He Loves Me Weightless

| 6 |

"Princess, do I need to sue someone? Because I will, if they are hurting my baby,"

"No daddy," I sniffled.

They had a video and it went viral. Somehow, my dad saw it. I hadn't gotten out of bed since yesterday, crying myself to sleep only to wake up again to cry. Collins had opted to sleep with me.

I was sure I was falling into depression.

"Baby, don't cry," my dad said softly. His shaky voice made me feel guilty that I was troubling him. "Don't cry, okay? I'll fix this," he said. "Is Collins with you?"

"I'm here, Mr Bassett," she said softly, rubbing my arms soothingly.

"Take care of my baby, will you?" He said. It was well known that daddy was a cry baby too. A big cry baby. I used to tease him a lot about that. Underneath all that tough man he shows the world, he is the biggest softie.

"Of course," Collins said. Once my dad hung up, Collins made breakfast for us. It was my turn to cook and I felt bad that she had to do it again. She reassured me she didn't mind.

"Do you want to go shopping? Or maybe go for a walk?" She suggested as we ate.

"I don't want to get out," I mumbled.

"You're going to have to go out there sooner or later, Kat. Don't let this bring you down," she said

"Yeah, I can do later, not sooner," I said.

True to my words, I stayed in doors for the whole weekend. Chase, my dad and surprisingly, mom called. I spoke to my dad mostly and he made feel better. He'd ordered Collins and I Nando's as a treat.

I didn't go to class on Monday. It was English and the only class. I didn't want to go to that class ever again, after what they did.

My dad convinced me to go the next day. I sulked the entire conversation but he wasn't having it. I mean, I'd bunk anyway, but he'd know either way. And I don't want to disappoint him.

So I went to class. Not that it changed much, but I wore baggy clothes and a hoodie to cover myself. Otherwise, I was still a trending fat b***h, who's dad was apparently a lot famous than I'd anticipated. Suddenly, everyone knew who my dad was.

Of course some people recognize me. I saw posters that had me freaking out. I didn't get to read them though, because I was too scared. I only saw my face.

I walked in class and found my seat at the back, ignoring everyone who dared talk to me.

Class began and they discussed a new poem. I kept my head down and paid attention to Professor King's voice. My phone vibrated then. I frowned when I saw Collins name pop up on my screen. She never called during my classes.

"Collins?" I asked lowly.

"Your dad's coming there," she said lowly.

"What?!" A few heads turned to me and I ignored them. "What do you mean my dad's coming here?"

"I mean, that we're on our way there, with the Vice Chancellor, in about 10 seconds," I stood up abruptly, earning immediate attention. I dashed down the steps as fast as I could, ignoring the soft murmurs. Perhaps, if I stop them before they-

"Miss Bassett? Is there a pro-" Professor King was cut off when there was a knock on the door. I paled, my eyes widened. I froze, not knowing what to do.

Shit. s**t. s**t.

I watched as Miss King went to open the door. In came the one and only Vice Chancellor, Nancy Poku and my dad followed by Collins.

Deciding last minute to turn around and head back to my seat, hoping they wouldn't notice me.

"Katherine," my dad called out, obviously spotting my lumpy ass. I squeezed my eyes shut, biting my lip as I froze yet again. Letting out a hot breath, I turned to them. Collins looked at me apologetically.

"Dad! Hi," I said making my way down. "What a lovely surprise. You didn't tell me you were coming," I joked.

"Professor King, please step outside with me for a second," the student were dead silent, for once. You could hear a pin drop. I watched as she stepped out with the VC.

"Dad, what are you doing?" I turned to my father.

"Hi Mr Bassett," a girl greeted from the class. Dad turned to them, allowing a small smile.

"Hi guys," he greeted before turning to me. There were a few murmurs but they died down quickly. "I'm doing what's right. These people wronged you," he said.

"But she apologized, dad. This is unnecessary," I said.

"Her apology won't erase what she did to you. No one harasses my baby and gets away with it," gasps.

"Dad," it was useless to talk to dad, when he's made up his mind.

"I'll handle this baby," he said. He moved to kiss my head before heading outside.

"We're going to Dubai!" Collins squealed the moment my dad stepped out. There were more gasps.

"What?!" I shrieked. "I don't want to go to Dubai. We have school, remember?"

"Yeah, but dad thought you needed a little getaway vacation, after everything. Plus, he missed you. Say yes," she pouted. "You realize the paparazzi will be following you. This is just until things blow over,"

"No," I said taking off my hoodie cap. "Why the hell am I a famous man's daughter?" I groaned.

"You might want to put that back on. Your hair is a mess," she said eyeing my hair. I rolled my eyes.

"That's the least of my worries," I went over to sit down in one of the chair at the front of the class. "I'm already ugly to the world," I grumbled under my breath, not daring to look up.

"I DIDN'T COME ALL THE WAY FROM DUBAI TO HEAR THIS NONSENSE. I DON'T WANT YOUR MONEY, I WANT YOU TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY DAUGHTER!" Collins and I jumped, the students chattering amongst themselves, their eyes wide. "YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE?!! WHAT KIND OF LESSON IS SHAMING OTHER CHILDREN? IS THAT WHAT YOU TEACH HERE? TO MOCK OTHER CHILDREN?!!" I stood up and hurried to calm him down, but Collins pulled me back.

"Sit your ass down," she warned, then proceeded to sit on my lap. I rolled my eyes and giggled softly. I kept eyeing the door. There were a few chuckles from the crowd. I bet they were taking another video. Collins ruffled my hair around until she was satisfied. "There. Now you're a beauty," she said.

"Collins, what if they fire her? I have to talk to my dad," I said.

"MY DAUGHTER SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HANDLE THIS, IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'M SUING THIS UNIVERSITY. YOU MESSED WITH THE WRONG CHILD!" I winced as my dad's voice boomed, making the students gasps.

"I mean, she deserves it," she said.

"Collins!"

"What? I'm allowed to have an evil bone. She shouldn't have done that. What kind of teaching is even that? Same with that b***h, Beth," she seethed.

"Excuse me? Who are you calling a b***h?" Beth's nasal voice shrieked over the silence.

"I'm calling you, b***h," Collins said, standing up. She started walking over to her and I stood up quickly.

"Collins, don't," I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "The VC is outside. I don't think that's a good idea," I said.

"Does it look like I f*****g care?" She said, baring her teeth for Beth. She let me pull her back though and I was glad.

Someone came in then and I recognized him immediately. He walked over to me.

"Miss Bassett, a call for you," Dylan, my dad's assistant. I eyed him with a raised brow. He flushed, clearing his throat. "Katherine," he corrected himself. I took the phone to see it was my mom. I rolled my eyes, walking over to sit down.

"Hi mom," I said.

"Katherine, are you okay?" She asked.

What a shocker?

"No, I'm not. I'm in the back of an ambulance, bleeding to death," I said. She gasped while Collins straight out busted a laugh. Dylan looked like he was traumatized.

"Oh my goodness, which hospital?" She asked.

"I'm joking mom. I'm in class," I said. "I'm fine,"

"Don't do that, Kathy," she said. "Where's your father?" She asked. I knew it.

"Outside," I said.

"He's there?"

"Well, I mean, if Dylan is here, then he'll be here as well, don't you think?" A few snickered. Collins was straight out laughing.

"That is no way to talk to your mother, Katherine," she scolded. I wasn't paying attention anymore because I caught sight of Chase from the crowd and he was looking right at me.

"Bye mom, we'll talk later." I hung up, not waiting for her response and gave Dylan the phone.

"You'll be hearing from my lawyer. It's either she goes or I'm suing this University," my dad said walking in.

"Dad! She apologized. There's no need for this," I said, my heart pounding away.

"They need to learn. No one messes with my daughter and gets away with it," he said, his aqua eyes brewing. "Same goes for all of you," he said looking at the student. "Especially the one who posted that video. I'll find out who it is," he said.

Under any circumstances, I would have laughed at their s**t scared faces.

"Now which one of you is..." he turned to Dylan for clarity.

"Chase Norway," Dylan spoke softly. My eyes widened.

"Chase Norway?" My dad spoke up. I gulped as Chase rose his hand. "Come down, please," he said.

"Dad, what are you doing?" I asked him, tugging his sleeve.

"Relax baby," he said softly, watching as Chase limped down the steps slowly, wincing with every step. He took the last step and walked over, looking between my father and I. "Step outside with me," he said to Chase. I watched them walk out. Turning to Collins, she looked quite scared.

"Oh hell no," I rushed out to them. "Dad-"

"I want to thank you for standing up for my daughter," he said to Chase. My jaw dropped. "Thank you son," he clasped his shoulder and Chase yelped. "Are you hurt?"

"Something like that," he wheezed, moving to sit down. He pulled up his shirt and revealed his bandages that were turning red.

"That looks bad, son. Don't you think you should go to the doctor?" Dad crouched down to examine him.

"You were supposed to stay at home," I said eyeing Chase. He turned to me then, noticing me for the first time. "How did Benji let you out?"

"I have my ways," he said with a small smile, which I almost returned. "If it wasn't for your daughter, I probably would have died," Chase turned to my father.

"You're the one that was hurt on Friday?" My father put the pieces together.

"Well, my injuries date way back, but yes, it was me. Sorry for keeping her from you," Chase said.

"What happened?" My father asked.

"Bumped into the wrong group," he said. What a lie. I rolled my eyes. "It flesh wounds though. I'll be fine in no time," he said. He turned to me then, eyeing me. "You have a wonderful daughter, Mr Bassett, " he said softly, with a longing look.

"Baby, go get your bag. We're leaving," my father said.

"Dad, I don't want to leave," I whined.

"You don't want to come with me?" That shut me up. The thought of spending time with him isn't disappointing.

"I'll come with you if you drop the charges or whatever it is that you're planning on doing," I said. He stood up then and walked over to me.

"That's not negotiable, Princess. They did this to themselves," he said, his eyes calm but cold.

"But dad, I can handle this," I whined. "Don't do this, please," he cupped my face and pulled me in for a hug.

"You're my only daughter, Katherine. And I protect my Princess. You shouldn't have to handle anything. You don't know what the media will do to you if this leaked. If I let this go, they'd do it again. They need to face the consequences," he said softly, kissing the top of my head.

I trudged back into the lecture room and went to pack my bag.

"Okay, students, class is dismissed. Sorry for the delay. Anyone who knows the person that posted the video, please contact me," I groaned at that. "You'll resume on your next lecture slot." The VC said.

Collins came to get my bag. "I can carry the bag, Collins,"

"I know, but you look like you're dying," I glared at her, but she smiled at me and kissed my cheek. Trust Collins to do PDA. "I can't wait to go. Did you know that Mr Bassett had already contacted my dad before?" She said.

"Wait, we're leaving now?" I asked her.

"Of course," she squealed.

"I haven't packed anything," I panicked.

"Calm down. I pack for you," she said. I should have known. "And anyway, your dad did say we'll be doing a lot of shopping, so you won't be needing much," she shrugged.

"Ugh, I hate you two," I groaned for the gazillion time.

●

Collins made me change into something else before we left. She'd also touched up my hair and makeup. Now, we were seated in my dad's private jet on our way to Dubai.

"Collins stop, I'm tired," I whined when she kept taking photos of me.

"What? You gotta smile for the world. Show them who's boss," she said.

"There's nothing to smile about. The world hates me," I murmured looking out the window. The sun shone bright through the clouds. It was a beautiful sight, I just wasn't feeling it.

My dad came over to sit next to me, taking my hand in his big one.

"Chin up, my baby. This will be over soon," he said. I turned to him. "Sorry, I have meetings for this weeks, so I can't join ya'll. You girls can do whatever you want, okay?" He said.

"Anything?" I inquired.

"Anything," he said.

"Can we go clubbing?" I quirked a brow at him. Collins and I giggled when he blanched.

"Anything but that," he said.

"Dad, we're 20," I said.

"You're serious?" He frowned at the two of us. "Are you taking a video?"

"Yep. You should be used to cameras by now, dad," Collins said.

"She likes taking pictures. It's annoying," I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, you like my photos," she said.

"Dylan's coming to supervise you two," dad said.

"Dad, we're 20," I said in disbelief.

"That's not up for discussion," he said firmly, standing up.

"Thank you daddy!" Collins and I shouted, laughing. He grumbled under his breath, walking into his working section. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun. We should go shopping," Collins said.

"Of course," I said.

●

UNEDITED