Zoe POV
Many things have been invented and developed. From technologies to medicines and so on diseases. I have been known as the happiest and most energetic child when I was little.
I still remember those days, me running around until I ran out of breath but one day after running I suddenly collapsed and it started. Being told that I have a disease that's not been known till I had it.
"Your child had been diagnosed with a heart disease that is not known or even has a cure for it" is what the doctor said when consulted in the hospital. Both my parents' faces were suddenly full of tears.
"Zoe my precious little girl tells us what you want okay? We will give it to you with the best that we got." While talking at me smiling and with tears in their eye. Looking at my parents' faces then made me realize that I have limited time for me to be with them.
After sometimes my emotion has gotten colder. My friend leave me little by little and some bullied me saying it can spread to others. Well, I'm not really affected by it because I know that it isn't. My parents worry about me and we change our house and my school, and there my life changed.
After relocating to our house near the school where I'm going to attend. My new school life begins.
"Hello, my name is Zoe. Nice to meet you." After introducing myself the adviser of the class picked my seat and class started.
During break time my classmates suddenly swarm me and ask me some stuff.
"Hey, Zoe do you usually get bullied?" Asked one of my classmates with the follow up 'I--- No never mind that I think I became insensitive".
"It's okay but I will still answer it and yes I have," I replied and they looked at me like they pitied me. "Well that's in the past so it is okay now, hopefully"
"Don't worry in this class we are like family and no one will bother to bully you." Said of one of them and I got a feeling of relief.
"I don't want to be rude to you but are you really like that? I mean is your emotion cold like that?" Asked one of the boys in our class. He suddenly smacked in the head while his friend said "What an insensitive person" with a disappointed face.
"Hey I'm sorry okay geez you can't take a joke," he said and he got ignored by his friend. "Come on man, I said I'm sorry" he is apologizing to me and his friends again and again until the class resumes.
After class, I stay on the swing in the park of our school.
"I guess this place is not bad after all" while swinging on the swing and suddenly I heard someone on the other swing. I looked beside me and saw the person who was apologizing again and again earlier.
"Hey, Zoe I'm sorry about my question earlier."
"No, it's okay. It's not like I care about the question."
"What? Really? You forgive me?"
"Yes, and besides the reason why my emotion got cold is because of me. I'm afraid of showing my emotions because I had a feeling that my lifespan will shorten."
"Wow, you want to live longer, huh? Did your parents say that you should do it? Being cold I mean. Did they limit things that you should do?"
"Well no, in fact, they want me to return to my original self and indulge myself in things I like and enjoy."
"You have good parents. To be honest I'm a little bit jealous."
"Why? Looking at you, you are a carefree person and your parents must be good to you too right?"
"Well, that's where you are wrong. They made restrictions for me when I am home and I'm also glad that it's just at home."
"It must've been hard for you too, hmm?"
We talked to each other for a long period and didn't realize the time. We immediately packed our things and leave the park and return home.
After returning home, my mother saw me exactly returning home.
"Zoe this is the first time that you came back so late at night. Did you get bullied again?"
"No mom, actually it is more than comfortable like I have another family at school."
"Well, that's good to hear. Change your clothes and go to the table together with your dad and we're going to eat."
After eating, I went to bed and slept. To my surprise, I got a comfortable sleep. I don't know if it is because of the environment of our school but I guess I'm relieved.
A month has passed when I started to attend this school. I also memorized every place I need to know.
One day when I attend school and after the morning period we had a one-and-a-half-hour lunch break before the afternoon class started. After eating, I go over to the library of our school as if it becomes my comfort zone. A library is a place that is always quiet and it means that I will have peace of mind there but there is a person who suddenly sat beside me:
"Excuse me, Are you Zoe?"
"Yes, do you have something to tell me? Oh wait, it's just you."
"Hey don't say that and also my name Chase, not you."
"I see, Chase, so that is your name."
"What are you writing?"
"Nothing much. Just some dream of mine."
"You must have cherished your dream so much that you don't want me to see it huh?"
"It's not like that. I'm just embarrassed that it." While I said it with a blunt face.
"I see, by the way, that book are you reading that? What is the title of that?"
"This? Yeah, I'm reading it and it is entitled "Living freely like the wind" and it is a novel about a girl who can do anything she wants."
"What a beautiful title. Do you mind if I borrow it from you?"
"Not really just give it to me after you finish it."
After we quietly talked to each other the bell rang and I quickly go our classroom.
"Wait Zoe I think you forgot something."
"..."
"I guess I'll take it and give it to her"
Sometime later I got to the room faster than Chase.
"Chase, why are you late?" Said our furious teacher who doesn't tolerate late for his class.
"Heyyyy... Teach. Wha zup. I just got in trouble here and there you know." Chase said while looking away at the teacher.
"Just shut up and sit inside you despicable man."
Good thing I'm not late but I got a feeling that I forgot something important in the library. After class Chase came to me while holding a piece of paper and gave it to me. To my embarrassment, I ran outside of the room. "Chase, you have done it again," said one of his friends and that is what I heard last before I left the room.
While I'm taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself down. Chase already reached me. The tears in my eyes are about to drop.
"Zoe, don't cry. Although I accidentally read it I won't tell, anybody."
"You won't? Did you laugh at it while you read it?"
"I didn't I'm amazed that you had that kind of dream."
"Is it that amazing? it is just a childish wish."
"Ahh seriously, you are just repeating yourself. You know what? Let me grant the wish on that paper."
"No, I won't bother you if you won't say it to anybody."
"No, we will do everything in that list of yours trust me plus next week is a compatible day for it because our teachers will have a meeting somewhere else. Just meet me next week here in front of our school."
I kept refusing him but he is persistent to the point that his index finger is on my lips in an attempt to stop me from refusing and saying "Shh, don't refuse me it is my way of apologizing."
I got nervous and pushed him away and hurriedly came home.
"Why are you so sweaty? Are you okay? You are also out of breath."
"I'm fine just some dog chased me when I was walking home."
"Did you get bitten somewhere?"
"No, I'm fine but I think I will go somewhere next week for two days is it okay for me to go?"
"Did you finally make some friends? I'm so happy for you Zoe and yes you can."
"REALLY??"
"Yes, freely enjoy yourself next week for two days. We wish you the best for your two-day trip"
I'm so excited he said that he will be responsible for our trip. He should also be responsible for our expenses, right? I'm so excited that I can't contain myself. This is not good if I don't contain my emotion I might collapse from excitement even before we meet up next week.
Someday passed and I'm waiting for him in front of our school. A luxurious car stop in front of me. The driver asked me if I were Zoe and showed me the back seat of the car where Chase is sitting.
"Zoe, come inside and we are going on a trip."
"Is this yours? You sure are rich."
I come inside the car's back seat and sat beside him.
"Let's see what should you do first. Can you give me your bucket list?"
I gave my bucket list to him.
"Let's see what is in that list. You want to see a large aquarium, do scuba diving, go to a mall, arcade, cinema, and be a composer."
While listening to him talking I can feel my heart beating fast with excitement and some other things that I can't explain. It might be an embarrassment because he saw that list but still, I can't wait.
Sometime later we got to our destination and that is an ocean park a place where there is a lot of kind of fish that I wanted to see. Since I was a kid I have had a dream to come to a place like this. It is so beautiful. While sightseeing in a large aquarium with Chase, I feel like a person is looking at me.
"Zoe, are you okay?"
"I feel like someone is looking at me?"
"It might be me because when I look at you while you look at the fishes with a smile you captivated me. Sorry about that."
My heart beat faster after hearing it from him.
"Don't joke around."
"I'm not, anyway we might get lost so let's ask where we can dive together with these fishes."
"WAIT, WE CAN DO THAT? OH MY GODDD!!. HOW CAN WE DO IT?"
"Geez calm down Zoe. Let's just ask the staff where we can scuba dive with these fishes first"
In my excitement, I accidentally hug Chase without me realizing it.
"THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH CHASE."
"No problem, Zoe, as long as you are happy but are you okay while hugging me?"
After realizing what I did quickly shut up and waited for our scuba diving with the dishes to start.
"That's a lot of fun," Chase said after the scuba diving.
"Y-yeah is a lot of fun." Though I didn't have fun because of what I did to him earlier. I'm so shameless.
"If you're still uncomfortable because of what you did earlier it's fine you don't have to worry about it."
"Y-yeah, thanks..."
"Look at the time it's so late I think we should go to our hotel now."
"WHAT?!?! HOTEL???JUST THE TWO OF US??"
"Relax we have a separate room so don't worry about anything."
"Ah, I see. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Your family is rich aren't you?"
"Yeah, we are rich but I don't have loving parents like yours."
After that conversation, I stayed quiet until we reach the hotel. In there we have a separate room and rest for the night.
Chase knock on my door. Again and again but I'm not answering him thinking that he is angry at me.
"Zoe, open the door. Let's just talk for a minute. I have something to tell you."
Because of my conscience about what I said to him earlier, I let him in.
"Zoe, I know what you think. I'm angry at you but you got the wrong idea. The truth is..."
While both of us sat at each end of the table in the hotel room. I finally knew what he meant earlier. He said that his parents are so strict that he can not go outside even at weekend or even finish his study. Honestly, if I was him I will also be envious of others but I feel him. Having a thing that limits yourself in what you do.
"You know, Zoe, I feel like you can be more beautiful. If you always smile, that is." Chase suddenly said. I got flustered by what he said to me and look away at him.
"Zoe? Are you okay? Do you have a fever?"
I'm so flustered that I can not even properly answer him and just move my head saying no. While we are talking to each other, a girl staff of the hotel came and brought our dinner.
"Are you Sir Chase and Miss Zoe?"
"Yes," said Chase.
"I see here is your order sir about your dinner."
The staff looked at Chase like she was captivated by Chase and look at me. She leaned toward me and whispered something.
"You are really lucky to have such a handsome man with you, miss. Hmmm."
"We are not like that. Please don't misunderstand." While waving my hand saying no.
"Well, suit yourself tonight at our hotel."
After that, the staff left and the two of us left in my room. I quickly ate my dinner and made Chase leave my room in a hurry.
I know that I'm not my usual self, being cold and not showing any emotion, but today is only the day I feel this way. I think again and again about what is happening to me but nothing comes to my mind except for Chase.
"Good morning, Zoe."
"Hmm? Ah Good morning, Chase."
I didn't have a great sleep last night. What is wrong with me? I think that Chase is looking at me again today.
"Is something wrong, Chase?"
"No, nothing, did you not get proper sleep at the hotel? Is there a problem in your room?"
"Nothing of sorts, it's just that I'm thinking of something. It's okay and I'm fine I promise." I said while looking at him and attempting to smile.
"Okay, you said so. Come on let's go to a mall and buy you some clothes." Chase said while grabbing my hand.
"Where are we going?"
"Come on, to the mall of course." While he looks at me excitedly.
I didn't know what to do but I guess I'll just enjoy it for today. This day won't last forever but I wish it will.
We rode in the car for twenty minutes until we were at the mall. We bought snacks, and drinks of course all of it is handled by Chase. Right now I'm feeling guilty but, oh well, I didn't bring any money with me today.
"Let's go to this clothing shop I heard that their shirt is what is the trend today." While holding my hand.
He made me try on many clothes that he thinks suited me and I also tried on clothes that I find myself cute. In the end, we just bought two clothes and nothing for ourselves. I tried to persuade him to try on some clothes but he said that he's too shy to try and show them to me, I said it's okay if he didn't show them to me so he can try on some clothes but still no.
After shopping clothes, we go to an arcade in the mall. We played a two-player game, a claw machine, and a room where we could sing. Although he is shy to try some clothes and show them to me, he's confident enough to hit a high note in a song in front of me.
I am not sure what I feel but I think I can be open about myself to him. I feel relieved, having him near me and I can freely show my emotion to him, although I shouldn't.
Eventually, the two of us left the arcade to watch the cinema inside the mall. All of the movies in it are all about romance. We bought a ticket for one of the movies and bought some popcorn.
While watching the movie I can't help myself but steal glances at Chase. Again and again, I don't know this feeling. It's my first time, and my heart is beating faster and faster. I think I'll faint.
"Zoe? Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah, I-i'm okay. Let's finish the movie and go home. I miss my parents."
"It's been only two days but you already miss your parents. You must love your parents."
"Of course I love them they are my parents," I said while sweating. I momentarily heard Chase whisper "I wish you also love me" but I can't confirm it because of my nervousness and suddenly I fainted.
When I woke up I was in a hospital bed, laying down. Beside me are my parents who are worried about me.
"Why am I here? What happened?"
My mother looked at me with teary eyes and hugged me tightly. I saw my father looking at me with relief after that I asked what happened and why I was at the hospital.
Apparently, I collapsed because I was fatigued. Chase immediately went to the nearest hospital and paid for the bill and left when my parents came.
"I guess I didn't have the energy like when I was a kid," I said to my mother, jesting. My mother's tears continued after I joke like that.
After some days, the doctor gives his consent for me to go home and enter school again. When we got home my mother barrage me with a lot of questions.
"Zoe, who is that man that is with you? Are you two alone when you said you will be gone for two days? He didn't lay a hand on you, right? Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
"Mom I'm fine. Jeez, mom easy there or your heart will pop out."
"Although it's just the two of us he didn't lay a hand on me he's a good person trust me."
Mother startled and smiled at me and hugged me.
"What's wrong with you mom? Come on stop with the hugging"
"Can I be like this for another minute? Please, Zoe..."
I don't know what to do but listen to her. After some minutes we talked about what we did of course best of what I felt when we were at the movie.
Two days when the teacher's meeting happened and I got excused for three days because I need to rest but starting next week. I will change and interact with everybody.
The weekend has passed and weekdays start today. I woke up early in the morning and was ready to attend school.
"It's finally Monday again. I will interact with my classmates and make friends with them. Surely, I can do it. I will also talk to Chase and thank him." Talking to myself.
When I got to school, I said good morning to my classmates but it didn't go well at first. They thought that I was being weird but after some time and half an hour of explaining they finally understand me. Although some are still kind of awkward with me, many of them started chatting with me.
I enjoyed my Monday and I didn't get a chance to talk to Chase. When I call his name he is avoiding me and does not make eye contact with me. I am genuinely disappointed, I thought we got close but I guess wrong.
"What's with the sad face, Zoe?" Asked the girl in the class with me.
"I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Mona."
"Nice to meet you but it's nothing but I think Chase is avoiding me for some reason," I said with an upset face.
"Did you get into a fight with him or something?"
"Nothing like that but still, I don't know the reason he's avoiding me."
"I see avoiding you huh? Don't worry I got a plan just follow my lead okay?"
I got a bad feeling about this but I guess I'll agree for a while.
"Good you nod your head. Let's meet at the park in our school later for the plan got it?"
"Okay"
When the class is over I went to the park but hesitated to go. I saw Chase over but Mona isn't there.
Someone suddenly tap my back and said "What are you waiting for?". It was Mona and she pushed me gently toward Chase and say "Good luck" and run away.
"H-hi Chase. How are you?"
"What the--? Zoe, it's just you. I taught it was some ghost or something. Let's sit here in the park."
"You are funny sometimes, Chase."
"Chase, why are you avoiding me?"
"I thought you are angry with me because you get exhausted and collapsed. I thought you are going to drive me away from you so I avoided you."
"You are silly. Why would I drive you away my I like y--." I got a little comfortable with him to the point that it almost slipt from my mouth.
"Did you just say you like me?"
"N-no. I did not. How could I?... Well, I guess I like you. Umm a little." I said it but my voice got quite a bit by bit.
"You like me but this will be a problem." He said while scratching the back of his head.
"Why though I just said I like you," I said aggressively.
"That is the problem here you like me but you're not sure"
I slam my hand at the table "FINE, I LIKE YOU OKAY? I REALLY DO LiKe you". I'm so frustrated and embarrassed by what I did, and put my hands down and kept quiet.
"Zoe, look at me I'm not angry. I'm just teasing you. To tell you the truth, I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. Like they say Love at First sight, right?"
"I invited you and I just reason that it will be an apology to you but I just really want to date you. It came out like an apology but what I plan is to date you."
"Do you also like me?"
"Yes."
"You are not teasing me or joking with me, right?" I asked because I'm not sure I want it to be confirmed by him.
"Yes, and if you ask me again my answer will not change it will still be yes." And hug me at my waist and carry me. "Are you still questioning me?"
I also what to tease him and said "What if I question you again? What are you gonna do?"
"You want me to confirm? Well then".
He slowly moved his mouth closer and closer to mine. I close my eyes but I still don't feel anything touching my lips. I open my eyes and saw him staring at me and suddenly laugh.
I'm so frustrated and punch him in the shoulder. "I just realized you are mean, Chase. Now I'm questioning myself if I like you." With my arm crossed.
"Don't be angry at me, Zoe. As an apology Can I ask you for a date?"
"You know how to talk smoothly with girls aren't you?"
"So is that a yes or a no?" Chase said with a smug face.
I give in, he wins although I want to be like a strict person when I'm with him. "Fine, I'll say yes just because of you I can feel this way again."
"It's set, tomorrow after school let's go to an amusement park." After saying that he ran and left me alone in the park, alone.
Tomorrow, after class we immediately change clothes and be on our way to an amusement park. We rode a taxi and were dropped off at the front entrance of the park.
"Let's go," Chase said.
He held my hand everywhere we go. We played games and won some of them and he gave me the prizes. We rode rides like bumper cars and for some reason a carousel. Although the carousel is such a letdown I enjoyed it for some reason. Also a Vikings and rollercoaster some of the rides are so thrilling it gives me shivers when I remember them.
It's so fun especially when you are with your special someone. I wish this could last forever but this feeling will end when I die. Such a pity I wouldn't be with you when you grow old Chase. I wish when it the time for me, please forget me.
"Zoe, are you tired?" Chase asked.
"No, I think I can still do one more ride," I replied
"Good, because I think this will be the last one for tonight. Let's ride the Ferris wheel."
He held my hand again and went to a line to buy a ticket to ride the Ferris wheel. When we entered the Ferris wheel, I thought that it will go faster and after like when I watch it on the television.
"What a letdown, it's so slow I thought it will spin faster and faster," I said.
"Don't be upset, Zoe. It has a meaning, why the Ferris wheel is turning slowly."
"Really? Can I ask what is that?" I'm so curious about what he said.
"Well usually this ride is like what you said, it goes faster and faster. I chose this ride as our last ride because at this time it will slowly turn and a firework display will happen. I want to watch it with you."
"I think this is why I fell in love with you. You will do anything to make me happy right Chase?" I asked him.
"Yes, I will, Zoe."
He holds me by the chin. Slowly pulled my lips to his face and when we could almost kiss each other he stopped at the last moment. He moved my hair and he said "I can't do this anymore".
"What do you mean? You can't? Did you mean the kiss that we almost did?"
"Yes, I can't kiss you."
"Why? We are just at the half of the Ferris will turning. Are you shy? Then don't be."
"Look, Zoe, I just can't and that's just it."
"What do you mean? I cannot UNDERSTAND you, Chase"
He kept silent until the Ferris wheel finished turning and we are off of it. He walk away from me I chased him and grab his hand.
"Chase listen to me. Can you tell me the reason why Chase? Please tell me, I want to know. Be responsible you made me like this Chase. PLEASE." I beg Chase again and again. Asking him for the answer but he kept denying it and saying no.
"Zoe listen to me. I tricked you, Zoe. Can't you see all of this is just a play. A play for you to fell in." He said with a wicked smile while looking at me in the eye.
I'm so frustrated at myself for believing all of his words. "Ah Yes, why would a guy like you fall for me in the first place. OH RIGHT, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A MOTIVE. MAKING ME FALL IN LOVE. BELIEVING FOR YOUR LIES. I really am a dumb girl".
I slapped him hard and ran and ran and ran and ran. Until I ran out of breath, surprisingly I didn't faint. Is it because of the frustration? disappointment? Or is it despair? I took a taxi home, crying.
When I got home I hugged my mom and cried again and again until my eyes were swollen. My mother told my Father to buy something but I know she wants to know what happened without my father knowing.
"Okay Zoe, your father is away. can you tell me what's going on?"
"It's because of Chase, Mom."
"I thought you two are close with each other?'
"That's what I also want to say. I thought we were close. I thought we would share the same feelings."
"What are the same feelings? Did you like him?" Mother asked and I just nod.
"He must have a reason for doing it, Zoe."
"How could he mom. He played with a girl's feelings and that girl is me, mom."
"Just forget about him. You will get over him soon, Zoe. Just sleep for today and rest."
I didn't realize, that my eyelids become heavy and I slept almost immediately after crying.
When I woke up, I looked at myself in the mirror. I tried to smile and get angry but my emotions are cold again. I can't smile like I did yesterday. After looking at myself in the mirror I ready myself to attend school.
When I entered the room, my classmate greeted me and I couldn't smile at them like yesterday. I feel like I'm being myself at the same time I don't. They asked me what was wrong but when I saw Chase for a second, my eyes became teary.
"What's wrong Zoe?" One of the friends I made that helped me get along with Chase last time, was Mona.
I just shook my head and they didn't bother me anymore because the class is about to start.
"Before we start, I will announce something. There will be a singing contest in our school the first is a preliminary round and the final will be held on February fourteen, Valentine's Day. Will there be a contender here?"
One person raised a hand when I looked, it was Chase.
"Chase you will be a contender?"
"No teacher, Zoe will be the contender."
I got startled by what he said. I think he is bullying me but I won't back down in this contest. I will win this just you wait Chase. I'll show you.
I passed the preliminary and entered the finals. But my final performance is in danger because I cannot show any emotion because of it I can't give a proper delivery of a song.
While practicing my facial expressions I heard someone talking near my practice spot. I can't properly see their faces but I can hear them.
"Are you sure you made the right decision?"
"No, I didn't, I hurt her feelings"
"Then why did you do it?"
"So she can forget about me and move on."
"I must say your way is twisted sometimes, Chase."
When I heard the name, Chase, I ran to our classroom. In there, my classmates are getting ready for the valentines day event and decorating our classroom. I sat and waited for Chase to come around and when he came. I grabbed his hand and talked to him.
"CHASE, did you mean what you said at the amusement park?"
"So what of it?"
I grabbed him by the chest and asked "I just want to know Chase, Please?"
"Ahh damn it. Okay-okay. You win. I didn't mean it. I like you but I cannot love you for some reason. I'm afraid when I kiss you I wouldn't like to leave you because I love you."
I hugged him tightly and all the weights in my chest are gone and I can slowly smile. I cried while hugging Chase and he hugged me back. Chase held me by the chin and kissed me fast I didn't expect it so I kissed him back.
"But we can't have a relationship. It's too risky, Zoe."
I immediately asked him "Why? Are you leaving the school and transferring to another?"
"It's complicated, Zoe. I like you Zoe, I really do. If I can just stop the time today to be with you I'll do it but I can't."
"I-I understand you can't be in a relationship with me because of your parents."
"A part of it is yes but not entirely."
One of his friends called him and went to us.
"Chase did you tell her?"
"No, I can't bring myself to tell her."
"What a pity. I pity you both. I forgot to tell you, I'm Dean and a friend of Chase since when we are kids."
Dean shakes my hands as a gesture of greetings.
"Since you know him can you tell me what he is hiding?"
"I can't, it should come from his mouth." Dean said.
Chase immediately blocked his mouth. Chase said "Shut up for a moment Dean". " Zoe I know that you are confused by what I'm saying but I loved you and I want to be with you. It's just that destiny doesn't want it that way.
"Chase are you going somewhere and not coming back?"
He did not answer but kept quiet. I left Chase and his friend out of frustration. I still kept my cool and my emotions remain. I felt anger, I feel like I want him to disappear whenever I see him.
A week passes by and Chase disappears and no one knows where he is. He left and didn't say anyone where he went. Today, the singing contest began, even when I said I want him to disappear, I'm still hoping for him to show up. I still have lingering feelings for him.
The final started and I was last. As I listen to other songs. I felt it, thinking I was in the song. The other contestants finished their performance and I was left.
"He still didn't come." I thought that he will, at least come, since he said he loved me. Hoping that he will see me sing, that is all I ask and nothing more. I dedicated my performance to him but he didn't come until the end. I finished the song and what's left is the result.
The results had come and I was second place. It's not like I'm expecting to win. I just want him to realize what I feel through a song. As I was coming home, Dean prevented me from going home. He said he has some news about Chase.
"Zoe, did Chase say anything to you? I mean anything about him?" He asked while gasping.
I got confused with what he said because he didn't contact me nor send me any letter. "No, he didn't want me to know about him."
"Why would he say something about himself to me? We don't have that kind of a relationship anymore, not friends nor close like lovers."
While he's talking, "You should know this about Cha-- ", I interrupted him saying "I don't care even a little about him anymore."
"Suit yourself Zoe." is what he said and left.
I continue walking to my home but someone is standing in front of our house and I think he is waiting for someone.
I got in front of our door and the man waiting in front of the house was Chase's driver, the person with us when he invited me to go out. The man called my name and talked to me.
"ZOE!! You're Zoe right?" The man shouted to me like he was chasing something. I nodded and he came closer to me and I took a step back because he scared me. He stopped when he saw me step back.
"Ahh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that Chase said something inappropriate to you or like he doesn't like you?" The man said.
I'm shocked at what he said to me. I question myself why did he know that? It is a private matter. Why would he want to know?
He speaks again "Ahh I'm right. That one big of an idiot. He really said something outrageous."
"What are you saying? You are just driver, aren't you?" I replied.
"I see, he didn't introduce me to you, didn't he. Well, I'm his brother Chad." After introducing himself he bow and asked for forgiveness. I stepped closer and stopped him bowing to me but he still I ask for my forgiveness.
I ask why is he doing it and he explains it to me, why. I now know why he said something to me like that in the amusement park. Chase just followed his brother's advice but what his brother said is only a joke and he did it seriously.
Chad grabbed my hand and said "Zoe you must follow me." I grabbed his wrist and kept myself from moving.
"Why? Come follow me quickly. He can't wait any longer" He hastily said.
"STOP! I SAID STOP." I shouted but he continue to pull my hand.
"Don't be stubborn Zoe. This is Chase and yourown good or else you'll regret it in the future." Is what he said.
"What do you mean for my own good? He end our relationship what am I going to regret?" I sorrowfully said.
He stopped pulling my hand and stand. He slowly turn back to me with saddened eyes.
"Chased... He... He's in the hospital."
I'm shocked and me eyes became teary.
"What did you just said? He? In the hospital? Impossible... He's just going to transfer to another school didn't he? Or he already has a fiance before meeting me? Right?"
I asked Chad rapidly. My head is full of questions. I didn't know what to do beside following him to his car.
"I know I'm being unreasonable here but you need to talk to Chase. A one on one talk with him. You didn't have to woory about your parents worrying to you. I explained everything to them and they entrusted you to me."
I barely heard him talk whereas my mind is filled with question.
We arrive at the hospital and ask the nurse receptionist to where he is. They said the room and we went through. I saw Chase laying in the hospital bed sleeping and his body's so thin.
"This is Chase now." Is what his brother said.
I forcefully grabbed his clothes because of anger "W-what happened? I thought he was doing fine." And a woman came and saw us.
He slapped Chad and said "Who is this woman, Chad? Your brother is here sleeping and you brought a woman? What are you doing?"
She walked towards me and also slapped me. "I'm his mother and get out of here, NOW!"
"Mom stopped, this is not what it looks like, I promise. I will explain to you but can we go out for a minute?" He made his mother left the room so I can talk alone with Chase.
"What's with all the commotion?" I faintly heard and turned around seeing Chase opened his eyes.
"Chased" I called his name.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"It's me Chase. The one you rejected."
"Zoe? Us that really you?" I nodded and said "Yes, it's me" while I prevent my tears to go down.
"How long has it been? A year perhaps?"
"No, it's just been a week."
"I see, a week has passed. Why are you here did my brother brought you here?"
"Yeah, he did."
"You saw me in this pathetic appearance. You can laugh you know."
"No, I won't"
I can't stopped myself and burst to cry. I cried and cried while Chase put his hand on top of my head and caress my head. He's laying on the bead and can't see anything but he still cares for me.
"WHY CHASED? JUST WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? IS THIS WHAT YOUR YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING ME?." I desperately asked but he didn't answer.
I asked again "CHASED WHY? WE CAN GET OVER THIS, RIGHT?" and Chased once again didn't answer.
When my tears can't even go down anymore. He started talking.
"Say Zoe, can I tell you a story?" I can't say anything but just nod.
He told a story about a boy whose lifespan is determined and what he did is limited. His parents limit anything he does and keep grounding him in his room. When he grew up he ran away from home with the help of his brother and studied elsewhere. He started to do the things he wanted but one day he met a girl. A girl so gloomy that can't even be approached by others.
He realizes that she is the same when he was a kid and started talking to her. He taught her some feelings of emotions. All things are working out just fine until one day he starts coughing blood. He realizes that he is starting to love her but doesn't want her to worry so he ends their relationship and leaves without saying anything.
I quickly understood that he is the boy he is subjecting in the story.
"That's all there is to it in my story Zoe." He gently held my hands and said "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for hiding it Zoe. Forgive me."
My tears started to fall again. I put my hand on top of his. "I understand Chase. I understand."
"Can I sing a song for you Chase?"
He gently said "Yes please, I'd love to hear it."
While singing I didn't realize that his mother entered the room. Chase fell asleep and his mother was sitting in a chair, close to us.
"I will give my thanks to you ma'am. For allowing me to stay with him for a moment. Excuse me I shall leave."
"Don't be like that. If I'm right your name is Zoe. Don't be stern and talk like how you talk to Chase."
"Ye-... I mean okay ma'am."
"I also want you to stay with him until he parted with us. He will gladly like it if you are here next to him."
I'm surprised that she let me stay here, just a while ago she slapped me and it still hurts.
"I apologize for what I did when you got here. Chad, Chase's brother, said everything to me plus I confirmed it because I was listening to both of you earlier. You also had a beautiful voice and earlier is it a song you composed personally?"
"Yes, I composed it and truthfully it's just a lyric and I made the tune of it on the spot."
"I see"
Chase's mother left the two of us. His brother also left and they entrusted Chase to me. Chase's health began to improve. I became happy because of it but it's just he's health.
One day when his mother came to the hospital. Chase's heartbeat started to slow down. We called the doctors to come in but Chase didn't win against the sickness that he has.
Since then two years have passed and I still haven't forgotten his name. I became a singer and composer I also have a manager and it's surprising that it is his mother. Chase can you still remember me? Well..., don't worry I will be with you soon. I have the same condition as you know. What a funny thing to say. This is where my story ends. I hope you can say you loved me and kissed me when we met.