The students were walking fast and pushing one another to the cafeteria which tended to be crowded during lunch break. It was always like a race to line up and choose a table to sit at. Others would go outside if it were already full, while some would lay a mat on the field for a picnic. But all the preparations were too much of a hassle for competitive students who wanted to occupy the tables first. Everything was a competition. It may seem so ordinary, but eating in the canteen meant they were quicker, disciplined, and more persistent than the others.
There was competition in every simple thing they did. Elsie was one of the ten percent of students who couldn’t understand this system.
“I mean why would we treat our classmates as enemies? Can we just go to school to learn and have fun?” she ranted.
Cade looked at her and wondered why she had no common sense.
“You weren’t listening in the orientation, were you? They never said that. All of us are competitors, not enemies. They are different.”
“It’s the same because they want us to go against one another.”
“It’s not. Listen. They want us to be greater than everyone else in terms of performance and intellect. That is why Mchalmmond is an elite school because that’s how they set the minds of the students and it’s not a bad thing,” Cade explained.
“I know that their intention is good but it is the root of bullying, stereotyping, and suicide in schools.”
“Dear, Elsie Lynch. Suicide is a choice. You don’t belong in this institution if your mind is weak. If you easily get triggered by the bullies.”
“So, you were never weak. Tell me that you haven’t had breakdowns after the Generals betrayed you.”
Cade paused for seconds. He remembered how it felt. How he dealt with the pain alone. When he thought everything was falling into the right places, but it was all an act and he lost his friends.
“I didn’t have any breakdowns. I saw it coming,” he said in a bitter tone.
While Elsie was munching her sushi, the cheerleading team passed by her. She couldn’t stop herself from commenting on their uniform.
She whispered, “Their skirts are too short and they're showing off too much skin. Why label it as uniform when it’s basically a swimsuit.”
Ember heard her complain and went back at her.
“Do you have problems with our uniform?” Ember asked.
Elsie looked up at her with eyes like sharp daggers. “You heard it clear. Do you want me to repeat it again and expose how attention seeker your team is?”
“What?” Ember scoffed. “The school is okay with it so your opinion doesn’t matter.”
“Really? Then why did you bother stopping by and arguing with me?”
Ember raised her brows. Elsie caught Stan approaching in her peripheral vision. It made her think of a bright idea and put on a little show.
“What did you just call me? A whore? Just because someone gave me expensive shoes, doesn’t mean I’m a prostitute!” Elsie said in a dramatic tone. She even covered her mouth and acted extra shocked.
Ember was taken aback. “What are you blabbering about?”
“Why can’t the school stop bullying? I thought they organized some campaigns? I couldn’t feel it at all!” Her voice cracked.
Cade was also confused by her actions.
“Whose fault is it? Shall I blame the Student Council? That’s right. The Student Council! They aren’t competitive enough. They were even fooled by Luke Harris’ hidden agenda. They are mediocre. Especially now that we don’t have a president. What will happen to this elite school, huh?”
“You’re crazy,” Ember blurted as she walked out.
Stan ignored them and proceeded to fall in line.
“What’s wrong with you?” Cade asked.
Cade’s food jumped through the air when Elsie struck the table with her hand which caught Stan’s attention once more.
“I did my research and found out that Mchalmmond has five cases of suicide from the beginning until the end. It was because of bullying, competition, and peer pressure. They don’t seem to care about the student’s mental health. All they care about is their reputation. Is that right? The worst part is the Student Council! They are supposed to be the voice of the students, but they are useless. Seriously, when will things change?”
Elsie shook her head.
“Why are you exaggerating?” Cade asked.
“Exaggerating? You have no right to run as the president because you don’t even care. You agree with the school system instead of thinking of ways to help the students. How I wish someone with a conscience (and a handsome face) would run as the president. It’s our only hope.”
Elsie sighed and looked into space while daydreaming about Stan. “Someone with great leadership skills, smart, approachable, transparent, and has a sense of justice.”
“What are you doing?”
“Imagining stuff.”
“What do you mean stuff?”
Elsie glared at him. “You getting out of my sight.”
***
Droplets of rain drizzled down the window and the petrichor seeped through the air vents of the library. The ancient designed lights were dim. It gave off the ambiance of a forgotten era. The bulb blinked above Stan’s table where he was in a deep concentration while reading a book about law. He was thinking of becoming a public servant someday. Someone that solved crimes or chased after criminals.
Elsie appeared behind him and placed two photos on the book he was holding.
He glanced at her and at the photos. Cade’s photo caught his attention in particular.
“What’s this?” Stan asked.
“Pictures of the presidential candidates,” Elsie replied and pulled a chair across from him.
“This one is Dexter Frost,” she said while pointing at the picture of a student who was half Chinese. “He is one of Luke’s friends. I’m sure he’ll tolerate Luke’s wrongdoings if he wins the election. They are really close. There’s no doubt he will win the election at this rate. Dexter is popular among the girls because he is attractive, he is a Grand Vizier (second to the Generals in the ranking), and he is obedient to the school. They favor him the most.”
Elsie grabbed Cade’s photo. “And this is Curtis Fleming. He is becoming known for taking down Luke, apparently. The only victim who went against the ultimate bully on the campus. It might be a great achievement for starters but… he isn’t qualified. Curtis is self-centered and I know he is not running to help the students. He only wants power. Kind of greedy, don’t you think?”
Stan folded his arms. “Why are you telling me this?”
“To open your eyes. If one of them wins, the school will not change,” Elsie said in a firm voice.
“Let me ask you. Why are you so eager to change the system?” Stan asked.
“Because… it’s not fair for us and for me.”
Elsie bowed her head. “I am living with my mother in a small house. We… we are poor and I am an orphan. She adopted me when I was four. She’s really old and I don’t think she can stay with me for long. I’m only studying here because of a foundation. They funded me on one condition that I must transfer here. It’s my last option. They also sent me gifts on my birthdays such as my motorbike.”
Stan handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears.
“I’ve never heard of a foundation that helps students to the extent of giving them expensive gifts,” Stan commented.
“They’re so generous. Also, they don’t pressure me to get high grades. They will not take away my scholarship as long as I don’t fail my subjects. But the thing is… I am having a difficult time adapting here. It is so different. My every move must be in accordance with the school’s mission and vision. I feel like I am caged.”
“Elsie, I’m sorry to say this. But from a logical standpoint, you are being selfish. You wanted to survive that’s why you want the system to adjust according to your needs. Everyone knows how this school works. But the parents still chose this institution because they believed that it will bring out the best in their children. Mchalmmond does not force anyone to choose them. If the students aren’t satisfied with the rules and regulations, they are free to leave,” Stan explained in a gentle tone.
“Are you telling me to drop out?”
“I am telling you that you are free to leave if you can’t handle the situation. The school won’t adjust for you.”
Elsie had a hint of disappointment on her face. “I can’t believe I actually thought you could help me. I was wrong to rely on you.”
Elsie stood up.
“Elsie—” She turned her back before Stan could defend himself. Of course, no matter how soft his voice was, Elsie would still hate the context of his message.
The next day, campaign posters welcomed the students. The officers posted the materials on the bulletin board, outside the faculty office, and inside the canteen.
“Hey, the presidential candidates are intriguing. Their personalities are distinct. Isn’t it exciting?” Lily said to Elsie. Elsie didn’t look at her and slumped on her desk.
“What’s so interesting about two candidates? They're just the same,” she replied in a sleepy tone.
“What do you mean two? Did you check the bulletin board? There are three of them.”
“I guess I’m late with the news. Who’s the addition?”
“He is not so famous but I heard he was the ace of the archery club before he injured his wrist.”
“Archery club… Don’t tell me…” Elsie uttered. She dashed out to check the bulletin board.
There it was. Stan’s long face was in between Cade and Dexter.
“Dexter should wear eyeglasses too. They’re so cute,” Lily said.
Elsie stared at Stan’s photo for a long time.
“What is he thinking?” Elsie murmured.
“Well, someone was a crybaby yesterday. I felt guilty so I gave it a try,” Stan said who appeared beside her.
Lily’s eyes sparkled. “Oh my gosh. Is he Stan Carline? I never knew he’s so hot in person,” Lily whispered. Elsie pinched her side.
“You did it for me?” Elsie asked.
Stan inserted his hands inside his pocket. “Don’t get the wrong idea. It doesn’t matter if I win or not. At least I’m trying. The majority has the power to elect a president. It’s beyond my control.”
“You should vote for yourself for more chances of winning,” Lily interfered.
“I will vote for Dexter Frost,” He pointed at Cade, “because this guy is an idiot.”
“Do you know him?”
Stan shifted to his watch. “Anyway, I have to prepare my speech for tomorrow’s campaign. See you around.”