xp_logs | Friday night in the Meatpacking District, Karolina--vignette

After refusing, yet again, to go on a New Mutants mission, Karolina sneaks out of the mansion for her real plans. Hope the Professor doesn't read Page Six.

Grounded? What the hell ever. Just because I don't want to get stuck in a hotel room with girls who hate me and talk about me behind my back. Could move back in with the bitch queens for that joy. Karolina shoved some clothes and makeup into an overnight bag and did one last circuit of the room she shared with Nori to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

Really, it was extra unfair this time. She would have gone on this trip but once again they didn't bother to tell them until the last minute and she had plans. Her friends were already mad that she had blown them off the week before even though she had a good reason and she wasn't going to risk alienating them too. She didn't want to wind up with no friends at all. The weekends were the only time she got to be herself. At least the whole student body being off the grounds meant there would be no one to tattle when she left. The telepaths in the faculty were too hung up on their moral high horses to read her mind.

The night was cold and clear as she flew out her window and headed for the city. It was only about 60 miles from the mansion but she figured she'd catch a cab when she got to the outskirts. No way was she flying all the way through Manhattan. The air was disgusting.

* * * * *
Spotted: B and company out on the town. Looks like they're bringing a little Hollywood light to the nightlife. Better keep up, K. New York moves pretty fast for a West Coast girl.

As cold as it was outside, it was hot inside Marquee as the line at the door indicated. In a short silver dress that glimmered with every shift of her aura, Karolina and her friends skipped giggling past the waiting masses and presented themselves to the bouncer. He waved them in without a word and someone slipped him a bill.

She was so lucky, she reminded herself, to even be here. The daughter of celebrities wasn't as good as being a celebrity yourself, especially when your buying power didn't actually extend to your parents' money. Music throbbed and someone shouted into Karolina's ear. She was pretty sure they were asking if she wanted a drink so she nodded and drifted away toward their table.

The guy who'd shouted in her ear earlier came back with a deep ruby drink. Karolina smiled brilliantly at him and accepted it. If nothing else, this was so much better than being grounded.

* * * * *

There's nothing quite like the city at 3 am. A group of five of society's most beautiful stumbled drunkenly through the quiet streets. Xavin, the boy who'd bought Karolina drinks all night, had his arm around her waist though she'd already earnestly--though somewhat drunkenly--explained that she wasn't into guys.

"Hey Kare," Xavin leaned into her, speaking too loudly into her ear, "You're coming to brunch, right?"

Karolina automatically looked at Blake, the petite brunette that guided the party, whose near scowl at being delayed turned to sunny charm at this sign of respect for her right to lead. "She is," Blake confirmed, looking at her phone to check the appointment. "Since she actually bothered to show up tonight."

"I said I was sorry. I was practically kidnapped to the middle of nowhere." Karolina said for the hundredth time, hiding her exasperation.

"I know what you said but if you want to be a part of this group, you have to show up." Blake pulled them all to a sudden stop, staring at her phone. "Okay, party's over. Karey, honey, you come with me." Her hand on Kare's arm was vice-like as she yanked her away from a protesting Xavin, "Hannah, you too. Xav and Cory, find something to do." It was like a general giving orders. No one dared disobey.