Vitamin Z

Maya dragged herself through third period biology, feeling like actual death. Her mom had forced some gross orange **vitamin** gummy on her that morning, claiming it would help with "energy and focus," but honestly? The only thing that would help was eight more hours of sleep and maybe a life reset button.

"Dude, you look like a **zombie,"** whispered Jake, sliding into the seat next to her. "No offense."

"None taken," Maya mumbled, running her fingers through her definitely-not-cute **hair**. She'd attempted beach waves that morning but ended up with "beached whale waves" instead. Classic Maya luck.

Her **iPhone** buzzed with a Snapchat notification. Probably the group chat making plans without her again. Ever since middle school friend groups had reshuffled like some cruel game of musical chairs, she'd been floating on the outskirts, watching everyone else live their best lives while she perfected the art of being background noise.

"So," Jake said, way too casual for someone who'd barely spoken to her since sixth grade, "my **padel** partner bailed on me for the tournament next weekend. You play?"

Maya blinked. Padel was that racquet sport that looked like tennis met squash and had a baby. "I—what?"

"We need a fourth person for the tournament at the club. Mixed doubles." Jake actually smiled, and she noticed he had really nice eyelashes. Not that she was noticing. "You seem like you'd be good at it. Quick reflexes and all that."

The compliment caught her off guard. Quick reflexes? She spent most of her life dodging conversations and opportunities to be seen.

"I don't even know how to play," she admitted.

"I'll teach you," Jake said. "Saturday morning? My dad can pick you up."

Something shifted in her chest, like that vitamin gummy had actually started working. Maybe this was her chance to stop being the zombie in the background of everyone else's story. Maybe she could finally be the main character.

"Okay," Maya heard herself say. "Saturday. Text me the details."

As Jake walked away, actually grinning, her phone buzzed again. This time she didn't ignore it. Maybe her life was about to get way more interesting than watching from the sidelines.