Page 71 of Everything That Kills Me
“Take us somewhere.”
They set off down Free School Lane.
“Have lectures finished now?” Jack asked.
“Lectures have. But I have two supervisions left. Once the exams are over, it’s generally time for everyone to celebrate. May Balls, BBQs, parties, doing stupid things and getting told off… Though the porters try to stop people jumping in the Cam.”
“May Balls? They don’t happen in May then?”
“No, June.”
“Are you going?”
“No.”
“Did you go last year?”
“No. Downing didn’t have one last year.”
“But you could have gone to another college’s ball?”
“Yes, but…”
“But what?”
“The tickets are expensive and I didn’t have anyone to go with. My friends were all paired off. I felt awkward so…”
“Which is supposed to be the best ball?”
“I think Trinity or St John’s, though they’re all good from what I’ve heard.”
“I’ll get us tickets.”
Zeph chuckled. “You won’t be able to. They go on sale in February and some sell out within hours.” He nodded at the pub they were approaching. “We can get lunch here.”
Jack stopped to read the blue plaque. “This is where scientists announced they’d discovered the structure of DNA?”
“Yes, and in the RAF bar at the back, World War Two airmen graffitied the ceiling with their names and squadron numbers in the hope they wouldn’t be forgotten. History everywhere you look in this city.”
History, but no free tables, so they carried on walking. The Bath House was the next place and it was less crowded.
“I’m disappointed there aren’t any baths,” Jack said.
Zeph laughed. “It’s a seventeenth century building but a lot of the features have been lost with various renovations. It was the Bath Hotel, once upon a time.”
They found a place to sit and picked up the menus. Jack wasn’t hungry but he’d choose something to keep Zeph company.
“I wish…” Jack began.
“What?” Zeph pressed his knee against Jack’s.
“I wish I’d been able to come here with you.”
Zeph smiled. “Well, you’re here now.”
They chatted about music as they waited for their food to arrive.
“Are you still writing songs?” Jack asked.
