The girl who should never have been a student

Welcome party and new faces

Every other floor in the building had a balcony, the view was amazing. You could see past the o2 arena to the buildings in central London. Lauren was doing the usual, having a little photo shoot with the scenery in the background, mum was having a smoke while scrolling through Facebook...Me on the other hand, I was counting down the minutes until the welcoming party. One of the building reps had come to the door whilst we was unpacking and informed us of a welcome to scape party happening tonight. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Music, alcohol and time away from family. I love my family, I would die for them but I just can’t be me around them, they aren’t like me. I think my mum was when she was my age but she’s a mum now, always saying how she wants different and better for us. 

The party kicks off at 7pm, I’ve never been one to get dressed up or take long getting. Ready. A pair of skinny jeans, nice top with a touch of makeup and that’s me. It’s not that I’m perfect and don’t need it, I’ve just never bothered trying to learn, I can apply a bit of foundation and eyeshadow but that’s as extravagant as it gets. My mum and sister decided they was staying the night so I’ve left them too it in my room and off to get a drink.

I never wanted to be the first person to turn up, rather everyone already be mingling and just slide into the background. Thankfully it was packed, they had organised a Dj in the social area and the drinks seemed to be flowing. 

“Hey Simone, over here.” I heard a female voice call, seeing as there were only 2 people I had actually introduced myself properly two I guessed it must be Georgie. She was stood with a group by the pool table, a even ratio of male and female. “Guy’s this is Simone, Simone this is Carl, Dan, jay, Sophie, Bethany and Annie.” - Well I’m most likely going to forget all those names in half hour. I am no good with name! My attention span and memory is as good as dory. - I stood as they all chatted for a while, trying to make conversation ( never been one for small talk ) not that I could join in much. They are all film students, talking about camera and equipment...ask me about Tom hardy or a good comedy and I might be able to join in but I couldn’t tell you the difference between a iPhone camera and one of these expensive canon cameras.

I see the perfect opportunity to slip away without being rude, my glass was empty. I told them all I was going to get another drink and I’ll be back...we all know that’s not true. As I stood at the counter waiting to be served I looked around at everyone mingling....already I feel out of place, if it wasn’t for my sister and mum being in my room I’d probably get this drink and head on up. “What can I get you babe?” The bar man said bringing me back from my daydream “vodka, lemonade and line please, make it a double.” I smiled “not your scene?” He chuckles as he pours my drink. “Is it that obvious” blushing with embarrassment. “Don’t worry, I’m sure everyone feels as awkward as you tonight” he replied handing me my drink. I nodded and smiled before walking off, though it doesn’t seem to look that way by everyone socialising in the room.

I decided to get some air, taking a seat on one of the few empty benches outside. Why am I so bad at this? Am I really this awkward. I must be seeing as o seem to be the only person not to have clicked with a group of people. I sat thinking away to myself, regretting my choice in going to university, to move away from home. I was never going to fit in. 

“Hey, don’t suppose you have a lighter?” I looked up to see a rather intoxicated guy swaying in front of me. “No sorry, I don’t.” I had tried smoking before a few years ago, but I was caught my my mum....for a woman who smokes herself let me tell you BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!!!! I was grounded for a year and she would bring it up all the time. I guess that takes me back to the whole wanting better for us than she did for herself scenario. Needless to say it worked, I’ve not thought about it since.

“No worries, I’ve got one anyway. Just thought it would be a reason to talk to you” he winked “fair play” I laughed as he stumbled to sit across from me. Clearly someone started drinking before the party started, there is no way he could be this drunk in just over an hour! “Conor’s the name, what do they call you?” He said reaching out his hand “Nice to meet you Conor, I’m Simone.” I replied as I reached in to shake his hand. A silence fell between us as he puffed away on his cigarette “Well you’ve clearly not drunk enough, your far to quiet” he said stubbing the cigarette out in the ashtray “ Come on” he said as he got up from the bench. “Where?” I said trying not to laugh as he almost tripped over he own feet “ some of us are playing beer pong on the first floor, your clearly not enjoying it down here.” 

Beer pong....Now that’s what I’m talking about!