The New Life of Amaya

Chapter 6

We finished our food in silence since I decided to wait to berate him until after class was over. After we took care of our trays the three of us walked to Spanish class where we entered and suddenly Andreas was removed from the class by the Dean or Head Mistress or whatever she was only to come back in a few minutes later with a beaming smile on his face. They were laughing while he held the door and she walked in. Rex and I found a comfortable spot at the back of the class away from prying eyes. Andreas found me, met my eyes, said goodbye to the woman and came to sit next to me 

"Why the back of the class?" Andreas asked sitting down.

"Why not?" I asked making Andreas raise his eyebrow with a smirk on his face. I sighed at him, "I don't want to be at the front of the class."

He nodded his head, "Okay. I'd thought you would want to sit at the front with how outspoken you can be."

"You're funny...I nearly forgot to laugh." I grumbled, "I do like to be left undetected at times. This is one of them."

Andreas nodded his head as the teacher stood up to stand in front of the class. A middle-aged man, with grey hair in his slicked back black hair, and a stubble of grey running along his jaw and around his mouth. I looked around to see that all the girls who were in class were turning to look at Andreas. They clearly don't see him often. 

"Good morning class! Welcome to your first day of Spanish for the Elite class. Many of you probably already know Spanish but some of you don't know Spanish so I ask that everyone participates in the homework and class activities." The teacher spoke, "My name is Christian Cordova. You can call me Chris, Christian, Mr. Cordova, whatever you like. Today is a get to know you day, so it'll be fairly short. I'll go over the rules and expectations and then you will introduce yourselves and then we'll call it a day." 

While Christian talked I began to bounce my right leg up and down in an attempt to self soothe. I don't like sitting still, unless I'm reading, but even then I still find myself moving around a lot. I don't like change, but that has been my whole life. I don't like crowds and I find myself surrounded by people. At least at Red's I was only surrounded by the customers I was able to provide for and the staff. When the diner was closed, it was just Red and myself. Rex noticed my unease and got out from in between Andreas and I to sit on my right side and lay his head on my lap. A quiet whimper came from Rex as if to say it's okay. I smiled at Rex and pet him while I was able to gain control over myself. Andreas looked over at me and furrowed his eyebrows. I could tell he wanted to say something but he was respectful enough to not draw attention towards us by saying anything. 

After some time Rex had me calmed down while I pet him and I was able to sit still. I could see Andreas visibly relax as Christian called on our table.

"Alright, the far left table. It's your turn to share your names, where you're from, and so on." Christian said from his seat behind his computer. 

"My name is Andreas Braxton. I live here on the island and have my whole life. I'm here trying to advance my studies before I take over my family's business fully." Andreas spoke. 

It was my turn....

"My name is Amaya. I moved here recently. That's about it."

Andreas glanced at me through the corner of his eye. He said nothing, I hope it's because he understands why I was secretive about why I am here and the fact that I am "under his protections" as he likes to call it. That's the last thing I need right now.. is for him to be outed and for everyone to know that I am under Amato protection. 

I sighed heavily as the teacher finished giving us the rundown for our next class. Suddenly my phone vibrated in my pocket and I looked at Andreas to see him putting his phone back in his pocket with a slight shrug in my direction. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and opened it then opened my messaging app to see two messages. One from Zhi and another from Andreas. 

Zhi: I just wanted to let you know that I will be delivering food for both you and Rex in the future. If there is anything you'd like or did not like with the last grocery run, feel free to let me know. Remember to be nice to Mr. Amato as I am sure you just found out today that he is in class with you as well. 

Andreas: Don't forget our plans after class. 

I gave him a slight nod and put my phone away. Rex's ears perked up and a low growl sounded from him. Something was wrong and Rex could sense it. Andreas shook his head as if to tell me something but I couldn't figure it out.  Rex now stood next to me, in a way to protect me but also attack if needed. Andreas was tuned into Rex's behavior and looked at Christian who I'm assuming knew Andreas' true identity. They had a silent interaction before Andreas nodded his head and Christian dismissed class while Andreas picked up his phone. 

"I need you to assess the school. Come here for Amay's protection." Andreas said into the phone. "Turn on GPS tracking, just in case. Don't give way that you know me." He hung up, then looked at me. 

"Is this really necessary?" I asked grateful that the classroom was void of anyone but the two of us. 

"Yes, Rex has alerted to something that can be a danger to you with how he is protecting you not me so it is." Andreas replied, "We are going to stay here until Zhi comes to get you."

"Why aren't you telling people you're Andreas Amato?" I asked while we waited.

"Because, I'm more than what you know I am. I am not just a man that is in control of a guard that tries to free people who've been sold under the black market. I have a different kind of status that I am not ready for you to know just yet. Just know the only reason you were able to get into the classes for the Elites is because of the status that I hold here on this island."

"What status is that?" I asked.

"In due time, mi paloma." Andreas said looking at the door nodding his head as Zhi came in. 

Rex stayed at bay in protection mode in front of me while Zhi stepped in closing the door behind him. Rex's ears had perked up a little bit when he saw Zhi and barked at him. Rex was acting if he was trying to communicate with Zhi.

"It's okay Rex, it's clear. Besides, I'm here now and us together, we will take good care of them." Zhi said reassuring Rex then turned his attention toward us, more specifically Andreas. "We couldn't find a person, though a couple of the dogs did sniff out something. I have a few guards with those dogs on trail right now." 

"Good, her safety is more important." Andreas said.

"Yes sir." Zhi nodded his head. "How do you want to do this?"

"You'll walk out with us, behind us a couple steps. I'll continue to act as her friend or just someone who bugs her more than anything. We are supposed to go to the stores  today."

Zhi nodded and held the door open for us.

"Shall we?" Andreas gestured toward the door. 

I nodded and stood up. Rex immediately shifted to walk next to me but slightly in front of me while Zhi walked behind us. Andreas walked on my left and engaged in mindless conversation with me as we walked, to keep up the facade of being just a friend or someone pestering me. When we got to the black SUV, Zhi moved out from behind me to open the back door. Rex turned to face behind me now, standing guard to protect me from whatever was here earlier. Zhi took my hand and helped me in the car. 

"Would you like a ride too, sir?" Zhi asked as if he doesn't know Andreas.

Andreas nodded, "Thank you." then climbed in.

Rex crouched in attack mode again growling. Zhi was calling Rex's name but Rex wasn't listening. Rex could sense something we couldn't see and he was determined to protect me and catch whoever it was. 

"Rex, come." I said and suddenly as if a light switch was flipped and Rex jumped in the car and I gave him a good pet, "Good boy." 

Zhi closed the door and then got in the driver seat and drove off. The car ride was silent as Zhi drove and I pet Rex telling him good boy again. Suddenly Andreas' phone rang, and he was taking a phone call on the drive to the stores.