I was busy preparing for the brunch. I had invited Daffine, I wanted her to like everything she ate. And I'd introduce her to my mom. I'm sure she'd like her. When all the tables were set and the food prepared, I was still waiting for her. Something inside me told me she wouldn't come again. But I waited. My grandfather got a little restless and asked us to commence the brunch. We all ate, my family and my friends, but Daffine never came. Not even a text, not a call. 

Angela could see that I was upset and she tried comforting me. Angela was the neighbour's daughter. I have known her since forever. We grew up together, she has dark brown hair and brown eyes. She is quite easy to read. Everyone knows she has a crush on me, but I pretend to not notice. 

"I just...don't like her like that" I told Glen after Angela left with her mom.
"Do you even like anyone like that?" Glen asked me with a wine glass in his hand. Do I? Daffine was the first person who came to my mind. Come on, Daffine? She just makes me gentle but she does not make me feel sexual. But are we romantic though? I think we definitely have chemistry.
"Who cares? We're young and we can have as much fun as we want to right now. I don't want to be tied down," George interrupted us. 

Glen looked at me, "Is that what you think too, Maximus?"

"Oh," I did not realise when  my mind pulled out of the conversation, "What? No, I don't like anyone particularly," Do I like Daffine? I've never wanted to sleep with her. I like her company but I don't like her sexually. 

"What about Daffine?" Glen caught me off guard. I tried playing it cool, 
"No, I don't like her at all,"
"What? No, I'm asking did you not invite her? I thought you guys were friends,"
"I did invite her. I didn't think she'd come though," 
"Well, you were right," Glen said as he finished his glass of wine, "What do you think of Daffine?"

"She's not very social. Her circle is quite small,"
"Maybe that's why you intimidate her. You are always around people. Look at this brunch, so many people. Maybe that's why she didn't show up,"
"That could be a reason,"

"Well, her loss. You're great to be around. Just not a great partner, I admit,"
"You are quite opinionated on my credentials considering you and I have never dated,"
"Every woman you have ever dated has ended up either hating you or becoming obsessed with their hatred towards you. I wouldn't want Daffine to end up in the list of your crazy exes. But since you always like terrible women with pretty faces, I guess she's the same. I know you like her. And you'd like to be more than friends,"

"Daffine is not a terrible woman with a pretty face. She's beautiful even on the inside,"
"That's how they always are before you date them,"
"I can see through her. She really has nothing to hide. Unlike me. She is so clean, she makes me feel dirty,"

"You can feel dirty all you want. She probably likes that roommate of hers,"
"Casper?"
"Casper Jansen is infamous for unfaithful relationships. I have heard he is in a fraternity and they do some crazy stuff in there,"
"Like what?"
"Orgys, threesomes, just stuff you should stay away from, Maximus,"

"If I wanted to be in a fraternity, I'd tell you. I'm not interested. People there treat other people like a piece of meat, served on a silver platter,"
"How is that different from how you go your way?" Glen kept his glass aside and walked away, "I don't treat people like meat,"
"Really? What is sex to you?" Glen asked me as he poured some water for himself. 
"Well..." I had no answer that would shut him up. 

"You better be cautious of Casper. Good luck, brother," Glen patted my shoulder and went inside. 

-To be continued