Kevin Anxietia

Corey entered the party and saw everybody dancing to the music. He noticed one person in particular, Kevin, a young black-haired man. He found him standing in the corner, not dancing like everyone else.

What a wallflower,

Corey thought.

He walked up to him and offered him a drink, an orange soda. Kevin took a sip and looked around to make sure his slurping wasn’t too loud.

“I’m Correy, What are you doing all alone over here?”

“Kevin, I don’t know anyone here, my work friend invited me.”

“Where’s your friend?”

“She’s over there, I don’t want to interrupt her while she’s talking to her friend.”

Corey pulled Kevin by the arm, but Kevin wouldn’t budge.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to talk to her?”

“Yeah, but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t!’ Kevin shouted and the music stopped. Everyone stared at him.

“Alright, I’ll talk to her for you.” Corey walks over to Kevin’s friend.

“No, don’t.” Kevin couldn’t move from his spot.

“You don’t know me, but your friend over there wants to talk to you,” Corey points to Kevin across the room.

“Oh, Kevin, he doesn’t talk much. But, okay,” Aresa said.

She followed Corey.

“Kevin!” she said in low voice. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“Come dance, it’s a party.”

“No, thanks.”

“You’re such a Debbie Downer, come dance, live a little.”

“No.”

“Fine, Debbie.”

Aresa walked back to her friend group.

“So, do you like to drink?” Corey asked Kevin.

“No, I’m twenty-four and don’t like to drink. I’ve never even had one.”

“That’s interesting, why not?”

“I guess I’m afraid I’ll get addicted.”

“What? how do you even know, if you’ve never had one?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it here.”

Kevin walked over to a chair in the corner of the room and sat in it.

How do I get him to talk to me?

Correy thought.

Corey cut a slice of the already cut chocolate cake and gave it to Kevin as a peace offering (a bribe). He also cut himself a slice.

“Here, I got you a slice of cake,” Corey said as he handed the cake plate to Kevin.

Kevin looked up. “Thanks, chocolate cake is my favorite. I haven’t had cake since my last birthday.”

“When’s your birthday?”

“February third.”

“Why do you want to know so much about me?”

“I don’t know, I just feel drawn to you.”

“What is so interesting about me that you feel the need to help me?”

“You just look like an interesting person. The way you’re dressed, your aloofness.”

“You one of those people, who feel the need to help everyone, huh?”

“No, I’m not.”

“You are. Well, I don’t need your help. Leave me alone.” Kevin walked away.

“Wait!” Corey shouted and everyone stared at him. “I’m not.” Corey followed Kevin to the refreshments table.

“What is wrong with you? Go away. I just want to get through this party for my friend,” Kevin impulsively said.

“But I — ” Corey replied.

“You know, maybe I will leave. Sorry, Aresa, I’m leaving, I’ll see you at work.”

Kevin stormed out as everyone watched him.