"Cat Fight"

“Yeah, but she’s a hot super-bitch,” the perverted artist replies.


Tears prick the back of my eyes but I refuse to let them out. My body shakes with the kind of anger that is close to euphoria. I stomp over to the two boys. “You need a sex change,” I point to the artist in all black, “and you need a shave,” I point to the red-head. They both stare open-mouthed and I turn on my heel towards the cafeteria, more emboldened than ever for destruction when I hear the red-head say “Dude, she’s the biggest bitch I’ve ever met.”


There are less than fifteen minutes left before the bell for sixth period rings and I am a caveman, ready to club someone if she gets in between me and my brown bag. I charge into the cafeteria which now contains one table with one free seat. With almost a grunt I greet a group of chattering girls who push their chairs as far from me as the table will allow. I offer a blatantly fake smile that lets them know how mutual the feeling is and tear into my bag before even sitting down.


“Excuse me,” a funny female voice says from behind and I am pushed forward, my juice box and apple flying from the table.


“You’re excused,” I say and turn to look up at a black girl with the longest neck I’ve ever seen. It is strange to look up at a girl and this is what I’m thinking when she shoves her bony hands at me and sits down.


“What are you doing?” I grab my apple and juice from the floor.


“I’m eating my lunch,” she says and takes out a Tupperware of lettuce.


“Well, you’re going to have to do that somewhere else,” I say and hold the apple with all of my life force.


“Make me.” Her dark eyes are steady and cool on mine.


She removes a water bottle from her bag. She is perhaps the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. “Fine,” I say with the frenzied adrenaline that can only come from living on this strange island for over a year. Without thinking, I throw the apple straight at her chest. Unfortunately, it lands on her long, smooth forehead with a distinct thump.


A ripple of gasps and mutterings of ‘oh-my-gawds’ goes through the cafeteria and I watch in slow motion as the girl’s nostrils flair, her eyes unblinking on me. Within seconds she is in my face, towering over me. “This is my seat,” she says and her long hand flies up and starts to slap my face. I close my eyes and punch her midsection just long enough to get a break from the violent stings on my cheeks. She is bowled over and I think it is the end but there is her pointy heel making a beeline for my foot.


“Alright, that’s enough you two,” my drill sergeant of a gym teacher, Mr. Leary barks.


“Break it up ladies,” another teacher says and pins the tall girl’s hands back.


The bell rings. “What are all you people staring at?” Mr. Leary barks. “Get to class!” I go to rub my foot but Mr. Leary pins my hands too.


I see Seth staring at us from the top of the stairs, his eyes like dark saucers. Yes Seth, I am the hillbilly from Texas who your father warned you about. Stay away. He shakes his head and retreats, never once looking back.