Crestwood High was buzzing with excitement as whispers of the upcoming school dance circulated through the hallways. But while most students were preoccupied with finding dates and planning their outfits, Jessica Miller had her attention fixed on something far more intriguing.
A few days earlier, Jessica had stumbled upon a secret—one that could change everything at Crestwood High. It had started innocently enough: Jessica had been scrolling through social media, bored and looking for something to entertain her, when she came across a trending video from a rising online idol named LunaStar. The girl in the video was captivating, with a voice that could enchant anyone who listened, and a mysterious aura that drew people in.
But what caught Jessica’s eye was something else—a small detail that most would overlook. The way LunaStar moved, the shape of her face, the way she smiled—it all seemed oddly familiar. Jessica watched the video again and again, her mind racing. Then it hit her: LunaStar was none other than Lily Thompson, the quiet, unassuming girl who always kept to herself at school.
Jessica had always been good at reading people, and now she had stumbled upon a secret that no one else knew. The shy, bookish Lily had a hidden life as a popular online idol. Jessica couldn’t believe it at first, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Lily’s secret explained so much—her quiet demeanor, her avoidance of attention, and even her reluctance to socialize.
But instead of feeling sympathy for Lily, Jessica saw an opportunity. With this secret, she could finally put Lily in her place and ensure that she remained at the top of the social hierarchy at Crestwood High.
---
The next day, Jessica found Lily in the school library, as usual, sitting at a table near the back. She approached her with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with the knowledge of what she was about to do.
“Hey, Lily,” Jessica said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Lily looked up, surprised to see Jessica standing there. “Oh, hi, Jessica. Do you need something?”
Jessica pulled out her phone, flipping through her saved videos until she found the one she was looking for. “I was just wondering,” she said casually, “what you think of this.”
She slid her phone across the table, the screen displaying a video of LunaStar’s latest performance. Lily’s eyes widened as she recognized herself on the screen, and she quickly looked away, her face pale.
“I—I don’t know,” Lily stammered, trying to play it off. “I don’t really follow idols.”
“Really?” Jessica’s tone was mocking, her eyes narrowing. “That’s funny, because I could’ve sworn LunaStar looks a lot like someone I know.”
Lily’s heart raced as she realized what Jessica was implying. She had always been careful to keep her two lives separate, but now her secret was out, and in the worst possible way.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lily said, trying to sound confident, but her voice wavered.
“Oh, come on, Lily,” Jessica said with a laugh. “Don’t play dumb. I know it’s you. And don’t worry—I haven’t told anyone. Yet.”
Lily’s stomach dropped. “What do you want, Jessica?”
Jessica leaned in closer, her voice low and threatening. “It’s simple. You do exactly what I say, when I say it, and your secret stays safe. But if you try to cross me… well, let’s just say the whole school will know about LunaStar.”
Lily felt trapped, her mind racing with the implications of what Jessica was saying. She couldn’t afford to have her secret exposed—not when she had worked so hard to keep her two lives separate. Her idol persona was a way for her to express herself, to escape the mundane reality of high school, and to reach people who appreciated her for who she really was. If Jessica exposed her, all of that would be ruined.
“What do you want me to do?” Lily asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jessica smiled, satisfied with Lily’s submission. “For now, just little things. Carry my books, run errands, that sort of thing. But don’t worry, I’ll think of more ways for you to be useful soon.”
Lily nodded, feeling a sense of dread settle in her chest. She knew she didn’t have a choice—Jessica had her cornered, and there was no way out. But as she watched Jessica walk away, a determined resolve began to grow within her. She couldn’t let Jessica control her forever. She would find a way to regain her freedom, no matter what it took.
---
Over the next few days, Jessica’s demands began to escalate. She would call Lily over in the hallways, forcing her to carry her books, fetch her lunch, or do her homework. Jessica made sure to keep her commands subtle enough that no one would notice the power dynamic between them, but Lily could feel the weight of Jessica’s control growing heavier with each passing day.
Kyle Heller, who had been spending more time with Lily recently, began to notice that something was off. He saw how Lily seemed more withdrawn, more nervous than usual, and how she would glance around anxiously whenever Jessica was nearby.
One afternoon, as they were walking to class together, Kyle decided to confront her. “Lily, is everything okay? You’ve seemed… different lately.”
Lily forced a smile, trying to hide her anxiety. “I’m fine, Kyle. Just a bit stressed with schoolwork.”
“Are you sure? Because if something’s bothering you, you can talk to me,” Kyle said, his voice full of concern.
Lily hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. She wanted to tell Kyle the truth, to confide in someone who might be able to help her, but she knew that if she did, Jessica would ruin everything. So she shook her head. “It’s nothing, really. Just a lot on my mind.”
Kyle didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press further. “Well, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Kyle,” Lily said, genuinely appreciative of his kindness. But she knew that as long as Jessica held her secret, there was nothing anyone could do to help her.
---
As the days turned into weeks, Lily’s situation became increasingly unbearable. Jessica’s demands grew more outrageous, and Lily found herself constantly on edge, terrified that Jessica might expose her at any moment. The pressure was taking its toll on her, and she struggled to keep up with her schoolwork, her idol activities, and Jessica’s endless demands.
One day, as she was leaving school, Lily received a text from Jessica: *Meet me at the usual spot after school. Don’t be late.*
Lily sighed, feeling the familiar dread settle in her stomach. She had no choice but to comply, so she made her way to the spot where Jessica usually met her—a secluded corner near the back of the school, far from prying eyes.
When she arrived, Jessica was already there, waiting with a smug smile on her face. “Took you long enough,” she said as Lily approached.
“I came as fast as I could,” Lily replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Good,” Jessica said, stepping closer to Lily. “Because I have a new task for you.”
Lily braced herself, knowing that whatever Jessica was about to say wouldn’t be good.
“There’s a party at Kyle Heller’s place this weekend,” Jessica began, her tone dripping with malice. “And you’re going to make sure that he doesn’t spend a single second alone with you. In fact, you’re going to avoid him altogether. I don’t want him getting any ideas about you.”
Lily’s heart sank. She had grown to like Kyle, and the thought of deliberately avoiding him hurt more than she wanted to admit. But she knew she had no choice. “Okay,” she said quietly.
“Good girl,” Jessica said with a satisfied grin. “And remember, Lily—one wrong move, and everyone finds out about LunaStar.”
Lily nodded, feeling utterly defeated as Jessica walked away. She knew she was running out of time. If she didn’t find a way to break free from Jessica’s control soon, her secret would be the least of her worries.
YOU ARE READING
Behind the spotlight
Teen Fiction**Setting:** A modern high school with a mix of cliques, including the popular crowd and the quieter, more introverted students. **Plot:** Alex Harper, the popular boy and star of the school's basketball team, is in a relationship with the school's...
