Maya's Next Step

Part 46

Maya POV

"Have you had a good day Elvie?" I asked her.

We were home, bathed and ready to settle down for the night.

She nodded as she walked over to the sofa.

"I see Carina hasn't brushed your hair," I chuckled, seeing her wild hair after being in the bath.

"I was just about to actually," Carina said, joining us in the lounge and jokingly rolling her eyes.

"Come here bambina," she said, gesturing for Elva to sit in front of her.

Carina began gently brushing Elva's hair. While running the brush through, Carina looked in my direction. She was silently letting me know that we needed to tell Elva what was going on.

"Come sit up here bella," she said once she'd finished with her hair.

Elva got up from the floor and climbed up to sit in the middle of the sofa.

"What was best part of your day Elvie?" I asked her.

She thought for a moment before answering.

"In the water with you and mama," she said quietly.

"Did you enjoy the sea bubba!" I asked enthusiastically.

"The waves were fun but don't let go," she said, nervously looking up at me.

"I won't ever let you go," I said seriously, knowing that there was more than one reason behind that statement.

Carina looked at me again.

"Elvie?" I said, getting her attention.

"We need to tell you something," I began.

She tilted her head to the side and looked between Carina and I.

"Remember when Jane came around last week?" I asked.

She slowly nodded her head and looked down at her hands that were resting on her lap.

"And she told us there was a couple who were interested in adopting you didn't she?" I said very carefully.

Her hands were beginning to get restless. Carina moved to out a hand on top of Elva's to settle her slightly.

"They still want to adopt you and Jane rang Carina and I yesterday to tell us that until they decide who you get to stay with they have to treat everyone fairly. Social services want you to meet them and spend the afternoon with them," I explained to her.

I discreetly wiped a tear from my cheek.

"But I said you," Elva argued.

"I know bubba, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen," I assured her.

She pushed Carina's hands away and moved hers to her hair. She instantly started pulling and shaking her head rapidly from side to side.

"Elvie stop," I said, moving to try and grab her.

She flinched away from me.

"No!" She cried out.

"Bambina let go," Carina said firmly.

Her face was getting redder.

Carina moved and took hold of her, much to Elva's frustration.
Regardless of her struggling and thrashing about, Carina pulled her back and in her arms.

I watched as she uncurled Elva's fingers from her hair and forced her arms back down back by her sides.

"Noo mama," she cried.