The Pool Party

A. Gautam

Melon Tusk, the new boy in Selta Junior High was nervous about the party at Will Baites’ house. Will Baites was the richest guy in town and arrived at school in fancy cars. His shoes were shiny, and his hair was sleek. But Will Baites was nice and wanted Melon Tusk to feel at home in the new school and new town.

“Hey, you made it,” Will Baites said, giving Melon Tusk a fist bump.

The boys stood by the pool, waiting for other guests.

“I thought you’d said 7,” Melon Tusk said.

“Yeah, people think they look desperate if they arrive on time. I would rather everyone come on time so we can have fun,” Will Baites explained.

At this point, an embarrassed Melon Tusk was already redder than the cut-out pieces of watermelon on the fancy table. He didn’t hear past “desperate,” and his heart was beating loudly. Just then, Shyly Mirus arrived with a little gift bag. Melon Tusk’s legs began to shake. He didn’t know he was supposed to bring a present.

“People think they’ll impress me with gifts, but all I want is true friends,” Will Baites whispered to Melon Tusk.

Melon Tusk didn’t hear past “impress me with gifts” and started feeling even more nervous. Just then Shyly Mirus tried to give Melon Tusk a fist bump, which Melon Tusk tried to return. But his fist landed on Shyly’s elbow. Will Baites noticed Melon’s embarrassment and grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him aside.

“She won’t remember. More people are coming. Just sit and relax. It’s okay,” Will Baites tried to reassure Melon Tusk. He guided Melon Tusk by his hand and took him to a chair. “Take it easy.”

Melon Tusk breathed a sigh of relief at Will Baites’ kindness and aimed for the chair when his body directly landed on the pool.
Question
How are the themes of these two stories similar?
Responses
A Both stories begin with a narrator expecting a certain situation but end with an unexpected response. Both stories begin with a narrator expecting a certain situation but end with an unexpected response.
B Both stories begin with a narrator expecting certain things, and end with the narrator's expectation coming true. Both stories begin with a narrator expecting certain things, and end with the narrator's expectation coming true.
C Both stories' themes tackle overcoming adversity. Both stories' themes tackle overcoming adversity.
D Both stories begin with a bullying scene and end with the protagonist overcoming adversity.