Crappy 'College Party' circa 2013 Pt 2

I mean, how hard could it be to make friends, really? It's a college party, everyone here is trying to make friends.

I scan the room; tight knit groups are scattered across the large lounge, huddled in circles or gathered around game tables. I skim across a large TV where students were playing Smash Bros Brawl.

There were already 4 players, but I didn't have any other options to squeeze myself into an existing group. I sauntered over and watched the game from a distance. The game ended, all 4 played again. And again. And again. Finally one left, and they all hopped up to leave.

Not the best circumstances, but now is my chance! I swept in and sat down, picked up a controller, and picked my main; Pikachu. Now to wait for another player. 

And wait I did. For several minutes. No one walked by or came near.

Maybe it's the Pikachu - maybe people are worried I'll spam Down + B. I switched to Ganondorf; A much harder to play character, that I especially was not good with, but he's not easily spammable with his balls-slow speed.

Several minutes go by, and still no one joins. A little dejected, I leave, but stay close by.

Like clockwork, the spots were quickly taken up after I walk away. I tried to squeeze in as the slots were getting filled up, but getting through the crowd slowed me down. Again I stood in the sidelines watching them play - one of whom even chose Pikachu.

One kid on the edge is beckoned elsewhere and leaves. Like a rabid animal, I force my way through the crowd. This is my chance! I gather my composure as I get near and casually pick up the controller he left behind; the plastic still warm and slightly wet from his hands. Pushing down my growing disgust, I turn to the boy next to me and muster the friendliest smile I can manage.

"Do you mind if I play?"

He turns away from me and says something to his friend on his other side, and without another glance at me the two of them got up and walked away. It was just me and another kid on the far right of the couch. We make eye contact, I smile and nod. And I guess that was his cue to stand up and leave.

Again I am met with the dilemma of picking a good character while waiting for a partner. I hover over Yosi before I decided better of it, he has that really annoying egg attack. Luigi is a good well-rounded character. I choose him for my fighter, unable to ignore the comparison in our personalities at the present moment. I decide I won't switch around characters this time, and I sat there alone for a few minutes longer than my previous stint. Minutes felt like hours as crowds around me seem to repel, like water from oil. No one came near.

Thoroughly defeated this time, I left the gaming couch for good, my ego too damaged for a third attempt. Once again the couch filled up, first with one loner, then a couple, and another student hopped in right before they started. They played the Nintendog level, my favorite.

I slowly made my way over to the drinks table, looking out for ways to butt in on some conversation or weasel my way into a group. I grab a red solo cup, filled only a quarter of the way. Maybe some alcohol will help make this a bit enjoyable.

*siiiip*

I'm taken aback by the high sugar content of this knock off Hi-C juice. For a minute I forgot I was at a party hosted by the university, and was really looking forward to some warm beer.

Dejected, embarrassed, and now yearning for red ale, I shuffle out the exit and begin walking - the campus is so large, parking lots aren't even in view.

I hear one of the student councilors call after me; Juniors that were roped into watching future Freshmen to pad their resumes.

"Hey, you!" Despite the ice breakers, she didn't know my name, "Where are you going? The party doesn't end until nine!"

It's hardly a party if attendance is not only mandatory, but required to stay for a set amount of time. 

"I have to go smoke.." I lied

"Well," She catches up, but stumbling for words, "You can't just leave the property."

I thought for a second before coming up with a rebuttal,  "Is there a place to smoke on the property?"

She clearly isn't getting paid for this, as she responds with a moderately annoyed "Fine" and started her trek back to the Lounge, before turning back once more and pointing, "By the way, the closest lot is that way."

Following the direction of her finger, I turn around and we part ways. I hear her hurried footsteps become faint. I fumble in my purse for my cell phone -

"Hey, mom... can you come pick me up, please?"