Lovestory of Julia and Alex - Essay Example

Alex and Julia were in love, because around each other, they were normal. They could have a conversation with one another that the other person would understand, and no one would have to say how smart the other person was, or remark on the freaky nature of their intelligence. They could just be together, and that was a luxury that neither of them was very used to. Julia was pretty sure Alex would propose to her soon but thought that there was a chance she was waiting for the Boxton award. This was an award that was given every year to the person with the best attempt at solving the Bermuda-Fuller paradox, and Alex felt pretty sure that he had a chance.

Julia would be his main competition. In order for both of them to come up with their own ideas, they worked on it separately. The winner of this award has secured a place working with Dr Archibold Anchorite for the year, a fellowship that many would kill for. In fact, one person had: there was a gruesome rumour of one student pushing another off of a bridge when he found that he found that his competition had a better chance of winning. Julia was excited, but also worried. She was close to solving the paradox: not just winning the award, but removing the problem from existence.

She was worried about hurting Alex. But she also wanted this award – it was the best thing that could happen to her, it came with a massive cash prize if anyone actually was able to go beyond simply winning the award, and solve the paradox. They would go down in the annals of math history, something that Julia had always felt she was destined for. Alex also thought he was destined for this victory. This was his dream, and through mature in every other way, he became a child when talking about it – he wanted it, it was his, and there was nothing else to it.

Julia was thinking she might withdraw, but then Alex would pout, knowing she was doing it for him, and resent her for not playing fair, for acting superior by withdrawing. In everything else they were happy – this competition was a blight on their love, and Julia couldn’t wait for it to be over. But she also wanted it, desperately. Finally, the day came. She had done it. She realized that there was a path to resolving the paradox, using a completely new proof that she herself had devised.

And then, two days later, another day came. The day that she and Alex would check over each other’s work, point out any errors, and ready each other for the presentation ceremony a week later. They sat in silence for three hours. Julia looked at Alex apprehensively. Finally, he sighed. “… wow.” “Did I make a mistake?” “No Jules…. This is amazing. I can’t believe it. You solved it. Oh my god, you solved it!” Julia was relieved – Alex was smiling almost jumping out of his chair, he seemed genuinely proud of her and excited.

“You’re happy?” “Of course I’m happy! This is amazing, its an amazing day for you, for us. Also, math’s having a pretty good day too, with one of its fundamental problem solved. What I can’t believe is how simple it is. Only eleven steps. I mean, obviously it relies on a bunch of other things, but that’s all you’ll have to present, everyone in the audience will know the rest” The rest of the day passed in bliss. Alex was so excited for Julia, and she was so relieved to see how happy he was.

And proud of herself.