Maya's Next Step

Part 55

Carina POV

I opened my eyes to the sight of my two girls still sleeping. Maya on her side, facing away from me with her arm protectively over Elva. I carefully rolled over, propped myself up on my elbow and began tracing patterns up and down Maya's arm.

Even asleep, I smiled as my touch brought goosebumps to her skin. I lightly ran my hand down her side, feeling the warmth radiate from her body.

I glanced up when I felt movement, Elva was starting to wake up.

She wriggled out from under Maya's arm and sat up. She cutely yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"Mama," she said sleepily.

I held my finger to my lips, "Shhhh,"

I climbed out of bed, pulling on my robe and walked over to Elva's side of the bed. I held my arms out for her, leaned forward and lifted her out of bed and onto my hip.

"Let's let mommy sleep," I whispered.

She smiled and nodded, mimicking me and putting her finger to her lips.

"Brava bambina," I said softly, walking out of our bedroom and carefully closing the door again.

"Coffee time for mama," I laughed, entering the kitchen to find Gabriella already awake and making coffee.

"Carina, Elva buongiorno," she smiled happily, seeing us walk in.

"Good morning," I said, pulling out a chair at the table. I sat down and manoeuvred Elva so she could sit across my lap.

Still sleepy, she laid down her head against my chest and I tried to pull my robe around the both of us.

"One espresso," Gabriella said, placing a cup in front of me.

"Grazie mille," I thanked her.

I felt Elva snuggled closer, I held her tightly to my chest with one arm while I took a sip of my coffee.

"Did you sleep okay?" I asked Gabriella as I began to play with Elva's hair.

"Of course, it would've been nicer sharing the bed though," she pouted.

"Gabriella please," I chuckled awkwardly.

"You could've joined me instead of being cramped with two others," she explained nonchalantly.

"Elvie doesn't take up any room do you bambina?" I replied, trying to keep the conversation light as Elva was present.

"I little," Elva said, still half asleep, reminding me that like most children, she's always listening.

"You are but you're growing big and strong bella," I said.

"Well let me make you the best Italian breakfast and show you what you're missing," Gabriella winked, standing back up and opening the refrigerator.

Thinking back to the conversation I had last night with Maya, I chose to ignore her comment and turned my attention to Elva.

"Let mama see your wrist bambina," I said, sitting her up slightly.

She held out her arm for me to examine.

"Tell me if anything hurts bella," I told her, gently turning her arm over.

"It's not so swollen anymore bambina, can you clench your fist for me?" I asked.

She did as she was told.

"No pain?"

"No mama," she replied.

"Looks like it's all better Elvie," I smiled.