Twenty-first Vow: Ache II

The flashback starts.

The young lad in love had his hopes up for Catherine however, he was fully aware of the competition. Victor had it all. One advantage that he thought was that Catherine did not like Victor romantically, at least from what he heard.

His friends continued to hype him up. He was just like any other guy who had eyes for dear Catherine. He tried to swoon her and Victor did not really show his disgust in front of Catherine but was really hostile among other guys.

"Cath!" He called Catherine's attention. "What's up Chad?" She replied.

"I was wondering maybe you have time later this weekend. I'd like to take you out on a date. It would be really cool, if you'd agree. But, but, it's fine if you say no. I'm cool with that too. Just don't tell Victor you're going with me. I bet he'll get angry…"

He continued. "You guys aren't anything right?"

Catherine eyes lit up. She finally got to out on a real date. Not the one with her best friend. She knew from the very beginning that she should not assume that he would like her that way. He is way out of her league.

"Well yeah, me and Vic are just friend and I would lo-" Before she could continue her sentence, Victor joined in. "What are you guys talking about?" His eyes sending out a signal that he means business. "Oh! Nothing Vic, just some homework."

Victor felt disappointed with Catherine. He a good meter or two behind them, eavesdropping. The teens were just about done with their Physical Education class and Catherine and Chad were at the water dispenser.

Chad blushed a little that Catherine didn't tell Victor the truth. He felt like this was a chance for him. Victor gritted his teeth but kept a straight face. He sighed then smiled at Catherine. "I see… We'll be going now."

"Bye Chad…" Catherine waved him goodbye. That was the last time Catherine ever saw him. Young Catherine always wanted to know what happened to him. At first, she felt reluctant because she does not want to get Victor angry.

She knows that he has no right to do so, but what if Chad ends up like one of the many others? The type of people who is out there just to hurt or make fun of her. She knows for some reason that Chad is not one of them. She was just hesitant.

She did not want to fight with Victor over some passing guy. Victor drilled it into her mind that he should be the one that she should trust the most. Catherine did not object with that notion, because it was entirely true.

Somehow, Victor is always right.

She sighed in defeat. She just wanted to go out with other guys. Get to taste the lovely romance high school things but alas, Victor was so overprotective of her. It was a good thing that he was – it made her feel special in some kind of way. Her conclusion and Victor's clashed.

She thought that they would never really progress into something much more whereas he thought that if he was more careful and protective, she will love him romantically eventually. Chad paid the cost of liking Catherine – which was never getting to see her again.