Backslash

"Well, you see, Raymond. We are not alike. Tim here wants to have sex. I, on the other hand, want love but still, I like sex, but love is better."

Lester explains to him.

"I see." Raymond nods.

"You know what? You shouldn't take seriously what’s Tim’s doing. He is a bonified ass, remember that. Right, Van?" Boston looks at him.

"Yeah, he's right. Tim is a bonified ass. Did you know he blackmailed me to tell dad my secrets if I don't borrow him my games?"

"You did that to him? I can't believe you. You are evil."

"In my defense, Van is sneaking out every night just to roam outside. It's a lesson for him. You didn't even bother to bring foods." Tim defended himself.

"For real? Dude, you have some balls." Lester seemed to be impressed.

"And what about you? That girl who is she again? Kate? Are you not turn on that she's hitting on you?"

"No, it bugs me. If you just heard our conversation, you guys would think that she's desperate."

"Boy, you obviously, don't know what the girl’s hearts want, eh? If what you're telling is true, then she must want some attention that she had never experience before." Lester elaborately explained.

"Trust me, she's not. She's just toying with me, like what she did to Brandon."

"Hey, Brandon is an asshole, everyone knows that. If he gets dumped, then he must have deserved it. What do you think Raymond?"

"Women's minds are far too complex for me to understand. 'Can't help with that."

"You know what, let’s forget this conversation. We're near to Jane's house. Now, I don't want any of you guys to have any weird conversation, alright?" Tim ceased the conversation.

As they enter the house or could be considered called a mansion, they were greeted by a stage full of people. Cups filled with alcohol being pass to another person. Some were busy in the corner making out, others well, grooving into the music. The gang began to disperse, leaving Van and Raymond.

"You ever been into a party before?" Raymond asks.

"Yes. A couple of times."

"I envy you."

"Why?"

"As you observe our previous conversation, I lack conversation skills, that's why I find it hard to communicate with other people. Unless if we are that close."

"I think you should immerse to other people, but remind yourself to think before you speak, because there are other people who might take you for granted."

"Thanks, Van. I'm glad you didn't turn out like your brother." After complimenting Van, Raymond began to emerge to the people and go to his sight.

He sighs and was about to grab a cup, Jane intervenes him.

"Hello there, beautiful young man." She chuckles.

He stares at her, observing. He could smell the foul stench of alcohol coming out from her mouth.

"Are you?"

"Don't worry about me. Why did you come late? I was expecting you to be so early."

"Let just say I have doubts because I just recently moved here and I don't want to cause any kind of commotion that will put me behind bars just because I put down a stupid person."

Jane nervously laughs.

"You're kidding, right?"

"No. I'm not talking about you, of course."

"Oh, okay. So, care to sip a drink?"

"That's the reason why I'm here."

Van took a beer and relentlessly drank it.

"You are a heavy drinker, wow."

"Was that surprised you?”

"Uhm, no-no."

"What about you?"

Little did he know, Jane only drink five glass of champagne and a few can beers.

"Beers, of course. Why would I drink light alcohol? That would be crazy." She exaggeratedly said.

"I didn't say anything about light."

She nervously laughs again.

"You know what? let's move on. What about you and Kate?"

"What about us?"

"The two of you seem, tight. Are you having sex or Nah?"

"No. We're not even in a relationship. If that’s what you’re trying to confirm."

"Are you by any chance hitting on her?"

"Quite the opposite. She's the first one who hits on me."

Jane's mouth widened like a fish as her eyes laid behind at the counter in which where Kate is hiding.

"That's- that is surprising."

Jane finally caught Kate's attention. She hesitated for a moment as she is not sure who she is talking to but when he turns his head around to drink another beer, she finally recognizes him.

"What do you think of her?" Kate question.

"She seems to be a good person, but pretty desperate for someone's attention."

"Ouch. Why makes you think like that?"

"When the first time I saw her, she seems a little bit lonely. She does not seem to know what to do with her life, which is something I can relate to. The moment she introduces herself and starts hitting on me, she doesn't seem real. Honestly, I can't put it into words why I do get this feeling but whenever she tries to mutter a word everything seems off. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Then why bother wasting your time to her? I mean if your intuition is right, then you should rather avoid and ignore her and find someone who is far more attractive than her, like me."

"Let just say that I can't just ignore her. People who seek attention are the ones who lose someone they care of and eventually if they couldn't somehow satiate their desires and able to confront whatever they're running from; it’s going to break them and tear them apart. That is the reason why I chose to get along with her until she's tired."

"If I were in your position, I would leave her instead to be played like a toy, but I don't think you would do it.

"Can't say I can. It seems that I have bad luck when it comes to girls."

"Am I one of them?" Jane stares at him.

"Did I say I like you?"

"Oh, ouch, did you just burn me? wow." She laughs out of amusement.

"Honestly speaking, I can't tell, hmm. Let me think, I don't think so, but I can't think any motives why you would go this far."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I think you did this on purpose just to set the two of us."

"How can you tell? Maybe I did this just to have fun with my friend, or maybe to know you."

"I guess it’s all of the above."

Jane turns her head looking at Kate as she could feel her gaze, stabbing her.

"Well, you are an interesting person Van. You seem to be a compassionate and thoughtful friend, especially to lonely girls. I'm not saying its Kate." Her voice loudens at her final statement. "She may look tough but she's a drama queen. So, please be patient with her." She whispers before she finally leaves. Van nods and finally notice Kate, stared blankly at him. He feels a little bit uneasy knowing that she might hear the entire conversation.