The no-contact order came to mind.
She started toward the door.
Lauren moved into her path.
“We need to talk.”
“No.”
Naomi shifted left.
Lauren shifted too.
“You got me kicked out of captain.”
“Coach Ross removed you.”
“Because of you.”
“Because of your messages.”
Lauren stepped closer.
“You always have an answer.”
Naomi looked toward Kara.
Kara stood several feet behind them.
She looked nervous.
“Move.”
Lauren placed one hand against Naomi’s shoulder.
Not hard.
Enough.
Naomi immediately removed it.
“Do not touch me.”
Lauren smiled.
“There’s that voice.”
Naomi’s stomach tightened.
“What voice?”
“The one you use when you want people scared.”
Naomi almost laughed.
“We are in a bathroom.”
“You think everybody’s terrified of getting called racist.”
“You are under a no-contact order.”
“Exactly.”
Lauren stepped closer.
“You hide behind paper.”
Naomi looked toward the door.
“Move.”
“No.”
Naomi tried stepping around again.
Lauren placed her palm against Naomi’s upper chest and shoved her backward toward the turquoise wall.
Naomi caught herself.
Kara said, “Lauren.”
Lauren ignored her.
“You wanted me off cheer.”
“No.”
“You wanted everyone to think I’m racist.”
“No.”
“You wanted to ruin my year.”
Naomi stared at her.
“I wanted you to leave me alone.”
That sentence seemed to irritate Lauren more than anything else.
“You think you’re better than us.”
Naomi shook her head.
“I think this conversation is over.”
She moved toward the door.
Lauren blocked her again.
Naomi raised one open hand.
“Last time. Move.”
Lauren leaned close enough that their faces were inches apart.
“You always look like you want to hit somebody.”
Naomi answered quietly.
“You’ve been saying that all year.”
“Because it’s true.”