Two Worlds Collide

Chapter 2

"Where are you going this early?" A'ja asked Kelsey.

"I'm going to get a light breakfast, and then I'm going to take a train to Versailles to watch the Equestrian event." Kelsey answered.

"Eques- oh. Oh! You like her, don't you?" A'ja asked with a smirk.

"We just met. Plus, I'm not even gay. But I may have looked her up last night before going to bed. Apparently she's 25, from Ohio, and a first time Olympian." Kelsey said.

"So you looked her up, going to take a train to Versailles where she's competing, spend your morning there when you could be exploring, but you don't like her? Okay." A'ja said.

"I'm simply an acquaintance going to watch an acquaintance do her sport." Kelsey said.

"Okay Kelsey. Well, be safe, have fun, and don't let anyone con you into giving them money." A'ja said.

"Will do." Kelsey said. She finished getting ready, put her favorite perfume on, and grabbed her things before heading out. She goes to a nearby café and orders a latte and chocolate croissant. Her French was rusty, but it was decent enough to get by. The worker handed her the items with a dirty look, and Kelsey smiled before walking away. She checked the time to make sure she has enough time to eat before walking to the train station. She does, so she sits at an outside table and scrolls through Instagram while she ate. She sees that she's been tagged in many posts, one of them from Isabella. She looks at her post and smiles.

Opening ceremony was an absolute dream😍😭✨ Plus, I met some amazing people and athletes🫶🏼💕

Kelsey swipes through all 10 photos. There was one of Isabella, Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, and Jade Carey. One of her and Trevor Bassitt. One of her and Ilona Maher. A couple of the Eiffel Tower, and the rest were the pictures Kelsey sent her. Kelsey looked through the comments, and most of them were about Isabella meeting Simone Biles. A couple were about her and Trevor, who Kelsey learned was from Ohio, too. And some were about meeting herself and A'ja. Kelsey decides to comment on her post.

So nice to meet you💕💕

Kelsey finished up her breakfast before heading to the train station. She got a round trip from Paris to Versailles and board the train. About halfway to Versailles, Kelsey receives a text from 'Izzy💕'.

I'm so nervous, I think I may throw up😭

Instead of messaging back, Kelsey calls her. When Isabella answers, Kelsey could hear sniffles. "H-Hello?" Isabella says.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Kelsey asks.

"I'm watching the competition, and I don't know what I'm doing here. Everyone is so good, and I don't know if I can even compete with them. I'm the youngest one here, and I just don't think I can do it." Isabella said.

"You can. Want to know why? Because you put in the work and got here. So, you may be the youngest one. But that doesn't matter. They may be more experienced, but you are new to the game, and they don't know anything about you. Use that to your advantage. They will be playing their game that they've been playing since they began. You and Sergio are fresh, and you have a passion for the sport that a lot of the others don't have. Yes, they're great, but you have something they don't, and that's what's going to help you in the long run." Kelsey said.

"How do you know that?" Isabella asked.

"I may have looked you up last night and also watched some competitions you did and competitors." Kelsey admitted.

"You did that?" Isabella asked.

"Of course. Look, I know your first Olympics is extremely nerve wracking. But before you go out there, take some deep breaths. Then go out and do the sport you love. It's just you and Sergio out there. Have fun, and don't worry about medaling right now. I've found that when you worry about getting a medal, it just keeps you from doing your best. So go out there, have fun, and do your absolute best." Kelsey said.