The Royal Bodyguard

13

     "No! I will probably not be able to come here by the end of the month so I wanted to see you all before then but now it looks like it's impossible."

   I explained to her and she nodded in understanding.

      "Also, here's my month's share." I said then placed for her a check with half salary on the table.

      "Aya! Your really such a kind hearted girl. I told you you didn't have to give us every month and at least spend some on yourself!"

     Aunt K said trying to refuse but I said back.

     "There's pretty much nothing for me to do with this much and I still have the remaining half with me."

       Though she still tried to refuse, I was able to force her to collect it.

     We talked a little more and I helped her out before I went back home.

...

       "Lor, give me your pay! This time we are going to go get you some new cloths!" Mama said immediately when I got in.

     I paused then said. "Sorry Mama! I just spent it!"

      "What! How can that be?! You just got paid!" Mama argued back as she came out of the kitchen.

      "She probably bought snacks with most of it! Hahaha!"

    Brother Roy commented from the couch seeing my hands full of food/snack bags.

      "Hahahahaha!" I laughed nervously. Well he isn't wrong, I spent most of the remaining on snacks.

     "Aya this girl!" Mama said defeatedly.

...

      The rest of the day passed, everyone was busy preparing for the journey that they wasn't anytime for idle chats.

      The day finally drew upon them. The four; Mallory, Lorry, Aaron and Austin were mounted on their houses at daybreak and ready to leave.

        Lillian was explaining to them some things and the importance of their journey before the could set off.

       "When you reach the kingdom of Bali, an envoy will be their to welcome you. Be careful on your way their."

       "OK! We'll be on our way now. Take care Sis. Brother Roy, please take care of my sister."

       Austin said to Lillian and Brother Roy when we were about to depart.

       "You have my word. Take care of my sister for me too. I know she can be a bit of an eccentric sometimes."

     "Brother Roy!"

        I yelled out as Brother Roy said with a teasing smile.

       "What?! Am I lying?!" Brother Roy stuck his tongue out.

       "Hahaha! Don't worry Brother Roy, I'll take care of her too!"

     Austin said with a smile. I was quite stunned. Come to think of it, this was the first time I saw the present Austin laugh and smile in real joy. Most of the time it felt like it was forced.

      When we were younger, he used to laugh so freely. 'Was Auntie K right? Is there really something that I'm missing?'

      I thought to myself as we finally left our Kingdom.

...

        After walking some distance, I went towards Mallory's side and asked her.

       "Are you all right? Do you need us to take a break?"

      She looked at me and questioned with a giggle.

         "What are you talking about?!"

     "I mean, are you tired?" I asked more clearly.

        "Hahaha! Your really acting strange Lorry! Where's my courageous knight?! Either way, I'm just fine! I can do this for a long time!"

     She said then moved forward. I stopped where I was and thought to myself.

      'I'm I acting strange? It's just that I am confused right now. With all that's happening, I think that I didn't really knew Austin and Mallory as much as I thought!'

        Those were my thoughts as I watched them going forward from where I stood.

...

       "What are you dozing off for Lorry?! Come on! Let's go or we'll arrive there late!" Mallory yelled out.

    "Last one to get there has to buy meals for the whole group!"

     Aaron yelled out after making them all laugh and agree with him.

      "Then you better prepare to pay! Giddy up!"

    I said leaving my thoughts behind and hurriedly catching up with them.