Grabbing my phone off the counter, I turned off the lights before stepping out. Looking at the bed, I could see Gabriella curled under the cover, already fast asleep. Getting into bed beside her I gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead as I whispered "good night Brie."

Wednesday May 28th
Troy's POV

Classes had just ended for the day, and I was standing by my locker pulling various books out of my backpack when I noticed Chad coming my way.

"Hey hoops, got any plans this week?" he questioned excitedly, a big grin on his face.

"Um well," I stated frowning, not really sure how to explain it to him without everyone in the hallway knowing. "it's complicated…. But um, my family and people from back home is coming into town in a few days."

"That's cool, but I was wondering. You remember my brother Chucky?"

"Yeah, hard not to," I smiled at him, as Chad shook his head before continuing, "well he's finished with college for the semester and he has invited a few of his friends over to visit. So, would you mind if I crash at your place for a few hours?"

"Sure, you're always welcomed, but give me a head's up first."

"Thanks hoops you're a lifesaver. I got to go, have to return some books to the library. Catch you later!" Chad told me before hurrying down the hallway again.

Chuckling I placed the rest of my books into my locker before closing it, heading out. I didn't really know how to explain what was going on in my life at the moment. I knew my parents were coming into town on Monday for my graduation. That meant security would be arriving within the next few days. However, Ted had texted me earlier stating that he and Rafi would be arriving sometime tonight. Apparently, they had been given strict instruction by the head of security, Lee, to look out for my safety as per usual, but I had been living alone since August. Why make that request now? Anyways, I was just glad that Ted and Rafi were the once who were asked to travel ahead of everyone else. At least I had my agreement with Ted, and I knew he wouldn't be my shadow until we left. I am rather sure that my friends, and everyone around, would have found that rather weird.

Unlocking the front door, I flickered on the light in the hallway before placing my backpack on the ground. I found it weird to think that in just over a week I would be back in Etrea, and living a very different life… In a way, I was both excited and sad about it. I was excited that I would go back home seeing my family and Marcus, but on the other hand I would miss all of my friends here in Albuquerque and the life I have here. The freedom of being a 'nobody' was nice for a change. Well, as much of a 'nobody' as one of the basketball captains could be, but still, I would say I was a nobody compared to back home… Opening the zipper of my backpack I pulled out my homework and textbooks before heading into the kitchen. Taking a seat at the table I flipped open the textbook to our current chapter before starting to take notes.

I was just finishing my Spanish homework when a subtle ding came from my phone. Putting the pen down, I reached for my phone expecting it to be a text from Chad about him coming over shortly. Surprised, I saw it was from Ted.

Rafi and I just landed, might take some time before we're there. I'll keep you updated – Ted

Glancing up at the clock, it was just a few minutes past five, as I replied:

sounds good.

I had made a habit out of not responding with my name whenever I texted Ted, after I realized he hadn't saved my phone number with my real name. Instead, he had me down as Renegade. A codename the security team had given me many, many years ago.

Why?

I had no idea…

Turning my attention back to the textbook I decided to finish up my work before starting on dinner, because at this point, I was surprised that Chad hadn't reached out, or showed up already…

Looking up from my book again, the sky outside had turned dark and the only light around me came from the ceiling light in the kitchen. Standing up, stretching I walked into the living room and hallway, turning on a few lights. Walking back into the kitchen I opened my fridge looking at what leftover I had. Some vegetables that I had to use within the next day or two, along with an opened jar of bean past. Thinking to myself I knew that all of these ingredients would make a great miso soup, and in case more people ended up dropping by, it was easy to make more than enough for everyone. Getting everything out from the fridge I started preparing the soup. In the midst of chopping the vegetables, I could hear a ding coming from my phone. Yet again expecting it to be a text from Chad about him dropping by, it was an update from Ted.

We're finishing up here, ETA 15 minutes -Ted

Typing out a short reply I hit send before continuing chopping the vegetables. Finishing all of the chopping I filled a pot with the dashi broth and water before placing it on the stove. Setting the stove on high I waited for the soup to reach its boiling point while I set the table.

Suddenly hearing a car stopping close by, I peaked out the window seeing a black SUV parked at the street. Presuming it was Rafi and Ted, I picked up my phone sending Ted another text.

Dinner in 5, expect to see both of you.

Shoving my phone into my pocket I returned to the kitchen, checking on the soup, finishing up what was needed for dinner. Standing by the stove stirring the soup I heard a knock on the door before it creaked open.

"Hello," I heard the voice of Ted call out, before the door closed.

"Hey, in the kitchen," I called out continuing to stir the soup. As I heard footsteps approaching, I looked towards the doorway where I saw both Ted and Rafi standing, looking as professional as ever in their suit. "Dinner should be ready any minute. How was the trip?"

"Eh, good," Rafi shrugged as Ted gave a small smile, shaking his head.

"Speak for yourself, you slept most of the flight here."

"So, despite having lived alone for the past nine months, have I finally gotten back my shadows?" I wondered looking between the two of them before Ted spoke, "Yes, but I guess we can make it more discrete until everyone else arrives in a few days."

I looked at Ted letting out a small sigh. "It's Lee again, isn't it?"

"It is," Ted confirmed with a nod of his head, "you know how strict he is on the safety measures."

"However, our professional judgment is that there is a possibility that you would be under a greater threat if you were under our constant supervision," Rafi replied with a smug smirk, "at least for the time being."

"Thank god. Gabriella is the only one who has an inkling of an idea how it is with a body guard trailing, no offense Ted. I just can't imagine how everyone else would react if they knew," I resonated with them.

"Non taken, but I would say we stick with our usual deal. Keep us in the loop about what is going on, and we will try to keep our distance," Ted stated, and I felt immensely relieved.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. And, oh, speaking of Gabriella, I gave her a key to the house so she might come at any time of the day. She knows you're here, but…"

"Good to know, anyone else?" Rafi wondered as he would be the one on the night shift.

"No, Gabriella is the only one with a key, but my friends know I live alone so they tend to stop by from time to time," I told them taking the pot off the stove, carrying it towards the table. "However, I do expect Chad to come by later today, but I told him to text me first.".

It was nice eating dinner with Ted and Rafi, and they told me about things that had been going on back home. As it turns out, Ted had ended up adopting two of Misty's kittens, which was a surprise both Raleine and Collin loved. A few other people working at the castle had also adopted a cat, including Maggie.

Rafi was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher with the last of the items from dinner, and as Ted and I walked out of the kitchen I could hear a knock at the front door. Looking in my peripheral vision, I noticed Ted tensing slightly looking towards the hallway as the door creaked open.

"Hoops you home?" the voice of Chad almost echoed through the house as I shook my head.

"Chad…" I muttered to myself before I saw him enter the living room.

"Hey Chad," I greeted him with a small smile, as Rafi came walking out of the kitchen looking at the scene unfold.

"We'll be outside should there be anything," Ted told me as I nodded my head.

"The front door is open," I told them as they walked past Chad, who glanced at them somewhat curious, before something suddenly dawned on him, "ah shit I forgot to call. Sorry, I hope I didn't interrupt anything important?"

"Nah not really, we were just eating dinner," I told him but I could still see he had questions about what had just happened. "I can see you have questions Chad, just ask," I told him with a smile.

"Who were they? They looked like something out of a spy movie."

"Well, that's not too far off," I said with a small laugh, "that's why I asked you to call. They are my bodyguards…"

"Really? Both of them, why here, why now, who knows?"

"Yes, both of them. My family is coming into town in a few days so they thought it was a good idea to send someone first… And Gabriella is the only one who knows, she has known how it's like ever since December when she travelled back home with me for Christmas."

"It's weirding me out hoops, like… I don't know how to explain it."

"It comes with the territory of how I am," I told him with a shrug of my shoulders, "you get somewhat used to it. Eventually…"

"Right…"

"So, I'm surprised you didn't come earlier? I thought you wanted to escape from Chucky and his friends?"

"Ah yes, well turns out they fled the house to start on a project. They got some help before school ended to make the drawings of a slip'n'slide. They were out gathering materials and started building it where we went sledding that snow day."

"Hahaha, that's pretty awesome."

"But it gets better. If everything goes according to plan, they should be finished in a few days. So, they planned to have a party celebrating the start of summer and he asked me to invite you and the others as well. Sort of an early graduation celebration."

"I'll text Gabriella later but I'm down."

Gabriella's POV
Saturday, May 31st

"Mom, I know it's very last minute, but would it be okay if Troy spent the night tonight? We talked about wanting to spend some time together before his parents came into town."

"Well, it's a Saturday so I don't see why not?" mom told me, filling her coffee cup.

"Thanks mom," I grinned grabbing a couple of water bottles from the fridge, "we'll be back sometime later today. Don't know when though…"

"Don't worry about it hija, have fun today!" mom called out to me as I grabbed my bag, slipping my feet into a pair of sandals on the way out.

It was just Troy and me left in the car after we had dropped Taylor off at her house after our slip'n'slide adventure.

"I forgot to tell you earlier, but mom said yes to you spending the night," I told him suddenly remembering my conversation with mom this morning.

"Awesome," Troy stated, briefly looking at me as we came to a stop sign, "is it okay if I come over in an hour or so?"

"That's fine, then I'll have time to shower and rinse out the soap from my hair," I told him, running my fingers through my soap-tangled hair. "I'm glad you invited me Wildcat, that was a lot of fun."

"It was, it sounded crazy as Chad told me but I just knew it would be an adventure. You really went flying as Chad pushed you on that turtle," he laughed as I shook my head.

"I think everyone who used that poor turtle did. I only took that once because of that," I stated as he came to a stop outside of my house. "I'll see you in an hour Wildcat," I told him, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before getting out of the car.

"Hi mom," I announced as I closed the front door behind me.

"Hello Gabi, Troy's not with you?" mom wondered curiously entering the hallway.

"No, we agreed he would come over in an hour. Gives us both time to shower off the soap from the slip'n'slide today."

"Just put whatever you need in the washer and I'll get it started," mom stated with a knowing smile.

"Thank you, mom," I told her before heading upstairs and into my bedroom.

Emerging about thirty minutes later I had bother showered, changed, and were in the process of blow-drying my hair. Brushing through the last strands of my hair, I turned the blow-dryer off, placing it on the counter before pulling out the plug. Looking at myself in the mirror one more time, I was happy about my final result.

Walking into my bedroom I grabbed my phone from my nightstand. Seeing I had a text from Troy I opened the message.

Seems like there was a slight change of plans, my parents are coming into town tomorrow instead of Monday. Don't worry we're still on for tonight, but Ted and Rafi will be coming with me. Hope it's okay for Maria…
- Troy

I'll let mom know
-Brie

Closing my phone, I realized I didn't exactly know what Troy and bodyguards would entail. They, or Ted, had been there when Troy and I traveled to Etrea for Christmas, but that was a car ride and a flight. What would be included in them being there to protect Troy I had no idea about, and honestly, I found it weird that they would be with him 24/7 when he had been living on his own for so long…

"Mom," I called coming downstairs, my phone still clutched in my hand.

"Something wrong?" mom wondered seeing me.

"No, it's just…" I started letting out a breath, "Troy just texted me and his parents are coming into town sometime tomorrow, he's still coming over soon, but he told me his two bodyguards would also be here."

Mom was silent for a minute thinking about what I had just shared.

"All right, what does that entail. Anything we have to do?" mom questioned as I realized I had no idea.

"I don't know. He hasn't shared to much about it… Should I ask?"

"I think that would be a good idea. So, we know what to expect."

Flipping open my phone I sent him a quick text asking.

A few moments later a reply came. "He said no, but said if you wanted to talk to Ted you could."

"That would be nice, I'll get the coffee started," mom nodded before heading towards the kitchen.

It wasn't long before there was a knock on the door as Gabriella glanced over at her mom before walking towards the front door. Opening it, she saw both Troy and Ted standing outside, with the black car she had seen outside Troy's house the past few days, now parked in front of their house.

"Hi, come on in," she greeted them stepping aside, as they entered the house. "Mom should be in the living room."

As the three of them entered the room, Maria came from the kitchen carrying a tray with cups and a coffee pot.

"Hello Troy," she greeted him with a smile, before placing the tray down on the table.

"Hi Maria, nice to see you again," Troy greeted before turning towards Ted who stood behind him, "this is Ted one of my bodyguards."

"Why don't we head outside?" Gabriella questioned as Maria and Ted shook hands.

Troy nodded agreeing following his girlfriend out into the backyard while the two adults took a seat.

"I must admit I don't really know what to expect," Maria revealed handing Ted a cup of coffee, "it is all so new to us."

"The job of me and my colleague Rafi is to keep him safe when needed. Usually, we try to keep our distance, but at times, even when it seems unnecessary, we have to stay close by," Ted explained before taking a sip of the coffee.

"Troy told us that you would be here tonight, so I was wondering if there was anything me or Gabriella need to keep in mind?"

"No, I will be outside this afternoon before Rafi comes tonight and will stay until I return in the morning. Usually, we would not be here because we feel like it would attract far less attention, but because his family and the rest of the team is arriving in the morning things are a little different. Because everyone is far from happy about the arrangement Rafi and I have with him we, at times, have to keep up certain appearances. Even when from a safety standpoint it is unnecessary," Ted explained with a small smile, leaning back into the chair.

"Thank you, that is good to know. I will make sure there is a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen for you two tonight," Maria said taking a sip of her own coffee.

Meanwhile

Outside the two teenagers had gravitated towards the hammock, where they were currently laying looking at one another, Troy's foot still touching the ground swaying the hammock gently. "It all feels so surreal," Gabriella muttered as Troy frowned.

"Oh?"

"This is our last week of high school. This time next week we'll have graduated and you'll be going home soon. Far too soon, unless you're staying for the summer?"

"No, I have things to do back home… I wish I could stay longer but I am leaving next Saturday. I wanted to tell you sooner but I didn't know how to…" he admitted looking somewhat guilty at her.

"I understand Wildcat, reality is catching up to us and we all have responsibilities. Stanford expects an answer really soon, and I don't know how long I should wait on information from RCE…"

"You still haven't heard anything?" Troy wondered as Gabriella frowned, "should I?"

"I don't know. Marcus texted me yesterday I think, saying he had officially received his letter, even though he knew he was accepted beforehand."

"So, any day now then," she said with a sight, exhaling deeply.

"You said Stanford needed to know soon, do you know what you want to do?"

"Yes, but I think it's the commitment that scares me the most."

"If you know what you want to do, then do it. Follow your heart, Brie, and don't let our relationship stop you. We will find a way to make it work, no matter the distance."

Authors rant, please feel free to skip…

Hi guys, I know it's been too long but I wanted to give you guys an update. Going into 2021 I thought everything would become better. I thought finally things would sort itself out because I had just received news that I would be able to finally travel to my university in California, USA, (which is where I am currently at btw), I got told that I would get more opportunities and more hours at my summer job, and I celebrated my 21st birthday. And a mere month after my birthday, in late April, one thing fell apart that made me lose every motivation I had to do, well… a lot of things. It is a very long and personal story, but the gist of it is that a person I had been friends with for almost 10 years, who I considered my best friend, the person I shared deep personal things with, both the good, bad, and downright ugly things, we ended our friendship. I don't want to go into too many details about it but it was hurtful how things ended between us. It took me months to grieve the end of this friendship, and it wasn't until recently that I had the strength to finally detach myself from it when I finally realized there were no going back for us. The actions that were made, the words that were both said and not said was too much for an apology to fix. I know it may sound harsh, but there is a whole lot more to this story that doesn't deserve to be put out on the internet, but I do want to let you guys know some of the details as to why I haven't been on her for such a long time.

I know I have disappointed many of you guys by not updating since March 2021, but I haven't been able to. No matter how many times I have tried to sit down in front of my computer to finish this exact chapter I have lost all the motivation and joy I used to feel when writing. Although it still hurts from time to time, things are slowly getting better. The joy and motivation that I used to feel before are coming back to me, but because of the circumstances, I won't make any promises about an updated schedule because I don't know if I can hold them. However, what I do want to promise you guys is that this story was never abandoned. When things were rough, I went back to read my previous, and future chapters that I one day want to publish as a part of a sequel to this story.

Finally, thank you to everyone who haven't given up on me or this story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for just being there, for being exactly you. An anonymous person, a pen name, a person I will never know but are still able to bring joy to me by choosing to read this story. Thank you, guys, for coming along with me on this journey and I hope everyone stays safe!

-FreeFlyingWriter