Parallel Lines

She always thought of themselves as parallel lines. They were always together, side-by-side. They sat together, they walked from class to class together, they enjoyed campus life together. They were good friends, but nothing much more than that. Not yet.

Josephine, or simply “Jo” as many called her, had never thought of love after hitting college. She purposefully focused her mind on her studies. After all, being a mathematics major, she had to be prepared for every class. She couldn’t give up precious time for something that would only hinder her.

Yet here she was, falling in love with a man she considered a friend. His name was Calvin, or at least that was his given name. In his mother country of China, he was called Shaiming. She preferred to call him by his real name. His name meant “sunshine,” which she felt was true. He was like a ray of sunshine in her busy life. He appreciated her courtesy as well. Being called “Calvin” made him feel almost like a fake, like he was someone else.

She was a junior at the university, and they were taking some of the same classes together. Shaiming happened to be a mathematics major as well. He was finishing up his last year of college and would graduate in only a few months. She was excited for him, knowing he would be successful wherever he went. She never did think to ask of his future plans.

Their friendship was always growing. Jo admired that he was so intelligent and helpful. Shaiming enjoyed her support and her company.

In mid-April, after leaving their advanced physics classroom, Shaiming pulled her aside. He led her to a bench away from the bustling classrooms and crowds of noisy students. Jo was concerned. “Shaiming, what’s wrong?”

“Jo,” Shaiming addressed her softly. His spoken English was often tinted with a slight Mandarin accent. She loved to hear his voice, especially when he called her name. He said it quickly, but the way he said it was endearing to her. “I need to tell you something.”

“Well, what is it? Is something wrong?”

Her head throbbed, almost heavy.

“Jo, when I graduate, I am returning to my home country.”

Jo blinked. She didn’t know what to say. She had always imagined him staying in America, getting a well-paid job and being with her at the university. Dreams had filled her head, dreams that suddenly shattered upon the floor of this reality.

“I am very sorry, Jo,” he said with remorse. “We can still talk on the phone or on the internet.”

She blinked back the tears. “Its ok, Shaiming…I treasure the friendship that we have shared…I will miss you, but I understand that you need to go home, you know, to your family.”

Somehow she was happy for him after saying those words. Family. Yes, his family was very important to him. Maybe he even had a fiancée…or maybe his parents had a girl waiting for him in China. She dismissed the thought bitterly.

Shaiming smiled, an expression she suddenly had to cherish. “I am glad that you understand me, Jo.”

Jo nodded, still in a state of shock and confusion. She returned a smile, although it was laced with bittersweet emotions. She gently touched his hand. “You…you’re a good friend, Shaiming. I know you’ll do great back home.”

She wanted to add “I love you”, but although her lips moved accordingly, no sound emerged.

“I will see you in Calculus, right?” he asked, returning to his optimistic self. He seemed eager to change the subject.

She nodded again. “I guess I will see you then…” he added, waving his hand in farewell.

It was then she realized that they really were parallel lines. Their paths would never intersect. She would never meet, never touch, never kiss….no, they would continue, side-by-side, never to merge.

Just two parallel lines.

A quick wordspill writing exercise. Also posted on my DA account. Inspired by me starting college. :D