Shell Of A Man

4 - Labor Day

PAST:

Once the classes commenced, Ray and Jason saw very little of each other. Just passing by each other in the hallways every now and then. Though Ray never failed to wink and pass a smile whenever that happened.

Jason had had walls around him for so long that he got terrified even when just a single brick moved, let alone all of them falling down. It wasn't his fault, though. Anyone who would have gone through what he did might react the same way.

You see, Jason never really came out to anyone in his life before. The one time he did, things ended up horribly. He let someone come close to him, only to get his heartbroken. After that, he mostly kept to himself, scared of what he might say if someone got close. Ray's coming onto him reminded him of all that – the chapters that Jason long closed and wanted to forget about. It made him uncomfortable, like he wasn't in control of what was happening in his life, and that's why he avoided Ray like the plague.

Jessica invited Jason to hang out with her and the group time and again, but he always declined. He didn't want other people prying in his life, and also, to avoid Ray. Now it was Labor Day Weekend, and she wasn't going to take no for an answer. Defeated, Jason agreed to attend the party.

The venue for the party was Mason Glass's loft. He was Cody and Ray's batchmate and an acquaintance. Being the son of a federal judge, he was all about the money. His loft was huge and was filled with shitloads of food and alcohol. What else do college students need?

Jason didn't want to attend the party at first, but he eventually came to the conclusion that if he wanted to change and turn his life around, now was the time. So, he got up, got dressed, and left for the party.

When Jason got to the party, it was already in full blast mode. Familiar faces were drinking and dancing all around. In no time, he spotted Ray. It was kinda hard not to, seeing as he was the life of the party. There he was, in the middle of a crowd, dancing with Emma, very provocatively. Raven and Harley were whistling and cheering them on along with the others. In short, everyone was having fun except him.

Not knowing what to do, Jason went to the kitchen area and grabbed a beer. That's when Jessica found him. "Where the fuck have you been? I have been waiting for you for so long," she said.

"I am here now, ain't I?" said Jason.

"Come on, let me introduce you to everyone."

"Oh, God no! Please..." Jason pleaded.

"You said that you wanted to be more social. Here's the chance. Come on, don't be afraid. Everyone's nice here."

"Don't talk to me like I am a child," said Jason.

"But you are, aren't you? A big baby, scared of talking to people," Jessica teased.

"Jessica, enough."

"Okay, okay. I'll stop. But I am serious about you introducing yourself to everyone. Come on."

Jessica took Jason all around the place and introduced him to almost everyone. She was quite the social bee. Once done, they both went into the balcony. The balcony was quite spacious and cozy. With all the couches, bean bags, and a recliner, it was a nice place to hang out.

Cody was already comfortable on a bean bag, drinking beer, and having a conversation with a few other people that were there. Jessica settled down on his lap, and Jason found a corner to silently sit in. In no time, she was invested in the conversation, and Jason was left alone to peacefully brood in the corner.