Poolside Riddle

Maya clutched her towel like a security blanket, standing at the edge of Chloe's backyard party. The in-ground pool glittered like something from a music video, and people she'd only Instagram-stalked were actually in the water, laughing like this was normal Friday night stuff.

"You coming in or what?"

She jumped. It was Rico, the sphinx of sophomore year. The guy barely spoke, never posted, yet somehow sat at every cool table. His dark eyes watched her, unreadable as ever.

"I'm... I'm good," Maya squeaked.

Rico shrugged. "Your loss. Your dog seems like he'd disagree."

Maya blinked. Then followed his gaze to Buster, her ancient terrier, who'd somehow slipped his leash and was paddling happily toward the deep end, living his best life.

"Buster!" she scrambled toward the pool, nearly tripping over her own flip-flops.

Suddenly Jordan materialized— Chloe's ex, the self-proclaimed bull of the cafeteria, currently without his usual entourage. "Need a hand?"

Before Maya could process that Jordan Miller was offering to help, he'd already waded in, scooping up a soaked but delighted Buster. The dog shook himself vigorously, spraying water everywhere. Jordan laughed, actually laughed, and for the first time, Maya saw something human behind the tough guy act.

"Your dog's a legend," Jordan said, handing Buster to her.

"Yeah." Maya held her shivering friend tight. "He's kind of why I came. Mom said I couldn't leave him home alone."

"Cool." Jordan's eyes shifted toward Rico, who was still watching from the pool's edge. "Hey Sphinx, you gonna join us or keep staring?"

Rico's mouth twitched. Then he slipped into the water, smooth as shadow. "Some riddles don't need answers. They need witnesses."

Maya stood there, wet dog in her arms, suddenly realizing she'd been waiting for permission to belong. She dipped her toes in. The water was perfect.

"I'm witnessing," she said, and for the first time since seventh grade, she didn't feel invisible.