He Loves Me Weightless

| 1 |

I have never dreaded classes because I love what I'm studying. I've loved school ever since.

Today, I didn't want to go.

I trudged downstairs, dragging my bags behind me. I had plugged in my headphones, listening to my playlist in an attempt to get away from mom. Sadly, I couldn't even if I wanted to.

"Kathy, come have your breakfast before you leave for University," she said rushing around in her designer shoes. I don't get why she dresses up just to stay at home. She's a housewife. My dad has his own business and hence, people would consider us 'rich' and she decided to quit her job as a saleswoman, to be a housewife for her millionaire husband, who happens to be my father.

He's rarely home; always away on business.

"I'm not hungry, mom. I'll just grab something on the way to University," I said, another failed attempt to get away from her.

She stopped to look back at me as I stood in the doorway. She looked me up and down, her face twisting in disgust at my outfit. A pair of baggy pants and a hoodie. My almost everyday outfit.

"Lord Jesus, honey, I need to take you shopping. Do you dress like that at school?" She said, approaching me. "Eating at home is better, honey. That way, you don't have to eat all the greasy stuff," she drilled the last nail to my heart.

"Why? Because I'm already fat?" I said, anger bubbling up. Her face softened.

"Honey, I didn't mean it like that-"

"Yes, you did mom. You always do," I cut her off, my voice shaky. I turned to leave.

"Wait, honey, I'm sorry," she called out behind me. I picked up my bag and hurried out to my car.

The sooner I get to Uni, the better I'll feel. Collins has been blowing up my phone, wanting me to come back. The Uni was a one-and-a-half-hour drive from home. I had applied for Residence for reasons like my mom. I can't stand to be in the same place as her. She's always criticizing my weight.

See, I'm an overweight girl. I'm talking 225 pounds and I've been insecure about it since the beginning. My mom, who is supposed to be supporting me, she's criticizing me. I know constructive criticism when I get one, but it's not what she does.

At some point, she called personal trainers for me, a couple of times. She changed my diet at home. I always get something different than everyone else, when we have dinner. It bugs me. Don't get me wrong, I love food. God, I live for food, but it's not like it's the only thing that contributed to my being overweight.

I just felt so discouraged that I never attempted to go to the gym and attempt to lose weight. I mean, if I do that, I'd have to stop eating Doritos, Jelly Beans, M&Ms, chocolate, yogurt. Ugh, don't get me started on the yogurt. My mom only buys low-fat. That s**t tastes bad.

Needless to say, my life is a big ball of disappointment.

Like me.

I pulled over at my parking spot, overlooking my Res. Grabbing my stuff, I went in, tapping my student card at the gate.

I'd expected to find Collins in our room. She was on her bed, watching Netflix, I bet. When she heard me come in, she squealed, getting up.

"Hey, I was waiting for you." She said coming to hug me. I attempted a smile, but none came. I still haven't gotten over what mom said, which is dumb because I should be used to it. Collins noticed my mood and pulled back to look at me closely. "Your mom?" she asked, knowingly. I nodded just as a choked sob escaped my lips. She pulled me to my bed, sitting the both of us down before hugging me.

Collins was the complete opposite of me. She had a slim body; perfect curves that every guy lusts for. She and I shared the same hair color, dirty blond. Her eyes were a soft brown with her little button nose and full pouty lips. Overall, she's beautiful.

"Do you have any classes now?" She asked me, once I was calm.

"Yeah, in less than an hour," I said looking at my wristwatch. "It's only that one for today,"

"Okay, you're going to go to class and when you come back, I'll have your favorite cookies ready with ice cream and Doritos we'll binge watch, What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, okay?" I smiled softly, letting out a shaky giggle at her words. We both loved watching K-Movies. It's our recent obsession. "You know what? Let me walk you to class," she said standing up to take my school bag. "Come on, we can catch up on the way," she held out her hand for me to take.

Collins told me about her weekend alone, and without me. She made it her point to make me feel bad for leaving her. I regret leaving her.

●

English Studies 102.

That was one of my classes. I do Criminology and Forensic Studies, Forensic Psychology as my Majors. My Electives are English and Sociology. Collins and I only meet for Sociology and Criminology. She does Law, English, and Economics.

The class was a drag. My mood was already down and being around judging people did not make me feel better. We were doing poetry. I already knew all the poems they've issued for us. I analyzed them in my free time.

"Ugh, fatso, you're in my seat," someone said. I looked up to see two girls looking down at me in disgust. I looked around, noticing that there were many empty seats. There were free spots next to me as well. "How are we supposed to pass your big block of fats?" She went on. I ignored the twinge in my chest and got up, moving to another seat. I paid them no mind as they made mean comments about seeing 'ass sweat' on the bench.

Well, there goes my day.

"Excuse me," I closed my eyes, wishing that the person wasn't talking to me. I can't stand any more hate comments. Especially from a guy. "Sorry," he repeated, tapping my shoulder lightly. I looked up at him and my eyes widened immediately.

Chase Norway. The Motorcycle God, the girls call him. Despite the University being huge and all, everyone knew him. I mean, who wouldn't. The man is gorgeous. Striking hazel eyes and sharp facial features, skin like honey, and pink lips are every girl's dreams. I'm not sure if I'm included in that list. While Collins gushes about the dude, I'm a little skeptical. Today though, I spotted busted lips.

"Do you also want me to move seats?" I almost snapped at him, as I stood up. He frowned at me, watching me closely. I shied away instantly, afraid that he might shun my weight as well.

"No, I just need to get in," was all he said. He wasn't loud. Surprised, I looked at him. "The seat next to you," he explained further. I blinked, blushing. I had offended someone because of my anger.

Dang.

I contemplated switching to yet another seat, to avoid him. Luck was not with me, because Professor King walked in.

"Alright, let's settle down and take our seats, please," she said, getting the projector ready for the PowerPoint slides. I gulped, moving out of my seat for him to go in. I hate these seat arrangements. Why'd they had to make such a long row of countertops and bench? Couldn't they possibly stick with a desk and a chair?

I sat down as far from Chase as the stupid bench allowed me and risked falling over the steps. I would have to watch myself. I listened intently to Professor, trying, by all means, to not think about Chase sitting right next to me.

"Who made you switch seats?" His low hoarse voice sounded next to me and I couldn't stop myself from looking at him. Dang, he might as well castrate me for snapping at him earlier. I noticed his knuckles were ripped, skin raw.

I'm so dead.

"It doesn't matter," was all I said before looking to the front. He didn't ask any further questions and I was grateful. Minutes later though, he spoke again, closer this time.

"Princess, if you sit like that, you'll fall and get hurt," my breath got caught in my throat. "I don't bite," he added.

I concentrated on ignoring him and paying attention to the lecture. A muffled squeal resonated from deep within when I felt his arm going around my waist in a gentle grip, pulling me to him. He pulled me until our hips were touching. My breath quickened, even after he had removed his arms. Eyes wide, my head snapped to him, almost getting a whiplash. He eyed me carefully, a small smile dancing on his busted lips.

"Relax," was all he said before looking to the front. My heart pounded in my chest at what just happened.

What the hell? Not only did he touch me, but he literally pulled me like I weighed nothing.

Holy s**t!

●

"What?!" Collins shrieked.

I rolled my eyes, knowing very well that she would act like this. I shouldn't have told her. Truth be told, I'm still shocked and well, he's the first person to not be mean to me, upon meeting for the first time. I've known him since last year, but clearly, he doesn't.

"Are you sure it was him? Did you actually look into his golden eyes," Collins gushed.

"Really?" I quirked a brow at her.

"What? I know you don't particularly like him, so I'm assuming you don't know what he looks like," she said.

"Well, it was him, okay?" I said settling down in my bed. I was still breathless from walking around the school. Fat girl s**t.

"Tell me again, what did he say?" She hurried over to my bed. I laughed, pushing her away.

"Go away," I whined.

"Okay fine. You're telling me tomorrow though," she said pointing a finger at me. I mouthed a big no and she rolled her eyes.

We settled down in my bed, watching our favorite K-Series. "Hey, do you think Chase likes watching movies?"

"Oh my God, Collins. Let it go," I groaned as I grabbed a handful of Doritos. She giggled at me. I kicked her lightly on the butt.

"Hey, don't bruise my ass. Chase still has to see-"

"Eew! Don't be gross," I scrunched my face. "Why would he want to see your ass?" I frowned then, remembering the bruises. "He had bruises," I murmured softly.

"Who? Chase?" Collins looked back at me. I nodded.

"Had a busted lip and his knuckles were scarred,"

"Not surprising. He gets into a lot of fights," she said unbothered. I frowned at her.

"You're not even the least concerned?" I asked her.

"Why should I? It's not like he's not so keen on all those fights. s**t, majority of the time, they're started by him," she snorted.

"Wow, okay," I was baffled by her words. She eyed me.

"What? Are you developing feelings for him?" She taunted me. My cheeks reddened.

"Don't be ridiculous. I had three Semesters to fall for him, like every other girl, and nothing happened. What makes you think it'll happen now?" I said.

"I'm just asking." She said with a shrug.

●

The rest of the week was spent with me trying to avoid encountering Chase or the two girls, who were annoying. I'd caught his eyes a couple of times, but that was just it. Collins made it her point to remind me that Chase looked my way. She was being dramatic, as usual. One of the two girls is dating him, Beth. I wouldn't want any more trouble just because of a freaking glance his way.

"Kat, stop!" Collins yelled, making me slam my brakes. We both got jolted forth. "Ow!"

"What the hell, Collins?!" I looked back at her, eyes wide.

"Sorry," she said breathless. I looked at the rearview mirror quickly, to make sure no other car was coming our way. The street was always quiet. Sometimes it scares me having to drive past. "Chase," she said.

"What?" I frowned at her. "You almost killed us because of him? Are you out of-"

"He's over there!" Collins yelled over my voice. I trailed off, following her line of vision. There, on the sidewalk, was Chase crouched over his bike. "I think he has a problem. Should we go and check?"

"Collins, we're going to be late for class," I checked the clock and realized I was lying. We had over 40 minutes and the way to Criminology class is a 5-10 minute drive. We'd walk, but I'd be dead before I get there.

"I didn't peg you for a heartless b***h, Kat," Collins said, dramatically. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, zip it, will you?" I said taking off my seatbelt once I parked safely on the side of the road. We both got out and walked back to where he was. He had stood up and was pacing around, kicking his bike angrily. "Well, the lion's about to feast on us," I grumbled under my breath as we neared him. He hasn't noticed us. "You're going to talk to him," I said.

"What? I think not. He talked to you," Collins shrieked. I laughed at her.

"Didn't peg you for a coward, Collins," I taunted her.

"Shut up!" She snapped, a little too loud. Chase whipped around to look at us. He looked between the two of us for a split second, before focusing his eyes on me. Collins nudged me. I rolled my eyes.

"Hi, do you need any help?" I said to him, once were close. I looked over at his bike.

"My bike's dead. I'm in the middle of nowhere," he grumbled out, angrily, looking around.

"That's a bit...dramatic, considering you can just walk to Campus," I said. Collins elbowed me. "b***h, ow!" I turned to her.

"Be nice," she scolded at me, before turning to Chase, who was eyeing the two of us, surprisingly amused. "She knows how to fix cars," she blurted out. I groaned.

"No, I don't," I said.

"You do. Remember, with your dad-"

"That was nothing. He was doing all the work and-"

"You watched and learnt," she finished.

"Ugh, I hate you," I grumbled under my breath. "Are you heading to the Law building?" I asked Chase. He nodded. "We can drop you off, since we're headed that way." I suggested. "If you're not going to wait here," I added.

"That's your car?" He asked, looking back at my Audi. I nodded. He looked around for a second before he walked around his bike. He walked it over to the bus station. Pulling out a chain, he hooked it around the pole and bike before grabbing his keys and walked over to us.

He got in the back and kept to himself mostly. He was on his phone. It wasn't until we pulled over the building that his phone rang.

"Yeah?" He answered. "Mike, my bike's dead," he said. Within seconds, his face twisted in anger. "You think I f*****g care?" He said getting out. I blinked at him. He stood outside, and we could still hear him. "I don't know Mike." He shot his hand up in anger. His gripped his hair, pacing around. "How about we start with fixing it before I rearrange your face," he seethed.

"God, he looks hot even when he's angry," Collins fanned herself as she looked at him shamelessly.

"You're crazy," I giggled, shaking my head at her.

"Mike, if I find that bike where I left it, I'll f*****g kill you," he said before he hung up. He paced around a little more, to calm himself. Collins and I got out. He turned to us then, his anger dissipating. "Thanks for the ride," he said, looking at me. I nodded. We watched him walk into the building without another glance.

"Did you smell his cologne?" Collins said, in a dreamy state.

"Ugh, why am I friends with you?" I left her, hurrying into the building. I realised he was in the same class as us. I hadn't noticed him.

We ended up riding with him again, after class. Surprisingly, he was here till late, like us. I didn't notice that he was also in Professor Sitoto's Office until he came out. He had asked to ride with us and we were to drop him off where his friend was waiting for him.

This time though, he wasn't as quiet.

"Have you been avoiding me?" He asked me. I looked at the rearview mirror to see him looking at me.

"Why would I avoid you?" I asked him. Collins was looking to the window, but as her friend, I know she must be shitting herself.

"I don't know, Princess. You tell me," he said, with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.

"That's not my name," I said. This was the second time he called me that.

"I know," he said. "Katherine," my eyes widened when my name slipped out of his lips. "What's your last name?"

"Does it matter?" I grumbled under my breath, looking away.

"You're pushing me away," he acknowledged, his eyes softening as he looked at me. I swallowed hard.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Luckily for me, we were finally arriving on Campus. I stopped the car when he told me to.

"Ladies," he said before hopping out. I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding.

"Oh my God, that did not just happen," Collins shrieked. I pulled out the parking and drove to our Res. "He wanted to talk to you, Kat. Hell, he knows your f*****g name," she gushed out.

"And what's the big deal?" I raised a brow at her.

"What do you mean, what's the big deal? It's freaking Chase Norway. He's the big deal," she said.

"Not in my life," I snorted. She ignored me the whole way, going on about Chase until we were in our room. "What will I do the whole weekend?" I groaned.

"Your assignment," Collins said. "Oh wait. You finished all of them," she rolled her eyes. I threw a pillow at her. "Wait," she sat up then, her eyes wide.

"Oh no. Whatever you're thinking, it's a hard pass for me," I said to her.

"What? You don't even know what I was going to say. Listen. Viola, you know Viola, right?" I nodded. "She's having a party at her house. Not too far-"

"Absolutely not," I said.

"Kat, please. I wanna go," she whined, moving to sit next to me.

"Then go," I said.

"I wanna go with you. We'll have fun," she said.

"No, you'll have fun. You have other friends and I don't drink. I'd pretty much be a wallflower," I said.

"But we'll go together. Kat, you've never been to a party before. Live a little," she pleaded.

"That's what they say before throwing you to the wolves," I rose a brow at her. She gave me a puppy dog look. "That's not going to work on me," I focused on my phone, checking my school emails.

"Kat, please. I'll need a ride home," she said. "You know, when I'm drunk," she went on. "They might kidnap me," I tried to ignore her. "And possibly rape me. Kat, is that what you want?"

"I'm not the one that wants to go. Why are you pinning this on me?" She smiled at me. "Ugh, I don't even have anything to wear. Plus, it's going to be too hot tonight. I'm not wearing this," I said, looking at my outfit.

"Oh don't you worry, babe. I got you. We have to get ready," she squealed, standing up quickly. Walking over to my closet, she rummaged through, messing up. It took her time to finally find what she is looking for. "Ta-da," I blanched, looking at the outfit.

"No," I shook my head. My pleas fell on deaf ears. He placed the black pleated skirt and the turquoise laced top. It was a cute outfit; not for me though. I don't even know why I bought it.

Oh wait, I know. Because of Collins freaking Matthews.

"Oh yes, come on, let's go shower quickly and then I'll fix your makeup and hair." She said happily. When I didn't move, she grabbed my hand and hoisted me up with so much force she almost fell. I burst out laughing at her expression. "Not funny, bitch." She gritted her teeth.

After showering quickly, with her, she proceeded with my makeup and hairstyle. We only had one shower in our bathroom. There was a tub, which we barely use. Sometimes we take showers together, I don't know why. I got used to it at some point. She never seemed to mind.

"Okay, I'm done with your makeup," she said moving back to let me look at myself in the mirror. She had applied dark liner, accentuating my aqua eyes.

Needless to say, I looked pretty. She had settled with a pink gloss and my cheeks glowed.

"Not bad," I said.

"Ha ha. It doesn't hurt to admit I did exceptionally well," she said as she worked on my hair.

By the time we were ready, we were about 20 minutes late to the party. Not that it matters. Those parties last longer than church services.

Collins was on a black sparkly short dress, hair pulled up into a messy pony and her makeup strikingly beautiful. She had settled with a bold red lipstick. She paired the dress with strappy heels. I had decided on flats.

"Okay, let's go," she said excitedly. I was a bit uncomfortable with my top. It showed a little bit of skin, since it was a crop top. Collins convinced me that I looked great. We walked out, hurrying to the parking lot. We passed by a handful of people, who gave us looks.

"Wow," a guy said. "Looking good ladies," despite the fact that I was well aware that he only said that to make me feel...not left out, I still blushed and Collins teased me about it.

I dreaded going in the moment I noticed that the house was already packed. It took time to find a parking lot. The music was too loud.

"Okay," Collins said excitedly. "Let's go," she said. I got out the car, following her hesitantly. As we got closer, the music became louder. People were scattered around the house, some already drunk.

I looked around when we made it in. Collins led me to the kitchen area, that looked more like a bar. I scrunched my face at the smell.

"Hey, can we get some drinks?" Collins said to the guy standing behind the drinks. He seemed frozen, looking at Collins with wide eyes. Collins waved her arms, oblivious to the dude literally gushing over her. "Hello?!" I giggled when the dude snapped out of his love struck trance. He took our orders. "I'll have a...Sour Vodka and she'll have whatever's non alcoholic," she said. The dude turned to me, noticing me for the first time.

"We have non alcoholic cocktails. Sodas," he looked around. "Juice. Water," he said looking back at me after he'd handed Collins her drink.

"Soda is fine, thank you," I said.

"Here you go," he handed me a glass. I sniffed it first. "I didn't spike your drink, if that's what you're wondering," the dude said eyeing me.

"I don't remember saying anything about that," I rose a brow at him. He just lost his chance at dating my friend, if he'd intended to. Without another word, I walked out the kitchen, wandering around.

I froze when I saw the two girls coming in. Behind them was none other than Chase. Immediately, Beth went to claim what was hers, putting her hands on Chase. A frown made its way on his face, as he looked down at her. Gently, he removed her hands and took a step back, saying something I couldn't hear over the loud music. Shortly after, he turned to leave the other way, leaving an angry Beth. Somehow, a smile etched its way to my lips.

Weird.

I thought they were together. Maybe it's just a couple fight or something.

I tried to avoid them as much as I could. I made a mistake by leaving Collins. In my defense, I thought she was going to follow me. Clearly not. I found a place to sit, that wasn't crowded.

I checked my phone to see that mom had called a couple of times. Good thing I didn't hear it. She must be wondering why I wasn't home this weekend. I won't bother with calling her. She'd probably be more judgmental when she finds out where I am right now.

"Ugh, why the hell are you here?" I tensed when that nasal voice shrieked over me. "Can't you see, you're finishing up all the space? Where are we supposed to sit now?" Beth said, scolding at me.

"You know, Beth. She's the reason Chase isn't talking to you these days," the other girl said.

"What? Don't be ridiculous," Beth laughed at that and I tried to ignore the lump in my throat. "Chase wouldn't stoop that low," she said eyeing me up and down. "Look at all that fat peeking out," they both giggled.

"Look who's talking," a deep voice seethed behind me. I stood up, ready to leave. I didn't have to turn to know that it was Chase. "Ya'll need to f*****g stop doing this," he seethed.

"What did I do?" Beth tried to play dumb.

"Do you take me for a fool?" He snapped. Even I flinched at that, his voice menacing. "Leave," he said.

"Babe, come on. You can't be serious," Beth whine. "You're going to kick me out because of this-"

"I SAID LEAVE!" I flinched yet again when he literally roared. The other girl squealed, leaving immediately. Beth shrieked, stomping her foot before walking away.

I wasted no time and grabbed my things, walking out, the tears already staining my face. I have to get out of here. I don't even know why I thought for a second, things would be different. I hurried outside, constantly wiping my face as carefully as I could.

"Katherine, wait," I stopped upon hearing Chase call me. I turned to him. He stopped when he was close, eyeing me closely.

"If you're going to insult me, there's no need. They did a pretty good job," I said. He frowned.

"What makes you think I'm going to do that?" He asked softly, I almost didn't hear him over the noises. I noticed the few eyes looking at us.

"I don't know Chase. Maybe because everyone does that," I shot my hands up, frustrated that I have to explain myself to him. "I can't take anymore," I sobbed quietly. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm. I yanked it away.

"Don't f*****g touch me," I snapped. It didn't seem to faze him, for whatever reason.

"Why are you shutting me out?" he asked, confused.

"Are you seriously asking me that? After what you saw," I said, shaking my head at him.

"So, you're just going to leave? Just like that?"

"Yes, Chase. I'm leaving. This is clearly not my type of crowd," I said.

"You're leaving your friend behind," acknowledged just as his phone rang. He made an annoyed sound, taking it out of his tight jeans. "f**k," he said before turning it off. He looked up at me then, watching me closely. He opened his mouth to say something, but his phone rang again. He didn't make a move to answer it.

"Not everyone is out to hurt you, Princess." He said, catching me off guard. He answered his phone then, walking past me.

What the hell was that about?

●

UNEDITED