Chapter 3 - Enter school

Borneo college, famously know for politician, statesman, artist, and sportsman. A typical Elite School, Uncle Usman was a student here as well, he is one of the smartest man in the country know for technology innovation and patent theory of his own. But I’m here on my own or so to speak, Dad was waiting inside, me and Hana went together inside the principals office. My dad ask me wait at the lounge. Hana was looking nervous I tried to cheer her up.

“Who knows maybe you got a boyfriend here?”

She kick me

“Stupid brother” - Hana

“Hahaha, that cheer you up”

“Don’t forget to come and visit me” - Hana

“Umm maybe so, I’m pretty you’ll be doing just fine”

She giggle

Dad arrive and called us inside the office of the student affairs, we meet his friend whom is actually Uncle Usman close friend. Dad introduce him.

“This is Mr. Rahman, he is the senior assistant student affair’s here and he is also the disciplinary teacher here as well”

“Hey kids, wow from America, how’s my English?” - Mr Rahman

“Yeah Its good…”

“But sorry though, this school maintain its Malay language as a medium, I hope you could adjusted well here” - Mr Rahman

“Yes sir”

“I will assign you to a class soon wait here for your dad paperwork” - Mr Rahman

I waited outside again with Hana. It is a beautiful place, historical building and artwork. “Since 1920’s” quite an old school, yet my old school is older. I saw a student who wore dark green blazer and he approach the teachers there. He introduce himself “I’m Halim, the student prefect here, you new here” what a friendly approach, he look different from the Sabahan and I introduce myself.

“I’m Alex and this Hana. I think I’m form 3 or form 2?”

“May I know your age?” - Halim

“15 and she is 7”

“Form 3 and grade 1 done” - Halim

He write in his little book.

“Well then see you soon..” - Halim

He left the room after he drop some document at the counter. I wore white shirt, a green neck tie and green pants. While Hana wore pink dress uniform with a hijab. Dad return back from the office

“Alright, I have completed the paperwork and don’t forget to look after Hana okay” - Dad

“Yeah”

Hana hold Dads hand and kiss him, a customary tradition in Malaysia to respect their elders. Dad hold his hand to me but I reluctant and Dad left

“You’ve got some work to do with you manners, maybe this school will mold you to be gentleman, I’ve got to back to the office, alright” - Dad

“Yeah…”

One of the student prefect showed me my classroom alongside Hana but I ask him to sent Hana first. The Prefect understood and brought us to Hana classroom, which was close-by with my classroom.

“1 Melur okay got it, see you Hana” 

“Bye big brother, don’t forget our agreement” - Hana

“Yeah, yeah…”

The prefect tried to start the conversation with me

“Seems you two are really close, owh how I wish I had a little sister like that…ah….” 

“Owh, yeah…”

Got the idea what this guy act like. I look around with student still preparing and looking for class of their own. But surprising I look familiar like in the states. The difference though is the environment. Really rich and powerful people, here.

“You new here but we have tradition that new student had to follow, later we will sent you to the orientation. You’re a late comer though”

Luckily this guy know how speak English, I wonder if there are any difference between others students here.

“Here is the class, 3 Jaya”

I entered this class, it looks run down, the table look like is gonna break apart. A boy was there looking at me and introduce himself

“I’m Amin, been 2 years with this school, you name?”

“Alex”

“Seems you understand a bit of Malay” - Amin

“Yeah a bit..”

“Well, let learn together, we could talk more, I’ll teach you and you’ll teach me English” - Amin

“Yeah got it”

We sit right next to each other and become friends. Other student arrive and they introduce them-self

“I m Maya, and this is Hanie”

“I’m George…”

“I’m Alex…”

Suddenly a teacher called me

“Alexander Imran, where are you, please report now”

I stand and introduce myself

“I’m Alex”

“The prefect gave you the wrong class, this is your class, I will bring you there”

I wave them goodbye and Amin said to me

“See you soon!”

I wave him and head to my suppose designated class

“Here is 3 Magna one of the best class”

What! I never wanted this class, shit. And this time the air is different than before, the class looks neat, classy chair and air condition. What the hell is going on? The student look different, all of them had an aura of an elite. One of them showing off their clothes

“This is made in Italy, classy”

“Hey what do you think of that young Tengku from Pahang looks like”

One of them introduce himself

“I’m Lucas, the class monitor here, welcome to 3 Magna feel free to ask anything”

“Nothing, its okay…”

“Very well, hope you doing well in class”

I wondered why. I’m curious how these Elite kids lived their lifestyle like. From nerds, to jockeys everyone of them is an elite of someone. A girl introduce herself

“I’m Azian, you are?”

“Alex…”

“Never seen you before?” - Azian

“I’m new here…”

“What is your speciality?” - Azian

What?! What the hell is that suppose to mean does she means that I need to have special abilities to be here. This girl pisses me off.

“nothing…not sure….” 

“Owh…ok…maybe…you will find out…” - Azian

One of the boys approach me

“I’m Jays, you are ?”

“Alex…”

Darn…I hate this aura surrounds me, its intimidating. Like I need to be competitive or something. I’m just wanted to enjoy life in school bro.

“Well, we all are here, one of the best in school”

“Alex right, I wonder what is special about you…”

That again!? What the hell is that related to this class, this fucker is really piss me off. I really wanted to get this class done. Suddenly the teacher arrive at the class and introduce herself. We stand up and greet our teacher

“Good morning Teacher Salimah”

“Morning class sit down”

I sat down, looking at the position of the class, girls in front and boys at the back, I sit myself at the end of the door. And the teacher look at me

“Hello there you look new, introduce yourself”

I stand up and introduce myself

“I Alex, I lived here nearby Putatan…”

The teacher wanted more from me and ask me again

“That will not do, explain more Alex about you..”

The fuck, what is this teacher think like I wanted to lay myself on the table, fine then I’ll do it my way.

“I Alexander Imran, Born in Sabah, I had a younger sister who is schooling here as well, I have no other interest and no special ability…”

“Uhh..well let me elaborate more about you its a tradition in this class… may I Alex?”

“Yeah…”

“This is Alex, he just return from the States or USA”

“Whoa…” everyone began to awe

“He is just completed the trial test that was given before he entered to class, he is known to be the one of top 100 American running back in Local States American middle school Football. And he is also one of the best academics in school top 100 among the school”

What the hell, how on earth did she find out. It must be Dad…damn it. I keep my cool, and smile at them.

“wow, a rugby player” 

Huh rugby!? Do you know the difference between rugby and American football? What the hell this teacher doing this. Some of them looking at me like I’m a competition. Does they treat people with recognition before who they are? I muster my sanity and mind just to cope with the classmate here. I smile at them and sat down. One of them boys approach me.

“Nice meeting you Alex, I’m Shaz”

“Nice to meet you…too…”

Is this the elite school? Learning to become an elite? I wonder what will happen, and this time I will not be surprised. The teacher started teaching mathematics, there is a difference between levels of Mathematics compared to the states. But the worst is everything is in Malay, the teacher taught in Malay which I am not familiar yet. It's really hard to understand what is the teacher is explaining. I struggle to understand when the teacher asking me the question I could not understand what is the teacher talking about.

Lunch time, in this school there is two canteen, one for the elites and one for the common. The difference is pricing and quality. A school that teaches reality, Azian approach me

“Hey would you like to join us for lunch?”

“Nope…I’m going somewhere else”

“Owh, okay…”

Disappointed with my respond, she walk together with her friend. I remember the promise that I made with Hana. I walk straight to the primary sector. I saw Hana sitting alone at the podium, I reach there wonder what have happen.

“Hey squirt, what are doing here aren’t you having lunch?”

“Big Brother…do you problems talking to them…?” - Hana

“Yeah, but not a big problem though…did someone bully you?”

“No, but they could not understand one word I said, even the teacher could not understand what I have said…” - Hana

“Some elite school this is…”

“Yeah…It does…” - Hana

A girl approach her and called her

“Hey Hana lets play together…”

“Hey squirt, they calling you to play…”

“Would you stay here until I’ve done playing with them?” - Hana

“Yeah alright, I will….”

“Thanks Big Brother…” - Hana

She jumps off while struggling speaking in Malay. I only smile to her, and looking after her. Mr Rahman suddenly was next to me.

“Struggle with Malay?” - Mr Rahman

“Yeah”

“Are you okay with the current class?” - Mr Rahman

“Nope, it's hard to get along with them, its better from the wrong class I went. At least they are friendly”

“Well that is what Elite is all about…I was hoping someone would open their eyes and tell the truth, you’re the first though” - Mr Rahman

“Most of the statement that Teacher Salimah explain is exaggerating, I did not score a high level exam, or even a star player to say the least.”

“Your dad ask me to be in this part of society…” - Mr Rahman

Dad again, why do he need me to be involved, have he had enough damage done to my family, and now me.

“I disagree with his proposal, but he insisted that I must join them. But proves my point that you not comfortable with them, usually normal student would be terrified with them. So you would be transferring to the wrong class again ?” - Mr Rahman

i started to think when will be the best time to give a respond to Mr Rahman

“Give me a week after the orientation”

“Good choice boy…its good that you being a wonderful brother for her” - Mr Rahman

Mr Rahman left the place and I waited for her around. While she is playing, the seats in the podium is comforting and less noise compared to the secondary level. I take short nap, while Hana could seeing me sleeping. I only listen to the sound of the wind and the airplane that passes-by. I begun dreaming Natalie again, remember her around, her voice, her looks and what is she like promising myself not to forget her. While I was sleeping Hana is calling me.

“Big brother! Big brother wake up!” - Hana

I open my eyes, I see Hana is sitting next to me like protecting me from someone. A girl wearing a blouse and a slight short skirt smiling at me.

“What is it Hana?”

“Bad girl, just looking at you really close” - Hana

“Haah?!”

I recovered my blurry eye sight, a bob hair girl smiling at me. Her name tag called “Sylvia”

“What do you want?”

“Nope I just looking how cute you are” she giggle

“Bad girl! stay away from big brother” Hana look furious but cute

Sylvia get even closer.

“Looks like I’m not the only one that sleeping here”

That’s makes me worried now, I’m lucky that Hana is with me. But she suddenly hug Hana which Hana was scared with her.

“She looks soo cute!! Like a doll” - Sylvia

“Hey let go my little sister okay!!”

“Nope not letting her go, she looks so cute protecting her big brother like that” - Sylvia

“Big brother…” her teary eyes looks cute but I tried to pull her away and Hana hide behind my back.

“Yeah, she is a living being not a toy shoo get lost…”

“Aww, well then” - Sylvia

She sat down next to me really close. Hah what the hell is she doing, does she knows about personal space.

“Well may I know your name? are you new here?”

“Like I care, shoo get lost, you scaring my little sister”

“I’m not going anywhere beside my little brother is here as well, and i’m looking after him” - Sylvia

“Then go ahead, I’m not stopping you, get lost will ya”

“Nope he is right there” - Sylvia

A little boy is reading his book in the podium, Hana become curious with the boy and approach him. Sylvia grin and gets even closer. This getting me a lot of trouble just by sitting close here. I move my body away from and she get even closer to me. Her eyes I could tell she wanted more from me. I’m not going to flinch. Every time I move she follows me. I’m become annoyed and ask her move away.

“Stay there don’t move…” 

“Okay..” She get closer to me again. What is she a cat? purring closer to me. Her hourglass body is something else, but not close to Natalie but her boobs are huge. Wait, No, No, No. I suddenly had a scary feeling that Natalie is behind me and she is really angry. Maybe that’s what she meant making a mark for me huh. Hana instantly protected me and said to her.

“Big brother is already have someone!! Get away from big brother I promise Big sis for that!” - Hana

Huh!? What?! when did Natalie make deal like with her? I ask Hana about it and she said its a secret. Now I getting curious what did she said to Hana. I grind her head and tried to squeeze information with her, she did not flinch.

“Not… a…. word…, I…. promise…. big…. sis” - Hana

I felt a sharp pain to my groin, Sylvia kick my balls. It hurts like hell. God dammit!! There goes my number of generation flies off.

“Bitch!! What the hell you do that for!! Tears flow down my cheek.

“Hehehe, you deserved it why you bullied your younger sister” - Sylvia

Hana protected me again

“Get away from Big brother!!” - Hana

“Aww, go ahead play with my little, he is anti social and doesn’t like people” - Sylvia 

“Big sis…. That enough, I’m hungry let eat together” - Slyvia's little brother

“Alright here is lunch” - Sylvia

A full set bento, rich people food. I heard Hana stomach growling, luckily I bought buns and give it to her. Hana rip half of it and we shared the food. Sylvia staring at us “geee….” We tried to ignore her. The podium is a private place, no a lot of people hang around there. Which is good and peaceful. We heard the ring from the school and it's time to be back to class. Together we sent our little sibling to their class. I went Hana’s class where Hana turn around and started to protect me.

“Get away from Big brother!” - Hana

I held my head, knowing Sylvia is behind me. I tried to convince Hana that I will protect myself.

“You promise?” - Hana

“Yeah fingers cross”

“You better be…” - Hana

“Get out of here squirt” 

She went into class and wave goodbye to me.

“Aww, if my little brother is like that…” - Sylvia

“Shoo get lost, you got class right?” 

“You’re my senior you know, I’m just form 2” - Sylvia

“So?” 

“My class is along the way…” she giggle

I held my head

“Fine”

We walk and I accompanied her to her class, not like I’m interest with my class. I’m also curious about the class system here. I ask her about it.

“Which class is the elite and which is common?”

“Well the Elite is called Magna, Leo, Terra, and Endeavour. For common is Jaya, Ruby, Melissa, and Lavender, do you want to know my class” - Sylvia

“Yeah definitely because I sending you there..” 

Yikes why did I answer like that?! is like I’m interested with her. Damn it, now what after this. Sylvia suddenly clutch my arm with her and pull me to the classroom and run towards class.

“2 Terra..” - 

“Yep always remember that every lunch okay you got pick me up promise…” - Sylvia

“Nope…you walk yourself…” 

“Don’t forget” - Sylvia

“Hey! are you even listening to me!?”

She walk off ignoring me. I head back to class, which this time is Bahasa Melayu. This is funny, I could not a word from the teachers. I got bored during class that I went to sleep, lucky that I’m right next to the door with the sound of the wind. After that, Science that is even worst, I could not understand the language in Malay. Suddenly the teacher called me

“Alex! Please elaborate this formula of photosynthesis”

I wanted to explain but there is not a chance that I could explain in words. And I head towards the white board drawing the process. The teacher is impress.

“Great, this is the full process of photosynthesis, is it possible for you explain in your own style.?”

I beginning to explain to the classmate, although I’m pretty sure they know about this.

“During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose.”

The teacher began to sweat and the student could not said any word. Yet some understand what I meant

“That is amazing explanation about photosynthesis from Alex”

I return back to my seat, and one of them looking at me.

“I’m Dev, my father is a renown botanist in Malaysia, your explanation is amazing, a full description about it.”

“I’m Alex….”

People around me begin to recognise either being amaze or something else. One of them said to me in English

“Does Americans love to show off?”

I become annoyed by this and respond him

“Maybe if you could understand some English vocabulary in your brain maybe will expand a bit more than rather stuck with one language”

The student become annoyed.

“My father works with the ministry of education in Sabah, this is something we must learned even without English”

Ahh, playing with word jousting eh. Then let's play your game then.

“Have you read your history buddy, Sabah was once an English speaking people you know..”

The student become irritate and shouted at me.

“I am Lukman, I’m not an ordinary person here, I have a heritage here”

“Malaysia Agreement in its annexure, the Report of the Inter-Governmental Committee under Articles 27, 28 and 30 that until the Borneo State Legislature otherwise provides, the English Language shall be an official language and may be used in the Legislative Assembly, in both Houses of the Federal Parliament, in all proceedings of the Supreme Court relating to cases arising in the Borneo States, all proceedings in the High Court and subordinate courts of the Borneo States, and for all other official purposes in Sabah and Sarawak whether Federal or State purposes, including all correspondence with the Federal Ministries and Departments,”

“Forget about that Lukman?”

Stupid kid, don’t think history isn’t important, yeah I read all about it when in the states with Mr Hawk.

The teacher was amaze to hear this and said to me

“You could understand Law as well?”

It suddenly become a quiet pause. Then the teacher continued back the lecture.

“Well then, this science after all well then let us focus on plants today”

Thanks to Natalie and Mom constant torture in school, I learn a lot by just reading all about it. The teacher continued teaching in the class which I listen to her lecture but in my mind, I become bored and less interested because it is something I have learn from the school in the states. Time move fast until the last bell rings from the class. I went straight to Hana’s class but there is commotion outside between the Elites and the Common class. Someone was mocking each other and fights break out between them. Seems familiar sight. Mr Rahman was there stopping the two and drag them to his office. I walk straight towards the class and saw Sylvia being hit with boys from the Elite class. Sylvia did not look at them. She is different compared to being with me. One of the boys tried to touch her by holding her arm.

“Let go of me!!” - Sylvia

“Hey woman, don’t show off that pretty body of yours making other girls and boys like us arouse”

“Shut it” she started to cry Ahhh!! Why the hell is happen to me, if Natalie were to face like that I beat that boys senseless. I went straight towards Sylvia. One of the boys tried to pull her face towards him. I pull the guy’s arm.

“Hey!! that is not how you treat a lady..”

I look at him like I always did during my gangsta time with Damien 'the killer’s eye'

“Shit, he is serious!! Let bail, we meet next time babe!!”

“Maybe I will visit to your house after this homie!!”

“Shit!! I don’t know you man, that’s is your problem with him”

He is scared shitless, and fell down to the ground while crying towards the school entrance.

It was already late and I started to run towards Hana, which Sylvia pull my shirt

“Bitch!! I’ve got my little sister to pick up”

Shaken with fear, I could feel her trembling hands.

“Fine then..”

We both walk together towards the primary sector. Only Hana and her little brother was there. She is talking to him. Hana jumps with joy and ended with a flying kick to my face and she pull me back.

“Bad girl, get away from big brother!!” - Hana

Slyvia look at me she begin to smile again like usual and said to Hana

“Aww, he is just escorting me nothing special”

“What about big brother clutching her hand like that !!” - Hana

I wonder who is over protective me or Hana. Sylvia look at me and said

“Maybe I could just steal him from you…” she giggle with a cat expression from her head.

We waited at the bus stop while others were already return home. This school look familiar with my old school only the difference is the discrimination between elite and commoner. Mr Rahman approach me and called me

“You are something kid, that commotion you did had a few complaints from parents that ‘a delinquent student in this institution is unacceptable’ is it because you like that girl” - Mr Rahman

“Maybe I could punch you face…” 

“Rowdy as ever…but that is not a problem, have called the parents from both side and they agreed to let it go… I could not wait to see you in action when in the orientation day” - Mr Rahman

What the hell is he talking about? What he wants from me? Do I look like someone that create trouble again. Ugh fuck it. I left the place and waited together with Hana. Sylvia dad arrive to pick them up.

“Hey kid, thanks for protecting my girl and hanging around with them”

“Yeah…ok…”

Sylvia wave goodbye and she introduce her brother

“His name is Steward, be a good friend with him Hana cutie!!” - Sylvia

Hana felt shiver from her back hair. She pulled her tongue tease towards them.

“Get away from my big brother bad girl!!” - Hana

Mr Rahman was there calling someone and he said to me

“Looks like you mom will be late with her meeting… want me to sent you back?” - Mr Rahman

I don’t want to burden anyone and I wanted to ride the public van in this country.

“No thanks..come on lets go Hana”

We ride the van and return home. We paid RM 1 to the bus conductor and we slowly walk towards our home. Ah I remember that I forgot to bring the keys. Shit!! The next door neighbour called us and offer us to stay at her home. We ask the teacher to teach us Quran, while waiting for Mom to return home. We learn the Quran and prayed Zohor and asar prayers in the house. Mom finally return home. Calling the neighbours house, the teacher inform Mom that we all stayed in this house. When return back home, which dad still stayed with his second wife. Let it be because I felt much at peace compare with him around. Mom ask me about school

“Yeah, kinda the same…”

Hana is excited

“Yep Mom, school is fun only that people don’t understand English yet…”

“That is great Hana” - Mom

We eat mom’s favourite food. Chicken with soy sauce with rice simple but delicious. After Magreb prayers, I begun to check the email again. This time one message come out, it is Natalie

Hey Alex,

How’s school I’ve always ask Aunt Deb about all of you. It's boring without you even the gang had no one around. Guess what have happen, Hiew is back, he is change boy like 360° change. But he getting annoying kept bugging me to show his love to me. Feeling jealous?

Did you look at the pictures, if you feel wanted to wank just look at that picture and no one else alright?

Miss you Alex

Love

Natalie

What the hell?I really curious now, I wonder the hell she did talk to Hana and Mom last week. I wrote back and telling her what I have been doing. After that I close the computer and went to bed.