Beginning…

Chapter One. Mia pov.

The ride from the city to San Malerio was long and bumpy, but I didn't mind much. I was just glad to be getting away. My phone buzzed a few times in my pocket during the trip, but I ignored it. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone—not after everything that happened to me.

Getting cheated by my boyfriend because I refused to let him have my virginity.

When the car finally pulled up in front of Grandma's house, I felt this weird mix of relief and nerves.

The place was huge, almost intimidating. A little too quiet, too still. Not like the noisy city I’d left behind.

"Here we are, ma'am," the driver said as he stepped out of the car.

I followed him, stretching my legs. He walked to the back and opened the trunk, then started hauling my suitcases out like they weighed nothing.

"Hope you can manage the rest from here."

"Yes, sir. I’ve got it. Thank you," I said quickly, grabbing one of the bags. I hated people fussing over me.

He nodded and got back in his car without another word. I stood there for a moment, looking at the front door, then at the bags. Great. Two hands, three suitcases.

Just as I bent to grab the second one, I heard it.

“Mia!”

I looked up, and there she was—Grandma. Walking fast for her age, arms already outstretched like she was going to crush me in a hug.

“Grandma!” I shouted back, dropping everything and running to her.

She pulled me into a tight hug, her hands patting my back, her perfume filling my nose. That scent hadn’t changed. It smelled like home.

“I missed you so much,” I mumbled into her shoulder, planting kisses on her cheek like I used to as a little girl.

“Silly girl,” she said, tapping me on the arm.

“Ow! Grandma!” I winced, rubbing the spot with a pout. “Why’d you hit me?”

She narrowed her eyes, mock-annoyed. “If I didn’t beg your parents to let you come, you’d never have bothered. And now you're here saying you missed me?” She scoffed and turned her head like she was offended.

I groaned. “I did miss you. You know how life gets. School, and stuff…”

“And when your grandfather died?” she snapped, hand on her hip. “Too busy then, too?”

I swallowed and looked down. That one stung a bit.

“Okay, fine,” I said, lifting my hands in surrender. “I messed up. Can you forgive me, please?” I gave a dramatic bow, hoping to win her over.

She tried to keep a straight face but then burst out laughing.

“That’s more like it,” I said as she chuckled.

“Come on. Let me be your husband, your granddaughter, your everything, huh?”

I laughed, wrapping my arm around her as I pulled one of the suitcases behind me.

“Deal.” she said sharply.

We walked into the house together. It felt surreal. Like stepping back into a memory. The smell of baked bread and old wood hit me first.

The hallway still had that same faded wallpaper and the same picture of Grandpa above the side table.

“You didn’t change anything,” I said, glancing around.

“Nope,” she replied simply. “I like it the way it is.”

I know it's different from how it used to be when you were little," Grandma said, stepping into the room with me. "But you can take your time to arrange it the way you like."

I nodded, dragging my suitcase in. The silence between us stretched for a few seconds. It was comfortable, but something in my chest still felt heavy.

Then, Grandma spoke again. “I signed us both up for volunteer work at the church.”

I blinked. “What?”

“I knew you were coming today, so I figured tomorrow’s perfect. I’ll take you there, and you can meet our new Reverend Father. He’s so handsome, and young too. And do you know what…” she trailed off, smirking.

I tilted my head. “What?”

“If he wasn’t a reverend, I’m sure half the young girls in town would be circling around him like bees,” she giggled.

“And you, Grandma?” I asked, raising a brow. “Would you be circling too?”

“Crazy girl!” she hissed, narrowing her eyes and pretending to look offended.

I laughed, shaking my head.

“Anyway, the church work... it’ll be good for you,” she said, her tone turning serious. “Keep your mind busy.”

I sighed. “Volunteering at a church wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, Grandma.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And what was in your mind? Sitting here crying over your boyfriend who cheated on you?”

That shut me up real quick.

I pointed a shaky finger at her. “Mother told you, didn’t she?”

“That mother of yours tells me everything,” Grandma said, smirking. “That’s why she’s my daughter. And you? I expect the same from you, too.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled a little.

“Just think of this as something new,” she added gently. “A fresh start.”

I nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Fresh start. I wasn’t sure if I believed in those anymore. But if anyone could pull me into one, it was her.

And maybe… maybe this old town still had something waiting for me.

Something—or someone—I wasn’t ready for.

“Dear, quickly take your bath and come help me in the kitchen,” Grandma said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“What? Ow!” I cried out playfully, dragging my feet“ I was hoping I’d come out and smell food already cooking. You know—sit like the grown daughter I am and just… eat.”

“Stop being silly, Mia. Unless you want me to find my big spoon,” she warned, narrowing her eyes. “Your mother must’ve skipped telling you how disciplined I was with her.”

“Grandma, you know how my mom is. She never stops talking about it,” I said, grinning. “But, Grandma… this is the new generation. The 21st century. Nobody hits kids anymore.”

“Well, watch me bring it back into style,” she said with a chuckle.

She started to walk off, then paused and turned again.

“Oh—and pick out a nice dress, okay? Nothing too exposed. I don’t want any church member looking at you like that.”

She walked away before I could protest.

I groaned. “Damn it. Who even cares what anyone wears these days…”