Poolside Predator

The chlorine hit Maya's nose before she even saw the pool. Another Friday at Tyler's house, another chance to feel like she didn't belong. She tugged at her swimsuit straps, hyper-aware of everyone's eyes.

"Yo Maya, you gonna stand there all day or actually get in?" Tyler called, doing a cannonball that sent water everywhere. The ripples pushed against her toes.

"She's scared," Jordan laughed, doing that fake-friendly thing that somehow felt worse than outright mean. "The water's deep, little fox."

Fox. That's what Jordan called her anytime she showed even a hint of cleverness. Backhanded compliment city.

"I'm not scared," Maya said, though her stomach did flips. "Just waiting for you to stop acting like you own the place."

"Oooooh," the group chorused. Someone's phone started playing that TikTok audio that meant drama was brewing.

"Alright alright, break it up," Chloe appeared with fruit punch. "Maya, I saved you a seat. Jordan, stop being a bull for like five seconds, please and thanks."

Jordan rolled their eyes but backed off. They always did when Chloe spoke. Chloe had that energy—confident without trying, the kind everyone gravitated toward. Maya wanted that so bad it physically hurt sometimes.

The afternoon passed in a blur of splashing, snacks, and that weird tension that always filled these gatherings. Maya stuck to the shallow end, watching everyone else live their best lives in the deep. Jordan kept making pointed comments about how some people couldn't handle it, whatever "it" was supposed to be this time.

"Hey," Chloe slid into the pool beside her. "You okay? You look like you're about to bear your claws and go full warrior princess on Jordan."

"I'm fine," Maya lied. "Just... thinking about how Jordan's been on my case since seventh grade."

"They're jealous."

"Of what? I'm literally just here."

"Exactly." Chloe popped a grape into her mouth. "You showed up. You're still showing up. That takes guts, fox."

Maya blinked. "You think so?"

"I know so." Chloe nudged her shoulder. "Now are you gonna let Jordan win, or are you gonna come to the deep end with me?"