C2 Guarding Penny

Penelope quickly got up from her bed as her alarm clock rang in her room.

"Geez! It's morning again? The night seems to have passed so quickly. I'm still so sleepy," she said while stretching.

"Good morning, Ma'am Penny!" Nanny Pilar greeted her as she entered the room with a tray of food.

"Nanny Pilar, you don't need to bring me food in my room. I can just go downstairs," Penelope said, but Nanny Pilar just smiled. She had been working for them for 20 years, almost like a second mother to Penelope, always fussing over her. Nanny Pilar was childless, so she treated Penelope with extra care and love for all the years she had served their family. Penelope loved and trusted Nanny Pilar deeply.

Penelope's father owned a school where she taught grade 1. St. Rose Academy was a combination of high school and elementary school, all owned by her family. Although she didn't need to work because their family was well-off, she loved teaching and didn't heed her mother's suggestion to quit and start a business. Her parents didn't want her to be bullied in their own school.

She was on the heavier side, dressed conservatively, and was considered old-fashioned. In short, she considered herself unattractive, and no one seemed to be interested in her. She had a crush once, but she knew it was impossible for him to feel the same way. She was resigned to the fact that she might remain a spinster.

"Oh, I'll leave you then. Just come out when you're ready. By the way, your Daddy wanted to talk to you urgently," Nanny Pilar informed her. She nodded without much enthusiasm.

It was exactly seven o'clock when she left her room. She was already in her uniform, ready for school. She usually went to school with her father, who was also the school's principal.

As she stepped out of her room, she spotted her father downstairs, engaged in a conversation with a man. She furrowed her brows.

Who was that man?

"Oh, honey, you're here already. Daddy's been waiting for you," her mother said.

"Mommy, who is Daddy talking to?" she asked.

"Oh, him? You should talk to your dad about it," her mother replied. Penelope's confusion deepened.

Her father turned to look at her when she descended the stairs.

"Penelope, I'm glad you're here," he said.

She immediately glanced at the man her father had been talking to, who was now also looking at her.

Tall, rough-looking.

Who was this man?

He had a lot of tattoos on his body and numerous earrings in his ears. He was wearing a black shirt with a skull emblem and jeans. He also had a black leather jacket draped over his shoulder. One corner of his mouth lifted as he studied her from head to toe. It sent shivers down her spine.

"Who is he, Dad?" she asked in amazement.

"He's Rocky, and he'll be your bodyguard from now on."

Her eyes widened at what she heard.

Bodyguard?

Was she dreaming? Why would she suddenly need a bodyguard? And one who looked like he had just been released from prison!

"What? Seriously, Dad, is this some kind of joke?" she stammered.

Her father just laughed at her question.

"Penny, my dear, this is not a joke. It's better for you to have a bodyguard for your protection. I don't want a repeat of the past, so please, let's not argue about this," her father explained. She was even more puzzled. Why did she suddenly need a bodyguard? What was happening to her father?

"Dad, I'm not a child anymore. I don't need a bodyguard!" she protested, but her father shook his head.

"Penny, come on. We're running late. This is not the right time to argue. I'm just looking out for you."

"Looking out for me? He doesn't even look trustworthy!" she retorted.

"Miss, am I not trustworthy enough with this handsome face of mine? Don't be so judgmental," the man interjected.

Judgmental? Where did he pick up that word? She rolled her eyes.

"Don't be like that, dear. Let's go, Rocky. Penny, come on!" her father urged, and she reluctantly followed them.

There was no point in arguing with her father; she knew him well. When he made a decision, there was no room for disagreement. It was frustrating!

"Penny, stay next to Rocky; I have a lot of things to carry," her father said when they reached the car.

"What? I don't want to sit next to him, Dad!" she objected, but her father gave her a stern look.

"Penny, come on. Don't create a scene just because you don't like my orders."

His tone was strict, and she fell silent.

She glanced at the annoying man, and he grinned back, even joining in with the rock music playing on the radio.

He was so irritating! Even his taste in music seemed sketchy.

When they arrived at school, the car came to a stop. They all got out, including the troublesome man.

"Don't tell me you have to follow me to school too?" she asked the man, irritated.

"That's right. That's your father's order. You're amazing!" the man replied, teasing her, but she just glared at him. He withdrew his hand, embarrassed.

"Rocky, take care of Penny," her father instructed, and she rolled her eyes in frustration. She couldn't even complain.

She marched toward her classroom with the man trailing behind her like a shadow.

People stared at them. The man waved to those he passed.

"Hi, fans!" he said to the onlookers. She scowled.

Fans? This man had some nerve.

He seemed to exude confidence. She might be the unluckiest person right now because of her father's decision. Why did this have to happen to her? But it's already happened; she can't do anything about her father's order; she just hopes that having a bodyguard will not take too long in her life. She didn't dream of having a bodyguard; oh, how she wishes that this was just a dream!