Protect My Heart by Judy Corry
Arie
I was sittingin Psychology Tuesday morning when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was the short brunette to my left. I recognized her as Maya, from the photos Jason and Sophie had shown me.
“Hey, I didn’t have the chance to introduce myself yesterday.” She held her hand out to me. “I’m Maya.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand, pretending to know nothing about her. “I’m Arie.”
“Oh, I know,” she giggled. It seemed like most the girls who’d talked to me since coming to school yesterday had giggled constantly. If only I’d had this much attention back when I was actually in high school. “How are you liking Maplebridge so far?”
“It seems like a nice place.” I hadn’t done much exploring of the town yet. I’d been busy getting briefed on the history of Emma’s case, reading all the notes from her previous guards. Even though she’d been watched from a distance her whole life, there weren’t a ton of close calls—mostly just notes from my superiors, Jason and Sophie, about the status of her enemy.
“It is. I’m sure you’ll love it here. Have you made any friends yet?”
“Not really. I’ve only talked to a few people.” I wasn’t here to make friends. I only needed to get in with Emma’s group since she was the whole reason I was here. It would be a good excuse to hang around her without looking like a stalker.
Maya brightened at my answer. “My friend Emma and I are planning a little get-together this Friday. We’d love to have you come.”
That made my job easier—they were coming to me.
I smiled at her. “That could be fun. Is this Emma in Madrigals?”
“Yep, that’s her,” she said.
Perfect.
