above: me and amy at her boyfriend’s birthday party, which she was kind enough to invite me to.
i had a choice between that or a party that a friend of the best friend of a friend of mine was hosting to take up my saturday night. i chose amy’s because, well, it just sounded a tad more interesting.
the sister graciously picked up some rum for me and i towed the mickey to a lovely little house in kensington market where the party was being held. it had been raining so i was walking under the protection of a small umbrella, but i could still feel drops splatter across my leg. i always hate that feeling – that and wet shoelaces whipping against bare skin.
i got to the address and found some people sitting on the front porch. i asked them if amy was around and one of them said ‘you must be obed,’ and i kind of just stood there for a bit wondering when and why my name had popped up in a previous conversation.
i told them that yes, that was me, and they directed me along the side of the house to the stairway leading to a basement apartment. the basement was already pretty full – everyone had been taking shelter from the rain – and as soon as i entered i found amy. well, i found her friends and introduced myself first – she happened to be in the bathroom when i arrived.
i looked around at all of the unfamiliar faces and i got that weird, bubbly feeling i get when i know the night is bound to be filled with fresh introductions and the excitement of mingling with the unknown.
it wasn’t long before there was a drink in my hand (and soon somewhere along my alimentary canal) and soon i was learning new names and registering new faces. there were a lot of croatians and a couple of australians in the room and i was glad to be immersed in conversation layered in thick accents. i’ve always loved accents.
everyone was really friendly and open – i remember instantly clicking with one girl yolana (yolanna?) who’d arrived in canada only nine days prior and she told me she liked me because i reminded her of a friend.
i was probably the youngest person there but i’ve never been one to be phased by an age gap. in fact, i usually gravitate towards older company. i guess as you grow up you become more sure of yourself and i like people who can just be comfortable with themselves and who know how to have a good time.
the rain stopped and we all moved to the backyard. candle’s provided ambience and light and soon the cake was brought out and devoured. everyone loves a good ms. fields cookie cake – they’re probably the most delicious things ever.
the conversation was easy flowing and the people were interesting and i was under the influence of various substances so i was feeling pretty content.
a couple of people even managed to catch my eye, but i wasn’t really out to pursue anything. it wasn’t the night for a hunt.
i took a couple of walks by myself because i love kensington market and i just kind of tried to soak up the night.
eventually people were passing out or just mellowing out and i took the dwindling spirits as my cue to leave.
i left the party a happy man.
i even remembered to grab my umbrella on my way out.