The New Life of Amaya

Chapter 9

After we left the bookstore we got ice cream and went to the beach where Rex and I enjoyed much needed ocean time. Rex was so happy to have been able to play in the ocean that it was nearly impossible to get him out of it when it was time to go. After an interesting and somewhat fun filled afternoon I went back to my dorm with Zhi and Rex. Andreas went back home with another guard and that was the rest of the day. 

"Here we are, Miss Amaya." Zhi said pulling into a parking spot. 

"Please don't call me that. Just Amaya is fine. I'm not royalty or of a higher status than you. Really I'm a lower status than you." I frowned at him as he helped me out of the car. 

"I'll call you as I please, Miss. Amaya." Zhi replied intentionally antagonizing me. 

I groaned in frustration, "No wonder he put us together."

Zhi smiled, "Because we can match each other's orneriness."

"Hmph.." I grabbed bags and was careful to not put too much on my wrist knowing I at least sprained it. 

"Here, let me help." Zhi said grabbing some of the bags not allowing for a no to be said.

"Fine." I sighed and grabbed my house key, Rex in tow with me. He even carried a bag between his mouth. 

I unlocked the door to my dorm and entered it to see the stacks of books and a new bookshelf have been delivered and placed in a spare area of the room. I placed my school supplies bags on the table and my riding clothes bags on my bed. 

"Ah, I see that the boss has had your books delivered." Zhi said setting the remaining books on the table, "Oh! before I forget. We will be removing the bunk beds on the other side of the room to give you and Rex more room, and the boss wanted me to remind you to take two pairs of your riding clothes to school with you the next time you have your Equestrian class. There are lockers stationed in the dressing room of the gym for you to be able to dress and you'll keep your clothes there."

"Thank you Zhi." I said as he left my dorm locking it behind him. 

I went to my fridge and found strawberries so I grabbed them and placed them on the counter to eat while I put things away and together. I started with the bookshelf first, making sure to put my book I carried everywhere with me back home and the one that my mom read to me every day when I was younger on my bed. I put my school stuff in my new fancy school bag that Andreas insisted I needed and hung my riding clothes up in my closet and set my riding boots  next to my shoe rack. Afterwards I laid down in bed with Rex curled at my feet and my book in my hand. Soon my eyes grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep. 

I woke up to pounding on my door and growling from Rex. He was standing on my bed over me. Clearly he didn't recognize who was at the door. Fear ran over me as I sat up and searched for my phone, Rex still barking and growling at the door. Once I had my phone in my hand I dialed Zhi's number. As far as I know, he'll be the only one bothering me here at the dorm since Andreas doesn't want to be found out. 

The phone rang only a few times before Zhi answered, "Amaya, what's wrong?"

"Of course you choose now to call me Amaya..." I grumbled... "Never mind, are you at my door...?"

"No. I'm with the boss. We are talking about some things regarding your protection detail" He replied.

"Oh..Okay.. so Andreas is with you then..." I said through my struggle to keep from crying.

"Why is Rex barking like that? What's wrong?" Zhi asked

"Um... well, someone is currently trying to beat my door down.." I finally let the fear slip into my voice as it wavered. "Rex doesn't know or like them and they won't stop beating on my door." Suddenly the door handle began to wiggle, "And now it's time for my break, because they are trying to get in.. I have to go Zhi! I have to get out of here with Rex!"

"No! Wait-" Zhi started but I hung up and jumped out of bed keeping my clothes from yesterday on because I forgot to get dressed into pajamas. 

I went to my closet where my backpack hung and grabbed my wallet off of my mini fridge and shoved it in my bag along with the two very special books. I grabbed two waters and a couple yogurt drinks and Rex's leash and shoved them in too. I looked at Rex and he knew immediately what I wanted to do. I grabbed shoes and put them on to make running easier even though I was in a dress. I slipped my phone into my bag closed it up and went to my window opening it and looking around. I am very grateful that I don't have to jump far.

"Rex!" I yelled and he immediately came running and jumped through the window just as I did. 

Together Rex and I ran from campus and booked it through town. Rex would only match my pace as we ran and I didn't know where we were running too but we were running. I don't know how long we were running for but we made it to the main roads where Rex and I began running across the street without thinking. Suddenly I heard tires screeching and the horn blaring. Rex grabbed my dress and pulled me back as the black SUV came to a stop.

Rex sniffed the air but he was at ease with the car before turning to face behind me and stand in an aggressive way. Two people emerged from the SUV and I noticed Andreas first since I was on his side of the car. I ran to Andreas and wrapped my arms around in fear still coursing through me. Andreas, unphased by my sudden hug as he wrapped his arms around me. Andreas gently pushed me into the car.

"Rex!" Andreas shouted and Rex listened jumping into the car. "Zhi, let's go." He said getting in and closing the door. "It's okay, Amaya. You're safe now." Andreas turned his attention to Rex, "Good boy, Rex. You kept her safe."

I curled up into a ball and stayed close to Andreas. Andreas thankfully remained quiet and Rex curled up on the seat next to me. Zhi would often look in the rearview as he drove the car and I could see the concern in his eyes. Zhi pulled the car in front of my dorms and got out locking the car behind him. Other guards were here too and once Zhi got out the surrounded the car to protect it. Suddenly Andreas' phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket to answer it.

"C-can you please put it on speaker? I want to hear what he has to say.. To know if I'm going crazy or not.." I asked him.

Andreas nodded putting it on speaker.

"Boss..." Zhi said through the other end, "The dorms aren't safe for her any more.." 

"Why?" Andreas asked.

"There was a letter left behind after the door was broken in and the room ransacked." Zhi said, "It said 'You think you can get away from me that easily? Red had no right to sell you. I'm coming for what's mine' and then some very suggestive things were written down. The'll have to shut this dorm down to rebuild it." Zhi said.

"Put men on packing up the room, Amaya is coming back home with us." Andreas said.

"I need my books for today... I need to go to class.." I mumbled.

"After what just happened?" Andreas asked.

I nodded, "I don't want to miss school.."

"I don't want you going to class alone." Andreas countered. 

"What if I agree to babysitters...?"

Andreas paused and looked at Rex, "Rex, the triplets okay with you?" Rex barked and shook his big head but then liked Andreas' hand, "Very well, Zhi, get the triplets set up with school to start today. Call them and tell them to get in their civilian clothes and send them a copy of Amaya's schedule. That's their schedule."

"Very well sir." Zhi said.

"Bring Amaya's school bag please, then I want you to drive her to the building her first class is in." Andreas spoke.

"On it Boss, also good news, the triplets are on detail here right now. I can send them to town to buy new outfits real quick and then we'll send her off to class." Zhi said. 

"Very well." Andreas said hanging up the phone. "You're coming home, no arguments."

I nodded and remained silent. For the first time in a long time I felt scared.