Nanny Trish

Mallory

I hadn't been to my grandparents' house in a while, but today felt like the right day to visit. With everything going on—school, Kian, and everything else—it was nice to take a step back, even if just for a couple of hours.

I grabbed my bag and texted Kian, letting him know I'd be out for a bit. He'd been on my mind all day, but I knew I needed a bit of space, even though the thought of him made my heart race.

When I arrived at my grandparents' house, the familiar smell of baking and the soft hum of an old radio greeted me. It was like stepping into a different world, one where everything seemed to slow down, and I could just breathe without the constant pressure of everything else.

"Mallory, love, is that you?" My grandmother's voice called from the kitchen as soon as I stepped through the door.

"Yeah, it's me, TT," I said, grinning as I walked into the kitchen. My grandmother, TT as I called her, was busy stirring something in a pot on the stove. She was always in the kitchen, making something delicious.

She turned to smile at me, wiping her hands on her apron. "Come here, girl. You've lost weight again, haven't you? Not eating enough, I bet."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop myself from smiling. TT had a way of always worrying about me, even when there wasn't anything to worry about. "I'm fine, TT. I've been eating, promise."

She gave me a look that said she wasn't convinced, but she didn't push it. Instead, she pulled a chair out for me at the table. "Sit, sit. Tell me what's going on with you."

I took the seat and leaned back, crossing my arms as I looked at her. I hadn't told her much about what had been going on with Kian and everything else, but I knew she could always sense when something was off.

"Everything's fine," I said, trying to sound casual. But I could see the suspicion in her eyes as she poured me a cup of tea.

"Is it?" She didn't sit down right away. Instead, she leaned against the counter, studying me.

I shifted in my seat, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. There was something about Nan's quiet presence that made me feel like I had to tell her everything, even when I didn't want to.

"I've been seeing someone," I finally said, unable to hide the smile that crept onto my face as I said it.

Nan's eyebrows lifted. "Oh, really? And who's the lucky boy?"

I couldn't stop the warmth that flooded me at the thought of Kian. "His name's Kian," I said softly, my fingers tapping nervously against the table.

Nan smiled knowingly, her eyes softening. "Is he treating you right?"

"Yeah," I said quickly. "He's... He's different. But in a good way."

"Good." She nodded approvingly, but then her expression grew serious. "Just make sure he's not the type to break your heart, Mallory."

I froze. "TT, he wouldn't—"

"I know, I know," she interrupted gently. "I just want you to be careful. You're still young, and there's no rush."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. She wasn't wrong. Things with Kian were fast—maybe too fast—but I couldn't help it. Every time I saw him, it felt like everything just clicked into place, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the worries that lingered. Kian had his own mess—his father, the things he got involved in. It wasn't just as simple as liking someone. I knew that.

"I will," I promised, smiling softly.

She patted my hand gently. "Good girl. Just remember, if you ever need advice, I'm always here. You're my granddaughter, and I want the best for you."

"I know, TT." I squeezed her hand, feeling the love and care radiating off her.

"So, how's your mam?""She's good.""Yeah? My daughter not causing you too much hassle, love?""No, Nanny, mam's fine.""What about your da?""Yeah..he's good.""And AJ?""Everyone's fine, nanny."

Nan raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by my vague answers, but she didn't push it. Instead, she studied me for a moment, her gaze softening.

"You know, you can always talk to me if something's on your mind," she said, her tone gentle. "No matter what it is, you're family, and I'm here for you."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words settle in. It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to her—I just wasn't sure how to say what was going on in my head. I didn't want to worry her, especially with everything else that was happening.

"I know, Nanny," I said, forcing a smile. "I just... don't want to bring it up right now. But I will. I promise."

Her eyes softened, and she gave me a warm smile. "I trust you, love. Just remember, no matter how grown-up you think you are, you're always my little girl."

I nodded, appreciating her understanding more than she probably knew. We didn't always see eye to eye, but she had a way of making everything feel less heavy, like things might just work out in the end.

"Well," she said, breaking the moment of silence, "I've got a pot of stew on the stove if you're hungry. You should stay for a bit, take a break from whatever's been going on."

I smiled, feeling a wave of warmth at her offer. "I'm good, Nan. But maybe another time. Thanks, though."

"Anytime, love. You know where I am."

I gave her a final hug before I left, knowing that no matter how complicated things got, I'd always have her to turn to. As I headed back home, I felt just a little bit more at peace.