Zombie at the Pool Party

I felt like a straight-up zombie walking into Kylie's backyard bash. Three hours of sleep after bingeing The Walking Dead until 3 AM will do that to you. My messy hair was hidden under a beanie, because showing up to a POOL PARTY with hat hair? That's social suicide.

The whole squad was already there, splashing in the crystal blue water like they were in a music video. I hovered near the snack table, clutching a solo cup like it was my lifeline. That's when I noticed Jason – my Jason, the guy I've been lowkey crushing on since seventh grade – standing by the deep end, looking ridiculously good with his wet hair slicked back.

"Hey!" someone shouted. "Truth or dare!"

Before I could bail, I was dragged into the circle. My heart was pounding like crazy. When it was my turn, I picked truth.

"Who's your crush?" Kylie asked, with that knowing look in her eyes.

I froze. The water from someone's hair dripped onto my shoulder. My phone buzzed in my pocket – probably my cat Ringo meowing for dinner back home. Why did my life have to be so awkward?

"I..." I started, then something shifted. Maybe it was the zombie fatigue, maybe it was just time. "I'm not doing this anymore."

I pulled off my hat, letting my frizzy hair free. "Yeah, I like Jason. And yeah, my hair looks crazy because I literally just woke up. And honestly? I'd rather be home with my cat than pretending to be someone I'm not."

Dead silence. Then Jason laughed. "Finally. I was waiting for you to say something."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the water. "Come on, zombie. Time to wake up."

Sometimes the most embarrassing moments are the ones that wake you up to who you actually are. And sometimes that's exactly what you need.