ELITE

Part 4

Mirza casts his gaze around her room, looking for an escape route. “ Mirza, she’s your sister. She won’t bite “

“ You don’t know my sister “

He finally sees her window. He races toward it, and jumps out into the courtyard. She yelped in fright and rushes to the window. She sees Mirza looking up from the group, unharmed. He waves at her, laughing.

“ Mirza! What are you doing? “ instead of answering, he blows Shalina a kiss and runs away.

“ Did my brother just jump out of the window? “

” He did. Is that normal? “

“ As normal as Mirza gets, I suppose “. Nesya shakes her head at Mirza’s antics.

“ Ready to get dressed? “

“ As ready as I’ll ever be “

“ I guess that’ll do “

Shalina and Nesya arrive at the party, “ finally. I’m in my element “

The hall is packed with students, the air crackling with excitement. “ Come on, Kirania. Let’s show my brother what a complete loser he is. “

“ Oh, I don’t know about that “

A moment later, Shalina sees Mirza holding court, dressed to the nines and surrounded by his sycophants. He notices her immediately, his eyes are drawn to herself like a magnet. Shalina smile at him. He grins back, making his way over to her.

“ Nice work Nesya. Kirania finally looks like she belongs here “.

“ She does belong here “

“ Does she? She won a silly contest “ he turns to Shalina, daring Shalina to contradict him.

“ At least I earned the right to be here. I bet you just had it handed to you “

“ I’d rather be a trust fund baby than a charity case, Kirania “

Leaving her seething with anger, Mirza makes his way to the podium stand. The crowd cheers.

“ Hey, y’all! As your student body president, the first thing I’d like to say is welcome back. To start us off, I’d like to bring up a guest speaker to make the first speech of the night and that guest speaker is… Kirania Zemira! “ Shalina immediately freeze in shock, the crowd turning to her in surprise.

“ Please welcome our newest lottery winner, the farm girl from Wyoming herself! “ Shalina turns to Nesya in a panic, but she pushes her towards the podium.

“ Come on up, Kirania. We’d love to hear what you have to say! “

People whisper to each other as Shalina join Mirza at the podium stand. She grudgingly takes the microphone from him.

“ I’m honored to be among you all today. I know some of you may look down on me as a charity case, or just someone who got lucky. But I can assure you, I have worked my ass off to be here “Kirania's eyes find Nesya in the crowd. She smiles at her, encouraging.

“ I guess you could say I’m completely out of my element, but I’m thankful nonetheless. Thankful for the opportunity to expand my education. And thankful, especially, to be amongst you all “ the crowd claps politely.

“ Thank you. “ Mirza takes the mic back from her. He hesitates and then gives Shalina a smile.

“ Good speech “ Mirza shouts into the mic.

“ Time to party! “

The dance party kicks off. Chase sidles up to you. “ Hey, pretty girl. Looking good tonight.

“ It’s one of Mirza’s friends. But the nicer ones, I remember “ Shalina shoot him a flirtatious smile. He grins back at Shalina, shooting her a wink. Mirza notices, scowling in response.

“ Kevin, get out of here “ Mirza turns to you, ignoring the adoring crowd of girls forming around him.

“ I prefer if you stop interfering in my life “

“ No can do, Kirania. You’ll just have to trust me “

“ Trust you? Why would I do that? “

He hesitates, his eyes flicking to the growing crowd around you both, “ come dance with me “.

“ I don’t think that’s such a good idea “ a flash of hurt appears across Mirza’s face. He bends down until he’s at eye level with Shalina.

“ Is that what you think, Kirania? “ his face is inches from Shalina, close enough to hear his breath.

Oh, my God. Is he going to kiss me?

Mirza looks as though he’s about to kiss Shalina. Just as Mirza’s lips are about to touch Shalina, he pushes her away.

“ C’mon Kirania. Don’t embarrass yourself “ the music stops. Everyone turns to look at Shalina both.

“ I’m not interested in you that way. I thought you knew “ Shalina flush with humiliation.

“ Mirza “

“ Not now, Nes “

I can’t believe he’s doing this in front of everyone.

Shalina turns to Nesya, hopeful that she’ll intervene. Mirza notices.

“ Oh, you think my sister will choose you? I’m her blood. You’re just a temporary distraction.

“ Mirza, stop it “

“ Mirza, why are you acting like this? “ a glimmer of pain appears in his eyes. Almost as though it’s hurting him to be saying these words.

“ Because I don’t want a charity case sullying my good name “

“ So that’s all I am to you? A charity case? “