Laurie is a second-generation mutant. Her father, Sean Garrison, from whom she received her power, used his power to manipulate people and get money, fame, and women. Laurie's mother Gail was one of these women. She broke up with him when she became immune to his power because she was pregnant with his child. She raised Laurie alone. Laurie, realizing her mother had been hurt, became a loner. While on vacation, her powers manifested, causing every boy on the beach to become attracted to her and became popular. Her mother realized this, and told Laurie about her powers and that using them on people is wrong. As Laurie had no control over her powers and unwillingly caused people to mirror her own emotions, this knowledge scared her, and she became even more withdrawn than before.