The New Life of Amaya

Chapter 4

Rex and I left the dorm, the key on a chain around my neck, and we went to town. Our first stop was the pet store. We walked a few blocks before the town became visible and then a few blocks to our right was the pet store. Once there Rex and I went straight to the collars and leash section where I studied the different designs on the collars. I looked down at Rex and tried to find something that would look good on him. I stared at them for a long time and couldn't find anything so I looked at Rex. 

"How about it, boy? What would you like?" I asked.

Rex barked then nudged his nose into my hand holding a black tie like collar. With a long black leather leash to go with it. I nodded at Rex before walking toward the front counter.

"Good choice, Rex." I said as I placed the items on the counter. As soon as I did, Rex ran off and took off down the toy isle. "Rex!" I called after him. He barked at me but before I could take off after him he was already heading toward me, a stuffed blue teddy bear in his mouth. 

Rex whined at me as if asking for the toy.

I smiled at him, "Put it up there. You deserve it." 

Rex did and I finished my transaction with the cashier wordless. I took the tags off the items I had just bought, put the collar on Rex, hooked the leash up and gave him his teddy bear before we left and together we walked throughout the small town we were in. Everything was like a fairy tale. Or out of a hallmark movie, if you've ever seen one. Everything was almost an exact duplicate, from the cute little shops to the adorable and pristine homes. I felt out of place here, but it is also the only place I didn't have to worry about what I was going to eat the next day. 

Rex whined getting my attention. I pet his head, "Sorry, Rex. I was in deep thought. Are you hungry?" Rex barked, "What do they even feed you?" 

Rex barked again, grabbed the handle of the leash that was dangling from my hand and lead me to a restaurant nearby. I stopped at the door and looked at the sign before looking at Rex. I finally understood what Rex was trying to tell me but the restaurant doesn't allow pets. Then again Rex isn't a pet, he's more of an attack dog turned protector. 

Rex sat down and pulled the leash out of my hand gently before nudging my hand and moving it toward the door handle. I didn't want to leave Rex, even for a little bit but I needed to eat and I knew it. Rex knew it. I stepped inside and suddenly was overwhelmed by the flood of voices as people were conversing amongst themselves, and the staff were shouting back and forth both in banter and in communication. I had barely made it half way through before I stopped and looked at Rex. I really wanted him next to me. Rex's ears flattened against his head as if he understood.  I turned back to the counter and continued to walk so I could see the menu. 

I stood there for a while until I suddenly heard a familiar voice, "So this is where you've ran off to." 

I turned to see Zhi and Rex approach me. Rex ran to my side and sat immediately licking my hand in comfort and I could feel myself calm down. Feeling myself calm down I looked at Zhi who stood there with a smirk on his face.

"How'd you find me?" I asked.

"Rex has a chip."

"You're weird and creepy..." I grumbled.

"I'm sorry but there are no pets allowed in here." A young blond haired woman in what looked like a managers uniform said as she came to the counter.

"He is not a pet. He is actually a guard dog of the Amato family." Zhi said firmly.

"The Amato family? As in, the one who owns this island Amato family?" The woman asked.

"Yes, the very one." Zhi said. "He is working as a guard dog for this young lady right now as she lives under the protection of the Amato family." 

"Oh...Okay.. Well in that case, I suppose, he's an exception." The woman said. 

I looked at Zhi, "Why are you here?"

"Mr. Amato and I thought if you had something to signal that you are under our protection it'll be easier for you. For Rex, we have a monogram A for his collar, which seems to look like it'll go perfect with his collar. For you it's the same, but a necklace." Zhi held the necklace up after handing me the monogram A. I looked at the necklace and went to reach for it but Zhi moved it out of my reach. 

"Zhi..." I mumbled.

"Ah. Ahh... Per the orders of Mr. Amato, I must put it on you myself." Zhi said as he spun me around and put the necklace on. 

"You're annoying." I grumbled out and clipped the monogram A to Rex's collar. 

"Yes, and that necklace can't come off without the key, have fun." Zhi smiled at me with a mischievous smile. 

"You've got to be kidding me!?" I bit out.

"Nope, Also, before I go, I had a few things dropped off to your dorm, I'll let you put them away. I took the liberty of getting your class schedule printed up and placed it in your room as well. There are a few things for Rex, such as food and necessities as well." 

"Thanks... I guess.." I mumbled looking down to see that Rex had picked his bear back up.

"Oh, here," He handed me a card, "This is going to help pay for things such as food and school items. I already purchased your books, but I thought I'd let you pick you notebooks and such. Rex is cleared to go to class with you and you have money on your student account. I'll be in and out to check on you while Mr. Amato continues his business. Take care miss, Amaya." Zhi nodded his head to me and pet  Rex's head before leaving the establishment.

I walked forward and ordered a chicken finger meal with fries to go. I felt very uncomfortable now that it was known that I was under Andreas' protection and that all eyes were on me. After my order was ready, I grabbed it and headed off with Rex out the door. Rex and I headed to the dorms once again walking at a pace that was just right for me and Rex matched me without complaints. Not that he'd have any.