Maya's Next Step

Part 23

Maya POV  (TW)

"Wow it's good to be back," I said, jumping out the truck and shutting the door.

"You missed giving orders Bishop?" Montgomery asked.

"Just a little Travis, okay team let's get these engines restocked and hoses sorted," I instructed.

I went straight to my office to fill out the incident report so that it was done and dusted.

It was 1pm now, that call had taken us a while. I was just about to join the team in the beanery when my phone rang.

"Hello, Maya Bishop speaking," I answered.

"Good afternoon, this is Miss Thomas, Elva's teacher,"

"Is she okay?" I asked panicked.

"She was very quiet this morning but did good. But she hasn't come back to class after lunch, I was wondering if you'd heard from her?" She asked me.

My heart sank.

"No I haven't, how has she got out of school?" I shouted.

Worried, I stood up from my chair and moved towards the door to get my team out looking for her.

As I got half way to the door, Andy walked in.

And in walked Elva behind her.

"She's here Miss Thomas," I breathed out.

"Oh what a relief, shall we try again tomorrow?" She asked.

"Yes, see you tomorrow," I said before hanging up.

I silently looked at Andy and Elva.

"I found her in reception," Andy told me, pulling Elva out from behind her.

I was so relieved that she was okay I wanted to hold her and never let go. At the same time, I was so angry with her for running away from school.

"I'll leave you two to it," Andy said awkwardly.

"I'll be in the beanery," she added before closing the door.

I folded my arms and gave her a stern look. She wouldn't make eye contact with me.

I wasn't as mad as I was making out but I didn't want her thinking that it was okay. I knew Carina wouldn't be happy either.

My phone began to ring again.

It was Carina.

"Hi babe, yeah I know, she's here don't worry," I told her.

"Okay see you later, I love you too," I said before hanging up.

I was about to reprimand Elva about skipping school when the station alarm went. 

I sighed.

"Stay here bub, there's a bedroom in there," I said pointing to the other door in my office.

She looked up at me with her big round eyes. Her arms reached out for me.

I dropped my hard, tough persona.

"I'm sorry baby, I'll be back as soon as I can," I said, running down the stairs towards the engine.

I clicked on my radio to find out what we were dealing with while Andy drove us out of the station.

Once I'd radioed to the team and given them the plan, Andy and I had a couple of minutes to talk before we arrived at the scene.

"She okay?" Andy asked.