Blue Chloride Secrets

The chlorine burned Maya's nose as she pulled herself from the pool, water dripping from her eyelashes. This was supposed to be the ultimate end-of-summer blowout, but instead she was stuck watching everyone else live their best lives while she overthought everything.

"You coming back in?" Carlos called from the deep end, splashing water at her.

Maya shook her head, wrapping herself in a towel and collapsing onto a lounge chair. That's when she noticed Priya sitting alone near the palm tree that barely reached above the fence, scrolling through her phone with that familiar upset expression.

They'd been best friend since seventh grade, but lately something had shifted. Priya had been distant, canceling plans, posting memes that felt kinda targeted.

"Hey," Maya said, dropping onto the grass beside her. "Everything okay?"

Priya locked her phone screen. "Fine. Just... whatever."

"Dude, you've been acting weird all week." Maya hesitated. "Did I do something?"

Priya stared at the artificial palm tree above them. "You know how you've been spending all your time with the swim team crew?"

"Yeah, but you're welcome to—"

"It's not that." Priya's voice cracked. "I told Jordan I liked him. Like, really liked him. And he told me he was into you."

Maya's stomach dropped. "What?"

"And then I see you two laughing together all week at practice." Priya wiped her eyes angrily. "I know you didn't know, but it's just... awkward, you know?"

"Pri, I promise, nothing's going on with Jordan. He's literally just my swimming buddy." Maya reached out and squeezed her friend's hand. "He's not my type. You're my person, obviously."

"Really?"

"Duh. Who else would help me study for bio? Who else knows my coffee order?" Maya pulled her into a hug. "Let me fix this. I'll talk to Jordan right now."

"No, don't—"

"Yes." Maya stood up and marched toward the pool where Jordan was doing laps. Sometimes you have to dive into the deep end, even when the water feels cold.