Pool Party Surveillance

I leaned against the fence, clutching my phone like a lifeline. Tyler's pool party raged on the other side—laughter, music, the splash of water. My best friend Maya had dragged me here, then ditched me five minutes in to talk to some juniors. Classic.

So I did what I always did: I became a spy in my own life. Watching from the sidelines while everyone else lived it. Pathetic? Maybe. But safer than jumping in and making a fool of myself.

Then I saw him: Liam from my English class, climbing onto the mechanical bull someone's older brother had rented. The inflatable pool caught anyone who fell off. Liam gripped the handle with white knuckles, his通常 confident expression replaced by terror.

"This is so stupid," someone yelled. "Bull!"

Liam's eyes squeezed shut as the machine lurched forward. The bull bucked violently, side to side. I found myself holding my breath, actually caring. Liam, who sat behind me in third period and always smelled like mint gum. Liam, who I'd been stealing glances at since September without ever saying a word.

He lasted twelve seconds before flying off into the water with a huge splash. Everyone cheered. I smiled without thinking.

Then his eyes found mine through the fence. Really found them. He waved, dripping wet, grinning like an idiot.

"Hey, come over!" he called. "Your turn!"

My heart did this ridiculous fluttery thing. Maya reappeared at my elbow, phone in hand. "I was looking for you. Oh my god, is Liam—"

"He wants me to ride the bull," I said, voice weirdly steady.

Maya's jaw dropped. "So go."

I wasn't a spy anymore. I was just a girl who'd spent way too long watching from the sidelines. Time to jump in.

I opened the gate and walked toward the water.