FROM CRADLE TO HEART.

y tall in its foundation. Beautiful as it could ever be. Its stony facade, gleaming in th

windows, laughter and chat

icious delicacies filled the air. Auria and her family had just finished eating dinner, but they s

ndoza said, getting to his f

nny said with a smile, as the m

urned to her dad. He smiled back, walking over to her, and

sitting beside her, a playful smile playing on her lips. "Hey

ng on to her mischievous gr

ed. "Oh come on, since when did you become so stingy with your food? "Her voice took on a little hungry tone. "I thought you loved being in your room, just grabbing a few bites and da

is reply was yet the same. "Well, you should just

ing his pancakes, and headed towards the s

tingy?" Peter retorted loudly, then disappeared into the hallway as Penny t

a let out a gentle scolding, setting aside her

nto a dramatic depressed express

e?" she whined, looking like she'd b

ead. Then she turned to Auria, who, just like her mom, had been a lit

denly chimed in, leaning towards the table again as she flashed a tea

rushing off the thoughts of the events at the stor

interjected again. "It was eventful, mom. Auria could

torted, when Penny's remaining words dawned o

chievously, as Auria stared

anners." Was all she muttered, turning back to

estion hung in the air, and she refused to let it drop. H

iking features flashed in her mind - his towering height, and captivating hazel eyes with ocean-blue undertones, and his smooth, c

"Look Penny, with an attitude as irritating as his, who'd seriously notice whether or not he's ha

ted. "You could've just pointed out that he dropped you

s, a sharp breath escaping her lips. "His

be rude." Her mother slowly interjecte

lly over." Penny concluded, res

n again. I don't know what I'll do if

y annoying for you today. "Mrs. Mendoza chuckled, gently pulling her daughter in for a

mom. Could we just stay like this for a moment." She muttered softly as the woman smiled. "Of course, darling!" then h

★

g mirror, combing her hair for the night

ned to the door, where her sister was leaning onto

d decided we all come here because of you." Penny left the door,

sn't for school alone, right?" She asked, pla

stared back at her with urging eyes. Taking a deep breath, she spoke softly. "I've decided I'll never go back to Italy. I have tried not to be selfish fo

I feel back in Italy. I'm hardly reminded of what I wen

taking her hand. "If it's what you want, I support you." she