He Loves Me Weightless

| 5 |

"Is that Collin calling?" My mother asked as I ignored the endless calls from Chase. I pushed the food around the plate with my fork.

"I'll just call her later," I mumbled.

"Sweetie, what's wrong? You look very sad," dad interjected.

"Nothing, dad. It's just school work," I lied.

It's far from school work. It's anything but that. My phone rang again and I groaned.

"Maybe you should answer it. It could be important," dad said.

"It's not important," I said.

"Where were you yesterday?" Mom asked me, her eyes narrowing.

"Caroline, give her a break. She just got here," dad said.

"I told you mom. I got held up trying to help someone and I ended up sleeping in...a hotel, because I don't like driving at night," I said.

There's no way I'm telling them I helped a gangster, even after finding out he could be a possible criminal, and then I proceeded to sleep in his house. Half naked, to make things worse. I shuddered at the thought that he saw my flappy thighs.

Ugh.

"You did good, sweetie," dad smiled at me, nodding proudly. Guilt gnawed at me and I looked away.

I went to my room, to rest. I might as well get some rest, after all that I had to endure yesterday. Thank God Benji cleaned the blood on my car. My parents were going to ask a lot of questions had I'd left it like that.

I found a voice message on top of the 9 missed calls. My thumb hovered above the voice messages. Listening to it won't hurt.

"Hi Katherine. Listen, whatever I did, I'm sorry, okay? Can we talk about it? Call me. I just want to hear your voice." Silence. "Please,"

Letting out a shaky breath, I pulled the phone away from my ear. I bit my lip, trying to knock out this weird feeling creeping its way into me. I cannot feel sorry for him. He brought this on himself.

At least, I know he's okay.

I can't help but feel like I'm being unfair. I have to hear his side of the story. He probably was defending himself. I know I would do the same if I felt threatened.

One call won't hurt. Right? I'll just hear what he has to say and then tell him to never call me again. My life was stress free before he came. Well, almost stress free

I pressed the phone to my ear, waiting for it to stop ringing. My heart pounded in my chest and I thought about hanging up. I heard the click and almost yelped.

"Katherine! Hi!" His voice boomed in my ear. It was almost like he was waiting for me to call. Well, technically he probably was, since he's been calling non stop. I've never seen a guy so determined. Some would have given up by now. "Katherine?" His voice lowered.

"H-hi," my voice broke and I cursed myself internally. I cleared my throat.

"Hey, did you get home safe?" He asked casually. My mouth opened and closed, words stuck in my throat.

"Yeah, I did," I let out finally.

"That's good," he said. There was silence then and I contemplated taking this opportunity to end the call. "Did I do something to upset you, Katherine? Tell me so I can fix it, please. I cannot stand the silent treatment you're giving me. I thought we were cool," he said.

"You can't," I whispered, my voice hoarse. I realised I was on the verge of tears. Why, I have no f*****g clue. It's not like he did this to me.

I can't believe I let him in my life so easily. I was starting to trust him. Perhaps this is why this is affecting me so bad. I thought he would be different.

"Katherine? Are you crying?" He asked, alarmed. I wiped my face quickly, even knowing he can't see me. He cussed under his breat. "Tell me what I did. Just talk to me, please," he begged. "Okay, yell at me. Just, do something," he said.

I let out a shaky breath.

"You didn't do anything," I told him. To me, well. I'm just scared of you. Not to mention, my friend, who was head over heels for you, despises the sound of your name.

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm conflicted," I admitted softly.

"About what?"

"Everything," I sniffled. "It's not something I can say over the phone,"

"Then let's meet up," he said quickly.

"No!" I rushed out. "I mean, you need to rest,"

"f**k that, I want to talk to you. Just tell me when," he said.

"Chase..." I didn't like the way his name came out of my lips. I sounded so desperate and I hated it. I craved his company. In such a short span of time, he'd weaved his way into my life.

"Okay, come to my house then," he suggested.

"I can't," I shook my head.

"Why not?" He asked. "Tell me why,"

"We can't meet up," I said. "I'm sorry, I have to go-"

"Wait, don't hang up. Please, one minute," I pressed the phone to my ear reluctantly. "At least tell me what got you feeling like this. I'd hate to leave you knowing you're sad,"

Oh God. I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall freely. Why is being so nice? I'm supposed to be mad at him.

"Do you need me to come to you?" He asked gently.

"No," I shook my head.

"You don't want to see me?" It wasn't a question per se, more like a realization. "I did something, didn't I?"

Someone knocked and I jumped. I ignored Chase asking me if I was okay. I wiped my face quickly and puffed my eyes, hoping to make it look like I wasn't crying.

"Who is it?" I called out, the phone forgotten, on my lap.

"It's me, Princess," dad called out. I quickly covered my bare thighs before telling him to come in. He peeked his head in, smiling at me.

"Hi dad," I attempted a smile.

He came in and I noticed the yellow glittery round box he held. He came and sat at the edge of the bed.

"Do I get a moment with my favorite Princess?" He asked. I rolled my eyes, smiling.

"Dad, I'm your only Princess," he chuckled, setting the box down.

"True that," he said. "I know it's been a long time, but I brought you something," he said pushing the box to me.

"What is it?" I eyed him.

"Open it," I picked up the box and pulled the lid.

"Cookies!" I squealed, unable to help myself. They were my weakness.

"I figured they were your favorites, and I got you one of the best," he said.

"Thanks daddy," I smiled, my mood lifting up a little. I picked one up and ate it. I almost moaned in satisfaction.

"Aren't you going to share?" He asked. I shook my head. He gasped dramatically. "I taught you better than that, Princess. I'm disappointed," he shook his head. I giggled.

I fed him one and he swallowed the whole thing. "Dad!" I scolded. "You're not supposed to eat all of it. Take small bites and savor the taste," I said.

"Sorry baby," he said chuckling. His phone beeped then. He went to read the message and sighed. "Looks like I have to leave tomorrow," he said. My mood deflated. "Sorry baby, I was hoping to stay this whole week with you and your mother," he said.

"I stay on Campus," I told him.

"I know. A few days off school to be with your dad isn't the end of the world," he said.

"Were you going to make me bunk classes, dad?" I gasped.

"Oh what a terrible father I am," he shook his head, and I laughed. He always had a way of making me laugh. "I'll make it up to you, okay? Maybe we can go on a trip when it's school break. Anywhere you like," he said fixing my hair. "Did you cut your hair?" He frowned.

"You noticed?" I was surprised. I didn't like long hair, so I kept it as short as possible.

"Of course, I noticed. You're my Princess. I can also tell you were crying," he said watching me closely.

Well, damn.

"Boyfriend problems?" He quirked a brow.

"I...don't know what you're talking about," I said, lying. He hummed. "And I don't have a boyfriend," I told him.

"Well, that's a bummer," my eyes widened at him. "What? I was hoping to punch someone," I burst out laughing, shaking my head. "It's a dad thing,"

"Oh God, you're horrible," I laughed.

"It's my specialty," he said with a wide smile. I rested my head on his shoulder, sighing. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, kissing my head.

"I miss you, dad," I admitted softly. I hadn't realized how much I missed him. I avoided coming home because of my mom and because I missed daddy being around.

"I know baby, I miss you too," he said.

Once dad left, I took a couple of cookies and hid the rest. Mom doesn't like having snacks in the house. I wasn't going to sacrifice my cookies. When I flipped my phone, I realized Chase was still on call.

Shit.

"Hello?" I said hesitantly.

"Still here," he said. I gulped. I had totally forgotten about him. On instinct, I press the hang up button, letting out a small breath.

I'll deal with him when the time comes. For now, I want to enjoy my cookies.

●

Watching my dad leave was torture. We hugged I don't know how long, until he finally left. I decided right there that I was leaving as well.

There's nothing for me here.

And anyway, I left Collins alone. I drove back to Campus and got there as fast as I could.

"Hi, Katherine," I turned to see River.

"Hi, River," I smiled at him as I got my bags out of the car.

"Let me," he rushed over to take the bags. I flushed. I thanked him quietly and he walked me right to my door.

"Thank you," I said as I opened the door. Collins came over then. She eyed the two of us.

"No problem," he smiled at me. He had a cute smile. "Hi Collins," he greeted.

"Hi," Collins said eyeing him.

"Bye," he waved at me, reversing.

"Bye River," I said and walked in. Collins eyed me. "What?" I asked.

"River, huh?" Collins said. I rolled my eyes.

"It's not like that. He saw me outside and helped me," I said. I went to put the bags away and unpack before lying down on my bed.

"You're quite early," Collins pointed out.

"Yeah, my dad left this morning and I didn't want to stay in that house," I said.

"Oh daddy's girl," she cooed. My phone beeped and I prayed it wasn't Chase. Luckily, it was a message.

Dad: Hi Princess. I'm sorry I had to leave. Your mom tells me you left. I've sent money for you and Collins. Say hi for me, will you? Love you ❣

"Dad just sent money for us," I told Collins, texting him back.

"Aww. Thank you Mr Bassett," Collins shouted.

Me: Collins says thank you. Travel safely dad. Love you too ❣

"Kat?" Collins called me after some time.

"Collins," I called back.

"What happened on Friday? Your mother called me multiple times, asking for you," she turned to me then.

"I already told you," I said.

"I don't believe you," she said.

"Then call him," I shrugged. I was feeling sleepy and I was in no mood to talk about Chase. He was giving me a headache.

●

My week was Chase free and I couldn't be happier. He listened after all. I dragged my ass to the last class on Friday. I couldn't wait for the weekend.

I squished myself in the back, as far away from the eyes. I just wanted to end my day on a good mood.

Clearly that wasn't going to happen.

"Excuse me just for a second, could I ask you to come to the front?" Professor King said to me. I frowned. "It's part of the lesson. It'll only take a few minutes," she smiled encouragingly.

I closed my book and stood up. I realised there were two other girls at the front, one of them being Beth. I fought the urge to groan. I stood next to the girl, who's name I didn't know.

"Hi," I greeted her softly and she returned my smile.

"Hi, I'm Akhona," she said.

"Katherine,"

"Okay, pay attention class," the noise died down. I looked down, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes. "We're still on the poem, Sonnet 130, yeah?" The class agreed. "I have three beautiful ladies here today. Could you introduce yourself?" She said.

Oh God.

"Beth Marshall," Beth started confidently. The class cheered and she did a small bow.

"Akhona Mandeni," Akhona introduced herself softly.

"We didn't hear you!" Someone yelled at the back. The class snickered and I rolled my eyes.

"Katherine Bassett," I introduced myself as loud as my nerves allowed me.

"You're a Bassett? As in James Bassett's daughter?" One guy inquired, surprised. The crowd gasped.

"Ay, we got a celebrity's child in the house," another guy said. The class hollered. I rolled my eyes.

"Is that true?" Akhona asked me quietly. I nodded.

"Behave class. Right, I called these ladies for a reason. Do I get permission to view your i********:, ladies?" My eyes widened. Are we still in class?

"Of course," Beth nodded eagerly. Akhona nodded hesitantly. I had no other choice but to agree.

"Great. Who can find their account fast?" She turned to the class fast.

"I have one," an all too familiar voice spoke up and I froze. I looked up to see a raised hand in the middle row. His eyes were on me. I gulped.

"Thank you Mr Norway, who's it?"

"Katherine Bassett," my name rolled out of his lips and I shivered.

Two people raised their hands for the other two girls.

"Alright, let's start here. How many followers does Beth have?"

"12.5k," someone read out.

"Okay, what does her profile look like. Describe it to me like you would a poem," Akhona and I groaned.

"Dang, she is Mr Bassett's daughter. Look," some guy spoke up.

"Focus class," Professor King said.

They went on to describe Beth in every nicest way possible. Next it was Akhona's turn. She had 4 700 followers.

"Alright, anyone for Katherine?"

"165 211 followers," Chase read aloud. The class gasped and I wished the earth would swallow me whole.

"Quite impressive," Professor King acknowledged. "Profile description?" She said.

"Ugh, we all know she got the followers because of her father," Beth gritted her teeth, clearly annoyed.

"Oh really?" Chase rose a brow. "Your mother's an actor, you said. Why don't you use that to your advantage then, if you really think it works like that," the class laughed as Beth let out a shriek.

"Profile description, please?" Miss King said.

I watched as Chase leaned forth, a smile playing on his lips as his eyes lingered on mine.

"Light in the shadows," he started. The class quietened down and I could hear my heartbeat. I swear I'm going to faint. "Bird without wings. Perfect imperfection," his eyes roamed my body shamelessly and I squirmed, swallowing. The class 'oohed'. Chase winked at me, his smile unwavering.

"That was intense," Professor King said.

"This is ridiculous," Beth shrieked. "How can you be...complementing this-"

"Lady," Chase interrupted. "Why shouldn't I? You had your chance," he said. "And anyway, the followers speaks for themselves. People like her more than you," he shrugged.

"People that don't know her," Beth said.

"Who follows Katherine in here?" Chase asked. My eyes widened when literally half the class rose their hands, including him.

"I just followed," a guy said. They laughed.

"Well, I mean, social media is different from real life," one guy spoke up. "She probably have no friends," he snickered.

"And you do?" Chase turned to the guy. "Would you honestly call your crew over there, your friends?" The guy scolded quietly, glaring at Chase.

What the hell is he doing?

"And anyways, nobody likes her," he said.

"Speak for yourself, dude," the class let out gasps, their interest peeked. "Let me ask you this, if Beth and Katherine turned around right now, who's ass are you looking at?" My eyes widened further, if that was even possible. "Has anyone dated Katherine in here?" Chase asked. No one raised their hands. "What about Beth?" The whole class erupted in laughter. I eyed Beth and she was fuming. Akhona looked like she was holding her laugh, eyeing Beth. I wished I was her. She wasn't getting much attention.

"You've dated Beth, right?" Chase asked the guy. "Oh wait, you are screwing her," he said shaking his head.

"What the f**k is your problem?" The guy fumed.

"Language class," Professor King warned. I doubt they could hear her.

"I don't have one," Chase shrugged casually. "You're just angry you're getting all the community coochie and none from her. It's cool though," there were gasps, eyes wide. "You're cool with that, but don't be dissing on our preferences, s**t," he said. The girls screamed, some fanning their faces.

"You're into fat bitches now?" The guys snapped.

"Nah my guy," Chase turned to look at me. "I'm into thick girls," he said winking at me. I could still hear my heartbeat over the wild noise. Tears trickled down my face. I moved to wipe them quickly and ran to grabbed my bag. I didn't even care whether the teacher was finished or not, I just want to get out of here.

I've never been so embarrassed in my entire life.

"Miss Bassett, class isn't over yet," Professor King said when I walked past her.

"You've made fun of me in front of the whole class, surely you can let me go," I said wiping my face. Her face changed then. I didn't wait for her response as I bolted out the class.

"Katherine!" I attempted to run faster upon hearing Chase's voice. Sadly, he caught up to me. Grabbing my arm, he turned me to him. I yanked it immediately, putting distance between us. "I'm sorry,"

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" I said, wiping my face. He took a step, raising his hand but I stopped. "Don't," I said.

"Katherine..."

"Stay away from me, Chase," I said and somehow that still made me sob harder. I ran to my car and locked it as soon as I was. I drove back to my res.

They just had to choose me, because I'm fat. It hurts. If they didn't like how I look, why can't they ignore my existence?

"Why?"

●

UNEDITED

For real, why???