Pool Party Panic

The sun beat down on Maya's neck as she stood at the edge of the pool, clutching her solo cup like it was a lifeline. Across the yard, Jason—the absolute finest boy in tenth grade—was dominating beer pong with his signature backwards cap. That damn hat had been mocking her all day.

"Yo Maya, you gonna swim or what?" Tyler called out, splashing **water** her way. Some of it hit her new white dress. Perfect.

Maya's palms were sweating so hard she could practically start a fire. This was supposed to be her moment—her chance to finally be part of the popular crowd after transferring schools three months ago. Instead, she was hovering like a ghost at her first real party.

She should've stayed home with her **goldfish**, Bubbles. At least Bubbles didn't make her question every life choice.

"She's scared!" someone yelled.

"Am not!" Maya shot back, but her voice cracked. Smooth. The whole group turned to look at her, including Jason. His friends were snickering.

Then she saw it—Jason's hat falling into the pool as he high-fived too enthusiastically. The cap bobbed in the **water** like a sad orange buoy.

"My hat!" Jason yelled. "Someone grab it!"

Before she could think it through, Maya jumped in. The pool was shockingly cold, but she grabbed the hat and surfaced triumphantly, slapping it onto her own dripping head.

"Got it," she said, grinning like a maniac.

Jason stared at her for a second, then burst out laughing. "You're actually insane," he said, but he was smiling now. "That was totally **bull** how fast you got in there."

"Reflexes like a cat," Maya said, climbing out and checking her dress. Whatever. It was ruined anyway.

She held out her hand for a high five. Jason slapped her **palm** with genuine enthusiasm.

"You're alright, new girl," he said. "Next round, you're on my team."

Maya adjusted the dripping hat and finally let herself breathe. Maybe high school wouldn't be so terrible after all.