Epidemic: The Guard

Prologue

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.
-James F. Byrnes

Rose Campbell
Rose's room

I woke up with the sun's rays hitting my eyes. I never felt so groggy before.

Last night, to keep my frustrations to my father in check, I danced till my legs can't move. I never got so mad to my father until he grounded me to oblivion.

Last week, I got kidnapped. I was supposed to be at home but me, being a sweet, little thing, went to a friend's club party.

It's so crazy and I even got the chance to speak with my crush, Orlan.

But when things got in my favorable mood, men I don't recognize clasped my mouth with some cloth and I fainted.

Then I knew I got kidnapped.

"My lady, your father wants to meet you." My pesonal maid, Celine, said.

I never said anything and stood up, walking to the shower. I stripped naked before stepping in.

I pushed the button and the water rushed out.

It was then that I remembered how those men threatened me. How pleased they were on thinking the money that will come to their hands the moment they have the ransom.

My family, the Campbells, are one of the surviving families who still had wealth from this day. We got our riches from diamond mines.

That is the very reason why my mother doesn't exist on my memories.

I was 3 when they took hold on my mom and tortured her physically and sexually, before killing her after having the ransom.

I guess that's the reason why my father is obsessed with my safety.

I was saved hours after I got abducted. I got an earful from my father when I got home, cold and trembling. And after that, he grounded me for a year- something he doesn't do very often.

I was not allowed to take dance lessons outside, party and even going straight home after school.

It was dreadful. I even rejected Orlan's invitation to his birthday party!

Rubbing my hands to my face, I furiously took the towel and head to my closet room.

After I got dressed, I went downstairs to see my father sitting casually on the sofa, with the newspaper on his hand.

He noticed me before gesturing for the sit across him.

I hesistantly sat but scowled at his behavior.

"What is it, father?"

He put the newspaper down and looked at me straight in the eye.

"Don't disrespect me, Rosanna."

"Don't call me that! And if you actually noticed, I am still angry for you for grounding me like that. It's unfair!"

"It's unfair because you were made to reject the invitation of that Vichka boy?"

I was startled by his voice and remained silent.

How the hell did he know that?

"You should know that you are just reaping the consequences of your action. And regards of that incident, I now come to a conclusion."

"And what is that?"

He smiled and I don't like it.

"I hired a bodyguard-"

"WHAT?!"

"And she will guard you 24/7."

I was flabbergasted but got confused. She?

"Come in!" My father shouted and the big door of the room opened. Clad in a white blouse with rolled up sleeves and a black pencil skirt, she strode in and stood by the sofa.

"She will also be your tutor." My father said with glee.

I did not mind my father but looked at the woman. Her eyes cold, unwavering, as if all the happiness faded from her life.

She looked really sad even with her beautiful face. It was too sorrowful.

Little did I know who she really is.