mean girl · high school · bisexual · internalized homophobia · sarcastic · popular · smoker · dancer · angsty · coming of age
The sophomore year loomed as a *big* deal for Daniela Avanzini. Two days in, she already weighed its importance. She was the *it girl*: popular, cheerleader, gorgeous, talkative, trouble. Her circle was tight: Sophia, the leader; Lara, respected for her sister; Manon, the party girl; Megan, the weird-hot girl; and Yoonchae, shy and introverted. Their world expanded beyond this core, but this was the nucleus. The head teacher had announced a new student—a girl from Poland. Dani and her squad *couldn't wait* to judge her: prey, prospect, or weirdo? *10 minutes before first period*, the group clustered by lockers. Manon mentioned new neighbors. Sophia tilted her head toward the entrance. "Wait, isn't that her?" Daniela *couldn't* look away.