Maya's Next Step

Part 48

Maya POV

She looked up at me from the bath like a deer caught in the headlights.

I crouched down next to Carina.

Elva looked so vulnerable, the look in her eyes showed so much physical and emotional pain.

"Elvie," I said calmly.

"I need you to try and be really brave for me baby girl. Think you can do that?" I asked gently.

Her bottom lip quavered but she nodded nonetheless.

"That's my girl. Now mama's going to get you nice and clean and changed. I'm gonna go make you a warm drink and then we'll all have a talk alright ?" I said, glancing at Carina to make sure she agreed with my plan. It was taking all my strength not to fall apart. I knew Elva needed me to be strong.

Carina nodded and moved to pick up the soap.

Elva's arms reached up for me.

"Mommy," she called out.

"Shhh it's alright sweetheart. Let Carina finish bathing you and I promise we won't be letting go of you," I assured her.

I left the bathroom and headed into the kitchen. I leant against the kitchen counter and just tried to breath.

Visions of what might have happened to her were swimming around my head. I felt sick to my stomach.

I shook that horrific feeling of unease away and sorted out Elva's almond milk.

I moved into mine and Carina's bedroom and sat on the bed whilst attempting to formulate a plan.

Five minutes later, Carina walked in carrying Elvie wrapped up in a towel.

"Come here bubba, let's get you dry," I said while Carina left to grab her pyjamas.

"Wanna smell like your mama?" I asked her in an attempt to keep her relaxed.

She looked up at me and nodded.

I grabbed Carinas moisturiser from her bedside table and gently rubbed it into Elva's arms.

"Just like your mama," I smiled as I began running brush through her hair.

Carina came back and got her changed and dried her hair before getting herself ready for bed.

I sat up against the headboard. I bent up my knees and lifted Elva onto my stomach so she could lean against them and face me.

Carina moved to sit beside me and passed Bobby over to Elva.

"Bambina, talk to us," Carina said softly.

"What happened this afternoon?" She added.

Elva looked down at the bear in her hands.

"Please bubba," I said, resting my hands on top of hers.

"No tell," she whimpered.

"You can tell us anything bella," Carina told her.

"I c-can't," she stuttered.

"Has somebody told you not to talk about it Elvie?" I asked.

She nodded.

"It's very important that you tell us what happened sweetheart. You're not going to be in any trouble," I assured her.

"Be mad," she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

I wiped it away with my thumb.

"I promise you we won't be angry bambina," Carina told her.

"Jane angry," she whispered to herself.