A Love Across Worlds

Chapter 1: Unexpected Connections

Bella's POV

It was one of those endless gray days in Forks, the kind that made you feel like you'd been asleep for too long. I was drifting through the aisles of the tiny bookstore downtown, not really looking for anything in particular. Charlie had insisted I get out of the house, probably worried that I'd started to blend into the furniture. I knew he was right, but leaving the house felt harder than it should.

As I wandered toward the front counter, my eye caught a little corkboard by the door, filled with the usual small-town advertisements. A local band playing at the diner, someone's lost cat, a babysitter for hire. I was about to turn away when one flyer, yellowed at the edges and handwritten, stopped me.

"Seeking Pen Pals Abroad," it read, the letters a little crooked and faded. "Want to make a friend from across the world? Share your story, and we'll match you with someone far away. All ages welcome."

I don't know what made me do it, but I reached out and tore one of the small slips of paper with the contact details. Maybe I was just bored, or maybe it was something more, like a flicker of hope I hadn't realized I was holding onto. When I got home, I found an old notebook and began writing. It wasn't long-a couple of lines about myself, and a vague mention of my life in Forks. I sent it off, figuring nothing would come of it. And if nothing did, that would be fine too.

Two weeks later, an envelope arrived. It was thick and slightly crumpled, with a postage stamp that looked nothing like the ones here. I ran my fingers over the writing on the front, reading the name over and over. George Weasley.

Inside, there was a letter, written in looping, messy handwriting. I sat down at the kitchen table and unfolded it carefully, almost afraid to breathe. And then, I read.

Dear Bella,

Well, this is a bit strange, isn't it? I'm George, by the way. I live in a little village just outside London. My twin brother, Fred, talked me into signing up for this pen pal thing. Said it would be "good for business," but I'm not sure what he meant by that. Anyway, here we are.

I'd like to think I'm not too dull, but you'll have to let me know, yeah? I've got a big family, so it's never really quiet here. My mum's always bustling about, telling us to mind our manners, and Dad... well, he has a knack for tinkering with things he probably shouldn't. It's all a bit mad, really.

As for me, I'm part of a little shop in Diagon Alley with my brother. It's small, but it's ours, and we're a bit proud of it. Ever been to England? I don't know much about where you live, but I imagine it's different than here. We get plenty of rain, so I'm guessing we have that in common.

Tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for fun? And if you're feeling brave, tell me one thing you've never told anyone. I'll do the same, but only if you promise to keep it a secret.

Cheers,
George

I read it three times before I could believe it was real. There was something in his words, a warmth and humor that felt like sunlight breaking through the fog. He sounded so... normal, so open, like he didn't have a care in the world. I felt a strange sense of relief, like I could just be me-without any expectations, without any judgments.

Before I knew it, I was reaching for a pen, ready to write back, my heart a little lighter than it had been in a long time.