Maxine’s Bodyguard Read online

  I felt my cheeks heating up as I shook his hand. To be praised because of my bravery was something I haven’t heard for years. And it wasn’t just an ordinary compliment! It was from the cousin of the man I love and one of the top elite agents in the country! Should I get into training to be one too?

  Are you mad? You barely escaped death. Just continue sitting on your beloved chair and spend your time helping the women who have gone through emotional breakdowns. You’ll just bring down the squad.

  “It’s nothing,” I responded impishly. “If it wasn’t for your participation, things would have been impossible.” I gave him one last smile before finally getting on my feet. “I’ll see you around. Good bye Mr. Miller.”

  Calvin chuckled. “Just call me Calvin. Rico calls me by my name.”

  I raised an eyebrow and eyed him for a moment only to realize that my mouth was already arched in a smile. Was I flattered? I didn’t know.

  “I know he’d like it if he hears us drop the formalities.”

  “Okay, then. Good bye, Calvin.”

  It didn’t take long before I had reached the parking area of the hospital and I was very sure that going home was the best thing to do. I hadn’t got a proper sleep in last couple of days and my mind had been so restless. Settling on the driver’s seat, I checked my reflection in the rear view mirror only to be surprised of the smile that was on my lips.

  Why was I smiling? I didn’t know. I just felt lighter and happier after the conversation I had with Calvin and seeing Rico with his family. Although the scene made me a little emotional, I still couldn’t get the fact out of my head that I could be part of that picture.

  I couldn’t stop hoping.

  I wish I could be.

  I wanted to have a family.

  I wanted to be happy.

  Instead of heading home, I found myself driving on the road I rarely take. Maneuvering the steering wheel carefully, I took a right turn and reached the gates of the cemetery where my dad and Megan were resting. It been quite some time since I’d been here and I didn’t know why I had come here.

  I think it’s time for you to talk to them properly. It’s time to let go of the grudges and move on with your life. It’s time to start anew and live happily.

  I rolled down the window of my car and watched the green grass and trees, feeling nostalgic more than ever. When my dad was buried here, it was fall. When Megan’s body arrived, she was just ashes and I decided to make her a crypt beside my dad. And when the time comes, I want to be buried beside them too. I thought that even at least in the afterlife, we could be together.

  After a few deep breaths, I stepped out of the car and walked towards my family’s grave. Unlike the last time I was here, today was different – because today, I felt lighter. And for the first time in more than a decade, I felt genuinely happy. It was like a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders.

  As if I was finally free.

  “Hello Daddy. Hi, Meg,” I muttered softly, squatting in front of their epitaphs – dusting them off. I did not mind sitting on the ground since the grass was dry and the shade that was coming from the large oak tree was enough to keep me comfortable.

  “Have you been well up there?” I continued talking, as if they could hear me. “I’m sorry for not visiting you guys very often. But I’m here to tell you some good news,” I murmured as tears escaped my eyes. “Daddy, Williams was finally sent to jail. I succeeded Dad. I did it,” I went on, sniffing heavily. “Meg, I’ve taken back everything you worked hard for. I promise I will raise Michael properly.

  Releasing all the frustrations, sadness and relief, I cried my heart out. I didn’t care if I looked like a fool in that quiet place. All I knew was that once I poured out all my emotions today, I’d be a brand new person tomorrow.

  Dad, I found a man who’s just like you. He saved me and risked his life to keep me alive. I don’t know him well, yet. But I’m sure I like him. No, I already love him. I wish you guys were here to see what kind of person he is.

  How nice would it be? I cracked a smile at the thought as pictures of my father calculating Rico and Megan trying to squeeze me for juicy details about him. And my mother would be cooking a delightful dinner for all of us.

  Ah, it would have been so nice.

  After about thirty minutes had passed, I finally calmed down. I uttered a silent prayer and took my leave with a bright smile on my face. I knew tomorrow would be different.

  That everything would change.

  That I could finally choose to be happy.

  Chapter 23

  Rico

  Despite the darkness, I could clearly hear my mom and dad chatting enthusiastically. They were talking about their business partners, the stock market, their investors and of course, me. I could hear the beeping of the machine beside me as they started to discuss about things that were obviously about me – marriage, taking over the family business and women.

  I didn’t have any idea how long I was asleep. I lost track of time. All I knew was that I was happy to be alive.

  I continued listening to their conversation without making a sound or movement – not like I had the energy to do so. About an hour passed and I was starting to get bored with my parents’ conversation when I heard the door make a sound.

  “Maxine just left,” said Calvin, making me mentally frown. That was the first time he’d called Maxine by her first name. How long was I asleep that they had already ended up on first name basis? What happened while I was sleeping?

  Did Calvin…

  Fuck no. He was not that kind of man. I should stop thinking nonsense. Calvin already knew about my intentions for Maxine. And he knew how much she meant to me after all the things that happened. He wouldn’t dare touch her. Or else...

  “Maxine?” asked my mom. “You mean that girl earlier?” I could imagine her having the usual suspicious expression on her face everytime she sees a girl around me. I mentally rolled my eyes. My mom was probably thinking she was one of the girls who have been chasing me.

  “Yep,” Calvin confirmed playfully.

  “Is she your girlfriend?” my dad asked, making me want to protest, but I was too weak to make any movement or even a sound. So, instead of reacting, I continued listening to them. At least, it was not about business and money and old couples that only my parents knew.

  Calvin chuckled hysterically. “So? What do you think about her?” he asked, instead of answering my parents.

  “Well, she’s beautiful,” my dad commented.

  Of course, she is. She is the most beautiful woman in the world.

  “She looked educated,” my mom added.

  Well, she graduated cum laude from a prestigious university I might add.

  “And?” Calvin urged.

  “She’s polite and knows her place,” my mom commented, in an impressed tone. “And she doesn’t look like one of those girls Rico has dated before. She’s just like an innocent princess.”

  Innocent but naughty.

  “Are you dating her?” asked my dad, who seemed to be more interested about Calvin’s lovelife. And with that question, I could see my mom shooting him deadly glares. My mom always wanted to have a daughter but my dad was too busy with his business that they ended up with only me. My mother’s imagination was probably starting to create images of Maxine sitting beside her in the family portrait.

  Why not?

  The picture was lovely.

  After all the things that had happened between me and Maxine, I realized that my mom was right. Finally, I think I’m ready to let go of the life of being an agent. I know it would be hard but I would try. Now that the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with appears before me, I don’t think I could ever let her worry about me every day. And of course, I wanted to have a longer life to create happy memories with her.

  “Nope,” Calvin spoke, snapping my thoughts back to reality. “But someone is,” he added meaningfully, earning
himself a loud gasp from my mom.

  “Are you saying–”

  “She is Rico’s woman.”

  Soon to be wife, I thought mischievously.

  Ah, I missed her voice. I missed seeing her beautiful face. I miss having her in my arms.

  Damn. I missed her so much.

  “Oh, my god!” my mom exclaimed happily. “Does that mean he’ll quit his job? Does that mean I’m going to finally have a future daughter-in-law?”

  Dad and Calvin laughed in unison. Who wouldn’t? My mom sounded like she just won the lottery. But somehow, I could understand her. She never liked my job and the idea that I would be quitting it was more than enough news to see her jumping with glee. I always knew my parents were worried about me.

  But Calvin and I have always loved doing our jobs. It gives us the adventure and rush to live our lives happily and know the essence of merely existing on earth. Putting ourselves in danger does not necessarily mean that we don’t value our life. If there was one thing I learned over the years of being an agent, it was to be always and continuously watching for my back because danger would appear without a warning.

  “Why do women always want us to quit this job?” Calvin murmured helplessly. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw him shaking his head in disbelief as he slammed his body on the empty couch.

  Women?

  My dad, who was sitting on a stool at the foot of my bed, made a hearty laugh. He was shaking his head before shooting my mom a fond stare, making me smile – which turned into a scowl because my mouth felt so fucking dry.

  Stop acting like you’re unconscious and get some fucking water!

  “Women love to make a big deal out of everything, Calvin. But at the end of the day, you will still end up giving up things you love because you love her better,” my father murmured. And if I saw this scene back when I hadn’t yet met Maxine, I’d probably have the same reaction like my cousin.

  Calvin’s face turned sour. If I was stubborn, he was three times more. He never liked people telling him what to do. And he hated women who loved nagging at him about his work. It was never a question why he continued to juggle a number of women in his bed. He never liked getting attached.

  Just sex and no strings attached – that was his number one rule. Actually, that was both our rules when it comes to women. But I wouldn’t need it anymore. After giving it a thought, I released that my father was right. I would willingly quit this dangerous job because I love Maxine better.

  Yes, I loved this job but I couldn’t find someone like her.

  She was different, exquisite.

  And I could always try to enjoy working in the office. If boredom strikes, there’s always target shooting, wall climbing, paragliding and other sports that I could revel in with Maxine. I wanted to do everything with her.

  “Women are such a pain in the ass,” my cousin commented. He was flipping the pages of a magazine he had taken from the center table. He looked bored and I knew he just wanted to avoid the moment of getting asked about his relationships.

  He never had something to call a relationship. Calvin was basically a playboy. He’d change his bed-warmer twice or three times a month.

  “Why, honey? Have you ever been in love?” My mom asked curiously, looking at Calvin with scrutiny. And I almost cracked out laughing when my cousin’s ears turned red before shrugging, dodging the question plainly.

  He did fall in love.

  Behind Calvin’s cheerful personality was a lonely man. We grew up together and knew each other too well. It was impossible for me not to be able to tell that he was somehow jealous. And despite our closeness, we never talked about women and relationships. I can’t even remember if there was a time when we talked about heartbreaks. But something was telling me that my cousin had a very serious reason behind him.

  Having my curiosity going on thrive, I took a mental note to know more about it. Now that I finally had the urge to settle down, Calvin deserves to get this kind of feeling as well. He needed to know the happiness it brings.

  “One day, you will realize that you’ve been living pathetically, son. You will never know unless that day comes,” my father added, in between light chuckles.

  “Are you saying that based on experience, uncle?” Calvin joked, raising his head to look at both of my parents.

  “Of course.”

  “Did you have a long string of women in your younger years too?” I blurted out of the blue, surprised that my voice wasn’t hoarse and that I didn’t choke with my own saliva. All the more, I realized that I was really very hungry.

  Fuck all the love conversations. I need my damned water and food.

  Calvin laughed. “So, he finally decides to make a sound. How are you, bud?”

  “You should have gotten me water when you noticed I was awake,” I stated, rolling my eyes when he rose from the couch. “And get the doctors!”

  “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” asked my mom, the moment Calvin left the room. I winced not because of pain but with her endearment. I never liked it when she called me that.

  “I’m feeling okay, mom, just hungry,” I responded, after blinking and swallowing hard. “Can I have something to eat?” I asked in a begging tone. If I’d be allowed to eat something more solid, then I’d bet I could eat more than three bowls of rice. I’ve been unconscious for god knows how long and the food supplements connected to my body was not even helping.

  My mom clicked her tongue. “Later, let’s hear what the doctor has to say.”

  I rolled my eyes in protest feeling more helpless knowing that there was nothing I could do since I couldn’t even move my limbs. “How long was I asleep?” I inquired, looking at my father.

  “Three days,” he answered shortly, after a heavy breath. He looked displeased as he continued to stare at me like I was someone disabled. Did I really look that horrible? “Rico, you and I have to talk once you get better.”

  I smirked. “About what?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, flinching to the effort I had to put in just to move it. Recuperating from injury was something I always hated. It was like losing half of my life. Lying in bed for days was the worst thing in the world.

  Worst than losing the woman you love?

  The idea made me shudder. Why am I having these kinds of thoughts? I have already decided to give up my work. Why do still ask myself about things like losing Maxine? I’m not going to lose her again. Not ever.

  “About you learning how to run the family business,” he supplied, gaining a squeeze on the arm from my mother who has always been supportive.

  Looking at my parents made me realize that I wanted to grow old with a happy family. I wanted to live a contented life with someone who would love me forever – someone like Maxine.

  Love you forever? You don’t even know if she loves you too. Yes, she likes you. But those are two different things, Rico. Stop being too optimistic, you’ll just get yourself in trouble. Worse, you are probably going to end up like Calvin – lonely, broken and jaded.

  I wanted to put aside the thought but there was a big possibility that I was fooling myself all along. But something was telling me I could trust my instincts.

  I needed to know. I have to find a way.

  “Okay,” I agreed. “But can I ask you something?”

  My parents looked at each other as if they were afraid to be questioned with something. My mom nodded her head and my dad just shrugged, not knowing what else to say. “Anything, sweetheart.”

  “Mom, how many times do I have tell you not to call me that,” I blurted, before getting to my point. As if watching a replay, my parents took quick glances at each other again as if I was a just five years old talking nonsense.

  My father laughed.

  “Come on, son. You can tell us,” he urged, going around my bed and settled on my side. His hands were on his pockets and the expression on his face was that of someone waiting to hear something exciting.

  But
I was not gonna ask something exciting.

  It was something pathetic.

  “How do you know you’re in love?” I muttered in almost a whisper, my lips shivering in embarrassment. I have never asked my parents about relationships, women and love before. But as an injured person, I knew when and how to ask questions.

  But seeing their reaction made me want to take back my question. They looked like they had eaten something sour or bitter. In fact, if I was an artist, it would be really hard to drawn my mom’s face. While my father’s facial muscles stiffened.

  “Come on guys,” I mumbled. “You’ve been talking about falling in love with each other ever since I was little.”

  My dad sighed, finally able to recollect his thoughts. He then looked at me straight in the eyes and said, “I can’t explain when or how or why it happened, Rico. All I knew was that when I met your mom, she may have been very infuriatingly stubborn, but I still wanted to be with her.”

  “When you meet your other half, you will know,” my mom added, looking all giddy and red with my dad’s statement. Do old folks still get those butterflies too?

  I stayed quiet, not wanting to ruin the moment of the in love couple in front of me. Would I be able to reach that age still in love and loved?

  “I’m quitting my job,” I announced, gaining another weird stress from my parents. Just what the hell was wrong with these two? Why do they find everything I say weird and unbelievable?

  Silence filled the room and the beeping coming from the machine was starting to make me feel relieved. At least, there wasn’t complete silence.

  “What?” Calvin asked in revulsion. “Are you being serious? You don’t want to be an agent anymore? Are you sure you did not hit your head? Doctor, please check my cousin properly. I think he’s being delusional.”

  I chuckled which turned into coughing at my cousin’s exaggerated reaction. I could tell that he was just joking. But somehow, still in the process of accepting the fact that we wouldn’t be working together anymore, I knew that he was totally aware about my decision.