My Light

Nora's POV


Kissing Zayn once is enough to put you in. I just didn't want to stop. I didn't want to walk away, to leave that place. Even if he didn't get it, it was one of those places that you'll always remember. You always remember your first kiss with someone.

I just couldn't focus. I was suppose to be making flower crown for the bohemian wedding this weekend but it just wasn't working. My mind was focused on other things. Like Zayn's lips. His slight smile when he gets nervous.

“Stop.” Shelby groans from across the table.

“What?” I ask, pretending as if I don't know what she's talking about.

“You keep thinking about him. I know you, and I know you're thinking about him.” She takes the opportunity to throw a stem at me.

“I can't help it.” I'm almost whining. I'd rather be working. I need to be working. It's Wednesday and I need to finish things for this wedding that's on Friday.

“Is he coming today?” She asks, threading the stems.

“Um, no actually.” I slump my shoulders. He's been coming every day for the last week and a half but today he had to sign papers for the apartment, he's moving in on Saturday already, guess you can do that when you have money. And he's informed me he's going to start taking a few art classes at NYU's adult education program. He doesn't have to have his high school diploma to participate in them.

“Oh no.” Shelby starts to tease, placing her hand over her heart. “Whatever will you do without him?” Laughing at her jokes. She's so hilarious. I glare at her from across the table. “Oh lighten up. What is with you two?”

I tap my fingers along the desk, searching for the right words. “I don't really know to be honest. I mean, I like him, he likes me, we've been on a few dates but other than that, not a lot is going on.” I finally finish the tight turn of the first crown, passing it to Shelby to apply ribbons.

“Well that's okay. Everyone is so focused on putting titles on things. I don't see what the rush is about. Just lets things come.” I watch as she pulls out light blue, light pink, light yellow ribbon and measures them to size.

“Yeah.” I pick up another template, I've always hated flower crowns. Yeah they're beautiful when their completed but actually making them is a giant pain in my ass.

“Does your mom and Nonna know about him?” She asks, snipping the string and laying them flat to find a spot to tie them on.

“Um, I've mentioned I'm seeing someone.” I let my words linger.

“And they haven't asked to meet him yet? Girl you need to invite him to dinner. Let him see your crazy everyday world.” Always laughing. Shelby is always laughing.

“I don't know if he's ready for that.” This time it's my turn to laugh, thinking about all the times I've brought other boys home and how they react to my loud Italian family. Even if it's just the three of us, everyone is loud. Except my mom, mom us usually a little quieter. She lets everyone else talk and say things. I guess there is one in every family.

“Oh come on. Invite him over for Sunday dinner. Nonna is such a good cook. I think he'll enjoy it.” She smiles, Shelby always has the best intentions. I, on the other hand, am a little more reserved. It's easy for her to suggest that I invite family, she's been over as a friend. I know Nonna will grill Zayn.

“I heard you kissed Louis.” I've been meaning to mention it to her, just bring it up and tease the crap out of her.

“What? Who told you that?” She asks, spinning in her chair to not face me.

“Um, Zayn. I'm assuming Louis told him.” Like I wouldn't find out. “So, did you?” I ask, I'd rather just change the subject from inviting Zayn to dinner.

“Well we might of.” She laughs.

“Either you did or you didn't Shelby.” I think we spend most of our time talking about our lives and throwing things at each other. Never anything sharp, we at least know better than that.

“Fine. We, as he called it, snogged.” Her cheeks start to blush as she turns away laughing. “It sounds like such a gross term, like snot or something.”

“So you lived out your teenage dream! Making out with Louis Tomlinson!How was it?” I try to cheer her up, she seems really embarrassed.

“Yeah.” She's downplaying majorly. “It was okay, drunken kisses, sloppy. But nothing will come of it, it's just a make out session. We were both drunk, it was an opportunity of convince if anything.”

“Well you never know, I didn't think I'd be seeing Zayn Malik.” I raise my eyebrows up and down to make her laugh. A trick I've leaned from Zayn.

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My mom actually has the night off. It's a rare occurrence in the house to have my mom home in the evenings. I've always just been around Nonna and Nonno when I got home from school, obviously mom was still around but that's just how it is sometimes.

“Hey mama.” I take to the roof, seeing her trimming the herbs for Nonna. Like I've said, she's the gardener in the family when Nonno past away.

“Hey mia luce.” She stands and brushes her hands off, pulling me in for a quick hug.

“Trimming today?” Things are sometimes just awkward between us. She's a nurse, I know nothing about that field. She's always been around flowers, she can do it if it's needed but it's not what she wants to do with her life.

“Yes, the basil is getting too long and the oregano needs to be crushed and dried.” She points to the plants as if I know but I have no idea.

“Um, I was wondering if you wanted to meet that guy I've been seeing?' I ask. I feel like a teenager asking my mom if I can go on a date with someone to prom. Those nervous feelings in your stomach.

“Sure. Nonna is already sleeping but I'm sure that it won't be a problem. Sunday dinner?” She asks.

“That's what I was thinking, I haven't asked him yet though.”

“You really like him? It's only been a few weeks right?” She sits down on the raised box, pulling weeds.

“Yeah, it's only been a few weeks but I just want to introduce you all.” I sit down across from her, studying what she's doing so I don't pull the wrong thing. Sometimes I mistake the herbs for weeds and pull the wrong thing.

“Well sometimes when you know you know.” She smiles, squinting in the sun. I say my goodbyes and head back to my room. Mom's never been one to date. I've always felt bad, someone has always needed to be at home when Nonno and Nonna are there mom has just always sacrificed her schedule so be there during the day. I don't think she's ever really been in a relationship that I know of in years, like a decade if I really think about it. We don't always see eye to eye but she's a true mom, sacrificing her time for mine.

I plop on my bed, fishing for my phone as I pull it out and bring up our conversation.

To Zayn: Wondering if you wanted to come meet my mom and Nonna on Sunday?

I don't think he'd say no, but you just never know, meeting family after two weeks is kind of a big deal, but I'm Italian, my family is my life and if they don't like him then he's going to have to go. It's as simple and as serious as that.

From Zayn: I'd love to. What can I bring?

I silently freak, he's coming! I'll have to let Nonna know, she won't need to add extra portions as we seem to have so much food for just us three but knowing Nonna, I'm sure she will. I'm nervous as to have him meet people so important to me but I'm sure things will be fine. Ah, Zayn is coming to my house!

Notes

Hey everyone. So I'm sure yesterday was difficult for most of you, I don't really know what to say other than just support everyone. Things will get better. :) At the end of the day, Zayn has to be happy with himself and where he's at, all we can do is support and try to understand. And for the people that have sent me messages, I will continue this story, I haven't started a story I won't finish yet and I don't intend to not finish this one. As long as you all still want it, I'll continue to write it.

That being said, I've added Nora's mom to the list of characters so you can see her. Hope you all liked this chapter!!

Have a great day.

xoxox