Chapter Text
Lunch
Everything else from that point was a blur. Nikki went back to class and tried to pay attention to the teacher but none of it registered. Her thoughts were too loud, tumbling each other in panic.
Mackenzie had her diary.
Everything made sense now. From the subtle glances and her mini interrogation with Brandon disguised as flirting the other day. Mackenzie knew everything ever since she took that diary and started digging for answers herself after reading every entry.
Now, she was going to use it as a weapon on a last ditch effort to ruin Nikki's friendship with Chloe and Zoey before she left. And what ever she planned on April 28th would probably be even worse than that.
But Nikki doesn't want to tell anyone about Mackenzie's little surprise on that day yet. She doesn't know what Mackenzie's planning and wants to get to the bottom of it first.
When lunch rolled around, Nikki barely remembered getting her tray. Her stomach was too tight for food anyway. She spotted Chloe and Zoey sitting at their usual table near the back and made a beeline straight for them.
The moment she sat down, she wasted no time to get to the point.
"Guys, she knows." Nikki said, her voice low but urgent.
Chloe blinked. Wait, what do you mean 'she knows'?"
"I'm talking about Mackenzie," Nikki hissed. "She has my diary, she knows everything."
Zoey froze mid bite, her fork clattering against her tray. "Oh no. That's— that's bad. Like really bad."
"I knew Mackenzie had it," Chloe groaned, rubbing her temples. "I just KNEW it."
"It's worse than that," Nikki said, her voice trembling slightly. "She confronted me before lunch—"
Both girls leaned in instantly.
"She said she saw us," Nikki continued. "All of us. Entering the TV world. She even has it recorded. And not only that she's been listening to our conversations."
Chloe and Zoey's eyes both widened.
Chloe's mouth fell open. "T-that's even worse than bad, that's catastrophic. If she leaks that we're done for."
Nikki shook her head, gripping her hands together. "Actually... it gets even worse."
Chloe frowned. "Worse? How could it—"
"She said..." Nikki swallowed hard, her throat tightening. "She's going to show everyone your Shadows."
The words hit like thunderclap.
"WHAT?!" Chloe and Zoey both shouted, earning a few confused stares from nearby tables.
"Shhh!" Nikki hissed, tears threatening to spill. "I'm so sorry it's all my fault. If I hadn't lost that diary, if I'd just been more careful, none of this would have happened! Now your insecurities, everything you're trying to overcome... it's all going to be out there for everyone to see."
Her voice cracked, the guilt finally breaking through. She pressed her sleeve to her eyes, trying to hide her tears.
Chloe and Zoey exchanged a look, fear flickering beneath the surface, but then Chloe reached out across the table, placing a hand on Nikki's arm.
"Hey, hey. Don't do that to yourself," she said softly. "You didn't ask for this. Mackenzie's the one crossing the line, not you."
"Exactly, besides thinking about what you should've done doesn't change a thing, we just have to keep moving forward and figure out what to do next."
"Y-yeah, you're right." Nikki said, wiping her tears. "We need to find a way on how to get that diary back."
The three of them sat there in heavy silence for a moment, the noise of the cafeteria fading around them. Somewhere in the distance, laughter echoed, but to Nikki, it felt like a calm before the storm.
Afternoon
Since after lunch was library duties for the three. They decided to use the extra time to think of a plan on how to safely get Nikki's diary back. They huddled around one of the corner tables while also feasting on Miss Peach's signature double chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, between bites Nikki kept glancing around, making sure that a certain blonde haired girl wasn't lurking nearby.
"So," Chloe started, brushing a few crumbs from her notes. "You reckon Mackenzie's got it in her handbag?"
"Maybe," Zoey said, thoughtfully. "Or it could be in her locker or it might be sitting in her room right now."
Nikki frowned, resting her chin in her hand. "If she's looking to exposing your Shadows, she'll definitely do it soon. Probably next Monday. She did say that she's gonna be leaving this school soon to go North Hampton Hills."
Chloe's jaw dropped. "Wait, THAT North Hampton Hills?"
"Uh, yeah," Nikki answered. "What's the big deal about it?"
"Are you kidding?!" Chloe hissed. "It's one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation. Only the elite of the elite get in!"
"Yeah," Zoey jumped in. "They've also got sailing, horseback riding, fencing and polo, heck most students travel abroad every year for cultural enrichment. Totally different world."
Nikki blinked "Wow... that's pretty impressive. But honestly?" She leaned back with a sigh. "I'll be thrilled to have her out of my life. Maybe we can have one week, just one, without her drama."
"Yeah," Chloe said with a wishful smile. "A life free from drama, imagine that. That's the dream."
Zoey shook her head. "I can't wait for that day... okay guys we're getting a little off track. We need a plan."
Nikki nodded, straightening up. "Yeah, you're right. Before she makes her next move."
The three fell silent again, only sound the faint hum of the air vents and distant rustle of pages turning.
Then Chloe broke the silence. "So, how are we supposed to get it back today? After this it's gonna be the weekend and by Monday she'd have already plastered it everywhere by then?"
Zoey but her lip, glancing between them. "She's right. If Mackenzie's really planning to go nuclear, we can't wait."
Nikki sighed, tracing a finger along the edge of the table. "Yeah, but it's not like she'll just hand it over if we ask. We've got, what... two hours left before school ends?"
Chloe groaned. "Two hours to pull off an impossible heist. Great."
Suddenly, Nikki perked up. "Wait a sec, I have like two classes with Mackenzie after this, French and biology."
Chloe leaned forward. "Okay, so, do you sit near her in both those classes?"
"In French, I sit behind her," Nikki said. "But with bio, she sits at the back of the class."
"Are you going to do any experiments today?" Zoey said, tilting her head.
Nikki frowned. "I... don't know yet. Why?"
Zoey's eyes glimmered. "Because if you are..." she said slowly. "Then you could get it back without anyone noticing."
Nikki nodded. "Yeah, maybe that could work. During French I could sneak a look in Mackenzie's bag and see if she has my diary. If it is, I'll try to find a way to grab it in bio."
Chloe grinned. "Sounds like a plan. Now let's hope Mackenzie makes it easy for us."
Nikki managed a shaky smile. "Since when has she made anything easy?"
They exchanged tense laughter, the kind that came more than nerves than humour. But beneath it a spark of determination was beginning to burn.
By the time French rolled around, Nikki's nerves were a tangled knot. She could barely focus with the lesson, her mind spinning through different plans where none of them felt safe or smart.
The classroom was bright and airy, sunlight spilling through the tall windows and warming the pale tiles. Mackenzie was seated at her usual desk, perfectly composed, as if the confrontation in the bathroom had never happened, her pen twirling between her fingers. Her designer tote bag rested by her chair, zipped but not fully closed.
Nikki's heart hammered, her pencil moving around the note book, paying attention and flickering to Mackenzie's bag.
The first ten minutes crawled by. Mackenzie was taking notes. While the teacher had turned to the board, Nikki took the opportunity and leaned forward just enough to peek a gap of Mackenzie's tote.
She scanned through her bag, making out some familiar items: a tube of lipgloss, a silver compact mirror, a glittering mascara tube. And then her breath caught.
A notebook.
Nikki's heart spiked. She tilted her head slightly for a better look, the light catching on the cover.
But the excitement drained instantly. The notebook was covered in a leopard print — bold, flashy and so Mackenzie.
Nikki's diary cover had a blue jean cover and had a cute little pocket.
Nikki bit the inside of her cheek, sinking back into her seat before anyone noticed. Her diary wasn't there.
She swallowed hard , forcing her pencil to move again, trying to look busy while thoughts spun faster than ever. If it wasn't in Mackenzie's bag... then could it be in her locker?
Nikki's stomach tightened. If it's locked away... how am I supposed to get it back?
The teacher's voice droned on, the french words barely registering as Nikki stared at her paper, her mind racing faster than ever.
During Biology, Nikki felt like she was about to spiral. Her pulse hasn't slowed since French. This was her last chance to get her diary back before Mackenzie had the opportunity to ruin everything.
Mackenzie sat at the back of the classroom, her glossy hair perfectly arranged over one shoulder. She looked effortlessly relaxed. Every so often, Nikki caught her smirking, as if she could sense how she was getting under her skin.
Brandon sat next to Nikki and noticed that something was wrong. "Hey," he whispered softly, his voice barely above the him of the conversation. "You okay? You look kinda... tense."
Nikki froze for half a second as the realisation hit her. He doesn't know yet.
Nikki cleared her throat, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Don't look back, but Mackenzie has my diary."
Brandon's eyes widened. "Oh, that's not good."
"I know," Nikki said. "But she said she's going to show everyone what I wrote about Chloe and Zoey's Shadows."
Brandon's jaw tightened, the usual calm expression replaced by alarm. "Did she say when?"
"No, but I figured she'd do it Monday," Nikki whispered. I tried to check during French, but it's not in her bag. So she might've put it in her locker."
"Seems like the conversation you two are having is more important than this lesson, would you mind sharing it with the class?" Miss Kincaid said, her tone icy.
Both Nikki and Brandon snapped upright, heat flooding Nikki's face.
"Uh... no, sorry Miss Kincaid." Nikki stammered sheepishly, forcing a nervous laugh.
"Then I suggest you save your conversation until after class." The teacher said coolly before turning back to the board.
As Miss Kincaid resumed her lecture, Nikki exhaled shakily, her heart still pounding. She was running out of options and time.
For a second, she thought about talking to Mackenzie again, but it looked like she was dead set on ruining everything and no amount of words were going to change that. She's always been stubborn like that.
But Nikki still knew she had to try, a desperate last ditch effort before everything came crashing down.
After the final bell rang, the sound hit Nikki with a jolt. The scraping of chairs, the clatter of students, the shuffle of books. It blurred together as she watched Mackenzie rise from her seat.
Mackenzie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, sliding her notebook into her tote bag with practiced grace. Not a care in the world. Like she hasn't threatened to destroy three people's lives.
Nikki's hands trembled against her desk. If I don't talk to her now, it'll be too late.
Before she could lose her nerve she quickly grabbed her things and stood.
"Nikki, where are you going?" Brandon called softly, frowning.
"I'm going to talk to her," Nikki said quickly, her voice steadier than she felt. "Maybe I can talk her out of this."
Before he could stop her, she was already out the door, weaving through the crowd to follow Mackenzie down the hall, her heart pounding with dread and determination in equal measure.
Once Mackenzie reached for her locker; which was next to Nikki's. She took her chance.
"Mackenzie!" Nikki called out.
Mackenzie turned around unamused. "What do you want?" She asked unbothered, as if Nikki were another minor inconvenience in her day.
Nikki took a breath. "Mackenzie, please, you don't have to do this."
Mackenzie's lips twitched into a faint smirk, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Yeah, you're right I don't have to do this, I want to do this. I told you, I'm going to get even." She said lightly.
"How is trying to ruin my life and Chloe and Zoey 'getting even'?" Nikki asked. "They have nothing to do with this."
Mackenzie shut her locker with a sharp clang and turned to face her, arms crossed. "Because you ruined everything I worked for, everything I could've achieved. I worked hard to be successful, I was naturally gifted. But you on the other hand had to cheat your way to the top."
Nikki blinked, stunned. "W-wait, that's what this is about? You actually think YOU'RE the victim in all of this?"
Mackenzie's jaw clenched. "Don't pretend you don't know what you've done."
Nikki shook her head. "Mackenzie, I never tried to ruin you. You jus-"
Mackenzie cut her off. "Save it, I don't want to hear your excuses. I'm doing this whether you like it or not."
Before Nikki could say anything else. Mackenzie closed her locker sashayed, heels clicking down the hall.
Nikki stood there in the echoing corridor, her heart pounding even after taking a peek of Mackenzie's locker, there was nothing in there that closely resembled her diary.
Mackenzie's mind was made up. And time was running out.
After school
It wasn't long after the confrontation that Brandon caught up with Nikki outside, his backpack sling over one shoulder. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, painting everything gold and heavy.
"So?" he asked, his voice cautious and edged with concern. "What did she say?"
Nikki stopped walking. For a moment, she couldn't even look at him. The lump on her throat made it hard to speak.
"She's going through with it." She said quietly.
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. The distant sounds of students laughing and cars starting up felt strangely out of place, like the world hadn't realised everything was about to go wrong.
Not long after Chloe and Zoey caught up, they were going to ask Nikki how it went but with one look, they realised nothing went as planned.
"You wasn't able to find it, weren't you?" Zoey asked quietly.
Nikki shook her head. "I tried to talk to her again, but she's really going through with this."
Zoey groaned under her breath. "Just when I thought she couldn't get any lower."
Chloe crossed her arms, frowning. "I don't get it, Why's she doing this? What's the point of trying to ruin everything?"
"She said she's doing this to 'get even'." Nikki replied, her voice quiet but steady, the words tasting bitter.
Brandon raised an eyebrow, "get even? For what?"
"Everything she thinks I did." Nikki replied.
"Which means?" Chloe pressed.
Nikki took a deep breath before answering. "She's doing this because I ruined everything she's worked for, winning the Avant-garde competition, landing the record deal for our band, winning the Holiday on Ice competition... and apparently sabotaging the chocolate fountain on her birthday, toilet papering her house, tricking her to dig through garbage, 'pretended' to be injured in dodgeball, putting a bug in her hair. Basically everything that happened to her since I came here."
Chloe spoke, still processing what she's hearing. "Wait... she thinks she's the victim, after EVERYTHING she's done."
"Yeah, I mean she's the reason why we even won the Holiday on Ice competition," Zoey added. "If she didn't lock us in a storage room we never would've made a comeback."
"She even tried to drown you!" Chloe said, her frustration increasing. "She stole Brandon's phone, and sent you fake texts, humiliated you time and time agin and somehow you're the bad guy for tricking her to go dig through garbage! I don't think anyone thought she'd actually be stupid enough do that! You have more of a reason to hate her than she does!"
"Didn't she hit you full force with a dodgeball as well?" Brandon said, crossing his arms. "How could you pretend when you had a whole bruise on your forehead?"
"Well that's Mackenzie for you," Nikki said. "But I didn't think that's how deep her hate for me goes."
"Well if anything," Chloe said. "This just makes me want to fight back harder. No way am I letting her win."
Zoey nodded in agreement. "Same here I'm not letting her take us down with her."
Nikki sighed. "Thanks guys, I just want this drama-fest to be over with."
Brandon slung his backpack higher. "Then let's all go home. We'll text later and figure out what to do next. Right now we all need a break."
The four of them went their separate ways, the golden light stretching long before them, feeling the weight of the impact Mackenzie's stunt will bring.
Evening
Nikki slumped in her chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as ideas ran in circles and went nowhere. Every plan she came up with fell apart the second she thought it through. Confrontation hadn't worked and waiting most definitely wasn't an option.
Eventually, with a frustrated sigh, she took out her phone and started to text to see if anyone else has ideas.
Nikki: Hey, so is everyone home yet.
Zoey: Yeah, has anyone got any ideas?
Nikki: Nope, can't think of anything.
Chloe: It's actually impressive, when I think she's reached her limit, she manages to go even lower.
Brandon: Well, we know now that her diary isn't in school, so it should be in her house.
Chloe: So now we need to plan how to break into her house like we're conducting a heist, great. :-\
Zoey: I don't think we need to go that far... I hope not anyways.
Nikki stared at the screen, her stomach twisting. Time was ticking, and every option left felt more impossible than the last.
Somehow they have to either outsmart her or by some miracle something happens to Mackenzie's plan that it's put on hold for a while or preferably indefinitely.
Brandon: Okay if we can't take the diary back, we could at least try to stop her the day she plans to expose everything.
Nikki: Do you have anything in mind?
Brandon: Okay, so we all know that Mackenzie's as subtle as a neon sign when it comes to her feelings for me right?
Brandon: So, I'm thinking I could probably distract her while you guys take her purse and destroy everything she has that could expose you. I wouldn't be surprised if she's photocopied everything.
Nikki's eyes lit up, this could be it, she might not be able to get her diary back but she could stop Mackenzie's final attempt in ruining everything.
Zoey: That could actually work.
Zoey: But wouldn't she be suspicious that you're suddenly striking up a conversation with her? You've mostly ignored her and she most definitely knows you're on our side.
Brandon: That's true but she probably would be too surprised to care. She might think I'm ditching you guys.
Chloe: Honestly, with Mackenzie's huge ego, she always thought you'd give her the time of day eventually. She's always been delusional when it comes to you.
Brandon: And that's exactly why I think this will work.
Brandon: To be honest though I kinda feel bad using her like this, buuut she's trying to ruin your lives so I don't feel too bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Chloe: LMAO XD
Nikki: I guess it's settled then we just have to go to school early, Brandon talks to her and we steal her purse and destroy everything that could expose us.
Chloe: Then we can count the days Mackenzie finally transfers and be drama-free.
Brandon: Wait, Mackenzie's leaving when?
Nikki: Dunno, but I hope it's sometime next week. The sooner, the better.
Brandon: Wow, a single day without Mackenzie's presence radiating a single hallway is pretty hard to imagine.
Chloe: We'll move on from that pretty quickly.
Zoey: Yeah, but the amount of things we've had to deal with in like 7 months because of her was absolute insanity.
Nikki: I know, most of the things she's done was to spite me, I'm sorry you guys had to be dragged in the middle of it.
Chloe: I don't know why you're apologising, it's not like you asked her to do that.
Nikki: Yeah, you're right.
Zoey: well at least we have the weekends to calm our nerves and prep ourselves. It's been a stressful week for all of us.
Nikki: You don't say.
Nikki: Y'know we could spend some time with Teddie before he gets too lonely again.
Zoey: I don't mind, I'm not too busy.
Chloe: Me neither, I'll probably bring some snacks for him too maybe some marshmallows.
Brandon: Does he even eat? like... at all?
Chloe: No idea. But I wanna give him something.
Zoey: Y'know Chloe, you seem to really like him.
Chloe: Well what can I say? he's a great bear. A cute and fuzzy one at that.
Nikki: So does tomorrow work for you guys.
Chloe: Definitely.
Zoey: I can work with that.
Brandon: I can work with that.
Nikki: Great. Well see you tomorrow.
Nikki set her phone down, exhaling slowly. For the first time in a while, the panic loosened it's grip just a little.
They had a plan. And for now that's enough.