He Loves Me Weightless

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"You and Chase have been hanging out a lot, huh," Collins said one time we were hanging out in our room, binge watching K-Series.

I looked up from my phone to her questioning eyes.

"Huh?" I said brilliantly. "It was for an assignment, duh," I said.

My phone beeped then and I almost jumped to grab it. "Is that still a discussion for assignment?" Collins said.

"What?" I looked up. "Where are all these questions coming from?" I frowned at her.

"Oh I'm just asking, you know, as your friend who's supposed to know everything about what's going on in your life," she said exasperated.

"s**t, I'm sorry," I moved to hug her, but she pushed me away, pouting. "Don't be like that, Collins," I said putting my phone down, despite it blowing up. "Okay, we are kind of talking and stuff, nothing hectic," I admitted.

"That doesn't sound like 'nothing hectic' to me," she said over my phone beeps. "You guys have been texting non-stop, even at night," she said. "Not to mention your laugh is obnoxious," she added.

"Hey, that's mean," I whined. "We're not dating okay? Just back it up from there. We're just talking, that's all," I told her.

"Okay, I'll let it slide this time. It's not really nice to know I'm sharing my friend. You barely have time for me these days," she said.

"I'm sorry," I felt bad. She's been here for me and now I'm neglecting her.

"Go ahead, answer him. He clearly won't stop," she said eyeing my phone.

"Are you sure? I can talk to him later," I said.

"It's fine,"

I picked up my phone and found 7 new messages.

Chase: I thought you said he wasn't your boyfriend.?

Chase: Why the f**k are we talking about him now?

Chase: You wound me, Katharine. ?

Chase: We're no longer friends. ?

Chase: Apologize this instant, missy.?

Chase: Are you ignoring me now??

Chase: KATHERINE!!!?

I straight up burst out laughing, unable to control myself. He's so dramatic.

Me: Stop cheating. You're not typing.

Me: And you asked how my day was, so I told you everything, including that guy, River, who I happen to meet every time I leave my res.

Me: Stop being so dramatic.

Me: Drama Queen.

Me: And stop yelling at me.

It didn't take long for him to response. I huffed out knowing he wasn't following my instructions.

Chase: Ain't nobody got time to type. Plus, I am typing. It's autocorrect not me.

Chase: Is that his name? It's so mundane and depressing. Geez.

Chase: Did you just call me a Drama Queen, Katherine? ?

Chase: Sorry?I didn't mean to. You were ignoring me.

Chase: Also how can you tell I was yelling through a text.??

Me: Your name is Chase, which means to run after someone. Literally. What could be more mundane than that??

Me: You are a Drama Queen. You're blowing up my phone. Collins thinks I'm neglecting her because of you.?

Me: You wrote in Caps Lock and added an exclamation mark, plus the angry emoji.

Me: Oh and I like White roses, not red.

I don't even know why I added the lastpart. Instead of replying, Chase called. My heart pounded in my chest. I wiped up to view his video call.

"Oh my God, I didn't know you could yell at someone through a text," he said right away, genuine surprised. Collins bit back a giggle, while I straight out laughed at his cute comment. "Also, how dare you diss my name and then call me a Drama Queen. You wound me, Katherine," he said. I was lying down on the pillow, laughing at him. "Look at her. She's laughing at me," he whined.

Collins couldn't contain her laughter anymore.

"Is that Collins?" Chase asked. I positioned my phone so Chase could see Collins as well. "Hi Collins," Chase greeted.

"Hi Chase," she greeted back, blushing slightly.

"Quick question, how are you friends with her? She's so mean," Chase made a face that had Collins and I laughing. My stomach was starting to hurt from so much laughing. "And I'm guessing she's not the only one," he added with a pouty face.

"I'm not mean, she is," Collins defended herself.

"b***h, don't lie. You're the meanest," I said glaring at her.

"You see?" Collins pointed at me. Chase wasn't paying attention to us anymore. He looked to the side with a deep scowl. He got up from his lying position, giving us a view of tattooed chest.

"Mike?!" He called out. I frowned. He stood up, leaving the phone on the bed. There was shuffling around before Collins and I heard something clicking. "Mike, don't f**k with me, bro," he yelled.

"Oh my God, is that a gun I hear?" Collins whispered, her eyes alert. I listened intently. I wasn't sure if I should hang up or call the cops. He could be in trouble or-

"What the f**k are you doing at my house?" I sat up when Chase's harsh voice rang through the phone. It was faint but I could hear them clear. "Get the f**k out, Jason, before I blow your f*****g brain," he said.

Oh my God, I mouthed to Collins.

"I said get out!" Collins yelped when we heard a gunshot. She clamped her mouth shut, breathing heavily.

"Chase, what the hell? I'm just here to talk. Put the gun down," the other guy, Jason, said. "Rodney wants you back,"

"Tell him to go f**k himself," Chase said.

"You have no choice, dude. You owe him," Jason argued. "It's either that or he'll f*****g kill you. I'm trying to help you. You're good at this. Do this for a year and he'll let you off the hook,"

"Don't you f*****g get it? He won't let me off no f*****g hook. I'm in this for life. He wants to make me his errand boy. I'm done with him," Chase said. "Leave. Now. I won't hesitate to f*****g kill you," he said.

My heart hammered painfully against my ribcage as I listened in on the conversation.

"Chase, my man, you know me. I'm trying to help you," Jason said.

"I'm not about that life no more," Chase said. "The f**k!" I heard shuffling before I heard gunshots. A whimper escaped my lips as I dropped my phone.

"Oh my God," Collins let out shakily.

Silence.

I heard silence after that. A part of me wondered if Chase was okay. What if they hurt him? But he was the one with the gun. It could have been for his own protection.

"What the f**k, Chase?!" I heard another voice. "Is he dead?" My eyes widened.

"I don't know. Where the hell were you? Didn't I tell you to lock the f*****g door?" Chase yelled. "f**k, that hurts,"

My heart plummeted. He's hurt. And he killed someone.

"He's not dead. I'll take care of this," the other guy said.

"Hurry the f**k up before he bleeds onto my floor," Chase said.

"You need to have that checked,"

"Mike, just go. I'm fine," Chase said through gritted teeth.

Unable to take anymore, I ended the call. Collins let out a shaky breath.

"What the hell just happened?" She looked at me with wide eyes. Her eyes were red and puffy. She didn't take violence well. I pulled her to me, as I pondered over what happened.

"Should we call the police?" She asked after some time.

"It's none of our business, Collins," I said. I don't want to get involved and I certainly don't want my friend to either.

"Someone's dead, Kat," she let out shakily.

"That guy said he's alive. Let's just forget about this," I suggested. "They're bad people. We really shouldn't involve ourselves," I let out softly.

When Collins said Chase was involved in fights, I thought he meant normal small petty fights. Never would I have thought it would come to this and I would witness it.

●

Chase tried to call me.

I didn't pick up.

I couldn't.

At least, I know he's still okay. I'm not that heartless to not worry about his safety, regardless of everything.

"Maybe you should answer," Collins said after a few more rings that I ignored.

"I don't want to talk to him," I mumbled as I finished my new assignment. Or at least attempted to. My mind was preoccupied with what went down earlier today.

"What if he comes here? I'm scared," she said holding her knees to her chest.

"He won't. Besides he can't get in through security," I tried to reassure her. She was silent then. It made me wonder.

"You don't think he's...a murderer, do you?" Collins turned to me slowly.

"Kat, you heard it yourself. He shot someone. He could be dead right now,"

"But that doesn't mean he's a murderer. That guy was in his house. He was trespassing. Chase had every right to defend himself, whether the gun is licensed or not," I said.

"Are you seriously defending him right now?" Her face changed.

"No, I'm just saying," I bit my lip, shrugging as I silenced yet another ringing. At this point, he probably called 20 times.

"I'm going to sleep," Collins sighed, standing. She pulled the covers and slid in, facing away from me. She's clearly mad at me.

What have you done Chase?

●

If you had told me I would concern myself with Chase a few weeks ago, I would have laughed at you and then proceed to drive you to the asylum.

Needless to say, I'm worried about Chase. He hasn't been to school for the whole week. Not that I was keeping track.

What the hell? I was keeping track. I can't help but be curious about the little scene that happened. Even after that, I still can't bring myself to answer his calls.

I was on my way home. Mom had called me before Friday, telling me how I needed to be home. My father's coming.

I was excited to see my father.

I had left Collins back at the residence. She's still shaken up by what went down less than two weeks ago. If my father wouldn't be home, I would have stayed. This is my only chance to see him before, well, I don't know when.

I pulled up at the Ultra City Petrol station for gas quickly. I went to buy some snacks, seeing as I won't find some at home. I dreaded going home.

"Thank you, sir," I said to the guy who filled up my tank. I pulled out and went on my way. Right on the second traffic light, I heard something crash into my car. It wasn't a harsh crash. I bit back a scream as I looked through my window. I looked at the rearview mirror and gasped. Luckily, there weren't any cars behind me.

Chase.

He was stumbling behind my car. Is he drunk? I contemplated speeding and leaving him here. But what if he gets hurt?

Once I was sure he won't fall when I move, I pulled to the side of the road. He stumbled over to my car and my heart pounded in my chest.

It wasn't until he reached the passenger door that I noticed things were serious. His hand covered in blood, left stains on my window as he leaned against it, trying to open. He fell with a groan.

"Oh my God, Chase?!" I unbuckled the seatbelt and rushed out to him. I knelt down beside him as he struggled to get back on his feet.

"H-help me," his voice was low and husky, barely above a whisper.

"Chase, what happened?" I looked him over and noticed he'd soaked his tshirt, on his stomach.

"Katherine?" He voiced out. He coughed a little, sputtering blood. I was on the verge of tears. He's going to die on me. What if he dies? What will I do?

"I'm taking you to the hospital, Chase," I said. I got up.

"No," he quickly said over his coughs. "No hospital," he said, slowly getting on his knees. I hooked my arms under his armpits, after opening the door for him. I managed to pull him up with great difficulty. He hoisted himself into the car, almost falling off. His breathing was labored and he was pale. I wonder how long he's been hurt.

"I don't know where else to take you, Chase. I'm taking you to the hospital," I started the car. I'll just drop him off, write all the paperwork and then leave. He's not my problem.

"Please, no hospita-" he coughed, wincing in the process. He clutched his stomach, groaning.

"Chase, you're hurt. Where else am I supposed to take you?" I said turning to him. I don't think he realizes the situation he is in.

"My h-house," he wheezed. His mouth was red with blood. "144 Reservoir Hills," he said steadily.

I typed in the address on my phone and was relieved to know that it wasn't far from where we were. It'll take 5-10 minutes to get there. I drove above my usual speed, occasionally glancing at him, to make sure he's still breathing.

My vision blurred from all the unshed tears and before I knew, a few dropped on my face. I moved to wipe then quickly, sniffling.

"I'm sorry," I heard Chase. Turning to him, I saw him looking at me. His eyes were red. He can barely focus. I turned back to the road, not saying anything. I hate it when people see me cry.

Heck, I don't even know why I'm crying.

I followed the directions to a big white house by the hills. It was a loner house, surrounded by trees. He must be rich. He did say it was his and not his parent's.

I watched the iron gate.

"Press the buzzer," he said softly. He was barely keeping up. I searched for the button he was talking about. I pressed the top one of the three. Nothing happened. I pressed again.

"Norway Resident, hello?" A deep male voice sounded.

"Hi, I have Chase with me. Can you open?" I rushed out.

"Sorry Ma'am, you said Chase?" The man asked, surprised.

"Yes, please open up. He's bleeding," I said looking back at him.

There was a buzzing noise and the gates opened. I drove through, right to the front door. There was a man waiting outside with someone familiar beside him.

I opened the door quickly and rushed over to them.

"I saw him on the second traffic light, past Ultra City," I told them. "He's bleeding very badly and he wouldn't let me take him to the hospital."

"Thank you, kind ma'am," the man said nodding once before rushing over to the car. He opened the door and bent to help Chase out. "Oh my, that's a lot of blood, Mr Norway," the man said, examining him. "A little help, Michael?" He turned back to the guy eyeing me closely. He walked down the steps to the car. They each held each side and hoisted him up and into the house. I followed behind, not knowing what to do.

I sat down in one of the couches and waited. It took only a few minutes before the man hurried downstairs. He rushed to telephone on the wall by the door.

"Hello, I need a doctor to come to Norway Residence, please," he said. "Yeah, who's on house call?" "Send him, I'll wait," he ended the call. He rushed to another doorway that probably led to the kitchen.

I stood up when he came back. "Sir, is he going to be okay?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Yeah, his wounds aren't deep. Other than the blood loss, he should be fine," he said before leaving me all alone.

Not too long, a doctor rushed in. He went upstairs, seemingly familiar with the house. It made me wonder how many times he's been on house call. Is this a norm?

"Can I-" I yelped, whirling around to see the man again. His face softened. "get you anything? I apologize for startling you," he said.

"Water, please," I said settling back down.

He walked ahead to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of cold water.

"Thank you," I said after practically drinking the whole bottle.

"Are you staying? I can have your car moved to the parking garage," he said.

"Oh, I'll just leave...when he's fine," I said softly. I couldn't bring myself to leave without knowing anything. "I'll leave perhaps later?" I gave him my car keys, seeing as I parked in front of the house door.

●

The doctor came down after what felt like forever. I had fallen asleep on the couch. Looking outside the window, I noticed it was dark.

"Alright, I've stitched him up, so he needs to stay in bed for at least a week," the doctor instructed.

"That most likely won't happen," the man said, earning light laugh and a sigh from the doctor.

"I'll send his medicine first thing tomorrow morning. If he feels any pain, give him this," he handed the man a bottle of pills. "I've left an extra bag for his IV, keep it on overnight and he should be fine. Call me if there's any problem, Benji,"

"Thank you doctor," the man, Benji, said before he walked him out. He came back after some time.

"It's quite dark outside, ma'am. I can prepare a room for you for the night," Benji said when he came over to me.

I bit my lip. I wasn't fond of driving at night. I took my phone to check the time and it was dead.

"My battery's dead," s**t, my parents are going to kill me. I should be home this time. "My charger's in the car," I looked up at him.

"I'll get it," he said and reached for my car keys on the coffee table. He walked out without another word. I sat back down and waited.

Which way is nearer? My home or the Res? I can't stay here. It's not safe. After what I heard, I don't want the same thing to happen when I am here.

Benji brought my small getaway bag and my purse. At least, I brought clothes.

"Food's ready, you can go through that way, while I put this in your room," he said. I nodded and walked over to the kitchen. He's quite productive with his work. He must be their butler.

I ate quickly and Benji showed me my room. It was two doors down Chase's room. The house was beautiful to say. My temporary room was almost like a hotel. Everything was white.

"Benji?" I called out, standing by the door.

"Yes?" He replied softly.

"Is it safe to stay here?" I asked him the question that has been nagging me. He watched me closely, his eyes scrutinizing me.

"Why do you ask?" He asked back. I bit my lip. I couldn't just say that I heard something happen here. Was it even this house? It looks secured to me. How did that guy come in? "It's safe here, I can assure you. We have security cameras surveilling the area," that did nothing to calm me down. "Ever since Mr Norway went missing, we've had to tighten security in this place,"

"Went missing?" I frowned.

"He hasn't been home in over a week," my eyes widened at that. Chase has been missing since that day? Or has it been after? Did those guys take him? Oh God. I think I'm going to pass out. "Goodnight ma'am," Benji said and walked away.

I decided on taking a quick shower to calm myself down. There were so many questions and yet I know I won't receive any answers.

Once I was finished and dressed in an oversized shirt that went a little over my knees, I hopped into bed to get some rest. I couldn't help but lay down, thinking about everything. Above all, I wanted to see Chase. He's probably resting. I'll just see him and come back.

The house was super quiet. The lights were on. I tiptoed to his door and peeked in. He was asleep. I walked in and closed the door quietly before walking over to his side.

He still looked pale and very much immobile. There was an IV drip line on his arm. He had no shirt on and the blanket covered him up to his waist. He had far too many bandages. There were also visible cuts and bruises, uncovered.

I let out a shaky breath, sitting down in the chair next to the bed. This is worse than I thought. He wasn't even moving.

I left before anyone could notice that I was here. I managed to fall asleep only to wake up during the night, feeling scared and cold. I realised that I was in somebody's house and all alone.

My phone had 15 missed calls. I groaned when I noticed that most of them were from my mom and dad. Collins had also called me. I'll call her first thing in the morning.

I won't be falling asleep anytime soon, knowing that I'm alone and in somebody else's house.

Before I can think over my thoughts, I grabbed the throw blanket by the couch on the window and walked out. I walked to Chase's room. I had noticed the sofa on the far end, by the window. It was big enough for me to sleep there.

Dumbest thing I've ever done, I know. I'll feel better knowing that there was someone with me. Even though I'm a little scared of him and well, he's hurt. That still didn't change my mind.

I curled up on the plush couch with soft pillows and another throw blanket. This one was navy and smelled like Chase.

I watched Chase from a distance. It was wrong of me to check him out, but what the hell? There's no harm in that.

It didn't take long for sleep to take me.

●

UNEDITED