As McKenna walked through the pristine halls of Auradon Prep, the hum of lockers opening and closing filled the air. She had just finished her first class of the day, her mind still whirling from the complexities of the lesson, when she spotted Ben approaching her. His smile was warm, as always, and McKenna couldn't help but return it. She felt her heart flutter, just a little, as she saw him carrying something behind his back.

“Hi, McKenna,” Ben greeted her, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Hi,” she replied, raising an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by his barely hidden surprise.

“I have a little surprise for you,” Ben said, stepping closer.

“Again? Wow. That's like every day now,” McKenna teased, though she knew Ben loved surprising her with small tokens of affection.

Ben shrugged with a boyish grin. “Or every other day. The even dates. Because you're... even more perfect than I thought.”

McKenna laughed softly, shaking her head. “That is me. I am perfect.”

Ben leaned in, his voice softening as he said, “Come on, let me spoil you. You didn’t have a lot growing up.”

McKenna looked away for a brief moment. Ben meant well, but the mention of her past life on the Isle still stirred complicated emotions. “We managed,” she replied, her tone casual, though a flicker of discomfort tugged at her heart.

Suddenly, Ben’s gaze shifted to something hanging from her locker door. “Hey, didn’t you donate that to the museum?” he asked, pointing the spell book

McKenna blushed slightly. “Is that still in there? Um, I gotta get to class. I really don’t want to be late,” she deflected, reaching for her locker to grab her books.

But Ben wasn’t having it. “No. You come this way,” he insisted, gently taking her hand and leading her down the hall. “First off... Ta-da!” He stopped abruptly, revealing a brand-new purple and gold motorcycle

McKenna’s jaw dropped. “What?!” she exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.

“You like it?” Ben asked, his grin widening.

“Ben... does an ogre like cheese puffs? This is amazing!” McKenna laughed, her eyes sparkling with genuine delight as she ran her fingers over the smooth, purple surface. “I didn’t get you anything,” she added, realizing how much effort he’d put into this for her.

“You’re taking me on a picnic with all my favorite foods, remember?” Ben reminded her.

“That’s Thursday,” McKenna said with a knowing smirk.

“It is Thursday,” Ben countered.

McKenna’s brow furrowed for a second. “No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is,” Ben insisted, grinning as if enjoying the back-and-forth.

“No, it’s not,” McKenna shot back, though her voice held a playful tone now.

“It is,” Ben laughed show McKenna the date on his phone

McKenna rolled her eyes, feigning defeat. “I knew that.”

Ben chuckled. “I mean, if you don’t have it ready, that’s fine.”

“No, no, no. I was fully messing with you. I knew it was Thursday,” McKenna replied quickly, flashing a grin. “I just have one more thing to bake, and then I am all yours.”

“Well, what about class?” Ben teased, his eyes full of affection.

“She multi-tasks,” McKenna said, shrugging with an air of nonchalance.

“She dabbles,” Ben echoed, his admiration for her evident.

“She dabbles,” McKenna agreed, flashing him a wink before turning to leave.

“You’re the best!” Ben said

“That’s me!” McKenna called back over her shoulder, her heart light and full as she left Ben behind.

But her joyful mood didn’t last long. As she rounded the corner, she nearly bumped into her twin sister, Audrey, who stood there with her arms crossed, a scowl plastered across her face.

“McKenna,” Audrey said, her voice dripping with bitterness.

“Audrey,” McKenna replied cautiously, immediately sensing the tension radiating from her twin.

Audrey’s eyes narrowed, and McKenna could almost feel the weight of her sister’s judgment. “So, you’re really playing the part, huh? The perfect soon-to-be queen,” Audrey sneered.

McKenna frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, don’t act like you don’t know,” Audrey snapped, her tone sharp. “I can see right through you, McKenna. All this... this facade. You may have been born a princess, but you were raised an Isle rat. And that’s all you’ll ever be.”

The words hit McKenna like a slap to the face, stinging her deep inside. She took a breath, trying to steady herself, but Audrey’s words struck at the core of her insecurities. She’d fought so hard to leave the Isle behind, to build a new life here in Auradon, but Audrey’s cutting remark brought all of her old doubts rushing back.

“Audrey, that’s not fair,” McKenna said, her voice quiet but firm. “I’ve worked hard to be here."

Audrey rolled her eyes. “Worked hard? Please. You lucked out. You’ve got Ben wrapped around your finger, and now everyone’s treating you like you’re this perfect princess. But I know the truth. I know who you really are.”

McKenna swallowed hard, her chest tightening. “Audrey, I don’t know why you’re so angry with me, but—”

“Because it should’ve been me!” Audrey snapped, her voice rising. “I was supposed to be queen. I was supposed to be with Ben. But then you come along, all sweet and innocent, and suddenly, you’re the one with everything I ever wanted. What I rightfully deserve.”

McKenna felt her heart ache for her sister, understanding the jealousy and hurt buried beneath her sharp words. But at the same time, she couldn’t let Audrey’s bitterness define her.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” McKenna said softly. “But this isn’t about taking anything from you. I love Ben, and he chose me. I didn’t plan for any of this.”

Audrey’s eyes glinted with coldness. “You can pretend all you want, McKenna, but you’ll never really belong here. You can put on the princess act, but deep down, you’re still just an Isle kid pretending to be something you’re not.”

McKenna clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out. Instead, she stood her ground, her voice steady. “Maybe I wasn’t raised in a castle like you, but that doesn’t make me any less deserving of happiness. I know who I am, Audrey. And that’s all that matters.”

Audrey scoffed, turning on her heel. “We’ll see how long you can keep up the charade.”

As Audrey stormed away, McKenna let out a shaky breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her sister’s words. But even as the sting of Audrey’s harshness lingered, McKenna reminded herself of one thing: she was more than her past, more than an Isle kid. She was McKenna—strong, resilient, and determined to carve out her own path, no matter what anyone said but a small part in her mind started to believe that Audrey was right.

Hey guys I hope you like this chapter. If you have ideas comment down below.