Poolside Zombie

I felt like a literal **zombie** walking into Tyler's pool party. Three hours of sleep + AP Bio exam + social anxiety = me, barely functioning.

My snapback pulled low over my eyes, the **hat** serving as my emotional support barrier. If I couldn't see people judging my oversized t-shirt and one-piece, they couldn't see me overthinking everything.

Then I saw her. The **fox**. That's what everyone called Kayla—sly, gorgeous, somehow always three steps ahead socially. She was stretched out on a lounge chair like this was her personal kingdom, hair wet from the **water**, sunlight turning her skin gold. I'd been lowkey crushing since freshman year, which was embarrassing given I'd never actually spoken to her.

My anxiety brain started spiraling: *Don't look at her. But also look at her. But DON'T look at her.*

I headed toward the drinks table, eyes on my Vans, until someone called my name.

"Hey! You're in my English class, right?"

Kayla. Standing right there. Dripping wet. Smiling like she actually meant it.

"Uh, yeah," I managed, instantly forgetting how language worked. "English. With Mr. Harrison. Who's, like, old."

My inner self was screaming.

"Cool," she said, and I realized she was holding out a water bottle. "You look like you need this more than me."

I took it. Our fingers brushed. My stomach did a full gymnastics routine.

"Rough week?" she asked.

"You could say that."

"My mom's got me on these wellness kicks," Kayla said, fishing something from her bag. "Energy crystals, cleanse teas, random **vitamin** supplements she swears will 'optimize my potential.'" She rolled her eyes. "Honestly? The best thing she's given me is this advice: fake it 'til you make it, but also, it's okay to not be okay."

She looked at me, really looked at me. "You don't have to perform, you know?"

Something in my chest unlocked. The anxiety ratcheted down from DEFCON 1 to manageable levels.

"I'm Maya," I said, finally pushing the hat back.

"I know," Kayla grinned, sly as ever. "I've been waiting all year for you to talk to me."

I wasn't a zombie anymore. I was just a girl, talking to a fox, in the middle of the best worst party of my life.