CHAPTER 1.1: You Hate Me, I Love You (Part 1)

PREDATOR AND PREY

CASSIDY

I have to admit na masyado akong adik sa panonood ng Basketball game sa court ng Mendel University. It has been my hobby long before I was in my first year in High School. You might think I want to play but actually, it’s because of one of the players in our varsity team.

"Go number 14! I love you Trevoir!" I am standing at the audience seats inside our campus basketball court habang pinapanood ang matinding bakbakan ng Mendel Tigers. I am holding my tarpauline filled with picures of my very dear Zeke Trevoir.

He is one of the varsity players of our school who is now dribbling the ball. While I am watching him with my eyes admiring his serious handsome face and feeling the great adrenaline rush of the game. When the one blocking his way will not let him in, he had no choice but to take a shot from a very far distance and as expected, the ball go into the ring earning loud scream from the viewers including me.

"Mapapaos ka na Cassidy! Panoorin mo na lang!" my best friend Trixy said as she eat her popcorn while sitting. I just ignored her and focus myself on watching the game. I want to show my Zeke that I am very proud of him. He deserves my cheer!

"Oh, shut up Trix! Mananalo na ang Tigers!"

The time started counting down in ten seconds and everyone is feeling the great anticipation now that the Tigers again, got the ball. They have been passing it to their co-players until it ended up to Zeke. He started running to reach the ring and when the time come, he jumped and shoot for the last 3 seconds earning another 2 points before the time end.

"Yeah!" The audience which are the students of Mendel growled like they were the ones who gained the victory. As expected from our varsity players, they are all a champion. We all jump out of happiness for our team and waving our banners to show the other school that we never lose in this game. No one can defeat our varsity.

***

"Zeke!" After conquering the noisy and messy crowd on the court, I finally find my way to get near Zeke and call him out. Thankfully, it immediately caught his attention then he suddenly turns to face me.

"Congratulations! You always rock you know that?" I greeted him while winking to show how impressed I am but unfortunately, it does not seem like he cares because he senselessly just stared at me before he takes his bottled water.

"Is there anything you still want to say?" He opens up the cap of the bottle before putting in his lip and started drinking his water after asking in a not interested tone. Instead of feeling down, I stayed enthusiastic and then give my smile.

"Gusto mo bang kumain sa labas to celebrate? Don't worry, it’s on me." I offered him with an open heart and waited for his response but as always, the result will always be something hurtful. He stopped drinking then he exhaled.

"Wag mo akong pagmukhaing walang pera Cassidy. I can buy my own food for celebration. Besides, we still have a lot of projects that we need to spend for so, why are you planning to spend for nonsense?" Here we go again. I know it always ends up like this but I always expect for a different result. Sounds foolish but I just cannot help myself.

"Well, I happen to save some for my projects. So, can you stop worrying and just eat with me?" I asked him once again with my voice sounds pleading but he just stayed silent and looked bored. Without a word, he turns around and started walking away.

"S-Silence means yes!" I am really persistent because I have never eaten with him before. Maybe at least he can allow me now.

He suddenly stops walking then he turn around to face me with his eyes colder than the Antarctic.

"You know what’s my real answer Cassidy. I will never want to eat with you."

***

"Hey honey! how's school?" I got home feeling so tired and feeling that these tiring days and the redundant rejection of Zeke to me will never end. Good thing, my mother knows how to calm me down and that is by giving me the set of snacks that I want. I really like drinking apple juice after my school shift. Nakaka-refresh and it tastes really good.

"As usual, noisy people and crazy me." I uttered with my usual bored tone before exhaling. Bagsak ang balikat kong napasandal sa upuan habang dala-dala ang mabigat pero mababaw kong problema.

She gave a naughty smile before she placed my favorite freshly cooked chicken soup in the bowl. "Well, you're crazier here. Eat this sugarbum." She said teasingly so I smile at her as a response before I scooped with my spoon.

"Thanks, mommy-bear." I gave her my warm smile before taking a slow sip on my very hot soup until I heard the doorbell ringing that made glance at the doorway of the kitchen.

"Looks like someone's here." Mommy-bear immediately walk away so I just went back to eating silently. I am in the middle of enjoying my food when I heard a high-pitched tone calling my mother’s name.

"Devina!"

"Margaret!"

I turn my head to check outside since the living room can still be seen here and there, I saw my mom hugging a very beautiful woman.

"Hi tita Devin!" Even she did not see me yet, I made my voice louder to greet Zeke's mom, Tita Devina. She and mommy-bear are best friends ever since in kindergarten. They are so close that even their private life is not private to them.

"Hey their daughter in law! Chad wants to see you!" Every time she visits here, she keeps saying that like a bid of hello.

Chad is her second son and she keeps on pushing me to him even everyone knows that I am not really into that man. I keep on telling her that it is Zeke that I want but for some reasons, she just wants me for Chad.

"Just say hi for me tita, and also to Zeke." I plainly said before eating my soup again as I hear the both of them walking here at the dining area.

To be honest, I have a different feeling about Chad ever since I met him when I was 7 years old. I do not know why but he really creeps me out. From his voice to his way of starting a conversation with me, I always feel this scary feeling when he talks.

"Anyway Cassidy," Tita Devina pulled the chair beside me and take a sit while my mom also sat in front of me. "When would you visit the house again?"

"Tomorrow, I think. Wala naman po akong masyadong gagawin bukas tita. Is Zeke there too?" I asked even I know he is not.

For some reasons, Zeke keeps on leaving their house every weekend and then he will stay to his private condo unit which is a bit weird. I mean, weekends should be taken as family days but ironically, it is like he does not want to be with his family.

"I'm not sure. But Chad will be there sweety." There she goes again. She can really bring his son up easily when she is talking to me.

"Anyway Devina, what made you come?" Thankfully, my mother interrupted and now I am now looking at them both so I completely saw tita Devina giving a you know it you silly woman look or some sort. Agad namang napatango nang marahan si mama dahil mukhang naintindihan nya naman ang eye language ni tita.

"Cass my love, can you eat that in your room? May pag-uusapan lang kami ng tita Devina mo." She asked me weirdly na ikinakunot bigla ng noo ko. They want me to leave? I have always been a part of their gossips so, what is with them now?

"O-okay." I have no choice so I took my chicken soup bowl and the glass of apple juice before walking out of the kitchen.

***

While eating, I decided to watch one of the greatest movies I know, Now You See Me even I already watched like a million times. As I try to focus on every magic trick, I kind of felt missing something. Or should I say, missing someone.

Missing Zeke is already my syndrome since it always feels like missing him is a part of my life. I feel so sick when he is not around. When I cannot hold it much longer, I took my phone and I started texting the man I love.

Hey Zeke! I'm coming there tomorrow!

I tap the send button then I stare back at the 48 inches flat screen tv inside my room. After ten minutes of watching, my fingers felt the urge of texting him so I started typing again in my phone.

Please don't leave okay? I want to see you.

I do not even know if he really reads my texts but I just keep on sending him messages no matter what. I want him to know that I am serious with my feelings for him and I will never give up. Even if he ignores me forever.

***

"Welcome Cassidy!" I was greeted by tito Theodore, tita Devina’s husband and Zeke's father. He is actually one of the kindest men I have ever met. A very good father and a loyal husband.

I usually talk to him when I visit and I do love having some chitchats with him but I do not think I can have some now since he's wearing his office attire.

"Hey titopapa! Leaving so soon?" He gave me his bright smile then he checks his wristwatch. "Yes Cass. I still have a business meeting."

Napatango na lang ako bilang pag-unawa. My father is also a businessman so I know how hell of a busy they are. My daddy-bear is always having a hard time fixing his schedule for work and for family.

"Okay. See ya' later."

"Bye peanut." He walks out of the door then he closes it gently.

Now I feel a little bored since I think there is no one in the house. Tita Devina said she will be going to her friend's and she had Chad with her which is good for me. I am not in the mood to talk to him right now nor ever. The only one I want to talk to with is Zeke.

Speaking of the angel, maybe he's also out now. Maybe he left really early since he knows I'm coming. So, does that mean he is checking my texts, right? Awh~ I'm relieved he does!

"What are you doing here?" My eyes widened after hearing a familiar baritone voice. I turn my head for confirmation and see Zeke walking down the stairs.

"Zeke! I thought you already left!" I happily exclaimed with my heart jumping in too much joy.

As usual, he gave me his poker face again as a response. The same cold pair of my eyes are looking at me again making my heart beat violently out of too much admiration.

Kapag kaharap ko sya, laging bagsak ang balikat nya and it is making me feel bad since lagi syang disappointed kapag ako ang kaharap nya.

"I'm leaving now." I immediately stand up from the sofa where I sit and plan to stop him from leaving since his outfits proves that he really will. Oh no! Not now!

"What? But why?"

"Because I want to. Do you have a problem with that?" His sarcasm tone is on again and makes me feel bad. Hindi ba puwedeng kahit ngayon lang?

"I-I... please don't. There are no people here."

"Then go back to your house." He started walking through the door and ignoring me but I quickly followed him then I grab his arm.

"Zeke please? Just this once don't leave me? Let’s wait for them to come before you go please?" I beg him while still clutching his arm.

I always thought he was friendly and nice because when we first me, he never acted like that. I clearly remember how sweet his smile was when we first met.

*flashback*

"Cassidy, don't go too far okay?"

I ask my mom to go outside and play because I was bored in my room. I felt sick of playing my dolls and I want someone to talk to.

"Okay mommy-bear!" I went to the playground in our subdivision which is not that far from the house.

I was on the way to pass a road when I saw a fast car moving towards me. I was shocked and dumbfounded, forgetting that I am still standing at the road. But before I even got hit, when someone pulled me.

"Hey!" I fell on the ground with the same person who saved me and felt the painful impact of the ground hitting my body. When I got recovered, I took a sit to see if anything in my body got injured.

"Are you okay?" I glance at the kid and was amused by his cute face. He is now standing in front of me wearing his angelic smile.

"Are you an angel?" I asked absent-mindedly. Even though I have never seen an angel personally, I have this feeling that he looks like one.

"No. I'm a kid." He plainly said before shrugging his shoulders. He looks like a rich kid based on his clothes but I do not mind a lot. All I could ever mind about it his face.

"What’s your name?" I ask him kindly and then he reached out his right hand.

"Zeke." He then replied before I reached for his hand for him to help me to stand.

"I'm Cass." I was still a kid back then and I have no idea about romantic feeling. I have no idea back then that I already got smitten by this guy. He took my heart without knowing it.

*end of flashback*

"Just stay first please?" I pleaded again but he just answered me with his sharp glare.

"And why the hell would I do that?" I was taken aback with the question and I try to think of any possible reason to make him stay but I just cannot think of any idea.

"Uhm, we'll play?" I bit my lip out of embarrassment while still looking at his cold eyes. I just sounded so damn silly and I want to hit my own head in the nearest wall.

"Do I look like a kid Cass?" He asked me in a pissed tone before removing his arm from my grasp and then crossed it together with his other arm. I am ruining my reputation to him.

"N-no--" I said while my voice is trembling in nervousness and confusion but before I even say anything, he already cut me off.

"I'm wasting my time." He turns around again to finally leave me but then again, I grabbed him by the arm.

"No please! I'll do anything! Please?" He glances at me again while his eyes are glaring deadly at me and his jaw tightened. "Please Zeke? I will do anything you want."

He paused for a while, maybe thinking of something to say to finally shut me off but I will still insist even if he tries to sue me.

“Anything?"

"Anything! I swear!" I will always do anything for him! Hindi pa ba ako nagmumukhang desperada?

"Leave the house." He plainly said before removing his hand from me again. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Leave the house? But how am I going to talk to him?

"Leave?! But why?!"

"I thought you said you'll do anything for me right?" I do not know what to say to him anymore. He is being so pushy.

"B-but---"

"Am I right?" I think I will not win this conversation. I will never win on him.

"Y-yes."

"Go away. If you want me to stay here, then leave the house."

I am not moving on my position. I really do not want to go. I want to stay with him for at least an hour maybe. I did not even move a muscle to show him that I can't do it.

"You really want to stay here?" I nodded to him slowly as a response. I looked at him with my eyes begging for him not to push things anymore. I am badly hurt and frustrated now.

"Then you leave me no choice." He then walks out of the door then he shut it really hard in front of me.

This is how it ends every time. I even have no idea why he hates me. I never did anything bad to him. All I want is at least a little of his attention.

***

"Cheer up Cassidy! Hindi lang si Zeke ang lalaki sa mundo! Ang dami pang ibang mas better sa kanya!" I told Trixy what happened on my weekend. Zeke did not come back so I just left the house and got home early.

"But he's the one I really want! No one could ever be like him!" I pointed out to her Zeke is not like any man in this world. I have no plans of looking for another man.

She showed me her unconvinced expression by raising her right eyebrow and twitching her lip.

"Kahit sinong lalaki ay kaya kang ipagtabuyan nang paulit-ulit Cass!"

I rolled my eyes at her for showing no sympathy. She does not need to put a salt in my wound. She is hurting me even more.

"All right look, he really doesn’t like you Cass. Is there any chance that you could at least move on to another guy?" she even gestured her hand to me like she is badly convincing me to do so.

Well, she is waiting for a miracle to happen. Does she think I could ever leave him? I cannot even sleep without kissing his picture in my wall!

"There will only be a chance for that if pigs could already fly." I sarcastically said but then again, she rolled her eyes. Is there any way you could ever forget your first love?

"If I'm Zeke, I'll feel really creepy on you. You act like a tiger chasing a deer!"

***