#Chapter3

During these months I spent at the boarding school, I couldn't stop thinking about my family. However, I made a close friend in Jace. He helped me divert my thoughts from my family and kept me from feeling too sad. Work also helped me keep my mind off things. In the beginning, it was tough to adapt to my new lifestyle, and some girls didn't make it easy for me, but that won't stop me. Jace was always there for me; he's a great friend.

I took more classes than he did, as I didn't want to miss out on learning new things. My teachers were impressed by how good I was at what I did... And so the years passed...

(...)

5 YEARS LATER

Finally, I'm returning home to my family. I missed them so much. I see the people who came to pick me up. They tell me to pack my things because I'm heading back to New York today. I jump with excitement and hurry to find Jace to share the news.

Belinda - Jace! ... Jace!

Jace - What's up, Belinda?

Belinda - I'm going home today! My family is finally coming for me after 5 years. I'll miss you, my friend.

Jace - That's great news, Belinda. I'll miss you too. But I have a gift for you. (He takes out a small box from his pocket, containing two rings.)

Belinda - Wow! Wait, are you proposing to me? (I laugh.)

Jace - No, no. These are friendship rings. I want you to always wear it and never take it off. It will remind you of me when you look at it. (He puts one on, and I put the other one on.) Once I'm out of here, I'll come visit you in New York.

Belinda - Alright, I love you, friend.

We share a tight hug, and then I head to the office to wait for my family. I enter and wait since they haven't arrived yet. After 15 minutes, there's a knock on the door. My hands tremble with nerves. As the door opens, I hear my brothers' voices. I get up, turn around, see them, and rush to hug them with tears in my eyes.

Belinda - I missed you, brothers. (I look around, searching for my father.) And Dad, why isn't he here?

Rodrigo - He stayed back at the house to have everything ready for your arrival. Ready to go, little sis?

Belinda - Yes, let's go home.

I leave the office, offering gratitude to the Lord as I exit. We arrive at the airport, and we board my father's private jet. We spend the time chatting, and Peter notices the ring on my hand.

Peter - Belinda, what's with the ring? Don't tell me you got married.

Belinda - No, brother, it's a friendship ring. I made friends with a guy named Jace during my time there. He helped me a lot during my time at the boarding school. But tell me, what have you all been up to these years?

Peter - The three of us joined the family business with Dad. Dad and Emilio are partners in a company in New York. And what are you planning to do?

Belinda - I'm planning to become a bodyguard. I learned various skills.

Nicolae - What? You're going to work as a bodyguard for rich kids?

Belinda - Yes, Nicolae. It's what I enjoy the most. I'm an adrenaline junkie. I know it's hard for you to understand, but it's my decision. I want to be independent and live on my own. That's what they taught me there: to be self-sufficient and not depend on anyone.

Nicolae - Oh, little sister, you've changed a lot. You're already an independent person, but remember, you can count on us no matter what decision you make.

Belinda - Thank you, brother.

After a long journey, we arrive and disembark from the plane. We get into the car waiting at the airport, and as we head home, I see it. It's just as I remember it. Once inside, my dad is standing there with a smile on his face, arms outstretched. I run to hug him.

Belinda - Dad... Dad... I missed you so much. (Tears of joy well up in my eyes as I see my father.)

Mr. Hernández - My dear daughter, look how much you've changed. You've become so beautiful.

Belinda - Thank you, Dad. I want to talk to you. I've already told my brothers about my plans. I want my own place to live separately, to be independent, and have a job. But not in the family business; I want to work as a bodyguard. I know it's hard for you to accept, but it's what I love the most. I also studied graphic design and computing.

Mr. Hernández - Alright, my daughter. But know that whenever you decide to join the family business or any business, I'll welcome you with open arms. I love you, and I hope you make the right decisions. So, when do you want to see the house?

Belinda - Thank you, Dad. I want to see it today because tomorrow I'm submitting my applications to various bodyguard agencies. I also need a car to get around. I don't want to depend on my brothers.

Mr. Hernández - Alright, my daughter. Your brothers will accompany you. Take this credit card to buy whatever you need.

Belinda - Thank you, Dad. (We leave the house to look at several houses with my brothers until I find the perfect one. It's a two-story house with a small garden in the front, some small trees, and a garage where I can park my car. The neighborhood is nice.)

Rodrigo - Okay, let's buy the house. Then we can head to the car dealership so you can choose your car.

Belinda - Okay, brothers. Thanks.

We buy the house, get the keys, and then head to the car dealership. When we arrive, there are many cars, but none of them catch my eye. However, down one aisle, I spot the car of my dreams.

Belinda - I want this car, brothers. (It's a white SUV, a Hummer H2 model. It's perfect for me.)

Peter - Okay, it's really nice. Let's get this one.

Salesman - Alright, how will you pay? Cash or credit?

Peter - Cash, please.

Salesman - Alright, I'll prepare the paperwork.

The salesman gets the paperwork ready. I give him my card for payment and sign the papers. He hands me the keys to my car. I get in and head home, as I have a lot to do tomorrow. Once I arrive, I go to my room, take a shower, and go to sleep.

(...)

The next day,

I wake up early and take a shower. I get dressed for breakfast because I have a lot to do today, including visiting my cousin. I choose my outfit: military-style pants, a belt with some metallic stones, a red top, a short tank top that shows off my well-toned abdomen, and finally, my cream-colored jacket.

Once I'm dressed, I do my hair, apply a bit of makeup, and head to the kitchen for breakfast. As I enter the kitchen, there's a maid there. I greet her, and she prepares breakfast for me. I sit down to eat, and when I'm done, I thank her and leave the house, heading to my car.

I drive to the store to buy everything I need for my new house. After arriving, I shop for all the essentials, and once I'm done, I head to the bodyguard agencies to submit my application. I leave my application and check the time; it's already 10 AM. I decide to go to my cousin's company to visit him and see if he recognizes me. I drive to the company and am amazed by the building's size. When I arrive, I park my car in the parking lot, and as I enter, I'm struck by the grandeur of the place.

Belinda - Good morning, miss.

Amelia - Good morning. My name is Amelia Parker. How can I assist you?

Belinda - Good morning, I'm Belinda Hernández. Nice to meet you, Amelia. Is Mr. Emilio here?

Amelia - Yes, he's in his office on the 50th floor, Miss Belinda.

Belinda - Just call me Belinda. Thanks.

Amelia - Okay, Belinda. Thank you, and have a nice day.

I thank her and enter the elevator. Once inside, I press the button for the 50th floor. When the doors open, I'm greeted by a secretary. I approach her.

Belinda - Good morning. Is Mr. Emilio here?

Secretary - Good morning. Yes, he is. Who may I say is looking for him?

Belinda - Good morning. I'm Belinda Hernández.

Secretary - Excuse me, are you the sister of the Hernández brothers?

Belinda - Yes.

Secretary - Mr. Emilio is in his office. Please, come in, Belinda.

Belinda - Thank you. - I walk to my cousin's office, knock on the door, and hear him say to come in. - Good morning, Mr. Emilio.

Emilio - Good morning. How can I help you, miss? - I decide to play a little prank because it seems like he doesn't recognize me.

Belinda - I'm from the FBI department. You're under arrest, Mr. Emilio.

Emilio - Excuse me? What am I accused of? I'm not in the mood for jokes. Please leave, or I'll call security to escort you out.

I approach his desk, take out my badge, and place it on his desk. I can't help but burst out laughing when I see the look on his face.

Belinda - Haha.

Emilio - What's so funny, miss?

Belinda - It's just your expression. It's clear you don't remember me anymore, cousin. Give me a hug.

Ryan - Belinda? Wow! You've transformed. Sorry, cousin. You really startled me. When did you arrive?

Belinda - Just yesterday. And tell me, how have you been? From the looks of it, you're doing well with your business.

Emilio - Yes, things are going well, but tell me about yourself now that you're back. Are you planning to join the family business like your brothers?

Belinda - No, cousin. I'm not interested in that. During my time away, I pursued several careers, but what I enjoyed the most is becoming a bodyguard. I've already applied to various agencies.

Emilio - If you need anything, just let me know, cousin. I'll be happy to help. That's what family is for.

Belinda - Thanks, cousin. And if you ever need a bodyguard, don't hesitate to call me. Well, I should get going. My furniture is being delivered to my new house.

We say our goodbyes with a cheek kiss, and I leave Emilio's office. I head to the elevator, enter, and while it descends, I check my phone. I received a message from one of the agencies. As I read the message, the elevator stops and the doors open for someone to enter. I'm not paying much attention until I hear a voice.

??? - Good morning.

I look up and see a guy. He's not bad looking, and I feel like I recognize him.

Belinda - Hello.

??? - Heading out?

Belinda - Yes, and you?

???? - No, I'm going to see a friend.

Belinda - Ah, okay.

??? - I'm Matthew Ortega. Oh, wait, I remember him now.

Belinda - Matthew? Hey, you don't remember me, do you? It's Belinda.

Matthew - Hey, beautiful. How could I forget? You disappeared for 5 years, and now look at you. You're stunning.

Belinda - Yeah, after the illegal racing incident, I got arrested. My dad posted bail, sent me to a military boarding school, and I was there for 5 years. I just got back yesterday. And what about you? Why are you here?

Matthew - How about we catch up over lunch?

Belinda - Sure, tell me where and what time.

Matthew - Okay, today at 1:00 PM. Let's meet at a restaurant near the company. It's an Italian place.

Belinda - Okay, Matthew. See you there.

The elevator doors open, and I bid farewell to Matthew. I exit the building, get into my car, and drive to my dad's house to pick up my clothes before heading to my new place. Once I'm done, I head down and say goodbye to my brothers.

Belinda - You guys can visit me anytime. You're welcome at my house. Take care of yourselves, brothers. Love you, and take care of Dad.

Rodrigo - Of course. You take care too. You know this is your home too.

I hug each of my brothers, and they hold on tight, as if they don't want me to leave.

Peter - Take care, princess. - Peter's always the tender one. I nod and grab my things; otherwise, they won't let me go. I say my final goodbyes and leave.

I head home and organize my clothes. I notice that it's almost 8, and I haven't done any grocery shopping. I quickly go to the supermarket, buy what I need, pay at the checkout, get back into my car, and drive home. Once I arrive, I park in the garage, unload the groceries, and put everything away. After I'm done, I prepare dinner, eat, and then take a shower before going to bed since I have to wake up early tomorrow.

(...)

The next day, I follow my usual routine. Once I finish, I head downstairs to have a light breakfast. After that, I leave my house and head to the agency. Upon arrival, I approach the receptionist.

Belinda - Good morning. I have a job interview. My name is Belinda.

Receptionist - Good morning. Yes, please follow me. They're expecting you.

I follow the receptionist to an office and knock on the door. I hear a voice inviting me to enter, so I do.

Lady - Good morning. You must be Belinda. Please, take a seat. - I sit down, and she goes through my resume. - Impressive resume, Belinda. Welcome aboard. I'll see you tomorrow morning.

Belinda - Thank you, ma'am. I'll be there. - I shake her hand and exit the office.