Fox at Palm Valley High

Maya's palms were sweating so much her phone was practically slipping through her fingers. First day at Palm Valley High, and she'd already managed to trip over her own feet in the hallway. Twice.

'You okay?' A guy with shaggy hair and a faded band tee extended a hand.

'So good,' Maya lied, wiping her palms on her jeans. 'Just breaking in the new shoes.'

He laughed. 'I'm Fox. Well, Lucas, but everyone calls me Fox.' He gestured to the orange fox sticker on his laptop. 'Long story.'

'Maya. Also long story. Well, not really long. Just moved here from Seattle.'

'Cool. You run?'

'Sorry?'

'Track team. You've got that runner vibe. Plus, you're basically speed-walking away from that embarrassment.'

Maya groaned. 'Is it that obvious?'

Fox grinned. 'Welcome to the club. I wiped out on my skateboard first week. Hit the ground so hard my phone flew into a fountain. We've all been there.'

The warning bell rang.

'See you at tryouts?' Fox asked, already walking backward. 'Unless you're scared of getting your butt kicked by a guy named after a woodland creature.'

Maya surprised herself by smiling. 'You wish, Fox.'

That afternoon, her palms were sweating again as she lined up for the 400-meter trial. Coach blew the whistle, and Maya took off, passing two girls by the first curve. Her lungs burned, legs screamed, but she kept pushing.

She crossed the finish line and immediately bent over, hands on knees, gasping.

'Not bad for a rookie,' Fox said, appearing beside her with a water bottle. 'But I totally beat your time.'

Maya straightened up, grinning despite her exhaustion. 'Round two, Fox. And this time, I won't go easy on you.'

He laughed, and as their eyes met, Maya thought maybe—just maybe—Palm Valley High wouldn't be so bad after all. Her sweaty palms were already starting to dry.