A Better World. Tatiana Bazhan

eyes met briefly.

      “Nice to meet you,” Alex said, a slight smile playing on his lips.

      “Hi,” Emily replied softly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

      But Mike, oblivious to the unspoken connection, interrupted.

      “Right, well, it's 6 PM now. This mysterious stranger from the website should be showing up any minute.”

      The three of them started calling out, “Anybody here? Hello?”

      No answer came. Only silence. The apprehension grew.

      “Maybe this is a joke after all,” one of the boys said, trying to lighten the mood with a weak smile.

      But then, Emily noticed an envelope. It lay on a stone. Opening it, the teenagers read,

      “SHE NEEDS YOUR HELP! OR SHE WILL DIE BECAUSE OF HER DIETING.”

      Below the words was a photograph of… Jessica, lying on the floor near her locker at school. Further down the page, there were detailed instructions, outlining what each of them should do and say.

      “Okay, this is getting serious,” Alex said, his voice firm. “Let’s read this carefully. We need to figure out what's going on.”

      Chapter 6: The game starts

      The next morning, Emily arrived at school and found Jessica. Her mission was simple: befriend Jessica.

      “How hard can it be?” Emily thought.

      But a nagging doubt lingered. The whole situation felt odd. What was this mysterious website? How could she possibly “save” Jessica if Jessica was determined to starve herself? Emily felt she'd be better off saving her own father from his alcoholism and her mother from his abuse. Her priority was to get into university and secure a well-paid job. That was the real challenge.

      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’s assistant,” Emily continued, smoothly reciting her pre-prepared lines. “We’re 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.

      Chapter 7: The cafe

      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.”

      Jessica was stunned into silence. She didn’t know what to say. Her cheeks flushed, but for the first time that afternoon, a glimmer of something other than self-disgust flickered in her eyes. She no longer felt the urge to bolt from the café.

      “Right, girls,” Mike continued, clapping his hands together. “Let’s eat and then head over to the studio. I’m still a bit of a novice photographer, but I’ve got a couple of shoots lined up today.”

      The waitress arrived with their order: a grilled chicken breast and a green salad for Jessica and Emily, and a large plate of chips for Mike. Jessica found herself unable to take her eyes off the food. The previously nauseating smell now seemed incredibly appealing. She cautiously picked up her fork, but as she attempted to stand, a wave of dizziness washed over her. She stumbled, and the next thing she knew, she was falling – directly into the arms of a young man walking past their table.

      “Oi!” he exclaimed, steadying her. “If all the beautiful ladies are going to be falling at my feet today, I might just have the best day ever!”

      His playful tirade was cut short by a familiar voice.

      “Jessica!” Mrs. Davison, their history teacher, stood nearby, a warm smile on her face. “Jessica, dear, you look wonderful! I’m so pleased to see you eating something healthy. It’s doing you good, and it seems you’re acquiring a few admirers too!” she winked knowingly.

      Jessica, mortified but secretly pleased, managed a weak smile. She retreated back to her chair and began to eat, her appetite surprisingly robust. Maybe, just maybe, this afternoon wouldn't be a complete disaster after all.

      Chapter 8: The studio

      Emily, Jessica, and Mike eventually rocked up at the studio after lunch. Jess was buzzing, totally full of beans. She was positively blooming, all smiles and energy. Emily, though, was starting to get proper doubts. The more she clocked Mike, the more confused she got. How did he know all this camera gear? Where did he learn to set up backdrops and lighting like that? His instructions for Jess were bang on, so clear and pro. And where had he got the studio from? And the clothes! Emily