1 Chapter 1: New Grounds

A sigh escaped Naneel's lips as she stares at the scenery by the window of their now moving car.

The chatter of her brothers and parents are left on deaf ears. Seemingly more focused on her thoughts while her stares blankly outside.

Recounting the events that happened weeks before.

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| 2 Weeks Ago |

"Naneel, sweetheart. Your father and I have talked this out." Told a feminine voice, both stern and soothing.

The teen was unbothered, dazedly staring out the window of her father's study.

"We think it's better if you further your studies abroad since it's better and more ensuring." Stated a more masculine and loving tone. Undeterred by his daughter's lack of response.

"And your older brothers certainly agreed to the idea, sweetie. They said that they'll handle everything if you agree." The mother added with the hint of eagerness.

Unperturbed, Naneel shifted her gaze to her parents. The silent observation caused discomfort to her parents which they tried so hard to hide through their smiles.

The silence lasted for a while, until a sweet, soft, monotonous voice resonated inside the room, "I'll be in my room if you need anything else."

"Sweetheart, wait!" Confused as they were, her father recovered first and managed to stop her before she could leave.

Facing the door, Naneel made no move to turn around. Seeing her stop, the father quietly sighed in relief and cautiously asked, "Does that mean you're agreeing?"

As hopeful as he sounds, his thoughts only said. 'Please say no. Please say no. Please say—'

"Yes, I agree, Dad." The sound of closing door followed the silence her words has caused.

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"Nel, we're here."

The girl slowly snaps back in to reality when she heard her brother. Looking back inside, she was only greeted by her brothers' equally knowing stares.

"Mom and Dad are outside. Stop dazing at the window like an idiot and come on, ya dummy." The eldest, Zylan, smirks at her confusion.

She huffs indignantly which caused the all four of them to laugh.

"Mr. and Mrs. Palacio, we are so glad you made it!" A stout looking man approaches with a huge smile plastered on his face, followed by a stern woman carrying a blue folder.

"It's always an honor to be here. And you must be?" Mr. Palacio smiled politely.

"Ah! Where are my manners?" The stout man chuckles and stretched his hand, "My name is Coheir Haifa. I'm one of the school's new directors."

Taking his hand, Mr. Palacio gave it a firm shake, "Pleasure meeting you Director Haifa, I'm Leo Palacio and this is my wife, Yasmile. You've probably met two of my sons."

Naneel and her brothers exited the car the time their mother greeted the man. Each sibling giving of varying degree of cold indifferent vibes.

"Ah, yes. If it isn't the school's Ice Kings, good to see both Zylan and Xerelt well." Director Haifa beamed at the two.

"Sir." The two brothers greeted while nodding their heads in unison.

"Polite but still cold, I see. That's fine." He turns to the other two siblings, "Now, you two must be?"

Naneel who looks to be busy staring blankly on the ground moves her gaze at the Director. She stared at him for a while before shifting it at her little brother. Knowing what she means, her little brother gesture at the stout man while looking at her, "Coheir Haifa, one of the college directors. He wants to know who we are."

She looks at her parents and older brothers, completely ignoring Mr. Haifa. Seeing them nod in agreement, she turns back her focus at the man, "Naneel Maier Palacio."

Director Haifa was pretty much used to being ignored, his smile widens when the teen finally spoke to him.