Instagram app.

Inspecting her manicured nails, Audrey tapped the social media folder on her iPhone and opened the TikTok app. As the app loaded, she finished the second bag of chips, crumpled it, and flung it back onto the table, gulping down the remaining water.

Audrey swirled the ice cubes around her glass and poured in more water. She glanced down at her phone, where a TikTok video was playing. Laughing at the person showcasing high-fashion models walking the runway with everyday household items, she tapped the heart icon to express her approval.

Draining the contents of the glass, Audrey noticed the ice was melting. Satisfied that her thirst was quenched for now, she set the empty cup on the table and eyed the half-empty bottle of Voss water nearby. Rising from her seat, she brushed a few chip crumbs off her top and jeans.

Turning off her iPhone, Audrey left the crumpled chip bags and ice-filled cup on the sunroom table for Silvana to clean up. She then walked straight out and headed toward the winding staircase.

Upstairs, Audrey skipped to her bedroom, closing the door behind her with her foot. Checking the time on her iPhone, she saw it was almost 3:30 pm. Remembering Mackenzie's 4 pm yoga class, Audrey took a deep breath before gently placing her phone on the nightstand.

Stretching her arms overhead, Audrey yawned, feeling a bit tired. Eager for a nap before dinner, she collapsed backward onto her bed and crawled towards the pillows. As soon as her head hit the cushions, Audrey curled up and fell asleep within minutes.

---

Westchester, NY

Arise Yoga Studio

4:56 P.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Mackenzie's mind was still on the conversation she had with the girls as she flowed into the downward dog pose on her Burberry yoga mat. She wondered how Scarlett would break the news that required distracting her mom this Saturday. Letting out a deep breath, Mackenzie observed her yoga teacher guiding the class into the cobra pose. Feeling her muscles stretch, she held the pose for ten minutes as instructed.

Breathing deeply, Mackenzie transitioned into the downward dog, holding it for the next ten minutes. She then moved into the crane pose, taking in the cool air-conditioned studio. Balancing with focus, she noticed her teacher demonstrating the same pose. Despite the strain in her upper back, abs, arms, and wrists, Mackenzie knew the challenging posture was strengthening her petite frame.

Pausing to take long sips of Voss water, Mackenzie soon followed her teacher's lead into the bow pose, holding it for twenty minutes. Transitioning to a seated cross-legged position, she listened intently as the instructor began speaking to the class.

Sandy, Mackenzie's yoga instructor, instructed the class. "Let's conclude today's session with the corpse pose," she continued. "While holding this pose, I want you to focus on deep, lung-based breathing. Remain in the corpse pose for the next few minutes."

The class responded in unison. "Okay, Sandy."

Without looking at her classmates, Mackenzie laid back down on her yoga mat and assumed the corpse pose without any assistance from the teacher. Feeling her lungs fill with air, she remained in that position for ten minutes with her aquamarine eyes closed. Moments later, Mackenzie opened her eyes and sat upright on her mat. Surveying the room, she noticed that the other students had also completed the corpse pose and were now looking at Sandy, the teacher, who was about to address the class.

"Okay, ladies," Sandy said while sitting on her purple mat. "We're out of time for today. But remember, we have another class next Sunday afternoon."

"Yeah, Sandy," the class responded in unison.

After the session was over, Mackenzie knelt down and carefully rolled up her mat, ensuring the ends were tucked in. Slinging the mat strap over her shoulder, she rose from her spot and headed straight for the studio's exit.

"Mackenzie!" a voice called out.

As Mackenzie paused, people hurried past her towards the studio's entrance. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed one of her old elementary school friends calling out to her. Turning around, Mackenzie greeted Ellie with a blank expression. Realizing she hadn't seen Ellie enter the room, Mackenzie surmised that Ellie had likely been monitoring Mackenzie's social media to track her schedule.

Ellie's words jolted Mackenzie from her thoughts. "I've been trying to get your attention for the past hour," she said.

Mackenzie tugged at the waistband of her Adidas by Stella McCartney navy yoga pants, sneering. "What for?

"Well, Mackenzie," Ellie chirped. She wondered why Mackenzie was suddenly so cold, understanding that Sia, Paige, and Ashley were in a similar predicament. "I've been trying to reach you for the past three weeks."

Mackenzie folded her arms across her chest and sneered. So, Ellie, I'm being nice right now," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'll allow you to guess why I blocked you, Paige, Sia, and Ashley."

Ellie responded sweetly, feeling that she and the others had done nothing wrong to Mackenzie. "I can't think of any other reason why you blocked us. We didn't do anything wrong to you."

Mackenzie slicked her glossy strawberry-blonde hair into a high ponytail. "Oh, so you don't remember pranking me at the graduation party that we hosted together," she replied, her face set in an uncaring expression.

Ellie waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, that incident with Mackenzie? We were just playing a harmless prank. We thought you'd find it funny."

Mackenzie's eyes narrowed with disdain as she glared at Ellie. "Really?" she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't find that prank funny at all, especially when you guys dumped milk on me. Everyone at the party was laughing at my expense."

Ellie gulped, sensing Mackenzie's lingering anger over the incident. "Um, Mackenzie, we thought you would have calmed down if we gave you some space for a few days. But then we found out you'd blocked us on social media and your phone."

Mackenzie straightened her matching cropped Adidas by Stella McCartney yoga top and stated coolly. "It seems you're stalking me now."

"Well, Mackenzie," Ellie said, letting out a slight gasp. "This was the only way I could get you to talk to us again."

Mackenzie rolled her eyes dismissively at Ellie's response. "Should I care what you're saying?" she replied haughtily, wanting her former friends Paige, Ashley, and Sia to know they were part of her past. "The only thing I feel for you is hatred. Now, please leave my sight."

Hurt by Mackenzie's dismissive tone, Ellie said."Okay, Mackenzie. I'll let Paige, Ashley, and Sia know that you want them to leave you alone too."

Mackenzie squared her shoulders, smirking darkly as Ellie walked away. Relishing the fact that she had hurt her ex-friend's feelings, Mackenzie knelt down and grabbed her water bottle. She stood back up and glanced at the yoga room's mirror, feeling better about confronting Ellie.

Taking a deep breath, Mackenzie turned and headed for the exit. When she left the room, she saw that Ellie was gone. Mackenzie sat down on a nearby bench, slipping her bare, pedicured feet into a pair of white Aphrodite platform sneakers. As she tied her shoelaces, her yoga mat bumped against her lower back.

Mackenzie grabbed her oversized white-and-navy Adidas by Stella McCartney hoodie from a studio hook and slipped it on. Ensuring her cropped top was covered, she pulled her iPhone from the left front pocket. She hesitated, remembering the humiliation of her fifth-grade graduation party. Mackenzie realized then that Ellie, Paige, Ashley, and Sia had never truly been her friends - they had merely used her to gain access to upper-class social events.

Filled with resentment, Mackenzie knew she could never forgive them for that betrayal. Shaking off the painful memories, she used FaceID to unlock her phone and sent a text to her friends.

Mackenzie: One of my former elementary school friends recently stalked my social media profiles, apparently trying to uncover my typical Sunday afternoon routine.

Inhaling deeply, Mackenzie knew her friends would immediately respond to her texts before she shoved her iPhone back into the left pocket of her hoodie. Storming out of the studio's doors, she took a breath of the humid air and grabbed the Ray-Ban sunglasses she had worn on Thursday. Slipping them on, Mackenzie stared at the cement curb and saw that her family's driver, Dimitri, had followed her instructions and was waiting in the car.

Reaching the curb, Mackenzie opened the dark blue rear door on the right side and gracefully climbed into the car. Settling into the plush leather backseat, she tossed her yoga mat onto the adjacent seat and leaned back. With a sigh, she felt the car pull away from the curb and begin the usual drive to her house. Just as she was about to stare out the left rear window, her iPhone vibrated in her pocket, buzzing against her flat stomach. Pulling out her phone, Mackenzie saw her friends had responded to her text. Unlocking the screen, she started reading their messages.

Scarlett: Kenzie, the situation you're describing sounds quite distressing. What's causing you to avoid this particular person?

Madeleine: Mack, your text message sounds quite agitated. What has this person done to upset you?

Audrey: Please provide us with all the relevant details.

Kayla: Manzie, try to calm down so you can provide more details about what happened between the two of you.

Touched by her friends' concern, Mackenzie took a few deep breaths to compose herself before responding to their worried messages. She struggled to find the right words to convey the humiliation she felt.

Mackenzie: During our joint fifth-grade graduation party, Ellie, Paige, Ashley, and Sia decided to play a prank by dumping milk on me. As I stood on the dance floor, covered in milk, the entire party erupted in laughter at my expense. Embarrassed and with the milk beginning to sour, I had no choice but to leave the party early.

Audrey: Surprisingly, you haven't mentioned the incident to us.

Kayla: Could you please explain what actions you took to get payback?

Scarlett: I want to meet these losers and insult them on their faces.

Madeleine: Manzie, don't worry. You'll soon forget about them. Instead, show them the beautiful moments in your life that they've been missing out on.

Mackenzie dropped her iPhone onto her lap, shifted in her seat, and cracked her knuckles. Moments later, she felt reassured as her friends texted messages of support, assuring her that everything would be alright. She quickly fired off a response, grateful for their comforting words.

Mackenzie: I've blocked them on all my social media accounts. And I'm also avoiding the places we used to frequent together.

Madeleine: It's time to move forward, Manzie.

Kayla: Mack, you may want to consider seeking some form of retribution against them.

Scarlett: I concur with Kay's suggestion that you seek retribution against those who have tormented you.

Audrey: Kay and Lett, you should stop pressuring Mack to seek revenge. I believe Mack would be better off closing that chapter of her life and moving on, rather than dwelling on or acknowledging them.

Mackenzie felt a sense of gratitude for the advice Audrey and Madeleine had shared over text. She took a deep breath and peered over her sunglasses. Glancing at the car's touchscreen, she saw it was nearly 5:10 pm. Turning her attention back to the road, she noticed Dimitri was already halfway to her house along the usual route.

Mackenzie: While I appreciate the advice from Maddie and Addie, I'm hesitant to follow it, as that would only make me focus more on Ellie, Paige, Ashley, and Sia- the very people I'm trying to forget. I need to find a way to move on without constantly dwelling on them.

Scarlett: Oh, Mack, forget what I just texted. I don't mean to pressure you into doing anything reckless.

Kayla: I agree, Kenzie. We shouldn't be pushing our friend to do something that could bring those girls back into her life again.

Madeleine: I was about to tell you both that you've lost your minds. If you think she should get revenge for something from two months ago, I think Lett and Lala should just drop it.

Audrey: Of course, Maddie. I was completely shocked and couldn't believe what I was reading.

Mackenzie's fingers paused as she stared at the incoming texts from her friends. Wishing her cousin Madelyn was there to offer advice, she wrestled with how to respond. After a moment, Mackenzie refocused, quickly rereading the conversation before firing off a text reply.

Mackenzie: Your texts have really lifted my spirits. I have some juicy gossip to share - who wants to hear it?

Audrey: Kenzie, spill the tea!

Madeleine: I can't believe it! I haven't heard any juicy new rumors since earlier this afternoon.

Kayla: Come on, dish the dirt!

Scarlett: Yes, Mack, tell us!

Mackenzie's heart raced as she read the texts from her friends, engaged in a lively conversation. Glancing up from her phone, she noticed that Dean, her driver, had turned the car onto a different street. Mackenzie quickly typed a reply and returned her attention to the screen.

Mackenzie: I heard some interesting news from one of my sources while Dean was driving me to yoga class. Apparently, the whole situation was caused by Sofia Addison.

Kayla: Really? That's surprising, I would have expected to hear about this from Delilah and Emily first.

Scarlett: I'm sure Tiffany and Ivy would be gossiping about this and grinning ear-to-ear if it were true.

Audrey: When exactly did your source tell you this juicy bit of information?

Madeleine: Mack, I've got to be honest - this sounds a bit fishy to me. I think someone might be pulling your leg.

Mackenzie switched to the Instagram app, smiling at the replies she had received. As the app loaded, she sighed deeply and began scrolling through her feed. Yvonne Phillips had posted a photo of herself and her friends standing outside a city restaurant. Liking the picture, Mackenzie returned to her group chat and sent a quick text to her friends.

Mackenzie: My spy informed me of this juicy gossip at 3:45 pm. Maddie, I don't believe my spies are deceiving me. They always provide me with excellent gossip and secrets. One of my spies has a friend in her class who sits right next to Sofia. They expressed to me that Sofia hates the fact that everyone, except her friends, is now avoiding her. She's worried the stench of her banishment will spread to them.

Madeleine: I'm guessing everyone's worried my anger would turn on them.

Scarlett: Of course, Mads. Anyway, I need to leave this conversation now to get ready for my hangout with Tiffany and Ivy. I'll let you know if anything interesting comes up.

Kayla: Scar, have fun with Tiffany and Ivy. Manzie, I thought Sofia Addison would have learned by now that she has to stay at the bottom of the social hierarchy until middle school ends.

Audrey: Yeah, Lala. Mack, it never occurred to me that Sofia hates being shunned because she's worried it will affect her friends too.

Concerned by Scarlett's silence in the group chat, Mackenzie leaned forward and glanced at the front seat, where Dimitri was nearing her house. She quickly sent a reply to her friends.

Mackenzie: My driver is dropping me off at home shortly. I'll text you once I'm in my room.

Without waiting for her friends to reply, Mackenzie silenced her phone and tucked it back into her hoodie pocket. Glancing up, she saw Dimitri several houses away before leaning back and studying the car's ceiling. She needed to figure out when Declan would pick her up for their first official date.

Dimitri pulled the Mercedes into the Frost's circular driveway, turned off the engine, and faced the boss's daughter. "Miss Mackenzie, we have arrived," he said in his thick Romanian accent, jolting the girl from her thoughts.

Mackenzie looked directly at her driver. "Okay, Dimitri," she finally replied before opening the right-side dark blue rear door and climbing out of the car. A few moments later, Mackenzie peered back inside the opened door and addressed Dimitri. "Um, Dimitri, are you going anywhere else?"

"Yes, Miss Mackenzie," Dimitri answered flatly, meeting her gaze. "Your father wants me to pick him up from the city in the next three hours. And, your mother is waiting for me to pick her up from the Adams' house now."

"Got it, Dimitri," Mackenzie nodded in understanding, knowing her parents were awaiting Dimitri's services. Without another word, she closed the door and started marching up the driveway. Her only priorities were a hot shower and relaxation for the rest of the day.

---

Westchester, NY

Scoops

5:59 P.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Scarlett pushed her square-framed Le Specs clear sunglasses onto her head and quietly laughed. "I would have expected Heather to dress wonderfully for Addie's birthday party yesterday," she said, trying to keep her voice down so the ice cream shop's customers wouldn't overhear their conversation. Scarlett took another spoonful of her cookies and cream sundae. "But she looked terrible. I saw that you two left some awful comments on the photos she posted to Instagram."

Tiffany leaned back, her gaze fixed on her gold, laser-cut Ted Baker espadrilles. "I was laughing at the pictures she posted," she said between bites of her vanilla bean sundae. "She looked dreadful in that outfit she wore to Audrey's party."

Ivy sagged against her seat and licked mango ice cream from her finger. "There's something wrong with Heather," she chuckled. "I looked through her Instagram account and saw that she posts awful photos."

Scarlett absentmindedly twirled a strand of her sleek, icy-blonde curls before tracing as she traced the delicate pearls on her charm bracelet. "No way," she murmured, her gaze averted. "I wasn't stalking her Instagram - I was too distracted by the fact that she didn't shave her legs."

Ivy grabbed her iPhone off the table and checked it, seeing a text from her boyfriend Caleb. Eager to meet up with him, she quickly replied: Yeah, babe, what time should I be there? After a moment of delight at the prospect of their date, Ivy placed her phone back on the table. "I don't think Heather even knows the meaning of hygiene. But thinking about how she smelled at Audrey's party, we should be preparing for the worst when school starts again on Tuesday."

As Tiffany took another spoonful of her vanilla bean sundae, she sighed and recounted. "I scrunched up my nose as I passed her on the way to the VIP section. Her body odor was so repulsive that I almost gagged. And I noticed her so-called friends backing away from her while forcing fake smiles in her presence."

Scarlett's attention was fixed on Ivy's previous statement. "Wait a minute, there's no school tomorrow at all."

Tiffany and Ivy crossed their arms, gazing intently at Scarlett. They knew Scarlett likely hadn't checked the school website. "Scar, there's no school tomorrow," they said in unison, nodding. "It's a random day off for some reason."

Scarlett pushed her curly hair behind her ears, drawing attention to her flawless 6-karat diamond stud earrings. "I didn't know there was school tomorrow," she said coyly, picking at her cuticles. "I never check the school's website, but could you share any more information?"

Tiffany and Ivy exchanged a knowing look, assuming a conspiratorial posture. "Well, Scar, we have a lot of dirt on everyone in our grade," they said in unison, their voices hushed so no one else would overhear their conversation.

"That's awesome, Iz and Tiff!" Scarlett said quietly, discreetly glancing around to ensure no one was listening as she assumed a guarded posture.

Tiffany tucked a silky strand of her chocolate-brown hair away from her glossy lips before casting Ivy a sidelong glance. "One of my usual informants visited me at home," she explained. "They told me that Danielle Sullivan's boyfriend was caught physically cheating on her with a girl from one of Westchester's public schools. My spy also said that Danielle went berserk and started beating him with someone's bag."

Ivy's piercing-blue eyes shifted from Tiffany to Scarlett. "She also beat the girl," she chirped, taking another spoonful of mango ice cream. "I bet her ex-boyfriend and the girl's parents went to the police."

"Someone recorded her public meltdown," Tiffany continued, holding Scarlett's gaze. "I laughed at how she couldn't accept that her boyfriend was over her."

Ivy remarked spitefully, taking delight in Daniella's misfortune. "When Tiff sent me that link, I immediately watched the same video and couldn't stop laughing at her public humiliation." She continued, "After chuckling for fifteen minutes, I forwarded the video to Avery. I saw that she had responded to my message about twelve minutes later, saying she was sending the video to every student at our school."

Scarlett snickered and leaned back in her seat. "I don't feel bad for her at all," she said dismissively, shrugging her shoulders. "She should have known from the beginning that her boyfriend was cheating. After all, girls are supposed to have some kind of innate intuition about these things."

Ivy gave a half-smirk at Scarlett before flipping her glossy jet-black curls over her shoulders. "Well, it's my turn to share some information with Scar," she told the group. "I heard that Charlotte Luster was embarrassed by her former summer fling. She apparently tried everything to get this boy's attention, even changing her interests to match his."

Tiffany's hazel eyes darted sideways for a moment before refocusing on the girls. "I laughed at her," she added after Ivy's statement. "I was there when I saw Charlotte couldn't even talk to the guy without blushing furiously. I even managed to capture a video of her falling into the pool after the boy's girlfriend pushed her in."

Scarlett ate more spoonfuls of her cookies and cream sundae and let out a small snicker. "Oh my god," she quietly gasped. "Just because Charlotte embarrassed herself in front of the boy she likes, does that mean the boy's girlfriend can't understand that she's just trying to work through her feelings?"

Tiffany raised a perfectly waxed chocolate-brown eyebrow at Scarlett's statement, wondering if Scarlett felt bad for Charlotte. She then glanced sideways at Ivy, sensing that Ivy wouldn't say anything to their fellow Queen of Information. "Are you feeling bad for Charlotte, Scar?" Tiffany asked.

Scarlett's eyes widened in surprise, assuming Tiffany thought she felt bad for Charlotte. "No, actually," she replied honestly, "The only thing I regret is that the boy's girlfriend didn't insult her even more."

Ivy scanned the nearly empty ice cream shop, noticing only five customers remained. "Oh, really?" she said. "For a second, I thought you were feeling terrible for her."

"Definitely not," Scarlett replied, wrinkling her nose. She finished the last spoonful of her cookies and cream sundae. "I'm ready to hear more blackmail about the seventh and eighth-grade students at Prescott."

Tiffany's stomach clenched for a moment before the tension eased. "Scar, I wanted to discuss the information I have about Audrina Adare," she said softly, a hint of a chuckle in her voice. "Last year, I received an anonymous text claiming Audrina was flirting with my boyfriend, Nathaniel. At first, I was angry that Nate was entertaining her, but then he called right after I got the text. We had a huge fight because I told him he shouldn't be flirting with Audrina - it was a major disrespect to me."

Ivy smirked at Tiffany and Scarlett. "I was with Avery, Lindsey, Chloe, Maia, Delilah, Emily, Nova, and Daniella when Tiffany got the text in front of us," she laughed. "I saw their whole fight and watched Tiff end the call with Nate. It was five days before he called her back to apologize."

"Nate and I eventually made up and had a private date at the Uptown restaurant, which he had booked for us," Tiffany said excitedly, her cheeks flushing.

Scarlett felt a swell of pride after Tiffany's announcement, relieved that she had kept her boyfriend to herself before worrying Audrina would steal Nate away. "That's wonderful, Tiffany," Scarlett quickly interjected. "Excuse me, ladies, I need to use the restroom. I'll return shortly."

"Okay... Scar," Tiffany and Ivy shrugged before starting to chat with each other.

Scarlett stood up from her seat and tugged her chambray-blue Alexander Wang dress over her thighs. She fixed the ruffled shoulder straps and grabbed her iPhone off the table. Without a word to Tiffany and Ivy, Scarlett sashayed straight to the ladies' room, her phone in hand.

Seeing the bathroom was empty, Scarlett entered a stall and locked the door behind her. She placed her iPhone on the dispenser and lifted the toilet seat. Carefully pulling down her blue Le Perla lace thong, Scarlett squatted over the toilet, making sure her clear Steve Madden wedges didn't get soiled as she peed. Afterward, she used some toilet paper to tidy up.

Feeling confident the pee droplets wouldn't stain her underwear, Scarlett balanced on her wedges and pulled her dress back down over her thighs. Sighing, she pressed the toilet's silver flush button, then snatched her cell phone from the dispenser with her dominant hand. Unlocking the stall door with her manicured left hand, Scarlett slowly made her way to the bathroom counter and set down her iPhone.

Turning on the faucet, she ran her hands under the warm water and pumped some lavender-scented soap onto them. Scrubbing for twenty seconds, Scarlett ensured all the soap was rinsed off before positioning her hands under the hand dryer. Once dry, she retrieved her cell phone from the counter.

Scarlett's icy-blue eyes darted back and forth as she considered what Tiffany and Ivy had revealed to her. Deciding impulsively, she knew her friends deserved to know the information her fellow Queens of Information had shared. Unlocking her iPhone with FaceID, Scarlett quickly fired off a text to her friends while glancing at her flawless reflection in the restaurant bathroom mirror.

Scarlett: I have some tea that I'd like to share with all of you. Please respond if you'd like to hear me.

Turning from the mirror, Scarlett returned to the bathroom stall, her manicured hands gripping her cell phone. She lowered the toilet lid and sat, crossing her slender legs. Moments later, her iPhone buzzed, the chime echoing through the room. Unlocking the device, Scarlett tapped the Messages app, scanning her friends' texts. She took a deep breath as she began to read.

Mackenzie: Scar, what happened?

Kayla: Lett, spill the tea!

Audrey: I can't believe you have some juicy gossip for us!

Madeleine: Scar, tell us everything!

With a triumphant smirk, Scarlett exhaled deeply, savoring the moment as she had successfully captured her friends' attention. She then swiftly responded to their texts, firing back her message.

Scarlett: As Tiffany texted on her phone, I discreetly glanced at her iPhone screen and saw that her boyfriend was asking her out on another date, without her realizing I was watching.

Madeleine: Scar, did they exchange any other text messages?

Audrey: You shouldn't have snooped through Ivy's cell phone without her permission.

Kayla: Lett, you could try gently asking Ivy for more details about her boyfriend.

Mackenzie: Ivy's boyfriend's date plans are worth looking into. Be sure to Facetime us later and share all the juicy details with your friends.

Seated comfortably on the toilet seat, Scarlett glanced at the time on her phone - 15 minutes had slipped by. Realizing Tiffany and Ivy were likely wondering why she was taking so long with the broom, Scarlett knew she needed to wrap up her text conversation before rejoining them. With a roll of her shoulders, she quickly sent a message to her friends.

Scarlett: I saw Ivy texting her boyfriend, Maddie. But I'm not doing that myself, Kay and Kenzie, as I don't want Ivy to shut me out. Meanwhile, Tiffany and her boyfriend had a huge argument after he was seen entertaining Audrina Adare. Tiffany felt disrespected that he didn't make it clear to Audrina that he would never consider her. They didn't speak for five days after the fight until the boyfriend realized he had majorly messed up. When they reconciled, it seemed the boyfriend had done something to earn Tiffany's forgiveness.

Kayla: While her boyfriend is making an effort to maintain their relationship, I'm still eagerly awaiting a text from James about the details of our first official date.

Mackenzie: Lala, your persistent fixation on James is starting to annoy me. Could you please move on from this obsession?

Audrey: Mack, you should avoid being aggressive with Kalia. She's trying to understand why the person she has a crush on is not being fully open and honest with her.

Madeleine: Manzie, please try to remain calm and allow Kay the opportunity to explain her perspective.

Seeing that it didn't even take a minute for her friends to respond to her text, Scarlett sensed that the group chat was becoming tense, understanding that she needed her friends to cool down on their opposite sides. Exhaling, she sent a swift reply to the girls' texts.

Scarlett: Pretties, please take a moment to listen. Fighting amongst yourselves is unproductive. Let's take the opportunity to apologize and move forward in a spirit of unity.

Determined to help her friends reconcile, Scarlett sat up straighter on the toilet and stared at the ceiling. Moments later, her iPhone buzzed in her manicured hands, vibrating through the bathroom. She glanced down and carefully read the texts her friends had immediately sent in response to her message.

Madeleine: Mack, I'm sorry for teaming up with Addie and Kay against you.

Kayla: I apologize, Kenzie, for getting caught up in Addie and Kay's mischievous behavior.

Audrey: Manzie, I sincerely apologize for attacking you when you were simply trying to suggest that Lala should mention James less frequently.

Mackenzie: I forgive you, my friends. I'll make an effort to be more understanding moving forward. And I'll try not to judge you for your interest in boys.

As Scarlett was about to congratulate her friends for reconciling, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught her attention. She peered through the cracks in her stall and saw customers entering the room. Realizing they were there to use the facilities, Scarlett instinctively uncrossed and recrossed her legs. The sound of one customer passing gas made her scrunch her nose in disgust. She even stuck her finger down her throat, feigning a gag.

Irritated that her privacy in the bathroom had been disrupted, Scarlett knew she needed to return to Tiffany and Ivy, who were likely worried about her prolonged absence. Gripping her cell phone, she unlocked the stall door and navigated through the group of middle schoolers, feeling their intense stares but dismissing them as unimportant.

Giving herself a quick once-over in the mirror, Scarlett scrunched her nose in disgust at the lingering foul odor. Relieved to see her dress remained unspoiled, she fluffed her curls, determined to leave the unpleasant bathroom behind.

Sauntering towards the door, Scarlett forced the group of girls to part, unconcerned about interrupting their conversation. Finally stepping out, she took a deep breath, glad to have escaped the situation.

Scarlett approached the table where Tiffany and Ivy were already seated, dropping her iPhone back down. She cleared her throat loudly, catching the girls' attention.

"You guys wouldn't believe what was happening in the ladies' bathroom," Scarlett chuckled softly, keeping her voice low so only Tiffany and Ivy could hear. She folded her arms across her chest. "Some lady started doing some kind of symphony with her farts. And some other customers in the bathroom actually pooped in a public bathroom."

As Tiffany and Ivy continued eating their ice cream sundaes, they wrinkled their noses in disgust. "Ewww!" they exclaimed in unison, clearly repulsed by Scarlett's story. "That must have smelled awful."

Scarlett nodded in agreement, sliding back into her seat. She then checked her wedges for any stains, relieved to find her shoes were spotless. "Her farting caused me to almost dry heave," she admitted.

Ivy brushed at her white Susana Monaco tube top, trying to remove some imaginary lint. She wore the top under a navy Smythe one-button blazer. "That's enough, Scar," she urged. "I don't want to dwell on that image for days. Let's get back to what we were discussing before Lett went to the bathroom."

Tiffany smiled affectionately at Scarlett, her eyes conveying a silent plea to move the conversation away from the topic of bodily fluids, which was making them both uncomfortable. "I believe I was talking about Audrina Adare. Ivy, why don't you pick up where we left off?"

"Ah yes, Audrina Adare," Ivy said, dipping her pinky into her mango ice cream sundae and licking it clean. "Since we're sharing information, Tiffany, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Ali McGraw now."

Scarlett ran her delicate fingers through her curls. "Alright," she nodded, anticipating the juicy details about this girl called Ali that Tiffany and Ivy were about to share.

"One of my reliable school spies told me how Ali walked around the same block three times," Tiffany sighed, straightening her metallic-gold Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman floral embroidered midi dress. She then licked some cookies and cream ice cream off her plastic spoon. "She was stalking her crush at his house, but his mother caught her coming around the block the fourth time and called the police. One of the officers ended up arresting Ali."

"Yes, Scar, I was there when Tiffany got these details," Ivy chuckled, clearing her throat. She then straightened her blazer's lapels. "Ali was taken to the police station and charged with felony stalking. Her parents had to work hard to get her out. Tiffany's spy also said Ali was served with a restraining order, warning her to stay several feet away from the boy, or risk being rearrested."

Scarlett shook her head in disbelief. "No way," she said. She couldn't believe Ali McGraw had been arrested for something so minor. Scarlett knew the stalking would have caused the boy to completely change his life, so no one would get close to her. "I can't believe she was so stupid to think people wouldn't notice the same person walking around the same block."

Ivy's face lit up with a dazzling smile. "Yeah, Lett," she said, nodding in understanding. "I was dumbfounded that Tiff's spy managed to uncover some damning information about Ali. Especially since I couldn't find anything."

Tiffany leaned back and beamed. "At first I was astonished they had the time to dig through public court documents," she said. "But then I realized they probably just hired a private investigator to do that for them."

Scarlett rolled back her shoulders and absently toyed with her bracelet. "I'm guessing they were tired of digging through useless information for you, Tiff," she sighed. "I don't like sitting around for long, so it's nice when someone else does the work."

"Well, yeah, obviously," Tiffany nodded, pushing her half-eaten vanilla bean sundae away. Feeling full, she knew her appetite had faded. "Actually, I want to tell Scar about Sydney Knight right now."

Ivy raised a perfectly waxed jet-black eyebrow at Tiffany. "Oh, Tiff, you texted me that you saw her doing something weird at school, right?"

Scarlett rested her elbow on the table and said. "I wasn't expecting Tiffany to speak about Sydney."

Tiffany leaned forward and rested her moisturized elbows on the table. She then looked directly at Scarlett. "I didn't know that," she said. "But I was walking through the second-floor hallway of our school after the first day ended. As I turned the corner, I saw Sydney wiggling her hips in front of her cell phone. Before she noticed me, I found a hiding spot and watched as she did one of those silly TikTok challenges where people stole things from school. Without her seeing, I recorded her stealing an expensive microscope from the lab and immediately sent the video to Ivy."

Ivy shifted in her seat, her taupe Steve Madden suede ankle boots scuffing the black-and-white-checkered floor of the ice cream shop. "Um, Scar, I was astonished when I received that text from Tiff," she said, placing her knitted fingers in her lap. "I was watching this video, and I couldn't stop laughing because the person in it didn't realize someone was filming them. Then, Tiff texted me right after sending the video, saying she was going to use it to blackmail Sydney."

Scarlett pushed aside her partially consumed cookies and cream sundae, noticing the mischievous expressions on Ivy and Tiffany's faces. "Oh Tiff," she said cheerfully, "could you please describe the look on Sydney's face when you showed her the video?"

"Well, Scar, her face completely turned pale white when I showed the video to her," Tiffany giggled, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Sydney was completely afraid that I would use it to blackmail her or something."

Ivy shot Scarlett a dazzling smile. "But Tiff decided to recruit her into her spying ring," she added happily, pleased that Tiffany had convinced Sydney to do her bidding. "So, Sydney will be Tiff's eyes and ears for any new information."

"Maybe I should use that technique for my next spy recruit," Scarlett suggested. Glancing at her iPhone, she saw it was almost 7:30 pm. Remembering Scoops closed at 8 and her 9 pm curfew, she quickly texted her driver Ivan: Ivan, come pick me up now. Scarlett then turned her attention back to Ivy and Tiffany. "But the person would probably laugh in my face before I had no choice but to blackmail them into working for me."

Ivy brushed some lint off her light-wash 7 for All Mankind jeans and said. "Oh Scar, they'll eventually realize they're under your control until you release them for their excellent service to you."

Tiffany nodded, sensing Ivy was voicing her thoughts to Scarlett. "Yeah, Scar," she said casually.

Tiffany nodded as she realized Scoops was closing. "I understand," she said. "Does anyone know the time?"

Ivy glanced at her iPhone, which lay face-down on the table. "It's 7:50 PM, Tiff, " she said with a broad smile. "Why do you ask?" she said with a broad smile.

Tiffany inspected her dress, relieved to find no stains from melted ice cream. "Lindsey texted me earlier," she explained. "She said she's going to FaceTime us at 10 PM."

"Sounds like she has something important to discuss," Scarlett commented, her interest piqued. She peered out the ice cream shop's window, but Ivan had not yet arrived. Turning her attention back to the girls, Scarlett waited patiently.

Tiffany peeked from the corner of her eye, noticing that only customers remained inside Scoops. "Lindsey was pretty vague about the topic of discussion," she added, having run through the countless possibilities of what Lindsey wanted to discuss with them.

Ivy reassured her fellow Queen of Information, affectionately rubbing Tiffany's left hand. "Uh, Tiff, you shouldn't be worried. I'm pretty sure Lindsey just wants to talk to you about the upcoming social club meeting."

Scarlett inspected her bare nails, remembering she had used nail polish remover. Picking up the sound of a car horn, she looked out the glass windows again, observing that Ivan still hadn't arrived. "Oh, I remember Lindsey is the president of the social club," she interrupted sharply, realizing they were no longer discussing their classmates. "Is there a way for me to join the club as well?"

Ivy grinned at Scarlett and squared her shoulders. "Oh, Scar, you're already a member of the club," she said warmly. "We voted you in last Thursday night before school started the next day."

Tiffany giggled softly and leaned back in her seat. "It was a unanimous vote among us," she added, delighted that their successor had joined the same club.

Just as Scarlett was about to respond, the sound of a car horn made her glance out the ice cream shop's window. There, she saw Ivan pulling the Bentley up to the curb. Turning her attention back to Ivy and Tiffany, Scarlett prepared to continue the conversation.

Scarlett stood up from her seat, tossing her iPhone into her clear Aphrodite shoulder bag. "My driver is here to pick me up, Tiffany and Ivy," she informed them. "I'll probably text you guys later."

Tiffany and Ivy chuckled in unison, grinning at Scarlett. "Okay, Scar. We're leaving soon since Scoops is closing."

Without a word, Scarlett exchanged a knowing look with Tiffany and Ivy, silently communicating that she was leaving. Slinging her designer handbag over her shoulder, she headed for the ice cream shop's exit and stepped outside.

At the car, Scarlett opened the rear door and climbed into the plush leather backseat of the Bentley. She settled into the center seat, abandoning her purse on the adjacent cushion. Closing the door behind her, Scarlett remained silent as Ivan drove the car away from the curb.

Closing her eyes, Scarlett made a mental note to text her friends later. When she opened them, the brilliant moonlight dominated the sky through the front windshield. Turning her gaze to the tinted rear window, Scarlett sat back and watched the scenery pass by for the rest of the journey.

---

The Stein Estate

Kitchen

9:57 P.M.

Sunday, September 8th

Madeleine sat down on the banquette bench in the breakfast nook, Coco nestled in her left arm. She dropped her Pomeranian onto her lap, unlocked her iPhone, and pressed it to her right ear. Hoping her hairstylist Maxwell was still at his salon, she asked Siri to call him. After five rings, Maxwell finally picked up on the other end.

Madeleine leaned back in her chair and warmly greeted her hairstylist. "Hello, Maxwell."

Maxwell's voice rang out excitedly, "Madeleine! It's been ages since I've heard from you, one of my longest-standing clients."

Madeleine bit her lower lip, deep in thought, as she gently scratched behind Coco's ears. "Well, Maxwell, I've been quite busy over the last two weeks," she replied to her hairstylist's question. "My hair is starting to get oily and dirty, so I need to make an appointment as soon as possible. What time slot works best for you?"

"Madeleine, I have an opening on September 20th at 2:30 in the afternoon," Maxwell responded, his voice slightly muffled by background noise as he moved something around. "Does that work for you?"

"Yes, Maxwell, that's perfect," Madeleine said, crossing her right arm over her chest. "I don't have school that day, so I'll see you then."

"Wonderful, I look forward to it," Maxwell said enthusiastically before ending the call.

Thinking about her easy appointment with her usual hairstylist, Madeleine dropped her iPhone facedown on the nook's table. She straightened her white Aqua eyelet smock dress over her slender legs and rose gracefully from the bench, dropping her puppy Coco on the floor. Heading to the fridge, Madeleine's bare, pedicured feet were trailed by her puppy.

She grabbed a chilled bottle of orange-flavored Vitamin Water from inside and shut the fridge door. Opening the Vitamin Water, Madeleine took several sips of the cold drink before closing the bottle. She abandoned it in the left front pocket of her dress, then snatched her cell phone from the nook's table and shoved it into the right front pocket. Remembering that her parents had already retired to their room, Madeleine decided she needed to talk to them. She realized she had spent less than an hour and a half with them all week.

Sensing her Pomeranian following behind her, Madeleine hurried from the kitchen to the winding staircase. She raced up the stairs and rushed toward her parents' bedroom door. Before knocking, Madeleine pressed her ear against the door, wondering what was happening inside.

The sound of muffled voices made her recoil in disgust, recalling the secret phrase her parents used before retiring for the night. Turning away, Madeleine scooped up her puppy Coco, and headed to her room, sighing contentedly as she admired her recent redecorating efforts.

The walls of her entire room were covered in a purple, white, and grey color scheme. Three walls were painted in a deep purple hue, while the wall behind her grey upholstered, diamond-tufted headboard was adorned with white silk wallpaper. Her bed was outfitted with plush, three-thousand-count microfiber sheets in a matching purple shade. A modern, white linen king-size duvet lay across the king-size mattress. Four memory foam pillows were covered in pillowcases that coordinated with the duvet. In front of the cooling pillows, grey faux-fur throw pillows were neatly arranged.

A long, full-length mirror with a grey-painted frame stood between her walk-in closet and private bathroom. On the same wall, a medium-sized, modern white vanity held her neatly organized Lucille Brand makeup bags and bottles of Michael Kors perfume.

Beyond her sleek, white closet doors lay her massive, two-story walk-in closet, filled with the latest designer clothes, shoes, accessories, and handbags. Three plush, purple wing chairs and a modern white coffee table were arranged in the center of the spacious closet.

On both of her solid white wood nightstands, grey table lamps flanked a single intercom speaker, her silver iPad Pro, and a wireless Apple charging case holding her fully charged AirPods. Hanging from one corner of the bedroom was her 75-inch flat-screen smart TV.

Several white floating shelves crammed with academic and junior tennis league trophies hung above her custom-made mannequin. Eight grey bookshelves around the room overflowed with fashion magazines, textbooks, and novels. Dominating the space was a modern, joyful mood painting from emerging artist Sakara Tsai, which hung over her bed.

In the center of the room, a grey vase filled with purple bellflowers sat on her modern white coffee table. Behind it, a purple diamond-tufted linen sofa and grey linen wing chairs covered in white faux-fur throw pillows flanked the table, with matching side tables on either side. A small, modern white chandelier cast a soft glow over the space.

Automated grey-and-white-striped curtains hung from rods, blocking any view into the room. The gleaming grey wood floor was covered in large white shag rugs. Through a set of modern doors lay her private bathroom, where simple skincare products lined the quartz countertop of her solid white vanity. An oversized walk-in shower with multiple nozzles dominated the opposite end.

In her bathroom, a couple of purple, white, and grey robes hung from silver wall hooks. Next to the shower stood a freestanding acrylic soaking tub, facing a flat-screen TV. A solid white modern side table next to the tub held Egyptian cotton towels. Her modern white desk sat adjacent to the bathroom. On the desk, a MacBook Air laptop sat beside a grey pen holder filled with purple and white faux-fur pom-pom pens. A neatly stacked pile of school spiral notebooks occupied the opposite corner, and a white picture frame in the other corner displayed a photo of Madeleine and her parents. Behind the desk, a white corkboard was covered with outdated party invitations and pictures of Madeleine and her friend Scarlett.

Madeleine took a deep breath and collapsed backward onto her bed, crossing her ankles as she sighed deeply. Thinking about the conversation she had overheard in her parent's room, she decided her friends needed to know what was happening in her personal life.

Stretching to her nightstand, Madeleine grabbed her iPhone, pulled her wireless charging case closer, and plucked out her AirPods, shoving them in her ears. She then asked Siri to call Scarlett, sensing her friend had picked up on the other end.

Scarlett greeted Madeleine warmly, "Hey, Mads. How have you been doing since you got home?"

Madeleine stared at her bedroom ceiling and smiled brightly. "Been good, Scar," she replied, her tone suggesting she was excited to hear from her friend. "I'm getting Kay."

"Okay, Maddie," Scarlett responded calmly.

Before Madeleine could add Kayla to the call, she glanced down to see Coco lying on her dress-clad legs. She then instructed Siri to conference Kayla in. After a few rings, Kayla answered the call.

Kayla answered the call, greeting Madeleine. "Hi, Maddy."

"Hi, Kay," Madeleine responded, tapping her nails against the Kate Spade phone case.

"Hey, Lett," Scarlett said, her tone casual.

Kayla sounded elated to hear from Scarlett. "Hey, Scar."

Madeleine noticed that Ingrid had hung her dry cleaning in the open closet. She immediately knew her maid had put the clean clothes back where they belonged. "I'm putting Kenzie on the phone," she said.

"Okay, Maddie," Scarlett and Kayla responded in unison.

Without a word, Madeleine let out a heavy sigh and promptly added Mackenzie to the group call. As she waited, the phone rang five times before Mackenzie answered.

"Hello, Mads," Mackenzie said, her voice immediately filling the line.

Sitting upright on the edge of her bed, Madeleine crossed her slender legs. "Hey, Kenzie," she replied happily.

"Hi, Mack!" Kayla chimed in excitedly, eager to speak with her friend.

"Hey, Manzie," Scarlett beamed, wondering if the others were as thrilled to reconnect as she was.

"Hi, girlies," Mackenzie grinned, her tone warm and welcoming.

Madeleine glanced around her room and noticed the curtains were still open. "I'll get Addie now," she announced loudly. Reaching over to her nightstand, she grabbed a small white remote and pressed the "Curtains" button with her manicured right thumb. As the curtains closed automatically, she tossed the remote back onto the nightstand and gazed up at her bedroom ceiling.

Kayla interrupted the group's conference call to inform her friends. "Addie is currently online shopping. She's already called me three times asking if I need anything from the Shopbop website."

"What did you tell her?" Scarlett and Mackenzie eagerly inquired together.

"I already shopped early on the website this afternoon," Kayla explained. She assumed Audrey had not yet consulted Mackenzie and Scarlett for their opinions on her purchases.

Without further comment to the other girls, Madeleine promptly added Audrey to the conference call and waited for her friend to answer on the other end.

"What's up, Maddie?" Audrey asked nervously after answering the late-night call from Madeleine.

Madeleine hesitated, unsure how to share what she had witnessed. "Nothing much," she said tersely. "Except that I overheard my parents...being intimate."

Audrey, Kayla, Mackenzie, and Scarlett responded in unison, their voices tinged with curiosity. "What happened, Maddie?"

Madeleine took a deep breath. "I was downstairs in the kitchen with Coco, and I thought I should discuss making a dinner reservation with my parents. So I went upstairs, but before going in, I heard...sounds coming from their room." She paused, grimacing. "I could hear them kissing. It was really uncomfortable, so I just turned around and left without them knowing I was there."

"Maddie, you have to remember that your parents are human too," Scarlett told Madeleine, surprised that her friend didn't understand her parents' reluctance to show public displays of affection in front of her. "They have desires and needs just like you."

"I would have dry-heaved on the spot," Kayla said casually, unafraid of her parents' reaction. "I wouldn't have cared if they heard me."

"Mads, it's okay for your parents to show some PDA in front of you," Mackenzie replied.

"Maddy, I think you should calm down and allow your parents to express their love openly without judging them," Audrey muttered.

Madeleine paused and reconsidered her words. "Fine!" she huffed, acknowledging that her friends were right about what they had been telling her. "Anyway, I called to let everyone know we have plans for tomorrow. We're grabbing lunch at Phoenix, then pampering ourselves for two hours at Pure Bliss Spa, and the boys are expecting us to hang out with them afterward."

"Okay, Maddie," Kayla nodded. "I can't wait to spend more time with James."

"Same," Mackenzie agreed.

"Count me in," Audrey chimed.

"Sounds wonderful, beauties," Scarlett grinned.

"Whatever," Madeleine mumbled, pacing back and forth across her bedroom floor.

"Good night, everyone!" Scarlett said, stifling a yawn.

"I'm heading to bed now," Mackenzie and Kayla replied in unison. "We'll see you tomorrow."

Audrey spoke up tiredly, sounding a bit reluctant to end the call. "Bye, girlies!"

Madeleine silently ended the conference call, tossing her phone onto the bed. She took a deep breath, surveying her freshly vacuumed room. Feeling the tension in her shoulders, she decided to treat herself to a warm, relaxing bubble bath.

Madeleine grabbed her iPhone from the bed and hurried into the bedroom. She quickly made her way to the tub and turned on the single-polished nickel faucet. Hot water rapidly filled the tub as steam began to rise. Peeling off her dress, Madeleine folded her clothing and placed it on the closed toilet lid.

Reaching under the vanity, she retrieved a bottle of lavender-scented Philosophy bubble bath. Madeleine poured a small amount into the filling tub, watching as white suds formed. Closing the bottle, she dropped it beside the tub and sat down on the edge.

Madeleine set aside her cell phone on the nearby table and turned her gaze to the bathroom windows, noting the automated curtains that covered them. Moments later, she dipped her pedicured right toe into the soapy water, pleased to find it in a comfortable warmth. Stepping into the tub, Madeleine reclined, resting the back of her slender neck against the rim.

Sighing deeply, she sank deeper into the water, slipping into a meditative state. Suddenly, Madeleine's iPhone chirped, jolting her from her tranquil reverie. Wiping her wet hands on the plush, purple Egyptian cotton hand towel resting on the tub's edge, she carefully retrieved her phone from the side table and brought it closer to her face. Unlocking the device, Madeleine saw a text from her crush and began to read it.

Lachlan: Have you skied before?

Despite finding Lachlan's question strange, Madeleine's curiosity was piqued, deciding to respond to his text.

Madeleine: Yeah, my family visited our Aspen home a few times during winter break.

Lachlan: That's great! My family and I visit our Aspen home for an annual ski trip each year. I'd be pleased if we happened to cross paths during your visit.

Momentarily distracted, Madeleine lifted her sudsy left leg from the water, breaking her relaxed state. She then squealed excitedly and quickly typed her response.

Madeleine: Absolutely, I'm in! I can't wait for our parents' trip to Aspen next December

Lachlan: I'd still like you girls to come to Scott's house tomorrow at 5 PM.

Sinking lower into the sudsy bath, Madeleine leaned in close to avoid dropping her cell phone into the tub.

Madeleine: I'm excited to spend time with the group, but I'd also like for us to find a moment to have a meaningful, one-on-one discussion away from the others.

Lachlan: Madeleine, don't worry. I'll make sure to carve out some one-on-one time for us during our group outing.

Madeleine placed her iPhone back on the side table, smiling to herself. She didn't need to respond to Lachlan's message right away. Madeleine was delighted that Lachlan had suggested they hang out together in Colorado - it would be the perfect opportunity to talk more. Excitedly, she made a mental note to invite her friends along as well. Madeleine felt the universe was rewarding her relaxation in the freestanding tub, and she had to admit this was the most blissful she'd felt in a while.

Thirty minutes later, Madeleine noticed the water had gone cold. Using her pedicured toes, she switched the bathtub's trip lever, and the water drained away. Standing up, Madeleine slipped on her long, heather-grey Polo Ralph Lauren terry robe, tying it securely around herself. Glancing over her right shoulder, she exited the tub, ready to continue her nighttime routine.

Madeleine noticed the water level dropping as she moved to the vanity. Turning on the faucet, she brushed her teeth, then shut it off. Glancing at the mirror, she twisted her damp curls into a messy bun.

Just as Madeleine was about to leave the bathroom, she grabbed her cell phone from the side table and slipped it into her robe's pocket. Closing the bathroom door behind her, she opened the closet. Clapping her hands, the closet lights turned on, and she saw that Ingrid had neatly folded all the piles of clothing.

Madeleine's maid had hung her clothes back in the closet. Letting her robe slide off her shoulders, Madeleine felt the cool air against her damp skin as she picked out a white Stripe & Stare cami and high-rise brief set from the closet drawers. Slipping into her sleepwear, Madeleine clapped her hands to turn off the wardrobe lights.

Stepping outside, she glanced at the clock - it was 11 PM. Madeleine shut the closet, then crawled under her duvet. Clapping to turn off the bedroom lights, she slipped on her sleep mask and drifted off. Only 17 more hours until she met up with friends and the boys.

---

A/N:

Here's chapter eight for you.

Enjoy,

FashionLeMode