Chapter 1

It was not how Jonie Patel would have chosen to spend his summer – alone at a popular café, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table as he looked out of the window every few seconds. He had more important things to do, such as working on the research paper that had been assigned over the break. But, much to his exasperation, his entire day had to be put on hold, all for one reason.

Anamaria Garcia was supposed to have arrived two hours, thirty-four minutes, and forty-two – no, forty-three – seconds ago.

Sometimes, he didn’t know why he put up with his girlfriend. They had first started dating in their senior year, and everything had been perfect as can be. Once the two had gone to separate colleges, however, things started going downhill. Jonie, who attended the prestigious Harvard University, found himself spending more and more time on his studies. Anamaria, on the other hand, had gone to the local community college. She hadn’t changed much from the person she was in high school.

They just didn’t have anything in common anymore, and Jonie knew it. It would be so much easier if they were no longer together, but Anamaria had her ways of preventing a breakup from happening. Even if it were for the best, she’d rather cling to an empty relationship then let go – that is, unless she found someone else she wanted as her boyfriend who was willing. Anamaria was like that.

But Jonie had no need for a girlfriend – not at the moment. Being a student at what was probably the highest-ranked university in the U.S. was exhausting, and it left him without much of a social life. Having a girlfriend was more trouble than it was worth.

Jonie checked his watch again and sighed. Anamaria’s tardiness only further confirmed his suspicions that he couldn’t maintain a relationship while he was a student at Harvard. Not with his current girlfriend.

Well, if I’m so smart, then why can’t I do anything right? Jonie thought glumly. I’ll be happy when summer is over. Numbers are so much easier to deal with than people, after all. Maybe I should tell Anamaria that I’m dumping her so I can date my homework instead.

“Excuse me …”

“Huh?” The sound of an unfamiliar voice calling to him cut through his thoughts. Jonie looked up to see a young woman standing by his table, her arms filled with heavy textbooks. “Oh, hello.”

“Hi. Is it okay if I sit here? There aren’t any more empty tables, and, well … you don’t mind sharing, right?”

He paused briefly, then nodded and scooted over to make room. His only objection to her presence was the slight chance that Anamaria would walk in and see her boyfriend with another woman. But he doubted it – Jonie was almost certain that she wasn’t even going to show up.

“Thanks.” The woman dropped her books on the table, making it wobble for a few seconds, and plopped down onto the green leather bench. “My name’s Ruriko Nicolson, by the way.”

“Cool. I’m Jonie Patel.”

“Mm-hmm.” Ruriko nodded, distracted, and reached for one of her textbooks. “Please excuse my rudeness. But I’ve got a lot of schoolwork to do, and I’d rather get it done as early as possible.”

“It’s only the second week of summer,” Jonie pointed out, half amused. “And, if I may ask, wouldn’t a library – or even your own home – be a better place if you’re trying to do work?”

“Maybe for some people,” Ruriko said flatly. “Unfortunately for me, my sisters won’t leave me alone at home, and I’m positive that my college classmates have already taken over the nearest library. Not too keen on running into them, of course.”

Jonie blinked. He hadn’t expected an answer such as the one she had given, and was at a loss for an intelligent response. “Uhh … really?”

“Oh, yes. We at M.I.T. are very hard-working and studious indeed.” Her voice had a bit of an edge to it, as if she wanted to wrap up their conversation quickly so she could concentrate on her assignment.

“M.I.T., huh?” Jonie laughed, albeit awkwardly. “Yeah, I know the feeling. People at Harvard are the same. I’m just a bad example.”

“You go to Harvard?” Ruriko’s mouth dropped open; her pencil slipped out of her loosening grip and clattered onto the table. For the first time since their meeting, she was actually looking at him.

“Why are you staring at me like that? Did I say something I wasn’t supposed to?”

“No, no!” Ruriko shook her head fiercely, shoulder-length black hair whipping the sides of her face. “I was just surprised. I thought … I thought you were just some … well, never mind that. So, Harvard, huh? What’s your major?”

“Major? Oh, err … chemical engineering, I guess.” Jonie could feel his cheeks burning, to have nearly forgotten his own field of study. But he hadn’t anticipated the sudden change in topic, nor Ruriko’s attitude towards him, and it had almost rendered him speechless.

“That’s nice. Me, I’m not really into engineering, but hey, somebody has to do it. Yeah, I’m more interested in the humanities. Anthropology’s my major, but I was thinking about declaring a minor in history as well.”

“I’m, uh, just going for a major.” He neglected to mention that if he hadn’t had Anamaria to deal with, then he might have applied for a double major.

Ruriko nodded. “I suppose not everyone wants the extra work that comes with a minor or a second major. It’s such a shame, really. Of course, there are people who just don’t have the time for it, which is too bad for them.”

“So … how long have you been at M.I.T.? Are you graduating soon?” Jonie asked, attempting to change the subject. He inwardly let out a sigh of relief when he saw Ruriko’s eyes light up immediately.

“I just finished my third year, and I think I’ll have enough units to graduate by the end of my fourth-year. Maybe then I’ll finally be able to get a break.” She glared at her stack of textbooks disgustedly. “And what about you?”

“Hmm? Oh, I’m going to be a fourth year as well,” Jonie replied. “But I don’t know if I’ll be able to graduate next summer. It’ll probably take me a year and a half to complete all of my requirements.”

“Science and engineering are considered to be harder than the humanities, but I disagree,” Ruriko said, turning to stare at the wall. “Because there is no one right answer to any question, it’s so much more thought-provoking.”

“That may be true, but science is a lot more practical, not to mention useful,” Jonie muttered, mostly to himself. “Besides, I’m not good with people.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Uh … well, I get along with numbers better than people … I mean, numbers don’t yell at you, and they can’t get offended either. And they’re easier to understand because they don’t have personalities.”

“Yeah, I think I’ll get some coffee,” Ruriko said, standing. “A little caffeine should help keep me alert.”

Jonie gaped at her retreating back, an incredulous look on his face, as she walked over to the counter to place her order. Had she even been listening to a word he had said? His answer to a question that she had asked?

Ruriko returned shortly, a steaming cup in her hands. “Ah, nothing like a hot cappuccino to get you through a mountain of coursework.” She blew on it and took a sip. “So, Jonie, right? What were you saying?”

“Never mind.”

“Oh.” The brief exchange was followed by an awkward silence. Not knowing how to continue the conversation, Ruriko dived back into the scholarly world of her textbooks.

In the absence of dialogue, Jonie had gone back to staring out the window, wondering if he would catch a glimpse of Anamaria. What nerve – keeping him waiting for her, wasting his precious time. His world did not revolve around her, after all.

“So, um …” Ruriko cleared her throat, hoping to get Jonie’s attention. “What are you doing here? I doubt that a Harvard student has the luxury of just sitting around, even in the summer.”

He managed to crack a smile. “Too true. There’s a load of homework calling my name back home. Actually, I wouldn’t even be here, if it weren’t for my girlfriend. Funny, isn’t it, how she’s the one who wanted to meet me and I’m the one waiting for her?”

“I’m guessing you and your girlfriend go to different colleges,” Ruriko said. “So you’re stuck doing a lot of coursework, and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day for you to see your girlfriend much, correct?”

“Exactly!” Jonie groaned and leaned back in his seat. “I don’t think she appreciates hard work. Or what it means to be a student at what might as well be the most prestigious university in this country. And besides, a little time apart is not going to kill her!”

“Well, I think it all depends on how often you guys are apart nowadays,” Ruriko responded, lifting her cup. “She’s probably not used to being separated from you for so long. Lighten up.”

“That’s not it! Anamaria’s had three years to get used to it!” Jonie retorted, clapping a hand over his eyes. “Oh, forget about it. She’s already the source of too many of my problems as it is, and I’m not going to start an argument with a stranger over her.”

“You should hang out with her more,” Ruriko pressed on. “Especially now, during the summer. It’s not like you’re doing work anyway.”

“Drop the subject and keep out of my love life,” Jonie snapped, baring his teeth. “Or else I’ll sic Archie on you.”

“Who?” Ruriko was clearly unimpressed.

“Archie Inoue. He’s one of my friends from Harvard, and a physics major.”

“Okay … so, tell me, why would you want to sic this friend of yours on me? Am I supposed to be scared or something?”

“Probably – in your case, at least,” Jonie shot back. “He thinks that the humanities are useless. So while you two are arguing over their worth, I’ll just sneak away in the midst of chaos and get you off my back.”

“Two problems. First of all, now that I know about your so-called great plan, it won’t work,” Ruriko said, scowling. “And second, you tell your friend Inoue – or whatever is name is – that the humanities have just as much of a plan in our college curriculum as the sciences!”

“Why don’t you just tell him yourself? He won’t believe it coming from me.” Jonie paused. “Actually, I don’t think he will believe it at all.”

Ruriko huffed and picked up her cup of coffee. “So tell me, if the humanities were so useless, then why would colleges bother teaching it at all?”

“Art majors,” Jonie said simply.

“What?” Ruriko slammed her cup down, enraged, sending the beverage inside sloshing over the walls of its container. “And just what are you implying?”

“All I’m saying is that I don’t get why art is worth learning about,” he explained. “I mean, sure, there’s the history of art, the different techniques, and its cultural significance – and if you’re into that kind of stuff, then by all means, go ahead and take an art class! But otherwise, it’s pretty useless. You can become an artist without being an art major. It doesn’t save lives. It’s just … well … there.”

“Art is important!” Ruriko argued, bringing her fist down on the table. “Besides, artistic works give us an idea of the values of ancient cultures, of their customs and traditions! Art is a building block of anthropology!”

“Doesn’t save lives,” Jonie repeated, crossing his arms stubbornly.

As much as she wanted to continue the dispute, Ruriko had a feeling that she would only be wasting her breath. Apparently, Jonie was as adamant in his beliefs as she was in hers. Ruriko decided to switch tactics. “And what’s so great about the sciences?” she grumbled. “Anybody can solve equations using formulas. Requires no thought.”

“Science saves lives, the humanities can’t do that,” Jonie answered. “And, uh, no. Not everyone knows what to do with formulas. In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of people who hate math and science, and struggle with it.”

“That’s because science is boring, and math is only for people who care,” Ruriko said.

“Are you mad? How could you possibly say that science is boring?” Jonie exclaimed. “The universe is fascinating! There is so much to be learned! Ruri, I tell you, there is absolutely nothing that comes from a manmade world that could ever compare with the natural wonders. Besides,” he added, his voice going from reverent to somber, “I would think that philosophers and English majors would become unhinged from too much thinking and no real answer.”

Ruriko was taken aback. “Oh, is that what you think, then?” she snapped. “That all humanities majors are mentally unstable? And … and Ruri? What the heck?”

Jonie shrugged. “Just so you know, I’m terrified of most people who major in the humanities. Especially if it’s sociology, philosophy, or English,” he said very seriously.

Ruriko scowled. “Now you’re just being mean.”

“I know. And quite honestly, I don’t really care. It’s my opinion, and you don’t have to agree with it. But you can’t change it, either!” Jonie glared at Ruriko, as if daring her to argue.

She didn’t. “Well, I don’t agree with your opinion. And that, along with the thought that you’ve got everything about the humanities and the sciences backwards, is my opinion.”

“Fair enough.” Jonie shrugged.

“Well, fine, then!”

And yet again, Ruriko and Jonie found themselves locked in a staring contest, waiting for the other to say something first. Ruriko shoved her now empty coffee cup to the side and made a grab for one of her worksheets. Jonie had gone back to staring out the window absentmindedly, as expected, wondering if he should just leave since it didn’t look as if Anamaria was going to show up.

“Maybe I should’ve applied to study abroad this coming year,” Jonie finally said, speaking to no one in particular. He sighed. “Anamaria can’t whine at me if I’m not in the country, after all. That, and I’d like to see India with my own eyes.”

“Why wouldn’t you have? Weren’t you born there?” Ruriko asked casually, crushing the paper cup in her hand.

Jonie bristled. “No! Why is it that people automatically assume that just because I’m of Indian background, I must be born there as well?”

“It’s human nature to assume these things,” Ruriko said. “I’m half Japanese and I was born in Osaka, so I’m just used to thinking that people are like me and came here when they were little.”

“Yeah, right.” Jonie scoffed. “I’ll have you know that I’ve lived in Massachusetts my entire life, and I’m an Indian American, thank you very much. But because you’re part Asian and actually were born outside of the States, I’ll let your ignorance slide.”

“Enough, already. And how was I supposed to know you were a native? There are a lot of students who come from other countries to attend college.”

“There are ways, you know,” Jonie replied scornfully. “And I figured that since you’re good at understanding people, and an anthropology major, you should’ve been able to notice that my English is fluent, and I have no accent. People who learn to speak a language that is not their native tongue can’t get rid of the accent easily, if at all.”

“I know that!” Ruriko snapped. “It’s common knowledge, after all. I’m the humanities major, the one with people’s skills. You said it yourself just now – and you like numbers better than people. Don’t deny it!”

“I wasn’t going to.” Jonie put his arms behind his head. “Still, being a chemical engineer doesn’t mean that my social skills are nonexistent and that I can’t pick up on people’s accents.”

“Most people don’t pay attention to stuff like that. Why should you be any different.?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s has something to do with the fact that my two best friends in college are both of Japanese descent, but one has lived in Boston his entire life – and therefore has no accent – and the other speaks with one because he’s only been in America for three years?”

“Oh, blah, blah. Shut up!” Ruriko threw her crumpled paper cup at Jonie’s head.

“All I’m saying is that it’s kind of hard not to notice when Ivan, Archie, and I are almost always together during the school year.”

Ruriko groaned. “It’s official. You’ve taken my original question a little too seriously. But get used to questions like mine. People all around you are going to assume you’re from India – or Southeast Asia, or even the West Indies or whatever – and you won’t be able to educate everybody, Jonie.”

“How am I supposed to know what people think of me if they don’t say it to my face? I’m not telepathic,” he muttered. “And I only blow up at certain individuals who ask me stupid questions, not random passersby on the streets.”

“What is that supposed to mean? Are you implying that my questions are stupid?” Ruriko asked, glaring at Jonie with narrowed brown eyes.

“Did I say that? No, I didn’t. Shut up. Would you rather have stupid people or stupid questions? I prefer the latter. Of course, you can also get stupid questions because you have stupid people as well. But you go to M.I.T., so if anything’s stupid, it’s not you.”

“Terrific.” Ruriko rolled her eyes, then rose. “Well, as delightful as this conversation has been,” she said, gathering up her books and papers, “I should probably get going.” She turned to leave, but only managed to take one step before she slammed into a man carrying a briefcase. The force with which she plowed into the guy knocked him to the floor, along with his case and sunglasses. “Oh, sorry about that.”

“Miserable wretch!” the man snarled, grabbing his shades and jamming them back on his face. “Watch where you’re going, woman!”

“Hey, hey! There is no need for name-calling,” Jonie said, leaping out of his seat and joining the fray. “Nor is it necessary to use one’s sex as an insult.”

“You stay out of this, you –”

“Don’t bother wasting your time with this nonsense,” his companion, a taller man with sandy brown hair, said. He sneered at Jonie and Ruriko. “We have business to attend to.”

“Whatever you say, boss.” The first man started collecting the papers that lay strewn on the marble floor, hurriedly stuffing them in his briefcase without looking to see if he were grabbing Ruriko’s worksheets by mistake.

“That’s my anthropology essay you’ve got there!” Ruriko shouted, slapping the man’s hand and snatching her assignment away. “I refuse to start off my classes behind everyone else because someone was being careless and took my coursework by mistake!”

“Shut it girlie,” the sandy-haired man growled. “Who cares about your stupid homework?”

Ruriko swelled indignantly. “I am a student at M.I.T., prestigious institute of technology! We there take our work extremely seriously!”

“Uh, Ruri, I don’t think shouting the name of your college at some guys who are mad enough at you already is the best idea …”

“Shut up, Jonie,” she hissed.

“Which reminds me,” he went on, “if you’re attending M.I.T., why are you so against math and science? And why an anthropology major and history minor at a school dedicated to –”

“Not now! Not here!” Ruriko interrupted, glowering at him. “And don’t call me Ruri again.”

“Whatever. Oh, and here,” Jonie said, handing Ruriko a small stack of papers, a calculus worksheet on the top. “I think this is the last of it. As a favor to all, could you avoid bumping into anyone else for the rest of today?”

“Ha, ha. Very funny.” Ruriko yanked the sheets out of Jonie’s hand and shoved them in her textbooks to keep them from falling out again. “Well, I’m out of here. Goodbye, and nice meeting you. I guess.” And she stalked out of the café without another word.

“Um … bye?” Jonie gave an awkward wave, although she was already out of sight by then.

“Good riddance!” The man whom Ruriko had bumped into made a rude gesture in her general direction. “Stupid woman.”

Jonie drew in a sharp breath, barely holding back the insult that wanted to lash out. He settled for glaring daggers at the man and his cohort as they quickly hustled over to a barely noticeable and easily overlooked section of the coffee shop and began talking in hushed whispers. After a minute of glowering at them, Jonie returned to his own seat and closed his eyes. What a day.

He heard the sound of the front door opening. He cracked open an eye to see who it was and, to his mild surprise, saw Anamaria in all her glory, finally striding inside. She immediately spotted him and walked over to his table.

“So you’ve finally made it,” Jonie said to her bluntly, as soon as she was standing in front of him.

“What? That’s it? No greeting for your one and only girlfriend?” Anamaria simpered, sticking out her lower lip in a pout.

“Well, you are the one who kept me waiting at a stupid café for nearly three hours. So … no.”

“Now, Jonie, that is no way to treat a lady,” Anamaria purred, sliding down next to Jonie and placing her hands on his waist.

Jonie ignored her advances and glared at her. “Where on Earth have you been? Did you fall into a pit and only managed to get out just now?”

“We hardly see each other enough as it is,” she said, avoiding the question of her whereabouts. “Let’s not fight. What do you say?”

“I say that today was an absolute waste of time, and I could have been home, doing my summer assignment!”

“You’re always so obsessed with your homework! School, school, school! That’s all I hear from you! I’m afraid that you’ll break up with me in favor of going out with your schoolwork.” Anamaria’s bottom lip quivered.

Jonie barely held back a groan. It looked as if his summer wasn’t about to get better – it was all going to go downhill very, very soon. He could feel it.