Papaya at the Pool Party

Maya's stomach did backflips as she stood outside Jessica's house, clutching her contribution to the party like a lifeline. Her mom had insisted she bring something—anything—to prove they weren't "that kind of guest." So here she was, at the most important social event of sophomore year, carrying a Tupperware container of papaya chunks like it was contraband.

The backyard was already popping. Kids from school were everywhere—some in the pool, others around the patio furniture, music bumping from somewhere she couldn't see. She spotted Tyler across the way, laughing with his friends, his wet hair plastered to his forehead in that annoyingly perfect way. Maya smoothed her shirt for the third time and started walking toward the food table, where her papaya could hopefully disappear unnoticed.

Then the sky opened up.

One moment it was sunny, the next everyone was scrambling toward the covered patio as rain slashed down in sheets. Maya found herself pressed against the wall beside Tyler, both of them dripping wet, his shoulder brushing hers.

"Nice weather we're having," he said, and she could've died from how corny it was, but also her heart was doing something embarrassing.

"Total mood," she managed, and then—CRACK. Lightning split the sky, purple-white and terrifyingly close. The power flickered and died, plunging them into darkness except for the storm's strobes.

Someone screamed. Maya flinched, and her elbow knocked into something wet and cold. The papaya container hit the ground, sticky orange fruit everywhere.

"Yo, what is that?" someone called out.

"Papaya," she whispered, wanting to dissolve. "My mom made me bring it."

A phone flashlight clicked on, illuminating the mess. Then another, and another. Tyler was crouching beside her, scooping up chunks with his bare hands.

"Honestly? Kinda fire," he said, popping one into his mouth. "My abuela makes this stuff with lime and chili. You got any?"

Maya stared at him. "I... my mom puts Tajín on it."

"Bet," he said, grinning. "Let's go find some."

Later, running back to her house through the downpour (her mom was going to kill her, but whatever), Maya decided papaya might actually be her new favorite fruit.