My Body Guard

•Chapter Three•

The next morning, I wake up to do the same routine as normal. Robert brings my breakfast in at seven and I sit staring at the ceiling once again, absorbing every immaculate detail, as I eat my toast and scrambled eggs.

I don't get dressed, staying in my soft night clothes because it's much comfier as I stay in my room, bored out of my mind.  As always.

As I lie there, my mind drifts to Tobias and how rude he was to me yesterday. He treated me the way no one else has. I always have to have respect but he gave me none at all. But at leased he treated me like any other person. It may be nice to have someone who treats me different round here.

At about eleven I hear a firm knock at my door and assuming it's Susan to change my sheets I stay exactly where I am and shout for her to come on in.

But to my surprise instead of Susan's usual pleasantries, I here a deep cough.

I sit up quickly and my eyes widen and I grab my covers to cover the small nightie. Tobias is stood leaning against the door frame, looking down almost embarrassed. He probably assumed I'd be dressed by now, it's almost noon but I wasn't expecting visitors. 

"Um, hi?" I say, unsure as to why he's here. I though he made it quite clear he didn't want anything to do with me yesterday. So why is he here now?

"May I come in?" He asks, almost nervously as he looks anywhere but me.

"Sure." I say quietly, still extremely confused. Has he changed his mind about being friends?

"So," He starts, finally looking me in the eye, but I see uncertainness in them. "I may have judged you too fast and I'm sorry." He says, extremely fast.

I stay silent, narrowing my eyes at him, like I don't trust him.

"So, can we start over?" He asks, sending me a forced smile.

Suddenly everything clicks into place. 'Watch what your saying because I could get your fired for saying those things to me.' Now he's worried that I'm going to get him fired.

I mean I was offended and angry but I wouldn't stoop that low. I let out a sigh. I was wrong, maybe no one will treat me normally.

"What's wrong now?" He groans, throwing his head back in frustration.

"It's nothing." I say quietly. "Sure, let's start over."

"No, what is it." He persists. Damn, he's stubborn.

"You're treating me differently just because you think your job is in jeopardy." I snap, watching his body tense up with worry. "You'll turn into everyone else who thinks I'm this little girl. Is there anyone who'll treat me like I'm a normal person, not some stupid princess?"

"I will." He says and I look up at him as he comes to perch on the end of my bed. "I admit, I thought you would rat me out and I really need this job. I don't do nice and I don't like you. And there's not a chance of us ever becoming friends."

I look down, disappointed before he continues.

"But, I guess we can be civil." I roll my eyes at his attempt to make me feel better. "So, shall we start over?"

I nod and he smiles- a real one this time.

"Hi, I'm Tobias." He holds his hand out for me to shake. When I don't move he raises his eyebrows as if it's a challenge.

I laugh. "Beatrice." I reply taking his hand to shake. His hand is rough and feels giant in my tiny fingertips.

"Beatrice is too long to say." He says to no one in particular, looking out my window, lost in thought.