"Rebecca, pack your things... We're gonna leave early in the morning," Kuya Renz said to me when I entered his room. I was puzzled by what he said.
"Kuya... Why? Where are we going?" I asked, seeking clarification.
"Just... Do what I say, Becca. After you pack, go to Dad's office. I have something to discuss with you, okay?" My Brother's urgency made me nod in response.
I went back to my room and followed my brother's instructions, quickly packing my belongings. Once I finished, I made my way to Daddy's office.
As I entered, I sat in the vacant seat in front of Dad's office table, while my brother sat on Dad's swivel chair, surrounded by various papers.
"What is it that you want to discuss with me, Kuya?" I asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.
He took a deep breath before looking at me.
"Bec, you know what's happening, right?" he asked, his voice filled with seriousness.
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, Kuya. I know about the recent abductions and the dangers we face."
My Brother's next words sent shockwaves through me. "One of my schoolmate's sisters was abducted a few weeks back, and they found her body this afternoon, Becca..."
The gravity of the situation hit me. I hadn't realized how serious things had become for the children of the top richest families in the country, including ours.
Fear gripped me, and I couldn't help but worry about my own safety.
Kuya Renz continued, "I talked to Dad earlier, and since you've graduated from high school, we decided to enroll you in St. Vincent. That way, we can be together, and I can keep an eye on you."
St. Vincent International Academy, a prestigious private school for elites, was where most children of business tycoons attended. It seemed like a logical choice for added security.
"So, tomorrow... I'll be enrolling in St. Vincent?" I asked, trying to process the sudden change in plans.
My brother nodded, explaining that it was a necessary precaution after the recent abduction. "I can't leave you here, especially when Dad is not around. Even though you have bodyguards watching over you 24/7, I'll feel more comfortable knowing you're close to me," he said, his concern evident in his voice.
Accepting their decision, I agreed to enroll in St. Vincent for my own safety.
Kuya Renz then dropped another bombshell. "Rebecca, you need to hide your identity," he said.
Confusion washed over me as I tried to comprehend what he meant. "What do you mean?" I asked, seeking clarification.
He explained that I wouldn't be using the Armstrong surname for protection. The recent abduction had occurred while the girl was on her way to St. Vincent, so it was crucial to ensure my anonymity.
"So, I can't use my real name?" I asked, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding.
My brother reassured me that I could still use my real name, Rebecca Monique, but not our surname. It was a way to protect me.
I sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I'm so sorry, Rebecca. We can't lose you. You know how much we love you, right? Me and Dad will lose ourselves if something bad happens to you," my brother said, his voice filled with tears.
Moved by his words, I quickly stood up and embraced my brother tightly. "Of course, Kuya. And I love you too... you and Dad," I whispered, feeling the depth of their love and concern for me.
After a while, my brother handed me a paper. "That's your fake documents, Bec. Read it first," he said gently.
Returning to the vacant seat in front of Dad's table, I carefully read through the documents. Rebecca Monique Carlos. It felt strange to see a different surname, but I understood the necessity for my safety.
"Carlos?" I asked my brother, seeking clarification.
He nodded, explaining that I would be using Tatay Jacob's surname, our family driver. The fake documents contained all the necessary details about me, except for my real name and family background. From now on, I would be Rebecca Monique Carlos, the only daughter of Armstrong Family Driver Jacob Manuel Carlos.
Concerned about how I would be able to enroll in St. Vincent without using the Armstrong surname, I voiced my concern to my brother. He reassured me that as his scholar, I would be able to use his family name. All members of the Highest Rank had the privilege of sponsoring a scholar under their family name. It meant I would be in the Lowest Rank, a contrast to the privileged lives of the Highest Rank students.
Admitting my fear, I whispered to my brother, "I'm scared."
He stood up and approached me, pulling me into another hug. "I know, Becca. It's natural to be scared. But remember, you're strong, and we're here for you. We'll get through this together," he reassured me, his voice filled with love and support.
Holding onto him tightly, I found strength in his words. I knew that with my brother by my side, I would have the courage to face whatever challenges awaited me at St. Vincent.
"And, one more thing, Rebecca.." Kuya Renz added, his tone is serious.
"If you introduce yourself to anyone in St. Vincent, try to use Monique as much as possible. We need to be very careful." His words echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the reality we were facing.
I simply nodded in response, understanding the necessity of his request. If this was the only way they knew how to protect me, then I would follow their wishes without question.
"Go to your room now, Becca. We have an early start tomorrow," Kuya Renz advised, his voice gentle yet firm.
He then leaned over to give me a forehead kiss, a small gesture that brought me comfort in the midst of our serious discussion.
"Okay, goodnight, Kuya," I replied, my voice was soft. I moved in to hug him one more time, the feeling of his protective embrace providing a sense of security.
"I love you, Kuya. I'll see you in the morning," I added, before bidding him goodbye.
With a heavy heart, I left Dad's office and made my way to my room. As I lay in bed, the reality of the situation sank in. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with changes and uncertainties. But with Kuya Renz and Dad by my side, I knew I had the strength to face whatever came my way. With that thought in mind, I drifted off to sleep, ready to face the challenges of the new day.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The next day ...
Kuya Renz had advised me to keep my attire simple, to avoid drawing attention from the Headmistress at St. Vincent. He wanted to ensure that no one would suspect I was from a wealthy family. Taking his advice to heart, I decided on a white long-sleeve polo shirt and skinny jeans, complemented by my white and pink rubber shoes. It was a simple outfit, but it was comfortable and casual - perfect for blending in.
As I stepped out of the mansion, I handed over my two small luggage bags and a duffle bag to one of our bodyguards. These were the items I was taking to St. Vincent, a collection of essentials and a few personal belongings. I was ready to leave, ready for this new chapter in my life.
Suddenly, I felt a blazer being draped over my shoulders. Startled, I turned around to find my brother laughing.
"It's a bit chilly, Bec. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit," he explained, his eyes twinkling with amusement. I couldn't help but laugh along with him, appreciating his effort to lighten the mood amidst the serious situation we were in.
I couldn't help but shake my head as he once again played a prank on me.
"Let's go, Bec," he said, inviting me to join him as he got into his Red Lamborghini Sian. I couldn't help but be amused by his antics, even though I knew he was just teasing.
I climbed into the passenger seat, and without wasting any time, Kuya Renz started the car. As we made our way to St. Vincent, our bodyguards followed closely behind in a black SUV.
I'm not sure how long the journey took, as I must have dozed off without realizing it. It was only when my brother gently woke me up that I realized we had arrived at a grand gate leading to St. Vincent.
The school's surroundings were incredibly private, with trees surrounding the area, creating the feeling of being in the middle of a forest.
My brother pressed a button on the intercom beside the gate. "Renz Maxwell Armstrong," he announced, stating his full name.
I was taken aback when the gate slowly opened, emitting a spine-chilling creaking sound. Instinctively, I clung onto my brother's arm, feeling a mix of fear and excitement.
Once the gate opened completely, My Brother drove the car inside the premises of St. Vincent. We passed through a mini forest before a vast expanse of bermuda grass came into view.
As we approached a building, I saw several students, and I couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty of the school.
St. Vincent was incredibly private, with its surroundings resembling a private boarding school in England. The picturesque scenery and grandeur of the buildings left me in awe.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as we neared the building. This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I couldn't wait to explore everything that St. Vincent had to offer.
"We're here, Bec," my brother said as the car came to a stop in front of a palace-like building.
As we got out of the car, I couldn't help but notice the many girls who started squealing upon seeing my brother. Their screams were so loud, it seemed like they had just been pinched in a sensitive spot.
My brother guided me towards the building, and I couldn't help but hear the whispers of the girls around us.
"Who is she? Is she Renz's girlfriend?" they speculated.
"They don't look good," someone commented.
If only they knew what they were saying...tsk tsk.
It was only now that I realized how famous my brother was here at St. Vincent.
"Kuya, which of these girls is yours?" I whispered to him as we entered the building.
"None of them," he replied with a smile, but I could tell he was lying. That smile of his was a dead giveaway that he was quite popular with the ladies.
Once inside, we made our way to the office of the Headmistress. My brother took a moment to knock on the door before we entered. We were directed to sit in the vacant chairs in front of Mrs. Smith, the Headmistress of St. Vincent.
After a brief conversation between My Brother and Mrs. Smith, the Headmistress turned her attention to me.
"Hello, hija. Can you introduce yourself, please?" she asked, her smile warm and welcoming.
"Ah, hello. I'm Rebecca Monique Carlos. I'm the only daughter of Tatay Jacob Manuel Carlos, the family driver of the Armstrong Family," I replied, nodding my head.
Mrs. Smith simply nodded in response. "You look like a foreigner, hija," she commented, her curiosity evident.
Luckily, I had memorized the background of the family I was using as my cover while I was here at St. Vincent.
"Ah, my mom is British," I explained.
"Oh, that's why. Where is she?" Mrs. Smith inquired, glancing between my brother and me.
Me and Kuya Renz exchanged glances before I spoke up. "Um, she's no longer with us. She passed away when I was born," I said, a tinge of sadness in my voice.
"I'm sorry to hear that, hija," Mrs. Smith responded sympathetically, nodding her head.
"But anyway, I suppose you already have an idea about the school, the ranks, etc.," Mrs. Smith changed the topic of conversation.
"Yes, ma'am. Renz has already told me," I replied, grateful for my brother's previous explanations.
"Later, Mr. Renz will give you your new uniforms. For now, I have assigned a student to give you a tour of the entire St. Vincent. Just wait for them in the Main Hall," Mrs. Smith informed us.
After bidding Mrs. Smith goodbye, Kuya Renz and I stepped out of the office, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
"That's a good start, Becca. But I need to go. I have a Student Council meeting. Are you okay being alone here?" my brother asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Don't worry, Kuya. I'm Becca, I'm okay," I reassured him, causing him to chuckle.
"Kim Jisoo, huh? Anyway, I really need to go.. Just wait here for the assigned student to give you the tour, and don't be too mischievous, Rebecca. Just stay here, okay?"
"Yes, Kuya. Don't worry. I'll stay here," I replied, nodding my head.
"Oh, and by the way, once you know your room number, message me immediately so I can bring your belongings to your room, okay?" he instructed, and I nodded in response.
After bidding each other goodbye, my brother left, leaving me alone in the Main Hall.
Where is the student who will give me the tour?
Because of my mischievous nature, I decided to step outside for a while. I had noticed a small park beside the Main Building when we entered earlier.
This school is really beautiful...wow!!
I was just walking around here in the Small Park.
This will definitely be one of my favorite hangout spots.
I spent a few minutes wandering around the park.
I was about to head back to the Main Hall when I accidentally bumped into someone...
"WTF!!" I quickly looked at the person holding a Starbucks coffee, and obviously, I was drenched in coffee as it spilled all over me.
She just looked at me and seemed like she was about to leave.
"HEY!! Don't you even apologize to me?" I asked her.
She looked at me again.
"Why should I apologize to you? It's your fault anyway. You're the one who bumped into me."
What the... This arrogant person thinks she's so...ugh!!
She was about to walk away again when I threw my shoe at them.
Yes!! My shoe, literally. I actually took it off just to throw at her.
She stopped in her tracks when she got hit from behind.
Hmm, serves you right, Ms. Beautiful.
She turned to face me, took my shoe, and quickly approached me.
I instinctively stepped back and swallowed nervously.
Shit!!
"Did you just throw your fuckin' shoes at me?"
Isn't it obvious?
"Do you know who I am?"
Should I know you? Tss...
"Why? Who are you?" I asked this beautiful but arrogant and hot girl.
She laughed at my question, as if she couldn't believe that I didn't know who she was.
Well, I really don't know her.
She was about to answer when another girl called out to her.
"Sam!! The meeting is about to start. You need to be there."
"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."
Sam replied.
What a nice name. Doesn't match her personality... tsk tsk.
"What's your name?" she asked.
I raised an eyebrow at her question, but then I lowered my head because her expression suddenly became serious.
"I-I'm M-Monique," I replied.
I almost said my real name... ugh!
"What rank?"
My eyes widened at her question. I looked at her and suddenly felt nervous.
She was staring at me seriously, waiting for my answer. I noticed the logo on her tie.
Shit!! Shit!! Shit!!
She's part of The Highest Rank.
I took a deep breath before answering, "Lowest Rank," and I just lowered my head.
I'm in deep trouble!
She smirked and looked at me while shaking her head.
"For a Lowest Rank like you? You're brave."
I let my emotions get the best of me. I forgot that I need to hide my identity in this school. I need to hide the fact that I'm one of the Armstrong siblings.
She turned around and walked away.
"W-Who are you really?" I asked softly. I know she heard me because she stopped walking and looked at me again.
"You don't need to know me. Just stay away from me if you want to have a peaceful life here."
I was confused by what she said. I held my chest and felt my heartbeat racing.
Who are you, Sam?