The Pool and the Pyramid

Marcus stood at the edge of the pool, clutching his red Solo cup like a lifeline. The backyard hummed with laughter and splashing, but he felt like he was underwater—muffled sounds, distorted shapes, pressure building in his chest.

This was Jake's party. Jake, who sat at the top of the freshman pyramid like a pharaoh, while Marcus lingered somewhere near the bottom, probably with the algae.

"Hey, fish!" someone called. Marcus flinched. Dylan, Jake's lacrosse-bro sidekick, sprawled on a pool float with a smirk. "You gonna swim or just stand there looking like a statue?"

Before Marcus could respond, Mia slid into view. She moved differently than everyone else—smooth, like she'd figured something out the rest of them hadn't. She tilted her head at Dylan.

"Leave him alone. You're being a dick."

Dylan's face flushed. "Whatever. Just saying."

Mia turned to Marcus. "Ignore him. They're all caught up in their little pyramid scheme." She nodded toward the pool. "Wanna race?"

"What?"

"Laps. I bet I can beat you. Unless you're scared."

Something in her eyes made him say, "You're on."

They raced until their lungs burned and the pool lights flickered on. Marcus lost, but for the first time all night, he didn't feel like the kid everyone looked through.

Later, they sat on the pool deck, feet dangling in the water. "Why do you let them get to you?" Mia asked.

Marcus shrugged. "It's just how it works. The pyramid. Top, middle, bottom. I'm pretty sure I'm in the basement."

"That's such bullshit." Mia flicked water at him. "My brother has this goldfish that keeps trying to jump out of its bowl. We don't even know how it's still alive, but it keeps trying anyway. That's you, Marcus. You're not stuck in anyone's pyramid. You're the goldfish that refuses to stay put."

He laughed. "Is that supposed to be inspirational?"

"Take it how you want it." She stood up and offered him a hand. "C'mon. Let's go find snacks. I'm starving."

Marcus took her hand, haul himself up, and followed her toward the house. Behind him, the pool rippled in the twilight, catching the last light like scattered gold scales.

The pyramid could wait. He had better things to do.