Punch Like a Girl by Karen Krossing Read Free Book Online

It’s self-defense.”
    Peggy pinches her lips flat. “I’m not going to debate this in front of the children.”
    I open my mouth and then shut it again. Family members used to beat up these kids and their mothers, but I’m not allowed to teach them self-defense? Even peacekeepers in war-torn countries are allowed to protect themselves.
    My hand muscles twitch, but I force them to relax. “All right,” I say.
    â€œThank you.” Peggy’s eyes are hard. “We’ll review this incident in my office at once.”
    Great. Why am I always getting lectured these days?
    Just as I turn to leave, Casey slips her hand in mine and squeezes.
    I stop.
    Casey looks up at me with huge pleading eyes.
    I glance at Peggy, who nods as if to say, Take care of the child first .
    â€œWhat is it, Casey?” I say, hoping she’ll break her silence.
    â€œShe wants you to stay,” Rachel translates.
    Let Casey tell me, I think. I crouch, still holding her hand. “Casey, I have to talk to Peggy now, but I promise I’ll be back tomorrow after school.” I peek at Peggy, hoping she’s not planning on firing me.
    Casey frowns.
    â€œAnd the next day,” I add, thinking how I’ll take any lecture Peggy throws at me if I can just come back. “And the next.” I’m scheduled to help out every day after school, which felt like a lot, until now.
    Casey examines my face as if searching for the truth.
    When she finally releases my hand, I inhale sharply, hoping Peggy won’t make a liar out of me.

CRASH
to execute a spectacular failure
    After my first week at the shelter, I ask Alena to meet me at the mall. Ever since she accused me of being like Melody, I’ve felt disconnected from Alena. I’m hoping we can bond over coffee or window-shopping.
    Alena’s knee is still too sore to walk far, and I don’t want to be reminded of Neanderthal, so we avoid Felipe’s Glam Boutique. Instead, we settle for second-rate lattes from McDonald’s and sip them at a table in the food court.
    The Saturday crowd is as noisy as usual. At a nearby table, there’s a little girl with sandy-brown hair who reminds me of Casey, and soon I’m telling Alena all about her.
    â€œCasey won’t talk, and she hardly looks at anyone. It’s as if she’s trying to hide.” I lean my elbows on the table with my latte cupped between my hands. “It’s like when we were little—when you, me and Jamarlo used to pretend to be invisible. Do you remember?” I try not to miss Jamarlo.
    Alena nods. “As long as we didn’t move, no one could see us.”
    â€œExactly.” I sip my latte, but it’s still too hot.
    â€œAnd your brother used to throw stuff at us to prove we weren’t invisible.” She grins like it’s a good memory.
    â€œRight.” I ignore all thoughts of my jerk brother. “When Casey does look at me, she hardly blinks, and I can’t look away.”
    â€œIs that bad?” Alena blows on her latte to cool it.
    â€œNo. I like her. She always gives me a hug when I arrive, and she tugs on my hand when she doesn’t want me to leave.”
    â€œThat’s sweet. And you said that she never talks?”
    â€œNot that I’ve heard, although Sal, this guy I work with, has heard her talk a few times.”
    â€œPoor kid.” Alena shakes her head. “Do you know what happened to make her so upset?”
    â€œNot really.” I hate to think about what Casey may have gone through. “The staff doesn’t share too much—only what I need to know to take care of the kids. Casey likes music and books. She smiles when I read to her. And she likes to draw.”
    â€œThat’s good. Sounds like you’re helping her.” Alena gives me a sincere smile.
    â€œI try to. I’ve gotten close to all the kids so quickly. They really like me, or maybe they’re eager