Enchanted

[Aika x OC] Shadow Part 1

"Ate, did you hear the news?" Tricia sat next to Aika on the couch.

"What news?" Aika was confused.

"We're getting new security details..." Tricia let out a tiny sigh.

"Oh...when?" Aika sucked in her breath.

"Tomorrow. They're reporting first thing tomorrow. Here." Tricia relayed the information from their Mama. As much as she wanted, President Leni was busy in the office and couldn't make it back for dinner with her girls.

"That's fast...I haven't even said goodbye to Ate Lita..." Lita had been Aika's detail for the past 1.5 years. 

"We can invite them for a meal some day...Anyways, the team is arriving at 8am tomorrow and kuya Jackson made it a point to remind us not to sneak out before that." Tricia and Aika chuckled. Both of them had been caught going around without their details after President Leni took office.

"Good Morning Mama...did you get some sleep?" Aika walked down the stairs to see her Mama already dressed for work.

"Morning Aiks. I got a good 4 hours today. Sorry I couldn't tell you about the personnel change, I was informed suddenly as well." President Leni felt bad about the disruptions her position brought about. 

"It's okay Mama, Patty, Jill and I are always behind you. Remember to take breaks while working. Love you." Aika assured her Mama with a hug as the latter left for work.

I'm going for a walk downstairs. I'll stay within the condo grounds, don't worry.

Aika sent a text to the still sleeping Tricia before grabbing her keys and earphones. The condo was the only place not considered as 'outside' to the security team. Aika had a good hour before the team reported.

Aika was the only person in the tiny garden of the condo since it was still early in the morning. It was a simple garden with a few bushes, trees and a little pond. Taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air, Aika sat on the bench in front of the pond.

"Sometimes I think we're kinda similar..." Watching the fishes swim around in the small pond, Aika found herself talking to them.

"I mean, I know Mama is doing something she strongly believes in. I think she's great at it too and I support her fully. But..." Aika closed her eyes and leaned back, hearing the birds chirp.

"Pasensya na, I was distracted..." Aika had stepped backwards to snap a picture of the garden but had bumped into someone.

"It's okay, Ma'am. I shouldn't have stood behind you." Aika looked up at the tall, muscular man with a baritone voice. He was in a black polo tee, sunglasses and khaki pants.

"Ma'am...?" Aika was puzzled.

"Captain Alexander Smith Castillo from the Presidental Security Group reporting for duty." The man saluted to Aika in the middle of the garden.

"Oh, uh...Morning Captain Castillo? Can I call you that?" Aika gave Alexander a tiny smile.

"Yes Ma'am. Shall I escort you back to the house?" Alexander nodded before asking.

"I'm not in trouble, am I?" Aika realised she'd been 'caught' outside alone.

"No Ma'am. The condo grounds is a safe zone but for safety sake, I would recommend having someone accompany you." Alexander shook his head.

"Can you help me keep this a secret from kuya Jackson later? Please?" Aika knew how the older man would nag.

"When Colonel Santos is not present, I take orders directly from you, Ma'am." Alexander implicitly agreed to Aika's request.