Keeping Him

One

London was much different than Northern Italy in many different aspects, but what Aurora found the most off putting was the quietness. Sure, Italy was quiet in the northern parts, especially in the small town she grew up in; but everyone knew each other there, they were all friends. Not that Aurora thought people in London weren't friendly because they were, but it was rather just short nods and quick smiles at each other. Sometimes if you were lucky, you got a quick "hello", or "excuse me."

But Aurora was relieved to find that her new employer, Anne, wasn't like that. She was kind and gentle, and she gave Aurora the biggest smile as soon as she saw her.

Anne was a happy woman, dark brown hair that was golden in the sunlight. Her eyes were bright grey, her skin tanned; she didn't look a day over thirty. Aurora thought she was beautiful, she was beyond thrilled that she was blessed with such a nice woman as her boss; especially since she would be living in her home.

Now Anne's son was another story. Aurora had never actually met him, but she had heard quite a lot about him from his mother. She described him as a quiet but quirky soul. She said once you got to know him he was the best person she'd ever come across. He had more kindness in the tip of his pinky than most people possessed in their entire body.

But he was somewhat mysterious, other than what Anne had told her, Aurora knew nothing about the boy, or what he looked like. She assumed he looked like his mother. Aurora noticed something in Anne's eyes when she talked about him, like a sparkle. It almost looked a little sad though, but Aurora couldn't tell why. No doubt Anne was incredibly in love with her son and very proud of him though, she went on and on about all the great things he does, and how creative he is. Aurora would've been lying if she said she wasn't intrigued about meeting him. Thankfully, she'd only have to wait a day.

Aurora made her way up the smooth stone path that led to the Styles' front door. It was cottage like, very homey and cute. Aurora had only been inside once to meet with Anne, and even then she had only seen the kitchen. The Styles' lived a few hours outside of London, in a small area called Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. When Aurora reached the front door, she knocked lightly. After a few moments of shuffling heard from inside, the door opened to reveal Anne; a smile already spreading across her face.

"Aurora! Come in dear! It's freezing out there!", Anne said, bringing the girl inside for a hug.

Winter had just begun not long ago in England, but it was frigid nonetheless.

"Good morning dear! How was the taxi ride in? Do you need some help with your bags?", Anne asks.

"It was a nice ride, rather smooth. Oh, no thank you Mrs. Twist, I'm quite alright."

"Now dear, call me Anne please. Mrs. Twist makes me feel older."

Anne let out a laugh as she picked up Aurora's bags, despite her protests;
"Right this way, I'll show you to your room."

The house smelled nice, of vanilla and lavender. Plants lined the windowsills and were placed at the center of tables, a fire place stood against one of the walls in the main room, cozy chairs placed not too far from it.

Aurora's room wasn't much different, it was a light off-white color, with pale blue curtains. Her bed was queen sized, white and blue blankets lay neatly on top of the mattress, a blue and white quilt was folded at the end of the bed.

"This is your room, I hope you like it. I did my best to keep it neat after our last worker didn't work out", Anne begins to tell her.

"It's lovely."

Anne smiles warmly at that, "I'll give you a few minutes to get unpacked and then you can come to the kitchen where I'll have lunch out. I have to run into town around noon so I won't be able to stay I'm afraid, I'm not here too often because of work. I hope that's alright..."

"It's perfectly fine, it'll give me some time to get used to the house."

With that, Anne smiled again and showed herself out, shutting the door gently behind her. Aurora let out a big sigh and flopped down backwards onto the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. She hoped she wouldn't be lonely here.

After she unpacked she found her way to the kitchen where Anne was talking to a curly-haired boy with bright green eyes. A dimple popped out of his cheek as he licked his lips and went to take another bite of his sandwich; his tongue sticking out first. He looked strikingly like Anne; her son, Aurora assumed.

"Oh, Aurora! Come in dear, come in. I've got lunch out for you two", Anne calls.

Aurora steps quietly into the kitchen, the curly-haired boy watching her as he chews, his left cheek puffed out in a ball.

"Turkey and avocado; and there's other condiments in the fridge if you'd like", Anne says, sliding a plate towards Aurora.

"Thank you."

She picks up the sandwich and takes a bite, allowing her eyes to wonder around the room; taking the new place in.

"Aurora, this is my son, Harry. Harry, Aurora", Anne introduces them.

Aurora offers him a smile, and he tries his best to give her one in return, the food in his mouth pressing against his cheeks, so he nods instead.

"I've got to get going, I'll be back late so dinner is on you two", Anne says as she grabs her coat before kissing Harry's cheek and squeezing Aurora's hand, "have a good day!"

And with that Anne disappears out the front door leaving the house and the two of them in silence. Aurora reverts to finishing her sandwich before cleaning up her plate, Harry still chomping down on his.

She looks at him from across the counter, deciding wether or not to say something.

"Ciao", She finally says. (Hello)

Harry looks up at her mid-bite and freezes at the sudden communication, but he sets down his sandwich and licks his lips before speaking;
"Ciao", he repeats. (Hello)

His voice is deep and smooth, thick with an undeniable accent that melted Aurora's heart.

It was silent for a moment again, before Harry took her by surprise;
"Come va?", he asks. (How are you?)

Aurora smiles widely; "sto molto, bene e tu?"
(I'm very well, and you?)

"Meraviglioso." (Wonderful)

Aurora was impressed that Harry knew Italian and was willing to speak to her in it, not many people would.

"It's uh, it's Rory by the way", She says.

"What?"

"Your mum, she told you my name is Aurora, which it is but, I prefer Rory."

Harry smiles, his dimple coming into full view;
"It's nice to meet you, Rory."