Chapter 20: Two Lines
Jeanne, however, seemed to be lost in the pulsating energy of the club. Her eyes sparkled with an uncontainable vivacity, her movements unrestrained and carefree.
She flourished in the attention she garnered from the crowd, her laughter ringing out as she interacted with their friends and even caught the eye of another young man.
Adrian's heart sank as he watched her flirt playfully with the stranger, his grip on his drink tightening. His attempts to engage her in conversation went unnoticed, drowned out by the music and the whirlwind of activity around them.
Adrian could confront the man and shoo him away, but the fault wasn't his. It was hers. She should not have been receptive to him at all.
Perhaps it was nothing.
But he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and hurt, wondering why she seemed so unaffected by their impending separation.
The contrast between their emotions was stark. Adrian's eyes held a fusion of longing and sorrow, while Jeanne's were alight with the thrill of the moment.
The club's vibrant atmosphere seemed to encapsulate their feelings, with Adrian's heartache blending with the neon glow, and Jeanne's exuberance mirroring the lively beat of the music.
As the night wore on, Adrian's smile grew strained, and he found himself retreating into his own thoughts. The noise of the club became a distant hum as he contemplated the complications of their relationship.
He knew that he loved Jeanne deeply and would miss her more than words could express. But her seeming indifference stung, a reminder that their feelings and priorities were not completely aligned.
In the midst of the flashing lights and pounding music, the farewell he had envisioned felt like a distant dream.
He wished for a connection that could bridge the gap between them, for a shared moment of intimacy that would reassure him of their bond.
But as Jeanne continued to dance and laugh, Adrian couldn't shake the sinking feeling that their paths were diverging, and this night of farewells might end up emphasizing their differences rather than their shared experiences.
***
Life did move on after Jeanne left for Bath. As Adrian steps onto the vibrant campus of New York University, he's greeted by a lively and energetic ambience. The air is filled with the excitement of new beginnings.
Adrian was filled with elation as he embarked on his college journey, excited about new experiences.
Tall, impressive buildings adorned with a mix of modern and classic architectural styles lined the pathways. The iconic Bobst Library stood tall, its grand facade hinting at the wealth of knowledge within.
He navigated the process of class registration and dorm selection with organized chaos, anticipation, and nervousness.
Yes, he was going to college as a 'normal boy'. His mother's words.
Long lines of students buzz with chatter as they wait their turn, sharing stories of their intended majors and interests.
Advisors offer friendly guidance, helping Adrian select his courses and navigate his academic path.
Dormitory buildings exude a sense of community and belonging. The dorm rooms are cozy and functional. Within their walls, Adrian finds a diverse group of fellow freshmen, each embarking on their unique journeys.
Amidst the bustling excitement, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for his Jeanne, who had embarked on her own adventure at Bath University, leaving a void in his heart.
The prospect of distance weighed on him, yet he was determined to make the most of his time at NYU while cherishing the memories he shared with Jeanne.
***
"Hey Babe, how are you settlin' in?" Adrian asked Jeanne over the phone.
"I'm settlin' in fine," she said, her voice really low. She wasn't feeling strong.
"Are you alright? You sound unwell," he asked with worry in his voice.
"I'm not. I hmmm....fainted this afternoon," she said weakly.
"What? Wha' happened?"
"I'll know tomorrow. I had some tests done today."
"Have you told your parents?" he asked.
"No!" she said, raising her voice.
He was surprised at her tone.
"Why not?"
"I don't want to get them worried," she said. "I'm leaving home for the first time, I don't want them to have any regrets for allowing me go."
"It's not too late to register for classes at NYU" he said.
"I can't do that, Adrian."
"Come on back home, Jeanne." he pleaded. "You belong here, with me."
"I'm sorry, Adrian, can't do that," she repeated.
He let out a deep breath.
He saw an opportunity to get her back and he took it.
Too bad it got declined.
Twice.
"Have you taken any medication?" he asked.
"Just some acetaminophen."
"Okay. You should get some rest. Call me tomorrow when you get the results, ok?"
"I will. Thanks."
"I love you, Jeanne."
One second.
Two seconds.
The third second.
"Yeah, me too." she responded.
He hung up the phone, more confused than ever.
She lied.
The results were out.
She was staring at two red lines.
She just didn't know who made the lines double.