ELITE

Part 5

“ I don’t know how many times you need me to repeat it. You are charity “ the crowd’s whispers grow louder. Mirza keeps going.

“ And you know how I know you’re a charity? Because you couldn’t even find new boots to wear tonight. Only the pretty, disgusting pair you have on right now.

Shalina let the tears well up. “ Come one, Kirania. Let’s go “ as Nesya corrals Shalina away, her eyes meet Mirza’s for the final time. He opens his mouth and for a brief moment, it looks like he’s about to apologize. But then he sees his sycophants watching, and hardens once more.

“ Get her out of here, Nesya “. Nesya quickly guides Shalina away from the crowd.

“ Why did he humiliate me like that?”

“ Let’s talk back in the dorm, Kirania “

Shalina and Nesya head back into her dorm room. A second later, Kevin appears at her door. “ Did you follow us here? “ asking Nesya

“ I did. I wanted to apologize for Mirza’s behavior “

“ Get out, Kevin. I’m not in the mood “ Kevin hesitates, but leaves. Once Kevin leaves, Nesya releases a heavy sigh.

“ Mirza usually plays the godfather around these parts, Kirania. He doesn’t normally treat students like this “.

“ Then why am I the exception “

“ I don’t know “

She doesn’t sound like she’s telling the truth. “ Hopefully tomorrow will be better “.

“ I’ll try talking to Mirza. Honestly, you might even have done something to him without knowing. But now, it’s time for bed. Early day tomorrow “

Nesya slips into her bed. Shalina rifle through her suitcase for pajamas.

Kirania finds a framed photo of Kirania grandmother in her bag. Oh, Grandma. How I miss you.

Kirania takes the photo to bed with her. With thoughts of Mirza permeating every corner of her mind, Kirania drifts uneasily to sleep.

***

Kirania wakes the next morning to a wrapped gift from Kevin lying next to her bed. “ What’s this?”

“ It was just delivered. Open it!”

“ Okay, okay, I will “ Kirania tear the packaging off and find brand new boots.

“ Did he leave a message? “ Kirania nod, seeing the handwritten note next to the boots. Shalina read aloud, “ They aren’t your grandma’s boots. So I know they don’t have the same meaning. But I wanted to make you smile on your first day of classes. Sorry again. About last night. “

“ Wow, that was generous of him “

“ Yeah, it is. But why is he being so nice to me?”

“ Maybe he really is sorry for last night. Oh, come on, Boots. It’s your first day. Lighten up “

“ Boots? “

“ I’ve decided that’s my nickname for you. You, know, since you love them so much “ she smiles warmly, clearly joking.

“ Now, first-day checklist. Most importantly, did Mirza give you the key card?” Kirania nods, removing her key card from her pocket and showing it to her.

Nesya frowns when she sees the card. “ Uh-oh. He put you with us. “

“ What do you mean? “

“ I mean you’re having lunch with us “

“ Is that so bad? “

“ It’s not bad. It’s just surprising “

“ Why is it surprising? “

“ Because Mirza doesn’t generally invite other students to our private lunches. I’ll see you at noon. Come to the red-brick building hidden behind the class compound “

Kirania arrives at her first class of the day, a political source. Most of the seats are already taken. Shalina plops herself down in the middle of the crowd, daring them to say something. Eventually, most of the students lose interest and go back to chatting with each other. Except for one, who you recognize as the mean girl from the hallway.

“ What a demonstration last night, cowgirl. Mooooooooo “ Kirania say and do nothing, pretending she didn’t hear her.

“ Hey, cowgirl! Did you hear me? “ before Kirania can respond, or not respond, the classroom door opens. To her shock, Mirza enters the classroom.

You have got to be kidding me.

“ Hello everyone. Professor John had a death in the family. Since I’ve been doing a business internship with him, I will be taking over the class until he returns “

Oh no. Given our previous interactions, this doesn’t bode well for me.

Kirania sinks even lower into her seat, hoping he doesn’t see her. It doesn’t work. Mirza immediately turns to you. “ Now, let’s begin. Kirania, please name every president of Indonesia in under 3 minutes. Go. “

He’s trying to trip me up.

“ Um. Soeharto. Soekarno. No, wait, Gusdur, then SBY“ Kirania trail off, unable to remember the order. Mirza opens his mouth to continue, but he’s distracted by her new boots.

“ Nice boots. Expensive “ he takes a beat, squinting down at her face. For some reason, he appears upset.

“ Who gave them to you? “

“ Umm, why do you care? “

“ I care about every student at Elite “

“ I don’t see you asking anyone else about their choice of footwear “ Mirza starts to respond, but notices other students paying close attention to their conversation. Instead, he scowls and turns away from her.