“How could one lone decision bring so much tragedy? I guess if you are willing to destroy one life, you must also be willing to accept the collateral damage.”

A Book on Life, by Alison Trendale

The brightness of the sun streaming into her room through her window brought her out of her sleep. She turned over, opened her eyes and screamed as someone was staring back at her. She retreated hastily away and her back hit her bedroom wall. “Megan!” Alison shrieked. “What are you doing?” She said breathlessly. “Chilax Ali.” Said her younger sister in far to bubbly a manor for this early in the morning in Alison's opinion. “Don't you remember?” Alison was just starting to pull herself together. “What...?” She stammered. “Its...” Megan jumped up from where she had been crouching with her bag on her shoulder and her hat and new shirt and shorts and swim suit on, her outfit and hair done up in a very Anna from Frozen motif. “It's Pool Party Day!” Her sister said with a huge smile on her face. Alison wanted to respond with a less than kind retort but as she looked at her sister she had to admit to herself it had been a long time since she had seen such a large smile on her face. She smiled slightly and nodded. “So it is. Your outfit looks great, you did a great job picking it out yesterday.” Megan practically beamed. “It's nowhere as awesome as the one you put together Ali.”

Alison's smile increased somewhat. Her sister had learned quickly how to play the game, but she still needed to learn how to control her exuberance. Her sudden, emotional outbursts could be a detriment to her once Alison moves on to Highschool and she becomes Queen next year. Lottie would be Megan's biggest problem once she is Queen just like Mandy had been hers in the beginning. When Alison first joined Keri's table Mandy seemed like the obvious Heir apparent and Tiffany would be her second, and it seemed that Mandy would most likely pick Lottie to succeed her as Queen. But Alison had unhinged all those plans by trumping Mandy's play for Queen, and elevating her sister to the spot of Heir apparent. This had pushed Lottie out of the running for Queen, and with Megan came her best friend Brittney who was the same stature as Lottie and because Brit's dad was the richest man in Black Canyon and had bought the Cheer team all new uniforms, Alison had to push Lottie to the back pyramids and put Brittney on the front and center one. This had been another blow to Lottie. Alison had seen the resentment on her face when Lottie realized Britney had replaced her in the center pyramid. Alison knew that look, knew what it meant. She needed to try to smooth the road between her and Lottie, so that resentment toward her didn't build up and cause problems for Megan next year. She had already taken some steps. She had asked Lottie to plan and organize the pool party. It was a table tradition to have an end of the summer pool party for those at the table. So it put a lot of pressure on the one planning it, but also held the potential to gain them a lot of credit if they pulled it off well.

Lottie had been genuinely surprised and happy when Alison had asked her to do it, and even more so when Alison said her seat would be next to Tiffany which moved her up across from Britney and so gave her a larger standing at the table. Lottie had gone to Tiffany and Mandy for advice and from what Alison could tell, it looked like this year's party would be a very good one.

It was a Frozen theme and so Alison of course was going with an Elsa flair about her, as she was the Ice Queen, or so she had become labeled by the other's at the table. She didn't take it as an insult though as she had to admit she fit the bill. They hadn't said it as a dig either, just as a plain acknowledgement of the truth. It had started with Tiffany. She was the keeper of the record for the Table. Each Queen had a moniker next to her name in the record. Keri's had been “A Terrible Beauty”, Tiffany had labeled Alison the Ice Queen. Alison had had to be as cold as Ice these past few months, and she knew that would have to continue if she was going to hold the table together in the year to come, what with the reported changes that Jennifer was going to present to her on the first day of school. Megan had gone the Anna route with her theme which fit perfectly, as The Ice Queen's sister.

She ran her hand through her hair and then rubbed her eyes gently. More to gather her thoughts then any real need to. “Pool Party here we come.” She said with a smile. Megan returned it and bounced up and down a little. “What time is it?” Alison asked. Megan held up her iphone. “6:30!” She said excitedly. Alison groaned inwardly. The numbers 6:30 am burning into her eyes. She sighed and then pulled herself out of bed and began to get ready for this big day. At breakfast she looked at Megan. “Did Lottie remember that one special invitation that I requested?” Megan nodded but when she looked at Alison her face betrayed concern. “ He's coming Ali, Lottie let me know he RSVP’d. Ali...are you sure about this? About this cinderella story? I mean, Mandy and Tiffany already told you that you could count on them. With them backing you the rest of the table will follow. You don't need Billy Poke anymore to bolster your support at the table. He’s...He's got something wrong with him. I saw him barking at a kid for no reason at all once. I'm...I'm not sure he is safe. Do you still want to go through with this?” Alison had had to explain the same thing to Mandy and Tiffany when they had asked her the same question. “It's no longer about bolstering suport for me at the table, I know I have their loyalty locked now, but I need to have something to bring to Jennifer and her court when they come to visit us on the first day of school. From what I've gathered they are bent toward helping others and doing good deeds, and she will make a lot of suggestions to us along those lines. Megan, Julie, Jim’s Sister, is taking over as Queen next year and she is totally behind the changes that Amber and Jennifer have begun. If you are going to survive next year as Queen I need to lay a foundation with them where they believe that we are beginning to follow them. Taking on this Cinderella story project with Billy Poke is the best way to begin laying that foundation. Keri and her crew really gave him a rough time and so I'm going to paint it as if we are doing this as a way to make amends for all the wrong Keri did. I'm going to present us as those who are going to seek to undo all the hurt Keri caused. She was disgraced as punishment for betraying Mandy's trust. I'm going to build on that, making us the table that will right all of Keri's wrongs. Our old ways will continue however, but they will need to be hidden, especially from Jennifer.”

Megan nodded. “I think I'm beginning to see what you mean.” She said taking a bite of her toast. When she was done chewing she smiled a sly smile. “Brit sent me a picture of her cousin Beau last night when she and her brother picked him up at the Airport.” She pulled out her phone pulled up the text and looked at her phone. “He's pretty cuuuuteee.” She said rolling her eyes in a dreamy swooning gesture. Alison took Megan's phone and looked at the picture. Beau really was the epitome of the california surfer dude, and she had to admit, he was cute. He'd make the perfect prince for her this year. She let out a sigh of relief. For the first time since Keri moved her chair up equal to Mandy's she actually felt like she was secure, like she was finally and safely Queen. She looked up at Megan and smiled. “It's time I got ready for this big day. I'll be down in about an hour, I have a lot of work to do on this mess.” She said holding up a stand of her hair. She pushed out her chair, took her plate to the sink and and then went upstairs to transform herself into the Ice Queen. An hour later she had just finished sticking a few more fake ice crystals to her cheek. She turned this way and that, making sure that everything looked perfect. As she turned her head to her right something sparkled off of the light coming from her window. It came out of her Jewelry cabinet. She had left the door partially open when she had grabbed the circlet she had placed on her head. Dangling from one of the hooks was a small silver cross attached to a necklace. An unexpected tear leaked from her eye. “No, no, no...Not after I finally got everything perfect.” She reached to close the door, but instead her hand reached in and took the cross. As she stared at it more tears came. She knew they would mess up a lot of what she had just spent an hour doing but she couldn't help it. She had given the music box that Nanna had given her to the Captian's Cove, but she couldn't part with this necklace. Nanna had given it to her after she celebrated her First Communion. She had given Alianna one just like it for the same occasion. She told them that these necklaces were over 60 years old. Nanna and her sister Margret had been given them when they had their First Communion and she wanted her two girls to have them on theirs. Margarett had passed away before Alison had met Alianna, but Alianna remembered her from when she was little. She had been a Nun. So Nana had given Ali her sister's necklace, but Nanna's necklace had gone to Alison. The music box and this necklace had been something Nana had given to Alison because she had thought of Alison as her own. Alison bent over and cried harder than she could ever remember crying before. It was like she was standing before Nana's casket again, only this time she didn't have Ali to hold on to. They had kept each other sane that day, the day of Nana's funeral. Alison had worn that cross that day, and oh how she had mourned. It took a year for either one of them to smile for more than a few seconds. She gasped for air as the pain coursed through her. Pain of what she had done to Ali. “I'm so sorry Nana!” she wailed. She buried her head in her hands and cried and cried and cried. She could feel the cool metal of the cross pressed against her cheek. Eventually that touch, that feeling began to shut down the floodgates of her grief and guilt. “Ali....” She whispered. “Oh Ali please be okay...Please don't make me stand at your caskete... all alone. I can't undo this path i've started down, and I know you'll never forgive me, I don't deserve it anyways, but please be alive, please be okay.” She whispered. After a few more minutes as she tried to calm down she finally looked up at herself and almost screamed. Her hair was all out of place and her makeup and fake ice crystals were everywhere except where they should be. “Oh no....” She cried out. She sighed heavily. “Back to step 1.” She said mournfully as she grabbed two new towels and headed to the bathroom to take another shower. When she finally made it downstairs Megan looked at her with concern. “Where were you? You were up there for two hours, the party starts in an hour and a half, and we still need to pack the gifts for everyone.” Alison looked at her sister and then looked down. “I'm sorry Meg, I had a makeup malfunction, I had to start back at square 1.” Megan looked at her dubiously. “Okay, but why were you crying so hard? I was about to text Mom when you stopped.” Megan was looking intently at her searching for any hint of what had happened. Then Alison saw her eyes lock on the silver cross she wore around her neck and Alison saw a deep anger flash in her sister's eyes. “Oh, nevermind.” Said Megan with ice in her voice as she got up from the table. “I'm going to pack the gifts, don't worry, I can handle it.” She said with a huff and then turned and quickly left the room. “Why would Nana's necklace make her act like that?” She took the cross in her hand and looked down at it. “She always loved it when Ali and I would take her to see Nana. She would cry almost every time we would leave.” Alison thought on it for a minute but finding no answer she went into the other room where they had staged the gifts. Megan was sitting there wrapping the little gift bags they had gotten for each guest. Their Mom had given them five hundred dollars just for the gift bags. They had never had a lot of money, their mom worked two jobs to support them, but somehow ever since Alison had become Queen her mom seemed to have extra money. Her mom would say she was picking up an extra shift here and there, but with work and cheer now she didn’t know where she was getting it from.

Alison sat down across from Megan and picked up a bag and began to fill it from the pre-sorted bins of items. Megan stopped, her hands seemed to be gripping her gift bag just a bit too hard and shaking just a little. A little concern found its way into the file that Alison kept in her head for her sister, she kept one for everyone she met, but her sister's was the one she always felt was the safest for her, that of anyone in the world she could rely on, it was Megan, but this anger seemed to be directed at her, and that worried Alison as she had named Megan her Heir to succeed her next year.

“Meg, what is it, what's wrong?” Megan looked at her and Alison saw hurt, pain, regret, and anger flash across her eyes before she was able to hide it all again and smile. “It's nothing Ali, really.” She said in the sweetest voice she could muster. Frustration began to grow in Alison at being stonewalled like this, with this added to the stress of all the pieces she was setting in her game of chess, she let too much of that frustration show. “Well, make sure it stays nothing.” She said a bit too icily. Megan definitely caught the tone and Alison saw something break through her mask, a bit of fear. Megan had caught the threat. “Ali, really, It's okay, I was just stressed about the time crunch and it's my first table pool party, and Lottie put me in charge of the gift bags. I...I want to lay some good groundwork for next year.” Alison took a deep breath and looked at her sister. She knew deep down there was something more, something hidden, but she also had no time to dig deeper right now, and Megan has been under a lot of stress. She had given Megan a boot camp in how to play the game. She grilled her and didn’t let up till she had every nuance memorized. “It's okay Meg, sorry, I just have a lot of plates spinning right now.” Megan nodded. She remembered the analogy Ali had given her of being Queen, it was like the side show act they saw at the carnival years ago where the man had five plates spinning on top of very thin poles and he had to keep going up to each one and keep it spinning.

They finished the gifts, took turns in the bathroom making sure they looked perfect and then their mom drove them over to Britney's house. Megan had been here so many times before so the size of Britney's house didn't phase her, but Ali's mouth dropped open, just a little. “It's...wow.” She thought. Britney came out to meet them. She had an Olof theme going on, sending the signal that she was Anna and Elsa's best friend. “Wow, you both look so amazing!” She gushed as she hugged them both. “You look great too Brit.” Megan said with a smile. Alison turned away from the house and looked at her mom. “Have a great time girls, I'll be back around 6pm.” “Sounds good mom, love you.” Said Alison. “Bye dears.” Said her mom as she rolled up the window. The pain and sadness burned inside her as Alison watched the car drive away, the 'I love you” she had thrown out there falling flat on the driveway. She was able to keep it below the surface though. She looked away from her mom's car and saw Brintey heading toward the back of the house, but Megan was looking at her. Understanding and compassion were swimming across her eyes. Megan had caught it. Alison got mad at herself for letting that slip. Megan just walked over to her and gave her a hug. Alison returned it, after a few seconds. “You're safe with me Ali.” Said Megan softly. Alison pulled away and smiled. “Thanks, that does mean a lot. Come on, let's go see what Lottie has brought in the way of decorations.” They picked up their stuff and Megan led the way around back.

When they stepped through the door in the large wooden fence that surrounded a large part of the back yard Alison almost dropped everything. The ground around the pool was covered in something that looked like snow. There were large floats in the pool that looked like large pieces of ice. There was a food bar that had been decorated to look like one of the houses in Arendell. There was a dias with a throne that looked just like Elsa's and one next to it that looked like Anna's. Everything looked authentic, even the servants were dressed appropriately. Lottie was there dressed as a lady of Arrendell. When she saw them she came cautiously up to them. “Welcome to Arendelle your majesty she said with a guarded smile. Brittney also looked a bit worried. Alison couldn't get through her head why they were so worried. In her wildest dreams she couldn't have come up with this, let alone afford it. “Britney…Lottie, it's nothing short of amazing. I can't even begin to tell you...wow.” Alison said as she turned to them with a smile. Britney and Lottie let out the breath they had been holding in. “I hope the cost wasn't too much?” Alison said. Britney shook her head. “Not at all. This didn't even scratch the surface of the budget my parents left for Trent and myself while they were in Europe. Trent had a big party at the beginning of the summer for some of his friends, but other then that we really haven't touched it much.” It then became crystal clear to Alison just how wealthy Britney was. She needed to make sure Megan stayed very good friends with her and to make sure Megan makes her Heir when she is queen, while at the same time keeping Britney close but not too close. This much wealth and status could ruin either her reign or Megan's.

Then the sliding door to the house opened and out stepped a boy who looked about her age. His theme was very prince like, but wasn't linked to any specific character. He had blond hair that he was brushing out of his eyes and a deep tan. Britney started hopping up and down and waving at him. “Beu, Beu, over here. You gotta meet my friends.” The boy looked at her and then Alison and Megan and smiled and raised his hand and closed his fist and then put out his thumb and pinkie and twisted his hand back and forth. Alison had seen surfer's use that symbol in movies. Beu looked like all the surfers in the movies she had seen rolled into one. He came over and stood next to Britney. “Hey, what's happenin? I'm Beu.” He gave them that same symbol with his hand again. Britney burst out before either could answer. “Beu, these are my good friends Alison and Megan. Alison is Queen of the Middle School and Megan is her sister, and she will be Queen next year.” Beu shot them each a smile and a nod of his head. “Nice! You are definitely Killin the Elsa thing your Majesty, and I definitely get the Anna vibe from you, your highness.” He said giving them both a very formal bow.

Alison liked him immediately. He had this cool confidence that she had only known Jim to have before he fell from his place. She detected intelligence there too, this wasn't just some vacuous surfer dude, but someone who had things going on between his ears. That could be very helpful, but also turn out very bad. Beu, however, was definitely off to a good start. “Thank you Beu, it's very nice to meet you. Britney has told us a few things about you but why don't you tell us the rest, we would definitely like to get to know you more. You're from California right?” Beu nodded. “Totally! Santa Barbra, at least that's where I left from. My parents have a house in Beverly Hills and in Santa Monica too.” Mentally, Alison's mouth dropped open. “He's Rich too. I could lose control of this real quick.” She took a deep breath in her mind and let it out. “I can do this, I have to. No matter what it takes.” “Very Nice. I've always wanted to see California.” Said Alison, her tone making it sound true, when it really wasn't. “Oh, yeah, it's bangin”. There is always a sweet wave or a gnarly skate park to be found.”

All four of them kept talking except to greet the others as they arrived. They introduced Beu to everyone, Mandy and Tiffany looked at Alison, but smiled toward Beu indicating their approval. It was the first time they had met Tiffany's brother. He turned out to be a bit hyper, but he made up for it with his wit and timing. He had everyone rolling on the floor. Especially when he got up later and did a stand up routine based on Frozen. Then Alison saw someone who seemed out of place. She looked closer and it was a girl with short brown hair that just had a small tail of hair extending past the rest in the back. She came with Steve Pennington who was dressed like a prince with dark hair. Alison searched her mind, Alianna and her had watched frozen at least a thousand times. And then it hit her, the one quick scene where Rupunzel makes a cameo appearance at the coronation of Queen Elsa. That's it, the girl was dressed as Rupunzel making her cameo. Cameo, then she recognized who it was and she smiled at the irony. It was Amy. “Excuse me for a moment.” Alison began to leave the group, but then stopped and looked at Mandy. “Come get me when he arrives.” Mandy nodded and then looked to where Alison was going, and after staring for a moment she smiled and shook her head. “Irony is always top on the cool chart.” Mandy said as Alison passed her. Alison smiled and nodded.

When Alison got to Steve and Amy she greeted Stephen who bowed with great flourish. 'Your Majesty.” “Good to see you Steve. Then she turned to look at Amy. Alison had worked her network as skillfully as she could to see if anyone from the High School table would come. She found out through the grapevine that Stephen and Amy had volunteered to come here to report back on what happened, most likely to get as many points with Jennifer as she could. Alison had learned from Tiffany that Jennifer had been one of the long-time players of the game, and very popular, but when Amber had come to the school two years ago, Jennifer began hanging out with her and after a few months Jennifer totally changed. She started dressing more appropriately and being genuinely nice to everyone just as Amber did. When Amber became Queen of the Highschool table last year, no one was surprised that Jennifer became her Heir. The same thing happened with Jim's sister Julie. She started hanging out with Jennifer and she eventually changed too. Now that change was being spread through the tables and Alison needed all the help she could get to stop it.

“Normally I'd be put out for someone's costume tieing mine for the cool factor at my pool party, but I have to give you cred Amy, that was a cool idea. Making a cameo at the party by going as the cameo in the movie.” Amy smiled a little. “You're definitely way cooler than my outfit Alison, It's just been a while since I was able to bring the cool that I needed to do something.” Alison smiled and nodded. “Well, you're definitely welcome here Amy, but why aren't you at the High School Pool Party? There are only a few more weekends before School starts, and I hadn't heard of them having one yet, and so I assumed it was today also.” Amy's face fell a little as she shook her head. Alison became aware that Amy had some information that she needed to know so she put her arm through Amy's. “Walk with me Amy, lets catch up.” Amy nodded and they both waved at Steve and then began walking around the pool and the massive fenced in backyard. “Amy, why aren't they having a party?” Amy looked up at her. “Jennifer axed the pool party this year and instead we went and bought some gifts for the kids in the cancer ward in the Hospital.” Alison stopped and looked at Amy, looking for any sign of a joke. Amy shook her head. “I'm not playing you Ali, that's what happened. I told you Jennifer is revamping a lot of things at the table. I mean...” She took a deep breath and smiled slightly at Alison. “It wasn't totally boring. Seeing some of those kids' faces light up when we brought them gifts did make me smile too. It looks like a lot of them are very sick and in a lot of pain, and so it felt good to make them smile, maybe take their minds off it for a while.” Alison smiled slightly and nodded. “I saw her also.” Amy said a bit hesitant. “She looks terrible.” Alison closed her eyes, she knew who Amy meant. “Is there anything they can do for her?” She said as she opened her eyes again. “I don't think so, I peaked at a clipboard at the nurses desk when no one was looking. They have Keri listed as on Hospice. That usually means they just keep you comfortable until you die.” Alison tried really hard but a lone tear leaked out of her eye. Amy saw it, but didn't comment; she just reached into her bag and pulled something out. She grabbed Alison's hand as they walked and Alison could feel the tissue in her hand as she passed it to her. Alison disguised the tissue in her hand and just had the very edge hooked on her finger, then she slowly dabbed where the tear was and then pulled out her phone and pulled up the camera to make sure none of her make-up smeared. “Thanks Amy, for all your support.” Amy nodded and smiled. “Anytime. You're our last hope to keep the game going Alison. It seems like Jennifer and Julie are working to dismantle it. Do you have a plan to keep it going?” Alison smiled and nodded. “I’m definitely open to hear what Jennifer has to say though.” She said putting as much genuineness into the statement as she could. They were heading back toward the fence and as they passed the gate Alison glanced left and saw three girls standing at the edge of the grass by the driveway. I need to greet these three. I’ll talk to you later Amy. She gave her a slight hug.” Amy caught the hint and just smiled and kept walking. The three turned and when they saw Alison coming towards them. They waved at her and began moving toward her.

“Lacy, Carmen, Whitney, I'm very glad that you could make it.” She said as they reached her. They all embraced slightly, giving air kisses on each other's cheeks. “We wouldn't miss it Alison, especially a party at the Shaffer’s.” Said Lacy, who stood before Alison as the other two took two steps back. “I'm so jealous that you got Britney to join your table. I tried really hard to get her to come to the public school this past May, you must have had a good in with her.” Alison smiled. “It was a close family relation.” Lacy smiled back nodding with respect. Alison hooked her arm through Lacy's and walked them toward the gate and then over to everyone. “Everyone, you probably know who this is, but for those who don't. This is Lacy Carmichale, she is the Middle School Queen this year at the public school, and this is Carmen Swan, her Heir, and Whitney Blake her Second.” Everyone made bows and waves and smiles as appropriate. “Carmen, Whitney, this is Megan and this is Mandy, my heir and second, they will get you whatever you need. Lacy, if you have a minute, I'd like to talk to you?” Megan and Mandy stepped up right away and took Carmen and Whitney by the arms respectively and smiled. The two girls looked at Lacy briefly and Lacy smiled and nodded. Then turned to Alison. “I always have a minute for you Alison.” Alison smiled and nodded and led her around the grounds along the same route she had walked with Amy. Lacy leaned in a little and talked softly. “Thank you so much for that thoughtful welcome gift you left me in the Captain's room, and also that note about what Keri left there, it was most helpful. So, what's the big secret Alison? Inviting us here? While not inappropriate it is highly irregular, especially since I didn't invite you to ours.” Alison leaned in and spoke softly back. “I know its irregular Lacy, but these are difficult times. The senor table at Saint Pious is trying to change the entire game at our school and I need help to stop it.” “Change, how, usually a HQ visit is a positive thing?” “ The High School Queens are trying to change the game as we know it, trying to undo it entirely. Adding more Service hours, dressing more appropriately, not having a pool party, not lying and backstabbing each other, or making fun of people, or trying to make the next cool trend our own.

The High School queen is coming to meet with me on the first day of School to let me know the changes they are making. By visiting she is going to force me to go along with it, or else face being barred from the table next year, for me, Mandy and Tiffany and any of the others, unless I go along with them. I'm going to have to follow their lead, at least for now, but I also need a way for us to keep the game going in secret. That is where I need your help.” Lacy turned her head and looked at her a bit wide eyed. “That is some heavy stuff Alison, how can I possibly help you with that?” Alison turned and looked back at her. “I know that you promised your table far more awesome parties than they had ever seen before, that that was the sales pitch that put you past Stephanie to become Queen. I know that's why you were trying so hard to bring Britney over to the public School, and that is where I can help you, and you can help me.” Lacy then gave her what she had been hoping for, a small glimmer of fear broke through her mask as Alison revealed what she knew about Lacy's situation. She seized on this advantage. “I need a venue for us to play the game and keep it going outside of our School, you need awesome places for awesome parties. Britney has said that we can use the lake house, the cabin and the river launch, and also her house. The “we” is your table and mine. We can all uses these facilities, Brittany's only request is that they be cleaned after they are used, and nothing Un-cool happen at any event held there.” She let the silence build for a moment. “So, Lacy, what do you say? Is this arrangement agreeable to you?” Lacy stared at her, her face unreadable. Lacy then took a deep breath and looked Alison right in the eye. “How can I say no Alison, you're handing me everything I need, and gaining what seems like almost nothing in return. We will have to work out some ground rules for intermixing the game between our two tables, but I'm sure that won't be a problem.” Alison began to smile at the positive answer when Lacy moved in closer.

“I saw you notice my fear Alison. I saw that smile inside your head widen when you told me what you knew of me and what got me here. Yes, Alison I'm afraid of you, everyone is. Mostly because of the fact that you actually carried out the punishment on Keri, but I'm even more afraid of you because I know what you did to beat Mandy. My sister was there Alison, at Julie’s sleepover two years ago. Mandy's hysterical crying woke her up. She stayed still and only parted her eyes slightly, but it was enough to see Keri consoling Mandy and Trudi kneeling behind Mandy with her phone out. Mandy's uncontrollable bladder could have ruined her that night, but for Keri's intervention. Mandy never knew about the video, but I know of it, and so I know that is what you threw in her face. That is what scares me Alison, you will use anything and everything to get what you want and you don't care who you destroy to get it. I know about your friend Alianna that you tossed to the fire to get into the table. I know of all these things Alison, and each story only deepens my fear. I'm not telling you this to give you something on me, I'm telling you this Alison because fear can carry you to greatness, everyone who is afraid of you will just get right out of your way and let you have just what you want, but it will all come crumbling down when you come across someone who doesn't fear you. You need something more Alison, you need a friend. You need someone who will have your back. Everyone is afraid of you Alison, but I don't think everyone likes you. You need a friend.”

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“Are you applying for the position?” Alison took everything that Lacy said in stride, not revealing anything, especially the fear that had crept into her heart as Lacy told her what she knew. Lacy gambled that the question wasn't a threat. “I'll take the position till I graduate or you find someone better.” Alison actually smiled at her response, knowing it was from a movie but she must not have seen it. “There is a coolness about you Lacy that is nice to be around, I don't think you would have needed the promise of better venues to become Queen, I think you would have made it without that.” Lacy paused for a moment, chewing on each word Alison had said and how she said it. She then smiled and looped her arm around Alison's again. “Thank you for that compliment Alison, and for placing your trust in me.” “Ali, Lacy, my friends call me Ali.” Alison said with a smile. Lacy smiled back.

Just then an old subaru with an apparent hole in the muffler pulled up the driveway. The brakes squealed as metal on metal brought the car to a stop. Lacy scrunched up her face and looked at Alison. “Who is that? Pizza delivery?” Alison took a deep breath and shook her head. “No, that is my most tricky gambit pulling up to the party. His name is Billy Poke.” Lacy looked at Alison in shock. “The same Billy Poke who kids at our table pick on? The one Keri had a field day with last year? Smells bad, unkempt, lives in a shack, that Billy Poke?” Alison looked at her and nodded. “Why?” Lacy said incredulously. She looked down as if thinking and then looked up. “A Cinderella story? But what possible gain would you get. That is usually only used when a Queen needs extra support, bringing someone in who will support her out of gratitude, but from what I hear you have a solid lock on your table. Why would you pull a Cinderella story, and why on him?” Lacy sounded worried. Alison could only assume she was rethinking her agreement to Alison's proposal. Alison put her hand on Lacy;s shoulder. “Lacy, its okay. The reason for doing this is that The High School Queen and her court are coming to our table on the first day of School. She is going to let us know of the changes they are enacting and with the expectation that we follow suit. I need something to offer her as a testimony of our willingness to follow. Keri was merciless toward him, and so I'm going to show Jennifer that we aren't following that path, that we are welcoming him among us and publicly apologizing to him to make up for everything Keri did. He is the cloak of my charade, at least until I get all the pieces in place that I need.” Lacy looked at her and took a breath, but nodded. “You definitely have more on your plate then I do Ali, but I'll help you where and when I can.” Alison smiled a genuine smile. “Thanks Lacy, It means more than you know.” They linked arms again and Alison walked Lacy toward the gate that leads toward the front of the house. Alison pulled up her phone and sent the text to Megan, Mandy, and Tiffany that she had pre-written. “Its time, I need you at the Gate.” She glanced over at where the others were and saw Megan, Tiffany and Mandy looking at their phones and then each other. Mandy nodded her head toward the gate and the other's nodded and followed her. They got there at the same time as Alison and Lacy. Alison looked at Mandy. “Is everyone ready? They all know what to do, correct?” Mandy nodded. “I went over everything with them while you were with Lacy. Bau's on board and Whitney and Carmen are on board too.” Alison nodded. She could hear someone walking up the path. She reached out and grabbed the handle and when it sounded like they were just on the other side of the gate she turned the handle and opened the gate. On the other side was a thin boy with scraggly red hair. Pimples ravaged his face and there definitely was an odor about him. Alison had warned everyone to do whatever they needed to to not make a face of any kind. Lacy kept her cool although Alison noticed a slight twitch under her left eye, but she was impressed that she was able to keep her cool on such short notice. Billy was dressed like one of the trolls from the movie. It looked like an old piece of styrofoam spray painted like a rock and some old ripped clothes. Alison knew his family was very poor, the only reason he was at St Piousat all is that he qualified for a scholarship that the school offered. Alison mentally steeled herself for what she needed to do next.

“Billy, we're all so glad you could make it today, and totally love the costume, we didn't have any of the trolls yet and so this totally completes the theme.” Alison sounded so genuine she even convinced herself for a moment. She must have been convincing because Billy began to relax just a bit as Alison spoke and everyone else nodded at just the right moments. Again Alison was impressed with Lacy's perfect timing considering she hadn't been prepared for this part of the day.

“You...you really wanted me here today?” Said Billy apprehensively as he looked at each person's hands and all around at the fence, and tree limbs looking for something. “He must be looking for cameras, for some sign of a trap.” Alison thought to herself as a hint of compassion ferreted its way into her heart. “Keri and the crew tricked him so many times, it is kinda his fault though for falling for it.” The last part pushed the compassion right back out of her heart. “Yes Billy we definitely did. I'm Alison Trendale, Billy, and I'm Queen of the Table this coming year.” Alison reached out and put her arm through Billy's and turned to the others. She felt his arm stiffen with fright, but she kept going. She turned and looked at the other's who still all had smiling faces. “ Billy this is Lacy Carmichael she is the Queen of the Table at Endless Mountain Middle School in town here. And this is Mandy Ferlan, and Tiffany Lockman. Mandy is my Second, and Tiffany is the Keeper of the record. And this is my sister Megan, she is my Heir and will be Queen next year.” As each person was named they smiled warmly at Billy and waved their hands at him in greeting, each saying some greeting like “Hi Billy”, or “So glad you could come Billy.” and such. Even Lacy greeted him warmly.

Billy turned to look at Alison and she could see the fear in his eyes. “Is this a joke? I mean, is someone recording this?” Alison shook her head slowly, letting the emotion show on her face like she had practiced it so much this week. “No Billy, this is absolutely the truth, and definitely not a trap. There are no cameras running right now. Billy, we all understand why you are concerned. When I became Queen I came to find out just how much harm Keri inflicted on not just people at the table, but kids throughout the rest of the school, of which you seemed to get the worst of. I made amends with the people she hurt at the table, but I also wanted to reach out to the other's in the school that she hurt and make amends with them too. You took the worst of her schemes Billy and so I wanted to reach out to you and ask for your forgiveness for anything that I did to you the past year.

It's not an excuse Billy, but as Keri was Queen we really didn't have a choice but to go along with her.” She let go of his arm and turned to face him. She knelt down on one knee and then on both and looked up at him flooding her eyes with remorse and emotion. “Billy from the bottom of my heart I want to ask your forgiveness for everything that the table did to you last year and everything that I personally did. It was wrong and inexcusable and I know you may not be able to forgive us right away, but I also want you to join us today and at the table this year so you can see who we really are now that we are out from under Keri's toxic attitude.” She had never seen anyone look so shocked before. His shock deepened as he glanced around at the other's and saw them all kneeling down looking at him, even Lacy knelt and wore a similar mask of sincerity. Each in turn then went around and apologized to Billy for the table's actions and their own, Lacy chimed in with an apology for not trying to stop Keri, even though her table heard about what was going on. That she wasn't Queen last year, but if she had been she would have tried to talk to Keri about what was going on. Then, right on queue. Stephen led the others over to where they were and each person knelt down and either apologized for what they did, or for not doing something to stop it, and Alison especially took note of Amy's reaction. Amy's mouth was open as she stared around at the other's apologizing. Amy had knelt down with the other's and had voluntarily and it sounded like a truly heartfelt apology to Billy. Alison cheered on the inside, Amy had bought the show which means it was a good chance Jennifer and Julie would too. Britney was the last to go. “Billy I'd like to personally welcome you to my house and let you know that you are welcome to hang out here any time you want to. I know I wasn't a part of the table last year Billy, but I did hear about what was going on and was too afraid to get involved, I'm very sorry for not helping you.” There were a few long moments of silence, then there was the sound of sniffling and crying. Alison looked at Billy and saw tears and shoulder's shaking. As she knew she would always have to, as Queen, she led the way. She wrapped her arms around Billy and hugged him. Within moments Megan and Mandy and Tiffany and the other's, including the guys, joined the large group hug. Her conscience tried to intrude on the moment, indicating to her that he really believed that there was truth to everything they said and he thought they really liked him, and the truth was, it was all a big facade. She had to put some effort into pushing her conscience down, but it wasn't a monumental effort.

When they all pulled away, Billy wiped at his eyes and looked around. “I really appreciate this, but I don't know how I'm going to be part of your table, I don't know how to be cool, and couldn't afford it even if I did.” Aliosn looked at him and smiled. “Don't worry Billy, we take care of our own. Stephen and Brad are going to help you with the cool and learning the game, and we've started a fund for you to help with clothes and anything else you need.” Billy started and blinked as if he still couldn't believe it. “Come on Billy, lets go have some fun.” She took his arm again and led him back to where the food was. When they got there Stephen Pennigton and Brad Wermer came up to him. “Come on Billy, we got a few tips on being cool that you can start doing right now.” They started walking toward the pool house. Billy looked at Alison with fear in his eyes again. “Its okay Billy, Steve and Brad are great guys and I totally trust them.” He seemed to relax a little and then turned and went with them. Alison was also glad that he didn’t seem to catch the more commanding tone she said the last statement in, practically throwing it at Brad and Steven. Steve raised his right hand and waved two fingers back at her, like a wave. That was him letting her know he had heard her.

Once they had all gone into the pool house Alison turned and looked at everyone. “Thank you everyone for making Billy feel so welcome to our table and for the openness and sincerity you showed in your apologies. What Keri had done to him was truly horrible, I could see the fear in his eyes as we brought him into our group and could tell he was so afraid it was some kind of setup. Keri hurt many at our table, but now we also know how much she hurt kids outside the table. Thank you for your willingness to reach out to Billy and help undo some of the wrongs Keri did last year.” Everyone smiled and nodded and said things like “Definitely” or “This is such a good thing Alison.” Bue had an unreadable look on his face but he was nodding with the others. Lacy also nodded and didn't reveal anything else, but Alison again was relieved that she kept up the act and didn't deviate, especially since Alison hadn't been able to prep her before she came.

Billy came back with the other two after about 20 min, and he looked like he had showered and cleaned up and he was walking a bit more confident. Everyone welcomed him back warmly. Alison spent an appropriate amount of time with him, keeping up a good show for Amy, but she also spent a good amount of time with Beu, getting to know him. Once she felt she had gone deep enough she brought up the invitation for him to join them at the table this year and to hold the position of Prince. He didn't seem confused at what she was asking as he shared that they had a similar set up at his former school. He said he thought she was definitely a Queen he could sit as Prince for. He shared that he really thought what she had done for this Billy kid was gnarly and he respected it.

As the afternoon went on she sat there on her chaise lounge chair. She was watching in her mind all the plates she had spinning, watching each one very closely for any indication that she might need to give it another spin to keep it on her pole. Lacy came over and sat down on the chaise that Alison had brought over for her. Lacy leaned in close and so Alison leaned in also. “That was a pretty intense moment earlier with Billy. You definitely hooked him Ali, I'm pretty sure he believes everything you all said to him, you can probably keep the facade with him going indefinitely, but he is going into seventh grade this year which means Megan will have to deal with him Next year. One of my sources thinks Billy might have a crush on Megan, that might be a lot for her to deal with as she becomes Queen after you. Have you thought about how to handle this whole thing for next year?” Alison did an internal double take when Lacy mentioned her source and what they knew and Alison began to wonder if they had a source in common because she had learned the same tid bit from someone. When she turned to Lacy to respond though, there was a dead iciness in her eyes. It was so devoid of feeling, compassion, or emotion that Lacy actually gasped slightly.

“Yes, Lacy, I have thought about this and I wouldn't worry about that, Billy won't give Megan any problems next year. I've worked up a way to have him become ineligible for his Scholarship to this school after this year, he won't be coming to St Pious next year and so Megan won't have to deal with him.” She said the icy stare she was giving Lacy seeped into her voice. Lacy let a little too much shock and even horror register on her face, but she quickly recovered. “Are you sure you still want to be my friend Lacy?” Alison said in the same cold voice. There was a long, pregnant moment of dead air, but Lacy slowly nodded her head. “Yes Ali, I do.” “Because I definitely don't want to be your enemy,” Lacy thought with a shudder. “Awesome!” and just like that the icy stare was gone and the calm, cool, Alison was back. The sudden shift made Lacy worry even more about what she had signed on for, but she didn't let anything show.

Megan stood by the bar drinking her cold cocoa, watching Alison talk with Lacy. She had watched her sister walk around the pool with ten different people all afternoon. She knew that Alison had a lot of plates to keep spinning and that each walk around the pool was itself a gift Alison was giving to those she walked with. It would give them some good starting cred for when school began, but she also felt the burning loneliness of not being one of them. She knew the reality, that by being Alison's Heir, she already had a mountain of cred, but that wasn't what she wanted, she would love just to have a few minutes alone with Ali, to talk like sister's and to know that Ali saw her. “Do you want to build a snowman?” Megan sang softly as a tear leaked out of her eye.

She felt more coming and knew she could not hold this onslaught back and so turned to head toward the sliding door that led into the house. Right before she reached it she felt an arm slip in and connect with her's. She looked next to her and saw Brittney standing next to her, her arm through her's. “Looked like you needed a friend.” she said. Megan turned to her and gave this weird look half smile half getting ready to ugly cry. Britney tightened her grip on Megan's arm and opened the door and then shut and locked it, and then led her over to the large sectional couch. She made sure to sit down on the part that couldn't be seen from the outside. She sat Megan down and the tears really began to fall. Britney put her arm around her and Megan laid her head on her shoulder. Britney just let her cry. She had seen something building in her friend over the past week, but wasn't sure what it was. She was pretty sure, whatever it was, it was coming out right now. After about 5 minutes the worst of the storm passed and Megan sat up and started dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “Wow, I'm so sorry Brit, I really didn't want this to be part of today. Really not cool of me.” She said her voice was heavy with emotion. “Meg, I'm totally here for you. I knew something was eating at you this week, but I didn't want to pry, I'm here now though if you want to talk about it?” Megan was about to open her mouth and spill everything when something Alison had told her about the game came back to her. “Be careful what you share with anyone, even your closest friend, because once it leaves your mind through your mouth, you can't ever keep it fully hidden again. Even your best friend today, may use it against you tomorrow.” She paused, unsure if she could trust Britney. Britany must have caught some hit of her conflict and placed her hand on Megan's shoulder. “It's okay Meg, I swear whatever it is will stay Ultra Top secret between both of us, forever. You're my best friend Meg, even if you weren't going to make me your heir next year, you'd still be my best friend, because you never wanted to see me just for my money, but you actually wanted to hang out with just me. I remember that time you bought the ice cream and insisted on it, no one’s ever done that for me before Meg, they always just let me pay.” Megan remembered that day. She stared at Britney trying to see into her mind, see if she really meant it, if she could really trust her. She heard her sister's voice in her head again. “You can't succeed in the game without trusting someone, sometimes. Trust is a commodity in the game, you have to spend it just as you spend money, just make sure you don't squander it. Once it's given you can't get it back.”

Megan took a deep breath and let it out. “It's just that Ali is my sister, but I feel like I never have any connection with her, or any real time with her.” Britney nodded, but then looked at Megan, a look that was far more serious than a normal 11 year old would give. “There is more than that Meg, that is definitely not ultra top secret worthy, and isn't what's bringing these tears on.” She said crossing her arms. Megan was about to protest, but the look Brittany gave her was like X-rays looking right into her. Another tear leaked out of Megan's eye and she began. “I've always been the Tag along with her and Alianna Oaksen. They met when they were five and been inseparable ever since. Before that Ali was always there for me, always taking care of me while our mom worked two jobs. Ali would make me food, and help me in every way. Then Alianna Oaksen happened. They met at that stupid park and all of a sudden Ali wasn't there for me all the time. She was so focused on her new friend. Then they formed that stupid A.L.I. Club and I couldn't be in it because my stupid name didn't start with A.L.I.” Brittany's stare became one of concern as she saw the anger rising in her friend, soon Megan was practically seething. “And then you know what Ali started calling Alianna? She started calling her her Sister. She has a sister, what did she need with another one? The Oaksen's family practically adopted Ali. They took me in too out of pity, but only because they loved Ali.” Megan's eyes flashed with anger as she went on. “The day Ali dumped that miserable wannabe sister was the second happiest day in my life, do you want to know what the happiest day in my life was Brit, do you?” Megan's voice was so calm right now her eyes so livid that Britney actually moved back away from her, but she also nodded her head, too afraid to say no. “The day they gave up the search for Alianna, that was the happiest day for me, because finally, after all these years, she was gone, gone for good, out of our lives forever.” Britney's heart began to hurt as the coldness, the wrongness of what her friend just said hit her. “So you wanna know what's eating me Brit? Every time I walk into Ali's room or see her, she is crying her eyes out because her dear friend, her sister, who she dumped more than a year ago to be at Keri's table, she still thinks of her, misses her, cries for her, loves her more then me!” Megan practically shouted the last part, then dissolved into burning, angry tears, pounding her fists on the couch. Britney stared at her, not sure what to do. She knew something deep had been eating at her friend, but was woefully unprepared for what just got dumped in her lap.

After a few moments she shook off her paralysis and wrapped her arms around Megan. She ran her hand along her hair trying to find the right soothing words for this. After fifteen minutes Megan looked up at Britney, pure terror on her face. “Oh Brit, I am so, so sorry. That was the worst totally uncool thing I could have done. I am so sorry for throwing all that up on you, you definitely did not deserve that...” Brittney put her hand over Megan's mouth. “Meg, it is definitely okay. I'm beyond honored that you were willing to open up to me like that. Like I said, this is completely Ultra top secret, and....well.” She paused and took a deep breath. She knew she was giving as much as Megan did with what she was about to say, even if it didn't come with all the emotion. Brittany's voice did choak up a little and a tear got past her defenses as she spoke. “I know what its like to desire to be connected with someone you love and to feel utterly alone even in their presence. I wish I could know my Mom and Dad half as well as their friends do. They are always talking to their friends and employee's on the phone or Zoom, or face time. Even when they aren't flying to some new resort around the world, and are actually home, they're not home. They see us, and tell us hello and goodbye, even a hug every once in awhile, but I have no idea who they are. I've been raised by opare's and nannies and servents. They are more my mother's then my mom ever was. The limo driver a stronger father figure then my dad. I want my parents Meg, and they are so far away they mine as well be on the moon.” She said with a whimper. She placed the back of her hand against her mouth and began to sniffle and her shoulders shook slightly. Megan reached out and held her friend. “I'm so sorry Brit, I didn't know. It always looked like your parents were around and cared. “ “I know, it's a great charade isn't it. No one knows except you.” Megan held out her pinkie. “Ultra top secret for both, pinkie swear.” Britney looked at her friend's finger and smiled. She nodded and wrapped her pinkie around Megan's.

They both smiled and then Megan looked over her shoulder. “we can't go back out there like this, we must look terrible.” Brittany looked at Megan, then at herself in her phone's camera and cringed. “Yeah, we're disgusting, let's go, I have one of my bedrooms around the corner, it's fully stocked with everything we need to get back in shape. Megan followed Brittany down the hall and into a massive room with a four post canopy bed and a huge walk-in closet and its own dressing room with vanity and items of makeup Megan had never heard of before.

A half hour later they both emerged looking even a little better then they had when they got to the pool party. When they got back to the room with the sliding door that led out to the pool, Alison was just sliding the door closed. “Oh good.” She said smiling as she saw Megan. “I was looking for you, and Mandy said she saw you both come in here.” She came over and placed her arm through Megan's. “Can I have a lil time with my sis Brit?” A large smile appeared on Brittany's face. “Totally, your Majesty.” Brittany said with a curtsy that looked like something out of a Royal “How to” book. Alison bowed and smiled. As she led Megan away she leaned in and whispered. “Where did she learn to do that?” Megan smiled and looked up at Alison. “She spent a year in England at the same school as Princess Beatrice. She got to meet the Queen, and had to learn how to curtsy in different ways for each Royal person she met.” Alison glanced back at Brittany who was staring at a picture frame and not even noticing them anymore.

“We definitely need to make sure we keep her on our good side, no matter what. “ Alison said. Megan nodded. Before they stepped through the door Alison leaned in and whispered to Megan. “I know I walked with everyone else before you, and that that may have come across as hurtful.” Megan gave a surprised look and hastily shook her head and said. “No no, Ali, I definitely understood with all that you needed to take care of and...” Alison placed her finger on her sister's mouth and made the shushing face with her lips. “I know it hurt you Meg, and I'm sorry. I put everyone else before you because I wanted our walk together to be the last one of the day. I learned this in a communications/ leadership class I took online this summer to help me prepare for being Queen. It said that if you are having a multiple number of speakers at a convention, save the speaker you want people most to remember till the last. It's because people will remember the “Last” of any group of multiples over the others that came before. And, so, I wanted our walk to be last, so that people would remember it the most on the first day of School. That they would remember that you were the last one to walk with me today, and that when I announce you formally as my Heir when we complete our walk, they will remember that I walked closely with you around the pool, and that I have definitely chosen you for next year's Queen.” Megan's mouth dropped open and a few tears left her eyes. “Oh Ali, I...I don't know what to say...” Alison smiled. “Say yes when I ask you to be my Heir.” She said with a twinkle in her eye. Megan smiled and held her sister's arm closer to her.

And so that was how they emerged. As the door shut everyone stopped talking and turned to look at who had come out. Everyone stared at them as they began to walk slowly around the pool, heads together, whispering and laughing together. Some had smiles, others looks of jealousy, and still other's looked concerned. Worried that their walk with Alison had not been as awesome as the one Megan was getting.

Alison talked to her of good times they had both shared together, funny moments of just them from their childhood. She also told Megan how much she trusted her, and relied on her, especially in the year ahead. She gushed to Megan over how awesome a job she had done with putting the gift bags together and how everyone loved them. Megan felt like she was floating. She had never received such accolade from anyone, let alone Alison. Their walk was over too soon, but Megan felt no sadness. She was riding too high on all the love Alison had just given her.

When they got back to the bar area everyone had gathered together and waited for them. Alsion stopped in front of everyone and looked at each face in turn. She then stood up straighter than she had been and in a voice full of confidence in her position and what she was saying. “To our fellow table mates and good friends, we wish to present to you the one whom we have selected to follow us as Queen of the table next year.

We hope that you will honor this request when this current school year ends. I present to you Megan Ann Trendale, our sister, and our Heir.” Everyone cheered and clapped and Alison steeped back and also clapped with a large smile on her face. In that moment Megan was the center of attention, all the laud and pomp of the moment was hers and it had been her sister who gave it to her. It was the happiest moment in her life so far.

When everything died down, Alison stepped forward again and looked around. “At this time we would like to now officially present our court to you for the upcoming year.” She placed her arm through Megan's. “Our Heir, Megan Trendale.” She motioned to Mandy who smiled and moved to stand on Alison's other side. “Mandy Ferllon, our Second.” She then motioned to Tiffany. “Tiffany Lockman, our Keeper of the Record.” Tiffany smiled. Her smile was less than the others, but then again Alison had never seen her with any bigger of a smile and so she assumed that this was the extent of what she allowed to slip through her tight, emotional filter. Tiffany came and stood next to Mandy. Alison then motioned to Beu. “Our Prince for this year is a new addition to our school and to our table, but he is definitely the perfect one for the position. I would like to introduce to you Beau Brace.” Beau smiled and moved over to stand next to Megan. Alison looked at each of her court and smiled at each in turn. Everyone cheered and clapped and smiled. So the pool party ended and was a complete success. Amy would report back to Jennifer on how they had welcomed and loved Billy. Lacy would report back to her table what they could expect from the joint parties, and Alison had cemented Megan as her heir and there was no opposition.

For the next day, social media was awash with pictures and videos from that party, it was the talk of all the schools in the area. The day after that saw Alison become the envy of every Queen in that part of the state and she was reveling in it, and so was Megan. She had never felt closer to Alison before and she felt like maybe, everything would be okay between them from now on.

Then that night, two days after the pool party something happened that shattered all the joy she had gained. A news report flashed across the local social media. “Two teenagers from Black Canyon found alive and safe after four months of being missing.” Ten minutes later Megan heard a sports car pull up out front. It was Trent's, Brittany's brother's car, she knew the sound of that engine, it had a unique high pitch whine in it. He had driven Megan and Brittny in it many times. Megan's world fell apart as she heard Alison's door fly open and she saw her sister run past her door pulling a hoodie over her head, then moments later the front door open and the storm door shut. Trent’s mustang sped away, tearing Megan's heart out as it went. She knew where Ali was going. She was going to the Hospital to see her best friend, her Sister. The doorbell rang a few moments later and when Megan finally stumbled to the door and opened it, on the other side was Brittany. Brittany opened the door just in time to catch her friend who collapsed sobbing into her arms.”

Alison sat in the passenger side of the mustang, legs pulled up to her chest and arms wrapped around her knees. Trent didn't say anything too her and for that she was grateful. All her cool had fallen apart when she saw that Alianna was alive and here. She had no idea what she would do when she got to the hospital, but she didn't care. She had to see her. She wouldn't talk to her, but she just had to see her, see that she really was alive. When she got there she pulled her hood over her head and pulled it down as low as she could. She thanked Trent and asked if he would wait for her. He nodded affirmatively. She made it inside just as Alianna was walking through the doors that led into the ER treatment rooms. There was one moment where she looked back behind her and Alison saw her face, and she knew she saw her too. She pulled the hood down further and bolted out the doors. It was enough, she had seen her, seen her alive. It was about all she could handle right now. She got back in the car and Trent asked her where she wanted to go. She knew she needed a friend, but not one too close to her school. She texted Lacy. Lacy responded that she could definitely stop over. That night she sat out on Lacy's back deck with her and she told her far more than she probably should have, but Lacy just listened and even gave her a hug at one tough point. Alison followed Lacy's advice from the pool party about finding a confidant, ironically it had become Lacy herself, and poured her heart out to her. At the end Alison looked scared and Lacy saw it and Alison knew she saw it. Lacy promised to keep everything Ultra top secret, that this was a safe place for Alison. She looked at Lacy's face for a long time, trying to discern if she was telling the truth.