Shut Up, I Love You

10 - Cold Treats

I was walking towards the parking lot when I saw Chase.

"Chase!" I exclaimed. He turned towards my direction and when he saw me, he smiled and started to walk towards me.

"Cathy!" He said and extended his arms for a hug.

"I'm not happy with you boy." I said and pushed his hands away.

"What did I do?" He asked, feigning innocence.

"You didn't go to class even once and yet you were in the campus?!" I was furious. I told him that there was an English test today, yet he still cut classes!

"Oh that." He said.

"Oh that." I said and mocked his expression. "What's with that? I want you to take this seriously Chase. I don't want you to repeat a year."

"You worry too much." Chase said and patted my head.

"That's because you're an idiot." I punched his chest.

He laughed and said, "Wanna go for some ice cream?"

"Ice cream won't make me forgive you." I pouted and looked away.

"I know. Just trying." He chuckled.

"Tch. I'll meet you there." I said and walked towards my car.

"M'kay." He replied.

I got inside my car and started the engine. I drove to our favorite ice cream parlor.

When I arrived there, Chase was already standing at the entrance.

"Did I make you wait?" I asked.

"No, I just arrived." He said and opened the door.

I entered first and he followed. The place still looked the same. Blue and white striped walls, pink round tables with round chairs and the sweet smell of strawberries.

I smiled. This place held a lot of memories for us. Chase and I sat at a table near the aircon.

"Hello, what would you like to order?" The waitress asked. She smiled at Chase and toyed with her hair. She completely ignored me.

"I'd like a chocolate parfait." Jace said and winked at her. She blushed.

I rolled my eyes. The waitress glared at me. "I'd like a banana split."

Before leaving she winked at Chase and shot me one last glare.

I sighed. Chase looked at me with a worried face.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I just remembered how much I was bullied before for being close to you guys. I can't even count." I laughed.

"But we were always there for you." He smiled.

"True." I replied.

The waitress arrived, carrying our ice cream.

"One chocolate parfait." He said and gently placed the parfait in front of Chase. She smiled at him.

"One banana split." She said and slammed it on the table. She glared at me again and left.

"I wish you would stop flirting with random girls." I told Chase.

"Why? Are you jealous?" He smirked.

"Of course not." I said and looked away, and quickly regretted it. I made it look like I'm guilty of what he accused me.

"Your blushing." He teased and poked my cheeks.

"What? No way!" I exclaimed and grabbed my phone to check.

"Just kidding." He laughed.

"That's not funny."

"For a moment I thought you've finally fallen for me." He whispered. Am I hearing things?

"What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly." I told him.

"It's nothing." He smiled.

Was it really nothing? Whatever it was, maybe it wasn't important. I just sighed and dropped the topic.

"Have you noticed?" He asked.

"Noticed what?"

"Jace and Vanessa. They're always together right?"

"I've noticed." I said and rolled my eyes.

"Honestly, I think they look good together." Chase said.

I felt my guts twist. Why do I care? I asked myself.

"As long as Jace is happy, then I'm happy." I replied.

"I agree." He said and took licked the last of his parfait.

I finished my banana split and placed it aside.

"Let's go." Chase said and stood up. I followed him and we exited the store.

"Bye! Thank you for coming!" The waitress said, all her attention on Chase. He smiled and winked at her.

We entered the parking lot. I was about to enter my car when Chase said, "Wanna stop by our house first? Chris wanted to see you."

"Sure." I replied and entered my car. I started the engine and drove to their house.

I arrived there and parked outside. I walked towards their front door and opened the door without knocking.

"I'm here." I exclaimed walked into the living room.

When I entered, I saw Jace and Vanessa sitting on the couch together.

Jace turned towards me and said, "Hey Rine."

"Hey." I replied. "Where's Chris?"

"In his room. I'll go get him." He stood up and went upstairs.

There was awkward silence between me and Vanessa. Why is she here?

"Catherine. Come here. Let's talk." Vanessa said without looking at me. Her voice sounded serious.

I did as she said and sat down beside her. I set my coat beside me.

She began, "I love Jace."

My eyes widen. My chest tightened. She loves Jace?

"You don't love him right? I mean romantically." She continued.

"Uhm, no I don't." I said. My stomach tightened again.

"Then it means that I can take him as my boyfriend?" She asked, her eyes were sparkling.

"Su-sure, as long as Jace loves yo-you too, then it's f-fine." I replied. Why am I stuttering? My chest tightens even more.

She smiled and whispered to herself, "It's a sure win for me."

Then, I saw Chris and Jace walk down the stairs.

"Cathy!" Chris exclaimed.

"Hey Chris." I said and pulled him in for a hug.

"I haven't seen you in a while." He said and pouted.

"Yeah, I'm busy with soccer practice. Sorry." I apologized and patted his head.

"It's fine." He smiled.

He grabbed my hand and dragged me to it favorite hangout place. The poolside.

I guess I won't be Jace's #1 girl anymore.

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This is an unedited chapter, so I apologize if there are errors.