Chlorine Dreams

The pool party was supposed to be the highlight of freshman year, but I was currently hiding behind a potted plant, clutching my orange soda like it was a lifeline. Jordan's house was basically a mansion, complete with an actual outdoor pool that looked like something from a music video. Everyone looked so effortless, so confident, so not terrified of social interaction.

'You gonna hide all night or actually come in?'

I jumped, nearly spilling my drink. Riley stood there, water dripping from her cropped tee, this tiny scruffy dog tucked under one arm like a furry football.

'This is Barnaby,' she said, nodding at the dog, who was currently giving me side-eye. 'He's emotionally supportive. Also, he hates pool parties but I made him come anyway.'

I laughed despite myself. 'I feel you, Barnaby.'

Riley studied me for a second. 'You know, nobody's actually watching you. Everyone's too busy worrying about how they look to notice anyone else.' She gestured toward the pool, where a bunch of our classmates were laughing and splashing. 'It's just water. It's not that deep.'

The dog squirmed in her arms and she set him down. He immediately trotted over to me and head-butted my leg demanding attention. I bent down to scratch his ears, and something about his goofy, unselfconscious energy made me feel less stupid.

'Fine,' I said, setting down my orange soda. 'But if I embarrass myself, I'm blaming Barnaby.'

Riley grinned. 'Deal.'

The water was colder than expected, shocking my system as I slid in. But for the first time all night, I wasn't thinking about who was watching or whether I looked cool doing it. I was just floating, weightless, while Barnaby barked at us from the edge like a tiny, furry lifeguard. Sometimes the scariest moments end up being the ones that finally make you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be.