Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, physical abuse, and antigay bias.

Piddy is dazed when she learns that her mother had an affair with a married man. She now understands why her dad has never been around, even on birthdays. Piddy remembers her eighth birthday when she fell in love with elephants at the Bronx Zoo and got the elephant charm necklace.

At school, Piddy worries not about academics but about running into Yaqui. One day, she gets smacked in the head from behind. When she turns to confront the offenders, someone grabs her necklace from behind, stealing the elephant charm. It is Yaqui. Frozen, Piddy stands alone until after the bell when she crawls around, unsuccessfully searching for the elephant. When she gets to class, Darlene begs her not to say anything because she does not want to be a witness. Instead of taking her quiz, Piddy puts her head down and wonders how to get her necklace back.

Piddy goes to the guidance office where Darlene works as an aide. In exchange for Yaqui’s schedule, Piddy agrees to help Darlene with her physics homework. While waiting, Piddy laughs at a poster claiming the school is bully-free.