Maya's Next Step

Part 54

Maya POV

Elva and I ran for around 45 minutes, she managed just under 4 miles. I was crazy impressed with her.

We finished where we started in the park.

"Here bubba," I said, handing her my water bottle.

She took a couple of big gulps before handing it back.

"Mucky pup," I laughed, wiping drips of water off of her chin.

I checked my watch for the time.

"Do you want to go on the swings? We've got time before dinner," I told her.

She looked from the swings and back to me.

"Not too high, like mama does it?" She asked nervously.

"Of course bubba," I assured her, taking hold of her hand.

She soon relaxed and started to have fun when she realised I wasn't going to push the swing too high.

It was starting to get a little dark as the afternoon drew on.

"Let's get home Elvie, we'll have time to shower before dinner," I told her.

"Another shower!" She gasped.

I chuckled at her astonishment.

"Yes, you were covered in flour and cupcake mixture. Now you're all sweaty," I laughed.

"Your shampoo?" She asked sweetly, skipping along and holding my hand.

"This last time yeah, we need to get you your own. I think my shampoo is too strong," I explained.

"Yours smells nice though," she pouted.

"You can choose yours. That way you'll know it smells nice," I compromised.

She accepted that offer and carried on walking happily.

"Mommy?"

"Yeah bub?"

"When's Gabriella going home?" She asked.

I bit my lip and tried not to laugh.

"I don't really know lovely. She's stopping at ours tonight though," I replied.

"But I stay with you and mama?" She questioned.

"With us bub," I confirmed.

We soon arrived back at the apartment and found Gabriella and Carina sitting on the sofa looking way too close for my liking.

"Hello my loves," Carina smiled as we entered.

"Mama I ran 4 miles," Elva said excitedly, racing over to Carina.

On further inspection, I realised Gabriella and Carina were looking through old photo albums.

"Fantastico bambina," she smiled, stroking her hair out of her face.

Elva lent forward to give Carina a hug.

"Attento , le immagini," Gabriella said firmly, causing Elva to jump step back.

"Shhh it's alright bella. Just be careful," Carina said more gently than her Italian friend.

Elva looked up in my direction.

"Let's go shower bub," I said, putting down my keys and walking towards my bedroom.

Elva quickly followed me and stuck by my side as I grabbed fresh towels and clothes for the both of us.