A Love Across Borders - Two worlds one love

Chapter 1: Arrival in Beijing

The crowded streets of Beijing buzzed with life as Fernanda weaved through the city on her skateboard, her heart pounding with the thrill of the unfamiliar. The air was filled with a mixture of car horns, street vendors shouting, and the hum of people moving together like a restless tide. It was her first day in this vast city, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with nervousness. Winning the scholarship had been a dream come true, but now that she was actually here, she felt like she was riding a wave, hoping she wouldn't crash.

Fernanda's tomboyish charm and athletic build immediately drew glances as she skated past the entrance of the University of Beijing. Her loose cargo pants, sneakers, and faded baseball cap stood out against the sea of students in more formal attire. She liked it that way—being different. The buzz of campus life enveloped her, but even as she took it all in, she knew she was already looking for something more.

She didn't have to wait long. It happened during a spontaneous stop at the university's basketball court. She saw a girl standing on the sidelines, eyes locked onto the game as if it held the answers to some secret she had yet to discover. Her beauty was striking, with long, flowing black hair cascading down her back and a face so delicate it seemed almost unreal. She wore a simple white dress, yet there was an elegance in the way she held herself—a quiet grace that Fernanda couldn't look away from.

Fernanda dribbled the basketball a few times, her gaze flicking toward the mysterious girl on the sidelines. It was just a casual practice, but something about this moment felt electric. She took a deep breath, then launched the ball toward the hoop, sinking it with a satisfying swish. She grabbed the rebound and walked over, a crooked smile on her face.

"Hey," she said, her Spanish accent curling around the English words, "do you play, or just watch?"The girl looked startled, as if snapped out of a trance. Her cheeks flushed, and she shook her head. "I—I've never played," she replied in softly accented English. "I just like watching.""Well, you're missing out," Fernanda teased, spinning the ball on her finger. "Come on, give it a shot. I'll show you."

There was a pause, a hesitation in the girl's eyes, as if she was contemplating whether it was proper to accept such an invitation. Then, almost reluctantly, she stepped forward, accepting the ball that Fernanda offered. Her hands were small compared to the size of the basketball, and she held it awkwardly, as if unsure what to do next.

"Here, let me help," Fernanda said, moving closer. She positioned herself behind the girl, guiding her arms into the right stance. "Just follow through like this," she murmured, her breath warm against the girl's ear.The ball flew in a wide arc, bouncing harmlessly off the backboard and onto the ground. The girl laughed—a light, melodic sound that sent a strange flutter through Fernanda's chest. It wasn't the shot, but the laughter that made something click in her mind."Not bad for your first try," Fernanda said, grinning. "What's your name?""Mei," she answered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "And you?""Fernanda. Just got here from Spain," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "Thought I'd try my luck in a new country.""Spain?" Mei's eyebrows arched in surprise. "What made you come all the way to China?""Adventure," Fernanda said with a shrug. "And a scholarship, but mostly the adventure. I like the idea of getting lost somewhere completely different, you know?"Mei's smile faded slightly, as if the idea of "getting lost" meant something else entirely to her. "I don't think I've ever gotten lost," she said softly, almost to herself.

Fernanda tilted her head. There was something in the way Mei spoke, a quiet longing behind her words. It piqued her curiosity, making her wonder what lay behind those guarded eyes. She tossed the ball back to Mei, this time more gently. "Then maybe it's time to start. I could use a tour guide who knows how to find her way around here."

Mei hesitated, the weight of something unseen settling over her. "I don't know if I'd be a very good guide," she said, her gaze flickering toward the ground. "My family... they keep me on a pretty tight schedule.""Well, if you ever want to break free for a bit, I'll be here," Fernanda replied. "You could start by helping me find the best spots in the city. I'll owe you one."For a moment, Mei's eyes lit up, as if she were considering it—really considering stepping away from everything that was expected of her, just for a moment. But then, just as quickly, the light dimmed. "Maybe," she said softly, taking a step back. "I should go. It was nice meeting you, Fernanda.""Likewise, Mei," Fernanda called after her as she walked away, her dress fluttering in the evening breeze.

Fernanda watched her go, something tugging at the edges of her mind. She had come to Beijing seeking adventure, and now, she had a feeling she'd found it in the form of a girl named Mei—someone with a mysterious light she wanted to chase, someone who seemed to be searching for something herself.

She didn't know where this path would lead, but she was determined to find out.