TRUTH OR DARE
Chapter 2: freshers’ party
Stepping onto the campus grounds, I marvelled at the beautiful buildings, relished the refreshing breeze and hastened my pace, filled with anticipation and uncertainty about university classes, having only heard tales.
Despite seeking directions from numerous individuals and getting lost several times, I eventually found my way to the lecture room at the distance learning institute (DLI). However, the reality before me was starkly different from my expectations. The room was overcrowded, with some students standing and others loitering about, engaged in conversations unrelated to the lecture. The lecturer, a middle-aged woman barely visible amidst the chaos, seemed unperturbed by the lack of focus from half of the class.
"I need the attendance for this class" The lecturer said and one of my coursemates stood and reassured her that she would bring the attendance to her office.
As the lecture concluded, the lecturer headed towards the nearest exit, and other students followed suit while some were struggling to write their names in the attendance sheet. Thankfully, I got the opportunity to write my name when I came earlier. However, the intense pain from standing for nearly two hours without gaining anything compelled me to take a seat on the nearest empty chair. I sighed, pondering how I'd have to adapt to this new lifestyle, yet some students had already adjusted in record time. Some were chatting like lifelong friends, and others were practically eating each other's faces, publicly kissing. This is supposed to be our first lecture at this university, and they're already in relationships? What exactly am I missing here?
Suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Chrystal is my name, and I can see that you're just as frustrated as everyone else. What the hell was that, a lecture?" She exclaimed dramatically as she settled down beside me. I was taken aback by how freely she expressed herself to a stranger. Unsure of how to respond, I simply nodded in agreement, saying my name in a whisper. "Roseline"
"Were you able to learn anything, Roseline?" she asked, but I shook my head.
"Worse, I have pain in my leg," I found myself admitting, exhaling deeply.
"Oh! Sorry to hear that, but I know something that will ease your pain," she said with a smile. I encouraged her to share, expecting a remedy or medication. However, her response caught me off guard. "There's a freshers' party coming up this weekend, and I've heard rumors that UNILAG parties are lit-typical pain reliever," she said cheerfully, pulling out a flyer from her jean pocket.
I shook my head, "I heard UNILAG exams are notoriously complex, and passing requires extra effort, and these are not just rumors," I remarked after skimming through the flyer, and she nodded in agreement.
"There's a tutorial we can attend, and I know someone who has taken notes on today's lecture. But you will have to come with me to the party," she added.
I contemplated her proposal and ultimately agreed. As someone not particularly outgoing, I realized it would be challenging for me to meet someone for notes or tutoring on my own. With her assistance, it would undoubtedly be easier. Besides, attending the freshers' party wouldn't seem like a bad idea.
***
The rest of the week felt like a living nightmare: I was constantly late to class, barely managed to take notes, and found myself self-medicating to cope with the occasional hours of standing during lectures, however my friendship with Chrystal saved me most times, as she would reserve a seat and would lend notes, other times she wouldn't be allowed to keep space for me.
I tried to push the stressful week out of my mind and relax in this party. I wasn't sure what I expected liquor to taste like, but it definitely wasn't the bittersweet flavor that assaulted my taste buds. I set the drink down and adjusted the short button-down jean dress Chrystal had lent me, grateful for something presentable to wear to this freshers' party since I didn't have any suitable outfits of my own. Mentally, I made a note of the new shopping I needed to finish before the month ended, glancing around as I did. I wasn't even surprised anymore, seeing couples everywhere, comfortably kissing and touching. I guess university rules actually encourage public displays of affection, unlike the strict boundaries in secondary school.
"Roseline, there's another location. I just got the update, so we need to leave this lame-ass party," Chrystal announced as she approached from where other drunken freshmen were gathered and took a seat beside me.
"What do you mean by this party being lame?" I inquired, puzzled by her assessment. Despite my confusion, I couldn't deny that the party seemed anything but dull. The DJ was spinning the latest hip-hop tracks, the liquor had some people feeling queasy while others danced with abandon, creating an atmosphere of excitement. So, how can this party be lame?
My inner voice reminded me that I hadn't budged from my seat since we arrived. Well, in my defense this is my first party ever...
Interrupting my thoughts, Chrystal insisted. "Come on," dragging me out and ordering a ride.
"Chrystal, I think I need to go back to my hostel, and you too, because it's almost midnight," I protested.
"Do you think after the hell we went through this week, we don't deserve a good party to relax? Starting next week, we'll begin tutorials, and there will be no time for us again," she countered.
At this point, I began to second-guess her definition of relaxation. Before I could voice my concerns, a few other freshers started arguing, and, with a little too much alcohol in his system, one of the boys ended up puking on the other. It was disgusting to watch, so I quickly looked away, turning my attention back to Chrystal, who was pleading for me to join her at another party. She gave me puppy-dog eyes, and I found myself reluctantly agreeing. She jumped for joy like a kid allowed to grab her favorite candy, and I couldn't help but wonder what I'd just gotten myself into.
A few minutes later, the Uber arrived, and we were on our way to a destination unknown to me. However, the music in the car was enchanting, and I found myself joining Chrystal in singing and dancing, albeit in my own awkward way. Maybe it was the little alcohol I had consumed, but I doubted it. I hardly took a sip of any of the drinks at that fresher's party.