All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Frenemies: Fabotage 2012 by Alloy Entertainment and Alexa Young All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Alloy Entertainment. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), write to permission@alloyentertainment.com. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

Produced by Alloy Entertainment 151 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001 www.alloyentertainment.com First edition November 2012 Design by Liz Dresner ISBN 978-1-939106-05-6 (Nook) ISBN 978-1-939106-06-3 (Kindle) ISBN 978-1-939106-07-0 (iPad) ISBN 978-1-939106-08-7 (Kobo) ISBN 978-1-939106-09-4 (OverDrive)

For my mom, a fabulous friend and warrior among women

DONT GET DRESSED WITHOUT US!

Hollywood Confidential
posted by the_style_snarks: sunday, november 16, at 3:13 p.m.

Hello, fabulistas! Were just heading back to La Jolla after yet another star-studded Hollywood party. What can we say? When you get a style-911 call from your new BFF (thats Best Frankie Forever, as in Francesca Geraci, as in F.G. of MTVs The Cliffs, as in the next big designer of urban couture!) and the limos waiting, you dont exactly have a choice, right? Were still pinching ourselves to make sure it wasnt all some crazy dreamor nightmare, in the case of certain sightings. Translation: Welcome to the first (and probably not last!) installment of The Style Snarks, Celebrity Edition: Not-So-Bella Forget Team Edward and Team Jacob; Kristen Stewart was on Team BARNEY when we spotted her at a Bev Hills Starbucks wearing this purple-and-green polka-dotted jumpsuit. Sing it, kids: With a great big ugh and a dis from us to you, we cant say we love KStew. Paris, Trance AGHHH! Flashbacks! Flashbacks! New millennium to Hilton: Its time to check out of the Eighties Motel. The gold sequined headband is bad enough without the fried-white hair and acid-wash minidress. If you must, try picking one trend from that decadenot all ten years worth. PoshKat . . . in the Hat Seriously, Victoria and Katie, its kind of hard to decide whos wearing it best when youre both looking your worst.

Uh-huh. We said all that. Look out, Perez . . . were ready to steal your spotlight. (JK!) And BTW, nobody rocks plaid polyester like you! See you at the next soiree. Cant wait! Word to your closet, Shop on,

COMMENTS (202) OMG! I cant believe you saw all these celebs! Id say youve got the makings of a FABLOID right here, snarkies. Keep it up! xoxoxoxoxo posted by luv2gossip on 11/16 at 3:32 p.m. You guys are SO INSANELY KOOL! I kannot wait 2 hear more abt ur hollyweird adventures. <3 posted by kre8ivekween on 11/16 at 3:57 p.m. Wow. Are you sure your heads are going to fit through the SMS classroom doors now that youre such star-stalking EGOMANIACS? I said it before and Ill say it again: Stay in L.A. with all the other phonies. PLEASE!!!! posted by rockgirrl on 11/16 at 4:04 p.m. So. Loving. YOU! I am totally trembling in my plaid polyester and cannot wait to hang w/ you snarkettes again. And that KStew/Barney song? LOL! SNAP! :) posted by mizz_perez on 11/16 at 4:11 p.m. Youve hit a new low with this one. Arent there enough gossip rags already? Oh! But if anyone wants to engage in a real discourse about the mental disorders that drive people to crave fame and fortune, click here for the new SMS Daily psych column, Excess Hollywood.

posted by dissect_this on 11/16 at 4:28 p.m.

Withering heights

There was a high-pitched buzzing echoing in Halley Brandons ears as she sat on her bedroom floor, picking at one of the shaggy orange threads on her favorite rug. She blinked her bleary eyes and looked aroundfrom the iMac on her desk to the sliding glass doors leading out to her stone patio to the lime-green sketchbook and pens scattered around her on the floorfor a possible source. Halley. Halley? HELLOOO? HALLEY! The irritating sound finally registered as a voice when Avalon Greene squatted down and brought her face within inches of Halleysso close Halley could smell the sweet watermelon scent of her lip gloss. Hello? Why are you yelling at me? Halley wrinkled her nose and jerked her head back as she glared at Avalon. Hello? Avalon parroted back before standing up and giving her long, blond hair an exaggerated shake. Because you havent responded to anything Ive been saying for the past ten minutes! Oh. Halley rubbed her pale blue eyes and squinted at her best friend. Sorry. I guess Im just tired from being out with Frankie all night, plus the drive back from L.A. and everything. Tired? How can you be tired? Avalon demanded as Halley stifled a yawn. You should be energized! On fire! I mean, Francesca Geraci just made us her most exclusive houseguests even though Fashion Week ended, like, a week ago. She could have invited anyone to hang with her. But she picked us. US! Halley wanted to get swept up in Avalons enthusiasm. But as her friend bounced around the room like a tidal wave in the turquoise minidress Frankie had loaned her, all Halley really wanted to do was curl up with Puccithe girls shared golden retriever mix puppy, who was snoring away on Halleys bedand rewind her life back to the first day of eighth grade. If she could do that, she would be able to start over with Avalon and preempt all their arguments over everything from new friends to fashion choices. She would also be able to start over with Sofee Hughes, the one friend shed ever felt almost

as close to as Avalon, and finally confess to her crush on Wade Houston, aka Sofees one-time boyfriend, aka the lead singer of Sofees band. Wade. Halley swallowed hard as she thought of her incurable crush in all his messy-haired, dark-eyed rocker perfection. That was the relationship she most wanted to restart. If only shed told him how she felt about him on that first amazing day of school, before he and Sofee became an item . . . and before he and Avalon had their fauxmanceturned-fling. No matter what had happened between her friends and Wade, Halley knew she was the only one who had a real connection with him. Once again . . . are you even listening to me? Avalons voice cut through the mental train wrecks twisting through Halleys mind. I am . . . , Halley said softly as the late-afternoon sun streamed through the patio doors and directly into her eyes. She scooted along the hardwood floor, repositioning herself closer to the head of her bed to avoid the glare. I just have a lot on my mind. I know, right? Avalon plopped down into Halleys egg-shaped desk chair, plucking the orange velvet cushion from the back and hugging it to her chest excitedly. Which part are you thinking about? How awesome the party was last night? How many A-listers were there? How much everyone was loving us? How fabulous things are going to be when we start interning for Frankie over winter break? Actually, Halley said, cutting Avalon off. All of those things were definitely amazingespecially the part about Frankie wanting them to work as interns on her new fashion linebut none of it changed the fact that Sofee and Wade werent speaking to Halley. Im thinking about school tomorrow and wondering if all our friends are going to keep treating us like lepers. Huh? Avalon flared her nostrils so fiercely she resembled their friend Kimberleigh Weintraubthe blond blessed with the kind of upturned nose that prompted Halley and Avalon to secretly refer to her as Piggleigh Swinetraubbut Halley resisted poking fun at her and instead continued to think about Wade. How could he be so distant after all they had been through, especially the moment theyd shared up in L.A. last weekend? She knew he, like the rest of their friends, was upset that she and Avalon hadnt given them VIP passes to the Fashion Week music showcasebut she thought that confessing her feelings for him would somehow soften that particular slipup.

Tragically, when she blurted out that she always had and always would care about him, he completely bailed. Back at school, Halley could practically feel a chill in the air right before he came anywhere near herwhich, the more she thought about it, was just one more thing proving how truly connected they were. I mean, I thought everyone would get over the whole Fashion Week thing, but they just seem so intent on punishing us, Halley explained, continuing to tug agitatedly at the threads on her rug. I cant understand why its not bugging you too. Ohmygod. Avalon shook her head in frustration. The only thing bugging me right now is you. Youre telling me youre not the least bit bummed about Brianna and Sydney and . . . Halley trailed off before saying Wades name. The only members of the group Avalon really cared about were those two cheerleaders anywayeven if they were the ones Halley cared about the least. Why would I be bummed? Avalon leaned back in the white desk chair and began spinning around like she didnt have a care in the world. Because theyre so jealous they cant even bear to look at us? No. Halley rolled her eyes. Because they think were the most devious, horrible people in the world. Ive never felt so hated by anyone. Not even by me? Avalon laughed as she brought the chair to a stop. Totally different, Halley insisted, remembering some of the more brutal fights she and Avalon had gone through this year. You need to get a grip, Hal. Avalon sighed. Their opinion of us isnt our problem. Its theirs. I mean, hello? We are who we are. We have the entire rest of the schooland tons of people in Hollywood and the worldin love with us. We dont need drama queens. Too bad they think were the drama queens. Halley frowned as an orange thread finally came loose between her anxious fingers. She couldnt believe Avalon would let go of their friends so easilywithout a fight. Wait! That was it! If Halley was going to convince Avalon to help her get their friends back, she would have to appeal to her best friends competitive side. Why hadnt she thought of that before?

In fact, Halley continued, casually twisting a lock of her long, dark hair, doesnt it bother you that there are people at schoolpeople who once called us their friendsdragging down our reputation with hateful comments, trying to sabotage us . . . just for being fabulous? She could feel the energy in the room change as Avalon began processing Halleys words. Her best friend stood up and began to pace along the hardwood floor. Avalons shoulders twitched as she studied the clippings of all the supermodels Halley had taped to her cappuccino-shade walls. Finally, Avalon spun around in her rhinestoneadorned Juicy sandals, her golden-brown eyes full of angst-ridden determination. Game ON! Um. Avalon stared down at the floor and chewed on her lower lip. I hadnt really thought about it like that. Finally, Halley caught the buzz Avalon had been riding all afternoon. She sat up taller on the rug and tugged down on the hem of her blue-striped top. If she could get Avalon into battle mode, maybe together they could figure out a way to win their friends forgiveness. Well, think about it now! Halley dug deep and pulled out all the pep squad enthusiasm she could accesseven though becoming cheer captain had been an unintentional accomplishment, just to get back at Avalon for stealing Wade from her. We need to fix this, even if it means forcing them to understand how sorry we are for what happened. We need to make them take us back! RIGHT? Oh, Halley. Avalon slowly shook her head and puffed up her glossy pink lips in an empathetic pout. Youre going about this all wrong. What? Halley felt her palms prickle with sweat as her pulse quickened. How do you figure? If we want to win, we need to operate like winnersnot like groveling, pathetic losers, Avalon insisted, rushing back over to Halleys desk and sitting down at the computer. Here! Ive got the perfect plan! Uh-oh. As Halley watched Avalon open a new document and begin to type on the keyboard at a frantic pace, she wasnt sure if she should be psyched that a formal,

Avalon-devised strategy was finally in the worksor totally freaked out by how it could potentially backfire.

DONT GET DRESSED WITHOUT US!

Where the Styled Things Are

posted by the_style_snarks: monday, november 17, at 7:07 a.m.

If you thought yesterdays post was harsh, we have three words for you: Get. Over. It. Were in the truthanasia business here, people: We kill off fashion offenses before they do serious damage. J ANYWAY! Thanks to Frankies private yoga instructor (you seriously have not lived till youve done a Sun Salutation on the beach in Malibu), weve got a yen for Zenso were going to balance out our celebutaunts by showing you what happens when the stars and their style choices are perfectly aligned: A Smiley for Miley. We wouldnt have believed it ourselves unless we saw it with our own eyes, but hellosomebody finally got herself a stylist! This rose-hued, cap-sleeved Alice + Olivia dress was the perfect mix of sass and class. Party in the USA, fo sho! Haute School Musical. When Vanessa Hudgens walked in wearing this emerald-green CK minidress with silver-spiked black boots, we thought wed died and gone to edgy-couture heaven. We love you, VanHud! Kisses to you and your adorable sister! xoxo T-Sizzle! Nobody can do sweet and innocent like Taylor Swift, but she seriously turned up the heatwithout going completely sugar-freein this gorgeous strapless gold D&G dress. (PS: Her hugs are way stronger than her voice!)

See? Not all of Hollywood gets bitten when they go swimming with Snarks. J Hugs and kisses to all our new followerskeep that fan mail coming! Word to your closet, Shop on,

COMMENTS (213) Wait. Are you telling me you hung with all these girls and THE Perez Hilton is now commenting on your blog, too? I am 2 jealous 4 words. But good job! (Oh, and totally agree with you. . . . T-Swiz cannot sing her way out of a paper bag, but that girl can dress, oh yes!) posted by willwork4fashion on 11/17 at 7:18 a.m. You guys are such wannabes. Its like youve totally forgotten who your real friends are. Makes me sad. L posted by rahdeal on 11/17 at 7:29 a.m. Um, nice try but I totally saw that T-Swizzle pic on people.com yesterday. I dont believe you met any of these people. posted by fandemonium on 11/17 at 7:53 a.m. Thanks, Fandemonium, but people.com actually bought that pic from us. Check out the photo credit (and always read the fine print!) J. posted by Style_SnarkA on 11/17 at 7:58 a.m.]

Cheer and loathing in La Jolla

Avalon brushed away a bead of cheer practiceinduced perspiration, tightened her high ponytail and breathed in the crisp fall air. She plucked her Focus VitaminWater off the lowest bench of the bleachers and took a long sip, savoring the kiwi-strawberry flavor, then spun around and squared her shoulders. She was ready. Awesome job today, Bree! Avalon smiled brightly at Brianna Cho, who was just heading off the football field with the rest of the cheerleaders. Didnt you think so, Hal? Yeah! You were on fire! Halley nodded in solidarity, following along with the plan Avalon had carefully scripted last night. It was Avalons best one yet, and it all began with flatterysomething even the angriest opponents couldnt resist. Um . . . thanks? Brianna tilted her head and shot a skeptical look at Sydney McDowell before squinting in Avalons direction. You should really wear sunglasses out hereI mean, when were not practicing, at least, Avalon noted, scanning Briannas flawless skin and long, shiny black hair before slipping on her Wayfarers. This was part two of her planoffering some friendly advice. Squinting like that will totally give you premature wrinkles. Bree doesnt have to worry about wrinkles! Sydney shook her dark blond bob furiously as she leapt to Briannas defense like a true co-captaineven though she no longer held that position. When the pep squad merged with the gymnastics team early last month, Halley had somehow been voted in as captainreplacing Brianna, who was now second-incommand. It was one of the few times things hadnt gone the way Avalon planned. Not that it hadnt worked out for the best. After all, if Avalon had become cheer captain, Seaview Middle School might have won the state competition. And if theyd won, Halley and Avalon would have had to go to nationals instead of to L.A. Fashion Week. And if they hadnt gone to L.A. Fashion Week, they wouldnt have met Frankie. And if they

hadnt met Frankie, they wouldnt be living the fabulously amazing lives they were nowmere steps away from ruling the fashion world! Well, Syd, thats the funny thing about wrinkles, Avalon purred wisely as she pulled on her red hoodie. You never think you have to worry about them until the damage is already done. The signs of aging are sneaky that wayand so difficult to undo. Since when did you become a skin-care expert? Sydney asked, her cheeks flushing the same rosy shade as her hot-pink Juicy romper. Avalon shrugged and sighed nonchalantly as the four girls began walking off the field together. Its, like, one of the most popular topics of conversation at A-lister parties. Right, Hal? Uh-huh. Halley was nodding with a knowing blink of her pale blue eyes. Avalons pores practically disappeared within seconds of Frankie giving her a secretformula facial. Outside, Avalon was the picture of composure, but inside, her heart was doing an ecstatic and flawlessly choreographed celebratory cheer. Things could not be going better! It didnt matter that Bree and Sydney sped up, walking a few steps ahead on the brick path, or that Bree was whispering something into Sydneys ear. That just proved Avalon was making an impression. This was part three of her plan: dazzling Sydney and Brianna with how fabulous she and Halley had become, demonstrating exactly what they were missing by refusing to forgive them. In mere moments, theyd acknowledge that Halley and Avalon hadnt really done anything so wrongtheyd say they completely understood why Halley and Avalon had wanted to enjoy Fashion Week on their own, that of course you dont have to share VIP passes with all your friends just because you have them. Avalon shivered with excitement as she picked up the pace and gently grabbed Bree and Sydney by their arms, prompting them to stop, turn and face Halley and Avalon just outside the main SMS building. It was seriously amazing, you guys, Avalon said with a wide-eyed smile. Hanging out and swapping beauty secrets with all the hottest celebrities!

Uh-huh. That does sound amazing. Briannas voice was as tired and icy as a decaf Frappuccino, and her smooth features were equally frozen. Yeah, amazing! Sydney sneered, exchanging a mutual eye roll with Bree. Seriously? Avalon scrunched up her face at her friends extreme attitude. She looked over at Halley, who was no longer offering looks of solidarity but instead staring down at the path, biting her lower lip. Why are you being so harsh? She was trying to be friends again. Couldnt they see that? Why do you think? Sydneys cheeks got even redder, totally clashing with her violet eyes. I dont know! Avalons entire body stiffened, and she hugged her arms across her chest. I was just about to share this extremely confidential information straight from the expertly glossed lips of major celebrities who I have personally met, and you get all sarcastic and act like youre better than me! Oh, no! Brianna gasped and widened her dark almond eyes in mock horror. Nobody should ever act better than Avalon Greenenot when were all so clearly beneath you and your fabulous celebrity friends! Ohmygod. Avalon shook her head and looked over at Halley, silently willing her to look upto join her in disbelief. Whats the point? Avalon . . . Halley slowly lifted her head and raised her dark eyebrows, which Avalon read as a silent message to keep trying. No. Avalon stared down at the brick path, blinking back an angry tear. Im done. This is pathetic. Youre pathetic! Sydney barked in her yappy little voice, reminding Avalon of the early daysbefore theyd become friendswhen Avalon had silently dubbed her the Cheerhuahua. Oh, really? Avalon gave Sydneys velour romper a disgusted once-over before glaring into her beady little eyes. Well, lets just see how pathetic you think I am when Im the hottest fashion designer in L.A. and youre still dressing like a Cabbage Patch Kid! Avalon breathed in and out a few times to regain her composure before continuing. Youll be the only girls at school who dont benefit from my awesomeness,

and then youll be begging me to forgive you. But guess what? I WONT! Maybe then youll see how it feels when you hand someone an olive branch and they poop all over it! Avalon inhaled deeply and frowned as she grabbed Halley by the arm and stormed past Brianna and Sydney, pushing through the glass doors into the SMS lobby and dragging her best friend all the way to the girls restroom. Once there, Halley dutifully shooed away the group of seventh-graders who were comparing their split ends in front of the mirror. Then, and only thenwhen she was sure she was safely behind closed and locked doorsAvalon allowed the tears to fall. She just wasnt sure who was more surprised by this sudden emotional outburst: her or Halley.

A peaceful, queasy feeling

Halley grabbed a box of tissues off the dark wood vanity table in the girls bathroom sitting area and joined Avalon on the gold carpeted floor. Seeing her best friend so distressed made Halley feel doubly miserable. This was totally her fault! If Halley hadnt convinced Avalon to try and make up with Brianna and Sydney, she wouldnt be on Kleenex duty right now. She also wouldnt be worrying about how Sofee and the Dead Romeos might react to her imminent peacemaking efforts. Of course, Halley thought as she handed a tissue to Avalon, my approach isnt going to be quite so . . . showy. Well, I guess Sydney was right about one thing, Avalon said softly between sniffles, motioning for Halley to hand her another tissue. I am pathetic. Are not! Halley frowned and passed along the Kleenex. Am so. Avalons face became even more blotchy and red as a fresh set of tears fell from her dark eyes onto her cropped navy stretch pants. Why else would I be crying over two jealous-beyond-belief cheer-losers? Hmmm. Halley couldnt help but laugh as she blotted her friends cheeks dry. You have a point there. Avalon glared back at Halley for a moment, but then her face broke into a smile too. I do, dont I? Avalon shook her high ponytail with renewed confidence, jumped up from the floor and headed straight for the mirror. Pulling her Kate Spade makeup bag out of its matching duffel, she sat down on one of the purple-cushioned antique vanity stools and got to work on her tear-stained face. Shes ba-aack. Halley sighed with a mixture of relief and regret. A small part of her was glad Brianna and Sydney hadnt forgiven Avalon. Now Halley could have her BFF all to herselfback to the way they used to be. But that wouldnt solve the situation between Halley and Sofee . . . or between Halley and Wade. As much as she wanted to focus on the new-and-improved Halvalon, until she was back on track with the other people who mattered, her life would feel incomplete.

So! Ready to breathe new life into the Dead Romeos? Avalon spun around, her eyes de-puffed and her cheeks de-blotched to perfection. And why are you still sitting down there in my snot pile? Ew! Halley giggled as she glanced down at all the crumpled tissues, but then she gave her best friend a worried look. Maybe Im feeling like the pathetic one? Um, why? Avalon demanded. Didnt we just agree? Theyre the losers. Were doing them a favor by even offering them a chance to be part of our inner circle again. If they dont see it that way, it only confirms that theyre determined to stay exiled in Lameville. Whatever happens, we still win! Youre insane, Halley said with an incredulous laugh as she got up from the ground and walked over to sit on the vanity stool next to Avalons. She didnt exactly agree with her friends point of view, but her confidence was kind of contagious. Seriously. How do you bounce back so fast? Its almost . . . creepy. Ill take that as a compliment! Avalon threw back her shoulders, pulled a tube of lip gloss out of her makeup bag and handed it to Halley, entirely back in charge. Now. Do we need to go over the Win-Back-the-Band battle plan, or are you all set? Im all set. Halley tried to keep her hands from shaking as she applied two coats of gloss. I think. Then lets go! Avalon smiled, grabbing her duffel and bouncing to her feet, pulling Halley along with her. Wait. Youre not going too . . . are you? Halley asked as Avalon turned the deadbolt on the bathroom door and they headed out into the hall, past the bank of gold lockers toward the music room. As much as she adored Avalon and her almost pathological amount of poise, having Avalon there by her side definitely didnt seem like the best strategy. Especially after what had just happened with Bree and Sydney. Irritation flickered across Avalons face. Why wouldnt I? Its just . . . well . . . Halley squeezed her eyes closed as they arrived at the door to the music room. She had to figure out a way to keep Avalon from going in with her and fast. Opening up her eyes and staring intently into Avalons, she just let the words fall right out. I know you think this is about winning and losing, but for me its about admitting I did something wrong . . . and about making things right.

What? Avalons eyes widened with crazed angst. Youve got to stop saying that! We didnt do anything wrong! Maybe so, maybe not . . . Halleys voice was barely a whisper now. But the point is, peoples feelings got hurt. And if we have the ability to fix that, I think we should. But thats what I just tried to do with Bree and Sydney, and they totally shut me down! Avalon was blinking at warp speed, like shed been caught off guard on a particularly windy day at the beach. Hey . . . Halley squeezed Avalons hands tightly and hoped her friend would understandif not now, soon. Just let me try to handle this my way. Okay? Avalon shrugged and shook her head as Halley held up a hand, letting Avalon know she wanted her to wait outside. Thanks, Halley said, drawing a few shards of courage from her friends steely gaze before turning to open the door to the music room and quietly creeping inside. What the hell? Sofee shouted, stopping mid-strum and turning her dark-lined eyes to stare directly at Halley. Oops. Apparently creeping in quietly wasnt something Halley had quite mastered yet. Wade glanced over his shoulder from where he was sitting at the piano and said a terse hey before turning around and hammering out a few dismal-sounding notes. Even when all she could see was his back, Halley felt herself melt a little bit inside. His dark hair was so glossy in the bright music room light, his upper body so slim yet strong in his olive-hued T-shirt. Why are you here? Sofee demanded. She looked especially hard-core today in a gray stocking cap, denim leggings with zippers all over them and a white tank under a fringed purple suede vest. Um . . . Halley exhaled deeply and tried to swallow down the lump that was threatening to choke her. Im really sorry. I mean, Im sorry to interrupt your rehearsal and all . . . Oh! Shes sorry . . . to interrupt our rehearsal! Mason Lawrence tapped out a ba-dum-bum on his drums like hed just told the punch line to Halleys joke.

Wait a sec. Halley could hear her voice shaking. She knew she sounded pathetic. But she had to say what she came here to say. Im not just sorry for that. Im just sorry . . . Yeah. You got that right. Sofee shook her long, dark curls and began twisting the tiny diamond stud in her nose. You know what, Sofee? Halley started to react but quickly shook off the urge to fight back. She was here to apologize. Youre right. I agree. Not telling you guys about the VIP passes was totally lame. We should have told you. We should have invited you. But we only found out at the last minute, and then Avalon . . . Then Avalon? Wade suddenly spoke, his back still to Halley. There was an awkward moment of silence, during which Halley was able to read every last date on Wades U2 360 concert tee, and then Sofee chimed back in. See, Hal, this is the thing thats really messed up: Every time something goes wrong, Avalons right there next to you. And Im starting to think maybe youre not just the innocent bystander in all of this. In fact In fact, Evan Davidson interrupted. He looked directly at Halley with his bluegreen eyes as he adjusted the strap on his dark-wood bass guitar. Halley had never heard him sound so strong or look so confident. Sometimes the person who sits by and doesnt say anything is the guiltiest one of all. For sure. Sofee shot an impressed look in Evans direction. I mean, we all know Avalon is annoying as hellbut not nearly as annoying as the person who just follows along. Evan nodded and ran a hand over his cropped brown curls, his gaze still fixed on Halley. At least Avalon talks the talk and walks the walk. Sorry, Hal. Wade finally spoke up again but without turning around. Maybe you should just stop faking apologies and figure out who you really are and what you really want. Sofee laughed through her nose and rolled her eyes at Wade. Dont hold your breath. Wow. Halleys voice squeaked, barely audible.

She looked over at Mason, hoping the stocky blond drummer would say something funny and then everyone would start laughingthat they would run over and hug her and tell her they were just kidding. But that didnt happen, and suddenly Halley felt like the air in the room was getting thinner, like she was losing oxygen and wouldnt be able to breathe if she stayed there another second. She stumbled backward, grabbing the door handle to steady herself before pushing her way out into the hall. Thank goodness Avalon was still there, waiting for herwaiting to see how things had gone. Now it was her turn to be on Kleenex duty. Only this might require a few more boxes.

A clean sweep

Avalon tried not to cringe as she watched Halley sob into Puccis fuzzy head, drenching the puppy, not to mention Avalons beautiful and freshly cleaned Italian comforter, with her tears. Are you sure you dont want some? Avalon held a bag of barbecue Popchips out to Halley from her perch on her vanity stool. No, thanks. Halley sniffed so loud it almost drowned out the sound of Avalons extreme crunchingwhich was, admittedly, the one downside to the otherwise perfectly low-fat, low-calorie, ultra-crispy potato thins. But theyre your new favorite snack food! Avalon insisted between crunches. I made my mom pick them up on the way home especially for you. You did . . . ? Halley barely choked out the words before dissolving into yet another fit of sobs, hugging Pucci so tightly the dogs soft brown eyes bulged with surprise. Wow. This is bad. As upset as Avalon had been over the Brianna and Sydney shutdown after cheer practice, at least shed gotten over it within a few minutes. Halley, on the other hand, had been dissed by the Dead Romeos five full hours ago, and she was still acting like shed lost her best friend in the world, whichhello?was obviously not the case. Avalon always knew Halley had hit rock bottom when she stopped consuming calories of any kind, especially comfort ones. Haaal, Avalon cooed in her most soothing voice, if you keep this up my rooms gonna smell like wet dog. Then, inhaling deeply, she noted, In fact, it already does. Avalon spun around and lit the triple-wicked Voluspa candle on her vanity table. She breathed in the sweet scent of citrus and turned back to where Halley and Pucci were still snuggling on Avalons bed. Finally, Halley raised her head and laughed in spite of herself. Sorry Im such a mess! She wiped the back of her hand under her lightly freckled nose. Better you than my room . . .

Ive just never gone through anything like thathaving all of them attack me and pick me apart. . . . Halley sniffed. They suck, Avalon said flatly, the heat rising to her cheeks as she thought about everything shed heard the band say to her best friend through the crack in the music room doornot just the stuff about Halley, either, but about how evil they thought Avalon was. Jerks. Nobody has a right to talk to you the way they did. But . . . they did. A few more tears slid down Halleys cheeks, and Pucci caught them on her tongue in midair. But they shouldnt have! Avalon insisted. No, I mean they did have a right to talk to me that way, Halley moaned. Avalon shivered with disgust. All this self-pity was making her feel dirty. It was so wrong, on so many levels. No. They were totally out of line. In fact, you know what I really think this is about? What? Halley blinked through her red-rimmed eyes. I think theyve all got a severe case of adoraphobia. Avalon angled her shoulders proudly. Whats that? Halley looked like she was about to smile again. Adoraphobia: noun, Avalon stated without skipping a beat. The fear of hanging out with anyone who is more adored by others than you are. Ohmygod, youre so weird. Halley shook her head but finally laughed again and this time it sounded like the happiness might last a little longer. No, Im brilliant, Avalon insisted, the whole concept making more sense to her as she developed it. I mean, think about it. Theyre in a band. Theyre totally obsessed with themselves! Their one real goal isnt to play music, its to have people look at themand love them. Its full-on, classic narcissism! Now Halley was nodding along like Avalon was the one on stage singing a new hit single and Halley couldnt wait to chime in on the chorus! It only made Avalons brain buzz into overdrive with an even more impressive psychoanalysis. But because were the ones whove already hit the big time, they cant even look at us without feeling like losers! Avalon jumped up and started dancing around the room as she finished her ingenious explanation. Were the Style Snarksfashion

commentators and designers on the verge of greatnessand the Dead Romeos only wish they could be adored the way we are, so they hate us for it. Brianna and Sydney are the same way, cause theyre completely conceited cheerleaders! Just as Avalon walked over to her iPod SoundDock and started searching for a celebratory song to hammer home her point, Ke$has TiK ToK ringtone began playing from deep within her duffel. Avalon raced over to retrieve her iPhone. Its Frankie! she announced as she looked at the screen and hit the answer-and-speaker buttons in rapidfire succession. Hi, Frankie! Im here with Halley! Hey, Halvalon! Frankie said. Im glad I caught you both. Whats up? Halley asked, finally sounding almost normal. Um, are you sitting down? Frankie asked. Avalon bounced over to join Halley and Pucci on her bed. We are now! she announced. Okay, cause this is kind of huge. There was a tripleRed Bull energy to Frankies voice that made Avalon excited but also a little scared. What? Avalon demanded as she grabbed Halleys hand. What is it? Well, you know how I used to be on a little show called The Cliffs . . . on MTV? Now Frankie was trying to sound nonchalant, but it totally wasnt working. Yes! Avalon and Halley both squealed in unison. I was telling the producer about you guys and everything that happened at Fashion Weekhow we took down Gia and how awesome you are, and . . . The phone suddenly went silent. Avalon grabbed it off the comforter and stared at the screen. Hello? Frankie? Are you still there? He wants to meet you guys! And FILM you! As part of a DOCUMENTARY! About ME! Frankie was screaming so loud her voice was distorted, but the words still came through as clear as Katy Perrys complexion. WHAT? Avalon screamed back. Can you hear me now? Frankie screamed. YES! Avalon and Halley yelled at the same time. But are you serious? Avalon demanded.

I swear on my spring collection. Frankie finally spoke in a deadly serious voice. I told him you guys were going to start interning for me soon, and I showed him some of the stuff we did for Giaor Jean, whoeverand hes sold. He wants to start shooting at my place this weekend! OH. MY. GOD! Avalon and Halley jumped off the bed, and Pucci started barking and chasing them as they did a few impromptu dance steps from their favorite old gymnastics routine. Finally, out of breath, they squealed and hugged each other. Are you there? Frankies voice came through the iPhone, which was still lying on Avalons bed. Um, yeah! Avalon laughed. And we always will be! Halley chimed in as she tore into the barbecue Popchips sitting on Avalons vanity table. Awesome! Frankie said. Ill call you as soon as I have more details. After she pressed END on her phone, Avalon looked at Halley, her wide eyes beginning to sting with tears of joy. Did that seriously just happen? It seriously did! Halley giggled as barbecued chips shot past her lips and onto Avalons pristine white shag carpet. Ew! Youd better clean that up! Avalon scolded, laughing, even though Pucci was already on Hoover duty with her tongue. Avalon didnt even care if her bedroom got messy at this point, though. There was no way this new development would be anything but fabulous for her, Halley and every mission theyd ever wanted to accomplishand it couldnt have happened at a more perfect time.