Fern’s eyes were fixed on mine. I could see the panic in them as she struggled to break away from the asshole. I launched myself at him, pulling back my fist and slamming him right in the face as hard as I could.
I felt his nose crack and give in under my knuckles. His eyes widened in shock and blood exploded from his nostrils. The blood splattered onto Fern’s hair and his arm loosened its grip around her shoulders. Craig and Edgar finally got to us, and I watched Craig grab Fern away from the guy. Edgar’s hands began to close down on my shoulders, but I jerked myself away from him and hurled myself towards the guy once again. His hands were pressed to his nose, blood streaming. He backed away, scanning the people who still pushed and staggered around him to see which big, scary guy had punched him.
“It was me, you prick!” I screamed, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me. I drew back my leg, laughing, and kicked him in the crotch as hard as I could with my pointy-toed boot. His hands flew away from his face and he doubled over. On his way down he saw me, finally registering that it had been me, a stupid little girl, who had done this to him.
Edgar grabbed me and dragged me away from the mosh pit. Everyone was still shoving and slamming into each other, and no one apparently had noticed what had transpired. As Edgar pulled me backwards I tried to catch another glimpse of the asshole, but he’d been swallowed by the crowd.
We proceeded towards the back of the venue, where Craig and Fern were with Yvonne. This was a safer place to watch the show, I could see why she’d escaped back here. Better view, fewer people. The music was still loud as hell, but it was easier to hear ourselves talk.
“What the fuck happened?” Yvonne shrieked, staring at the blood in Fern’s hair.
“It was crazy. Some guy was grabbing Fern, and Rachel punched him right in the face,” Craig said.
“Oh my god. Are you okay?” Yvonne squealed, grabbing Fern’s arm.
She nodded, obviously trying to compose herself. “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” she said. “Holy shit, Rachel, that was crazy. You broke that guy’s nose.”
“That asshole deserved it.” I felt electric. I could still feel the guy’s nose crumbling under my fist.
“She kicked him in the balls,” Craig said. “It was crazy.”
“Asshole deserved it,” I said.
“Let’s all just calm down,” Edgar said. “Fern, you’re sure you’re okay?” After she nodded her reply, he turned to me. “Are you okay, Rachel?”
“I’m fucking great,” I trilled.
“You gotta be careful,” Edgar warned. “There are some real psychos here. I’m glad me and Craig were there.”
I had to stop myself from laughing. Craig and Edgar hadn’t helped Fern. They had done nothing. Obviously I could take care of Fern and myself.
“You’re fucking tough,” Fern said to me, and I beamed. Craig nodded, and I looked away from him. I couldn’t help it, though; I felt a surge of pride that even he had to admit I’d done good.
THIRTEEN
I was pissed that I’d broken off my heel and was now hobbling, but it was so worth it. I kept replaying what had happened as Fern, Yvonne, and I made our way through the crowd to the girls’ bathroom. I kept an eye on the crowd, brazenly making eye contact, daring any of them to approach us.
In the bathroom, Fern wet some paper towels and tried to wipe the blood out of her hair.
“I can’t believe it,” Yvonne said. “Rachel, you’re an animal. That’s so cool. You beat that guy up!”
“It was amazing,” Fern said. I soaked it all in, gazing into the mirror. My makeup was smudged, but so was everyone’s. My hair frizzed and stuck out, but still looked good. My hand was starting to ache dully, and my knuckles were red. They’d probably bruise.
“Bam! Fuck you!” Yvonne punched the air in front of her, imitating me. “Damn, I wish I was that tough. I’d probably have been too chickenshit to do anything.”