Pyramid Schemes and Chlorine Dreams

I stood by the **pyramid** of red Solo cups, watching Jason from across the pool. My **hair**, frizzy from the humidity, had already announced its independence thirty minutes ago. Great. First pool party of sophomore year, and I looked like I'd stuck my finger in an electrical socket.

My social standing hovered somewhere between pond scum and "that girl who asks too many questions" — basically, the bottom of the freshman food chain. Even Bailey's golden retriever, Buster, had more clout than me. The **dog** was currently paddling toward Jason like he owned the place, which, honestly, he kind of did.

Jason leaned against the diving board, laughing at something Chelsea said. Chelsea, who somehow looked perfect despite spending forty minutes in the **water**. Her sleek ponytail remained intact while mine attempted escape.

"Earth to Maya," Zoe whispered, appearing beside me with two waters. "You've been playing **spy** for twenty minutes. It's getting weird."

I accepted the water, grateful to hide my burning face behind the bottle. "I'm not spying. I'm observing."

"Mmhmm." Zoe's smirk said everything. "Want me to introduce you?"

"No!" I almost choked on my water. "I mean, no thanks. I'm good."

Buster chose that moment to shake himself off directly next to Jason, spraying chlorinated water everywhere. Including all over Chelsea's perfect outfit. The resulting scene involved screeching, towels, and Bailey sprinting over with apologies.

Jason laughed, helping Bailey wrangle the wet dog. His gaze met mine across the suddenly quiet pool area, and I forgot how to breathe. He actually smiled. Not the polite smile he gave teachers. The real one.

I'd spent all year building up this pyramid in my head where Jason sat at the top and I dwelled somewhere in the basement. But watching him laugh with Bailey about her ridiculous dog, something clicked. These social pyramids only existed because we let them.

I dove into the pool, chlorine stinging my eyes. When I surfaced, sputtering and slicking my hair back, Jason was standing at the edge.

"You okay?" he asked, extending a hand.

"Fine," I said, ignoring his hand to pull myself up. "Just testing the water temperature."

"Right." His grin widened. "Well, Buster seemed to think you needed cooling off."

"Your dog has excellent timing."

"He does what he wants." Jason stepped back. "Hey, some of us are getting ice cream later. You should come."

Maybe social pyramids weren't so solid after all. Maybe they were just a bunch of plastic cups waiting to fall over. "I'd like that," I said, finally meaning it.