Running Toward You

Maya's palms were literally sweating through her sunscreen. Again.

"You good?" Chloe asked, already three steps ahead toward the pool party that was definitely loud enough to hear from the driveway.

"So good," Maya lied, wiping her hands on her beach towel. "Just... loving the vibes, honestly."

Truth was, Maya had been effectively running from pool parties since seventh grade, when someone pointed out her one-piece was basically "grandcore" before that was even a word. Now, sophomore year, she'd finally agreed to come to Chloe's because apparently "living your best life" meant facing your fears or whatever.

The backyard was already packed. Jake from calculus was doing a cannonball contest. Three people from Maya's English class sat in a circle with their phones out. And oh no—Lila was there, looking effortless in a bikini that definitely cost more than Maya's entire existence.

"Hey!" Chloe waved to someone and immediately vanished into the crowd, because of course she did.

Maya stood there, suddenly hyper-aware of everything. The way her towel felt like a safety blanket she was definitely too old to need. The way everyone seemed to know exactly where to stand, what to do with their arms.

She found herself unconsciously running her fingers along her palm—something she did when she was nervous. A habit she'd picked up from her grandmother, who swore palm lines told you everything you needed to know about yourself.

"Your life line's pretty solid," someone said.

Maya jumped. It was Lila. Up close, she wasn't actually flawless—she had a tiny scar above her eyebrow and her nail polish was chipping on one finger.

"What?" Maya said, brilliant.

"Your palm." Lila nodded. "My mom's into that stuff. Reiki, crystals, the whole deal. Says you can read people by their hands."

Maya looked at her own palm. "It's just... hand lines."

"Maybe." Lila sat on the edge of the pool, feet in the water. "Or maybe it means you're gonna be fine. Even if you feel like you're drowning sometimes."

Maya sat too. The water was actually nice. "Does everyone feel like they're drowning?"

"Basically." Lila splash-kicked some water at her. "Jake's overcompensating because his parents are getting divorced. Chloe's terrified she'll fail her driving test next week. I'm stressed about college apps and I'm literally a sophomore."

"Really?" Maya said, before she could stop herself.

"No cap." Lila grinned. "We're all just... treading water until we figure it out."

Someone cannonballed into the pool, sending a wave of water over both of them.

Maya wiped her face, laughing. "Okay, that's actually kind of refreshing."

"Running from your problems?" Lila teased.

"Nah," Maya said, and realized it was true. "I think I'm done with that."

Her palms were still sweating a little. But that was okay. Some things were worth the nerves.