by Vinny Knowles

Created on: February 12, 2011

“Different paths,” that is what they had said. My brother went into the military and my best friend and I went off to college. They were meant for each other, but they couldn’t see it. Over the four years of college Susan dated one guy after another- one moment flying, the next moment crashing. And Robert tried to fill her void with endless work and promotions- first captain and then major. He would rattle on in every letter and phone call about work, and then eventually he would try to find a way to squeeze out some information about her.

Here in our last semester of college, she was desperate to find her “true love”. She had dated all the promising guys on campus and found them all lacking. She was due in any moment from the library. I knew what to expect.

I went by the post on the way home and picked up a letter and a package. The letter was from Robert; the package, even though it was really for Susan, had been addressed to me.

She sulked into the room in “crash” mode. “How did studying go?” I asked.

“It was fine. I saw Jeremy there with his new girlfriend. I’m telling you something, Jenny, and this time I’m serious. I’m done with all of this romance stuff. I’m resigned that I am going to be a single career woman.” She moaned as she plopped down on the bed.

“You’ve said that before,” I said with boredom I couldn’t hide as I rolled my eyes at her.

“No, no, this time I’m for real.” She sighed and then went on with the litany I expected. “It’s a useless waste of time. Here I am about to graduate. Everyone knows that if you haven’t found your true love by now, the chance is slim to none that you’ll find him.”

 “That’s ridiculous! Who is this ‘everyone’ anyway?” I laughed.

She looked at me with hurt expression on her face. “You’re making fun of me! You’re my best friend! How can you do that? Sure, you have no worries. You and Scott are heading for the altar.”  She pouted as she grabbed her towel and stormed out to the shower.

I sighed, “Again.” I had seen this drama so frequently it was hard to feel anxious. Susan could not stay angry for long even in the lowest points of our friendship.

I reached in my backpack and pulled out the package. I placed it on her pillow with the note that had been included in my letter which Robert

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