The High-School Effect

Jessica was the soul of a party. She’d hand out drinks, pick up empty paper cups, and would roared at Michael’s silly jokes.

At school, she’d strut around with friends, bullying juniors and tormenting the school cat.
But everyone loved her. Though she had joined in the middle of term, her classmates were quick to accept her. Tall and slender, and a shoulder-haired brunette, she was attractive and aloof — the perfect high-school heartthrob.

But each night facing her mirror, Jessica couldn’t accept her change. At least they liked her, she assured herself, unlike in the previous school.