Maya's Next Step

Part 65

Maya POV

"I'll go to her," I said, placing a hand on Carina as she tried to climb out of bed.

"Go back to sleep," I added, kissing her gently before pulling back the covers.

Before I could even throw a shirt on, Elva appeared in the doorway. Crying and holding Bobby in one hand she called out for me.

"Mommy," she whimpered, her little legs shaking.

I lay back down and Carina moved closer to her edge of the bed. I shuffled myself into the middle and held up the covers, encouraging Elva to climb in.

"Come on bubba," I said.

"Mommy," she repeated, scrambling up to get close to me.

I reached out my arm and pulled her close, hoping the warmth of my skin would quickly calm her.

"Still trapped mommy,"

"It hurts,"

"Where mama?" She sobbed.

"Mama's here bambina," Carina replied, instantly reaching over me to stroke Elva's arm.

She was having some sort of nightmare mixed with a flashback. I needed to snap her out of it.

"Get me out,"

"No breath mommy," she choked out.

"Elva, focus on me, focus on mommy," I said calmly.

"Breathe with me Elvie," I told her, taking hold of her hand and resting it on my chest.

"Feel the breath bubs," I whispered softly.

"Big breath in," I inhaled

"And out," I said exhaling.

"In,"

"Out,"

"Can you feel mommy's chest?" I asked her, holding her hand to my skin.

Through the slightest bit of light, I saw her nod.

"Now your turn Elvie. Big breath in,"

We continued with this pattern for a couple of minutes until her shaking and agitation diminished.

"Good girl," I soothed, stroking back her hair.

"Try to get some sleep baby," I said, wiping away her stray tears.

"Scared mommy," she said, starting to get worked up again.

"Hey hey Elvie it's alright. I've got you sweet girl," I said, holding her head close against my chest.

"We're not going anywhere," I whispered, kissing her head.

If possible, I felt her nuzzle further into me.

"Sleep my girl," I said, gently playing with her hair.

I stayed awake until I felt her settle against me a little more, her little body wasn't as tense.

"Is she asleep?" Carina whispered, hugging me close.

"She is," I sighed.

"It's only her first night back home, she'll settle," Carina explained, followed by a yawn.

"I hope so," I replied quietly.

"Get back to sleep bellina," she said, softly kissing my neck.

Lay between my two girls, I wriggled around slightly to get comfortable and finally closed my eyes.

The next morning, I stretched up and yawned, opening my eyes to see Carina getting dressed for work.