Just then, Jessica stumbled out of the school building. She was unsteady on her feet, her face pale. Other students almost knocked her over as they hurried past. It looked as though even a slight breeze could have toppled her.

“Hi there,” Emily began, flashing her most genuine smile. “You look perfect!”

Jessica looked up, startled.

“I'm a photographer,” Emily continued, smoothly reciting her pre-prepared lines. “I'm shooting a summer clothing collection for this season, and you'd be perfect. Your figure is ideal, and your face… well, all the boys will go crazy for you.”

Emily watched carefully, gauging the effect of her words. It was working. Jessica, who had looked like a ghostly apparition, was now a ghost with a faint blush on her cheeks.

“Boys will go crazy?” Jessica repeated, a glimmer of hope in her voice.

“Absolutely!” Emily affirmed. “But first, we need to grab some food. I'm as hungry as a wolf!”

Jessica hesitated. She was about to lie and say she'd already eaten, even though she hadn't had a proper meal since yesterday – or was it the day before? But Emily was insistent.

“Photoshoots are a long process,” Emily explained. “Not everyone can handle it. So, lunch first, then the shoot. And don't worry,” she added, her tone reassuring, “only healthy things. I wouldn't want to ruin my model's figure, would I?”

Jessica finally conceded. A genuine smile flickered across her lips. It was the first time Emily had seen her smile.

Emily and Jessica sat at a small table in “The Corner Café,” a popular spot known for its strong coffee and even stronger gossip. The aroma of freshly baked scones and frying bacon hung heavy in the air. Emily, with her bright blonde hair and easy smile, was, as usual, attracting attention. A group of teenage boys near the window kept glancing their way, nudging each other and whispering. Every glance was directed at Emily; none even registered Jessica's presence.

A wave of self-loathing washed over Jessica. She felt invisible, undesirable. “I want to leave,” she muttered to herself, her voice barely a whisper. “I hate myself. I need to lose weight. Why did I even come here? The smell of food is making me feel sick.”

Emily, who missed the exact words, but noticed Jessica's paling complexion, frowned. “Jess, are you alright? You look a bit green.”

Jessica forced a smile, a pathetic attempt to mask her inner turmoil. “I’m fine, just… not really hungry.”

According to the script they had, the next character to arrive was Mike. He was already running late. Emily racked her brain, trying to fill the awkward silence and boost Jessica's deflated spirits.

“Listen,” Emily began, leaning forward conspiratorially. “You know that skirt for the photosession… This one with the flowers. With your amazing legs, you would look absolutely stunning. And that red top – the one that really shows off your figure? Pair those together, and honestly, those lads over there would be falling over themselves to ask for your number. You’d have a queue of admirers!” Emily cringed inwardly. She knew it sounded cheesy, but she was desperate.

Before Jessica could respond, the bell above the door jingled, announcing Mike’s arrival.

“Sorry I’m late, girls!” Mike breezed in, his dark hair slightly tousled. He planted a quick kiss on Emily’s cheek, per the script. She almost recoiled instinctively, but reminded herself that it was all part of the plan.

“So, Em, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” Mike asked, smoothly turning his attention to Jessica. Without waiting for Emily to say anything, he extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Mike. You look… incredible. You must have a huge portfolio of photoshoots; you’ve got that “model” vibe.”