There was a flood of promising ideas in the Supreme Student Council Office as the intellectuals brainstormed for the upcoming Senior and Junior’s Night. Stan Carline led the meeting and encouraged them to suggest a theme for the grand ball. Among the participants was Cade Robertson who came in place of their class representative’s absence. Though the other class officers were willing to participate in the propaganda, Cade volunteered, or rather, insisted on being there.
Logan Baltimore raised his hand and said, “I propose a theme called The Gilded Age. As we all know, it was a time of profound economic change, a significant conflict between antiquated practices and cutting-edge ideas, and enormous gains and losses in wealth for the Americans.”
“Ah, a world on the brink of modern age,” one class rep added.
“I believe it’s in the 1880s when ladies wear princess-line corsetry and large bustles. It was a time when extreme restriction was placed on women’s bodies,” Stan said.
“It was an ultra-restrictive trend,” one class rep commented.
“I like that,” Stan replied and wrote the proposed theme on the whiteboard. “Others?”
“I suggest The Black Capital. It was a time of Harlem in the 1920s, a tribute to our African friends. Harlem emerged as a thriving hub for black culture, art, and music and came to represent the African American struggle for economic and civil equality,” Carter Goleman explained.
“Sounds interesting.”
“I guess it was also during that time that New York became the first megacity in human history, overtaking London,” Cade said.
Stan wrote the theme on the board. “What else?”
After an hour of in-depth discussion, everyone cast their votes. The majority voted for The Gilded Age.
“I’m sure the girls will hate us for this, especially the naughty ones.”
“Indeed. They love the current trends. This is out of their taste.”
“We are doing something new from the old.”
“I like that irony.”
“It’s exciting to see them in those tight dresses as if they are unable to breathe.” They laughed.
“You are merciless. I’ve seen how they dress up like that and it was horrible. They exert so much force to shape their curves and lift their chest to appear seductive.”
“We’re in trouble, then.”
Their laughter faded when some students delivered snacks to the office.
“This is the best part of the meeting.”
“Thanks to our President who takes good care of us.”
“Luke never concern himself with this kind of gesture.”
“Let’s not talk about someone who’s not here,” Cade said.
“Moving on… Why don’t we have a quick game?” Logan suggested.
“What game?”
“It’s called put a finger down.”
“Oh. That.”
“The first person who put down all his fingers loses the game. As a punishment, he will report to the hall director,” Logan said.
“That’s crazy.”
“Oh, man.”
The hall director was in charge of the male dormitory. He made sure that the boys sleep on time. They have curfews for electricity and internet availability. The gates were closed at exactly 9 in the evening. The boys feared his presence. The hall director would assign a student in the dorm to report to him every week and would face his ominous aura and striking eyes.
“The last time I reported to him, I collapsed. And I’m not even exaggerating.”
“Mine was worse. I peed on my pants.”
“Eww.”
“Gross.”
“His room was dark, dude. I could only see his shadow, and he spoke with a deep voice and an assertive tone. I don’t know. Did he rise from the dead?”
“I’m having goosebumps. Stop talking about him. Let’s start the game.”
Logan led the first round. “Put a finger down if you have climbed the walls of the dorm up to your room.”
They chuckled when the four of them put a finger down.
“I came back beyond the curfew because of Liam’s party. For the record, I was freakin’ drunk that time. Good thing I didn’t fall.”
“You would’ve broken your bones if you did.”
“Me too. It was terrifying. I rethought my decisions in life at that moment.”
“The director almost caught you without our help.”
“Yeah. I was lucky. He could’ve kicked me out.”
“Put a finger down if you never have a girlfriend.”
Everyone was astonished when Stan put his finger down.
“Whoah. How could that be? You have a lot of admirers in school, Stan.”
“They are literally lining up in front of you. Why haven’t you chosen one of them?”
“I haven’t found my yellow,” Stan replied.
“He’s making us think again.”
“What about me? Why aren’t you shocked? I also don’t have a girlfriend,” Cade said.
“Well, it’s obvious.”
“What is so obvious?” Cade asked.
“Do you want us to elaborate?”
Cade nodded.
“This might hurt a little, but you look cheap.”
“You are not boyfriend material.”
“Your intelligence does not outshine your poor character.”
“Your braveness to fight against Luke was commendable, but it does not change the fact that you are a weirdo.”
“Your sense of justice was quite entertaining but unnecessary.”
Cade raised his palm. “Okay, stop. That’s more than enough.”
“Put a finger down if you like someone.”
For the second time, they were speechless when Stan put his finger down.
“Who is she?”
Stan gulped when they went closer to him.
“She must be beautiful.”
“And smart.”
“Ugh. It’s something I can’t tell you,” Stan said.
“Bummer.”
“You’re such a killjoy.”
“We can investigate and find out.”
“No one can force a secretive person like Stan.”
“At least he was honest.”
“Alright. Put a finger down if you think Elsie Lynch is attractive.”
All of them put one finger down except for Stan and Cade.
“What’s wrong with you two? Elsie is really gorgeous these days.”
“Indeed. I like her new style. It suits her well.”
“Let’s not question Stan. We all know she’s out of his league. What about you Cade?”
“I just don’t like her from the beginning and no matter what changes she makes, it won’t change my mind,” Cade replied.
“You’re pretty tough. But you’re close friends, right?”
“Yeah. But I don’t see her as a woman. I never did and never will. If she’s a color, she’s black—menacing and cursed.”
“What a brutal little mouse. What about you, Stan?”
“She’s yellow,” Stan replied.
“Stan is always kind to girls. He’s just saying that because he pities her.”
“I don’t.” Stan sipped a cola.
“Well, Stan is a master at turning a potentially insulting moment into something sweet,” Carter said.
“Elsie doesn’t deserve such kindness. She was far from being a girl. She was rude and insolent.”
“That’s undeniable. She was the black sheep,” Cade said.
“She acted like she could beat us up.”
“Can’t she?” Stan asked. “I saw how she saved Curt from Luke with her bare hands.”
Cade zipped his mouth. “Shouldn’t you be ashamed that an insolent girl showed mercy on you, Curtis Fleming?”
Cade fixed his necktie, trying to act cool.
“Anyway, put a finger down if you never became the top 1 in the ranking,” Stan said.
Their meeting ended at 4 in the afternoon, exactly when the bell rang and everybody was preparing to go home. Stan was in the broadcasting studio, looking for the script that he would read the next day.
The door cracked behind him.
“You’re just on time. Did you see the—” Stan paused when someone he least expected arrived.
“Elsie.”
“Stan.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Oh. Ugh. Nothing much. Were you expecting someone else?”
“Yeah. I thought you were Carl. I am searching for my script.”
“Oh. Did I disturb you?”
“No.” Stan couldn’t settle his eyes in one place. “So. Ugh. What are you doing here?”
“They told me I would find you here.”
“You were looking for me? Do you need help?”
Elsie fidgeted her hands. “I-I want to tell you something.”
Elsie moved closer to Stan which made him step backward, landing his hands on the sound system.
“Listen carefully, Stan. I won’t repeat myself.” Elsie closed the distance between them. Stan’s hand trembled at the sight of her ferocious eyes. His fingers brushed the buttons of the sound system as he ran out of control.
“I… I like you,” she said.
He looked at her for seconds. “What are you talking about? You were avoiding me. And now you’re saying you like me. I don’t see any consistency, Elsie.”
A sigh of frustration burst from her mouth. “I was trying to impress you with my much feminine energy. Someone told me that no one would love my sadistic attribute and vengeful spirit.”
“You did that for me…”
“Yes. It was all for you. Yet you never look at me.”
Stan darted his eyes at the floor. “Don’t waste your time on me.”
“Is that the kind way of rejecting someone?”
“No. It’s the truth. Don’t change yourself to be accepted. You were always been bright and extraordinary without putting an effort.”
“What are you trying to imply, Stan? I need a clear answer. Do you like me or not?”
“I… I like what we had. Would that be enough of an answer?”
“How pathetic of me to expect something more than that. I read it wrong. Your actions and words—I read it all wrong.”
Cade stood outside of the cafeteria as he listened to Stan and Elsie’s conversation being broadcasted all over the entire campus. Stan accidentally turned on the speaker. Now everyone feasted on their untold fairytale.