The 25th also happens to be My friend Calum's Birthday. So we thought, why not celebrate these things together by going to see the film together? A whole bunch of us. At least fifteen. Some needing Adult tickets, the more needy of us qualifying for the cheaper student option. We decided that as it's the first showing of a popular film that we should book in advance by having one person buy all the tickets (me) and then everyone paying that person back (because I'm not rich).
After confirming the definite attendees and what tickets we needed Calum decided he'd attempt to book them first (as originally intended). And so our journey into the cycle of pain know as the Vue booking system began. He quickly discovered that the maximum number of tickets he could buy at one time was ten. Two short of our total. So we thought he'd book those and I'd get the other two. So after choosing the seats (right at the back, bitches) and entering all his card information he received an error that payment didn't go through and to call a 10p a minute number. Sod that we thought. So I tried to buy the tickets with my problem. After waiting for the temporary seat reservation to clear (so nobody can "snipe" your seats) I went through the process and got the same result. We both kept trying. For a while it said that the whole screening was booked.
After many fruitless attempts, I decided I'd go down to the theatre and book the tickets myself. I only lived a ten minute walk from the place, and I'd avoid the ridiculous £4.20 card handling fee. Went in, up to the counter and ordered the tickets. Adult went down fine. But when I go to the student, I was told I'd need to show all the cards that proved that all the recipients of student tickets were actually students. Had I not been brain tired at that point, I would have argued, but instead I left and headed to Calum's house. On the way there, it occurred to me that arguing was actually an option and the cashier ridiculous notion. Why not check them on the day when we'd all be there? She had a Twilight motif on her name badge. That may have put off somewhat.
Regardless, at the house of Calum, we tried the website again (three cards were rejected) I tried the phone method (rejected, but the pure novelty of a machine understanding me was fun) and so we decided to go back and argue our case.
On our way, we summed up our main points.
- Why don't we show you them on the day?
- What stops me from lying on the internet?
- BUT IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY!!
- Can I see the manager please?
I really didn't want to use number four. That line is used by customers who feel they aren't getting a good level of service and belittles the clerk. It makes us retail workers feel annoyed, especially when the manager will only do the exact same thing. So to me it was a last resort. Now my Mother is a smooth operator who knows how to argue her case, and my father has been know to lose patience in a few shops. And as we approached the cinema, rage along with the urge for a good argue burned inside me. I felt that I could wield the metaphorical argumental battleaxe that seemed to be forming in my hand with a form of tact and resonability. I was waiting to fight for these tickets. Getting ready to jump into the fray. (Something Calum was more than happy to let me do. Coward). We entered the foyer. Different girl on the tills. I could tell because of the lack of twilight on her name badge. I entered the battle. I hid my intentions, and started calmly.
"I'd like to book some tickets for Wednesday"
"Sure. What film?"
"Scott Pilgrim Vs the World"
"Sure. What type of tickets would you like? Two Adults?"
This was it. This is where it would all kick off. I mustered my pride and nerve. Looked her in the eye and said as calm as I could
"Actually, can I get 3 Adults and 9 Students please?"
"Sure. Just be aware that those with student tickets will have to show them on the day."
I was caught of guard. I had not foreseen this. The tickets were printed and given to me. I left. Still wanting to argue with something. Entirely unsure with what to do. I was kinda hurt. I wanted to at least have to point out the "can't we show them on the day" line. It would have made up for the realisation that I can further compare myself with my parents. I am however the first person to buy tickets for the first viewing of Scott Pilgrim. So I can do this.
FIRST
Also my sister came back from her month long trip around Africa today. She bought me some cider. And that sucker goes down smooth while venting rage on a blog.
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