The Clique

Massie's world is upended when her father informs her that Jay Lyons and his family will move into the guest house. Claire, Jay's daughter, will attend OCD and immediately becomes a potential rival for Massie's status. Massie resents the disruption but is told she must try to get along with Claire.

Claire tags along with Massie on a shopping trip to try to win favor, while Dylan, Alicia, and Kristen tag along. Massie coolly treats Claire as an outsider, signaling Claire's lack of alliance within the Pretty Committee. Later at OCD, Claire meets Chris Abeley and Massie's jealousy ignites, prompting Massie to recruit the others to bully Claire.

On the way to school, Massie's jealousy of Claire grows, and she enlists the other members to harass Claire with insults and pranks. Claire forms a fragile link with others but is repeatedly dismissed by the group, compounding her outsider status. The bullying moves from the hallway to the cafeteria, heightening Claire's isolation.

Claire sits with Layne Abeley during lunch and starts to bond, but Massie continues to intimidate her. Claire attends the Pretty Committee's weekend sleepover at Massie's mom's house, hoping to prove herself, but the bullying persists and she leaves early. Layne's potential friendship with Claire grows as she senses Massie's manipulation.

Massie pretends to be friendly with Layne to extract information about Chris Abeley, using Layne as a pawn to stay close to Claire and manipulate the situation. Layne gradually realizes Massie's game but tries to help Claire in her own way. The dynamic tightens around the mysterious allure of Chris.

When confronted by Claire's intrusion, Massie is absent from her room. Claire logs into Massie's IM account and begins messaging the other girls as if she were Massie, setting up pranks that humiliate Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen. The manipulative messages sow confusion and hint at the cruelty of the clique.

One by one the girls realize the imposter messages came from Claire, and they decide to kick Massie out of the Pretty Committee. Claire is welcomed into the clique, while Massie is increasingly isolated. The group's loyalty shifts as Claire steps into the spotlight.

Kristen confronts Massie about the messages, and the others deduce that Claire was behind the ruse. The bullying resumes with greater intensity, and Claire breaks down in front of her mother, who encourages her to stay true to herself. Claire begins to stand up against Massie's control even as fear lingers.

Massie decides to surprise Chris Abeley by jumping out of a cake at the family charity auction, wearing a shirt that proclaims her affection. Layne realizes Massie has been using her and makes amends with Claire, choosing friendship over manipulation. The stage is set for the upcoming social showdown.

During a field trip to New York City, the Pretty Committee promotes a makeup line created by Kristen that contains peanut oil, triggering allergic reactions among classmates. Claire covertly helps by suggesting Layne's oatmeal to reduce swelling, and the classmates begin to see Claire as a hero. The incident exposes the consequences of the group's vanity.

At the charity auction, the clique accepts Claire's apology and acknowledges her bravery in confronting Massie. They reveal their own resentment toward Massie's controlling behavior, and it comes to light that Chris has a girlfriend. Claire prevents Massie from jumping out of the cake, saving her from embarrassment and shifting the power dynamic.

That night Massie types a note on her computer declaring that Claire is now welcome in the Pretty Committee, a small moment of self-congratulation that hints at change. Claire starts to gain real footing within the group, while the others silently question Massie's leadership. The balance of power within OCD begins to tilt toward a more inclusive dynamic.