Maya's Next Step

Part 34

Maya POV

Carina and I agreed not to tell Elva about Jane's upcoming visit. It wasn't until next week anyway so there's no need to get her all worked up and upset.

"Come on Elvie, time for school," I shouted.

"Stay home mommy," she begged, coming to meet me in the lounge.

"Bubba, we all had a off yesterday. Back to school today," I explained.

"You working?" She asked.

"Yeah bub but don't worry," I assured her.

We made the short walk to school. The closer we got, the slower she walked. I took hold of her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Come on baby, you don't want to be late," I said.

She didn't reply.

I looked down and saw that she was silently crying. I instantly stopped and crouched down in front of her.

"Elvie what's wrong sweetheart?"

"Work with you mommy?" She said, her shoulders shaking as she cried.

"I wish you could come with me baby girl, you'll be coming to the station after school though," I said, trying to cheer her up.

"Please mommy?" She begged.

I sighed and scooped her up onto my hip. I had a feeling she'd struggle this morning. This was the first school drop off since the 5 alarm fire. I carried her the short distance to school. When we arrived at the gate, I tried to put her down but she put up a fight.

I carried her to her classroom and instantly got her teachers attention.

"Hi, good morning Elva," Miss Thomas said to her sweetly.

Elva turned and hid her face in my neck, clinging onto me for dear life.

"Come on bubba, time to go into class," I whispered as I tried to place her down.

"Noo," she cried.

"Elvie be a good girl for mommy," I said a little more firmly.

"Mommy please," she sobbed, her hands trying to clutch my shirt as I tried to put her down.

"Come on Elva, say bye to mommy, she's got to go to work now," said Miss Thomas, who was now helping to get Elva to let go of me.

She finally managed to pull her off me. I gently stroked Elva's cheek to wipe away her tears.

"Be good bubba, I'll see you later," I said, turning away and heading to work before I changed my mind about leaving her.

I grabbed my phone on my way out the gate and messaged Carina.

*You're on drop-off duty tomorrow*

Her reply came quickly.

*That bad bellina?*

*She was still crying when I left.* I replied.

My phone buzzed.

*Lots of snuggle time tonight then*

I smiled and put my phone away as I arrived at work.

I headed straight to the beanery to grab a coffee with the team before shift started in ten minutes.

"Hey Bishop, what's up?" Gibson said, joining me around the table.

"Morning Gibson, enjoy your day off?" I asked.