Nandini is fully Indian and Cora is half-Chinese, yet my parents tend to be more strict than both of theirs combined. I’m rarely allowed to do things without guaranteed parental supervision. When I do break the rules, the hellish screaming that comes afterward is hardly ever worth it. I know it’s because they’re protective of me, but it’s still a hindrance on my social life. The situation is complex.

And as of right now, prom is out of the question.

“I’m going to start a petition,” Cora says, already taking out her planner to make a note. “I’d like to see your mom argue against five hundred signatures.”

I choke back a laugh. “Where the hell do you think you’re going to get five hundred signatures? I don’t think five hundred people even know who I am.”

“Listen, they don’t need to know you. This is a matter of social justice. Your parents are taking away your right to go to prom, and that should be illegal!” She raises her voice even louder. “This is your space. This is your area. They can’t do that to you.”

“Are you serious?” I ask, giggling. “Do you know how you sound right now? Is this because your dad is white?”

Nandini snorts. “That’s exactly why,” she says. “Cora, you silly, silly girl. I love you.”

“Don’t be condescending,” Cora says, pointing a lead pencil at Nandini in warning. She hesitates and adds, “but I love you, too.”

I snort. “You’re both such clowns.”

“Shut up.” Nandini bumps her shoulder into mine. “If we have to kidnap you ourselves for junior prom, we’ll do it. I could probably fit you in a duffel bag. It would take a little squeezing but between the three of us, we can make it work.”

“Oh my God, does that mean we’re doing it?” Cora says, nearly screeching in my ear. Some of the people at the end of the table give us dark looks, and I smile apologetically. “It’s official! NCK is going to junior prom!”

“Why don’t I ever think before I speak?” Nandini whispers, casting a glance skyward.

I lean my head against Nandini’s shoulder, still smiling. My best friends might be clowns, but they’re mine and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Nandini slumps to accommodate me and on my other side, Cora interlaces our fingers. “I really wish we could all go to prom together,” I say. “But with my parents... I don’t know.”

Cora squeezes my hand. “Karina, you know what the poets say. If you want something badly enough, nothing can stop you or whatever. Right, Nandini?”