Data, Weed, and Time
4
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The weekend arrives with Itohan and I making our way to Oliver’s party. For my outfit, I chose a pair of jeans and a simple dip-neck cropped top, peeking beneath a leather jacket. On our way, Itohan lets me know she has done a rethink and instead of me moving to her apartment, pending the time, she can move to mine and then we’ll sort out where we want to move to. Not the best option, but seeing that if I move into hers, I’ll be paying way more than I am now, I reluctantly agree with her suggestion.
We arrive at the venue, a purposefully dimly lit hall-like room with electronic music and the hum of conversations greeting us. I scan the crowd for familiar faces, smiling when I spot a handful of my classmates. And then, it strikes me—Itohan and I are the only black people in the room.
Wow… am I glad Itohan decided to be my plus one?
It’s not that I’m uncomfortable, it’s just… I think what I’m trying to express is that it’s odd being in the minority .
Itohan leans in, nodding to the music, her voice barely a whisper. “We stand out, don’t we?”
I nod, my gaze still taking in the room. “Yes, we do.” Glad I’m not the only one noticing.
As we move through the crowd, Sarah spots us, greeting us with warm hugs. “I’m so glad you made it, Fifi! Itohan, you too.”
She directs us to mini bar set up, which looks cute stocked with every snack bag on a store’s shelf.
With the music pulsing, and conversation buzzing around us, I find myself in various conversations, getting to know different classmates and acquaintances. Conversations I thought would be painfully awkward flow naturally, and I appreciate the effort to make us feel included. Like Sarah and Itohan pointed out, I am meeting people I would normally never have met in school.
I almost jump out of my skin when someone touches my back, saying, “Having a good time?”
Turning, I find it’s only Sarah. I let out a sigh, holding the drink I’ve been nursing for the last hundred years to my chest. “Yes,” I smile, “thanks for inviting us.”
She giggles, looking more excited and animated than usual. “No Fifi! It’s thank you, for coming.”
The party is pulsing with energy, music blending seamlessly with the laughter and chatter all around. Not long after Sarah leaves, Itohan’s looks across the room and mid-sentence, her eyes light up. “Um… forgive me boo. I see Alex! I’ll be right back.”
I nod, waving her off. “Go catch up. I’ll be here.”
“See you…” Itohan says, heading off.
Nice. Fifi the sore thumb, standing alone near the makeshift refreshment area, with the same drink that’s now literally sixty percent water. I really want to drink and let loose, but this is my first time out in this environment. I want to keep my wits around me.
Having a sip won’t hurt.
Occasionally moving my body to the beat, I am about to take a sip of my drink when I feel a gentle bump from behind. Not again…
Turning, I see Rian, an interesting classmate from one of my data science courses, wearing a mischievous grin on his face.
“Whoops, my apologies!” he exclaims in a playful tone.
I can’t help the smile that curves my lips. “It’s no problem. Just a friendly data exchange, I assume?”
He chuckles, raising an eyebrow in mock consideration. “Indeed, a seamless transfer of information.”
We both laugh, our light banter a welcome distraction from the party’s high energy. Rian loves using code to speak and is not-so-verbally termed the “weird guy” in our class, but I like him. I never would have imagined him spending his weekend at a party rather than studying.
“So…” he begins with a quirky grin, taking in our surroundings, and I know I’m in for a fun conversation, “are you here to analyze the party’s data trends?”
He doesn’t disappoint.
Chuckling, I raise my glass in a mock toast. “You caught me. I’m monitoring Irish dance patterns and student music preferences.”
He leans in conspiratorially. “Ah, the ultimate data mining operation.”
We both share a laugh. As it always is with Rian, our conversation shifts to a more serious topic—the power of data. Yep. That’s who I am now—the Fifi that talks about data in parties because I’m loving my course and my classmates.
I nod in agreement when he buttresses my points, and next thing I know I’m sipping my drink thoughtfully.
Our conversation flows seamlessly, and his expression turns contemplative. “And what about the future? How do you envision data shaping our world?”
Taking a moment to ponder his question, I recall all the articles, books, and materials I've reviewed and studied that have helped prepare me for this path I chose to follow. “I think the future of data will involve a delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. Because as data scientists, we have a role to play in using data to drive positive change while safeguarding individuals’ rights. ”
He smiles, a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes. “Well said. Maybe someday,” his eyes take on a distant look, “we’ll be analyzing data trends that help create a more connected and equitable society.”
While others are partying and having fun, here I am engaged in a lively discussion about the future of data—a topic that’s out of place at this party, but which I’m thoroughly enjoying. I notice a shift in the atmosphere—the music has shifted to a slower tempo.
Rian apologizes, excusing himself. Within seconds, a tall guy with dark hair and mesmerizing eyes, whom I haven’t seen before, walks past me to get a snack from the refreshment table. Hmm, if he loses about 10kg, he will look very athletic.
Our gazes meet. He sidles up next to me, unaware of my judgment of his unhealthy choices. He flashes a charming smile at me. “Hey there, enjoying the party?” he asks in a smooth voice, a whiff of weed teasing my nostrils.
Who are you? Doesn’t look like a student for sure, but I appreciate his friendly approach.
“Oh… yeah.” I tuck a stray braid behind my ear. What do you want with me? “The party’s great.” To act normal, I sway slightly from side to side, forcing a smile. “The music’s on point.”
He leans against the wall, his expression suggestive. “Definitely. And speaking of being on point, I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room.”
I chuckle, unsure of how to respond. “Oh, thanks. Yeah, it’s a fun night.”
He takes a step closer, the stench of weed growing stronger as he blocks my view of other attendees. A frown mars my brow when I notice his gaze lingering on my chest.
Umm… what is… going on here?
“You know, I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new in town?”
I force a smile, becoming increasingly aware his interest is more than casual. “Actually, I’m a student at the university here. Just enjoying the party. ”
“A student…” He smiles smugly. “I should have known. You know, your presence stands out like a shining star. I guess that’s what pulled me over here.”
Now how do I respond to that? Itohan and I have had this conversation and experiencing this in real life is so weird. All I can say is, “Thank you?”
“No, seriously. Your smile could light up the entire city.” He leans closer.
Uh-oh. I take a step away from him, and he doesn’t seem to notice.
“This city’s got nothing on you. Are you flying solo tonight? Because, you see, I’ve never taken my coffee dark, but I’d be more than willing to try if you’re up for the experience.”
I need to address this foolishness head-on.
Putting a hand on his chest, I push him from me. “I have to be honest,” I say, my tone friendly but direct, “I appreciate the attention, but I’m in a committed relationship.”
His eyes widen at the revelation, and he blinks in surprise. “Oh, I didn’t realize. My bad.” He takes a step back.
Smiling tightly to ease any potential awkwardness, I say, “No worries at all. It’s all good.” There’s no need to tell him I haven’t seen my boyfriend in years or that he’s in the UK.
Pressing his lips, I watch as he speaks with his hands, his confidence deflating. “Well, in that case, it was nice chatting with you. Enjoy the rest of the party.”
“Thanks! You too.” I chuckle as he walks away.
That was easy… I lift my cup to take a sip of my drink when Itohan reappears at my side with a grin, her friend in tow. Just in time. I shoot her a grateful smile, glad for her return.
She bumps her shoulder on mine. “Fifi boo, did you miss me?” she teases, winking.
I roll my eyes. “Oh, you know I was bored without you.”
Her friend laughs, caught up in our dynamic. “Alex.” He says as a means of introduction, and I respond with my name. After a quick chat about the party and some witty remarks from Itohan and I, he says, “You two seem like quite the duo.”
“We try our best,” I reply.
Alex suggests we refill our glasses, but I raise my half-filled glass with a smile, rejecting his offer. Since there’s a refreshment area right beside us, he goes ahead to busy himself with mixing a cup, while I focus on Itohan. “You won’t believe what just happened,” I start, excited to spill my recent encounter. “Did you see that guy who was just talking to me? I mean, making a pass at me?”
She raises an eyebrow. “That oyinbo guy? No way!”
I laugh, nodding. “He does not have sense jare . I think he mistook me for someone who’s interested in exchanging…” leaning in, I say for her ears only, “data.”
Itohan’s eyes twinkle with mischief, then she belts out a laugh. I join in the laughter, realizing some of the edge I got from my banter with Rian is remaining. Well… I smile smugly to myself; I think I like speaking in codes now.
Itohan makes a face; I think she’s looking for the right comeback. “And did you give him a thorough analysis?”
I shake my head, matching her humor. She’s learning pretty fast! “No data transfer here. I informed him my connection status was fully committed. Besides, the guy was already high on something.”
She bursts into laughter again and I smile. What happened was—no… Whatever. Now that it’s in the past, laughing is the only way I can respond to the situation.
“Oh, Fifi,” Itohan starts, “you never fail to entertain.”
“I didn’t know what I was walking into when I responded at first. I just knew he made a mistake looking at me.”
Itohan rolls her eyes playfully. “Please, boo. You’re an intelligent and beautiful lady, of course, guys are going to be drawn to you.”
I hiss, finally emptying my cup in one gulp. “The guy was oozing with weed, feeling like he was the most fascinating person in the world.” I shake my head in disbelief trying to put my thoughts together now that I can think outside of the moment. “And it’s not about that. It’s just... he made a pass, and I didn’t know how to respond. Or how to feel. ”
She waves a dismissive hand. “Boo, you’re pursuing a master’s degree in data science. You have your own dreams and aspirations.” She shrugs, “You don’t need anyone to validate you.”
I don’t need anyone to validate me… Those words sink into my core as Alex returns with two filled glasses, handing one to Itohan. I’m shocked when she smiles, accepting the glass and takes a sip before continuing like it’s okay to accept drinks from people at parties. Isn’t she scared he’s put something in it?
“You know,” she begins, a mischievous grin on her face, as she carries Alex along in our conversation. “I’ve been thinking. I would never date anyone who isn’t African. In this life, I must end up with a Naija guy, last las, an African man.”
If Alex is offended, he doesn’t show it. I arch an eyebrow, curious about her sudden declaration. “Really? Why’s that?”
Her eyes gleam with determination. “Because, our cultures are so different. I can’t imagine splitting the bills 50/50, and then one day, I’d be the one having kids. How would that work?”
I burst into laughter. Itohan is a basket case waiting to happen! She’s so good at this thing. I appreciate how she switched the conversation to something completely different and hilarious. “So, it’s all about financial planning for the future, huh?”
She shrugs, her smile unapologetic. “It’s a valid consideration,” she takes a sip of her drink. “Alex, when you go out with a lady, do you foot all the bill or split?”
Alex shrugs. “Split?”
“You see?” Itohan nods finalizing her argument. “Everyone chooses what works for them.” Scanning the room, she adds, “At least, I know what I want.”
“And that’s very important,” Alex says.
As they carry on, my brain, for some reason I don’t understand, is taking extra note of Itohan’s words. For instance, I’m convinced that beneath the surface of attraction and even connection to someone, there is a world of nuances and considerations that shape our choices beforehand. Hmm. Motivational thinker. I smile to myself, nodding at something Alex says. Thirty more minutes, and I’ll be saying my goodnight.