Just Try It

Chapter 61- A Chick Fight

Saturday, February 18th 10:30AM

Swisher Street Public Park- last tennis court

As the insults grew worse and worse, there was a general murmur of displeasure from the crowd, and most people started to leave.  With a sigh, Sondra gave a nod to Jamie and they both began to pick up their things to go.  Surprisingly, their defense came from a pint sized package of attitude as a young voice rang out.

"You are not using the pillars of character or kind words," insisted Hayden with a finger pointing at Susie.

"You are being a BAD SPORT," added Kayden right next to him.

"Go away brats," Susie said absently as she made her way to the fence.  Nancy followed silently with a big smile on her face.  It was easy to see that she was enjoying the commotion as she fiddled with the fence door.

Hayden and Kayden exchanged angry glances and narrowed their eyes.  Instead of backing off, they trailed right behind Susie.

Susie stared at Sondra and thought about all the things that had gone wrong lately.  Nancy had pointed out that Sondra was right in the middle of most of the incidents.  Nancy even suggested that Sondra was the reason she had been suspended for so long.  Not that anything happened because of the suspension.  Her mom hadn't even cared.  The biggest problem was that she had to miss so much practice.  She just didn't have a clue how she would get the team ready now.  From what Nancy had told her, everyone was slacking off, and they started meets next week.  They were going to lose for sure.  They wouldn't even have a chance to make the state tournaments, so her dad probably wouldn't make the trip across the country again this year.  After all, last year he had promised he would come if she made it to state.  When they didn't make it, her dad hadn't bothered to show up at all.

The anger and frustration built up until she couldn't stand it anymore.  She just had to strike out, and Nancy kept saying that Sondra was the reason for all her troubles.  Desperate to hurt Sondra for everything that was wrong in her life, Susie tried to find the insult that would hurt enough to get a reaction.   "Since you are too goody-goody to put out the only way you could get a guy is to do his homework for him.  Even then, the only guy that you could get is one that has no real family, and has so many scars that no other girl would want him."

Sondra paled and Susie was sure that she could see her hands shaking with anger, but Sondra just blew out a breath and unclenched her jaw.  The ones who answered her back were the two identical little boys with the same big mouth.

"She should have her mouth washed out," announced one.

"She should have a timeout," added the other.

Then, they said together, "She is a DOO-DOO head!"

Susie's next comment was drowned out by the little six year olds that were circling her and chanting, "Doo-Doo Head!"

With an eye roll, Jamie glanced at Sondra and said dryly, "Those two don't understand discretion."

Sondra was snickering at the look on Susie's face, but suggested, "I should try to call them off before she gets really mad." 

Before Jamie could say anything, Sondra had  abandoned her things to try to get Hayden and Kayden away from Susie. 

The moment that Sondra was outside the fence, Nancy slammed the door shut with a clang and quickly wove her belt around it to hold it shut.  The evil grin she shot Jamie was clear, but she added, "We don't want you running to the rescue.  This fight should be between just two people."

Jamie turned to put down the phone so she could climb the fence, but then she had another idea.  An evil grin of her own formed as she turned her attention to investigating the phone's camera abilities. 

When the gate slammed shut behind her, Sondra realized that she had played right into Nancy's hands.  As she forced her tense muscles to relax, Sondra reminded herself that the important thing was to get the boys away from Susie.  From her experience with them in Jamie's classes, she knew that trying to corral two active boys was harder than you would think.  Besides, Sondra couldn't help smiling at she watched the boys. 

Susie was having trouble continuing her insults with two little boys running around calling her a doo-doo head.  In fact, instead of continuing, she had resorted to growling at the boys and telling them to mind their own business. 

"It is our business.  She is our partner," yelled Hayden before he went back to yelling, "Doo-doo head" with his brother.

A proud smile appeared on Sondra's face, and more people started to laugh at Susie.  Sondra's smile faded when she saw the flash of anger and embarrassment in Susie's eyes.  That was right before she tried to backhand the one that was closest to her.

Korbin and Moe were working up a sweat despite the cool morning air.  There was a small crowd watching them and waiting for their own chance to play.  Suddenly, a guy ran up and shouted out to his friends, "Chick-fight down near the old pier.  The guys friends hurried off in that direction, and gave up their spot."

Moe missed the next shot, and looked over at Korbin as he went to get the ball.  "I have a bad feeling about that chick fight.  The girls went that way earlier."

Korbin shrugged and said, "They wouldn't be fighting each other unless it was sparring."

Moe frowned and shook his head stubbornly as he insisted, "I still want to check it out."

Realizing that he wouldnt get Moe to change his mind, Korbin started to gather his things as he grumbled, "You get to be the one to tell the girls why we showed up early. I'm not having Jamie think that I don't trust her out of my sight for an hour."

From the way Moe frowned and hesitated, Korbin could tell that Moe didn't relish trying to explain to Sondra either.  With a sigh, Korbin said, "Never mind.  If we hang back they never need to know that we gave up our court to watch some girls pull each others hair."  Moe winced at his words, but from how quickly he gathered his things Korbin knew Moe wouldn't be changing his mind.

The loud "CRACK" of a palm hitting skin made people wince away automatically.  The gasps and looks of disapproval on the faces surrounding them didn't surprise Sondra.  The only surprise was that shocked look of self disgust that was on Susie's face.  When everyone realized that Sondra had managed to stop Susies hand several inches from Kaydens face, a small cheer rose and Susie actually looked relieved.  Before she could change her mind, Sondra waved back Kayden and Hayden and she insisted, "You will not hit little kids," Sondra ordered Susie.

"You think you can stop me?" Susie mocked.  "You have never stood up to anyone, but don't think that you will be able to run away," Susie warned as she advanced on Sondra.

As Sondra cautiously moved back, she focused on staying between Susie and the boys.  "You really want to fight?" Sondra asked warily.

The quick nod wasn't nearly as hard to understand as the rest of Susie's answer, "You were involved in everything that has gone wrong lately.  Nancy explained how you have been boosting yourself up by shoving me down.  She even heard that the coach was considering putting you on varsity.  When I think about it, I just want to knock that innocent smile off your face."

Her words were so confusing, that Sondra was still trying to puzzle them out when Susie lunged at her.  The look of surprise on Susie's face when Sondra quickly worked her way loose was satisfying, but Sondra knew that she had to start using what Jamie had taught her or this would turn out really bad.

A quick look around was all Sondra needed to start a sketchy plan.

Susie clearly didn't understand the value of knowing your surroundings when she sneered, "What are you looking for?  Someone to rescue you?  I don't think so,"  before moving in with clenched fists.

Before Susie could close in, Sondra shoved the two boys furthers away, and firmly told them to help Jamie.  Just as she thought they would, the two boys stopped their complaining and looked at Jamie and Nancy as they smiled gleefully. 

Distracted by the two little imps, Sondra missed Susie's next punch until it connected with her cheek.