Punch Like a Girl by Karen Krossing Read Free Book Online Page B

to the women’s washroom when Matt saunters out of the men’s.
    My heart leaps into action, pounding double-quick.
    Matt grins, lazy and wide. His blue eyes are knife sharp.
    â€œHey, Tori.” His tone is mocking. “Are you looking to hook up in the guys’ washroom?” He raises one eyebrow like a question mark.
    I recoil like I’ve been slapped. My head reels. For a horrible second, I’m back in the washroom at Carmen Carter’s place. My limbs stiffen in fear.
    â€œToo bad Melody is waiting for me.” He smirks before he strolls down the long hall, back toward the food court, which feels like a distant oasis now.
    I dive into the washroom. Splash water on my face. Try to still my trembling hands.
    When my phone vibrates, it’s a text from Matt. Maybe u’ll get lucky next time.
    Next time?
    I huddle in a stall for what feels like ages, trying to calm down, cringing whenever I hear footsteps in the hall. When I’m sure he’s long gone, I hurry back to Alena, upset that Matt can reduce me to a quivering lump.
    â€œIt’s about time,” Alena says. “Did you get lost in there?”
    I clear my clogged throat. I can hardly think. “Sorry. Let’s get out of here.”
    I offer Alena a ride home, and we head to the Civic without talking. I hold open the mall doors, my hands still shaking, as she limps through.
    The sun is intense, like it’s summer already. As we take a shortcut between the Dumpsters, we meet up with two girls: a large one in a cut-off jean jacket, and Neanderthal’s girlfriend in a tight T-shirt dress.
    â€œShit,” I mutter.
    Alena flashes me a worried look and picks up her pace.
    The large girl belches loudly, sending the scent of booze toward us. Neanderthal’s girlfriend elbows her, leaning close to whisper.
    I take Alena’s arm and aim her toward the car. When we’re several paces past them, the large one calls in a gruff voice, “Hey, you! With the shaved head.”
    I ignore her.
    Behind us, footsteps come closer.
    â€œI’m calling you, Tori Wyatt.” The words are slightly slurred.
    I know I shouldn’t, but I glance back.
    The large girl is standing like a bull ready to charge. Neanderthal’s girlfriend has her arms crossed. I’m not sure that Alena can make it to the car before this goes sideways.
    â€œDamn, you’re as ugly as he said you were,” the large girl says. “Your friend too.”
    I stop. I turn. I inhale the rot from the Dumpsters, my nostrils flaring. Why does she have to be such a jerk?
    Alena tugs my arm. “Come on.”
    â€œWhy’d you shave your head?” the large one says. “Are you a dyke or something?”
    Neanderthal’s girlfriend smirks.
    â€œYeah, right. Because every girl who shaves her head must be a dyke.” I suck air through my teeth, sick of the idiots who keep harassing me. “Who the hell are you?”
    â€œJordan Rayfield.” She pronounces each syllable like it’s a bullet aimed at me. “And you can’t just break my cousin’s nose and forget about it! Seems fair that I should break your nose now.”
    I glare at her. “Just try it,” I say.
    Jordan steps closer, her meaty fists ready. Beads of sweat glisten on her forehead. Her eyes are glassy.
    â€œLet’s just go to the car, Tori.” Alena yanks my arm harder.
    I shake her off. “In a minute.” Just one punch. That’s all it’ll take.
    Neanderthal’s girlfriend circles behind me, where I can’t see her. Would she try to get in on the action? I try to keep both of them in sight.
    â€œYou don’t have to do this, Tori.” Alena has her phone out now. “Just walk away.” She backs toward the car.
    Jordan snorts. “You won’t walk away from this.” She sideswipes my ear when I glance at Neanderthal’s girlfriend.
    Alena yelps. Pain shoots through my head and