13 Seventh Vow: First Date

Catherine immersed herself in studying. The test is sure to be difficult, even for honor students like her have hardships. She reviewed her notes and list down some new ones. The sticky notes placed on the book's fragile pages helped her. She took a sip of her hot chocolate and noticed her phone has been ringing.

She put her phone on vibrate so that she can't be disturbed by unnecessary things like notification from social media. "Hello Rosie, sorry if it's a bit late." Victor's deep voice seemed more sensual over the phone. The huskiness made the hair of her arms stand up. "Oh, I don't mind Victor. I'm still awake. We have a test tomorrow so, I got to study." She giggled. Even the 21-year-old Victor is still as polite as he was 10 years ago.

"Oh, I won't bother you for too long, you need to study A student." She chuckled. "Okay, okay. Victor but seriously, you could've let me know that you'll be coming back. I would've picked you up." Catherine sighed and looked over the window. 'Now, I just feel bad. My best friend came back and I didn't greet him first.'

"Nah, I took a night flight. Also, what's your deal with Kingsley anyway Rosie? Just because I left doesn't mean you could find someone to replace me. I'm hurt." Catherine laughed. "Replace you? Never. You're my best friend. No one can replace you. Grey and I are kind of seeing each other. So yeah, that's it." She stood up and lay down on her soft bed. She held Mr. Snow, her Akita dog stuff toy.

Catherine looked at her phone to check whether Victor is still on the line. She noticed visible silence coming from him. His sudden silence is something she just couldn't get herself used to. Even after knowing him for more than a decade. "Uhm, Victor? Are you okay?" She asked.

"Yes Rosie, I'm fine. It's just that I find it perplexing that you and Kingsley are seeing each other." Catherine sighed. 'You couldn't be anymore right Victor.'

"It's isn't that long, just a couple of days. Hm, five days, give or take. I think the term 'seeing' each other is a little misunderstanding. I think Grey is just intrigued by me. I really don't know Vic."

"So, you aren't really nothing serious?"

"Yeah, I kind of think so. I just really don't understand what exactly Grey wants from me. I'm still so confused." Catherine yawned. "Go to sleep now Rosie, you're tired. We'll talk tomorrow, okay? Love you."

"Bye Victor, love you too." It felt a little weird for Catherine when actually said it. But what is done is done. She can't take it back even if she wanted to.

She looked at his contact number. She placed him on her favorites along with her friend Grace and family members. How much could someone change in two years? She just couldn't put her finger on it. It's kind of weird how he changed so much. Victor has always been protective of her, but seeing how he equally matched Grey's hostility made her ponder.

They fought over trivial little things like which person gets the last pizza slice or what song gets played on the speaker. In the past, Victor's favorite pastime is to go to Catherine's house to hangout. Sometimes he would even bring gifts. For instance, fruits, tea and delectable treats. Catherine's mother, Alicia, gratefully took in all he has given them but she always told him that he doesn't need to bring them, it's fine.

Victor paid no mind to what Alicia said. He always said that is a sign of hospitality. This is one of the reasons why Alicia likes Victor. At first, it felt a little nerving having a boy over, with the fact she has a daughter but every time he visits, he is polite and knows his boundaries – which is very remarkable for a boy his age. Alicia eventually got used to him and even treated him like her own son. There was even a time when he went to their house a day before Christmas.

She welcomed him with open arms and they celebrated together. Of course, she would still feel wary when Catherine spends the night over his place because of a school project but Victor always assured her that she is fine. That there is absolutely no need to worry. Victor gained Alicia's trust and the same goes for Victor. She knew how attached Victor is to her but since she wasn't hearing any problem from Catherine. She is fine with everything.

Catherine wracked her brain with moments where Victor acted viciously with other men. After a few minutes of reminiscing, there was none. Sure, there was occasional glares and wicked smiles but never the life-scaring gaze. "I guess Victor is just surprised seeing me hangout with another guy friend." She has other guy friends but Victor kept them under his radar. He made sure none of them would make any outrageous attempts in making her fall in love with one of them.

"No need to overthink this, Victor just got a little shaken up, no big deal." She looked above her bedroom ceiling. "Yeah, no problem at all... Argh, let's just go to sleep."

Morning came soon and her alarm set off loudly. She turned it off and stretched. "Okay Cat, let's wash up then prepare breakfast." After washing up, she proceeded to do her morning routine. Making breakfast, feeding Peanut and watering the plants. One hour later, Grace, while still in her underwear and oversized t shirt sat on the kitchen stool. "What's for breakfast Cathy?"

"Waffles and chocolate chip pancakes. Do you want tea or coffee today?"

"Coffee, definitely coffee today. Dad asked me to go back home, it's Grandmama's birthday. Gotta catch the first bus." Catherine took a seat in front of her and ate her share of the waffles. "Tell her happy birthday for me." Grace nodded and the duo got out. Both bid farewell and got on their separate ways.

Classes went out for her. "That's strange, I haven't seen Grey yet." Catherine shrugged the thought off and said to herself that it is a good sign. She hates unwanted attention. "I should call Victor maybe we can meet up." She headed towards the exit. To her surprise, Victor is there.