The Scars

0The insulting faces from the students cornered me as if I was the sleaziest human on earth as if I was a big sinner and no place had I deserved to live. Some of them shoved me to the other side like I was not more than a non-living object. They judged me even before trying to figure out anything.    0

    

I was physically powerless if I was compared to those girls and boys, but I was mentally tough. I lived with faith inside my soul, a conviction in my heart, and strength in my mind. I would neither be easily assaulted nor intimidated.    

    

In full confidence and ignorance, I sneaked out of the throng. I deafened my ears and muted their big voices. I walked and lifted my chin. It was not to show my arrogance, it was to confirm that their provocation did not work on me, to assert that I would survive no matter how hard the situation I had to cope with.    

    

"That is why you can manage to be here, studying in one of the elite schools in Jakarta." Angeline blocked me. "You have slept with a man." I snapped and slapped her cheek. She clasped my hand strongly. "You are a bitch," she humiliated me.    

    

"You use the same trick." She didn't expect that such words slid out of my mouth.    

    

"What?"    

    

"The pictures you edited could not fool me. I was certain this institution you call an elite school has an expert in IT or photography. She or he will find out if the picture is fake or not."    

    

"It is too much that you think there is a teacher in this school on your side. You should be aware of your position."    

    

"Is it irritating you?"    

    

"Please use human language. Be straightforward!"    

    

"What if a student here can prove that the pictures are not real?"    

    

"Are you kidding me? Do you still believe that any student here has sympathy for you?"    

    

"I do." It was Vera who was coming behind Angeline. That conceited girl looked back. "Do you forget that I am the winner of a photography competition and a technology-savvy?" Angeline's expression changed. She frowned. With shame, she set off with her gang.    

    

I thanked God that I had Vera on my side. She was a genius. We proudly left those who still murmured or even shared each other glances.    

    

"So, you had lunch with Doctor Donovan?" Vera handed me a bottle of mineral water when we were on the rooftop. We had twenty minutes before the first class began.    

    

"Yes. You know what? You should hear this. Doctor Donovan is my hero. He is the one who saved me from that bastard that night."    

    

"You never told me about that incident."    

    

"That's the worst part of my life I have buried deep down. It is better if no one knows. I kept it from you and even Reno. But, then I encountered my hero. I am too thrilled though I don't know how to pay for what he did." I gulped my drink.    

    

"Study hard and achieve your dreams. Being successful seems the only way to vanquish Angeline, too." Vera was on fire.    

    

"I aspire to be a successful person. But it's for my happiness, not for revenge."    

    

"You are right. Yet, we need to teach Angeline a lesson. You have to accomplish something she can't do."    

    

"There is one thing you should have to deal with people like Angeline."    

    

"What is it?"    

    

"Kindness..."    

    

"I think my hearing goes wrong."    

    

"No. People can define success from different perspectives. It depends on the people's thoughts or way of life. But, Kindness will always exist in any circumstances or era. It lasts forever. There is no measurement for kindness. Those who are kind are truly successful people."    

    

"What a great thought. Who taught you that?"    

    

"My mother,"    

    

"She is an amazing woman."    

    

"She is. I am lucky to have her as my mother. She may be illiterate but a visionary woman."    

    

"I should talk to her further."    

    

"You can talk to her later. What about the case?' I switched the topic.    

    

"I am pretty sure that I will win the case. We have many pieces of evidence that can send my aunt to jail."    

    

"Glad to hear that."    

    

"Apart from what you were telling me about kindness, you have to keep your promise to stand at the podium on graduation day."    

    

"Certainly I won't disappoint you," I vowed.    

    

I looked down on the road from the rooftop. I reached into my skirt pocket. The letter from Reno was still there. I did not even have a chance to give it a read. It was not that I was too busy but I forgot due to a lot of things occupying my mind. I would not be comfortable reading the letter here. So, I decided to put it back into my pocket.    

    

"What's that?"    

    

"Nothing," I nervously looked in another direction.    

    

I was not a good liar. She might notice that. The bell saved me this time. Vera asked no more about it. It was not something I had to hide from Vera. However, what would be on her mind if Reno gave me a pendant? It was just an ordinary thing, but who knew that she would interpret it differently?    

    

I had been in my classroom listening to the teacher's explanation. I was working hard to conceive the subject we were studying. In the middle of the lesson, there was a knock on the door. It was a teacher. I had a bad feeling when my name was mentioned. It would never be good news if you were called out during the class. It was clear whom I confronted. As the daughter of the school donator, Angeline had the power to do anything to those that she did think were at her level. I did not want to speculate, but the pictures on the announcement board might be the reason why I had to see the school principal. What was it this time?