The Last Day Before Everything

The first week of junior year had me moving like a zombie through endless hallways that smelled like floor wax and teenage desperation. My best friend Lena had ditched me for the varsity cheer squad, leaving me to navigate the cafeteria social hierarchy alone. I grabbed an orange from the lunch line—its bright color almost too cheerful for my mood—and sat at our usual table, now conspicuously empty.

'You look like you're drowning,' said a voice behind me. I turned to see Jay, the quiet skater guy from my English class. He gestured to the water bottle I'd been gripping so hard the plastic was practically screaming.

'Just surviving,' I muttered, peeling the orange in nervous strips. 'Lena's acting like I'm invisible. Like last year never happened.'

Jay shrugged, sliding into the seat across from me. 'That's bull. She's just trying to reinvent herself. We're all doing it.' He nodded toward the popular table where Lena sat, her laugh too loud, her movements too practiced. 'Check out Tyler—the bull rider from FFA. He's wearing polo shirts now.'

I looked. Sure enough, Tyler, who'd placed at regionals riding bulls, was sporting a pastel polo and loafers. The ridiculousness of it made me actually laugh.

'See?' Jay smiled. 'Everyone's performing. At least you're being real.'

The orange peel fell away, revealing bright segments. I handed him one. 'Thanks. I needed that.'

'No problem.' He paused. 'You know, I've been wanting to talk to you since last year's spring fling. You were dancing by yourself, not caring what anyone thought. It was... cool.'

I felt my face heat up, not from embarrassment but something else. Something new and promising.

'So,' I said, 'you want to hang out after school? My parents got this new zombie apocalypse game.'

'Absolutely.' His grin was genuine. 'But fair warning—I never lose.'

'We'll see about that.'

For the first time all week, I didn't feel like I was sleepwalking through my own life. The zombie routine was over. Whatever came next, at least I wouldn't be facing it alone.