The fight off

"Nora, tell me already what is this all about?" This was the third time Tina asked her.

"I don't want to talk about it now. Later." She said looking out of the window.

Fortunately, they got a taxi without any hassle or it would have been difficult for her to walk.

Luke was right, she couldn't even stand with that throbbing pain let alone walking back.

He was acting weird this morning. She already felt embarrassed after what she saw, rather dreamed. Whatever it was, it was just too vivid to differentiate from reality. But she hoped it to be a dream.

She was crying helplessly. She fell off the bed, shivering, too scared to open her eyes, when she felt a gentle touch on her head, it was Luke. He helped her, hugged her tightly until she calmed down. She felt warm and safe in his embrace. But seeing how he acted in the morning, she was sure it was just a dream. And somewhere deep down she felt a little disappointed.

"Nora." Tina said again. "I promise, I'll tell you everything in the evening." Nora said without letting her complete.

"I know you will. But I wasn't talking about that." Nora turned to look at her now. "My boss, just called in, extra shift. No weekend." She sighed. "I'll drop you off first."

"No need I'll manage. Just get off at your work. I'll take the taxi to the college." Nora said.

"No. Of course not. With that foot off yours, no chance." Tina shook her head.

"Believe me, I'll manage. Please." She said pleading. Tina looked at her, "Fine. You win, but call me when you get back." She nodded.

Tina got off at her workplace. "You better tell me everything when I get back, Nora. And take care of yourself." She smiled and was off.

The drive to university was a short one. Nora got off at the entrance, grabbed the bag with her sneakers and paid the driver. "It's gonna be a long walk." She sighed looking down at her foot, which looked so small in those slippers.

She started her small journey. It was painful, yet she managed it like a pro.

"Time out." She finally said to herself at the sight of the bench. She slumped into it. Even though it was weekend, students were still bustling on the campus, busy with their stuff when one of them caught her eyes, Rachel.

She was up on her feet in a second. She forgot about her throbbing foot and marched towards her. "Hey Rachel." She shouted. Rachel turned around and gave a disgusted look at the sight of Nora. "What do you need?" She said.

"It was you. You spiked my drink! Why did you do that?" Nora shouted.

"Easy there kid, is this the way you talk to your senior. And I don't know what you are talking about." Rachel blurted.

"Don't give me any of your shit. I really can't take it."

Rachel smirked, "Even if I did that, you have no way to prove it."

Nora was about to blow up, "That's my headache. Did you or did you not?"

"Yes. I did." She said rather proudly.

"I have no idea how anybody can be that shameless." Nora said with disgust.

"Who is shameless, Nora." George came up from behind them. "Did I interrupt you guys?"

"No you didn't." Nora understood it was useless having a conversation with Rachel. It would only affect her brain and she didn't want that.

"So you decide to play the victim card now." Rachel blurted.

"Doesn't concern you, get out of my sight, will you?" Nora said calmly, looking straight in her eyes. Rachel looked at her, she didn't expect her to react this calm. But she didn't stop, "No I won't. What exactly will you do?!"

"Nothing. I don't give a shit about what you do."

"Am I missing something guys?" George said with a smile.

"No you are not, George. It's just Nora being a brat." Rachel said.

That's it she asked for it. "Rachel, I would advise you to not test my patience. It won't end well for you. So now just get out of here before I beat the shit out you." Nora said, making sure each word sank deep in her.

"Whoa, Nora." George gave her surprised look.

"You don't know who you're messing with." Rachel shouted.

"Whoa, Rachel." He looked at Rachel now.

"Guess what, I don't want to. Listen and listen clear, try one of your little tricks again and I'll make sure you'll regret every decision you've ever made."

Rachel was shocked, she squirmed under her gaze. Nora had already turned her back to her and was about to leave when Rachel blurted, "Hey you, running away now. Is that what your damned parents taught you."

Before she could comprehend what happened, she was on the ground and Nora was on top of her. She was holding Rachel by the collar of her shirt, "I warned you, damn it. Fucking hell, how dare you bring up my parents with that disgusting mouth of yours." She was burning with rage, Rachel had crossed the line the moment she mentioned her parents and now she was done for good.

"Easy tiger." George said, holding onto Nora. He almost picked her off Rachel and onto her feet.

Rachel was still in shock, she got to her feet and yelled stumbling backwards, "You just wait there."

"Fine. Show me which dirty trick you've got up your sleeves this time." Nora took a step towards her and Rachel stumbled almost falling down.

"Nora, please calm down." George was holding her by the arm, afraid when she'll charge out.

"Rachel, you better leave." George said.

He grabbed the bag which was now the ground, "Nora, come let's go." He said holding her hand. She looked at Rachel, "Don't come into my sight."

And then she turned to leave. Rachel just stood there in disbelief, she didn't see that coming. It wasn't supposed to end like that, Nora was supposed to be the one frightened, but how could the tables turn like that on her.

She came to her senses and realized students were standing there staring at her. "What are you staring at. Get lost." She shouted. The crowd dispersed after getting the much needed entertainment. She stood there looking at everyone leave, she then herself left the spot in a hurry.