'When I'm with you, I feel safe from the things that hurt me inside.'

The first thing I noticed when I entered his family home was the homely atmosphere surrounding the place.

Looking around, the walls were decorated with various family pictures and personalised art work, which made the house more warm and lively.

I could smell the delicious food being cooked from the hallway and I couldn't wait to sit down and try some.

I took my shoes off, putting them next to his, and followed him as he guided me through the house.

We eventually made it to the kitchen and my mouth was practically salivating at this point.

Homemade pasta and pizza were laying on the table and more was being made. I couldn't wait to have some warm home cooked food.

On the far corner, I could see Isabella kneading some more pizza dough and I decided to go over to her and ask if she needed any help.

"Ciao mia ragazza Come ti senti? (Hi my sweet girl. How are you feeling?)", she asked with a warm smile.

"B-better", I whispered nervously, my fingers fiddling with my necklace.

"H-how are y-you?", I asked, trying to return the politeness and attempt to continue the conversation.

"I'm good. I'm glad you decided to come over", she said with a genuine smile on her face.

I had to bite my lip to keep away the tears threatening to spill. I've missed this motherly love. I have so desperately wanted it for most of my life that I forgot how heart-warming and special it was for someone to shower you with unconditional love and support.

"C-can I help?", I offered, gesturing to the fluffy pizza dough which was sitting on the counter.

"Don't worry about it, dolce ragazza. Why don't you go into the dining room and relax. Sofia's been waiting all day to see you!", she said, trying to get me out the kitchen to rest.

Like mother like son.

"A-are you s-sure?", I asked once more, in case she tuned me down in courtesy.

"Yes, now go and rest before Luciano sees you standing!", she said with a small laugh.

I gave her a smile in return and made my way over to where the noise was coming from.

I could see Sofia sitting on a chair with a younger man sitting in front of her and an older man sitting at the end of the table.

I suddenly got nervous again and my feet were glued to the ground. I kept chanting to myself that 'I've got this' and 'I can do this', but it was no use.

I was pathetic. I couldn't even step into a room full of three people.

All of a sudden, I could sense someone's presence behind me, and I didn't even have to turn around to see who it was, I knew exactly who it was.

His hand was outstretched, dangerously close to mine but not quite touching and it was as if he was waiting for me to be comfortable enough to put my hand in his.

Slowly, our hands touched and I could feel electrifying tingles erupt through me body. My small hand was encased in his large one and I got a surge of security that I had never felt before in my life.

I dared to look into his hypnotising warm eyes and I'm so glad that I did. I wish that I could take a picture of the beautiful sight in front of me.

I looked down in embarrassment and went back to focusing on the dreaded feeling I felt in my tummy.

"Sono qui (I'm here)", he whispered, squeezing my hand to try next give me some confidence.

With one last feel breath, we made our way into the dining room. As everyone noticed our presence, the conversation seemed to stop and all eyes were on us.

With a clearing of his throat, he made everyone continue what they were doing as we took a seat next to each other.

'Lily! It's good to see you again!', she signed to me whilst giving me a side hug.

'You too!', I signed back, excited to see her again.

Before she had the chance to start a conversation, Isabella came into the room carrying various dishes and placing them around the table.

Me and Sofia got up immediately and after reassuring Isabella that we were ok to help, we bought the rest of the food to the dining room.

It looked and smelt amazing and I was in awe that she was able to cook all of this by herself.

She sat down next to the man sitting at the head of the table, presumably her husband, and gave me a soft smile from across the table.

There were too many people looking at me and I began to fidget until I felt a large hand on my leg.

Looking up, I saw him looking worriedly at me and I gave his hand a tight squeeze to let him know that I was fine now.

I was overwhelmed but not in a bad way. He was here and he wouldn't let anything happen to me.

Once we were all seated comfortably, he turned to face me and began to talk.

"Questa sono mia madre e mio padre, Enzo. Sai già Sofia e di fronte a lei c'è mio fratello, Giovanni (This is my mother and father, Enzo. You already know Sofia and opposite her is my brother, Giovanni)", he said whilst making sure everyone was looking as welcoming as possible.

I gave a shy smile and tried to maintain eye contact with them for as long as possible.

Sensing how nervous I was, we all began to eat whilst making friendly dinner conversation.

I took this time to observe the new people I was introduced to.

I had already met Isabella and she was having a conversation with her husband, Enzo. Enzo seemed to have some kind of fatherly aura around him. Considering he had a tall, muscly build, he had a warming smile which contradicted the stereotype.

Opposite Sofia sat his brother, who only seemed to be a year or two younger. He had the same dark coloured hair which seemed to run in the family, but when he looked up, I had to hold back a gasp. He had beautiful eyes, one dark brown and the other a fascinating blue colour.

He must have seen me looking and hid his face in what seemed like shame. Did he think I was creeped out? Because it was the complete opposite.

"Y-you have b-beautiful eyes", I complimented him, shyly.

To my surprise, he lifted his head and looked at me straight in the eye with a look of surprise painted across his face.

"R-really?", he said in disbelief.

"I-I wish my e-eye colour was m-more interesting", I whispered, suddenly feeling disappointed in the boring brown coloured eyes I had.

"Your eyes are beautiful, amore. I would look at them forever if I could", he whispered into my ear, making me blush.