That's why Jessica's story is important. It's clear from episode 1 that Jessica is struggling with something, though we don't yet know what that is. When we see her in present day, she is numbing herself with alcohol and partying — erratic behavior that doesn't match up with the Jessica we saw in Hannah's flashbacks. She also seeks out Bryce and hangs out with him alone, seemingly "flirting" with the person who we later learn raped her. It's not that Bryce didn't commit a serious crime, nor is it that Jessica has forgiven him for it. Yet by hanging out with Bryce, by pretending everything is "fine" between them, Jessica assumed, incorrectly, that it would be easier to move on.