27 April 2012
~ Ok, I've filed this under story, but it's more of a non-fiction recount; a sort of memory reconstruction. I hope you all like it! ~
I remember the first time we met; you were across the room from me, one of twenty new faces I would come to know so well. You stood out from the start, with your tall, lithe frame; mass of tumbled hair; green, tight jeans (before they were the attire of most teenage boys, I should mention) and niche band teeshirt.
The university, despite the fact we were all postgrads, felt the need to force us into awkward 'ice-breaker' activities where we had to give some banal, dry description of ourselves. I admitted to being a complete geek; I find it's better to disclose my general social-awkwardness in the beginning, then everyone has suitably low expectations of me. The introductions continued around the group, they all liked this and that, horse riding and dancing, baking and taking care of their kids. But you caught my attention; you were learning to play guitar, you had a random summer job, you smiled and avoided eye contact as you talked and finished with an awkward chuckle.
I can't pinpoint the exact day we really got to talking; the first week was a blur of new names and faces, stilted yet excited conversations, everyone full of hope and enthusiasm. But my overall feeling was that I liked you in particular. Your different take on life, your friendly and cheerful disposition, the way you were willing to speak, answer, debate and take the lead when no one else would. I didn't know I would come to love you in such a whole-souled and uncompromising way.
Reflections - Part One • Opuss № I