Electric Summer Nights

Maya spent forty minutes on her hair—curling iron, expensive products, the whole routine—only for humidity to turn it into a frizz cloud the second she stepped outside. Typical.

The pool party at Tyler's house was already popping when she arrived. Kids from school, music thumping, snacks everywhere. This was it. Her chance to finally talk to Jordan, who'd been sitting two rows ahead in English since September.

"Hey! You made it!" Tyler shoved a bright orange drink at her. "Try this—my mom's experimental papaya punch."

Maya took a suspicious sip. Actually amazing. Who knew papaya could hit different like that? She grabbed a whole cup.

Jordan was by the pool edge, laughing at something. This was it. The moment. Maya started over, heart pounding, planning something smooth to say—

CRACK.

Lightning shattered the sky, so bright everyone flinched. A second later, thunder shook the ground.

"Everyone inside! Now!" Tyler's mom yelled from the back door.

The party evacuated in seconds. Maya got separated from Jordan in the chaos, shoved toward the covered porch with everyone else. Rain sheeted down, turning the backyard into a blur of water and wind.

"Your hair's actually kind of awesome like that," said a voice beside her.

She spun around. Jordan. Drenched. Smiling.

"What? My hair's a disaster."

"Nah, it's wild. Like the storm." Jordan shrugged. "I like it."

Suddenly the papaya punch wasn't the only thing making Maya feel light-headed. Outside, another flash of lightning illuminated the falling water, turning the rain into something magical instead of just weather.

"Want to share my umbrella?" Jordan held up a barely-functioning collapsible umbrella. "I have to walk to the corner."

"Yes," Maya said, way too fast. "I mean, sure."

They stepped into the downpour together, umbrella barely covering one person, let alone two. But walking shoulder to shoulder through the storm, water soaking through their shoes, Maya decided this was actually the best night ever.

Frizzy hair and all.