“There is a line… or so to speak, between the two groups attending here at Evermore High,” the boy explained as he led Kyle through the many hallways of the building. “Although the majority here are ‘rich kids’ like you, a considerable amount, are here on scholarships. Only few send their children here after scraping up every last bit of saving they had, for the sake of their future.” 

Kylian nodded along, half listening, his eyes wandering around the walls and open rooms, hoping to find something worth looking for.

The boy gave an offhand shrug, then turned to look at Kyle and winked. “I’m here on a scholarship. Because I’m that good.” He chuckled. “Principle Hart wanted someone like myself to show you around hoping maybe it will deflate your bloated head a bit, but it seems mine is quit bloated, huh?”

Kyle grinned. “Mine’s not bloated. Neither is yours.”

The boy shrugged, laughing. “You’ll say that now. But just you wait.”

“That’s cool,” Kylian said smiling, “but if you’re going to be my guide for today, then—”

“For quite a few days,” the boy interrupted him, “until you’re all ready to face the world all by yourself.”

Kylian nodded. “If then that, I believe I should know your name.”

His goofy grin fell and he frowned at Kylian. “I didn’t—? I must have been too distracted…” His grin came back in full force. He held out his right hand for Kylian. “Waters. Ian Waters. Here on a scholarship. Ahead of everyone here, educational wise, but I’ll perish in the real world. But you know, you can’t have everything.”

Kylian took his hand and gave it a firm shake. “Castillo. But I’m not so sure about my earlier comment anymore.”

Ian laughed. “My head is a bit bloated, if you will. But like I said. We can’t have everything.” He sniffed, turning on his heels, taking the lead again. “But you just introduced yourself twice. No offense, but that’s awkward.”

Jasmina was waiting for them when they reached the Principal’s office, looking unfazed and perfectly alright, as if she didn’t go through anything similar to what Kylian did a few minutes ago. She was accompanied by a good-looking boy with brown hair and eyes, and a sort of foreign look. He seemed like an all round nice-guy, judging from the smile that was on his face.

“Where were you?” She asked casually, throwing Ian a genial smile.

“Just wandering,” Kylian said simply, not bothering to elaborate, as Ian leaned over to give the boy a friendly slap on his arm. The boy smiled at Kyle.

“You must be Jasmina’s brother, Kylian. The model.”

Kylian returned his smile. “Yep. Must be.”

The boy laughed. “I’ll see you around, I guess. I’m Lou Aldane, by the way. A senior” He nodded to behind Kyle and turned to Jasmina. “Your assigned guide is here finally. I’ll be leaving, then.” He threw everyone a smile and left just as a red-haired girl rushed over to them, her backpack slung on one shoulder, its mouth wide open as she hurriedly stuffed papers and books into it haphazardly, without bothering to make sure they were nice and neat, then hastily tried to wrestle it close.

“Hi,” she said breathily as she grasped Jasmina’s hand firmly in hers and shook it vigorously, “I’m Mathilda Rane.” She took Kylian’s hand and shook it with equal enthusiasm. “Just delighted to make you acquaintances.”

Jasmina gave a ruffled smile. “Um, same here.”

Ian tsked. “Shh. Calm down, Mathilda.”

“How about you shut up, Waters.” She glared at Ian.

Ian chuckled, turning to Jasmina. “Honestly. You’re better off with Lou.”

It looked like Mathilda was about to hit with him a retort, but was interrupted by a loud voice from the Principal’s office yelling, “Alright, come in already!”

Ian shrugged and made a sweeping gesture. “After you, ladies.”

Kylian found himself in a room similar to Dad’s office, except there was no wooden finish or miles and miles of accolades and awards, although there was pictures of students hanging in frames. Principal Hart, a formidable looking, bespectacled woman who had her hair in a loose bun, smiled lightly as they entered, sitting behind her desk. She motioned for Kylian and Jasmina to take a seat in the two chairs in front of her desk as Ian and Mathilda retreated to the sofa that was pushed to a side.

“Hello,” the principal said, her smile widening, making her seem less unfriendly, “I am Principal Hart. I take it you are Kylian and Jasmina.”

Jasmina nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, I hope you have a wonderfully educational year, here, at Evemore High. Are you comfortable enough?”

Jasmina nodded.

“Well, then, lets skip straight to business.” Principal Hart steepled her fingers in front of her, elbows on her desk. “I assume you know what I am about to say, regarding your education here, so would you like Waters and Rane to stay outside or—?”

 “Oh, no. It’s fine,” Jasmina said dryly. “They’re fine.” Kylian, only then, realized what was about to  be discussed. He was hoping they would be able to start new in Evemore High. But it now seemed the chances were low.

“Alright,” the principal said, now very business-like, “I take it that you are here as Jasmina and Kylian Castillo, not Fortone.” Jasmina nodded. “And no one but your family, relatives and now Rane and Waters know this.” Jasmina nodded again. “But your reports and all official documents from the school will be addressed to Fortones, not Castillos.” 

“Yes,” Jasmina said, almost snappily.

If the principal noticed this, she didn’t comment on it. Instead she continued. “I just wanted to remind you that your father has specifically asked that this continue and during your year in Evemore High, you will be known to everyone as Castillo. I must stress on this, please.” There was a tone of urgency in her “please.” Kylian wondered if Dad himself came here and had one of his talks with her, the kind that left you reeling.

Jasmina must have noticed this because her face relaxed and she said a kinder, “yes,” as a reply.

The principal’s face relaxed and she nodded. “I really do hope you will have a wonderful year, Jasmina and Kylian.” She stood up. “Rane and Waters can lead you to your classes. Your schedules are a copy of theirs, so I hope you don’t mind them tagging along in every class.”

“Of course,” Jasmina nodded, “thanks. The school seems pretty great.”

The principal nodded. "Remember to buy the uniform. you have one week's time to do so."

Principal Hart stood up and motioned that they were allowed to leave. Ian, Mathilda, Kylian and Jasmina quickly filed outside. Jasmina frowned, looking ruffled. “Talk about straight to the point.” 

Ian shrugged at Kyle before he could speak. “See, I have somehow been temporarily rendered deaf.”

“Oh, really?” Kylian mumbled, avoiding looking at Ian directly, bummed.

Ian nodded mater-of-factly. “Yes. It’s a bit strange, if you ask me. Should get it checked up, don’t you think?”

Mathilda smiled slightly at Jasmina, calm. “Trust me. We know how to keep a secret.”

Jasmina let out one of her happy jiggles and threw her arms around Kyle, wrapping him in a suffocating embrace, which he tried to wriggle out of. “Just you wait little brother. I promise you’ll get the teenage lf you wanted”

All Kylian could do was nod and hum into her shirt.