Down With U

I grabbed my red tie with silver stripes. My hands quickly tied it around my neck and hid it under the collar of my white shirt. I threw on my grey jacket with red elements. The jacket matched my grey skirt.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Nothing unusual. Same boring look. Nothing original. That’s whole me, I look like every girl in this school. The uniqueness? There was no such word in my world. Everyone at the academy was wearing a grey uniform.

Uniforms meant our statuses. The statuses of rich and untouchable people. People who are supposed to have meaning in this grey world.

People who didn’t wear a uniform were nobody in our world. Others said so. I do not know if it’s true. I heard that apparently people without uniform have no respect and don’t know how to behave.

Everyone said that they should be avoided and not come into contact with them. And if so, then only in business matters. We are at the tip of Mt. Everest. Others are at the bottom. There are people who try to climb this dangerous mountain. Some of them even succeed and they get to the prize which is the top of the mountain. But some of them fall down, and they’re in a much worse spot than the bottom of Everest.

This is how the world is built. We live in a system, there are ‘overpeople’ and ‘under peoples’. The hierarchy was, is and will be. And nobody will change that. This is simply not possible.

I looked at myself again in the mirror. I adjusted my golden curls and put on a dark pink lipstick to mark my pale lips. If I could change something in myself, I would change the colour and the size of my lips. I hate them. Some of my friends even recommended to go and take some plastic surgery. Maybe I should? They spoil my whole look.

Never mind, today I need to focus on my studies at the academy. Last year was not good, too many parties and alcohol. Too much not being at school. Not enough good grades. My parents got angry and said I had to be a better student, otherwise, I would bring shame to my family. And I don’t want that.

“Say hello to the changed Elena Juliet Holmes,” I said proudly while staring at my posture in the mirror.

Suddenly there was a bang on my door. “Ellie! Come out because we’re going to be late for the class!” Remember when I told you that I somehow failed my last year? My parents made my twin brother James escort me every day to the classes. My parents even made him switch classes in order to have an eye on me.

“I am coming!” I shouted back. I quickly adjusted my gold curls and grabbed my purse. I opened the door quickly and saw my pissed off brother.

“Don’t be angry, you’ll get wrinkles that will make your face uglier than it is.” James looked at me furiously. That look gave me shivers. It looked like all fo the happiness faded away. And all that happened because of one stone-cold glare that James gave me.

“You should be grateful that I agreed to this whole circus.” He said in a low tone.

“Oh James, I know you love me very much,” I said sarcastically.

“Ellie, I love you when you don’t do stupid things.” I wanted to laugh but James’s serious face stopped me. “There won’t be a replay from the previous year. I assure you.” Sometimes I am not surprised that he is a family favourite. “Let’s go.”

James started walking quickly and I followed him. Sometimes I wonder if we’re really related? James is a perfectionist, everything goes out for him. If someone is about to get into Harvard it’s James Andre Holmes. What about me? People say I’m a failure in the Holmes family. That my head is empty. And this is not the case. I guess.

James loves me in a strange way. I’ve always used to say that. I still think so. James always looked after me, corrected my mistakes, took responsibility. He also protected me. He might not show much emotion, but his actions showed that I care and that I am not some air to him.

The school building was close to the dormitory. You had to go through Academic Park, and you were already at school. The park was one of the most favourite places. Sometimes you had to have a place where you can sit alone and relax. Many students headed towards the park. Today is the first day of school so everyone must appear.

“Ellie!” I heard a high-pitched voice from behind me. James looked back and rolled his eyes just to show that he’s annoyed. He stopped walking and took out his mobile. He knew that it would take a long time. I turned around and saw one of my best friends.

“Cassie!” I said and embraced her. “How was the vacation in Singapore?”

“Let’s walk and I will tell you everything.”

My brother looked at us. “Well, it wasn’t long.” He commented.

“Shut up James!” James shook his head and turned away. He did not support my use of incorrect language. Who cares? I am not him.

Cassie grabbed my hand and we began to follow my overprotective brother. “Listen, Singapore is fantastic. There are simply no words to describe this country.” My friend pulled out her iPhone and started showing me photos. “Ah, and Dad has opened a new hotel. He is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Asia. Maybe even in the world.”

“Wow, that sounds wonderful,” I commented. Everyone here came from a rich family and everyone liked to brag about what they have. This improved our status in the academy community. And the hierarchy was divided into the richer and the less. Guess who had power then?

“What did you do?” Cassie asked. I was ashamed to tell her what I was doing. My vacation wasn’t awesome. Together with James, we flew to France to our grandmother, the countess.

“I was at the countess’s,” I answered in a dry voice.

“Dear, if I knew you had to suffer this witch I would take you to Asia with me.” Cassie knew well that I had a hard time with my grandmother. I remind you that James is a favourite.

“I survived the meeting with the witch,” I said when suddenly James looked at me with stony eyes. I sighed. The boy slowly came up to us and grabbed my hand.

“We have to go now Cassie, then talk to you.” Without saying goodbye, James started pulling me towards the school building.

“I told you not to insult grandma.” He commented. “She is a good woman.”

I turned my gaze to James. She couldn’t believe his words. This woman is far from being good. “I think for you. You’re blind if you haven’t seen how she treats me.”

“Think about Kant.” He said with slight amusement in his voice.

“Who?” I furrowed my brows.

“Immanuel Kant and Categorical Imperative.” Please, no more philosophy. “What is not okay for you, may also be not okay for others. Think from different perspectives.”

“Why are you defending that woman?!” I shouted at him. “I am your sister!” I couldn’t bear to listen to his disgusting wisdom. My brother, god damn philosopher, another Socrates. Damn, I can’t stand his smart face. I accelerated my walk to go as far as possible.

“Ellie!” I heard James’s aggressive voice “Come back! Immediately.” James? Do I have to remind you that I’m not a doll? I am a living person.

“Fuck.” I heard him mutter and a smile on my face appeared. James rarely swore. He thought that was inappropriate. I think I pissed him more off.

I heard James’ loud footsteps. He had to show that he was still following me. Damn, I won’t run away from him. He won’t hold back, he will tell our parents about my doings.

James always thought he was a person of moral who only did well. ‘Angel’, and me? In the eyes of others, I was a ‘demon’.

But this ‘Angel’ could show the horns. James hates people who are not at our economic level, like everyone at the Academy. He believed them to be people who would work and he was their leader. He always says that to me, and I always follow him blindly. Like some stupid sheep.

Everyone supports James. They think that he is right, that he is setting the right direction. That he can be a good leader. For sure he will be. Yes, he will be. Am I sure?

How could I think about it? He is my brother. I have to support him even if sometimes we argue often.

I looked at the modern glass school building. Academy shows what people walk here. Rich.

No public school would have such a building. Everything new, classes packed with the latest technology that others could only dream of. Large desks, small classes. Just a place torn from dreams.

But really, school is not cool. Nothing is happening here. Every day I move here and nothing new. The same face, the same rooms, nothing new. Everyone wears the same uniform, no one stands out too much.

I went to the main entrance where she was the headmistress and welcomed the students. I approached her when she looked at me in disbelief. She probably thought I wouldn’t appear.

Surprise, I’m here! And it’s not an illusion.

“Good morning,” I said breaking the silence.

“Mrs Holmes.” She said. “Good morning, nice to see you.” I would like to say the same. It was she who told my parents about my actions. And now where am I? Here I am as a decent student.

“You too.” I lied. Suddenly I felt a familiar breath on my shoulder.

“Mr Holmes.” The headmistress beamed from happiness. I told you that he ieveryone’ses favourite.

“Good morning.” My brother smiled. “I see that Elena has already greeted you?” He grabbed my arm and pushed me against his body. What is he up to? I think I will vomit.

“Yes, I’m glad to see you both.” James especially, she should add. Surely she has it at the tip of her tongue. “James, are you going to apply for Harvard?” James, let me go because I don’t want to hear it.

“I thought so.” He replied.

I looked back , the silence was everywhere. What happened to all the buzz of voices? Everyone was staring at one person who was approaching the school building.

The principal also looked at the boy. James also joined. I looked at my brother’s sure eyes. He noticed something strange. Something strange that didn’t fit the Academy.

The boy walked slowly and watched the people around him. He was terrified, he was shaking. What’s wrong with him?

“Who is he?” James asked the headmistress.

“You’ll soon find out. I invite you to the auditorium.” James nodded slowly.

“Come.” He wanted to pull me but I stood like a pole and stared at the boy who was coming closer.

“I’ll wait for Cassie, you go.” James wanted to protest. “Please, I’m not a child who needs 24-hour care.” He gave up and started toward the hall.

Not long after, I noticed my friend in the crowd. She stood with other girls from our class. With Theresa, Nicole and Gabriella. I approached the group of girls.

“Ellie, finally your annoying brother has left your side. God he is so overprotective.” Cassie said.

“Yes.” I said. Everything seemed normal. But I missed one person. “Where’s Roxy?”

“You don’t know ?!” Theresa and Nicole said in a chorus.

“Oh no.” I was confused, something happened that I don’t know about?

Gabriella took responsibility and began to speak. “Roxie’s parents went bankrupt. They couldn’t afford the Academy. I heard that they live in a small apartment in Brooklyn.” She said without showing any emotion. She didn’t care about Roxie.

“It’s just pathetic, how can you go bankrupt? How can you be so weak.” Theresa began to laugh. The girls started joining her. So I also had to, I had no other choice.

“We’re not friends with her. Lack of money means she’s not in our group.” Nicole added.

“We can’t humiliate our status. What will others think about it?” Cassie said.

Others have always been different. Those who were supposed to say something. The opinion of others has always been important.

“Girls, please go to the auditorium. I have some important announcements to make.” The headmistress told us.

We started walking quickly towards the auditorium. Usually there were no major speeches. We started lessons in the classroom. I wonder what the headmistress has to say?

The auditorium was huge. Almost like a large cinema room. Only the armchairs were better and more comfortable. I could sleep on them. And I wonder if I can’t do it, because I honestly don’t care what this woman has to say.

Together with my friends, we found chairs as far as possible from the stage. Cassie had to move people in order to get us those seats. Nobody told her no. Higher status meant that you could do whatever you liked. You are the ruler and the rest are your subjects.

In addition, people talked to each other. They enjoyed the new school year. People also talked about this new boy.

“You know what?” Gabriella asked us.

“What?” Theresa replied.

“This new boy is handsome.” Gabriella commented. “His brown curly hair is wonderful.”

“Who is he really? I’ve never seen him before.” I said.

“People say he is a prince.” I narrowed my eyes at Nicole’s answer. I haven’t heard anything like this for a long time? Prince in our school. What is this stupidity?

“What prince?” Cassie was indignant. “I heard he is the son of a famous businessman.” Gossip, gossip and gossip again.

“Welcome to the new year at Avon Academy.” Suddenly the whole room fell silent. The headmistress’ voice was strong but pleasant.

“This year is special for some of you.” The woman smiled. She is certainly happy that she will never see me in her life. “For some of you, this is your last year.”

Suddenly the eyes of the people in the room turned to the walking boy. “Look, it’s your prince.” I poked Nicole on the shoulder.

“He is so wonderful,” Nicole added.

The boy walked slowly on stage. It was obvious that his hand was shaking. There was fear on his face. What’s wrong with him?

“I would like to welcome a special person.” The headmistress smiled at the boy.

“Sebastian Morrow.” She said and the boy came closer to her. “This is a new student at the academy. Hello.”

The boy did not answer but smiled.

“Mr. Morrow is a student who got a scholarship.”