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.

I didn't let it faze me, I pulled back. "I told you, I'll help."

"I don't need it." She said again. This time she pulled harder. Her voice, deeper- sharper.

I let the books go. It wasn't heavy but the force surprised her that she stumbled a bit back and dropped everything. I caught her hand before she fell and kept her steady. "I think you do."

"I've been doing this for the longest time and I have never dropped a single book until you came." She wiggled herself from my grasp and started picking up the fallen books.

I crouched beside her, "Hey, I'm sorry."

"I don't know what you're trying to pull here Henry, but please let me be."

She took the books I have, stood up quickly and left the room while I was still crouched down on the floor, stunned. She never called me Henry before.

. . .

"That shit was embarrassing."

We were sitting by the round table under the oak tree. A place especially designed for us. Where the shade is just the right amount for you to still feel warm but not sweaty all over. Arlo has graced us with his presence. It's off-season and he does not need to go on training for another few weeks. Dove and Raven also came around and brought food prepared by their private chef.

Theo was more than happy to share with them our little deal and even more ecstatic to discuss my embarrassing ordeal.

"Oh my my," Dove chirped, "what happened Cassanova? Losing your charm?"

"I'm pretty sure I'm not." I pulled Dove by her waist and she willingly fell unto me. "Because if I was, then you wouldn't be looking at me like that golubka."

I've known Dove and Raven since kindergarten. Snotty twins who followed Theo and I around even if we didn't want them to. Then somehow, we've just gotten so used with their presence they actually became part of our inner circle. And then we grew up and Dove wasn't snotty anymore so we started hooking up. But it never really went to anything beyond casual little affairs every once in a while. She thought it would and I didn't. She wants commitment I cannot give.

She placed a quick kiss on my forehead and pulled away. I know she's trying to act like it doesn't bother her so I let her be mean to me sometimes to keep her sense of dignity.

"Don't call me that anymore. I hate it." She said while handing me a grilled sourdough topped with Pâté and sliced cornichon. Today was a lazy lunch day for Chef Yanis, I figured. But I ate it anyway.

"But what do I call you? You are my little dove."

She scrunched her nose and poked her tongue out. She's really cute when she does that. "Anything but golubka. You don't want me falling in love with you, right?" She teased. A mirror of the words I said to her.

"Of course. We don't want that." I felt guilty. Nothing is wrong with Dove. She's beautiful and smart and knows all my shit. But I just don't feel that way for her. I wish I did. It would have been easier.

Arlo grunted. "Enough with your drama. I want to dwell on the embarrassment of Cassanova here." He put an arm on my shoulder, "This is his first rejection and he wasn't even able to ask."

"I kinda knew you won't be able to do it. That's why I made the deal." Theo chimed.

He's basking in this. I always knew he was a bit jealous of how easy I find it to have girls liking me. I knew he liked Dove first too and he was a bit bitter about that. He's also the only one who is and has always been single among our group. And it stings more now since Arlo and Raven seem to be hitting it off.

"I haven't even started yet." I defended, but I sounded desperate. I didn't like being the center of conversation. That's usually Theo or Dove. I hate it when they're laughing at my expense. It's making me want to take this bet seriously.

Dove shushed us suddenly. August walked past us and we didn't even notice. She didn't seem to have heard because Gwen- her only friend, is chatting with her non-stop. And she looked engrossed enough in that one-sided conversation to pay us any attention. But then again, we can never be too sure. She might have just chosen to ignore us.

"Hey parasite!" Theo called out. But that too, fell into deaf ears.

After a moment's silence, it was Raven who was first to speak. "Why do you have to do that Theo? I actually kinda like August. She helps me with Chemistry."

"Sometimes, these parasites need to learn how to respect the hands that feed them."

"Calling them parasites is a bit much." Dove said, always ready to come into her sister's defense. "And we don't technically feed them. But I admit, I would want to see her high head fall for once."

After a while, she added, "I'm upping the bet. If you're successful, I'm giving you Lancelot." She knows how long I've coveted Lancelot, her rare, almost golden Akhal-Teke.

"But Lancelot is my precious darling. "So-" Dove smirked and she looked beautiful but in a spine-chilling, blood curling kind of way, "-apart from breaking her heart, I want you to give me the top spot in the Student Ranking. It'll be a dream to have her fall behind me for once. Distract her enough for me so I can actually be first this time."

I have almost forgotten. They both got the top two spots in the entrance exam. Dove has been beaten by a mere 1.5 mark. Such a small number but such big results. It was August who delivered the opening speech for our batch- something Dove has practiced for, for our entire lives. She has never moved on from that since.

I have nothing against August, but I really really wanted Lancelot. "And if I fail?" I asked. Of course, there will always be a catch. And I'm not giving her Philip.

"You're taking me to Paris this summer."

I actually expected a higher risk. To make me really take this bet seriously. Paris with Dove doesn't seem much of a punishment.

Although in hindsight, this might actually be the higher risk. I can't have Dove thinking there is a chance for us in the future any more than she already does.

Oh golubka, what do I do with you?