Shadows and Popularity

Chapter 13: Guards

Chapter 13: Guards 

“So… who are you again?”

“D-Danny.” his companion spoke without even looking at him. His eyes were looking out the scenery as though that was more interesting, and Nathan was holding onto the little slips of patience he had left. “Danny Martinelli. Your assigned bodyguard until your situation blows over.”

They were both walking up the silver slate paths that lead to the Musician Hangouts, the same path he had taken yesterday when he was looking for Maya. Now that he was in the clear however, most students just minding their own business after the bell rang, he was trying to enjoy the peacefulness. Unfortunately, just as he got out of the Junior Building, the guy named Danny intercepted him and presented he’ll be escorting him to his dorm. Curious buy annoyed nonetheless, Nathan didn’t bother asking anything and only just now was making small talk.

“By who’s command?” He asked, the last word in exaggeration.

“By Cardor Florence himself.”

“I see…” He put both hands in his pockets. “So, you said you’re a junior like me?”

He nodded, yet still wasn’t looking at him.

“We don’t have any classes together, do we? I’ve never seen you around before.”

“Maybe we do, maybe we don’t.” He answered. “I can’t be too sure. I’m pretty truant.”

Nathan’s shoulders drooped.

Great! Another rebel!

He groaned in his mind, his palms washing over his face. Why are there so many of them? And why the heck would Cardor Florence, the third heir to the school, assign one of them to be his guard? How did this school function, anyway? For his past two years attending it, it was only now did he ask the question.

“We’re here.”

And, lo and behold! Right in front of them stood the Music Department’s Dormitory Building. Standing three stories high full of musical instruments ranging from the cello to the electric guitar to the triangle scattered all about, the second floor had a veranda that etched through the whole side of the floor, a piano key design on its flooring making the building look as though it was a jazz piano. The musicians’ banner, a green flag, stood on top of the center of the rooftop, a musical note silhouetted in white representing the department.

The roof had a speaker on each side, neon lights placed right below as a few music students hung out around it. Some sat on benches while some enjoyed the liberty of the well-trimmed grass.

All in all, Nathan thought it was too green.

“I’ll be off then.”

Nathan stopped Danny with a tug on his arm. The rebel looked back at him, brows furrowed and grey eyes under his dark shades giving him an irritated glare.

“What?” he snapped.

“What’s up with the bodyguards? Since when does DDA give out such weird jobs for students? I mean, I know there are working students but security? What about adult labor?”

Danny took his arm back and dusted the sleeve of his red leather jacket before he answered. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.” He said, putting his hand in his pants pockets. “The rebels and slackers in this school, well, some of them, work under the heir’s supervision. Whatever job they give us, whatever,” He stressed. “We do it for extra credit. No questions asked.”

Nathan cocked a brow. “Really?” He asked.

Danny nodded. “I bet your girlfriend has a guard of her own too.”