All the Yellow Suns by Malavika Kannan

Author:Malavika Kannan [KANNAN, MALAVIKA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2023-07-11T00:00:00+00:00

I knew the moment I reached the parking lot that I was asking for a fight.

Anya was sitting on the hood of Squash’s Porsche, and Squash appeared to be comforting her. The Pig Patrol was gathered with coolers of beer, celebrating Squash’s victory.

“Maya, wait.” Silva caught up, panting. “What are you doing?”

I was already removing my earrings for safekeeping. “I’m going to tell Squash what he’s severely in need of hearing,” I said. “That he’s a piece of shit for rigging an election because his racist family won’t accept Anya.”

“Wait!” Silva said. “I don’t think you should—”

I whirled on him. “You don’t think I should intervene?” I said. “I guess only one of us grew a pair here.”

Silva looked like I’d slapped him. “You’re out of control,” he said. His voice had a new edge to it. “How could yelling at Squash possibly help Anya?”

“At least she’ll know I give a shit,” I said. “I actually try. I don’t sit around in my room writing music for nobody to hear while everything collapses around me.”

I knew I was being cruel, but I couldn’t bear to look at Silva. Instead I crossed the parking lot, trying my best to channel my inner Pugilist.

“Hey, Anya,” I called, recklessly loud. The fruit punch was starting to hit. “Want to get out of here?”

Her wet eyes flashed like danger signs, but I couldn’t leave.

“Come back inside and dance with me,” I called, louder this time. Squash smiled lazily at me, like the Cheshire cat with white privilege. “Hey, Maya,” he said, his eyes lingering as he looked me up and down.

I grinned with all my teeth. I had his full attention. “I know you and your granddaddy rigged the homecoming election,” I announced. “It’s pathetic, really.”

Around me, Squash’s cronies muttered. Squash stood up straight. Men were predictable like that. If a woman insulted them before their friends, they burst like balloons. He flexed a thick, heavy hand on the Porsche—a hand capable of punching a wall, a window, a person.

“Fuck off, Maya,” he said. “I know you have it out for me. But this time, you’re stretching.”

I ignored him. “Ife counted the votes,” I told Anya. “That crown should’ve been yours.” I glared at Squash. “We both know Anya won homecoming queen, and you took it away from her. I just want you to admit why.”

“You and Juneau are the same. So desperate to find a villain. Acting like everyone who’s not a white guy is automatically a victim. Like the Pig Patrol is some kind of racist cult.” Squash smiled widely. “Yes, I know that’s what you call us. And I know exactly what you are.”

I took a deep breath.

“Tell her why she’s not homecoming queen,” I said.

Anya looked like she’d rather be anywhere else in the world. Staring down at the pavement, she said, “Why did you ignore me onstage?”

Squash looked startled. “Babe, I’m sorry. Please,” he said. Those words should’ve been kind, but his tone made them dismissive. “That shit doesn’t matter anyway.

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