The Party

When Laurie got back to her room, she changed her outfit to something suitable for a party. She had already chosen a white dress with lace trim, that buttoned up along the front. It was quite long, reaching to her knees, and she had decided to pair it with black tights. She didn't want to look too provocative, going out without Alex.

But when she slipped out of the clothes she had been wearing that day, she remembered she was wearing a mismatched bra and panties, both old and ugly. She paused and looked at herself in the mirror, then took out a green satin set from the back of her draw. She pulled these on, and admired herself. The dark colour stood out against her pale skin, and their shape suited her soft curves well. Alex had loved seeing her in them. 'It's just for me' Laurie mused, 'for my confidence'. Then she dressed in the white dress and tights, and did her makeup in the mirror.

Laurie went first to the flat of one of the girls on her course - they weren't close, but all the women had been invited. Laurie felt quite awkward - how had she spent these years with people, and still not known them well? - and drank faster to compensate. By the time she took the taxi to the party, she was buzzed, and chatting happily with everyone who came near.

The Chemistry End of Course Party was held a small nightclub booked out for the purpose. It was dark and busy inside, with drunk students groping each other and dancing together. The music was loud and cheesy, but not so deafening that you couldn't have a conversation. Laurie was quickly separated from the girls she had arrived with, and wandered aimlessly, smiling and exchanging hellos with familiar faces. Then, as she got near the bar, she felt a hand on the small of her back, and heard a voice in her ear

"I was wondering when you'd get here"

"Dan!"

Laurie turned and threw her arms around her friend.

"I can't believe this is our last night out as students" Laurie yelled

Dan pulled her close to him and squeezed. "Me neither. So let's make the most of it." He turned to the barman: "Two tequila and lime, please."

For the next few hours, Laurie and Dan drank, danced and laughed together. It was a raucous night, and Laurie was in very high spirits, embracing everyone she spoke to, even total strangers. Dan was as sweet and gregarious as ever, making Laurie double over with laughter. She felt a real warmth towards Dan growing inside her, and a genuine sadness that their time together was coming to an end. He was was affectionate with everyone, planting kisses on the cheeks of half the class and a few of the lecturers. She gave up counting the shots she had been bought. It was nearly midnight when, as they stood with a group of other students drunkenly reminiscing with a few of the professors, Dan leaned over to Laurie, and whispered to her

"There's something I want to show you"

As he spoke, Laurie felt him slip his hand around her waist.