Hoisting my school bag over my shoulder, it was covered in pins of my favourite bands.
In January 2008, I was 15 and finding my style.
Quite alternative, I was academically gifted and bullied as a result. And with no real friends at school, I dragged my heels in the morning.
And that day, I was running a little late.
My mum left long before I did to get to work and I had to get the train to Mortlake to get to school.
I really didn’t want to go.
As someone who didn’t fit the mould, being different had diminished my self-confidence.
Walking onto my platform, I passed an older boy who was also alternative.
Wearing all black with Khol eyeliner, we had a similar style.
Glancing at him, I didn’t pay much attention – but it wasn’t often I saw someone like me.
‘Nice badges,’ I heard a voice.
It was the guy I’d noticed.
‘That’s my favourite band,’ he said, pointing to the HIM badge
