It's the last day of our masters degree, and the class is celebrating in a pub near Sydney Central Station. Everyone's letting down their hair after a tough couple of years balancing part time study with work and life. We're gathered around a high table in the middle of the room. Lots of drinks have been drunk, and more are on the way.
I perk up when you arrive. I thought you weren't going to make it but your sudden presence buoys my mood - along with all of the champagne.
Tall and slim, you're so striking tonight. Red hair tumbling over your shoulders for a change. In class you wear it tied back. And instead of the short skirt that shows off your willowy legs, the skirt you're wearing tonight is long and flowing, pleated and voluminous. The contrast is stark and it's like I'm noticing you for the first time.
It's strange how we haven't really talked outside of class. You always hurry off home as if you're late and in trouble, but tonight you have an unrushed air about you: free. I guess you have a leave pass from your partner.
The conversation flows around the table. People move around to chat with different people and when we get to talk, I suddenly feel no desire to move on. I'm flirting as we sit face to face on our stools, and you seem to be too. I make you laugh a lot with stories from the last two years, our knees occasionally bumping as we talk. The other members of the class start drifting away one by one, and we become more and more focused on each another. I barely notice when the last of the group leaves, except for the feeling of relief that I'm alone with you at last.
I'm marvelling at your dress. The amount of fabric is astounding and it seems to be somehow increasing as the night wears on. The thing is now like a tent. "I could get under this thing and no-one would know I'm there," I tell you, as I grab some of the fabric and lift it. "Maybe you should", you reply, smiling. Instead I pull the fabric so it covers my legs, and shuffle my stool a little closer, our knees now interlocking and covered from view.