Paparaña at the Pool Party

Jordan stood at the edge of the pool, clutching his phone like it was a lifeline. The annual summer bash was in full swing—kids from school cannonballing into the water, that one sophomore who'd hit a growth spike over spring break showing off his diving skills. Jordan's chest felt tight. He'd been crushing on Maya since seventh period English, and tonight was supposed to be his chance to finally talk to her. Instead, he was frozen.

Hey, Jordan!

It was Leo, flopping wet hair out of his eyes. You gonna stand there all day or actually get in the water? The pool's literally the point of a pool party, my guy.

Jordan forced a laugh. Yeah, just, uh. Warming up.

His mind flashed to his backpack stuffed inside his locker—where Bearington, his childhood teddy bear, currently sat. He'd brought him for luck, obviously, but now that he thought about it, maybe stuffing a stuffed animal in your bag for a high school party was certifiably insane behavior. Whatever. It wasn't like anyone would know.

Unless his bag fell out of his locker. Unless someone opened it. Unless—

You okay? Leo asked, squinting at him. You look like you're about to pass out or something.

I'm good! Jordan said too loudly. Just hungry. Where's the food?

The fruit table's legendary this year, Leo said, gesturing. Try the papaya. My mom went full exotic and it's actually lowkey fire.

Papaya. Right. Because the socially anxious kid who still slept with a teddy bear was definitely going to impress Maya by eating whatever a papaya was supposed to be.

But Jordan grabbed a slice anyway, took a bite, and—wow. Actually kind of amazing. Sweet and tropical and nothing like the apples and bananas his mom packed in his lunch. For a second, he forgot about Bearington and his spiraling thoughts and just existed.

Then Maya walked over, wet hair slicked back, smiling.

Hey Jordan! Haven't seen you in the water yet. You coming?

Jordan swallowed. Looked at the pool. Looked at Maya, who was waiting for him. Looked at the papaya in his hand.

Yeah, he said. Yeah, I'm coming.

And somewhere in his backpack, Bearington would understand. Some moments were worth growing up for.