The Unbearable Lightness of Being Awkward

Jake felt like a zombie. Not the cool, decomposing kind from video games, but the exhausted, barely-functioning variety that resulted from pulling two all-nighters in a row to finish his AP Euro project. His brain moved at the speed of dial-up internet as he leaned against the concession stand at Tyler's pool party, nursing a lukewarm soda he'd been holding for twenty minutes.

Around him, the popular kids splashed in the crystal-blue water, their laughter echoing off the wooden fence. Maya, with her perfect hair that somehow defied chlorine physics, tossed a beach ball to Brad. Jake's stomach did that familiar thing it always did when he looked at her — part flutter, part nausea.

"Yo, Jake! You gonna stand there looking like a walking corpse all day?" It was Tyler, emerging from the pool like an Olympic athlete. "Get in here, bro!"

Jake forced a laugh. "Nah, I'm good. Just soaking in the atmosphere."

He'd been crushing on Maya since freshman year, and Tyler's party was supposed to be his chance to actually talk to her. But every time he approached, he felt like he was forgetting how to human. His tongue would tie itself into knots, and he'd resort to nodding like one of those bobblehead dolls people put on car dashboards.

"Hey, Jake."

He jumped, nearly spilling his soda. Maya stood behind him, water droplets glistening on her arms like tiny diamonds.

"Hey!" he squeaked. Clearing his throat, he tried again. "I mean, hey. What's up?"

She smirked. "You know, you're the only person here not in the pool. You're missing the epic cannonball contest."

"I'm more of an observer," he said. "Participating has never really been my thing."

"That's weird," she said, stepping closer. "Because I've seen you in drama club. You're hilarious in improv."

Jake blinked. "You know about improv?"

"I've been meaning to come to a show," Maya admitted, looking away. "Actually, I was hoping you'd help me with my audition piece for next semester's play."

"Wait, really?" Jake felt something shift in his chest, like sunlight breaking through clouds. "You'd want my help?"

"Duh." She splashed him lightly. "So, are you gonna get in this pool, or do I have to push you?"

Jake didn't have to bear the weight of his overthinking anymore. He grinned, setting down his soda. "Okay. But you have to promise not to judge my cannonball form."

"Deal." She smiled, and Jake realized that the zombie brain fog had lifted, replaced by something much better.

He jumped into the pool, making the biggest splash of his life.