Star Power

Jenny was a first-year student at her local university. She thought herself to be intelligent, but she knew she got in her own way sometimes, being quiet and sometimes almost painfully shy. It was her first Saturday night away from home after her first week of classes, but she didn't feel like going out with the other students. Instead, she thought it worthwhile to read her textbooks in preparation for the week ahead.

She was sitting by a window in the common area of a dormitory room she shared with three other girls. She had been in a weird funk this whole week; something about living with other girls her age for the first time had stirred some peculiar feelings in her gut, and raised some questions in her mind. She knew that she was struggling with her own sexuality, an awkward and unwanted distraction when she was just trying to get ahead in her studies.

It certainly doesn't help either that all of them are so attractive, she thought.

Ugh, what am I thinking? They're the worst! She sighed, brushing her brown hair behind her ear.

Her three roommates all seemed to care more about boys than their classes, and far below their academics was Jenny, whom they barely tolerated. She could sense their constant disapproval. They tended to ignore her, and when they paid her any attention at all it seemed to be only to belittle or insult her. Two of them were sitting on the couch nearby, idly chatting.

Hannah, a tall athletic girl on a basketball scholarship, was recounting a tale from her first fraternity party the previous evening. Jenny found herself sneaking a peek at Hannah's long toned legs in her form-fitting exercise pants, and watched her blonde ponytail swishing back and forth.

"I was over by the punch bowl, and Marc was totally checking me out," Hannah giggled.

"Ohmygoshnoway! You mean Marc the starting quarterback?" Monica, an excitable girl who had just made the volleyball team, was wide-eyed. She had long straight brown hair and pronounced eyebrows, which she would arch knowingly and with devastating effect when teasing Jenny.

"The same! We made plans to meet at the canteen after my basketball practice tomorrow! What should I wear?" Hannah was practically vibrating with excitement. She and Monica had been best friends for years, and Jenny couldn't help but admit she envied their close relationship. She didn't have many friendships with other girls... or anyone, really.

Jenny sighed and looked out the window just in time to catch a blue light streaking across the sky overhead. It lasted only a moment before fading away into darkness. A shooting star? I guess I should make a wish, she thought.

I wish that they started talking about something I would find more interesting, she thought to herself as she stared at the stars. She sighed once again, looking back down at her textbook.

"You should wear that babydoll tee from high school! It's way too small for you now, but it'll make your boobs look amazing!" Monica suggested, grinning at Hannah.

Jenny's ears perked up. She turned to see Hannah looking down at Monica's chest.

"You're right, I totally should," Hannah chuckled, "Although, I don't think I'd be showing him as much cleavage as you would be in that shirt."

Monica laughed and arched her back, thrusting her big chest towards Hannah.

"Hey Marc, like what you see?" she teased, before continuing.

"Whatever, girl. You say that, but these boobs tend to get in the way when I'm on the volleyball court," Monica retorted.

"As if! Any girl would be lucky to be carrying those around," Hannah sighed wistfully, then snorted.