The Fox in the outfield

Maya's best friend Chloe was a total fox — not like, attractive fox, but like, actually sly. The kind of girl who could talk herself out of detention and into VIP sections.

"You're literally spiraling," Chloe said, adjusting herperfect messy bun. "It's baseball. Not brain surgery."

"It's Tyler's baseball game," Maya corrected, checking her reflection in her phone. "And my hair looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket."

"You look hot. Now go talk to him before I lose my mind."

Maya's heart did that stupid flutter thing whenever Tyler pitched. He was all focus and determination, wiping sweat from his forehead, baseball cap backwards because apparently that was the law. Their eyes met across the fence and she promptly forgot how to human.

"Smooth," Chloe snorted.

Then Jason showed up. The team's star batter, a total bull of a guy who'd been making Maya's life miserable since sixth grade. "Nice century, losers," he announced, dripping condescension.

"Shut up, Jason," someone muttered.

"What? I'm just saying Maya's finally gonna make her move after three years of—"

Maya's face burned. She grabbed her phone, ready to bolt.

"Nope." Chloe locked eyes with her. "We're doing this. Pool party. Tonight. You're coming."

"I can't swim in front of Tyler. Have you seen me? I look like a drowning squirrel."

"Exactly. Vulnerable. Authentic. Boys love that crap."

"You're literally using emotional manipulation tactics on me."

"And yet you're still considering it."

Because she was. God, she really was.

That night, standing poolside in her one-piece (why did she own so many grandma suits?), watching Tyler laugh with his friends, Maya realized something: She'd spent three years waiting for permission to exist.

So she cannonballed in.

The splash got everyone. Tyler wiped water from his eyes, grinning like he'd just won the lottery. "Maya?"

"What?" She surfaced, hair plastered to her face, feeling equal parts terrified and electric. "Too much?"

"Nah." He swam over. "Just wondering what took you so long."

Chloe mouthed "YOU'RE WELCOME" from the deck, looking like the absolute mastermind she was.

Jason walked by, dripping wet. "Whoa. When did Maya get cool?"

Maya dove underwater before anyone could see her smile.

Some foxes really do know everything.