7 Lessons in 7 (Glorious) Days

LESSON #5: Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.

Mom was reading a book on a poolside lounger and Dad was off taking pictures of paradise. Ten minutes of lying in the sun on a lounge chair next to Mom and I was bored. I watched a group of college-aged people playing volleyball in the massive pool. They were laughing and splashing each other. Envy gnawed at me. I had no friends here.

"I'm going in the water," I informed Mom and headed toward the pool.

Swimming around in the cool water felt nice against my hot skin. I continued watching the volleyball players. They weren't very good. Then again they didn't seem to be keeping score. I wanted to have fun like they were.

I edged closer.

Some of the guys were really good looking. The girls too. Many of their backs and shoulders were bright red from too much sun.

"I'm getting another drink," one girl said as she waded toward the poolside bar. "My buzz is wearing off."

"Aw come on, Gina. You're going to leave us uneven," one of the muscular boys said.

Gina didn't even pause. "Like it matters."

When it was clear Gina wasn't coming back, I saw an opportunity. My stomach clenched at the thought of approaching these strangers, but... what harm could it do? Sure, I didn't know any of them, but they didn't know me either. If they decided I was a freak, then who cares. It's not like I'd have to talk to them at school.

The group's chatter diminished and one of them picked up the ball.

It was now or never.

Gathering my courage, I stepped closer to the players. "I can fill in, if you'd like."

The muscular boy tossed his wet, blond hair to one side and looked me up and down with a cheerful smile, "Yeah? Cool. Come on over. I'm Dave. That's Tanya, Mimi, Grover..." He named and pointed out all his friends, each of whom waved at me in return.

"Hi," I waved back, smiling self-consciously with so many eyes on me. "I'm Lisa. Thanks for letting me play."

The game resumed. There was a lot of splashing and giggling. At one point, Grover spiked the ball straight at me. I thrust my hands out—more to protect my face than to set the ball—and it went flying straight up into the air. Dave leapt up and smacked the ball over the net. It hurtled into the water next to Grover, sending a small tidal wave onto his sunburned face.

"Yeah!" Dave high-fived me. "Good save! That'll teach him to target the new girl."

A huge, silly grin spread across my face. In the space of an hour, I made seven new friends.

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