Simone interrupted. “Protecting me from what?”
Rachel looked toward Megan.
That brief glance would later matter.
Simone followed it.
“You both came over here for this.”
Megan rolled her eyes.
“No one planned anything.”
“Then why is she defending you dumping food on me?”
Rachel told Simone to shut up.
Simone stepped backward.
The broom and yellow bucket were behind her.
She moved sideways so she would not trip.
“Don’t touch me.”
Rachel’s right arm moved first.
The initial swing was quick and high, aimed toward Simone’s face.
Simone leaned backward.
Rachel missed.
The crowd shouted.
Simone immediately created distance.
“Stop.”
Rachel came forward again.
The second swing forced Simone to raise both arms.
She blocked it against her forearm.
Megan remained several feet away.
For the first time, she was not smiling.
Rachel attacked again.
Simone slipped sideways.
Years of basic boxing returned through muscle memory.
Do not plant.
Protect your head.
Move before countering.
Rachel came forward a fourth time.
Simone landed one short counter and shoved her back.
Rachel stumbled.
Simone stopped.
There were several feet between them.
“Stay there.”
Rachel looked around.
Dozens of students were watching now.
Some had turned away from the movie completely.
Someone shouted for Holloway.
Rachel rushed again.
Simone moved outside her swinging arm.
Rachel’s momentum carried her toward the chairs.
Simone caught the incoming shoulder, redirected her, and pushed.
A folding chair tipped.
Rachel recovered and came once more.
Simone backed onto the narrow strip of grass beside the concrete.
“Rachel, stop.”
Rachel swung.
Simone ducked and countered.
The movement turned Rachel sideways.
Her foot caught near the edge of a folding chair.