Chapter 1

*Ring*

*Ring*

*Ring*

I slowly open my eyes to the sound of my alarm going off, my gaze fixed on the ceiling of my room.

I sigh and rub my hands over my face to wash the tiredness. I didn't feel sleepy. No. In fact, it would have been much better if I could get a proper sleep.

"Wake up dear, else you will be late. Again."

"Just two minutes more Grandma, I promise."

I close my eyes as the familiar words pass through my mind along with the prick of pain in my chest. I shake my head a bit to get rid of those memories. I could still hear the way she would often chuckle at my tantrums.

I get up from the bed and move towards the bed stand. Picking up the small photo frame, my fingers gently brush over the glass as I stare back at the smiling faces of two elderly couple, half hugging the girl who stood in between them, smiling at camera.

Smiling back at the two elderly couple I whisper, "Good Morning Grandpa and Grandma."

I could already feel the memories trying to gain the center stage in my heart and mind again. But I shook them off as soon as they came. It's been three months.

Three months since the only people whom I could call as my closest family, left me alone. Three months of moving to a different place, full of people who are no less than strangers to me and trying to adapt to an environment I was never used to.

At first it had been a traumatic experience for me. I don't even know how my newfound family were able to tolerate me. Though they are not that chummy with me as a family, but I suppose they are as good to me as I would expect them to be to a stranger. That was excluding my three cousins.

My uncle and aunt, Andrew Smith and Sarah Smith are very... noble like. Quite literally. My uncle works in the real estate business while my aunt is social figure in the society. They are not super rich or something, but their life is still lavish, though very formal, but still desired by many. They have this air of aloofness around them at times which makes me uncomfortable and unable to interact with them properly.

When I started to come out of my shell and first stated noticing the family, I realized how different they were from mine. At least the family that I had at some point.

They never treated me bad in these past few months but as I said they weren't very family like either. They provided me everything that is a basic need but there are restrictions.

I still feel awkward when I am among them, main reason being my cousins, Ana, Sophie and Spencer. Ana and Sophie would sometimes give me the cold shoulder or outright ignore me while Spencer would barely say two sentences to me everyday. However I could still tell that he wasn't as bad as his other two sisters. Much better than Ana, who would go as far as to taunt me whenever she felt like it.

Sighing heavily, I keep the photo frame back at its place while silently wishing them to provide me courage so that I could begin my day.

I really did need some courage right now.

Today was the first day of my new university. Minerva University. They are known for giving their best results each year, whether it's studies or their co-curriculur activities.

When I first got the news of my admission I found out about how my aunt has been trying to get Ana and Sophie admitted there. I saw how their entrance test was harder than normal universities. I was hardly able to get in at my first try though I can't say the same for Spencer as he was the smartest among us.

My cousins have already been attending Minerva for two weeks now. I still needed some time to adjust to everything and be able to continue my life normally.

I looked at the wall clock opposite to my bed, noticing how I had less than an hour to get ready and prepare for today.

I quickly rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. Coming out with a towel wrapped around me, I walk towards the closet. Opening it I began looking for anything simple to wear today.

When I packed my things before coming here, my aunt formally insisted that I aside from those clothes I bought something presentable as well. So keeping in mind that I was now representing someone else as well, I decided on my black wash jeans and the beige colored top that aunt bought for me last month.

No, I wasn't leaving my jeans.

Getting ready I pick up my bag. Checking everything in it, I move towards the small table in my room to look for phone.

"Oh, almost forgot!" I exclaim as my eyes fall on the pendant beside it and my hands reach out to clasp it around my neck. It was an uneven natural blue stone which shone in different shades when observed under light, with a silver chain to hold it around my neck.

I remembered when my grandparents gave this to me, telling me how this was what my parents left for me.

Placing it under my shirt, I quickly pick up my things and walk towards the door, saying goodbye to my grandparents on the way.

I open the door and walk out. Just as I reach the head of the stairs, Sophie comes in my view.

She huffs noticing me. "Finally someone gets the time."

Without waiting for a reply she starts to walk away as I silently make my towards the dining table and greet my uncle and aunt before taking a seat beside aunt Sarah. They nod their head in response as I quietly eat the eggs and toast for the breakfast.

My gaze drifts around the table to see Ana and Sophie chatting about some gossip at the school as usual, Spencer eating his toast while scrolling through his phone, uncle Andrew reading his newspaper, while aunt Sarah drinks her orange juice.

"Have you prepared everything Ava?" I turn to look at uncle Andrew and nod my head.

"Yes. I have checked the list and got my books and everything."

"Good. As you know, Spencer will be driving you all to school together. Let us know if you need anything."

"Yes, thankyou uncle Andrew." He hums in response as I move my attention back to my breakfast.

Finishing it quickly I get my bag when I notice Spencer getting up with his backpack and wordlessly going out. Sophie and Ana get up as well while barely giving me any attention.

We knew better than to make Spencer wait. He wouldn't think twice before speeding away and leaving us behind if we were late and I feel lucky to not have experienced that first hand.

Walking to the car I noticed him already seated behind the driver's seat. He was the one among us four who can drive well. Ana did learn driving but I would rather stay back and get late than get in the car while she was driving and I think everyone else also knew her driving skills well.

Sophie and Ana move towards the back while I get in the passenger seat. As soon as I get settled I am quick to fix my eyes outside the window, while Spencer starts the car, moving out of the driveway and on the road towards the institute. He was a very quiet and reserved person whereas Sophie and Ana were the complete opposite.

I silently sigh listening them chatter excitedly about something and dreading the upcoming day already. I close my eyes for the next ten to fifteen minutes drive while my fingers clutch the stone pendant hanging around my neck.

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