She was not even jittery. Not a single nerve out of place. She felt the same, just like always. She felt numb. The motion of the car at the speed of 70 kms/hour would have made her puke her guts, but right now, all she could think of was, does this really matter? Is this really a new start?

Kiara had never known herself to be pessimistic, or brooding. But things never stay the same, especially when your ruined life was your own doing.

She was confident that things are going to go downhill and that they would catch upto her, someday. No amount of protection or alias would save her. That's the price she has to buy. Her father has just bought some time for her, and in this time, she made up her mind to prepare herself for surrender. She won't be hopeful, or optimistic.

"We are almost there Kiara. So a quick recheck on what we discussed. You won't approach me in school until it's an emergency and it's absolutely necessary to. And when you do, don't call me Alisha, call me Aly. And you can text me for anything you want. Okay?" Kiara nodded to Aly's instructions for the nth time. The least she could do is pay head to her 'cousin's' words.

Her 'aunt', her mother's so-called 'sister' whom she never heard of in her entire life, is giving her shelter, a safe haven for the time being. Whoever she is, and whatever their familial relation is, she just has to be nice, and cause the least possible amount of trouble for them.

Trouble, Kiara thought, that's going be a tough one to get rid of. It's practically attached to my hip since the past year. It would be a miracle if I don't get in trouble at this new school on the first day itself.

She felt the car slow down, a model she knew nothing about, except that it's Aly's prized possession and she won't let anyone drive it. Not that Kiara was interested in driving it anyways.

"Aly, would you please show me the way to the Principal's office?" Kiara asked her politely. I barely have any clue about America, let alone it's education system. It was so much easier in India. America was one country none of us were interested to go to when we were all together as a family. Now I know why, it's so completely anti-us, or anti-dad. But here I am, in this country, on his order. Funny how things change.

"I'll drop you off there, just follow me. But let's refrain from talking, yeah?"

•••~•••~•••

Kiara barely glanced at her surroundings. She kept following Aly at an acceptable distance, so as to not loose her in the midst of strangers.

Head down. Count your steps.

1...2...6...50...

The music blasting from her earphones was not enough to drown out the chattering of these teenagers. Some of them were already discussing their weekend plans, and which new party was the talk of the school. Some girls were fangirling about some new artists that launched a new album. A group of guys showing of their washboard abs and their newly discovered workout protein shakes had their own banter going on. A girl was awkwardly trying to pry a kissing couple off her locker. And there was laughter, echoing down the corridors as everyone mingled.

There were some wallflowers too, but they didn't seem to mind. They enjoyed their view from the extremities. But some of the children looked sad, or rather bored, from this monotonous routine. A little unsurety was hovering in the air as young students tried to understand the life of a high school student, and Kiara seemed one of them.

St. Peter's High School was one of the best around town. Quite a few students made it to prestigious colleges, some of them even entered the Ivy Leagues after their graduation. A couple of them become celebrities too over the years, with their prowess in sports or cultural art. Mindy St. Price become a well known politician who often donated generously to her alma mater. Georgie Halpert now owned the most famous dance studio and had been a guest judge in Dancing With The Stars
For a couple of seasons. People still remember Tony Reviera and his mind blowing home runs from the 90s.

The school exuberated pride and belongingness, and Kiara couldn't have felt more out of place. A sore thumb.

Aly motioned to a room and went ahead along her way. Kiara reached the door to read the sign saying 'Reception'. She entered the room and asked the lady at the front desk of she could meet the Principal.

"And you are, my dear?" asked Mrs. Kathy.

"Kiara Bakshi ma'am, the new student."

"Ah, yes, yes, of course, of course," Mrs. Kathy picked up the connecting telephone and talked to the Principal for a couple of minutes and pointed Kiara to the 2nd door on the left. It had a sign saying 'Mrs. Theresa Lou'.

With no particular conversation in mind, Kiara entered the room and saw a lady who looked to be in her mid-50s. She had jet black hair in a shoulder length bob cut, but her roots showed the hint of white that the hair colour could not hide. She wore a pin strip suit of aquamarine, which went well with her fair skin tone. With her petite figure and eyes that turned into slits everytime she smiled, it was very evident that Mrs. Lou was from an Asian-American descent.

"Hello, Kiara, I'm Theresa. Welcome to St. Peter's. So nice to have you here. We usually don't take new students once the year has started, but with your special situation, we decided to make an exception," Principal Lou sounded very polite and genuine, giving off comforting vibes to a child she knew had a troubled past.

"Thank you ma'am." Kiara sensed that the woman in front of her knew more than she let on, and yet there was no malice in her tone.

"I won't keep you waiting for long. I kept your timetable with me because I wanted to have a quick introduction with you. So here you go. The subjects you like are all distributed over the week, so you won't feel dull at all. I've called on a trustworthy student to help you around the school. Also, if you ever feel uncomfortable about any kind of situation, I'll be promptly there for you. I want you to take down my personal number, just in case if you need it. I've informed the teachers about a new student, who is 'academically gifted' and is joining us under 'special circumstances from India'. I haven't disclosed any other details, and I hope you don't to." Mrs. Lou looked stern and sympathetic at the same time. She felt protective over this little girl who went through so much at such a young age. It broke her heart when she heard Kiara's story, and she decided she wanted to help this child in any way possible.

"Umm... I will make sure of that. Thank you for your support ma'am. I really appreciate it." How ironic, Kiara thought. Someone who doesn't deserve help is getting so much of it. What have I done to receive this kindness? What story did papa feed them to make me such a pitiable, sympathetic character in front of these Americans. I can't believe I have to deceive so many people who are willing to protect me. And what am I doing? Just making sure they face the dangers of my life with me.

A bittersweet smile grew on Kiara's face as she stared at her folded hands on her lap. She understood why she noticed so many features about Principal Lou. It was her smile, the smile that reminded Kiara of her Mom. The smile she missed, the smile that she almost forgot, the same smile that disappeared a year ago. Theresa Lou may not be her mother, but she had that same motherly smile that just wanted the best for her dear child and loved her child the most. It exuberated warmth.

A knock on the door pulled Kiara out of her running thoughts. She didn't turn back, but she could here footsteps entering the room as the door closed behind automatically.

"Oh wonderful, you're here. Kiara meet Ashton Knight, the student body president."

•••~•••~•••

A/N: whohooo! I finally did it! This was I have no idea which number or edit, but I was a lot more satisfied with this rewrite than the previous ones.

How did you guys find it?

What do you think unfolds ahead?

Also, as promised the story behind names.

Let's start with our protagonist today.

Kiara: One of my favourite movies, called Anjaana Anjaani had the female protagonists name as Kiara, and I've loved that name since then. And guess who plays this character? The gorgeous and talented Priyanka Chopra Jonas. I knew if I ever write a story, she would be called Kiara.

This movie has an amazing soundtrack and the characters have stayed with me, along with the music, since the first time i watched it in theatres.

If you ever get a chance, do watch it if you haven't. I'm always ready to fangirl about this movie!