Zombie at the Pool Party

Maya dragged herself through the backyard gate, feeling like a total zombie after staying up until 3 AM doom-scrolling. The Johnsons' annual pool party raged around her—kids cannonballing into the crystal blue water, that annoying sophomore Derek blasting his terrible Spotify playlist, and Mrs. Johnson desperately trying to get everyone to eat organic veggie chips.

"Earth to Maya!" Her best friend Chloe waved from the pool's edge, surrounded by the popular crowd. "Get in here! The water's actually decent for once!"

Maya hesitated. Last year's party had been a disaster—she'd slipped in front of everyone, and someone (definitely Derek) had captured it on TikTok. The video still haunted her.

"Come on!" Chloe called. "Even Jordan's in today!"

Jordan. The name hit Maya like a physical force. He stood near the palm trees, talking animatedly with some friends. All summer, they'd been flirting over DMs, and now here he was, looking ridiculously good with wet hair and that navy swim trunks.

Screw it. Maya kicked off her flip-flops and slid into the pool. The cool water shocked her awake as she glided toward Chloe and the others.

"Finally!" Chloe splashed her. "We were just talking about how Mr. Harrison's chem class is literally ruining our lives."

"No cap," added Samantha from the popular crowd, surprising Maya. "I'm studying for that test and feeling like I've learned nothing."

Conversation flowed easily. They talked about classes, the weird cafeteria food, how the football team was mid this season. Maya caught Jordan glancing at her multiple times, making her stomach flip.

Then Mr. Johnson's golden retriever, Buster, came tearing through the yard with a beach toy in his mouth, sending party cups flying and everyone screaming.

"Buster, NO!" Mr. Johnson yelled, but the dog was already executing a perfect leap into the pool. Water sprayed everywhere, drenching the popular crowd—including Jordan.

Everyone froze for a second, then burst into laughter. Even Jordan, wiping water from his eyes, was cracking up. Maya found herself laughing too—really laughing, not just performing.

Later, Jordan swam over to where she sat on the pool steps. "Hey," he said, wiping water from his face. "Nice save with that chemistry joke earlier."

"Thanks," Maya said, her heart pounding. "You're actually funny in person. Not just over DMs."

"Likewise." He grinned. "Want to get some food? I'm starving after that dog attack."

As they climbed out of the pool, Maya realized something: she wasn't the awkward girl from last year's TikTok fail anymore. She was just Maya, and Jordan wanted to hang out with her.

The zombie feeling was gone. She was wide awake, and this summer was just beginning.