Tackling the Canvas

Chapter 17

Nora:

I still can't quite wrap my head around how quickly Owen managed to break through my walls and make me fall for someone again. After everything that happened when I was 16, I had sworn off dating for good. My dad had died two years before, and then my boyfriend at the time decided to cheat on me with my supposed best friend. The betrayal from someone I trusted so much broke something in me, leaving me feeling vulnerable and shattered.

After that, I made a vow to myself—I wouldn't let anyone hurt me again. I convinced myself that I didn't need anyone, and the idea of trusting someone romantically seemed out of the question. I pushed away anything that remotely resembled intimacy. It was easier that way, safer.

Then Owen came along. Younger than me, carefree and full of energy, yet somehow... he just got me. He had this way of making me feel like I wasn't carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I tried to keep my guard up, but before I knew it, he had slipped past those defenses. It wasn't instant; it wasn't a whirlwind. But little by little, I found myself opening up, laughing more, trusting more.

It still feels surreal to be here, in a place where I'm letting myself care for someone romantically again, but with Owen... it feels right. And that scares me sometimes.

And now, here I am, flying over four thousand miles to spend Christmas with Owen and his family in Italy. I still can't believe it. I haven't even spent Christmas with anyone other than my mom in years, and suddenly I'm about to immerse myself in someone else's family, traditions, and home.

It's not just any trip, either—it's Italy. A whole different world. Owen had been so excited, practically bouncing around like a kid when he invited me, and somehow, I said yes. Part of me is terrified. I'm stepping into unfamiliar territory, literally and emotionally.

But at the same time, there's this thrill that I can't deny. Maybe it's the idea of new memories, or maybe it's just because it's Owen and I want to spend as much time with him before leaving for Australia. Either way, here I am, ready for what comes next, even if it feels a little insane.

____

"You'll love it there. I know it for sure." Owen said with that confident smile of his, squeezing my hand gently as the plane hummed beneath us.

I smiled back, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves settling in my stomach. "How's your father like?" I asked, genuinely curious. Owen didn't talk about his dad much, and I wanted to know more about the man whose home I'd soon be staying in.

Owen leaned his head back against the seat, a small smile playing on his lips as he thought about it. "He's... strict but not in a bad way. He's the kind of guy who expects a lot from people, you know? He always pushed me to be better, but he's proud of me. He just doesn't say it all the time." He chuckled softly. "But when he does, it really means something. He's always been there for me, though. Like... even if we don't see eye to eye on everything, he's still my dad."

I nodded, appreciating the honesty. "Sounds like he really cares about you."

"He does," Owen said with a shrug. "He just shows it in his own way. You'll like him, though. He's a bit intimidating at first, but once you get to know him, he's a good guy."

I felt a little more reassured, but the nerves still lingered. Meeting someone's family is always a big deal, especially when you're flying halfway across the world to do it.

Sofia couldn't make the trip—she had to catch up on all the months she skipped, so it was just Owen and me. Flying into Italy felt surreal, knowing it was just the two of us for this big family holiday.

As we made our way through the airport, I spotted an older man in a crisp black suit, holding up a sign that read "Mr. De Luca" in elegant cursive. He looked polished and professional, with the kind of calm demeanor you'd expect from someone who'd been doing this job for years.