Maya's Next Step

Part 41

We held our breath and waited for her reaction.

Any reaction.

But none came.

"Elvie?" Maya said.

She didn't respond.

Maya and I sat up properly and she lifted Elva off her chest so she could see her properly but Elva wouldn't make eye contact.

"Talk to us bambina," I said after a few moments.

"She'll take me," she finally said.

"What do you mean sweetheart?" Maya asked.

"She never comes twice. If she comes twice it means I move somewhere else," she said as she started to cry.

I glanced at Maya who looked like she wanted to throw up.

Elva made a move to get out of Maya's arms. Maya moved to stop her but she was too quick and was off the bed before we could grab her.

"Elva!" I shouted after her, already climbing out bed.

She'd gone into her bedroom. Maya followed after quickly throwing on a t-shirt.

"Oh Elvie," she said, joining me in Elva's room.

She'd thrown herself onto the floor near her draws and was taking things out and trying to shove them into a bag.

"Elva stop," Maya said, rushing over to her on the floor.

Elva ignored her and continued rapidly searching through her things.

"Elva stop for mommy," she said loudly.

"Got to go," Elva screamed out, trying to push Maya away.

"Got to get away," she sobbed.

I felt a lump form in my throat. I couldn't watch her like this without breaking down myself.

Maya POV

She was breaking my heart. I could see and hear how scared she was. With each cry she was getting more and more frustrated and worked up.

I looked towards Carina but she'd disappeared so I turned my attention back to the distressed little girl in front of me.

"Elvie bubba, you need to listen to mommy, listen to Maya," I said firmly.

"Quickly go," she cried into a pile of her clothes.

"Elva stop!" I repeated.

I grabbed hold of her arms. And forced her around to look at me. She struggled against my hold.

"Look at me, look at Maya," I said strongly.

Her eyes fixed with mine. I could see the fear deep within them.

"You're safe Elva. No running. You're safe with me and Carina," I said slowly and gently.

"Breath bubba,"

"I've got you, you're safe,"

"Copy mommy," I told her.

I lifted her hand and flattened it against my heart.

"Feel it beat. Copy mommy," I told her.

Her eyes moved to my chest, she watched it rise and fall as I slowly breathed in and out.

Tears continued to fall down her soft, baby cheeks but her heart wrenching sobs had stopped.

"I wanna stay," she cried.

"I'll do everything to make that happen Elva. Everything," I said.

"Promise?" She whimpered.

"I promise bubby," I assured.

She threw her arms around me. I stood up with her in my arms.

"Let's get you dressed, come on baby," I smiled gently.

I helped her get changed and we went to find Carina who happened to be in the kitchen making breakfast.

I sat down with Elva and watched her move around, sorting everything out.

She turned to hand me a class of almond milk for Elva and my mug of coffee. As she did, I caught a glimpse of her face.

Now I understood.

She'd been crying.

She'd have left the room to avoid letting Elva see her cry.

I remained quiet, I wasn't going to draw attention to it.

"This looks great," I said warmly, keeping the conversation light.

"Thank you bellina," she smiled back, sitting down and joking us.

Today was going to be a long wait.

Authors note-

Short chapter I know 🙈

I wasn't going to update tonight but I've got so much anxiety about work tomorrow so needed a distraction and writing this is one of the only things that works so I hope you still enjoyed it. 💕