The Story of Hollisobelle Bolttwith

For Holly

She was there when I stepped into C98.
Some say it was our room mate compatibility forms.
I think it was fate.
She had twice as many bags as me and five times more sports kit.
I had a dinosaur poster, and a duvet with wizards on. Shit.

But as our parents left, we locked together like unsure magnets.
Sharing nothing as far as we were aware,
Except for having blue eyes and long blonde hair.
Except for this room in which our lives would unfold.
We both studied English and were 18 years old.

Soon we shared everything, only she drank coffee, and I drank tea,
and all her friends were boys, except for me.

It was perfect; there was not a single fight.
And every morning, it was love at first sight.
(But only because she didn't have her contacts in yet,
and except for the time I kept a slug as a pet)*

I loved the way she smiled - that sheepish grin to hide her brace.
We came to call it the 'Holly face'.

We lived symbiotically.
We ran in a pack,
(consisting solely of two - you could call it a Tupac)
And we always had each other's back.

We were always late for formals,
Left essays to the last minute,
But we ran thirteen miles together,
And held hands at the finish.

I've missed you this year,
In case you weren't aware.
Sometimes I wish I was a millionaire,
I would buy you a chalet in Val d'Isere,
And get Waitrose to send us deliveries there.

But I'm not that rich, so I bought you a ring.
I know it's not much, but here's the thing -
If I was a boy, then I'd ask you to marry me.
As a wise king once said - "BECKWITH IS GOOD FOR ME!"

*RIP Fabio