The house was quieter now, the earlier chaos of Fina's pain and Aiden's care slowly fading into the background. A soft afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the living room where Fina sat, tucked into the corner of the couch. The lingering ache in her body had dulled to a manageable throb, but her thoughts were still racing, her mind a whirlwind of doubt and emotion.

She knew she needed to talk to someone, someone who understood her better than anyone else. As much as Aiden had been there for her, as much as his presence had eased her fears, there was something about speaking to her mother, Isabella, that felt like the next step in easing the weight on her chest.

Fina had always been close to her mom, the bond between them more like that of best friends than mother and daughter. And though Isabella was protective and often tried to shield her from the realities of their world, Fina knew her mother would understand her more than anyone else.

When the quiet of the house became too much, Fina finally stood and made her way down the hallway toward the kitchen, where Isabella was preparing some tea. The soft hum of the kettle was the only sound as she approached, and when Isabella saw her, a warm smile spread across her face.

"You feeling better, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice filled with maternal concern.

Fina nodded, but the smile she offered was faint, her thoughts far from calm. "A little, yeah," she said softly, stepping into the kitchen. "I just... need to talk to you."

Isabella's smile faded into a look of understanding, sensing the seriousness in her daughter's voice. She placed the kettle down on the counter, her eyes soft with curiosity. "Of course, Fina. What's on your mind?"

Fina hesitated for a moment, glancing at her mother. She had so much she wanted to say, but where to start? She let out a slow breath, leaning against the kitchen counter. "It's about... Aiden," she began, her voice unsteady.

Isabella's gaze softened, but she didn't interrupt. She had seen the way Fina looked at him, the way he had been there for her even when she hadn't asked for it. But she didn't want to assume anything, especially not when Fina was still figuring out what this all meant.

"Aiden's great," Fina continued, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "He's been so patient with me, so understanding. I don't think I've ever felt this... safe with someone. But... I don't know, Mamma. I'm scared."

Isabella stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Fina's arm. "Scared of what, darling?"

Fina bit her lip, the words tangled in her mind. "I'm scared of what it means. Of what this is... or what it could be. I don't know if I'm ready for all the complications that come with being in a relationship with him."

Isabella's expression softened even more, and she pulled her daughter into a tight hug. Fina melted into her embrace, her mother's warmth grounding her in a way that was desperately needed. After a moment, Isabella pulled back slightly, her hands resting on Fina's shoulders.

"You're worried about the life he leads, aren't you?" Isabella asked gently, her voice full of knowing.

Fina nodded, her throat tight. "It's not just that," she admitted. "I can't help but think... maybe I'm not enough. Maybe he deserves someone who can handle that world, who isn't so... broken."

Isabella's eyes softened with empathy, and she gently cupped Fina's face in her hands. "Fina, you are more than enough. More than you realize. It's not about being perfect or having it all together. It's about being real, about letting yourself be loved and loving someone in return. You deserve that."

"But what if I mess it up?" Fina whispered, her voice trembling. "What if I can't keep up with him? Or what if he realizes I'm just too complicated? I've spent so long hiding parts of myself, pretending that I'm fine when I'm not."

Isabella brushed a lock of hair from Fina's face, her expression calm and reassuring. "You don't have to hide anything, Fina. Not from him, and not from yourself. The right person will accept all of you, flaws and all."

Fina closed her eyes, leaning into her mother's touch. "But how do I know if it's really him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Isabella's smile was gentle, yet full of understanding. "You don't have to know everything right now, sweetheart. But you'll know when you're ready. And if Aiden is the right one for you, he'll be patient, just like he's been."

Fina opened her eyes, meeting her mother's gaze. A part of her still felt hesitant, unsure, but another part—deep down—wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, this was real. The way Aiden cared for her, the way he made her feel seen—it was unlike anything she had ever known.

"I'm scared, Mamma," Fina admitted, her voice small. "But I want to try. I want to see where this goes. I just... I need to know that I'm not making a mistake."

Isabella pulled her daughter into another hug, her arms wrapping around her with a protective fierceness. "You won't make a mistake, Fina. You're not alone in this. I'm here for you, always."

Fina held onto her mother, the weight on her shoulders feeling a little lighter. The road ahead might be uncertain, but for the first time, she felt like maybe she could take the first step—maybe she could take that leap of faith with Aiden. As long as she had the people who loved her by her side, she didn't have to be afraid.

Fina pulled back slightly from her mother, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. A small, shaky smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you, Mamma," she whispered. "I needed to hear that."

Isabella smiled warmly, brushing a tear from Fina's cheek. "I know you did, sweetheart. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Fina nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance she hadn't expected. The self-doubt that had clouded her thoughts began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of clarity. Maybe she wasn't as broken as she thought. Maybe, with time, she could let herself be loved, flaws and all.

"I just need to take it one step at a time," Fina murmured, more to herself than to her mother.

Isabella nodded, her voice gentle yet firm. "Exactly. One step at a time. And remember, you don't have to carry everything alone. You have me, and you have Aiden."

Fina's heart swelled at the mention of Aiden. She thought about his soft kisses, the way he held her close during her worst moments, and how, despite her insecurities, he never once seemed to pull away. Maybe she could trust him more than she had allowed herself to.

With a deep breath, she straightened up. "I think... I think I'm ready to talk to him. To see where this goes."

Isabella smiled proudly. "I'm proud of you, Fina. Go talk to him. You deserve happiness."

Fina gave her mom one last hug, feeling more certain than she had in a long time. She didn't have all the answers, but for the first time, she was willing to face the unknown.

a/n

hello kids 👀👀