Last Year of Seventeen

Chapter 2 - Golubka

It is usually during the third period that I would find August walking past our class carrying tons of books too heavy for her. But never once have I seen her ask anyone for help. She would come out of the study hall and then proceed to the computer lab to pick up books left by other students who are so used to having someone else clean up for them. Of course today isn't an exception and as if on cue, I saw her walk out the study hall with five or six books on hand.

August isn't like most scholars we have here at the academy and we don't have plenty. The Academy of Chevaliers de la Roine is known for being highly selective and extremely expensive. Most of the students here are children of wealthy clans, business tycoons and politicians. Getting in isn't easy even for those with money. So you can imagine how harder it is for those who don't. For academic scholars, you have to have a GPA of 4.18 and above and in order to be seriously evaluated, it must be a 4.2. August has a 4.5.

The entrance exam is also no joke. Powerful families tried to bribe their way in, but the Academy will not tarnish their good name over corruption. A lot of smart, entitled kids who already had every means to make the cut still failed to do so. You can't just be good. You have to be exceptional. And August got the highest result the academy has seen since my brother.

But that isn't even the hardest part. Being a scholar or a Highbrow as we call them, has its consequences. They are usually persecuted or ostracized by the other students who feel like they are society's parasites. Unfortunately, being wealthy does not guarantee ethics and a lot of kids here share the same sentiments as Theo.

So a lot of our Highbrows drop out before it's even the middle of the year and others settle in as wallflowers. The more unnoticed you are, the better. But not August. She does not bend or bow down. She does not avoid eye contact or flinch on bullies. She does not try to blend in or shrink away. And as per Theo, she walks like she owns the place. With her head held high and eyes full of disdain. She barely looks at anyone but when she does, she looks deep as if she's scouring your soul. As if she's trying to find if there's anything worth it in you. I noticed it once when we had a class together and I felt the urge to say something smart. I didn't, of course. I just never talked to her again after that. I don't think I've ever seen her satisfied. Her constant state is disappointment.

The plan was, I let her pass me, try to catch her eyes and maybe smile if she gave me the time. But she walked right by without even much of a glance. She was already steps away before I could make up any thoughts or even make myself move. It dawned on me that August makes me nervous.

"Aug-August" I called out, stuttering. That isn't a good start. Thankfully, the students are thinning out as they are all slowly going to their own classes. I've got a reputation to keep.

She didn't stop though so I guess I was unheard. I jogged to catch her pace.

"Hey" I breathe. A side-eye was her reply. "I called you, when you passed."

"I heard."

"Oh. So why didn't you-"

"I chose to ignore you."

"Okay..."

I've never really had any real conversation with August before. I didn't really try. And now I don't know what to say. This is the first time I am lost for words and things aren't looking good for me.

"Let me help." I reached for the books she was carrying but she walked faster so I missed.

I almost walked out then. I didn't need this shit. But my pride kept me in place. How embarrassing will I be when Theo finds out that even I, cannot thaw the ice, who is August.

She entered the computer lab and I followed suit. I started picking up the books on the desk before she could. Piled and carried them for her.

"What are you doing?" She asked. Her voice darkened and I could feel the edge. She's already guarding herself up. August didn't wait for an answer. She swiftly moved towards me and tried to take the books I held.