The Vitamin Pyramid Scheme

Maya's crush on Leo had lasted approximately forever, or at least since seventh grade when he'd defended her art project from Tyler's "constructive criticism." Now sophomores, Leo had transformed from awkward band kid to effortlessly cool lacrosse player, while Maya remained... well, Maya. The girl whose **dog**, Barnaby—a neurotic terrier mix with zero chill—had barked at the principal during pickup, creating a scene that literally everyone still talked about.

"I'm just saying," Jenna said, popping her gum as they sat cross-legged on Maya's bedroom floor, "Leo's been totally flirting with you in chem."

Maya snorted. "He asked me for a pencil, Jenna. That's not flirting, that's desperation."

"No, literally. He's always finding reasons to talk to you. The boy is OBSESSED."

Maya's stomach did that stupid fluttery thing. Could Jenna be right? Not that it mattered. Leo existed in the popular **pyramid** of school hierarchy—the apex predators who got invited to parties and had actual followers who weren't just family members. Maya hovered somewhere around the middle, solidly average.

Until Monday, when Leo slid into the seat next to her in study hall.

"So," he said, all casual confidence, "I noticed you take those **vitamin** gummies every morning. My cousin's starting this wellness thing, selling premium versions. I thought maybe you'd want to try them? He's looking for distributors. You'd be great at it."

Maya's heart hammered. Leo wanted HER to join something? Was this her chance to finally climb the pyramid?

"Absolutely," she heard herself say.

Two weeks and three awkward sales pitches later, Maya stood in Jenna's driveway, watching Barnaby chase his tail in endless neurotic circles.

"So," Jenna said slowly, "let me get this straight. Leo recruited you into a multilevel marketing scheme."

"It's NOT a scheme," Maya protested, though even she didn't believe it anymore. "It's about wellness and—"

"Girl." Jenna's voice softened. "Leo isn't flirting with you. Leo needs you to hit his sales quota so HE doesn't have to pay for the starter kit."

The truth hit like a physical blow. Of course. The popular kids didn't suddenly notice the middle ones unless they needed something. Maya had been so desperate to be seen that she'd let herself become another rung in someone else's ladder.

Barnaby trotted over and nudge Maya's hand with his wet nose. Good old Barnaby, who loved her even when she was being an idiot.

"You know what?" Maya said, pulling out her phone. "I'm done climbing pyramids that don't exist." She deleted Leo's contact and sank onto the grass beside her dog. "From now on, I'm starting my own pyramid. Base level: people who don't make me feel small."

Jenna grinned. "Top level: people who bring snacks to study sessions."

"Obvious priorities."