Mariah

The first bell hadn’t even rung yet, and Ridgeville High already felt alive — the kind of buzzing, restless Monday morning energy that made the halls feel like a hive. Backpacks slammed, sneakers squeaked against the tile, and everyone was catching up on the latest weekend gossip.

I was heading toward my locker when I spotted Jessa Lombardi walking down the hallway — and I swear, I did a double take.

Because this wasn’t the same Jessa who used to walk with her head down, ...