I've never been to a school before, so I'm completely clueless about how they operate here.
But I suppose this is a place where kids expand their knowledge.
This is also my first time being a bodyguard. I've done some research on how to be decent at this job and found that there are important aspects and characteristics I must fulfil: first, I must be alert at all times. Second, I have to be physically strong. Lastly, don't speak unless necessary or given permission.
That seems easy enough.
However, Aubrey insisted that I serve under her. And since Aubrey would rebel if I didn't, Esperanza had no other choice but to put me in charge of her.
I was actually wishing to be stationed with Grace because she seems chill. But I ended up with Aubrey which hints me that she'll be a pain in the ass.
"Y'all should go to your allocated classrooms," Esperanza said to Grace, Aubrey, and Jace as we all got out of the car.
"I'll accompany this muffinhead to the principal's office and enrol him in the school," Esperanza added. "And Jace, Grace will be under your protection."
"Of course, sir."
Jace and Grace then went on their way.
"And for you, Aubrey. Go to your classroom and wait for Hayden to get admitted," Esperanza said. "Don't even think of cutting classes before the class even begins."
Aubrey sighed and rolled her eyes before also going on her way.
"The principal's office is this way, muffinhead. Grab onto my tail."
We also went on our way, and as we walked down the corridor, Esperanza wanted to make sure if I still remembered his instructions.
"Can you still recall the instructions I gave you?" he asked.
"Positive."
"You don't have to respond like the military—just act normal. Anyways, enumerate them."
"Okay. First: Bitches' safety comes first."
"It's unnecessary to call them bitch."
"I'm only repeating exactly what you told me."
He let out a half-suppressed laugh. "I knew I made the right decision hiring you… Continue."
"Second: monitor their action and report them to you if it's something concerning."
"Good. Then the last?"
"Third: no one has to know that they're your daughter. I should recognise Grace as Grace Garcia and Aubrey as Aubrey Reyes."
"Perfect!" Esperanza exclaimed, "Seems like you're quick to follow."
"Although you hide their true identity by faking their last names, the fact that you came out of the car with them earlier makes it clear that you're connected with them. And there's a handful of people that probably saw us."
"Nah, that's nothing to worry about," he said. "I'm periodically invisible to everyone's eyes. I put all of them under my illusion spell so they're unable to see me."
"Everyone? How come I can see you?"
"Do you know how spells work? Of course it's because I didn't put you under my spell, muffinhead!"
I get that. But even so, there are hundreds of students in the vicinity and putting them under a high-level spell all at once is just seemingly impossible.
It must be draining his stamina like hell.
I glanced at him to see how he was doing, but to my surprise, Esperanza looked as chill as a cucumber.
He doesn't look exhausted whatsoever.
"But even if I put you into it, I doubt that my spell will have a long effect on you," he said. "By the way, muffinhead, what's your DH rank?"
"I've never been in a guild, so I don't have a rank. But if I have to guess, I think I'll fall in the B-rank category."
"You're such a bad liar," he quipped.
"I'm telling you the truth."
We eventually made it to the principal's office and were accommodated by the Principal himself.
The Principal is about the same age as Esperanza. His facial structure was close to a skull and his eyebags looked like he hadn't slept in a year.
Principal duties must be a tough responsibility.
"So what can I serve you today, Froilan?" the hollow-eyed principal asked.
"It's a bit short notice, but I'd like to make a request."
"Of course! Anything you want. Your contributions made significant improvements in the school facilities, so I wanted to return your kindness."
"I got the bitches a new bodyguard."
"You mean your daughters?" the hollow-eyed man faked a laugh.
"Yeah. I consulted you because I wanted to enrol this muffinhead right here in the same class as Aubrey." Esperanza tapped my shoulder.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Hold on a sec, I'll get him an enrolment form." He searched for his drawer and found a spare copy of an enrolment form. "Once you fill up this form, you may start your class today and I'll follow this form to the registrar."
I took the paper, sat in front of his table, and then began filling out the form.
While I was busy, he called the professor in ABM-3 class to come and pick me up here.
"What do I write when I don't know what to put? For instance, this question asks about the last school I attended." I asked.
"You can leave it blank," Esperanza said. "Conor will fabricate; the same like he did when the bitches enrolled. "
"Sure, I can do that," Conor replied.
After finishing the paper, I returned it to Conor and the professor consequently arrived to guide me to my room.
I was about to leave with the professor when for some reason, Conor stopped me on my track by calling out my name.
"Hayden?"
"Huh?" I tried not to sound rude.
"The only thing you fill in here is your name and gender."
"Yeah… I sort of don't know the rest, so…"
"Lemme see it!" Froilan snatched the paper from Conor's hand and his eyes broadened as his lips curled up.
Unable to hold his laughter, Esperanza just exploded cackling.
"Don't worry, Conor, I'll help you fabricate some of it." Esperanza rolled his eyeglasses down and gave me a wink. "Go on, muffinhead. Break a leg!"
~~~~~~~~~
After getting admitted to the school, the teacher guided me to the classroom and I had to give an introduction in front of the class.
Of course, this wasn't a romance novel so there's nothing worth telling about getting settled in the school.
I was never expecting some inciting incidents because those things only happen in the delusional imagination of immature readers.
After all, I look as bland as a background character.
I just introduced myself and got through it as if it were nothing.
The good thing though is that I was seated on the back, next to the protectee.
This close proximity will allow me to defend her from any upcoming attacks, so this seating arrangement works perfectly.
Or maybe this isn't the real seating arrangement?
Yes. After going through the class session for a couple of hours, I realised that this seat isn't her allocated seat.
She just swapped seats with someone so she could have oral chats with her friends. Her feet were propped up on the table and she was using her phone as the teacher was discussing in front.
I've done prior research and if I wasn't mistaken, using a phone during classes is unethical and considered bad behaviour.
But what gets me wondering is why the teacher seems unconcerned about Aubrey's brazen behaviour.
Perhaps it's because the teacher knows that she's Esperanza's daughter?
But her friends behave similarly, so I guess Esperanza isn't the reason why this is overlooked by the teacher.
I was informed that this is a public school, so I suppose the teaching quality is just poor.
The class ended and the time I spent observing Aubrey made it clear that she deserves being called bitch. No. Maybe a whore is a more proper term.
The teacher dismissed us and Aubrey went straight out.
I followed her since I had to.
It's been a long walk across the campus and she's still going. Also, she's taking an unfamiliar route.
We're walking along the dead-silent hallway and I was right behind her.
Then, for the first time of the day, she laid her burning eyes on me.
"Do you know about personal space?!" she snarled.
Like a stereotypical bodyguard, I replied, "My shift won't be over until you get home. The parking area is in the complete opposite direction. Your sister and Jace are waiting for us."
"Like hell I'll go home. Tell Dad I'm hanging out with friends."
I knew this bitch would be pesky from the get go.
"Negative. Your safety is my obligation and I must-"
"Shut it!" she yelled at me. "Stop acting so enthusiastically about your duty. I know guys like you; all you're after is the hefty salary."
I don't have any chance of winning this rebuttal. After all, she's correct.
I desperately need money, so what can I say?
She puffed exasperatedly. "Fine. Let's have an agreement." Aubrey crossed her arms before continuing, "I'll give you a quarter of my monthly allowance if you let me do as I please."
"How much are we talking here?"
"So you're interested… I can guarantee you it's more than what you can earn in a month."
I'm aware that I must not fall for this trap. Hence, I will not.
"It's a deal then." I accepted her proposal.
I just can't say no to money.
She's pretty good at bribing. I guess ABM students are specifically taught to be good at those instances.
"But I'll still monitor you during the hours out of school."
"No problem. Just keep your distance and don't bother me. Speaking with you ruins my mood."
The first time I met Aubrey, I actually thought she was fond of me since she came out of the blue Begging Esperanza to have my service. But after that day, she never talked to me until now and it became clear that she only wanted me to be her bodyguard because I'm inexperienced, meaning she could manipulate me—which worked.
"I'll convince Esperanza to allow you to have your time. Stay put while I talk to him."
"I have places to be. Be quick."
I took my phone in my pocket and rang Esperanza's number.
He answered almost instantly.
"The bitch refuses to go home," I said, straight to the point.
"I knew this would happen. Just drag the bitch by force if she doesn't cooperate."
"The bitch wants to hang out with her friends. I suggest we let her be."
"What?"
"I'll keep an eye on her until she gets home, she'd be safe under my watch."
"Wait… Did she bribe you or something? What shenanigans is that bitch up to?"
"She doesn't. I think this'll be the right way to handle her." I turned off the mic on my phone. "You may go ahead," I said to Aubrey since her face looked irritated as she checked her watch.
Without a word, Aubrey went down the hallway with long strides.
I turned my mic on and got back to Esperanza.
"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping the jail is to make it seem like she's not a prisoner."
Esperanza can't help but giggle. "You never cease to amaze me, muffinhead. Well, regardless, it would be troublesome to contain that bitch, so I'll leave her to you."
"Rest assured, sir."
"I'll tell Jace to not wait for the two of you. Just keep in mind, the bitch can't get drunk, and she must be home before 10."
"Copy."
I dropped the call and began to trace Aubrey's track.
But as I slid my phone back in my pocket, my survival instinct kicked in.
I'm sensing a dark presence near the hallway.
I'm sensing a demon.
I lost sight of the protectee, so I hurried to where she went.
But then, I bumped into the principal coming out of the infirmary room.
"Oh, Hayden. I submitted your enrolment form to the registrar and you're officially admitted."
"Yea. Thanks."
Every second could be the difference between life and death.
I must get to the protectee in time.
I set Conor aside and rushed to her.