Maya's Next Step

Part 22

Maya POV

The past few days had been so lovely. I'd rang Elva's school to arrange her starting again on Monday.
They sounded so supportive and relieved to find out that she was okay. Apparently they hadn't seen or heard about her in at least three months. I explained that I was concerned she would have fallen behind but they told me that they had lot's of catch up groups in place and Elva would receive any help she needed.

I also told them about mine and Carina's jobs and how we worked long shifts. I explained that we'd be able to drop her off in the morning but collecting her in the afternoon would be difficult.

They told me that they had a "walk home" system in place. This was where a group of younger children were supervised on their way home. The school said that we could choose the station or hospital or alternate between the two. I'm sure over the next few weeks we'll find out what works best.

Carina and I spoke to Elva on Saturday about going back to school. We tried to get her excited about it but she wasn't happy. Carina ended up going getting everything she'd need. Elva wasn't interested at all.

It's Sunday now and she's still really upset about it, she's hardly come out of her room or eaten anything since we told her.

I got up to go check on her. I found her curled up on her bed, silently crying and holding Bobby.

"Oh sweetheart what's the matter?" I said, going over and climbing onto her bed.

She rolled over to face me and allowed me to pull her close. I let her cry it out and get it out of her system.

"I don't wanna go," she sobbed.

"I know bubba but you're going to be fine. And as soon as schools over you can come to the station," I told her.

"I wanna stay with you," she cried, gripping onto my shirt. I gently un-gripped her fingers and kissed her hand but she wriggled about until I let her grip my boobs again.

"I wish you could baby girl but I've got to work," I tried explaining.

"My Maya," she sobbed, hiding her face further in my chest.

"I am your Maya sweetheart and I promise you that you will be okay. I spoke with your teacher and she sounds lovely," I smiled, despite my own heart breaking.

"Girlies, I made French toast," Carina said cheerily, popping her head around the door.

"Hey bambina what's wrong?" She said when she realised how upset Elva was.

Carina looked at me, silently asking what was going on with her eyes.

"School" I mouthed.

She nodded in acknowledgement.

"Come here bubba," she said, bending down and scooping Elva up in her arms.

Elva wined at the loss of contact with me and made grabby hands.

"Maya," she cried.

"I'm coming bub," I said, following Carina to the dining table where she'd laid out an amazing breakfast for us.

She sat down with Elva across her lap.

"Everyone feels better after Carina's French toast," she joked.

"It's true Elvie, I think she puts something magical in it," I encouraged.

She tried to turn her head to hide.

"Ahh ahh bambina no, you need to eat," Carina said.

I tried to ignore Elva's cries and made a start with my breakfast. Eventually, Carina managed to feed herself and feed Elva at the same time.