Page 115 of I Don't Need Your Protection

“Every time you updated me, specifically the last time, I got a sense that something was bothering you. Something I couldn’t place until now. You don’t have friends. You’re not amongst your peers. What kind of father have I been? Allowing you to take jobs suited for adults? You’re just a teenager.”

I’m quiet as I think about his words. Then I say, “You’re right, Dad. For years, I never really thought about it. Protecting people was important to me. Like my life’s mission. But Addie made me realize that Iammissing out. I’m jealous of kids my age. They have fun while I…I mean, I love my job…”

“But you want to be a teenager. You want to make friends and spend time with the girl of your dreams.”

I nod.

He bends close. “And perhaps, you don’t want to be in this line of work anymore, even after you turn eighteen?”

I nod again. It’s like he can read my mind. “It’s hard. The thought of putting myself in danger, of always being away onjobs, of leaving behind those I care about. Like Mom left us behind. I’d never want to do that to Addie.”

“Son, if you want to give up this line of work, I’ll support you. You don’t have to take over the family business. Or continue our legacy. Only you can determine what you want to do with your life.”

“You won’t be upset with me if I choose another path?”

“Not at all. Your mother and I took over the company after my parents retired. We were passionate about protecting people. Yes, it was a hard life, and yes we lost her. But that was our dream. You don’t have to follow that dream. You need to follow your own.” He grins. “With your special girl.”

“Dad…” I groan.

“Let’s discuss the matter of your schooling. You’ve already completed your required education and there’s no reason for you to remain at Harrington Bay Academy.”

I sink a little in my chair. I knew he’d say that.

“But Mr. Bradshaw and I were talking, and we were wondering how you’d feel about staying in this school regardless.”

I stare at him. “Really? But how?”

“If you’d like, Mr. Bradshaw can arrange for you to stay at the academy as a student. There are many classes you can take that you haven’t taken before. AP classes, business, media, extra science and math classes, and the like. You’ll receive college credit for them. Is that something that interests you?”

“Yeah. That sounds great, Dad. Thanks.”

He dips his head. “I just want you to be happy, Caleb. I’mvery sorry you didn’t have a childhood like your peers.”

I wave my hand. “It’s okay. Maybe things happen for a reason. If I hadn’t been a bodyguard, I probably wouldn’t have ever met Addie. And she means more to me than anything in the world.”

He smiles. “I’d love to meet her one day, but right now, I have important matters to take care of. Have a good time at school. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’ll see you at the next Parents’ Day.”

I grin. “I can’t wait.”

After I hang up, I leave the infirmary and search for Addie to tell her the good news. I find her and her grandfather sitting on a bench in the courtyard.

“Addie!” I rush over to her. “I’m staying!”

She leaps to her feet. “What?!”

I spin her around and kiss her, not caring that Mr. Bradshaw is right there. “I’m staying!”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Addie

“You’re staying?!” I ask incredulously as Caleb spins me around.

“I just had a talk with my dad,” he says as he lowers me to the ground and takes hold of my hands. “I told him I don’t want to be in the family business anymore. I want a different life for myself.”