Summer of Second Chances

The mechanical bull at Jake's backyard party looked ridiculous. Of course the one freshman who'd hit a growth spurt over summer would have something this extra.

"That's giving main character energy," I muttered to myself, nursing a flat soda by the fence.

Barnaby — the neighbor's ancient, half-blind golden retriever — had somehow crashed the party again. He was currently chasing his tail near the pool, looking more coordinated than I felt.

"You're overthinking it." Jenna appeared with two Red Bulls. "Here. Liquid courage. Not that you need it."

"I'm literally shaking," I admitted.

"My dad says bull riders visualize success," she said. "They picture themselves staying on instead of falling off. What's your bull?"

"Huh?"

"What's the thing you're afraid to ride?" Jenna clarified. "For me, it's texting people first. Always overthinking if I'm being annoying or whatever."

I stared at the pool, where Tyler and his crew were doing the most TikTok-worthy dives. "My bull is... everything. Being seen. Being judged. Saying something stupid and having it live on everyone's phone forever."

"Same though." Jenna cracked open both energy drinks. "But watch this."

Before I could stop her, she yelled "CANNONBALL!" and launched herself fully clothed into the pool, splashing Tyler's friend group. Chaos erupted — but everyone was laughing. Not at her. WITH her.

"My mom gave me these stupid vitamins," I said suddenly, reaching into my pocket. "She said they're for 'anxiety and confidence.' I think she just bought them from an influencer."

Jenna climbed out, dripping wet, grinning. "Bro, those are literally gummies. Okay, new plan: we both do something that makes us want to die, and the vitamins are our witnesses."

The mechanical bull was still spinning. Tyler had just fallen off dramatically.

"I'll ride the bull if you..." I paused. "If you ask Tyler to hang out. Like, actually ask."

Jenna's eyes went wide. "That's so valid. Deal."

She didn't wait. She marched right up to Tyler, water dripping from her clothes, and I watched from the fence. They talked for like, thirty seconds. Then she pumped her fist and ran back.

"Movie Saturday. He said yes."

"Shut up. Really?"

"And your turn, legend." She pointed to the mechanical bull.

I climbed on, thinking about vitamins and bull riders and girls who cannonball in clothes. I fell off in 1.3 seconds flat, but the whole backyard cheered anyway. Barnaby barked. Jenna high-fived me with wet hands.

Some rides aren't about staying on, I realized. They're about getting back on.