OF the four seasons, I used to like autumn the most, but now I like spring more. This season brings me a lot of sweet memories.
Last spring, I had an opportunity to go to America for a training program at Northern Arizona University. I spent four months there studying language teaching methods. It was really impressive. I got to experience everything I once knew only from movies or textbooks. What's more, I had a period of romantic love.
There was a Chinese conversation group at the university for students to practice spoken Chinese. I often went there and got to know an American guy. He was fascinated with Chinese culture and we often hung out and became friends. He told me his various life experiences when he was in Europe and I told him about my life in China.
Days passed rapidly. Gradually, I sensed some chemical changes between us. One day, he invited me to cook Chinese food at his apartment. He was a bit nervous that night, spilling the soup and knocking the plates around.
After dinner, when I was washing the dishes, I heard his voice behind me: "I like you a lot, will you be my girlfriend?" I turned around and stared at him without saying anything, but I heard a voice from the bottom of my heart saying "Yes".
To be honest, I enjoyed being with him. He was a nice guy, full of fantastic ideas. But I knew clearly why I hesitated. I had to come back when this program was over while he had to stay to finish his studies in the US. How cruel it would be for us to separate. I hated being like that.
Slowly, I said "No". His bright eyes showed disappointment immediately. "But not because I don't like you!" I said, trying to comfort him. His disappointed eyes seemed to light up a bit.
Then I told him of my worries. And then both of us were silent. After a while, he took hold of my hand. "Hey, I know this is going to be difficult," he said, "but at least we should try. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. There is no point in not enjoying the time just because of future worries. Besides, we could still work it out because I can go to China to see you during the summer vacation and I will go to teach in China when I graduate. So what do you think?"
I had to admit this really made sense and was irresistible. Naturally I decided to act as my heart told me. We hung out every day and went to his hometown, San Diego. It's such a beautiful city, with a gentle breeze, clear blue sky, and full of sunshine. Running along the beach with the waves and sea breeze took all the worries away.
Happy moments always seem to pass quickly and it was time for me to leave. I insisted he not see me off at the airport, since I knew my tears would be out of control. The school bus took us to the airport. When the door of the bus closed, my tears came down like a flood. I was scared that the door between us was closed too.
I've been back now for 10 months. Luckily, we've kept close relations by telephone and e-mail. We send gifts to each other on important occasions. He is coming to visit me this summer vacation. Friends around me tended to doubt our love at the beginning, but now they've begun to believe and pray that we can work it out.
A new spring is here again. I recall everything that happened last spring. We're still working hard towards our dream. Love is always fragile at birth, but both of us are confident we can make it grow stronger.
By Xie Shanshan, Fujian
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fascinate: v. 使着迷
irresistible: adj. 不可抵抗的
spill: v. 溅出
Posted on 2007-05-16 |
