A Love Across Worlds

Chapter 6: Bridging the Distance

Bella's POV

I read George's last letter so many times I almost memorized it, each word sinking deeper into my heart. Knowing he felt the same way was like a weight lifting off my chest, leaving me lighter than I'd been in months. I'd found something in George that I hadn't even known I was missing-a sense of belonging, of being truly seen.

As I sat down to write him back, I felt a rush of excitement, my heart beating faster at the thought of what lay ahead. This time, I decided to include something special, something that would remind him of me in the same way the scarf reminded me of him. I reached into my jewelry box and pulled out a small, polished stone I'd found on one of my hikes to the clearing. It was smooth, deep green with hints of silver-a small token, but one I'd kept close.

I wrapped the stone in a bit of tissue paper, slipping it into the envelope alongside my letter. It felt right, like I was sending him a piece of myself, a small reminder of the place that had become so important to us both.

Dear George,

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I've fallen in love with you, too. It feels strange, loving someone I've never met, but somehow, with you, it makes sense. You've become such a big part of my world, and I can't imagine my days without your letters, without the thought of you.

I wanted to send you something to keep with you, something to remind you of me. It's just a small stone, but I found it in that clearing I told you about. It's one of my favorite spots, and now, in a way, it's yours, too.

I've been thinking a lot about us meeting, about making this real. I know it might seem impossible, but maybe it doesn't have to be. There's a part of me that believes we were meant to find each other, that somehow, we'll find a way to make this work.

What if we planned a trip? Just something small, somewhere we could meet halfway. It wouldn't have to be anything extravagant-just a place where we could finally see each other, face to face. Tell me what you think.

With all my love,
Bella

I sent the letter off, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. The idea of meeting George in person felt surreal, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I'd spent so long drifting, caught in the fog of what had happened with Edward, but George had pulled me out of that darkness. He'd given me something to hope for, something to look forward to, and now, I wanted to see where that hope would take us.

A week later, his response arrived, thicker than usual. I tore it open, smiling at the small envelope-within-an-envelope marked "For Bella's Eyes Only." Inside, I found a note, written in his familiar handwriting.

Dear Bella,

You have no idea how much that stone means to me. I carry it with me everywhere now, like a little piece of you that I can hold onto whenever I start to miss you. It's perfect. Thank you for sending it-it makes me feel like I'm with you, even if only in spirit.

And as for a trip? I'm in. I'll go wherever you are, Bella, wherever you want. I've been dreaming of this for so long, imagining the day we'd finally meet. I don't care if it's a small café or a bustling city or a little patch of woods-it'll be perfect as long as you're there.

I took the liberty of looking up a few places we might meet, somewhere between Forks and London. I found this cozy town on the coast, just outside of Vancouver. It's not too far for you, and I'd be more than willing to make the trip. We could spend a few days there, just talking, laughing, and finally getting to know each other in person.

I know it's a big step, but if you're ready, then I am, too. Let's make this happen, Bella. Let's make this real.

All my love,
George

My heart swelled with excitement as I read his words, feeling a surge of hope that seemed to fill every part of me. Vancouver. It was perfect-a place just far enough away that it felt like an adventure, but close enough that I could actually see it happening. I imagined us walking along the beach, the salt air in our hair, his laughter filling the spaces between us. The thought sent a thrill through me, and for the first time, I allowed myself to believe in this future we were building together.

I sat down to write him back, my hands trembling slightly as I poured my thoughts onto the page.

Dear George,

Vancouver sounds perfect. I can't believe we're actually doing this-it feels like a dream. I can't wait to see you, to finally have you standing beside me, to make all of this real.

I've been thinking about what it will be like, meeting you for the first time. I don't know if I'll be able to speak, or if I'll just start crying the moment I see you. But I know one thing for sure: I'm ready. I'm ready to take this leap with you, to see where this road will lead us.

Let's plan for next month. It gives us enough time to work everything out, to make sure we're both ready. I'm counting down the days, George, and I hope you are, too.

All my love,
Bella

Over the next few weeks, we wrote back and forth, making plans, sharing every detail. George was as excited as I was, and it felt like we were building a bridge with our words, a way to close the distance between us. He even sent me a small itinerary he'd sketched out, complete with little doodles of us walking along the beach, sharing coffee at a tiny café, and exploring the city hand-in-hand.

With each letter, the trip felt more real, more like a new chapter waiting to be written. I found myself smiling at random moments, feeling lighter, freer. George had given me a reason to look forward, to believe in something beyond the shadows of my past.

As the day of our trip drew closer, I packed my bags, my heart beating with a mixture of excitement and nerves. I'd shared so much of myself with him through our letters, but now, I'd finally have the chance to share my life with him in person.

I took a deep breath, holding the scarf he'd given me in my hand, and I knew, without a doubt, that this was the beginning of something beautiful.