A/N: Hey guys, sorry for not updating for so long! I've been extremely busy with my writing job and my oneshots book.

Btw, if you're a fan of Naruto then I highly recommend you to check out my oneshots book! And if you've got requests, feel free to give me a message 😊

Okay anyways, back to the chapter!

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I stopped myself from slapping a hand on my forehead, mentally cursing to myself about the incredulous doltish behavior of the students in this oh-so-prestigious school. Strangely enough, Rosewood High is filled with a bunch of weirdos from left and right. As my first impression, everyone was just outright nerds and plain, boring geeks. But I guess this school is more normal than I thought, which vexed me up.

And people say that Rosewood is ranked first in the top private schools of Spokane.

What a huge load of crap.

People wouldn't lie about the ranking if Rosewood was just like any other ordinary public school in America.

Oh, right. Now why was I whining a bunch of nonsense complaints for no reason?

Well you see, it started out like this.

Meredith was scolding me about my bad habit of being a heavy sleeper as we were on our way to English class. As much as I hate to admit it, I felt bad for my roommate for being such a burden to her. It almost seemed like she was my babysitter with the way she immediately chides my vacuousness and imprudent attitude.

As I was in a state of denial by sputtering unreasonable excuses (with Meredith giving me an unimpressed look), the scenery at the locker area made our conversation cut short. It was as if the main cast of Mean Girls were conducting a shoot as they sauntered along the hallway like a boss. The girl in the middle probably rehearsed her walk for  countless times as she sauntered in a catwalk style, her black high heels creating a clink-clunk sound. I had to look away from their ridiculously bright pinkish outfits.

Well if isn't Regina George.

Everyone halted their ministrations at their lockers to gawk at the diva trio, except that guys seemed to react more strongly at their appearance as they regarded the triad with a lecherous look. I scoffed at their open lasciviousness.

Perverts.

Levi's crazy fan club already proved to be a huge nuisance and yet another inconvenience has come, probably because fate wants to mess up my life even more than the way it has been.

Upon realizing that the wannabe Mean Girls were walking closer to my spot, I minded my own business, pretending to fix my things in the locker. But just like that, luck seemed to be not on my side today as I heard a locker beside me opening. I tried not to choke on my saliva as I witnessed the leader of the diva girls rummaged through her locker casually, occasionally greeting a passerby with a high-pitched girly tone of "Hey girl!" or "Oh, isn't that Forever 21's newest outfit? It suits you!"

I must've been scowling at her the whole time because she finally caught my stare, momentarily responding with a surprised look. Upon sensing my antagonistic vibe, her expression changed into a suspicious one.

"Uh, excuse me? Is there something on my face?" I tried not to flinch in disgust at her cutesy voice. It's pretty obvious that she's attempting to sound girly in the worst possible manner.

I slammed my locker shut, purposely surprising her. Leaning against it sideways casually, I flashed her a fake smile.

"Nice to meet you too, Regina George."

Her mouth hung open in disbelief, as if no one had ever gave her that nickname in her whole life.

Wow, I guess people were too blind to see it then.

She turned to her friends, her long blonde hair slapping against my face in the process and I fought the urge to yank it hard in annoyance.

"Did you hear that girls? She's says that I look like Regina George!" She said, letting out a dramatic gasp for added effect, which her friends copied as they looked like they've seen a ghost.

I hear Meredith scoff beside me, and I immediately knew that both of us dislike the weird trio.

One of her friends regarded me with a glare, flipping her wavy chestnut hair behind her shoulder.

"Are you a student here in Rosewood? Because you sure don't like one." She remarked sarcastically.

I kept my composure, raising an eyebrow in a challenging manner. "And why do you think so?"

The other blonde diva walked up to me, invading my personal space bubble as she went straight up to my face and I fought to urge to cover my nose upon smelling the strong floral perfume in her scent.

"Because you look like garbage with that absurd outfit, duh! Like, are you about to attend someone's funeral or something?" She mocked, eyeing my black hoodie and ripped jeans in disgust.

I faked a laugh, though it probably sounded like I was high on drugs because Meredith shot me a weird look.

"Says the one whose perfume smells like shit." I shot back scornfully.

She recoiled, placing a hand on her chest while staring at me in shock.

"Excuse me? My dad bought this highly expensive perfume for me which is from Victoria's Secret!" She exclaimed exasperatedly, doing air quotes to emphasize its brand.

I rolled my eyes, obviously disinterested. "Like I care about her secret. Oh I know, how about asking her about the secret of producing such a stinky perfume?" I jeered, smirking triumphantly upon witnessing dumbfounded looks on the trio's faces. Suddenly, I felt a tug on my arm.

"Let's just go. We shouldn't waste our time here." Came Meredith's monotone voice as she dragged me to the opposite direction, catching me off guard.

"Woah, wait a minute--"

"We're far from done yet, you redhead emo!" The leader of the group sounded provoked as her screams reached across the hallway, enough to catch the attention of some passerbys as confused glances and snickers were sent to my direction.

Glancing over my shoulder, I gritted my teeth as I spotted their devilish smiles.

"Glad we're on the same page, barbie wannabe." I mocked, sticking a tongue out at her childishly which surprisingly, did an effect on them. A frustrated groan came from her lips before walking off briskly, the other two shooting me a glare before following after their leader like typical loyal sheeps to their shepherds.

"You need to practice some self-resistance with that smart mouth of yours." Meredith's voice made me tore my attention away from the trio.

I scoffed, "Not as long as those manipulative bitches are around. It's what you call self-defense." I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Quit acting smart when you're not." She remarked nonchalantly. "It's obvious that those girls just arrived, but they're practically famous around the school."

"Probably went on a vacation like Levi did." I conjectured.

She raised an eyebrow, "I doubt it, they aren't even family-related."

"Well, they sure look like one because of the way they dress up."

"Enough with the sarcasm. We'll most likely find out sooner or later." Meredith said, pushing up her glasses to her nose as we made it to our first class.

* * * * *

Instead of having a basketball match like last time, Coach Rogers made us do some passing and dribbling drills. After several rounds of doing the same routine, he finally blew the whistle for our ten minute break. Currently, Meredith and I were seated on a bench, with some of the girls in our class.

Aliyah took a sip of her bottled water. "So, you were asking about the Hustlin' Honeys?" She inquired.

I grimaced, "That's their squad name? Sounds like they're a bunch of gamblers or something." I commented.

"Believe me when I say I've thought of the same thing too when I was in middle school."

Reina caught on my quizzical glance immediately. "You see, there was an issue regarding their group when we were in eighth grade." She began, heightening Meredith and I's curiosity.

Meredith lifted a hand in front of her. "Before that, at least tell us their names. It's annoying how Ash addresses them as the diva trio or barbie wannabes." Aliyah and Reina stifled a laugh while my cheeks flushed.

"The leader of Hustlin' Honeys or HH is Kendra Miller. She's been the captain of the cheerleaders since middle school and I bet she'll still become one this year. Compared to the other two, she's the most manipulative one. The moment she gets you wrapped around her finger, humiliation in front of the whole school will be the outcome." Aliyah said, a distant look crossing over her features. Despite being puzzled, I chose not to question about it.

"What does she do exactly?" Meredith's question made me turn to her with a glare, wordlessly telling her that she's crossed beyond the line. Responding with a stern glance, she added, "You gave us a warning, but you'll have to be specific about what you're telling us."

Aliyah sighed in defeat. "You've got a point there. After all, you two are the newbies around here so you deserve to know. Kendra has a habit of tricking others by playing as the nice girl, but in the end, she back stabs you so that she can get what she wants. She's a cold-hearted manipulator who thrives on her social status."

"She's quite the ambitious one who will use anything and everything for her to stay popular." Reina added.

"Now that's just a potential villain in a story we're talking about here." I said sarcastically.

"That's downright tyrannical. Doesn't she ever get punished by the school of her behavior?" Meredith inquired.

"Sadly, the principal can't just punish her because she's the daughter of the mayor of Spokane." My eyes became the size of dinner plates.

"Say what now?! So now I know where her dictatorial behavior comes from." I growled, crossing my arms. And for once, I was glad of taking Social Studies seriously in seventh grade.

Meredith kept her composure. "Nicholas Miller is really one of a kind. He's not the type to preserve equality most especially in council meetings. It's him who make the decisions, rather than putting the opinions of others first."

Aliyah nodded. "He's anything but an upright man, using his power and superiority as an advantage to get what he wants."

"So your point is that Kendra threatens the school staff using her father's power so she can get away with anything easily." Meredith summarized.

"You said it." She replied with a sigh.

"The brunette is Audrey Anderson, the gossip girl among the group." Reina spoke up. "She's the one who spreads tons of bad rumors around the school.  Most of the time, it's one of the reasons why being cheated in relationships is the main issue."

Meredith's eyes narrowed sharply. "She's the one who creates the misunderstandings, right?"

Reina smiled, "You're pretty sharp, you got it."

I scoffed, pulling my legs close to my chest. "Someone loves to sniff their nose on somebody else's business. She must be bored out of her mind and decided to screw with other people's lives."

"It almost seemed like she was lurking around in every corner, waiting for the perfect time to strike. She's got keen ears so she's able to eavesdrop in conversations." Aliyah said.

"Audrey is a loyal sidekick to Kendra because they have a similar goal, to maintain, their current social status." Reina said in a matter-of-fact tone as she blew on her jet black bangs with a grim expression.

Judging from the antipathetic vibe those two were pulling off, it's easy to tell that something abominable and traumatic occured in the past. I recalled the encounter with the Hustlin' Honeys which transpired not too long ago. At first glance, their queerly dimwitted behavior may be perceived as someone simply foolish, but after receiving information from Aliyah and Reina, everything began to make sense.

The Hustlin' Honeys were fully aware that Meredith and I were transferees, thus allows them to gain the upper hand. We were both clueless. It's like walking right up to a mouse trap, and who knows what those girls have up on their sleeves.

I was naive, if only I had kept my big fat mouth shut, we wouldn't get played by Kendra's so-called manipulating game. But I guess trouble's just way too attracted to me to leave me in peace.

"Now as for the last member, her name's Madison Smith. If you look her up in social media, she's quite famous because of the umpteen subscribers she gained in only a span of two months." Aliyah said, secretly fishing out her phone from her pocket while shooting glances at Coach Rogers who seemed busy chatting with another P.E. from the other side of the court. She scrolled on her phone for a while before showing us the screen. Leaning closer, my eyes widened.

"S-Seven million subscribers?!" I exclaimed, dumbfounded. Madison's profile picture on YouTube was obviously a portrait of herself in a sideway view, wearing a pink chiffon dress, her curly blonde hair cascading down to her shoulders as she wore an elegant smile. Her videos were solely a bunch of make up tutorials with different styles such as bridal, evening, and prom make up.

Reina crossed her arms, staring at the screen begrudgingly. "Just because her mom owns a cosmetics company, people prefer to watch her channel over mine. They said in the comment section that I look hideous in make up."

I frowned, "I'm sure they just need to get their eyes checked. Don't let them get to you." I said, giving her a light punch on the shoulder.

Reina offered a smile, "That's very nice of you, Ash."

Compared to Madison's Western features, Reina's looks proved to be more Asian, especially with her long black hair and porcelain skin, not to mention that her last name is Chang.

Meredith and I often hang out with Aliyah and Reina every P. E. class and in some other classes ever since the basketball match between blue and black team. Reina absolutely loved being a YouTuber as she's very much fond of cosmetics and wanted to use her talent for a good cause. Unfortunately, after publishing a few make-up tutorial videos, she gets bashed by other users, commenting about her not-so-fluent english accent and how her make-up style is not exactly intriguing.

"Because of her rising popularity, social media is her trump card to win against anything." Aliyah pointed out.

As usual, Meredith caught on immediately as she fixed her glasses. "She secretly records all the juicy rumors here in Rosewood, doesn't she? And then she posts them on YouTube."

Aliyah grinned in satisfaction, slipping her phone back inside her pocket. "Another point for you, Gabehart."

I groaned in annoyance, "Man. No wonder the Hustlin' Honeys are not just to mess around with. They're quite the solid group."

Reina nodded, "So now that you know what these girls are capable of, let us tell you what really happened back then in middle school."

* * * * *

Lunch rolled by faster than I thought as the bell chimed loudly. Currently, Meredith and I were lounging at the main campus, gazing up at the clear, blue sky out of boredom. With the peaceful atmosphere surrounding us, I allowed myself to recall the conversation with Aliyah and Reina.

Despite being aware of my rebellious personality, committing a crime isn't exactly what I would venture for. Moreover, it will basically compromise my morals and beliefs as an individual. Sure, some intend to perceive such a deed as something cool and sassy. But in reality, it ruins your virtuous image as it slowly turns into something ugly and unpleasant to look at. So when the Hustlin' Honeys were caught red-handed of shoplifting, it was hard not to express my incredulity.

Aliyah explained about Kendra's behavior of not just having ruthless and manipulative character but is also known as pretty spoiled and petty, especially of clothes. I wondered why instead of stealing luxuries, they wouldn't just purchase them as the Hustlin' Honeys came from their wealthy families, but I never knew the answer would be simple; their parents didn't follow their wishes.

What a bunch of spoiled brats.

Luckily, the trio didn't get arrested after the police gave them a brief interrogation, which put my anxiety on ease. Although, due to the fact that they still stole at a clothes store, a punishment was still given to them; to pay the fine of $250 as the charge for misdemeanor shoplifting. With shame and humiliation washing over the Miller, Smith, and Anderson families, the Hustlin' Honeys were home schooled up until freshman year as the news spread like wildfire around Rosewood High. Then after the main topic about them finally diminished, the Hustlin' Honeys created the grand entrance, with students regarding them with adoration as if nothing happened.

I had no idea that was even possible.

But I guess with the high social status on their side, they can easily get away with anything.

I followed Meredith to the locker area afterwards to retrieve our textbooks. What I didn't know was that going there would be a huge mistake. Apparently, the scene caused attraction amongst students as they gathered around, seemingly interested. Once we successfully squeezed through the crowd, I was shell-shocked.

In the middle of the crowd was Levi with a certain expression I've never thought I would see him make; uneasiness. His lips were pursed into a thin line, his eyes darting around frantically with his hands raised in front of him in defense. What surprised me even more was that he seemed to be chatting with a certain blonde girl. Kendra. I tried not to cringe at the puppy eyes she's making with her hands clasped together.

"Aw, I was gone for a long time and you didn't even give me a hug! You know, I missed you Lev-Lev!" She said in her usual cutesy voice. My eye twitched.

Lev-Lev?

For the first time, I felt sorry for the blonde soccer jock as he scratched the back of his neck, his ears beet red. The poor guy must've felt embarrassed with all the attention on them.

He sighed in defeat, refusing to meet Kendra's sparkling green eyes. "Yeah, it's good to see you too Kendra." He said in a dull tone.

Unpleased with his response, she pouted. "Don't you use to call me Kendie when we were kids? I prefer you calling me that." She said, faking a hurt expression. My curiosity aroused.

Are they childhood friends?

Levi looked like he was ready to drill a large hole into the floor and escape from there. "Can we please not talk about that?" He pleaded through gritted teeth, glancing at the crowd around them.

Kendra let out a high-pitched chuckle, though it sounded forced. "There's nothing to feel embarrassed about, Lev-Lev. After all, our reunion should be heartwarming right?"

Levi was starting to grow stressed around the situation as he ran his fingers through his hair exasperatedly. He looked like he wanted to release his berserk side, but he didn't want to risk ruining his charismatic image around the girls.

Taking a deep breath, I was about to step forward and act as the hero when a tug on my arm stopped me abruptly.

"What do you think you're doing? Don't you already get how dangerous she is?" Meredith whisper-shouted, pulling me back.

Unfazed by her comment, I swatted my arm from her grip. "I know, but that doesn't matter now. What's important is that Levi needs help."

She looked at me skeptically. "I thought you hated his guts?"

I flashed an amused smile. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean I'll turn my back on him like some good friend I am." I said, sarcasm, dripping from my tone.

Satisfied by Meredith's stupefied expression, I made my way to the blonde duo, a smirk present on my face.

"Hey Regina George," I called out sassily. Immediately their heads jerked towards me. Kendra was shocked at first before a cunning smile replaced it. Levi on the other hand, gawked at me like a blowfish.

"A-Ash?!" He exclaimed dumbfoundedly, though he looked relieved at my interference.

"Tsk, tsk, Ash Rockwell," Kendra began in a mocking tone, her girlish persona drastically changing into a devilish one. "I was sure that you'd know better than to mess with me. Hmm, but I guess you're more stupid than I thought."

Remaining unvexed, I narrowed my eyes at her dangerously. I'm not about to give her the pleasure of getting a reaction out of me. She raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Well, well, well. Not backing down without a fight, are we? For a newbie in Rosewood, you sure are a fierce one, I'll give you that." She admitted, though she kept up her sly smile as she flipped her blonde hair.

I decided to make a comeback. "For someone who has a high reputation, you sure are confident and act all high and mighty. I wonder if you could keep smirking like some badass bitch you are once your current social status diminishes, huh?" I taunted with a smug look. Some faint 'oohs' and 'get burned!' comments resounded in the background, giving me confidence.

Levi couldn't hold back a chuckle as he flashed me a Cheshire grin. I feel like I was watching an entertaining movie as the corners of Kendra's lips twitched noticeably as if struggling to maintain her composure. With murderous glint in her eyes, she cleared her throat, silencing the crowd.

"Must be nice to have a smart mouth like yours, Rockwell. But let me tell you something." She began, taking a step closer towards me, brazen-faced.

Raising an eyebrow in a challenging manner, I didn't back down from her intense gaze. "Oh, yeah? Spill the beans then. I'm sure it's nothing I should be scared of. With that petite figure of yours, I doubt there's nothing better you can do than to engage in a cat fight." I sneered.

Levi's grin broadened, crossing his arms like a proud father. Kendra faked a smile, but her eyes screamed malice and hatred.

"I assure you that it's nothing like that." She said in an all innocent-like tone as she began circling around me in a slow pace, like a predator pondering on how to capture its prey.

The sound of her footsteps halted behind me and I could picture her piercing gaze with the dangerous aura she emits.

"You have no idea," I nearly jumped out of my skin when she suddenly went up close to my ear. "How much you'll regret it the moment you mess with the queen bee of this school." She said venomously and before I knew it, the bell had rang for the next class, not giving me time to process her words.

"Savor your blissful time while it lasts. You'll never know what will happen, Rockwell." She jeered with a mocking smile. With that, she whipped around, walking off like a model on a fashion show.

The crowd slowly dispersed, gossiping with each other about the recent events that occured as they walked off to their respective classes. Levi, who was grinning idiotically to me the whole time which I find creepy, walked up to me. I raised a hand before he could open his mouth.

"Don't even try to coax me with your lame sugar coated words, Jackson. That ain't gonna flatter me, you know that." I deadpanned.

Levi's signature grin didn't leave his features as he shook his head. "You know I always meant it from the bottom of my heart whenever I compliment you, mute girl. You're just trying to play hard-to-get like always even though you saved my ass."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I did totally saved your narcissistic ass but doesn't mean that I'll get soft towards you. I'm just trying to do the right thing." I defended sternly.

"Sure you do." He responded in a sing-song tone which swelled my irritation.

"Instead of having a lover's quarrel out here, can we go to class already? I can't get a note of tardiness, not on my student record." Meredith butted in bitterly, her glare switching between Levi and I.

I glared at her, "Say that to my face again and I'll never let you in the dorm again."

"Try me. You never lock the door anyway." She shot back, keeping her calm.

I clicked my tongue, fully aware of my loss in our argument. Levi seemed entertained by our conversation as his gaze shift back and forth from Meredith to me as if he were observing a tennis match.

Even at this moment, I couldn't help but recall Kendra's last words. Right now, I have no idea what she's capable of. Therefore, I'll be like a deer in the headlights if I don't keep a heads up on what's in store for me.

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Word count: 4,258