Serafina's POV

The house was quiet that evening, a rare moment of peace in the bustling Romano household. Serafina sat at the kitchen counter, a cup of hot chocolate in her hands. Isabella was busy baking, the comforting scent of vanilla and cinnamon filling the air.

"Mamma," Serafina said softly, watching her mother sprinkle sugar over a batch of cookies.

Isabella glanced over her shoulder, her brow arching slightly in curiosity. "Yes, tesoro?"

Serafina hesitated, her fingers tightening around the mug. She had been mulling over this conversation all day, unsure of how to start or what to say. But after opening up to her family about her struggles, she felt a little braver, a little stronger.

"Can we talk?"

Isabella set down the spoon she was holding and turned to face her daughter, wiping her hands on a towel. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

Serafina looked down at her drink, her cheeks flushing. "It's... about Aiden."

Her mother's expression softened, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she pulled up a stool beside her. "Ah, Aiden. Go on."

"I think I like him," Serafina blurted, her face heating up even more.

Isabella chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Serafina's ear. "You think, or you know?"

Serafina groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Okay, fine. I know. But it's so embarrassing! He's my friend, and I don't want to ruin anything."

"Tesoro," Isabella said, her tone gentle, "there's nothing wrong with having feelings for someone, especially someone as kind and caring as Aiden. But why do you think it would ruin your friendship?"

"Because what if he doesn't feel the same way?" Serafina mumbled, peeking at her mother through her fingers. "What if it makes things awkward, and then I lose him as a friend?"

Isabella tilted her head thoughtfully. "That's a valid fear, but let me ask you this: has Aiden ever made you feel like he would abandon you over something like this?"

Serafina thought back to all the times Aiden had been there for her-the way he comforted her during her panic attacks, the way he listened without judgment, the way he always seemed to know when she needed a friend.

"No," she admitted.

"Exactly," Isabella said with a warm smile. "Aiden clearly cares about you, Fina. Whether it's as a friend or something more, he values you. And if you do decide to tell him how you feel, I don't think it will change that."

Serafina nodded slowly, her mother's words easing some of her anxiety. "I just... I've never felt this way before. It's kind of scary."

"First crushes often are," Isabella said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But they can also be exciting. It's okay to take your time and figure out how you feel before doing anything about it."

Serafina smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks, Mamma. You always know what to say."

Isabella leaned over to kiss her daughter's forehead. "That's what I'm here for. And just so you know, I think Aiden would be very lucky to have you in his life-no matter what role you play."

Serafina laughed softly, her cheeks pink. "Okay, now you're just being biased."

"Maybe," Isabella teased, standing up to check on the cookies. "But I'm also right."

As the warmth of her mother's words settled over her, Serafina felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things with Aiden didn't have to be so complicated after all.