Short Stories by Avenger

The lesson | Every Kind of Way

18 years later...

James: Please? I'm the only loser in my group who has never dated a girl. Song rolled his eyes and ordered a drink at the bar.

Song: James, do you understand who our mothers are? Just that simple fact should be having girls line up to be with you. He took a sip of his drink. You lack auntie Sam's talent. She had women at her feet with just one look, but auntie Mon's death stare is enough to scare even a serial killer. He chuckled and James lowered his head.

James: I know. I'm a loser. Mom says that eventually I will have girls piling up, but that I should treat them with respect, and I do! They friendzone me all the time. Song shook his head.

Song: Look, momma Fa always told me that as well and I tried it the first couple of times, but girls these days need a man. Someone who seems very sure of himself and who's assertive. You look like a twig who can't even kill a fly. Song ordered another drink and offered it to James.

James: No thanks. I don't like alcohol. Song scoffed.

Song:  You don't have to like it, but it will make you look cooler. Or do you want me to order a fruit punch for you? James's eyes lit up, but then he realized Song was being sarcastic. He grabbed the glass reluctantly and took a sip.

James: Oh god it burns! Why do people drink this?! Song chuckled and patted his back.

Song:  Come on. Let's get a table. James followed him like a puppy like he always did. He saw Song as his mentor in these things. They sat down and Song spotted a couple of girls two tables away laughing. You see those two girls over there? James looked in the direction where Song was pointing at.

James:  You can't even see their faces, dude. They seem older than me and you. Song sighed.

Song: It doesn't matter. You're not marrying them. I just want you to practice. Have you ever flirted with a girl? James shook his head. It's easy if you are smooth about it. Don't do any cheesy pickup lines. Just approach their table and offer them a drink. James really wished he had his notepad right now.

James:  What if they refuse the drink? Song knew this wouldn't be an easy task.

Song:  The drink is just an excuse to talk to them. If they say no, it's fine. Tell them "Hey, I think I've seen you before. Are you from around here?" and that's it. A simple conversation starter. James waited for more.

James:  What happens next? Song groaned.

Song:  Cousin, I can't let you know everything because I don't know how that conversation will go. Now go try it out. If it doesn't work, just come back here. 

With his legs trembling like homemade Jello, James approached the ladies' table.

James:  H-hi, would you like something to drink? I'm buying. The lady next to James faced the wall. The other one looked behind him and her eyes went wide.

Lady:  Umm I don't think you should do this, kid. James took a deep breath in and spoke in a firm voice.

James:  I'm not a kid, I'm a man! I can show you if you'd like. A terrifying voice came from behind him.

Sam:  James Matthew Anuntrakul. He dropped the glass that he was holding and turned around.

James:  Mom... Sam had her arms crossed and looked very upset.

Sam:  Can you explain to me why you are speaking to these women that way? Mon and I did not educate you like this. James looked for a way out and searched for Song who was not sitting at their table.