Pyramid Schemes and Second Semester

Maya stared at the lunchroom's social pyramid from her usual spot near the vending machines. Senior table at the top, juniors below them, sophomores scattered through the middle, and freshmen lucky if they scored a seat at all. Somewhere between 'invisible' and 'why bother' on the scale, Maya clutched her vitamin D supplement like it was some kind of emotional support crystal.

'That fox over there is wearing your jacket,' said Jules, nodding toward the senior table.

Fox — as in Violet Reynolds, cleverer than everyone combined and somehow always three steps ahead of the school administration — was indeed sporting Maya's vintage denim jacket. The one that disappeared from her locker last week. The audacity was almost impressive.

'Main character energy,' Maya muttered, checking her phone. No texts from Riley, who'd been ghosting since that party Friday. Whatever.

Her cat, Biscuit, was the only consistent relationship in her life right now. Biscuit didn't care about social pyramids or who was dating who or whether your outfit was yesterday's news. Biscuit just wanted treats and occasionally to vomit on your homework.

Fox sauntered over, orange soda in hand, looking like she owned the entire cafeteria ecosystem. 'Cool jacket, right?' She flicked a piece of lint off the denim. 'Found it in the lost and found. figured you weren't using it.'

Maya stood up. 'That's because someone stole it.'

'Pyramid scheme,' Fox shrugged, taking a sip. 'Someone takes your stuff, you take someone else's, eventually the whole school swaps wardrobes and we all win.'

Behind Fox, Maya spotted Riley laughing with some juniors. Her stomach did that thing where it felt like she'd swallowed her vitamin without water.

'You okay?' Fox actually looked concerned. 'You look like you just realized high school is literally four years of unnecessary drama.'

'Pretty much,' Maya admitted.

Fox slid the orange soda across the table. 'Welcome to the club. Everyone's fake, nothing matters, and we're all gonna make it anyway.'

Maya took a sip. It was flat and way too sweet. Exactly like high school itself.