ELITE

Part 2

In the hallway, Kiran immediately notices a group of Barbie look-alikes attempting to flirt with Mirza. He ignores them, focuses on his phone.

There he is again. Just my luck.

A second later, one of the girls catches Kiran staring. " oh, look. it's the charity case from cowland. "

" Oh... it's sheep land, thank you very much. "

" Once a cowgirl, always a cowgirl. "

Her cronies erupt in laughter. Kiran ignores her, walking past her toward Kiran room. She follows Kiran, taunting. Kiran face burns with humiliation. Mirza finally looks up from his phone, his eyes flashing with anger. He approaches the mean girl and her cronies, blocking them from following Kiran.

" You want to say that again? "

" Um, Mirza. We weren't... We have no problem with you, of course. "

" If you have a problem with here, you have a problem with me. " Kiran watch Mirza with suspicion.

I should run away.

Kiran turns heel and runs toward the end of the hallway.

" Come back, cowgirl! Mooooo... "

Kiran finally sees her room, in a little nook with a sofa outside. Kiran tries opening the door with Kiran key card, but it doesn't budge.

Am I crazy, or have I been locked out? I should knock on the door, hoping someone's inside.

Kiran raises her knuckles and rap lightly against the door. " I think I hear footsteps! " a second later, the door opens.

" You must be Kirania Zemira. Hi! "

Kiran stares in astonishment. Whoever this girl is, she bears a shocking resemblance to Mirza.

" Whoa, you look just like .... "

" Yep, Mirza, I know. I'm his sister. or as I like to think of it, Satan's sister. My Name's Nesya Zeline. "

" Oh wow. I have so many questions... why is everyone so scared of Mirza? "

" Screw Mirza. He and the Elect, and their stupid rules, can all go, crew, themselves. "

"You're the only person who doesn't seem to care what he thinks. "

" I am the only person who doesn't care what he thinks. Anyway, Mirza and I are twins, so technically he can't boss me around. "

Nesya pulls Kiran toward the beds. " now, first thing first. which side do you prefer? I can move my stuff to either side. "

Kiran looks around the room. One side is already cozily decorated, but the other side is sparse. " I think... I'll take the one by the window. "

" The view's always fantastic. "

Kiran quickly unpacks, transforming her side of the room into a cozy, lived-in reminder of Wyoming.

" So, what are your thoughts on Eagle Elite so far? "

" I'm excited! It's such an honor to win the lottery. "

" Yeah, you beat out hundreds of thousands of other applicants! You must be a genius. "

" Oh, I don't know about that. "

" No wonder my brother was interested in you. "

Nesya goes to her closet and removes several outfits. She throws them on her bed, turning to Kiran.

" Tonight is Eagle Elite's kick-off party. Do you have any party outfits? "

" Uh, I think so. "

" In case you don't, you can always borrow from me. "

" I'd love to come, but uh, I actually forgot to bring my makeup. Sorry. "

I shouldn't lie, but I can't admit that I couldn't afford to buy any makeup. "

" Oh, no worries! I can just run to the bathroom real quick and get my set. When I'm back, we're gonna turn you into the hottest new student Elite's ever seen. "

Nesya's about to leave the room, carrying her outfits with her. But she stops at the door.

" Oh, just one thing. If someone knocks on the door when I'm not here, don't let them in."

Without waiting for Kiran response, she leaves and closes the door behind her.

Huh, that was weird. But maybe this is what all rich people universities are like?

Kiran rifle through her suitcase, searching for passable party outfits. Suddenly, Kiran hears a loud knock at the door.

" Nesya's back already?

I should call out for Nesya.

Nesya, is that you? "

Nothing but crickets.

Kiran creeps to the door, about to open it when she sees a piece of paper slipped under. Curious, she bends down to pick up the note. She read out loud.

" Leave Eliter tonight, or pay the price. "

Someone's threatening me!

Kiran skin prickles with fear. Kiran turns toward her door with trepidation. Whoever left this is probably long gone by now, but it doesn't hurt to check.

As she opens the door, her eyes are immediately drawn to the black boots entering the room. A second later, she trips and goes flying into someone's arms. Familiar ice-blue eyes blink at her.

" I can't tell if you're clumsy or you just like falling into my arms. "

" Mirza? "

He releases Kiran abruptly, almost as if Kiran touch pains him. Kiran stumbles backward. " please don't touch me. "

" I wasn't trying to, but.. sure. What are you doing here?

" I'm here for the kick-off party tonight. "

" Your sister's already invited me. "

" I think you misunderstand me, Kirania Zemira. I'm not inviting you. I'm telling you. You will be coming to the party.. as my plus one. "

Did he just.. ask me out?